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Raiders: Reviewing the inside linebackers currently on the roster

By Alexander Monfreda

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 26: Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham of the New York Giants looks on before the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 26, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) No licensing by any casino, sportsbook, and/or fantasy sports organization for any purpose. During game play, no use of images within play-by-play, statistical account or depiction of a game (e.g., limited to use of fewer than 10 images during the game).
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 26: Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham of the New York Giants looks on before the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 26, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) No licensing by any casino, sportsbook, and/or fantasy sports organization for any purpose. During game play, no use of images within play-by-play, statistical account or depiction of a game (e.g., limited to use of fewer than 10 images during the game). /
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Raiders
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 05: Inside linebacker Denzel Perryman #52 of the Las Vegas Raiders gives his gloves to a fan as he leaves the field following the team’s 17-15 loss to the Washington Football Team during their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 5, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Reviewing the current inside linebackers for the Las Vegas Raiders

Denzel Perryman

When talking about Perryman, it’s easy to note he was a Pro Bowler last year who shined under former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s scheme. However, this is a new year, and this new scheme isn’t Gus Bradley’s.

Throughout his entire career, Perryman has been in a 4-3 defense, playing the middle linebacker position. While Patrick Graham intends to play a 4-3 when necessary, keeping opposing offenses on their toes with the ability to run both a 4-3 and 3-4, the latter will be his primary front.

This doesn’t bode well with Perryman due to the ’21 Pro Bowler being an up-and-down linebacker. The problem here is, linebackers in a 3-4 should be vertically adept, and this is something Perryman is not. To piggyback on him being an up-and-down linebacker, opposing quarterbacks feast on him, as shown by his 114 opposing rating and 5 touchdowns allowed. This simply won’t do.

In saying all this, Perryman had an outstanding year last season – One that’s impossible to turn a blind eye to. It’s unfair to say the veteran linebacker won’t be able to make the new front work, but there are clear limitations in his game that fully suggest he won’t be able to recreate his ’21 season now playing in a 3-4. Nevertheless, when the Raiders turn to a 4-3, it will be Perryman’s time to shine.

Either way, we can still expect the same fearlessness from the now second-year Raider, as well as the leadership he displayed last season. For now, though, let’s move onto the only other returning Raider at the position.

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