Las Vegas Raiders: 3 Reasons the defense will be better than advertised in 2021

Dec 1, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley (left) and head coach Anthony Lynn watch from the sidelines in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley (left) and head coach Anthony Lynn watch from the sidelines in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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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

Las Vegas Raiders: 3 Reasons the defense will be better than advertised in 2021

Diverse Weapons in the Secondary

Las Vegas has always struggled in pass coverage regardless of who they bring on to the roster. But rather than bringing on just one or two players to try to make a difference, Las Vegas added around six new players to the defense who all have a lot of potential to make a difference.

The first, and maybe the most important, is Tre’Von Moehrig, who was taken by Las Vegas in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Moehrig has the potential to be the team’s true center fielder at safety, which is a role that the team has been trying to fill for years.

In that draft, the team also added safety hybrids Tyreese Gillespie and Divine Deablo and slot corner Nate Hobbs. While these three guys may not start, they have a lot of potential to be important depth pieces who can grow into serious playmakers.

The team also brought in former Los Angeles Charger’s cornerback Casey Hayward. Hayward is a talented player whose production has dipped in recent years but still has the potential to bounce back and be a solid starter.

Hayward has also played with Bradley, so he can help the young guys on the team learn the new defensive scheme. We also can’t forget that Karl Joseph is returning the Silver and Black, which should be really fun to watch.

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