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.