Raiders Face Three Major Question Marks in Key Defensive Positions

The Las Vegas Raiders face significant uncertainty on defense, particularly in the secondary, where most players are young and inexperienced. Under new head coach Pete Carroll, the team has overhauled nearly its entire defensive backfield except for safety Isaiah Pola-Mao, who has only 14 career starts. Jeremy Chinn is the most experienced starter in the secondary, while cornerback Eric Stokes has struggled with availability, missing 22 games over the past three seasons. The Raiders are relying heavily on player development to strengthen this unit.

On the defensive line, the recent release of Christian Wilkins has created a major opportunity for younger players to step into larger roles. Wilkins played only five games for the Raiders, so his departure isn’t a major loss in terms of playing time, but it leaves a vacancy alongside Adam Butler. Last season, Jonah Laulu saw significant action in Wilkins’ absence, appearing in 43% of defensive snaps across 17 games and recording 35 tackles, three tackles for loss, five pressures, and one sack.

This year, Laulu will face increased competition from newcomers. The Raiders drafted Tonka Hemingway and JJ Pegues in the fourth and sixth rounds, respectively, and also signed Leki Fotu while acquiring Thomas Booker IV in a trade. The coaching staff is expected to rotate defensive tackles situationally, though Butler is likely to lead the group in snaps due to his proven pass-rushing ability. Consistency from one of the younger players will be crucial to solidifying the interior defensive line.