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3 defensive players the Las Vegas Raiders should target in Free Agency

By Daniel Davis

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 29: D.J. Reader #98 of the Houston Texans celebrates after a defensive stop against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at NRG Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 29: D.J. Reader #98 of the Houston Texans celebrates after a defensive stop against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at NRG Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 08: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks scrambles against inside linebacker Cory Littleton #58 of the Los Angeles Rams during the game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 08, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 08: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks scrambles against inside linebacker Cory Littleton #58 of the Los Angeles Rams during the game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 08, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

Cory Littleton

Cory Littleton has quietly had one of the best seasons a 4th-year pro could have in 2019. The linebacker had one of the best coverage seasons one could have as well, and that is a spot the Raiders defense really struggles at linebacker. The Atlanta Falcons have the best coverage linebacker in the NFL with Deion Jones, but Littleton makes a good case for No. 2.

Littleton was overshadowed by a disappointing season from the Los Angeles Rams, who went from one of the most dominant teams in 2018, to an average team missing the playoffs in 2019. However, Littleton had himself a year.

Starting and playing all 16 games last season, he compiled 94 tackles with 45 assists and seven pass breakups. Littleton played half his 1,039 snaps in coverage with 561, and only 70 in pass-rush. Littleton is fast, quick, and players who can cover at the linebacker position are becoming increasingly more in demand.

In a division where Travis Kelcie is played twice a year, Littleton could be a piece the Raiders need on defense. Even more impressive is his four touchdowns on two interceptions and four fumble recoveries, which shows his knack for the endzone.

Even while every player has their strengths, they also have their weaknesses too. Littleton has struggled against the run. In pass coverage and tackling, he’s one of the best, but in rush defense, he’s had better days. Being that he’s 26, he’s going to want to get paid and get a long-term deal done.

Cory Littleton

Super Powers

Coverage linebacker, fast, knack for the end zone, reads quarterbacks well, can play man-to-man or zone

Weaknesses

run stopping, tackling

Sidekicks

Arch Nemesis

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