Kubiak Shares Vital Information Regarding Raiders' Defense Under Leonard

For most of the past four seasons, the Las Vegas Raiders have produced one of the lowest-paid defenses in the National Football League. This is especially the case minus the contracts of Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins. Las Vegas' defense confirmed that teams usually get what they pay for.

Raiders' Many Looks

The Raiders' defense had its highs, but those highs were from a set of players who overperformed. While admirable, Las Vegas' defense rarely had a sustained period of success in recent memory. The Raiders' front office hopes their major free agency additions will help turn things around.

Las Vegas promoted Rob Leonard to defensive coordinator and will now switch to a 3-4 defensive scheme. The Raiders' defense is filled with changes. However, after years of subpar talent and predictable results, Las Vegas is ready to start anew.

The Raiders' move to a 3-4 defense was noteworthy after years of running a different scheme. Yet it must be noted that the Raiders have multiple players on defense who do multiple things well. They have players on defense, specifically the defensive line, that gives them versatility.

Las Vegas may have a 3-4 base, but they will face a wide array of offenses that do different things well, too. The Raiders must be able to adapt, which has not always been the case in past seasons, with less talent. Now revamped, with more talent on the way, Las Vegas has flexibility.

The Raiders have a rotation of interior defensive linemen they can use at any given time. Adam Butler, Thomas Booker, Jonah Laulu, and others can fill the middle. The Raiders have several serviceable defensive ends to go along with Maxx Crosby and now have a dependable set of linebackers.

Las Vegas' defensive backfield could use some help, but that help may come in the form of an improved pass rush and a better all-around defense. The Raiders will likely add talent in the draft, but they have enough talent on defense to enter the season relatively confident.

Las Vegas' defense will no longer be confined by a lack of talent or an offense that cannot stay on the field, which helps any defense. After years of being near the bottom of the league in time-of-possession, the Raiders' defense is set to benefit from many changes this offseason.

Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak recently gave insight into how Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Leonard will approach the season.

"I think any time you can play a five-down front versus a base defense and get five good rushers going after a quarterback, that's tough. So, playing against that scheme, I think it's very multiple, but Robbie [Rob Leonard] is not just a 3-4 coach, he's going to be in basically a 4-2 Under or five on the line of scrimmage, he's going to get to four down in some situations,” Kubiak said at the NFL Owners Meeting.

“I think he's got a lot of variety in his scheme, but we don't want to start by coaching too much variety. We want to get good at a few things at this time of year, so that when things get hectic during the season, we've got something to hang our hat on."