Raiders LB Robert Spillane Plans on Improving Again This Offseason

The Las Vegas Raiders' signing of Robert Spillane was arguably the best move they made last offseason. The veteran linebacker looks to improve upon his first season with the team.

The Las Vegas Raiders' linebacker unit was considered one of the team's weaker units heading into last season.

The Raiders had a converted defensive back in Divine Deablo and a new addition to their team at the middle linebacker position, Robert Spillane. While Spillane had many years of experience before arriving in Las Vegas, he had yet to be a team’s primary middle linebacker.

Even as mainly a special teams and reserve linebacker, Spillane showed the type of durability the Raiders had lacked from their middle linebacker for many seasons before signing Spillane. Spillane earned the opportunity from the Raiders to prove he could be a dependable, every-down middle linebacker. In return, the linebacker provided availability and the productive play the Raiders desperately needed from one of the most critical positions on the defense. 

While Spillane displayed the ability to play a high percentage of special teams and defensive plays when called upon during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the veteran linebacker also needed to improve in certain areas, as every player does. One major weakness for Spillane heading into his first season with the Raiders was his pass coverage.

Spillane worked tirelessly all last offseason to improve in the area. He finished this past season with three interceptions, some of which won or sealed games for the Raiders. His three interceptions were more than he had in his four previous seasons combined. 

Spillane focused on improving a specific aspect of his play and was successful in doing so.
He took a significant leap in his pass coverage skills last offseason. As he begins his second year with the Raiders, Spillane has even more goals to accomplish heading into next season. 

“For me, football comes down to fluidity,” Spillane told reporters on Monday. “You can see it with the naked eye. An untrained eye can tell fluidity versus non-fluid. And for me, the fluidity of motion speaks to the level of athleticism and preparedness the player has. So, if I could get my game to look crisp and smooth, not taking false steps, being violent on ball carriers.”

The veteran linebacker wants to improve himself and his game while also being the best teammate possible to those around him. 

“Being a good teammate, I’m always challenging myself," Spillane said. "How can I become a better teammate to my players? So, there's so many things to work on and we just try to get one percent better in each one of those areas.”

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.

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