When the weather heats up, the Oakland Raiders will begin to sift through their roster. More importantly, their fine-tuning will consist of the known and the intriguing. With their last season in Oakland looking certain, The Raiders also need to set themselves up for future success as well. In 2018, the team struggled with linebacker play. Now, it appears like Paul Guenther will go heavy with veterans, but a rookie will probably surprise his fair share of people.
Vontaze Burfict
For his entire career, Burfict lives in the shadow of the word “if”. If he can stay on the field, with his mind clear, the Raiders will benefit. Additionally, Burfict’s concussion history needs watching. On the field, the Raiders could enjoy a downhill tackler.
Brandon Marshall
Like Burfict, Marshall enters the locker room with questions. How far past the coverage ‘backer glory days is he? The Raiders will gamble on a wily veteran with coverage ability.
Tahir Whitehead
Granted, Whitehead his best year in years. However, can the Raiders thrive with a lineup of Burfict, Marshall, and Whitehead? While stout versus the run, Whitehead will continue to struggle versus the pass.
Jason Cabinda
In 2018, the undrafted free agent from Penn State managed to start three games. During this time, He performed admirably. Luckily, Cabinda can excel on special teams or the odd spot start.
Nicholas Morrow
When you watch film, Morrow could still rank as the most athletic coverage linebacker on the team. The former safety gives the Raiders he twitchy flexibility to succeed. On the other hand, the lack of size and functional play strength seems to catch up.
Te’von Coney
Somehow, the former Notre Dame standout slipped through the draft without a call. In the long run, and the present, Coney possesses the agility and tackling ability to make a starting job nervous for one of the three starters. Coney will give the Raiders a three-down linebacker eventually. How he progresses remains a mystery.
Marquel Lee
Another holdover from the McKenzie Era, Lee plays a solid linebacker. While he will not surrender gash plays, he will not flash across the screen ever. Yet, his truth worth resides on special teams.
Now, the Raiders do have linebacker depth. Unfortunately, they also have many questions. Behind the top three issues could arise. Meanwhile, Coney, after a solid camp could see his stock rise. The Raiders finally have quality linebackers.
