Oakland Raiders: Updated Week 1 53-man roster projection
By Nick Ellis
Linebacker (6): Tahir Whitehead, Marquel Lee, Vontaze Burfict, Brandon Marshall, Nicholas Marrow, Te’von Coney
Veterans Tahir Whitehead, Vontaze Burfict, and Brandon Marshall will be the starting backs for the roster, as they have all proven for years that they can play at a high level. Although none of these players have played together, the consensus out of camp is that they are working great together, and that Burfict is an incredible leader for the defense.
Marquel Lee and Nicholas Marrow have proven their worth in years past, and look to continue to do so in the future. Although they are not listed as starters, they will both get plenty of playing time. Tevon Coney was an undrafted rookie from Notre Dame, but he has a bright future in this league, and it would be a surprise to see the Raiders let him go.
Overall, this is a linebacker group that is much better than the one the Raiders put together in 2018, as they have veteran leadership, and talented young guys. In order for the Raiders to compete in the AFC West, they have to be better on this side of the ball, and Mike Mayock certainly upgraded all three levels of the defense this offseason.