Raiders Have Two Linebackers Who Can Lead

The Las Vegas Raiders must improve their defense to compete in the AFC West and return to the playoffs.

This starts with a player on the field who can communicate with the rest of the defense and organize everything on that side of the field.

The best defenses have players -- often linebackers -- who are extensions of coaches on the field. They know the playbook inside and out, and they know where they need to be and where their teammates need to be.

The Raiders, they have two players who are capable of doing this at the linebacker position. Divine Deablo and Robert Spillane are players with high football IQs who can play off each other and be communicators and leaders on the field.

Deablo is coming from a truncated season in which he sustained a broken arm and appeared in only eight games. In those eight games, however, he posted 74 tackles, the fourth-most on the team.

Now, he will have a chance to wear the green dot for Patrick Graham’s defense, a pivotal role for a team that needs it.

The Raiders also signed Spillane from the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency, shoring up their linebacker position. Spillane played all over the field in Pittsburgh last season, including at middle linebacker, a testament to his football IQ.

Spillane played three games as a middle linebacker last season, having the opportunity to run Coach Mike Tomlin’s system and being coached by Brian Flores. Tomlin and Flores are two of the most well-respected defensive coaches in the NFL, which speaks to how they feel about Spillane’s work ethic and improvement over the years.

With Deablo and Spillane set to be the starting linebackers, the Raiders have the advantage of having two players with high football IQs leading the way. While Deablo will wear the green dot, Spillane can also be a vocal leader.

For a team looking to improve on defense, having two linebackers who can be vocal leaders and communicator is a major advantage.

OTA Offseason workouts: June 12-15

Mandatory Minicamp: June 6-8

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