The Las Vegas Raiders underwent significant changes on defense between the 2024 and 2025 seasons, losing nearly 70% of their defensive snaps. This overhaul has led to a mix of potential and uncertainty, with the team banking on new additions and player development to elevate their performance. Head Coach Pete Carroll, known for his defensive prowess, aims to bring a new level of consistency and effectiveness to the Raiders’ defense. This article delves into a detailed comparison of the Raiders’ defensive units in 2024 versus 2025, highlighting key changes, evaluating potential upgrades and downgrades, and examining the overall impact on the team’s depth charts.
From the defensive line to the secondary, each position group has experienced notable transformations. The focus will be on assessing whether these changes have improved the Raiders’ defensive capabilities or introduced new vulnerabilities. By analyzing player statistics, roster compositions, and coaching strategies, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the Raiders’ defensive outlook for the 2025 season. Will the Raiders’ defensive gamble pay off, or will the lack of continuity hinder their progress?
EDGE Rushers: A Potential Push
The EDGE rusher position for the Raiders presents a complex picture when comparing 2024 and 2025. Key additions include the return of Malcolm Koonce from an ACL injury and the arrival of Brennan Jackson. Subtractions include K’Lavon Chaisson, Andre Carter II, and Janarius Robinson. The biggest factor here is Malcolm Koonce’s return. After a strong 2023 season with 51 pressures and 10 sacks, his absence in 2024 due to injury was a significant setback.
Tyree Wilson, who logged 37 pressures and 4.5 sacks in 2024, is expected to play a significant role, rotating with Koonce to maintain freshness. The departure of Chaisson, who contributed 29 pressures and 5 sacks, might be felt, but the Raiders are optimistic about Wilson’s development. Maxx Crosby’s full health in 2025 is a considerable boost, providing a consistent threat to opposing quarterbacks. Brennan Jackson, a former Rams draftee, adds depth, showing promise in the preseason with 3 sacks and a 16% win rate. The Raiders are banking on the development of Tyree Wilson along with Crosby and Koonce being healthy.
Interior Defensive Line: A Slight Downgrade
The interior defensive line presents a mixed bag. The most notable subtraction is Christian Wilkins, who, before his injury, was a top-tier player in terms of stops and created sacks. His absence will undoubtedly be felt. However, Wilkins didn’t play much last year. Adam Butler, who delivered 5.5 sacks and ranked high in win rates, remains a key component. Jonah Laulu, entering his second season, showed potential as a run defender with 10 pressures and 3 TFL in his rookie season.
Rookies JJ Pegues and Tonka Hemingway have impressed during the preseason, showcasing potential as quality pass rushers and run defenders. The team also acquired Thomas Booker IV from the Eagles, adding depth to the rotation. Leki Fotu, a true nose tackle, brings a veteran presence to the unit. The loss of John Jenkins, a solid run defender, is somewhat mitigated by the addition of Fotu. Overall, while the starting lineup (excluding Wilkins) may have taken a hit, the depth has significantly improved with the addition of promising young players. The room’s confusing, the starters outside Wilkins downgrade, thus the whole room does, however Wilkins didn’t play much as mentioned so is his loss really felt that much?
Linebacker: A Complete Overhaul
The linebacker corps has undergone a complete transformation, with several key additions and subtractions. The biggest loss is Robert Spillane, who was a force in both run defense and pass rush, logging nearly 1100 snaps with impressive stats. Divine Deablo’s departure also leaves a void, as he provided significant snaps and solid run support. Luke Masterson and Amari Burney’s exits are less impactful.
Germaine Pratt, a veteran addition, aims to fill Spillane’s shoes, bringing a wealth of experience and productivity. Elandon Roberts, known for his run-stopping abilities, adds another layer of physicality to the unit. Jamal Adams, transitioning to ILB, presents a high-risk, high-reward scenario, with the potential to significantly impact the defense. Devin White, a highly athletic linebacker, offers blitzing capabilities but needs to improve in run defense and coverage. The Raiders are banking on the transition to ILB working out for Adams and it has thus far in camp. It’s hard to really pinpoint how often the Raiders will play Adams, and with that how well he’ll play given that his 2023 season was not over the top impressive. Adams is a massive boom or bust player at ILB, and it’s hard to tell how much his impact will be felt.
Cornerback: A Notable Downgrade
The cornerback position is arguably the weakest link in the Raiders’ defense. Eric Stokes, plagued by injuries, is expected to start but has struggled to regain his form. Rookie Darien Porter, despite his exceptional athleticism, is raw and inexperienced. Kyu Blu Kelly, with limited NFL snaps, may be the team’s best option at NCB. Darnay Holmes provides depth as a journeyman NCB. Decamerion Richardson, returning after a difficult rookie season, needs to show significant improvement.
The Raiders lose their two best CBs from 2024. Nate Hobbs, while a NCB, and the price range there is too high for his production and injuries he was a strong cornerback. Hobbs played 554 snaps, allowed a 96.3 QBR, and also added 6 PBU and an INT. Hobbs was a force in the run game, he is coming off a down 2024 season but overall he was strong NCB and provided what the Raiders needed in a consistent body in the slot, despite injures as well. The loss of Jakorian Bennett was a choice. Overall, the Raiders are taking a gamble on youth and potential, which hinges on Pete Carroll’s ability to develop these players. Pete Carroll is well Pete Carroll, he has a knack for developing cornerbacks which gives hope to the position but there’s a lot needing to go right and very little can go wrong.
Safety: Another Area of Uncertainty
The safety position presents another set of challenges for the Raiders. The departure of Trevon Moehrig, who played nearly every snap and excelled in run defense, is a significant loss. Marcus Epps’s injury-shortened season further complicates matters. Thomas Harper, a versatile hybrid player, adds depth but is likely headed to the practice squad.
Jeremy Chinn, replacing Moehrig, is a hybrid SAF/WLB known for his run-defending abilities. Lonnie Johnson’s injury further depletes the unit, placing more pressure on the remaining players. Terrell Edmunds, a veteran addition, provides coverage expertise and raises the floor of the unit. Isaiah Pola-Mao steps into the free safety role, needing to improve his coverage skills. Overall, the Raiders are hoping that Chinn can effectively replace Moehrig and that the younger players can step up and contribute.
Final Thoughts: A Defense in Transition
The Raiders’ defense in 2025 is a complex mix of potential and uncertainty. The changes made across various position groups have created both opportunities and challenges. While some areas, like the EDGE rushers, show promise, others, such as the cornerback position, raise concerns. The success of this defensive unit hinges on the development of young players, the effectiveness of new additions, and the coaching acumen of Pete Carroll.
Key takeaways include the significant losses of key players like Christian Wilkins and Robert Spillane, the reliance on rookies and inexperienced players in the secondary, and the high-risk, high-reward nature of additions like Jamal Adams and Devin White. The Raiders’ defensive performance in 2025 will be a testament to their ability to integrate new talent, maximize player potential, and overcome the challenges posed by significant roster turnover. Will the Raiders’ defensive gamble pay off, or will the lack of continuity hinder their progress? That question will be answered as the season unfolds.
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