Kyle Emanuel will make a strong push to start for the Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders are still looking for that third starting linebacker, and newly signed Kyle Emanuel could certainly make a push to claim that spot.

The Las Vegas Raiders did a nice job revamping their linebacker group this offseason, bringing in prized free agents like Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski. They also drafted Clemson standout Tanner Muse in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and got rid of guys like Tahir Whitehead and Marquel Lee.

With Littleton and Kwiatkoski starting in the team’s nickel package, they will need someone to step up and be the third linebacker when they are in their base 4-3. They have a holdover in Nicholas Morrow who should have the edge right now at the position, and undrafted free agent rookie Javin White has turned heads in camp.

This past week, the Raiders signed Kyle Emanuel to the linebacker group, and he may end up winning the job.

Emanuel has a chance to start for Raiders in 2020

Emanuel came out of retirement to join the Raiders, after sitting out the 2019 campaign after four seasons with the Chargers franchise. He was a guy who appeared in nearly every game for the Chargers during his four-year run with the team, and made 11 starts in back-to-back seasons in 2016 and 2017.

He is a solid off-ball linebacker who has also shown the ability to come up and play the edge. He has a few interceptions in his career, and if he can show he can still play at the NFL level, he will have a soft landing spot in Las Vegas, as they are still looking for their third linebacker for their base 4-3 defense.

Emanuel choose the Raiders because he felt that this was a place he could win a ring, much like veteran tight end Jason Witten said when he signed with the team. He is going to get every opportunity to start for the Raiders this season, and based on his experience, he may be the best player to start alongside Littleton and Kwiatkoski.