3 reasons why the 2020 Las Vegas Raiders will make the playoffs

By Nick Ellis | May 17, 2020

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - SEPTEMBER 23: Head coach Jon Gruden talks to Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins during an NFL game on September 23, 2018 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Miami defeated Oakland 28-20. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /

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Linebacker Cory Littleton (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

Upgrade at Linebacker

The Raiders worst position group last season was linebacker, and the team made a couple of massive additions that greatly improved the group this offseason. Not only did the Raiders add younger players, they added much better players, getting rid of Tahir Whitehead and bringing in Nick Kwiatkoski and Cory Littleton.

Littleton has the ability to turn the Raiders defense around, as he is not only a better tackler than any linebacker the Raiders had in 2019, but is a huge upgrade in terms of coverage. In addition, Littleton is elite at play recognition.

Littleton does everything better than all the Raiders linebackers in 2019, and will instantly improve the running and passing defense.

Although Kwiatkoski does not have a ton of experience, he did show his potential last season for the Chicago Bears, and could no doubt surprise everyone with how much of an impact he will have on the Raiders defense in 2020. The middle of the defense has been a liability for the Raiders over the last few years, but with the additions of these two linebackers, it could turn into a strength.

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