Amid all the issues that the Las Vegas Raiders had last season, shoddy linebacker play got bumped down the list in terms of attention. But an effort to fix that was made this offseason, with dual free agent signings to reunite former University of Georgia teammates Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker.
Dean, in light of his injury history, fueled easy concern from Raider Nation when he missed offseason work, due to what appeared to be an injury situation. But there have been no issues so far in training camp, and Dean has been anointed as the "green dot" guy for the Raiders' defense over Walker.
Being the one to communicate defensive calls to his teammates on the field in the heat of games is just the start of the "green dot" guy's role. Ideally, he also assumes a genuine leadership role for the defense. And it sounds like he's already making an impact on that front.
Nakobe Dean is becoming the kind of leader the Raiders defense needs
It's safe to say the Raiders have lacked any kind of leadership at the linebacker position lately, with all of the team's guidance coming from defensive end Maxx Crosby. Yes, Crosby is the heart and soul of the team, but DC Rob Leonard basically confirmed that Dean is taking on some of that load.
"Command. Confidence," Leonard said. "[Dean will say], 'Robbie, get out of my huddle. I got it.' I want to get up in there and start up, but that's not reality of how the game's played. Just leadership. It feels good to have that at the mike linebacker."
Bucky Brooks of NFL Network and NFL.com attended the Raiders' night practice at Allegiant Stadium just before the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals. It was not a fully padded session, so how much can really be taken from it can be debated.
As such, Brooks only had three fairly broad observations from the glorified workout. But it feels noteworthy that one had to do with Dean, and how he won't be letting Crosby lead the Silver and Black's defense alone.
"The Raiders' underrated signing of Dean not only filled the team's need at middle linebacker, but also filled the leadership void that has been missing on defense," Brooks wrote. "Despite his diminutive stature, Dean stands out as a fierce competitor and exemplary leader. He sets the tone with his violent play, yet displays the poise and composure to get the defense into the proper front and coverage based on the offensive formation. Additionally, he will challenge his teammates and hold them accountable for their effort and performance, including Maxx Crosby."
Crosby will be the heartbeat of the Raiders' defense (and the team overall) for as long as he's wearing Silver and Black. But other leadership voices have been sorely needed, and it sounds like that's finally happening with some likely empowerment from the new coaching staff.
Among those new voices in Las Vegas, Dean appears to be standing out like he should as the "green dot" guy for a reconstructed defense. And if he's not afraid to hold Crosby accountable or make him keep this team together by himself, then even better.
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