If the Las Vegas Raiders are able to make the playoffs this season, chances are it'll be mostly because of the defense, which figures to be the team's biggest strength going into the 2024 campaign.
The Raiders are returning most of a defense that surrendered just 19.5 points per game last season, the ninth-best mark in the NFL. If you just include the average after Antonio Pierce took over, it goes down to 16.0, the best in the NFL in that span.
Now, the Raiders have added star defensive lineman Christian Wilkins, adding to an already impressive front that also includes superstar pass-rusher Maxx Crosby and up-and-coming EDGE Malcolm Koonce, who is coming off a career-best year.
But we're not the only ones excited about Las Vegas' defense. Bleacher Report's Scouting Department believes the Raiders have the eighth-best defense in the NFL ahead of next season. Here's their thoughts:
Why They're Ranked Here
The Raiders season was a tale of two halves last season. The team, including the defense, was a mess under Josh McDaniels and they struggled to a 3-5 start to the season. When McDaniels was fired and Antonio Pierce took over as the interim head coach the defense blossomed.
Over the second half of the season they were among the best scoring defenses in the league with a pass rush that averaged over three sacks a game. Adding Christian Wilkins to the mix through free agency should ensure that they have one of the better pass rushes in the league. If Tyree Wilson and Jakorian Bennett can take steps forward after their rookie seasons, this unit has a ton of potential.
As B/R points out, the cornerbacks room is one of the biggest remaining question marks.
The secondary has to prove itself if the Raiders are going to build on the momentum of last year. Jack Jones was a revelation after getting released by the Patriots in the middle of the season, but he has to prove that he can consistently be the team's No. 1 corner. They also need either Bennett or veteran Brandon Facyson to claim the spot opposite Jones.
The safeties should also be feeling the pressure to earn their spot. Both Marcus Epps and Tre'Von Moehrig are in the final years of their contract. It's easy to feel really good about the front seven. The secondary still has a fair amount of questions though.
Jack Jones was excellent after joining the Raiders and Nate Hobbs was a big plus in the slot, but it remains to be seen who will grab the other starting role opposite Jones. Bennett is one possibility, as is fourth-round pick Decamerion Richardson and veteran Brandon Facyson.
The Raiders already have a vaunted pass-rush, but getting Wilson going will make it an even deeper group. Wilson had an up-and-down rookie campaign, but he did play better down the stretch.
Regardless of what happens with the other starting cornerback spot and Wilson, the Raiders are going to have a very good defense that will lead the charge in the 2024 season. If that side of the ball plays up to its potential and the offense can hold up its end of the bargain, Las Vegas should find itself in the playoffs.
