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In-depth look at new Raiders LBs: Nick Kwiatkoski and Cory Littleton

By BD Williams

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) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 29: Nick Kwiatkoski #44 of the Chicago Bears celebrates with his teammates after tackling Mike Boone #23 of the Minnesota Vikings in the end zone for a safety during the second quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 29: Nick Kwiatkoski #44 of the Chicago Bears celebrates with his teammates after tackling Mike Boone #23 of the Minnesota Vikings in the end zone for a safety during the second quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Nick Kwiatkoski

Run Defense: A

There are two types of linebackers when it comes to defending the run. There are the types of guys who will make the tackle when the play is there to be made. And then there are linebackers who defeat blockers and make tackles that ruin run schemes.

The second type of linebacker is a dying breed in the NFL because usually those types of guys can’t cover the pass. Raiders won’t need to worry about the run defense taking a step back with Kwiatkoski in the game, he has advanced understanding of the run game and defeating blockers at the point of attack.

Pursuit: B

The former Bears linebacker shows good hustle to his game. More of a gritty between the tackles player than a guy who will fly around and make plays all over the field. He has decent athleticism and plays with great effort. He likely won’t make a ton of plays in pursuit.

Blitzing: A-

This is an area where the Raiders linebackers failed to make an impact in 2019. Paul Guenther’s scheme asks his linebackers to add to the rush in many of his simulated pressure and blitz packages. Kwiatkoski showed some excellent ability in this area, winning with finesse and power, generating pressure on over 27% of his rushes.

Pass Coverage: B-

Don’t let out a groan when you read this, but Kwiatkoski isn’t nearly as polished defending the pass as he is in other areas of his game. He had a poor game in coverage going up against the Chiefs late in 2019. He can get better of course, but the Raiders coaching staff haven’t made any linebacker better in coverage since before Dennis Allen came to town.

Nick Kwiatkoski will likely be better than Tahir Whitehead against the pass, but how much is the question. Watching his development in coverage will be the first area fans should pay attention if and when the season starts.

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