Defensive Strength with New Additions for the Las Vegas Raiders

After a busy offseason of drafting and free-agent signings, the Las Vegas Raiders have transformed their defense from a unit with glaring gaps to one with renewed depth, playmaking ability, and balance. The team’s front office targeted key defensive positions that held them back last season—cornerback, linebacker, and defensive line—bringing in a mix of rookie talent and veteran experience to complement established stars like Maxx Crosby. These new additions aren’t just filling roster spots; they’re reshaping the Raiders’ defensive identity, turning a inconsistent group into one that can compete with the AFC’s top offenses. Defensive Strength with New Additions for the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down how each new defensive player fits into the system, the specific strengths they bring, and how the revamped unit could elevate the Raiders’ playoff chances.

The most impactful addition to the Raiders’ defense is rookie cornerback Jalen Hawkins, a second-round draft pick from LSU who immediately addresses the team’s long-standing need for a reliable No. 2 cornerback. Last season, the Raiders’ secondary struggled to contain opposing wide receivers, allowing 252 passing yards per game (19th in the NFL) and surrendering 21 passing touchdowns. Hawkins, a 6’0”, 195-pound corner with elite speed (4.43 40-yard dash) and physicality, is projected to start opposite veteran Amik Robertson, forming a tandem that can match up with most NFL wide receiver duos. His college film shows a player who excels in both man coverage (breaking up 12 passes in 2023) and zone schemes, and his ability to force turnovers (3 interceptions last season) adds a much-needed playmaking element to the secondary. During OTAs, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham praised Hawkins’ “quick learning curve” and noted that he’s already competing for reps with the first-team defense. Defensive Strength with New Additions for the Las Vegas Raiders frames Hawkins as a cornerstone of the revamped secondary, someone who can reduce the pressure on Crosby and the pass rush.

Another key new addition is linebacker Marcus Green, a third-round draft pick from Penn State who brings versatility and tackling precision to the Raiders’ linebacker corps. Last season, the Raiders’ linebackers struggled with consistency in both run defense and pass coverage, allowing 4.6 yards per carry (20th in the NFL) and missing 32 tackles. Green, a 6’2”, 235-pound linebacker who played both inside and outside in college, fixes those issues with his ability to stop the run (115 total tackles in 2023) and drop into coverage (6 pass breakups last season). He’s expected to back up starters Denzel Perryman (inside) and Divine Deablo (outside) but will see significant rotational snaps, especially in sub-packages where his versatility shines. Green’s presence also allows Graham to run more complex defensive formations—like 3-4 and 4-3 looks—without sacrificing talent at any linebacker spot. Post-draft analysis from NFL.com noted that Green “fits the Raiders’ defensive scheme perfectly” and could be a “rookie of the year candidate” if he continues to develop. Defensive Strength with New Additions for the Las Vegas Raiders emphasizes how Green’s versatility makes the linebackers a more dynamic and reliable group.

For the Las Vegas Raiders, the addition of defensive tackle Jamal Thompson (fourth-round draft pick from Oklahoma) strengthens the interior of the defensive line, a area that was thin behind starters Bilal Nichols and Adam Butler last season. Thompson, a 6’3”, 310-pound run-stuffer with surprising pass-rush ability, recorded 5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in his final college season—proving he can contribute in both phases of the game. Last year, the Raiders’ defensive tackles struggled to clog running lanes, allowing opposing running backs to find gaps in the interior, and they generated just 8 sacks from the position. Thompson’s strength (he bench-pressed 225 pounds 32 times at the combine) will help shore up run defense, while his quickness off the line can add to the pass rush. For the Las Vegas Raiders, Thompson’s addition isn’t just about depth—it’s about creating competition. Nichols and Butler will now face pressure to perform, which could elevate their play as well. During training camp, Thompson has already drawn praise from Crosby, who said, “Jamal brings energy to the line—he’s always pushing, and that makes all of us better.” Defensive Strength with New Additions for the Las Vegas Raiders explores how Thompson’s presence makes the defensive line a more balanced and threatening unit.

The Las Vegas Raiders also added veteran safety Jaylen Carter as an undrafted free agent from Ole Miss, a player who could surprise and contribute to the secondary. Carter, a 6’1”, 205-pound safety with a knack for forcing turnovers (4 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles in college), is competing for a backup role behind starters Tre’von Moehrig and Duron Harmon. While undrafted free agents face long odds, Carter’s ball-hawking ability and special teams experience (he played on kickoff and punt coverage in college) give him a chance to make the roster. For the Las Vegas Raiders, Carter represents a low-risk, high-reward addition—someone who can provide depth in the secondary and contribute on special teams, a area where the Raiders struggled last season (allowing 2 kickoff returns for touchdowns). Even if Carter doesn’t start, his presence adds competition and ensures the Raiders have a reliable backup if Moehrig or Harmon gets injured. Defensive Strength with New Additions for the Las Vegas Raiders notes that Carter is part of the Raiders’ strategy to build depth at every defensive position, reducing the impact of injuries during the long season.

Finally, the combination of these new additions with established stars creates a defensive unit that is more balanced, deeper, and threatening than it was last season. Crosby, who is in line for a contract extension, will benefit from the improved secondary—opposing quarterbacks won’t be able to hold the ball as long, giving him more opportunities to sack or pressure them. The linebackers, with Green’s versatility, can now focus on their strengths: Perryman on run defense, Deablo on coverage, and Green filling in where needed. The secondary, with Hawkins and Carter, is no longer a liability; it’s a group that can create turnovers and limit big plays. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this revamped defense isn’t just about winning games—it’s about changing the team’s identity. No longer will the Raiders be a team that relies solely on offense to win; they now have a defense that can stop opponents and give the offense opportunities to score. During a recent press conference, head coach Josh McDaniels said, “Our defense has the potential to be special this season. The new guys have fit right in, and the veterans are leading the way.” Defensive Strength with New Additions for the Las Vegas Raiders concludes that the new defensive additions have turned the Raiders into a more complete team—one that can compete with the best in the AFC and make a legitimate run at the playoffs.