Defensive Depth Tested in Season for the Las Vegas Raiders
- Las Vegas Raiders
- 11/29/2025 11:29:59 PM
The 2025 NFL season put the Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive depth to its sternest test yet, as a wave of mid-season injuries sidelined key starters across the secondary, defensive line, and linebacker corps. What began as a promising campaign—with the defense ranking 8th in total yards allowed through Week 8—quickly turned into a battle of resilience, forcing the Raiders to lean on backups, rookies, and position switches to keep their playoff hopes alive. Defensive Depth Tested in Season for the Las Vegas Raiders examines how the team navigated these challenges, the unexpected standout performances from reserve players, and the lessons learned about building a defensive roster that can withstand the physical toll of an NFL season. For a Raiders team aiming to contend in the tough AFC West, these tests of depth weren’t just setbacks—they were a proving ground for the franchise’s long-term defensive vision.
Defensive Depth Tested in Season for the Las Vegas Raiders kicked off with a critical blow to the secondary: star slot cornerback Amik Robertson suffered a torn hamstring in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos, sidelining him for four games. Robertson, who had 12 pass breakups and two interceptions to that point, was the Raiders’ primary defender against opposing slot receivers—who had accounted for just 35% of opponents’ passing yards pre-injury. With no clear replacement on the depth chart, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham turned to Nate Hobbs, a third-year cornerback who had primarily played outside, and rookie Chris Smith II, a fifth-round draft pick with just 10 defensive snaps to his name. Hobbs shifted to the slot and immediately made an impact, recording six tackles and a pass breakup in his first start against the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith, meanwhile, filled in as the third cornerback and tallied his first career interception in Week 11 against the Indianapolis Colts. “Losing Amik hurt, but it gave guys a chance to step up,” Graham said. “Nate and Chris didn’t just fill a role—they embraced it. That’s the mark of good depth: reserves who are ready when their number is called.”
A more sustained test of depth, highlighted in Defensive Depth Tested in Season for the Las Vegas Raiders, came on the defensive line, where two key contributors missed time in a three-week span. Defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (8 sacks through Week 10) was sidelined with a calf strain, and edge rusher Chandler Jones (10 sacks) sat out two games with a shoulder injury. This left the Raiders relying on Adam Butler, a journeyman defensive tackle, and rookie Thayer Munford Jr.—who had originally been drafted as an offensive lineman but switched to defense in training camp—to fill the gaps. Butler stepped up, recording 15 tackles and two sacks in Nichols’ absence, including a crucial sack in the fourth quarter of a Week 12 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Munford, meanwhile, held his own against Chargers offensive tackles, tallying three quarterback pressures in his first significant defensive action. The defensive line didn’t collapse without its stars; instead, it maintained its pressure rate (40% post-injury, down just 2% from pre-injury) and continued to shut down run games (allowing 92 rushing yards per game). “Our defensive line depth was a question mark in the off-season, but these guys answered it,” Raiders defensive line coach Rob Leonard said. “Adam’s experience and Thayer’s versatility kept us competitive—even when we were missing key pieces.”
Defensive Depth Tested in Season for the Las Vegas Raiders also delved into the challenges at linebacker, where Denzel Perryman— the team’s leading tackler (78 through Week 11)—suffered a concussion in Week 12, forcing the Raiders to shuffle their lineup. Graham moved Divine Deablo, a converted safety with strong coverage skills, into Perryman’s “MIKE” linebacker spot, and promoted rookie linebacker Luke Masterson from the practice squad to serve as the backup. Deablo, who had never played full-time linebacker before, adapted quickly: he led the team in tackles (11) in his first start against the New England Patriots and recorded a game-sealing fumble recovery in Week 14. Masterson, meanwhile, contributed on special teams and logged 20 defensive snaps, making four tackles. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this position switch wasn’t just a short-term fix—it revealed a hidden layer of depth. “Divine’s ability to play both safety and linebacker is a huge asset,” Graham said. “We draft players for versatility, and this is why—when injuries hit, you can move guys around to fill gaps. That’s the kind of depth that wins games in December.”
Another key test of defensive depth, explored in Defensive Depth Tested in Season for the Las Vegas Raiders, came in the form of “volume” —the need for reserves to play extended snaps when starters went down mid-game. In Week 13 against the Colts, safety Tre’von Moehrig left the game with a knee sprain in the second quarter, forcing backup Isaiah Pola-Mao into action for the final two and a half quarters. Pola-Mao, who had played just 30 defensive snaps all season, didn’t miss a beat: he recorded seven tackles, a pass breakup, and helped limit Colts tight end Kylen Granson to 35 yards (well below his season average of 60). What made Pola-Mao’s performance even more impressive was his ability to communicate with the secondary—adjusting coverages on the fly and ensuring the defense didn’t lose its cohesion. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this moment highlighted the importance of preparing backups like starters. “We don’t treat reserves as ‘second-string’—we give them first-team reps in practice, let them call coverages, and hold them to the same standard,” secondary coach Chris Ash said. “Isaiah’s performance wasn’t a fluke—it was the result of months of preparation. That’s what good depth looks like.”
Looking ahead, Defensive Depth Tested in Season for the Las Vegas Raiders outlined how these challenges have shaped the Raiders’ off-season defensive strategy. The team has already identified key reserves—like Hobbs, Butler, and Deablo—as priority re-signings, ensuring continuity in depth roles. They’ve also doubled down on drafting versatile players, using their 2026 draft picks to select defensive backs who can play multiple positions and linebackers who excel in both run defense and coverage. Head coach Josh McDaniels emphasized the role of depth in the team’s future: “You can’t win in the NFL without a deep defense. Every team deals with injuries, but the teams that succeed are the ones that have reserves ready to step in and play at a high level. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this season’s tests showed us we’re on the right track—but there’s still work to do to build even more depth.”
Defensive Depth Tested in Season for the Las Vegas Raiders concluded with a clear takeaway: the 2025 season proved that the Raiders’ defensive depth is more than just a roster checkbox—it’s a competitive advantage. From Hobbs’ shift to the slot to Pola-Mao’s mid-game heroics, the defense didn’t just survive injuries; it adapted and thrived. For fans, these tests were a reminder of the unsung heroes of football—backup players who work tirelessly in practice, stay ready, and deliver when their team needs them most. As the Raiders head into the playoffs, their defensive depth remains one of their greatest strengths—a buffer against future injuries and a secret weapon against opponents who rely too heavily on their starters. In the end, the 2025 season’s tests of defensive depth didn’t just make the Las Vegas Raiders a better team—they made them a more resilient one, ready to compete with anyone in the NFL.