The Las Vegas Raiders signed Javin White as a free agent once the 2020 NFL Draft had come and gone. After the first round of cuts, the UNLV product is still standing and closer to making the Silver and Black’s roster.Â
Where does Javin White stand?
The Raiders had a serious need at the linebacker last season. They fully addressed it this offseason when they signed Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski. Both are expected to start in 2020. Nicholas Morrow will likely take the third spot in the middle of the defense, which could leave rookie Tanner Muse as a backup.
Nonetheless, the Raiders need more depth at the position. Last season, they carried four linebackers. Whether it was out of design or lack of talent, it wasn’t the best course of action. At one point, the unit was so depleted they brought in veteran Will Compton.
If the Raiders decide they want to carry four linebackers again, Littleton, Kwiatkoski, Morrow and Muse will be the ones. However, if they opt in favor of keeping five, White’s chances to make the team increase a lot.
Marquel Lee could have been a candidate to take the fifth linebacker had he not failed his physical. Other options include Bryce Hager, whom the Raiders just signed and Kyle Wilber, who mainly plays on special teams.
Related:Â Nick Morrow May Have Hard Time Cracking Raiders Defensive Starting Lineup
Javin White got the ultimate endorsement
Without many roadblocks in his way, White has a relative clear path to making the roster. Also, the fact head coach Jon Gruden recently praised him doesn’t hurt either.
On the Raiders official website, Gruden talked about being content with Littleton and Kwiatkoski. However, the coach didn’t stop with the veterans and acknowledged the team is currently happy with White.
We’re really happy with [Nick] Kwiatkoski and [Cory] Littleton, but there’s a young kid out of [University] of Nevada Las Vegas, a young undrafted free agent, Javin White.
Although Gruden is known for throwing compliments to every player he has a chance to talk about, he recently has been more critical, so it stands out when he speaks positively about White.
The season is still more or less a month away from starting, but if White continues working the way he has, the odds of making the Raiders roster will continue to increase.
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Top Photo: UNLV Athletics
