After a season in which the unit took a big step in the right direction, the Las Vegas Raiders' defense is projected to be the team's strength once again in 2024 and could pan out to be an elite group.
The Raiders saw breakout performances from guys like defensive end Malcolm Koonce and cornerback Jack Jones, and Maxx Crosby was his typical elite self. Now, the Raiders are adding Christian Wilkins to bolster the defense in a big way.
While many are rightly high on Las Vegas' defense going into this coming season, that doesn't mean there aren't some concerns at each position group. Let's take a look at the concern level for each one, ranging from none to high.
We also did this for the offense, which you can check out right here.
Interior defensive line: Medium
Christian Wilkins will be a massive upgrade on the interior, both as a pass-rusher and run defender, but the rest of the group isn't exactly great.
John Jenkins is a decent starter and Adam Butler is an OK backup, but the jury is still very much out on Byron Young, who needs to take a step forward in 2024. This group could get a boost if Tyree Wilson gets snaps on the interior again.
Edge rushers: Low
This is one of the strongest position groups on the roster. Maxx Crosby is a surefire star and Malcolm Koonce is ascending after a career year, although he still has more to prove.
If Tyree Wilson can take that next step to becoming more of an impact player and the aforementioned Koonce can continue playing at a high level (I think both of those things happen), the Raiders are going to have an elite pass-rush trio.
The depth options are nothing to write home about, but being three-deep at the position is a better situation than most teams have.
Linebackers: Low
Divine Deablo and Robert Spillane are a fantastic one-two punch at linebacker, and the room is adequately filled out with Luke Masterson and fifth-round pick Tommy Eichenberg. This is one of Las Vegas' stronger position groups on defense.
Cornerbacks: High
Jack Jones is the No. 1 cornerback of the group and played well down the stretch of last season, but his sample size of above-average play is limited. Nate Hobbs is also coming off a career year to give Las Vegas a strong option out of the slot.
Beyond those two, there are concerns. It remains to be seen who will start opposite Jones, and the top-two candidates as of right now, Brandon Facyson and Jakorian Bennett, are no locks to adequately fill that need. Bennett is coming off a disappointing rookie campaign and Facyson is best suited as a backup.
The Raiders added two cornerbacks in the draft in Decamerion Richardson and M.J. Devonshire, but neither is guaranteed to make an impact in Year 1.
Safeties: Low
The starting duo of Tre'von Moehrig and Marcus Epps is solid, but there are some concerns with the depth. I do think seventh-round pick Trey Taylor will be good at some point, although he isn't a lock to make an impact in his first year. Jaydon Grant, Chris Smith and UDFA Phalen Sanford are big question marks, also.
