Who’s ready to watch Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones take the field this Sunday… to stretch profusely? No, we won’t get a look at the Las Vegas Raiders’ new defensive end tag team just yet, but there’s no shortage of names looking to prove themselves as the season draws closer.
3 Names on defense worth watching for the Raiders
Matthew Butler
The Raiders have been without their starting defensive tackles, Johnathan Hankins and Bilal Nichols, for what seems like the entirety of training camp. Despite their absence, the rest of the group has yet to truly stand out. Rookie Matthew Butler has a prime opportunity to make some plays against Minnesota and flash the pass-rushing ability that could make the Tennessee product a factor in certain situations during the regular season.
Jayon Brown
Add the linebacker group to the latest positional group bitten by the injury bug. While it seems like Divine Deablo has the inside track on the starting job opposite Pro Bowler Denzel Perryman, there’s still a chance the former Tennessee Titan can make a push for more playing time. The Raiders have long winced whenever a linebacker is left in coverage, but Brown could help remedy those pains. Sunday could be his first step to grabbing hold of a starting gig.
Amik Robertson
Amik Robertson was once considered a possible slot solution for the Raiders before being viewed as yet another disappointment in Mike Mayock’s draft track record. Robertson still has the same chip on his shoulder that he entered the league with, and the coaching staff has taken notice.
Now it appears his skill set is finally shining through as well. The former Louisiana Tech Bulldog is just that. Despite his stature, Robertson has had success on the outside against the Raider wideouts, while numerous cornerbacks are on the mend. Sunday is a perfect opportunity to show that the rave reviews will translate when the lights get bright.
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*Top Photo: Official Raiders Website