Las Vegas Raiders: 3 defensive gambles that must pay off in 2021

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Nicholas Morrow #50 of the Oakland Raiders is seen during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Nicholas Morrow #50 of the Oakland Raiders is seen during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
1 of 4
Las Vegas Raiders
Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Las Vegas Raiders have plenty of question marks on defense heading into the summer, and here are three gambles that must pay off.

We are officially a little over two weeks away from the start of training camp, as the Las Vegas Raiders will kick off their summer on July 27. For the Raiders, the goal is pretty simple this season, and that is to take the next step forward, and finally make it back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

The last two seasons, Las Vegas has struggled to put two halves of a football season together, starting out strong, and then faltering down the stretch. As they enter the summer, they have a brand new cast of players on both sides of the ball, and it is a good mix of returning guys, and those putting on the Silver and Black for the first time.

There is a lot to like about the offense, as it is a unit that was top-10 this past season but did struggle at times to put up points. The defense, on the other hand, has been a major disappointment in recent years, and the Raiders spend a lot of money, and draft picks on that side of the ball this offseason.

With that said, let us take a look at three gambles the Raiders made on that side of the ball that must pay off in 2021.

Schedule