Las Vegas Raiders: 3 defensive players who should have been better in 2020

Jan 3, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Las Vegas Raiders outside linebacker Cory Littleton (42) tackles Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon (25) in the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Las Vegas Raiders outside linebacker Cory Littleton (42) tackles Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon (25) in the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 4
The Raiders made Maliek Collins a captain. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Raiders made Maliek Collins a captain. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Raiders who should have been better in 2020: Maliek Collins

One of the bigger free agency pickups this past offseason was defensive tackle Maliek Collins, who played for defensive line coach Rod Marinelli in Dallas. At first, it looked like Collins was going to be a steal, as the team got him on a one-year deal, and he was praised as being a guy who could help anchor this defense in 2020.

However, all of those good feelings quickly faded away, as Collins was non-existent when he did play, which was only 12 games. In total, Collins racked up only fifteen tackles, had no sacks, and really did not bring the kind of impact, or pressure that the Raiders were hoping for when they brought him in.

On a one-year deal, Collins likely is done in Las Vegas, as Gus Bradley will come in and sort out who is going to help answer the questions that have been plaguing this defense. Maybe he latches on somewhere else and has a solid season, but based on what we saw in his 12-game sample, there are better options for the Raiders at this point.

Schedule