Will the Raiders secondary benefit from rebuilt defensive line?

The Raiders’ young secondary looks to build off the present of their stud pass rush duo, can they hold up their end of the bargain?

Las Vegas Raiders cornerbacks Nate Hobbs and Rock Ya-Sin are looking to have breakout years this upcoming season, as they will be cornerstone pieces of this secondary in 2022. Last year, Hobbs broke out as a rookie for the Raiders, and Ya-Sin was one of the prized additions this offseason.

During the 2021 season, Hobbs recorded 48 solo tackles while bringing in one interception and one forced fumble. In 2022, Hobbs will need to once again display his big-play skills in the backend if this defense wants to slow down the division offensive juggernauts.

The Chiefs did lose a dynamic playmaker in Tyreek Hill, but they gained more options for Patrick Mahomes to spread the ball around rather than the defense focusing on using brackets and trap coverage on Hill, defenses will now have more field to cover due to the many options for Patrick Mahomes.

Ya-Sin is also a very young corner who will have to step up this season because last season he only recorded 25 solo tackles and no interceptions, which is not going to fly in 2022.

I see a breakout year for both cornerbacks as well as Trevon Moehrig to take that next step in his second year while being under the tutelage of Patrick Graham. That should help the secondary develop into the players they want them to be and need them to be if they want to slow these teams down.

Raiders loaded with pass rushers up front along the defensive line

To help the secondary improve in 2022, the Raiders should be able to get great push up front, forcing quarterbacks to make some mistakes downfield. The combination of Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones coming off the edge is one of the best in football, and you can be sure quarterbacks are going to want to know where they are at all times.

Las Vegas Raiders areas of focus heading into 2022 preseason game No. 2

The Raiders have a few holes still needed to be filled heading into the season and the first preseason game helped bring some clarity to a number of spots.

Las Vegas also bolstered the interior of the defensive line, and there are many ways Graham can go in terms of the defensive tackle spots. Overall, the defensive line should be able to get great push, and even against great quarterbacks, that is going to cause a problem.

If the defensive line does what they should do, you can expect a very opportunistic secondary in 2022.