3 Most important Las Vegas Raiders rookies in 2020
By Matt Holder
Tanner Muse
It has been years since the Raiders have had a decent linebacking corps, especially when it comes to coverage. Tight ends and running backs have run-rampant on the team’s defense in the passing game recently, and addressing the position was one of Gruden and Mayock’s top priorities this offseason. The additions of Free Agents Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski will certainly help improve the team improve in that realm, however, depth at the second level still needed to be addressed.
Hence why the organization spent a third-round pick on Tanner Muse. The rookie is expected to compete for playing time with veterans, Nicholas Morrow and Marquel Lee. Muse has one distinct advantage that I think will give him a leg up over the two vets, coverage.
Last season, Morrow had a chance to carve out a niche as a coverage linebacker but he floundered, allowing a passer rating of 97.1 and 10.2 yards per target, while also recording one of the worst PFF coverage grades at the position. Lee, on the other hand, has never really been known for his ability to affect the passing game, making him a bit of a liability in today’s version of the NFL.
The Clemson product played a hybrid role in college, taking snaps at linebacker, safety, and slot corner, which should help him become an effective coverage linebacker at the next level.
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He also has an impressive athletic profile, recording a relative athletic score of 9.95 during the pre-draft process, further suggesting he can help solve Las Vegas’ long-standing defensive deficiency. Muse can easily take over the Silver and Black’s third linebacker spot this season, a role that will become even more important if Littleton or Kwiatkoski go down.