The Las Vegas Raiders concluded mandatory minicamp last week and will now take a lengthy summer break before reporting to training camp. Raiders rookies will report to training camp in Costa Mesa, California, on Sunday, July 21, and veterans will join them on Tuesday, July 23.
Las Vegas' defense, led by Patrick Graham, will be the heart and soul of the team this season. The unit quietly had an impressive 2023 campaign, allowing just 19.5 points per game, which ranked ninth in the NFL.
With training camp on the horizon, let's run through our starting defense projection for the Raiders. If you missed our starting offense projection, click here.
Raiders defense projection
EDGE: Maxx Crosby
DT: John Jenkins
EDGE: Malcolm Koonce
WLB: Divine Deablo
MLB: Robert Spillane
CB: Jack Jones
CB: Jakorian Bennett
Nickel: Nate Hobbs
Safety: Marcus Epps
Safety: Tre'von Moehrig
The engine of the Raiders' defense this season will be the front seven.
The defensive line, led by Maxx Crosby, Christian Wilkins, and Malcolm Koonce, provides a dominant blend of pass-rushing excellence and relentless pursuit in the run game. Former No.7 overall pick, Tyree Wilson, could establish himself as a difference maker in Year 2 but likely won't start at a set position. At linebacker, Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo will patrol the middle of the field and supply a fascinating mix of calculated physicality and coverage support.
Though Las Vegas' front seven will wreak havoc in 2024, the secondary raises a ton of questions. With Nate Hobbs primarily operating in the slot, Las Vegas has no clear No. 2 boundary corner opposite Jack Jones.
Jakorian Bennett and Brandon Facyson are the favorites to capture the role, but in my projection, I gave the nod to Bennett due to his strong spring. The 23-year-old had a tumultuous rookie season filled with subpar play and injuries, but he has taken strides this offseason and could be in store for a breakout campaign.
Las Vegas will return its starting safeties from last year, Marcus Epps and Tre'von Moehrig. Both defensive backs are entering contract years and will have to post another strong season together to receive extensions.
The duo of Epps and Moehrig provide the best of both worlds. Moehrig excels in coverage and as a ball hawk, snagging three interceptions in 2023. On the other hand, Epps is more of a run-support safety, scoring a 69.7 run defense grade.
Las Vegas' defense will have to play at an elite level in 2024 if the team wants to end its three-year playoff drought. With significant questions at quarterback, Patrick Graham's unit will be the identity of the team this season.
