Raiders: Expect big changes on the defensive side in 2022

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 07: Johnathan Abram #24 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on during the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 07, 2021, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Raiders: Expect big changes on the defensive side in 2022

Defensive Backs

In the defensive backfield, the Raiders added two quality cornerbacks last season, with Casey Hayward coming in via free agency, and Nate Hobbs becoming a steal on Day 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft. While Hobbs is under contract in 2022, Hayward will hit free agency, and with Gus Bradley gone, who knows where he is going to end up.

At safety, the team traded up to get Tre’Von Moehrig in the second round, and he had an outstanding rookie season as well. Holdover Johnathan Abram struggled at times once again in Year 3, and the jury is still out as to whether or not he is going to be a mainstay in this secondary moving forward.

Overall, I could see the Raiders adding multiple players to each position group, with Amik Robertson and Abram being cut candidates with the new front office in place.

Jan 15, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) warms up before the AFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

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The defense as a whole took a step forward last season under Bradley, but this is a new regime and one that is going to want to get off on the right foot. Bill Belichick prides himself on the defense, and for this new regime, Raider Nation would love nothing more than for them to do the same.

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