2019 Oakland Raiders Position Preview: Linebackers

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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 28: Nyheim Hines #21 of the Indianapolis Colts carries the ball and gets tackled from behind by Marquel Lee #55 of the Oakland Raiders during the second half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

After being a position that has regularly plagued the Oakland Raiders in recent memory, the linebackers can be among the many improvements in 2019 for the Silver and Black.

The 2018 season was a display of the holes the Oakland Raiders faced on both sides of the ball, and it showed how far the Silver and Black were in comparison to the other AFC contenders, a couple being in their own division. The defense, in year one under the leadership of defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, played hard but ultimately struggled week in and week out.

Oakland’s defense ranked third in rushing yards allowed and second in percentage of drives resulting in an offensive score (at 44.3 percent). The Raiders also sat below average with just 9.8 percent of drives resulting in an offensive turnover (23rd in the league).

The defensive unit as a whole struggled, but towards the end of the season, we saw the secondary flash potential. The hope is to witness the same, if not more improvement from the linebackers as we head towards the 2019 season.

With Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden getting key acquisitions in free agency, it offers the availability for the returning Raiders to improve and take the next step in 2019. Let’s take a look at what to expect from the linebackers this coming season.

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