Where do Raiders stand at backup linebacker?

The Las Vegas Raiders have been busy adding pieces this offseason throughout their roster and they are deeper at several positions than they were last season.

Yet, they still may be a work in progress at the backup linebacker spots. They appear set with their starters with Cory Littleton and Nicholas Morrow (who was re-signed in free agency) playing outside spots, and Nick Kwiatkoski playing middle linebackers. Littleton and Kwiatkoski will play in nickel defense packages, which is often in the case in NFL games.

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Behind these three linebackers, however, the Raiders are pretty green. Their current backups are Javin White, Tanner Muse and Divine Deablo. White was an undrafted free agent last year from ULV (by the way of Oakland) who spent some time on the active roster, but spent most of the season on the practice squad.

Muse was a third-round pick, who sat the entire season on the injured reserve. He is transition from safety to linebacker. Deablo, a third-round pick from Virginia Tech this year, is also moving from playing safety in college.

Muse struggled in training camp last year, so he will need to improve to ensure he is on the roster. White is also on the bubble. Deablo should make the roster. All three of these guys will likely primarily be special teams players in 2021.

So, if there are any injuries among the starting linebackers, the Raiders may have issues. Therefore, don’t be surprised if Las Vegas looks at some veterans in the next few months as insurance.