The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to improve next season and get their team back to winning a lot more games than they did last season.
The Raiders season in 2024 did not go how anyone wanted it to go, but now, as we get closer to the 2025 season, a lot of things have changed for the Raiders.
In 2024 when the team was struggling, the defense always had an answer to keep the team in the game. The defense was one bright spot. Even with all the injuries that the Raiders had on the defensive side, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham was able to get his players to make some good football, especially on the defensive line.
And that was one huge thing that the Raiders did over the offseason. They were able to bring back Patrick Graham. The Raiders front four on the defensive line can be special under Graham if they can stay healthy. The Raiders have one of the best, if not the best, defensive ends in the National Football League with Maxx Crosby.
They have two good defensive tackles in Adam Butler and Christian Wilkins. Then, at the other end, the Silver and Black have Malcolm Koonce, who looks to take another step at becoming an elite pass rusher. Even the depth of the Raiders on the defensive line is good. Now, another year together and with Graham, the defense can be way better with the front four.
Our Hondo Carpenter talked about defensive tackle Adam Butler and his importance on the defense on a recent episode of the "Las Vegas Raiders Insider Podcast."
"Adam Butler gap dominance," said Carpenter. "This guy is every single thing you want. In fact, the Patriots won a Super Bowl, and guys on that team will tell you, Adam Butler should have been the MVP. He is every single thing you want. He is a very hard worker, respected by Maxx [Crosby], which is a very big deal. Loved by Robbie Leonard. Loved by Patrick Graham. When you are in a division with a Patrick Mahomes, you've got to have an Adam Butler."
"He is so disciplined at his gaps. A great presence as a person in that locker room helping players ... Adam Butler is a terrific person and a great player, a solid starter."
