4 Las Vegas players who could see an expanded role in 2023
By Brad Weiss
![LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 23: Running back Zamir White #35 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at Allegiant Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Texans 38-20. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 23: Running back Zamir White #35 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at Allegiant Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Texans 38-20. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fjustblogbaby-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1436062503-850x560-38b2b8b6a26f20b9ebb85113beec80ee0067d26f042071d38a7c29e8ed46de63.jpg)
4 Las Vegas Raiders players who could see an expanded role in 2023
Luke Masterson, Linebacker
Going into the 2023 offseason, the Raiders front office has to focus on revamping the defense, after they were one of the worst units in football once more in 2022. The defensive line will see an overhaul, especially in the middle, and in the defensive backfield, you have to think both safety and cornerback will be addressed over the next few months.
That leaves the linebacker group to talk about, and David Ziegler has more than some work to do in terms of this unit. Denzyl Perryman, who has been an anchor across his two seasons with the team, is heading to free agency, as is Jayon Brown, Micah Kiser, and a host of 2022 linebackers.
One linebacker who really stepped up down the stretch, and came out of nowhere, was Luke Masterson, an undrafted rookie out of Wake Forest. Masterson started seven games in 2022, and based on what he showed on tape, I could see him not only figuring into the rotation next season, but being a star player for the Silver and Black on special teams as well.