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Ranking the 2021 AFC West LBs: Where do the Raiders rank

By Nick Bailey

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 /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 15: Linebacker Nicholas Morrow #50 of the Las Vegas Raiders sacks quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos in the first half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on November 15, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 37-12. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 15: Linebacker Nicholas Morrow #50 of the Las Vegas Raiders sacks quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos in the first half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on November 15, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 37-12. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Ranking the 2021 AFC West LBs: Where do the Raiders rank

2. Las Vegas Raiders

The talent that the Raiders have in the linebacker room is undeniable.  Cory Littleton was a beast during his time as a Los Angeles Ram, whether it was running down running backs with the ball, or making plays in the passing game. There is a reason he was the number one available linebacker during the 2020 offseason, and why he got the deal he did with the Raiders.

It seemed like he just didn’t mesh with defensive coordinator Paul Guenther or his scheme, and I’m positive he’s not the only player that was in that boat.  Last season was marred by injuries and COVID for every team, but the Raiders especially, and it certainly affected Littleton.

Nick Kwiatkoski had a very solid season last year, and if he can stay healthy this season, I believe he will continue to hold down the middle of that defense.  The main concern about this group is the depth as if any of these starters go down, it’s up to an undrafted player in Javin White and two former college safeties that the Raiders are attempting to turn into linebackers at the pro level.

If the Raiders keep another linebacker on the roster for extra depth, Darron Lee might have the upper hand being a former first-round pick by the New York Jets, and playing most recently with the Kansas City Chiefs.  But if the three starting linebackers can stay healthy and perform the way they were expected to last season, the Raiders will certainly be first on this list next season.

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