3 Raiders Defensive Players in a Make or Break Season

The Las Vegas Raiders are hoping for a better season in 2023 than they had in 2022, missing the playoffs for the eighth time in 10 years.

What will help them get back to the postseason is improving their defensive play. Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham knows his defense needs to be better than the bottom of the league in several defensive categories if the Raiders are going to win games.

That is why General Manager Dave Ziegler made several moves on the defensive side of the ball through free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft. The Raiders should look noticeably different on defense next season.

However, some players on the roster might be playing for their spot on the team beyond 2023 this season. Let’s take a closer look at some players on the Raiders’ defense who are facing a make-or-break season.

Defensive lineman Jerry Tillery -- Tillery is a former first round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers who was waived during the 2022 season. He joined the Raiders and performed considerably well.

Tillery signed a two-year contract with the Raiders this offseason, but with the addition of Tyree Wilson in the first round of the draft, could see a decrease in snaps going forward. Tillery will have to find a way to separate himself if he wants to continue being a contributor on the defensive line in the future.

Safety Tre’von Moehrig -- Moehrig’s roster spot is not in danger by any means, but he will need to find some consistency in 2023 if he wants to be considered a long-term contributor in the secondary.

Moehrig had an impressive rookie season but regressed last season for several reasons. With the addition of Marcus Epps in the safety room, Moehrig may be able to find some consistency in year three and establish himself as the Raiders’ strong safety of the future.

Cornerback Tyler Hall -- Hall had an impressive finish to his 2022 season, but faces tough competition in a crowded cornerback room.

The Raiders signed a few cornerbacks in the offseason, making Hall’s path to being on the team much tougher. He will have to build off the end of his 2022 throughout training camp and preseason to increase his chances of being on the roster next season.

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