This offseason, the Raiders should bolster their linebacker unit.
Josh McDaniels didn’t execute flawlessly, but he placed a high value on a player’s availability, considering it nearly as crucial as any other attribute. This mindset prompted the Las Vegas Raiders to acquire Robert Spillane last offseason, as their previous linebacker had missed multiple games due to injury. McDaniels’ emphasis on player availability may have led the Raiders to secure Spillane as their linebacker of the future. In his debut season with the Raiders, Spillane ranked 10th in the National Football League for tackles, totaling 148 tackles.
Spillane had earned a reputation with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a resilient linebacker who frequently played a significant number of snaps, often staying on the field for nearly every play when starting games for the Steelers. However, Spillane had not been given a genuine opportunity to serve as a full-time starter. Despite the Raiders already possessing a strong LB group, there’s still room for enhancement within the unit.
During the season in Las Vegas, Spillane anchored a defense that lacked many household names but performed admirably, finishing near the top of the league in various statistical categories. Spillane and Divine Deablo formed a reliable duo in their inaugural season together, dispelling initial concerns that they might be a weak spot for the team. While Spillane demonstrated his capability as an every-down linebacker, Deablo showcased his durability at the linebacker position after transitioning from a defensive back and overcoming a significant portion of the 2022 season with an injury. Deablo’s unique blend of size and speed complemented Spillane’s physicality effectively.
However, with the Raiders holding the 13th pick in this year’s NFL Draft, they have the opportunity to potentially acquire one of the top linebackers without needing to trade away draft picks. This allows them to bolster their defense and significantly improve their team without the need for a trade. The Raiders now have confidence in their solid trio of linebackers in Spillane, Deablo, and Luke Masterson. Yet, with a former NFL linebacker as their head coach and an already enhanced defense, adding a quality linebacker or two could further fortify the Raiders’ defense, making it even more formidable.
