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Las Vegas Raiders: One question for each defensive position in 2021

By Connor Kurpat

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 06: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Clelin Ferrell #96 of the Las Vegas Raiders in action against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 06, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Raiders defeated the Jets 31-28. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 06: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Clelin Ferrell #96 of the Las Vegas Raiders in action against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 06, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Raiders defeated the Jets 31-28. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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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 /

Las Vegas Raiders: One question for each defensive position in 2021

Linebackers: Can Cory Littleton return to form?

One of the biggest disappointments for the 2020 Las Vegas Raiders was linebacker Cory Littleton. Before joining Las Vegas, Littleton had a great career with the Los Angeles Rams. In his two best seasons there, Littleton had a combined 259 tackles, five interceptions, 7.5 sacks, and made the Pro Bowl once.

In his first year with Vegas, Littleton looked absolutely lost. This was likely due to Paul Guenther’s system, which is notorious for being overly complicated and confusing. If Gus Bradley uses a more efficient system and uses Littleton’s strengths, which seems to be the case, then Littleton should be able to bounce back.

Since Bradley tends to run a 4-2-5, Bradley will likely be used in a lot of different ways. He’s a great tackler, so he’ll be useful in stopping the runners from taking big chunks of yardage. He is also one of the few linebackers who excels in pass coverage. There’s a chance he splits some time with Nick Morrow, who had a breakout season in 2020.

Even if that’s the case, he should have a much-improved season in 2021 now that he will be playing in a new system.

Answer: Yes, he can. If it’s not right away this season, he’ll start taking steps in the right direction.

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