The Las Vegas Raiders looked better on paper when they rolled out their first 53-man roster, but one spot still carries real risk: linebacker.
Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker give the defense a strong starting pair, but the problem is obvious. Dean has missed 21 games over his last three seasons, and Walker has missed 10 in that same span. That means the Raiders need a dependable plan behind them, and right now that answer looks thin.
Cody Lindenberg had a solid overall offseason, even if the preseason finale went poorly, but Tommy Eichenberg and Segun Olubi both spent the spring and summer fighting through shaky stretches. If either one is forced into a bigger defensive role this year, the drop-off could be painful.
That’s the heart of the concern for John Spytek and the front office. They knew the injury histories when they brought Dean and Walker in, so the possibility of both missing time was never some far-fetched scenario. Even with the full offseason to build out the position, the current contingency plan doesn’t inspire much confidence.
Lindenberg flashed early in the preseason, but his performance tailed off over the next two games. Eichenberg and Olubi, meanwhile, never really got on track. Olubi was even cut at first before being brought back a day or so later.
There’s a clear gap in quality here. Dean and Walker are among the best players on the roster, while Eichenberg and Olubi sit near the bottom.
Lindenberg isn’t far ahead of them. If everyone stays healthy, that may be enough, especially with the trio helping on special teams.
But if one of them has to play major snaps on defense, and behind a defensive interior that isn’t especially strong, the Raiders could be in trouble.
That’s why this feels like a spot where the preseason warning signs should matter. If that level of play is real, then Las Vegas is taking a big gamble by trusting the current linebacker depth.
The problem is that the external market isn’t exactly overflowing with answers. Bobby Wagner is the best name available, but he’s not coming to Las Vegas to be a backup. He’s more of a name to stash away in case a serious injury changes the picture.
Kenneth Murray and Elandon Roberts are probably the strongest depth options out there, though neither looks like a must-sign right now. So if the Raiders want to improve the room, they may have to get creative and search for overlooked talent or poach someone from another practice squad.
A few names fit that idea. Denver rookie Red Murdock, who made his way back to the Broncos’ practice squad, could be worth a look after strong college play and a solid preseason. Taurean York, another rookie who wasn’t re-signed in Denver, is also available.
Junior Colson is another possibility. The Chargers’ 2024 third-round pick hasn’t made much noise in his career so far, but he took a noticeable step this preseason and is currently on their practice squad.
Dallas linebacker Justin Barron should also be on the radar. He had a strong camp for the Cowboys and opened the preseason well before a rough final outing hurt his chances. Even so, he can cover and he can make plays against the run, which gives him appeal if Las Vegas wants to take a shot.
None of those options are perfect, and the Raiders may simply hope the issue never surfaces. Maybe Dean and Walker both stay healthy through the regular season for the first time since their rookie years. If they don’t, though, Spytek could end up regretting not doing more to fortify the depth behind them.
In Other News...
Raiders May Have Found The Young Defender Maxx Crosby Needed
Maxx Crosby is back for a new season after the Raiders failed trade attempt ran into a physical, and the attention around Las Vegas has quickly shifted to who can help take some of the pressure off its best defender. One name getting notice from ESPN analysts is rookie safety Treydan Stukes, an under-the-radar pick who has quietly pushed his way into the conversation as a possible contributor on a defense that needs more reliable pieces around Crosby.
Stukes has been working with the first-team defense, and that alone suggests the Raiders are serious about finding ways to use him early. His value may come from versatility, with the coaching staff expected to move him around the scheme rather than limit him to one clean role, which is often how young defenders earn trust in Las Vegas. If he keeps trending in that direction, the Raiders may have found the kind of support piece Crosby needs to keep the defense from leaning too hard on him. [Read more 🡒]
Raiders Took One Waiver Chance And It Says Plenty About This Secondary
The Raiders dipped into the waiver wire for a secondary add, claiming cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. after his release from San Francisco. A former fifth-round pick, Luter brought enough preseason momentum to keep his name in circulation, and Las Vegas appears to view him first as a special teams asset while also giving the defense another body in the back end.
For a roster that has already shown a need to keep shoring up depth, the move says as much about roster management as it does about Luter himself. Assistant general manager Brian Stark pointed to his experience and special teams ability as the main reasons for the pickup, which makes this less about a headline-grabbing splash and more about a practical bet on a player who can help in multiple phases while learning the defense. [Read more 🡒]
Raiders QB Battle Just Sent A Clear Message To Fernando Mendoza
The Raiders quarterback picture has a clear pecking order for now, and it includes Fernando Mendoza having to wait his turn. General manager John Spytek recently praised Mendozas work ethic, but also made it plain that the rookie will not be handed the job right away, underscoring that Las Vegas wants a real competition for snaps rather than a fast track based on potential alone.
For Mendoza, that is the kind of message young quarterbacks hear early and often, but it still lands with some weight when it comes from the front office. The Raiders are signaling that preparation matters, depth chart spots have to be earned, and the path to playing time this season will be shaped by the way the room performs once the reps start being handed out. [Read more 🡒]