Raiders Set To Rotate Multiple Players Across Defensive Roles In Bold, Game-Changing Shakeup That Could Unleash Chaos On Opponents And Rewrite AFC West Hierarchy

The Las Vegas Raiders are entering the 2025 season with a renewed defensive identity, centered around versatility and aggression. Under new head coach Pete Carroll and returning defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, the Raiders are actively experimenting with personnel across multiple roles during training camp. This strategic shift is designed to maximize talent and leverage players who can thrive in hybrid roles.

Raiders Defense Set to Embrace Positional Versatility

One of the most notable examples of this versatility is Tyree Wilson, the 2023 seventh overall pick. While Wilson entered the league primarily as an edge rusher, the Raiders are now planning to use him across the defensive line.

“We’re moving [Wilson] around, trying to see what we can do and work in complement with our other rushers,” Carroll said. “But I’m really enthused about how he’s shown his effort and his concern about doing things really hard and full speed and all that. So that’s a really good sign. He’s a marvelous looking athlete.”

Graham echoed Carroll’s excitement, pointing to Wilson’s strength and quickness as an advantage inside. “When you bring that down, it’s a different matchup for the guard.”

But Wilson isn’t the only player being shuffled into new roles. Jeremy Chinn, a free-agent Swiss Army Knife addition this offseason, has also seen action at multiple positions.

During camp, Chinn has occasionally lined up as a nickel cornerback when the Raiders deploy three safeties. His history of versatility is well-documented, with over 1,000 snaps as both a safety and slot defender since 2020, and nearly 400 snaps at inside linebacker. His ability to float between positions allows Las Vegas to disguise coverages and stay flexible against multiple offensive looks.

“I feel like I can affect the game in a lot of ways,” Chinn said. “In this defense, it’s allowing me to do that.” Raiders general manager John Spytek also describes him as a “big nickel,” capable of contributing both in the box and deep coverage.

Jamal Adams, who the Raiders recently brought in, is a former standout safety who played under Carroll in Seattle and is now looking to take on a unique role in Las Vegas. The three-time Pro Bowler has been lining up at weakside linebacker, a position that leverages his downhill explosiveness and tackling ability. Adams has referred to himself as the “Joker” (jack of all trades) and believes he can compete at a high level at either safety or linebacker.

“We made a big trade because of who he is and the nature of his football,” Carroll said in regards to the Seahawks’ decision to trade for Adams back in 2020. “His style of play is so suitable for what we’re trying to do here — being aggressive and tough and all that.” If Adams can stay healthy, he offers a physical presence that pairs well with Chinn’s range and Wilson’s power up front.

Tyree Wilson Under Pressure to Deliver in Pivotal Third Season

GettyTyree Wilson #9 and Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Despite his rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism, Tyree Wilson’s NFL career has yet to live up to its early promise. The 6’6″ and 275-pound defensive lineman has totaled just eight sacks and 56 tackles in 33 career games, including only four starts.

Wilson himself acknowledges that 2025 is a make-or-break season. “After the bye week [last year], [I] went home and kind of gathered my thoughts. And I watch the tape, and I wasn’t [where] I want to be,” he said. “And every week [I] kept growing and I’m trying to [carry] that into this year.”

Wilson responded by improving his play over the final stretch of 2024, racking up 3.5 sacks and 24 pressures in the last eight games. His full-season totals improved as well: 4.5 sacks, 36 pressures, and an 11.4% pressure rate.

This offseason, Wilson prioritized his conditioning and worked on counter moves to expand beyond being just a power rusher. “Man, I love it,” Wilson said about moving around the defensive line. “I get to work with different guys in different positions and help the rush go and be able to stop the run so we get to that third down.” His 2024 usage already hints at his effectiveness inside, with nine pressures and two sacks while playing defensive tackle.

Still, the Raiders need more. Following the offseason release of starting defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, Wilson is expected to step into a larger role both on the edge and inside. Carroll is placing a ton of trust, stating, “I think this is really his time…I’m counting on him to do stuff in a big way.”

Combined with the versatility of Chinn and Adams, Wilson and the Raiders are creating a defense that’s adaptable, aggressive, and increasingly unpredictable. Whether it all clicks remains to be seen, but there’s hope for a new-look Raiders defense that’s poised to make some noise.