Las Vegas Raiders: Linebacker additions who fit Gus Bradley’s scheme

Free Agents who fit this profile for the Raiders

Haason Reddick – OLB, ARI

Before 2020, Haason Reddick had a disappointing start to his career given his draft status, as he was the 13th overall pick in 2017. In fact, Reddick didn’t even start for the Cardinals until the sixth game of the season in 2020 when the Cardinals decided to let him loose as a pass rusher. He ended the season with 12.5 sacks and is set to test free agency in 2021.

At 6’1 235lbs, Reddick is not your typical edge player, which is why the Cardinals were so reluctant to play him in a full-time edge role until this season. That being said, you can’t argue with the results. Reddick is a former college defensive back and he has enough chops in coverage to be able to execute the first down calls in Bradley’s system before pinning his ears back as a pass rusher on 3rd downs.

Leonard Floyd – OLB, LAR

Leonard Floyd is another former first-round pick who took time before producing like one in the NFL. His latest season was his best, notching 10.5 sacks for the best defense in the NFL in 2020. Floyd is another tweener type of player with the length to play edge but lacks the bulk to be a full-time defensive end.

Tyus Bowser – OLB, BAL

Tyus Bowser is an ascending player in the NFL who is set to hit free agency this off-season. At 6’3 245lbs, he is more of a true linebacker who has some pass-rush ability. Though he only notched two sacks in 2020, he had 14 QB hits to go along with three interceptions.

Maybe Bowser isn’t a full-time pass rusher, but he could certainly have some packages where he rushes the quarterback. Bowser would also be considerably cheaper than the two previous players on this list, so if it is a cost issue, this could be an excellent option for the Raiders.