3 Defensive Raiders Who Will Take a Step Forward

These Las Vegas Raiders on defense will be better in 2023 than they were in 2022.

The Las Vegas Raiders need to make severe strides on defense in 2023 if they want to be a playoff team again.

They were near the bottom of the league in several defensive categories last season. Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham knows his team will need to improve to be competitive in the AFC severely.

While the Raiders were not good on defense last year, there were a few bright spots. Maxx Crosby was a Pro Bowler for the second straight year, and young players like Tyler Hall and Luke Masterson came on strong at the end of last season.

With several defensive draftees and players who have a chance to improve, let’s take a closer look at three players on defense who will take a step forward in 2023.

Defensive end Chandler Jones -- In his first year in the Silver and Black, Jones did not live up to the three-year, $51-million contract he received in the 2022 offseason. He posted just four and a half sacks, his lowest total since 2020.

Jones, now 33 years old and heading into his 12th season in the NFL, has a chance to bounce back in a big way from his disappointing 2022. With rookie Tyree Wilson now in the fold, the pressure is not as tremendous on Jones, and he can play more freely, as Wilson and Crosby will take on blockers as well.

Jones has a great chance to bounce back in 2023 with more help along the defensive line.

Linebacker Robert Spillane -- Spillane joined the Raiders in free agency after playing the most snaps of his career last season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He posted 79 total tackles, four tackles for losses, a sack, and four passes defended.

Spillane will look to build on his continued development in Las Vegas as he looks to start at linebacker this season. He has a great chance to have an even better season in 2023 than in 2022 due to his more enormous opportunity.

Defensive tackle Bilal Nichols -- Nichols is a player heading into a contract year. With the additions to the defensive line, he could thrive as offensive lines will turn their attention to Jones and Crosby, as well as Wilson, who can rush on the interior.

Nichols played 805 snaps last season, posting 44 tackles and four tackles for losses. Heading into his age-27 season, Nichols has a chance to improve on those numbers while maintaining a high level of snaps.

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