Las Vegas Raiders 53-man 2020 Week 1 roster prediction
By Nick Ellis
Las Vegas Raiders 53-man 2020 Week 1 roster prediction
Linebacker (4): Nick Kwiatkoski, Cory Littleton, Nicholas Morrow, Tanner Muse, Javin White
The Raiders have turned their linebacker group from a weakness to a strength with the additions of Nick Kwiatkoski and Cory Littleton from free agency, as well as adding rookies Tanner Muse and Javin White. This is a group that was terrible in coverage last season, but the injection of these four guys makes it better in that department instantly.
Kwiatkoski and Littleton should be able to turn the defense around, as the Raiders have not had linebackers with this kind of speed and coverage ability in a long time. The Raiders linebacker group has been a massive weakness on the team for years, but Mayock and Gruden finally addressed the issue.
Nicholas Morrow will likely be the only returning linebacker from last season, as he has impressed in training camp so far. The Raiders drafted Clemson linebacker Tanner Muse, who will mostly be used in special teams, but has the speed to jump into the linebacker position and fly around the field as well.
Another big surprise during training camp has been Javin White, as the undrafted rookie has the potential to make the team. It is tough for a UDFA player to make an NFL roster, and even tougher during the current pandemic, but all those who have seen him live feel he is the real deal.