Las Vegas Raiders: Cory Littleton to break out in 2021

The Las Vegas Raiders are getting better on the defensive side of the ball, and Cory Littleton is going to benefit in a big way in 2021.

During the 2020 offseason, the biggest splash by the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency was Cory Littleton, a dominant linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams. Playing for the Rams, Littleton proved to be not only excellent at getting to the ball-carrier, but also in coverage, areas where the Raiders lacked talent on the defensive side of the ball.

Needless to say, his first season in the Silver and Black was a dud, although he did start to show signs of life once Paul Guenther was relieved of his defensive coordinator post. In 2021, you can expect to get a much better version of Littleton under new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, and that could send major shockwaves through this Raiders defense.

Raiders need the best of Littleton in 2021

After the 2020 NFL season, general manager Mike Mayock said the team needed to add playmakers on all three levels of the defense, but that is what Littleton was supposed to be. As e move towards next season, the Raiders are in solid shape at the linebacker spot, as Nicholas Morrow was re-signed, and Littleton returns alongside fellow 2020 free agent signing, Nick Kwiatkoski.

The addition of Bradley is going to do wonders for this defense, which has improved upfront along the defensive line via free agency. That is another thing that is sure to help Littleton, as the Raiders press to get more of a rush against opposition quarterbacks, forcing rushed throws and more of an opportunity for turnovers.

If Las Vegas wants to actually take the next step and be a playoff team this upcoming season, they have to be much-improved on the defensive side of the ball. The defensive line has bodies, and linebacker should be solid, but if the secondary does not get an upgrade, it could be another long season for the Silver and Black.