There is no secret that the Las Vegas Raiders defense was terrible last season. The rushing defense was solid, but the passing defense struggled. Raiders linebackers struggled in coverage as well as cornerbacks. The Raiders ranked 31st in the league in forced turnovers and only intercepted nine passes. Las Vegas must get better in those categories.
Cory Littleton Linebacker
The Raiders have had a problem at linebacker for a few years now; it is time they address it. Cory Littleton would be an excellent free-agent signing for the Raiders. Littleton is the complete package at the linebacker position. He is a middle linebacker that has outstanding coverage skills, which is rare for a middle linebacker in today’s NFL. The NFL is a passing league now, and you need a linebacker that can cover as well as run sideline to sideline.
Last season with the Los Angele Rams, Littleton had 134 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. Littleton is what the Raiders need in a linebacker, somebody that can cover and tackle well.
Bryon Jones Cornerback
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Byron Jones is expected to test the open market; the Raiders are expected to be interested in him. Jones would cost the Raiders a lot of money, but they need a corner of his magnitude to play alongside Trayvon Mullen. Mullen showed flashes of being a physical corner last season.
Jones may only have two interceptions in five years, but he is a shutdown corner. In his career, Jones has held opponents to just a 53.1 completion percentage. Jones added 46 tackles and six passes defended last season for Dallas.
If the Raiders could sign Jones and team him with Mullen, it could give the Raiders one of the best young cornerback tandems in the NFL.
If the Las Vegas Raiders can manage to sign Littleton and Jones this offseason, it would be a huge lift for a struggling defense. With a good amount of cap space and five picks in the top 100. the Raiders will have a great chance to improve their defense.
