Las Vegas Raiders: Ron Milus having major impact in Year 1
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders added Ron Milus as their defensive backs coach this year, and he is having a major impact already for the secondary.
The Las Vegas Raiders had serious issues in their secondary last season, continuously giving up the big plays, and seeing some first-round draft picks look downright lost. Coming off an injury-riddled season, one that saw him play in only one game, Johnathan Abram had a terrible second year, while Damon Arnette looked nothing like a first-round pick.
Over the past couple of offseasons, the Raiders have made a concerted effort to get better in the defensive backfield, and it just has not worked out. They have invested free agency money, and a ton of high draft capital, while only getting a real return on 2019 second-round pick, Trayvon Mullen.
Going into 2021, it looks like the Raiders’ fortunes could be changing, as new defensive backs coach Ron Milus is getting the most out of the team’s young talent. We have seen a quieter Abram, bringing more of an impact on the field, and after bulking up this offseason, Arnette has looked much better as well.
Also, Amik Robertson took a big step forward this summer, while 2021 fifth-round pick, Nate Hobbs, played like the best non-first-round draft pick in the NFL during the preseason. A lot of this is tied back to Milus, who has been a defensive backs coach for over 20 years at the NFL level and is the right person to try and change the narrative surrounding both cornerback and safety for the Raiders.
Raiders must improve at both safety and cornerback
For the Raiders to do anything of substance this season, the secondary has to be better, and we have been teased with some great play all summer long. As it looks, Abram and rookie Tre’Von Moehrig will start at the safety spots, with Mullen, veteran Casey Hayward, and rookie Nate Hobbs at the three cornerback spots.
The difference between this year, and others, is the depth behind them, including guys like Karl Joseph, Arnette, and Robertson. All told, the Raiders have close to eight defensive backs who could make an impact if called upon this season.
If the Raiders can be better in the secondary, then the defense could finally become a strength for the team and not such a major weakness. Milus has done a great job teaching and getting a lot out of his secondary this summer, and the hope is that it translates over to the regular season on September 13 against Baltimore.