Reasons for Spending Big Money on Defense
Play-caller Paul Guenther deserves some blame for the Raiders’ defensive struggles. Lamarcus Joyner, as a slot cornerback, rather than a safety doesn’t help this unit. Clelin Ferrell should focus on his natural position at defensive end instead of moving inside where he’s less effective in the pass rush.
More importantly, Guenther must develop and emphasize the need for athletic linebackers who are comfortable in space rather than two-down defenders limited to run support. The Raiders can’t trot out Tahir Whitehead and Marquel Lee expecting to stop a growing number of talented pass-catching tight ends on intermediate routes.
Despite Guenther’s oversights and flaws, his unit needs more playmakers on every level. Assuming Benson Mayowa, who logged seven sacks this past season, tests free agency, the defensive line could use another veteran pass-rusher.
As mentioned above, the Raiders don’t have an average coverage linebacker on the roster. Opposite cornerback Trayvon Mullen, the secondary has a question mark. As pros, Keisean Nixon and Isaiah Johnson have played 52 combined defensive snaps. Daryl Worley has an expiring contract.
Safety Johnathan Abram (torn labrum) should be ready to suit up for the 2020 term, but he’s only played 48 defensive snaps. There’s palpable excitement for his sophomore season, but the 23-year-old is still an unproven commodity on the pro level.
If the Raiders roster plan heading into Vegas should be aggressive. They need a defense that will bloody a few noses on the field. The Denver Broncos aren’t coming for a pillow fight with the 10th-best run-blocking offensive line, per Football Outsiders. For three quarters of Super Bowl LIV, the 49ers defensive line made quarterback Patrick Mahomes work extremely hard to move the ball.
The Las Vegas Raiders can gradually develop a defense with years of solid drafts and a sprinkle of high-performance veterans to expedite the process.
This offseason, notable talents like linebacker Cory Littleton, cornerback Byron Jones, edge-rusher Mario Addison, and safety Anthony Harris could be available on the open market—that’s just to name a few.
The Raiders have invested 21.93 percent of their cap dollars in the defense—that ranks 30th leaguewide, per Spotrac.
Over the last two years, the team has poured money and resources into the offensive line, drafting Kolton Miller 15th overall in 2018, signing Trent Brown to the highest-paid salary among offensive linemen and extending center Rodney Hudson. Richie Incognito inked a new two-year, $14 million deal in December.
Now, it’s time for team brass to turn its attention to the other side of the ball. In 2019, the Raiders defense gave up the fourth-most passing touchdowns (33) and ranked 24th in scoring. The pass rush remains inconsistent, though, the run defense ranked eighth.
The unit needs to generate more impact plays with increased pocket pressure and more takeaways. If Mayock, Gruden, and Guenther put their heads together and agree to take a couple of swings at key free agents, the defense may be able to hold up its end of the bargain with consistency.
Free-Agent Splashes, Draft Patchwork For Raiders Roster Building
Gruden and Mayock aren’t flushed with cap space, a projected $51.6 million, but the team will rank above the league average—more than enough to make a couple of big free-agent splashes. Fans may disagree on the quarterback situation, but they can agree the defense needs more high-end talent.
Ferrell and Maxx Crosby could certainly learn from a veteran pass-rusher like Robert Quinn, who’s familiar with defensive line coach Rod Marinelli from their shared time in Dallas this past season. Littleton, Joe Schobert or De’Vondre Campbell could lay the foundation for a stronger linebacker corps. (Byron) Jones can play cornerback or safety. He’s done so in Dallas and excelled in both positions.
If (Anthony) Harris doesn’t return to Minnesota, he’s the ball hawk the Raiders need on the back end. The 28-year-old has recorded nine interceptions and 17 pass breakups over the last two seasons.
Regardless of who’s under center for Raiders next season, the signal-caller will have a stout offensive line, a sensational ball-carrier in Josh Jacobs and an emerging pass-catching tight end with a 1,000-plus yard season in Darren Waller.
Imagine what blue-chip prospects like Lamb, Jeudy or Ruggs could do for the offense—all of them at a low cost compared to second-tier wideouts on the free-agent market.
The Raiders roster is far from done. Mayock and Gruden would be best to focus on each side of the ball in two different ways.