Despite Davante Adams trade, Raiders defense should see biggest improvement
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders got a possible future Hall of Fame wideout this offseason, but it is the defense that could show the most improvement.
When looking at the job that Dave Ziegler has done this offseason in terms of fixing this Las Vegas Raiders roster, you have to be impressed. Starting slowly, Ziegler made his presence felt in both free agency and by swinging some incredible trades.
The biggest move, obviously, was for Davante Adams, a star wide receiver that fills the Raiders’ need for a true WR1. Adams is not only one of the best wideouts in the NFL, but is also quarterback Derek Carr’s best friend, so you can imagine the kind of season No. 4 is going to have with his buddy on the team.
However, despite Adams being the biggest move of the offseason for the Raiders, it is actually their defense that should show the biggest improvement. Playing consistent defense has been a real issue for the Raiders for most of the last 20 years, but Ziegler and his staff have brought in players that will really improve this team in 2022 and beyond.
Jones, Ya-Sin, and others lead newest group of Raiders
The Raiders have brought in talent along all three levels of their defense, and the biggest was Chandler Jones, a former All-Pro edge rusher. Sure, they traded away Yannick Ngakoue, who led the team in sacks in 2021, but the combination of Jones and Maxx Crosby should be the best in all of football.
They also bolster the cornerback room, bringing in both Rock Ya-Sin and Anthony Averett, playmaking cornerbacks that should help the Raiders improve in coverage, and in getting turnovers. Jayon Brown and Micah Kiser help improve the linebacker unit, while Duron Harmon could start over Johnathan Abram at safety.
There is a lot to like about this defense, and there are rumors that the Silver and Black are still in the mix for another big-name player in free agency. That could end up being either Stephon Gilmore or Tyrann Mathieu, two players that could be the final piece of the puzzle for this defense.