2018 Oakland Raiders training camp: Top-10 storylines

By Brad Weiss | Aug 17, 2018

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 10: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on from the sidelines against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on August 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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GLENDALE, AZ – AUGUST 12: Linebacker MarquelLee No. 55 of the Oakland Raiders during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Lee’s improvement in the middle

The Raiders needed help in the middle this offseason, especially with NaVorro Bowman not re-signing with the team. They did pick up a nice veteran in former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson, who will be expected to be a leader on this defense in 2018.

One player who has looked really good all summer long has been Marquel Lee, who struggled as a rookie last season. Lee was arguably the best defensive player on the field against the Lions last Friday night, and with a good game tonight, could actually win the starting middle linebacker job.

Suddenly, the Raiders have depth at the linebacker position, and the growth of Lee is a big reason why. He has shown he can be an impact player at the NFL level, and with the rookie jitters gone for good, expect a big second season from No. 55 this Fall.

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