Oakland Raiders: Week 1 53-man roster projection v.3
By Sanjit T.
Linebacker (6): Tahir Whitehead, Marquel Lee, Vontaze Burfict, Brandon Marshall, Nicholas Morrow, Jason Cabinda
Tahir Whitehead, Vontaze Burfict, and Brandon Marshall have been confirmed as the starting linebackers for this team. Burfict is an incredible leader for the defense. Yesterday, on a 3rd and 17th, he sniffed the play up for a 5-yard gain and forced a punt.
Marquel Lee, Nicholas Morrow, and Jason Cabinda need to prove themselves. Although Lee has played a lot the past few seasons, he hasn’t really put it together. Although they’re still young, Te’von Coney and Koa Farmer are going to look to take the spot from one of those linebackers.
Unless Morrow can really prove himself, the former safety might end up cut. Te’von Coney has really impressed coach Gruden, but he hasn’t shown it on film yet. Taking the same route as Jason Cabinda and getting on the Raiders practice squad to start the season might make sense.
Overall, the Raiders linebacking group is much better. The leadership by the veterans, the different roles each of them can play will make this group much better than 2018.