Raiders: Question for each defensive position group entering the 2022 summer

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 22: Rock Ya-Sin #26 of the Indianapolis Colts intercepts a pass in the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 22: Rock Ya-Sin #26 of the Indianapolis Colts intercepts a pass in the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 12: Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium on September 12, 2021, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Raiders: Question for each defensive position group entering the 2022 summer

Linebacker: What kind of impact will Chandler Jones have?

One of the key additions to this Raiders roster this offseason was Chandler Jones, a former All-Pro who will play a significant role in Patrick Graham’s defense. Jones is entering his age-32 season, but is fresh off a 10.5-sack campaign a year ago, and played in 15 of the Cardinals’ 17 games.

In Graham’s scheme, the expectation is that Jones will play outside linebacker, as well as come off the edge at times, making him a very versatile piece. Jones still has a lot left in the tank, and his ability to play all over the field is going to give the Raiders a player who could end up being a real difference maker with the game on the line.

Jones may be getting up there in age, but within this Raiders defense, he is going to have to be at the top of his game if they hope to do anything of significance on that side of the ball. The Cardinals got tremendous play from him last season, and in Las Vegas, a healthy Jones should be a double-digit sack guy once again.