Five Oakland Raiders who must step up with Aldon Smith gone

Ray-Ray Armstrong

Nov 8, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong (57) celebrates after a fumble recovery on a punt return in the fourth quarter of a NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Armstrong is the next man up behind Smith, according to the Raiders depth chart. Armstrong has been a constant depth contributor for the Raiders. He has a positive pass rush grade from Pro Football Focus. However, he has a negative grade in pass coverage.

As a whole, the Raiders have let tight ends tear them apart. Hence, Armstrong will need to improve his play in coverage. Sometimes he takes bad angles or gets lost in coverage.

Armstrong also has a negative grade in run defense. Armstrong does not always use his hands well, and he over pursues against the run.

The Raiders will need Armstrong to develop into the player they hoped he would be when they cut ties with Sio Moore during the preseason.