Raiders: Dont’a Hightower could play the K.J. Wright role in 2022

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 19: Linebacker Dont'a Hightower #54 of the New England Patriots reacts after making a defensive play in the second quarter of the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 19: Linebacker Dont'a Hightower #54 of the New England Patriots reacts after making a defensive play in the second quarter of the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 08: Possible Raiders LB Dont’a Hightower #54 of the New England Patriots looks on during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 08: Possible Raiders LB Dont’a Hightower #54 of the New England Patriots looks on during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

After adding throughout the off-season, the Raiders could still add some pieces for 2022. One position that could still use work, is linebacker. 

The Raiders have not had a quiet off-season by any stretch of the imagination. Of course, they traded for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams but first, they added a star pass rusher in former Arizona Cardinal, Chandler Jones. A former All-Pro, Jones should be an elite player for the Raiders, and hopefully help bolster the pass rush.

Pairing him with Maxx Crosby helps take the defense to the next level but it still is in need of some work.

At linebacker, the Raiders lucked into a revelation last season with Denzel Perryman. Trading for him before the start of the season, Perryman was a leader on the defense from day one. Earning a Pro Bowl nod in his first season while wearing the silver and black, he will return in 2022.

Also returning is youngster Divine Deablo. A former safety in college, he brings lots of athleticism to the Las Vegas defense.

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