Oakland Raiders: 5 Reasons Fans Can Be Optimistic About 2015

Dec 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack (52) is defended by Buffalo Bills left tackle Cordy Glenn (77) at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Best Group of Linebackers in the NFL?

It pretty much goes without saying that Khalil Mack and Sio Moore are two of the brightest stars on Oakland’s defense. Both are fierce and aggressive. Both can get after the quarterback, and both can blow up running backs.

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Now add in HC Jack Del Rio, and new DC Ken Norton – both of whom know a thing or two about being a linebacker in the NFL as both enjoyed tremendous success at the position – and you have two young, explosive talents who now have the resources to take their game to another level.

Adding Curtis Lofton, a very known and productive run stuffer in the middle, as well as the versatile Malcolm Smith – whom Norton coached in Seattle – for depth, will give Oakland one of the better, if not the best, linebacker groups in the league.

With a strong commitment to the fundamentals and the basics of the position, Del Rio and Norton have both managed to get the most out of their linebackers and have turned them into nightmares for opposing offenses.

Next: A Fast, Attacking Defense