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What a possible change to a 3-4 defense could mean for the Raiders


With the possibility of getting a 3-4 minded defensive coordinator, let's take a look at what kind of impact that could make for the Raiders.

DE

Justin Tuck would not see a major change here. His role would pretty much stay the same.

Antonio Smith would probably revert back to being a DE like he was earlier in his career. I do not see this being any sort of major challenge to him.

All in all the this is a positive for our roster as we would really not have to look to either FA or the draft for an instant starter in a 3-4, the way we certainly have to as it stands now in a 4-3.

NT

Justin Ellis. This is really where things become interesting. Ellis showed great promise in his rookie season as a DT, but now would be asked to be "The Guy" in the middle. I do not know if he is ready for being the lone tackle on this team. If he is, that is great because then our D Line is pretty set, if not were looking to FA/Draft..

OLB

This is really where a 3-4 makes us shine. Sio Moore and Khalil Mack are absolutely solid here and they and the Raiders would benefit from them coming off the end after the QB. This is the area of least concern for us if we transition to a 3-4. These guys are Studs and we only have to look for depth here.

ILB

Now we come to where we are in serious need. With Nick Roach suffering from post concussion syndrome and Mile Burris performing below expectations, we would be looking at needing TWO solid ILBers. I could see us going after Brandon Spikes from Buffalo, Mason Foster from TB, Colin McCarthy from Tenn (season ending shoulder injury last preseason), or Casey Matthews from Philly. Who every we do go after we need it x2.

Personally I am a big proponent of the 4-3, however after looking back into Raider history, Reggie Kinlaw dominated in Superbowl XV from a Raider 3-4 defense. This and researching how it would affect our players and roster, I honestly feel that a switch to 3-4 is very doable, especially considering that we have Studs at the OLB position and our D line would not need a major overhaul.

Let me know what you think in the comments below.