Las Vegas Raiders: 2021 53-man roster prediction after preseason finale
Las Vegas Raiders: 2021 53-man roster prediction after preseason finale
Linebacker (6)
- SLB: Tanner Muse, Denzel Perryman
- MLB: Not on Roster, Nick Kwiatkowski
- WLB: Cory Littleton, Divine Deablo
Injuries really screwed up the plans that Bradley had for this group. Initially, after coming off of a breakout season, Morrow was meant to be the team’s dynamic middle linebacker. Unfortunately, he suffered a foot injury that will seemingly leave him out for some time.
Then, Javin White showed promise in the preseason before going down with a knee injury against the Los Angeles Rams. The timetable for a return is unknown as of right now, but it doesn’t seem as though they’ll be back any time soon.
Because of these injuries, Las Vegas decided to trade for veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman. He brings an immediate sense of familiarity to the defense, as he played under Bradley during their days with the Los Angeles Chargers. Perryman should see the field quite a bit if and until Morrow makes his return.
With Morrow possibly going on short-term IR to start the year, the Raiders could still bring in someone after cuts.
The success of Muse and Littleton will be crucial. Muse needs to prove that he belongs as a starter in the roster, and Littleton needs to show why he was worth so much money. If neither player can meet this challenge, then Las Vegas’ defense may be all but doomed.