Las Vegas Raiders: Kyle Van Noy a perfect fit in many ways
Kyle Van Noy is a perfect schematic fit and can play multiple positions
Throughout his career, the veteran linebacker has played all three linebacker positions, from strongside to weakside and even middle linebacker. He is a versatile defender that is equally adept at covering receivers or backs in space as he is putting his hand in the ground and rushing the passer.
Van Noy has nearly 300 tackles, 21.5 sacks, and six forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries since becoming a regular starter in his second season with the Patriots in 2017. New England set the blueprint on how to use Van Noy and he was used the same way in Miami with the same level of success.
Despite missing two games in 2020, Van Noy was able to record six sacks and six pass breakups which showcases his versatility as a stand-up linebacker or pass rusher. In Miami last season, he was primarily an outside linebacker but took plenty of snaps as an inside linebacker as well.
In Gus Bradley’s 4-3 scheme, he could fill the LEO position which is a weakside edge player that has to have the ability to rush the passer and also hold up as a run defender.
As a weakside defender that usually lines up in a wide split, the player occupying that role does not have to have great size but has to be smart enough to read and react to the offense and quick enough to make plays in space. Van Noy does not have elite speed but has the veteran savvy to read and react and disrupt plays in the backfield from the weakside.
In Los Angeles, this is a role that was filled primarily by Melvin Ingram but Joey Bosa played that position from time to time as well. Ingram is similar to Van Noy in that he has been listed primarily as a linebacker but has done plenty of damage as a pass-rushing defensive end as well.
Van Noy is a clear fit for the LEO position as he is a bit of a tweener where he may not be able to be an every-down defensive end but has enough strength and athleticism to rush the passer on obvious passing downs. Gus Bradley could also utilize Maxx Crosby in that position to give offenses a different look but it would primarily be Van Noy’s role.
The Raiders desperately need to improve their defense and bringing in veteran players that can take control of the locker room but can also still contribute on the field is imperative. They have an opportunity to do so with Kyle Van Noy and for the reasons listed here he can be a perfect fit on and off the field. If the stars align and Van Noy makes his way to Las Vegas, we can expect him to make a massive impact on the defense and the team as a whole.