Raiders: 5 linebackers to target in 2020 free agency
By Nico Di Fede
Free agency is approaching and the Las Vegas Raiders have a plethora of cap space. Linebacker is the team’s biggest need, so let’s look at five free agents the team should target.
The Las Vegas Raiders have failed to address the linebacker position for years now. It seems every offseason Raiders fans and media are talking about how this has to finally be the year the team does decide to address it.
Paul Guenther has said that he usually defers to signing big-name linebackers or drafting high-round linebackers, as he feels that he could get the most out of under-the-radar guys that he likes with his scheme.
Well, that hasn’t been the case in his two-year stint as the Raiders defensive coordinator.
Tahir Whitehead alone allowed 40 catches on 49 targets for 541 yards and seven touchdowns (league-high).
Nicholas Morrow was solid in coverage in his limited snaps during the 2018 season, but as the starter in 2019, he came back down to earth and struggled as well.
Will Compton was decent covering the middle of the field, but I’m not convinced he’s a starter on a good defense, and so the team really needs upgrades at all three linebacker spots, not just starters, but depth as well.
In today’s league of hybrid defenses and the nickel becoming most teams’ real base defense, athletic linebackers who can cover space in zone are all the more important. As such, the Raiders should target a linebacker in that vein first and foremost.
This year’s 2020 free-agent class is rather strong when it comes to linebackers, so the Raiders will have plenty of solid options.
Let’s go over five players that should get a hard look come March.