Las Vegas Raiders: Layered roster equipped for stronger finish in 2020

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on during the warm up before the game against the Denver Broncos at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on during the warm up before the game against the Denver Broncos at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Raiders LB Cory Littleton
Linebacker Cory Littleton (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Mayock addressed the defensive side of the ball

Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski will handle most of the snaps at linebacker. Mayock says the latter has green-dot responsibilities. If one of the two second-level defenders goes down, Nicholas Morrow can step into a bigger role as he did last year. Rookie third-rounder Tanner Muse is expected to take reps on the inside and outside, which will prepare him for early action if necessary.

"“While he’s getting 20, 25 snaps a game at special teams he’s got to learn how to learn MIKE and WILL linebacker,” Mayock said about Muse after Day 2 of the draft. “He’s predominately a safety but he’s going to be a linebacker for us.”"

Damarious Randall projects as the starting safety alongside Abram, but he can also line up on the outside and in the slot if needed. Jeff Heath brings depth for good measure. Counting Erik Harris, the Raiders can switch up their looks with four safeties in case injuries strike the position.