The Las Vegas Raiders needing help on defense seems to be an annual issue that repeats like clockwork. Most recently, Yardbarker’s Seth Trachtman released an NFL Mock Draft where the Silver and Black go in that direction.
Picking up a linebacker in the first round of the draft hasn’t yielded good results. However, there are several factors that tie into that fact. Those Raider teams were plagued by terrible coaching, poorly assembled rosters, and overall apathy. The current management, led by head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock, is changing this. There’s been an immense amount of investment on this roster, specifically the defense. Linebackers Nick Kwiatkoski and Cory Littleton were signed this offseason, and several promising players have been drafted since 2019.
Unfortunately, there’s still work to be done, and Trachtman believes the Silver and Black would benefit from drafting Dylan Moses from the University of Alabama.
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What Could Moses Bring To The Raiders?
Kwiatkoski’s proving to be the defensive leader and that’s no surprise, considering the offseason hype that surrounded him. ’44’ can’t do it on his own though and Littleton has been one of the biggest disappointments along with Maliek Collins. Trachtman states that Moses’ tackling skills could be of great use for Las Vegas.
“The Raiders did well in free agency at linebacker during the offseason but still need more depth. Recovered from a knee injury, Moses had 46 tackles in six games this year.”
Dylan’s still recovering from a knee injury and see his stock fall somewhat in 2020, but he has upside. Pro Football Focus College grades his run defense at 58.9 this year and his pass-rushing grades sit near 60. Jordan Reid of The Draft Network likes his athleticism.
“Because of his athleticism, Moses will also be well-liked. His type of fluidity and easy movement skills are what teams have long sought at the position in a pass-happy league.”
The issue with whom the Raiders draft next year will be the state of the defensive coaching staff. It’s uncertain whether defensive coordinator Paul Guenther will still be the shot-caller on defense. A new defensive coordinator might mean a scheme change or perhaps a change of philosophy in how they address their needs. For now, a player like Moses would help this defense, the linebacker corp specifically, in getting this defense to another level.
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