Much has been made of the schematic change new coach Klint Kubiak is bringing to the Las Vegas Raiders offense.
But the defense will look very different as well.
Rob Leonard was not only retained from the previous staff, but also promoted from defensive line coach to coordinator.
He is overhauling the look of the group by installing a 3-4 base defense, though that will take on many different forms during games.
That new scheme is being put in during the offseason program, which includes voluntary OTAs this week at the team facility.
But the changes extend beyond X’s and O’s. There have also been plenty of personnel changes.
Here is a look at where the roster stands on defense after a busy draft process and free-agency shopping spree.
Defensive line
Adam Butler, Jonah Laulu, Thomas Booker IV, Tonka Hemingway, Benito Jones, JJ Pegues, Brandon Cleveland, Treven Ma’ae, Gary Smith III, Laki Tasi
Charles Snowden was released in a bit of a surprise earlier this month, but it shows the depth and versatility in this group. Jones was brought in recently as the kind of true run-stuffing, space-eating defensive tackle the Raiders would like to deploy when they do line up in a true 3-4 look. Cleveland also has some of those same traits if he can make the opening-day roster. Butler is a pretty good fit in the middle and can also provide some pass-rushing help. Laulu and Booker should be comfortable at defensive end in the 3-4, while Hemingway and Pegues should find expanded roles in their second year.
Edge defenders
Maxx Crosby, Kwity Paye, Malcolm Koonce, Keyron Crawford, Jahfari Harvey, Brennan Jackson, Cian Slone
The return of Crosby certainly makes this group much stronger. Had the trade to the Baltimore Ravens gone through, the Raiders may have added even more to the ranks. But they should be solid for now. Crosby is a superstar and hopes to stay healthy this season. Paye is a former first-round pick with some untapped potential who should be helped by having Crosby draw extra blockers. The Raiders hope Koonce can take a step forward in his second year removed from a major knee injury. Crawford could prove to be one of the gems of the draft. The depth shouldn’t be an issue, especially with several defensive ends having the ability to pop outside with Leonard scheming multiple fronts.
Linebackers
Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean, Tommy Eichenberg, Cody Lindenberg, Segun Olubi, Xavian Sorey Jr., Cameron McGrone, Chris Thomas
General manager John Spytek and new coach Klint Kubiak identified the need to bolster this unit and they did so by adding Dean and Walker, former college teammates at Georgia, on the first day of free agency. They provide an immediate upgrade. Eichenberg and Lindenberg will need to take a step forward to bolster the depth. Sorey, who was on the 2021 national championship team at Georgia with Walker and Dean, provides some intrigue as an undrafted rookie.
Cornerbacks/Nickels
Eric Stokes, Darien Porter, Taron Johnson, Jermod McCoy, Decamerion Richardson, Treydan Stukes, Chigozie Anusiem, Hezekiah Masses, Greedy Vance, Caleb Offord, Devyn Perkins
The return of Stokes was a huge win for the Raiders as he provides a great deal of stability on one side of the field when healthy. McCoy was one of the most talented players in the draft, who fell strictly because of concerns over his knee. He could be an absolute steal if he plays. That is the great mystery of this group. Porter has all the tools to make a big improvement in his second year. Johnson is not at OTAs as he seeks a revised deal, but there isn’t much concern yet. Stukes will play some nickel, some safety and perhaps some corner. But he will definitely have a role.
Safeties
Jeremy Chinn, Isaiah Pola-Mao, Dalton Johnson, Tristin McCollum, Devin Lafayette, Tanner Wall
Chinn and Pola-Mao were solid as a starting duo last year and McCollum gave the Raiders some quality reps. Johnson, a close friend and college teammate of Stukes, will definitely have a role. Versatility should be a strength of the entire defensive backfield and Leonard will use them as chess pieces, moving all over the field.
Specialists
AJ Cole, Matt Gay, Kansei Matsuzawa, Alex Ward, Tyler Duzansky
Cole remains one of the league’s best punters. The other two jobs are up for grabs as the Raiders made the decision to move on from Daniel Carlson, the most consistent and accurate kicker in team history. Gay is a veteran, but Matsuzawa has an excellent chance to win the job as an undrafted rookie free agent. Ward and Duzansky will compete for the long-snapping gig.
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.
