LB De’Vondre Campbell
De’Vondre Campbell made the list of ideal free-agent targets. To avoid rehashing the same discussion points, we’ll focus on a new development and the reasoning behind it.
The Atlanta Falcons have engaged in early extension talks with Campbell, per his agent Drew Rosenhaus via ESPN’s Vaughn McClure.
“There will be a lot of interest in Dre,” Rosenhaus said. “We have had a positive dialogue with the Falcons. Dre will be a highly sought-after player.”
Falcons head coach Dan Quinn praised Campbell during the team’s late-season turnaround, per Will McFadden of the team’s official website.
“He was just ready to answer every challenge thrown his away,” Quinn said about Campbell. “Another good thing for him is the production that he’s had over the last few ball games. There have been sacks, there have been interceptions, forced fumbles. He’s been one of the better ball-hawking players for us.”
Typically, we hear the term ball hawk used for defensive backs who snag interceptions and break up plays on the back end. To hear that label attached to Campbell, the Raiders should inquire about him if his talks with the Falcons fall apart. The Silver and Black’s linebacker corps desperately needs that type of player.
CB Logan Ryan
The Raiders hope to see rookie fourth-rounder Isaiah Johnson and undrafted rookie Keisean Nixon take major steps in the right direction next season. However, we can’t bank on either because they played 52 combined defensive snaps in 2019.
With Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes lighting up defenses with Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman, and Travis Kelce, the Raiders can’t rely on unproven rookies, Nevin Lawson, who doesn’t have an interception in 73 games, and Joyner in a position that’s not his strength.
The Raiders need a plan B at cornerback going into Vegas if they want to compete with the Chiefs. Logan Ryan can line up on the perimeter or in the slot. He’s been effective in both spots.
Despite his versatility and experience, Ryan knows his time in Tennessee may come to an end, per Buck Reising of A to Z Sports Nashville.
“All I wanted to do was pour my heart and soul into this franchise,” Ryan said. “I wanted to make it a better place. If I were to leave, I wanted to make it a better place when I came in and I felt like I did that…Right now, I’m looking for a job.”
In 2019, Ryan had his best season, logging 113 tackles, four for loss, 4.5 sacks, a career-high 18 pass breakups and four interceptions. Clearly, he’s equipped to help out in run support, blitz packages and coverage assignments.
If Ryan needs an NFL job, as he says, Vegas should be hiring.