Raiders: Grading defensive position groups entering the 2022 offseason

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Dec 26, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib (94), middle linebacker Denzel Perryman (52), and safety Kavon Frazier (43) stand during the playing of the national anthem before the game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Raiders: Grading the defensive position groups entering the 2022 offseason

Linebackers

One of the bigger voids on this roster going into the offseason comes at linebacker, where the Raiders could decide to hit the reset button once again. Last year, they brought in Denzel Perryman via a trade, and he had an outstanding season, making the Pro Bowl, and becoming a leader on this roster.

That was a far cry from some of the other veterans they have brought in as of late, including Cory Littleton, who no longer has a place on this roster. Divine Deablo will get every chance to lock down a starting job in Year 2, and the team has to decide whether to bring back Nicholas Morrow, a long-time player with the franchise that is entering free agency.

Guys like Marquel Lee and Kyle Wilber provide the Raiders with some depth but are not starting-caliber players, and K.J. Wright is likely to be one-and-done with the Silver and Black as well. Linebacker is a position the Raiders must address in free agency, and possibly in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft if they hope to solidify the spot, especially in a 3-4 scheme.

Grade: C

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