The Las Vegas Raiders will look to build off a strong second half of the 2023 season in which the defense allowed 19.5 points per game, which ranked seventh in the NFL.
Though Vegas is returning many key pieces to the defense, there are a couple of players — old and new — who have a chance to play more prominent roles and take this defense to the next level.
On the flip side, there is also a chance these players will not be as effective as we hope. With that being said, here are the Raiders’ three biggest defensive X-factors ahead of the 2024 NFL season.
Raiders X-factors on defense
EDGE Tyree Wilson
Wilson didn’t have the smoothest rookie season, as the former Texas Tech standout posted just 3.5 sacks and 24 QB pressures in 2023 and played less than 50% of the team’s defensive snaps.
Though Wilson’s rookie season is one to forget, the former No. 7 overall pick did have a promising finish and has the talent and versatility to be an effective pass rusher.
A breakout season from the 24-year-old could catapult the Raiders’ defensive line to being one of the best units in the NFL.
CB Jakorian Bennett
Bennett’s rookie season was a roller coaster ride, as the 23-year-old lost his starting job after four weeks and dealt with injuries. The former Maryland standout allowed a 102.3 passer rating when targeted and scored a 41.1 coverage grade in 2023.
While Bennett struggled in his rookie season, the former fourth-round pick has taken strides this offseason. Cornerbacks coach Ricky Manning has stated that Bennett has “a way higher understanding of the defense” and that the game has “slowed down for him now,” according to Levi Edwards of Raiders.com.
With a huge question mark at the spot opposite Jack Jones, a breakout season from Bennett would put a huge concern to bed and make the Raiders’ defense even more formidable.
CB Decamerion Richardson
Rookie cornerback Decamerion Richardson is another name in the secondary who could provide value. Richardson is an athletic freak who ran a 4.34 40-yard dash and a 35-inch vertical jump.
The 23-year-old allowed a 90.2 passer rating when targeted and scored an 86.5 coverage grade in his final collegiate season last year.
Richardson and the previously mentioned Bennett will have many opportunities to fetch first-team reps in training camp. Somebody has to step up in the cornerback room to aid Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs, and if it isn’t Bennett, Richardson will be needed to take on a big role in his first year.