Evaluating the Raiders' Linebacker Depth
The Las Vegas Raiders looked to upgrade their linebacker room during the offseason, so they made several additions over the spring and summer to their roster.
After letting Denzel Perryman walk and not bringing back Jayon Brown, the Raiders’ linebacker room is going to look much different in 2023.
Linebackers are a bridge between the defensive line and the secondary, and they play an important role in calling out formations and motions from the offense while being in charge of where players are supposed to be on defense. Oftentimes, linebackers can be extensions of coaches and defensive coordinators on the field.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the additions the Raiders made at linebacker this offseason and see what kind of depth they have going into the 2023 season.
Next to Divine Deablo, the Raiders signed Robert Spillane away from the Pittsburgh Steelers on a two-year contract. Spillane is a tough, physical, downhill attacking linebacker whose instincts will come in handy when it comes to stopping the run. Spillane is a starter and not a depth piece, but he is a new addition to the team and will play a prominent role for the Raiders’ defense.
The Raiders selected Florida linebacker Amari Burney in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Burney possesses elite athleticism and speed for the position as a former defensive back. Drake Thomas signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent. Both rookies have been impressive for the Raiders throughout the preseason.
Behind Deablo and Spillane are Luke Masterson and Curtis Bolton, and the former is expected to play an important role for the Raiders this season. The latter has also played well throughout the preseason.
If either of the Raiders’ starters were to miss any time, there is good depth behind them and even a potential green dot candidate in Masterson.
There also is a lot of athleticism in the Raiders’ linebacker room, and they have players who can hold their own in coverage.
General Manager Dave Ziegler made efforts to upgrade the depth at linebacker this offseason and is already seeing the early returns.
The Silver and Black return to preseason action when they play the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Aug. 26, at 8 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. PDT.
Please tell us your thoughts when you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.
