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New Las Vegas Raiders LB Cory Littleton.
For the previous a number of years, the Las Vegas Raiders have struggled at linebacker. They saved making an attempt to place a band-aid on the problem, however may by no means discover a long-term answer. The group lastly determined to modify gears this offseason and make investments closely within the place. Essentially the most notable transfer they made was to present a giant contract to former Los Angeles Rams Professional Bowler Cory Littleton.
He’s been some of the constant linebackers within the NFL. The transfer to switch 2019 starter Tahir Whitehead with Littleton was named one of many largest place upgrades within the NFL by ESPN’s Mike Clay:
The Raiders’ protection can have a brand new look within the “Again 7” this season, and it is going to be anchored by Littleton. The 26-year-old had been an absolute machine for the Rams the previous two seasons. Littleton is the one participant within the NFL with at the very least 125 tackles, three interceptions and two sacks every of the previous two seasons. Just one different participant (Darius Leonard) has completed that even as soon as through the span. Littleton will probably be an every-down participant at linebacker alongside Nick Kwiatkoski, with Damon Arnette, Damarious Randall, Jeff Heath and Maliek Collins among the many different newcomers to the primary protection to hit the Las Vegas strip.
Littleton is poised to be the perfect linebacker the Raiders have had in years. His capability to be greater than only a run stopper ought to carry a wholly new dynamic to the group’s protection.
Linebacker an Space of Power for Raiders?
Littleton will get a lot of the buzz for the Raiders heading into the season on account of his standing as a former Professional Bowler. Nevertheless, the group can be actually enthusiastic about Nick Kwiatkowski. He doesn’t have the identical pedigree as Littleton and hasn’t began loads of video games, however the potential is unquestionably there.
One factor that each males thrive at is defending towards the move. That’s enormous for the Raiders as their linebackers have been notoriously dangerous towards tight ends. Although they solely made two notable additions on the place this offseason, linebacker ought to go from being the group’s largest weaknesses to one among its largest strengths.
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Is Javin White a Participant to Watch?
The Raiders did add a linebacker within the draft in Tanner Muse, however he wasn’t the one fascinating rookie the group was capable of scoop up. Javin White out of UNLV wasn’t capable of get drafted, however his versatility could be very intriguing. In line with Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, White is probably the most thrilling undrafted free agent the Raiders discovered:
Undrafted UNLV linebacker Javin White has the potential to additional enhance Las Vegas’ second-level protection.
As a former wideout and defensive again, White has the protection instincts and ball abilities to be a difference-maker both as a rotational linebacker or as a complement to Littleton. He must also add a aggressive edge to the Raiders protection.
Littleton was additionally an undrafted participant coming into the NFL so not getting drafted doesn’t imply White isn’t good. Kwiatkowski used to play security and he may assist the rookie together with his growth. White suits in very well with the Raiders’ new band of versatile linebackers and will find yourself being an influence participant in a few years.
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