2026 Defense thread

[STHfrontrow]

This defense doesn't have much talent at all especially after the Maxx trade. 1st time Def Coach Rob Leonard really doesn't haven't much to work with but that should change.

Are we leading with Wilson & Chinn?

Figure the Raiders might draft 1 or 2 defensive players within the 4 picks they have in the top of the draft that might be day one starters. Looks like overall though this defense is going to be built through free agency.

Thoughts.

[Cruisin with Tooz]

I disagree. I think we have the makings of a great O line without 2 draft picks. Miller, Meredith, Lnderbaum, JPJ, Glaze is a B- line. We have a lot of young bodies on the roster, I think with good coaching we are close. Sign a second tier OT in FA and we good. Draft should be for a DT. Then BPA

After waiting decades to get a qb, I dont want him subjected to the tender mercies of Glaze at ROT and Meredith at LG. This was not supposed to be a 1 year rebuild. Getting a qb and fixing the Oline were the main objectives. With all the signings, were already way ahead of schedule on the D side. If we were to sign a stopgap starting level OG, like Zeitler or Teller, to compete with Rogers, I wouldnt mind signing a NT in the 3rd round instead of an OG. Im not down for going 2nd tier on such an important position as RT. Miller or Iheanachor in the 2nd for me. We could also sign a stopgap DL, like Reader, For short money to tide us over till next draft. 2027 is when I think we go WR and NT in the 1st two rounds.

[raider_kin]

After waiting decades to get a qb, I dont want him subjected to the tender mercies of Glaze at ROT and Meredith at LG. This was not supposed to be a 1 year rebuild. Getting a qb and fixing the Oline were the main objectives. With all the signings, were already way ahead of schedule on the D side. If we were to sign a stopgap starting level OG, like Zeitler or Teller, to compete with Rogers, I wouldnt mind signing a NT in the 3rd round instead of an OG. Im not down for going 2nd tier on such an important position as RT. Miller or Iheanachor in the 2nd for me. We could also sign a stopgap DL, like Reader, For short money to tide us over till next draft. 2027 is when I think we go WR and NT in the 1st two rounds.

I did not phrase my post very well. I meant that even without the new players we will sign/draft, getting Miller back and Linderbaum signed is ALREADY a good start. Rogers or Glaze will play lg, and we';ll get a new RT. I just meant that even a few additions have greatly improved the line.

[Attyla]

I did not phrase my post very well. I meant that even without the new players we will sign/draft, getting Miller back and Linderbaum signed is ALREADY a good start. Rogers or Glaze will play lg, and we';ll get a new RT. I just meant that even a few additions have greatly improved the line.

Discussing offensive line in the defense thread. Interesting

But I am bored so I will play along. Getting Miller healthy and adding Linderbaum will make everyone else better. But we are assuming we are done. We are far from done.

[raider_kin]

Discussing offensive line in the defense thread. Interesting

But I am bored so I will play along. Getting Miller healthy and adding Linderbaum will make everyone else better. But we are assuming we are done. We are far from done.

I should have let you write my post

[RickRyb]

I should have let you write my post

It will cost you some Silver Dollars

[BoKnows81]

Screenshot_20260314_070816_Chrome.jpg

Raiders defense if season started today

[BoKnows81]

We need a FS upgrade in the worst way

[Viper]

We need a FS upgrade in the worst way

Yes, that and a monster DT. Having said that, as of today, this defense is already improved from what we put on the field last year. Leonard has some pieces, and although Kubiak is an offensive guy, he knows what a great defense should look like having worked under McDonald. All around, there are a lot of good players and the coaching staff is young but knowledgeable and creative.
We’re so used to getting hopeful this time of year only to be let down. At some point it’s gonna change for the better and this year looks as good as any to see us turn the corner.
What we need is a disruptor up front, an upgrade to man the deep middle and another player to step up opposite Maxx, assuming he stays. Pretty sure most would be happy fielding a defense of that caliber.

[Hellbound]

We need a FS upgrade in the worst way

I never understood the fascination with Pola-Moa. Dude was never anything more than a fringe back up. St is the only time dude should see the field

[pfish57]

I never understood the fascination with Pola-Moa. Dude was never anything more than a fringe back up. St is the only time dude should see the field

80% or more of our D last year are fringe back ups...just saying.

[Hellbound]

80% or more of our D last year are fringe back ups...just saying.

You could said 99% and I would still agree

[chucker]

Screenshot_20260314_070816_Chrome.jpg

Raiders defense if season started today

We do need a safety. Listing Laulu at NT only highlights the need there. Laulu might be a good fit as a 3-4 DE though.

[chucker]

I never understood the fascination with Pola-Moa. Dude was never anything more than a fringe back up. St is the only time dude should see the field

I think the fascination is that certain people just believe size/speed/workout numbers are everything. He does look great on some plays, but I think that's because he has no instincts and just guesses right sometimes. That also means he's completely lost at other times.

[mstrbass2000]

nt/dt priority 1
cb/safety are both needs as well
wr1 is also a need

we still have holes to fill in free agency and the draft

[NewEraX25]

nt/dt priority 1
cb/safety are both needs as well
wr1 is also a need

we still have holes to fill in free agency and the draft

Which is why this is def a 2-3 year build. Hopefully 2 cause we signed a bunch of dudes to 3 year contracts.