Las Vegas Raiders: 3 biggest positional upgrades this offseason

1. Linebacker

Rounding out the top-3 at No. 1 is the linebacker group. Easily the biggest weakness the Raiders had in the 2019 season, the linebackers needed the most overhaul out of any position group on their roster this offseason. Further more, they became virtually depleted when team captain Tahir Whitehead was released to save money towards their overall cap number, and journeyman Will Compton’s 1-year contract expired at the end of the season.

This is where we saw the Raiders really attack free agency with some top name talent. They brought in one of the best coverage linebackers in the NFL in former Los Angeles Ram Cory Littleton. They also went out and got rising star Nick Kwiatkoski, who was very good in coverage as well as run support in the four years he spent with the Chicago Bears.

What makes these signings even better is not only the fact that both players epitomize what the new age linebacker represents, but both players are only 26 years old and in the prime of their careers.

To round out the linebacking group, the Raiders selected Clemson safety Tanner Muse in the 3rd round with the 100th overall pick after trading back with the New England Patriots. Muse was used in a similar fashion as top prospect and teammate Isaiah Simmons at Clemson, as a bigger bodied safety who can come up in the box, guard tight ends and running backs and essentially play somewhat of a hybrid roll.

Jon Gruden made it very clear from his draft day phone call to Tanner that he was going to come in and compete at the linebacker position.

With all of the additions made of top end talent, an up and coming star, and a hybrid style player who can relieve some of the coverage problems the Raiders have faced for so long, this group is easily the most improved out of the bunch. With all areas of the defense being addressed this year, Raiders fans could finally see a top 10-15 ranked defense in the next 1-3 years that they’ve so desperately needed.