The past couple seasons in Las Vegas, the only thing this Raiders team has been able to lean on has been the play of its defense. There was a good amount of continuity across the defense from the players to the coaches. That defense was what pulled the Raiders up in the latter half of the 2023 season. But dropping to a four-win season led to another coaching change and with it an overhaul.
The conversation this offseason in Las Vegas has focused on the offensive side of the ball. With one publication saying the Raiders were among this big winners this offseason. Understandable with a new quarterback in Geno Smith and top pick running back Ashton Jeanty. But the biggest overall changes are happening on the defensive side. Specifically the off ball portion.
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The defensive line is remarkably intact. With new contracts for three of the four starters -- Maxx Crosby, Malcolm Koonce, and Adam Butler -- and the expected return of Christian Wilkins from injury. Even the key reserves are back in the fold including DE Charles Snowden, DE Tyree Wilson, DT Jonah Laulu, and DT Zach Carter.
The rest of the defense, however, could look very different.
At linebacker, starters Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo are gone. Replaced by Elandon Roberts, Germaine Pratt, and Devin White. At corner, starters Nate Hobbs and Jack Jones are gone. Replaced by Eric Stokes and rookie Darien Porter. At safety Tre'von Moehrig and Marcus Epps are gone. Replaced by Jeremy Chinn and Lonnie Johnson Jr.
As a result, based on what the Raiders defensive depth chart looked like in minicamp, this is what the turnover on defense could look like come the season:
|
Pos |
2024 season opening starter |
2025 possible starter |
|
LB |
Robert Spillane |
Elandon Roberts |
|
LB |
Divine Deablo |
Germaine Pratt |
|
CB |
Jack Jones |
Darien Porter |
|
CB |
Jakorian Bennett |
Eric Stokes |
|
SCB |
Nate Hobbs |
Jeremy Chinn* |
|
SS |
Marcus Epps |
Lonnie Johnson Jr* |
|
FS |
Tre'von Moehrig |
Isaiah Pola-Mao |
*Chinn will split time between nickel corner and safety with Johnson entering the game at safety in that alignment.
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Bennett will have a shot to earn back his starting cornerback job. But thus far he has been running with the second team as he works his way back from the injury that ended his 2024 season in week ten.
Isaiah Pola-Mao replaced the injured Marcus Epps in week three of last season and started the final 14 games. He is being given a shot to keep the job, receiving a new long term deal.
It remains to be seen if this turnover will be a step up, down, or lateral. The Raiders had the financial means to re-sign several of their departing free agents, but opted to let them test the market where the likes of Spillane, Hobbs, and Moehrig all received big paydays. While the Raiders signed all but one of their incoming free agents to one-year deals (Chinn got a two-year deal).
