Raiders defensive depth chart taking shape; Javin White stands out again

By Mike Grimala (contact)

Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020 | 2 a.m.

Yesterday we analyzed the Raiders’ offensive position groups at the midway point of training camp and came to the conclusion that most of the depth chart appears to be settled on that side of the ball. Today, let’s move to the much maligned defense, where there are more moving parts, more question marks and fewer names set in stone.

While Las Vegas focused most of its draft efforts on offense, the defense received more love in free agency, as the team brought in at least three Week 1 starters and several other veterans who are competing for key roles.

Let’s go position by position:

DEFENSIVE LINE

The starting front seems to have distinguished itself to this point in camp, with Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell being the defensive ends and Maurice Hurst and Maliek Collins being the tackles. The staff, including new D-line coach Rod Marinelli, is particularly high on Collins, who registered 48 pressures last year to rank him among the league’s elite. That foursome is young and experienced, but there is still upside to mine with Marinelli orchestrating things.

Defensive end Carl Nassib got a 3-year, $25 million contract in the offseason, so he’ll be the top backup at defensive end, and Arden Key will continue to work in the rotation as well. The team is thin on the interior, with Jonathan Hankins in the driver’s seat to be the top backup there. The other two DTs in camp, Mike Panasiuk and Daniel Ross, are borderline guys, but one of them will make the squad (and Jon Gruden will spend most weeks hoping they won’t be needed on game day).

LINEBACKERS

This is the unit that was revamped the most during the offseason, as Las Vegas brought in two immediate starters in free agency. Cory Littleton got a premium contract (three years, $36 million) to line up on the outside and smother tight ends and crossing routes, while Nick Kwiatkoski got paid (three years, $21 million) to man the middle in the Raiders’ 4-3 alignment. Both have looked the part in camp so far.

What happens with the rest of the linebacking corps is where things get interesting. Third-round rookie Tanner Muse is a lock to make the team, and he’ll provide special teams value as he transitions from college safety to pro OLB. But the breakout star of training camp has been undrafted prospect Javin White, who sparkled once again on Wednesday. The former UNLV star showed off his coverage ability by intercepting a deep pass on a corner route intended for tight end Foster Moreau, and everyone on the practice field took notice. Though he won’t get to prove himself in preseason games, White looks like he’s deep in the mix for a roster spot.

The rest of the LBs in camp are of the journeyman type. Nicholas Morrow is a body and has three years of experience in the Raiders system. Kyle Emanuel came out of retirement at age 29 to give the game another try. Kyle Wilber has special teams value.

CORNERBACK

Trayvon Mullen has been banged up lately, but his starting spot is relatively secure heading into his second year. Who starts opposite him is the question, and as of now it looks like rookie Damon Arnette is the frontrunner. The first-round pick has outplayed free-agent addition Prince Amukamara to this point, which has to thrill general manager Mike Mayock after he took some flak for selecting Arnette so early.

Amukamara will see plenty of playing time whether he’s first or second string, but he’s an outside option. Lamarcus Joyner still looks like the starter in the slot, with fifth-round rookie Amik Robertson coming up behind him. Nevin Lawson is likely to make the team as a depth player, but he won’t be eligible for Week 1 (suspension). Isaiah Johnson is still a bit of a wild card after slogging through an injury-marred rookie season in 2019, but the team still sees potential there.

SAFETY

This is the most unsettled position group on the defense. Johnathan Abram is viewed as a sure thing to start, but he lasted only one game into his rookie season before a shoulder injury knocked him out for the rest of the year, so he is still a question mark as a pro. Free-agent addition Damarious Randall has a good track record, having performed solidly for the Green Bay Packers the last four years, so he’ll likely start next to Abram.

Jeff Heath was also brought in as a veteran presence, and if Abram goes down again the Raiders will be glad to have insurance. Erik Harris doesn’t have much competition for the final safety spot.

Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.