What the Raiders’ Defensive Depth Looks Like After Minicamp (And What to Expect Heading into Training Camp)
So, Raiders Nation — we’re done with mandatory minicamp, and the countdown to training camp has officially begun. You could smell the intensity building over the past few weeks, but let’s be real: it was just a taste. Now, the Raiders coaching staff, front office, and fans alike are starting to piece together how this defense will truly shape up once helmets start cracking for real in training camp.
And if you’re wondering, “What’s the vibe defensively right now?” — don’t worry, we’ve got you. We already dropped a deep dive into the offense, and now it’s time to shine the spotlight on the defense. Let’s talk depth chart projections, key injuries, new faces, and all the positional shakeups that came out of minicamp.
📌 Let’s Start Up Front: The Defensive Line
The biggest headline? Christian Wilkins. Yes, he missed all of minicamp with a foot injury, but nobody’s hitting the panic button just yet. Word out of the building is that Wilkins should be ready to roll by the time training camp opens. That means one thing: he’s still penciled in as the starting defensive tackle. No surprises there — the guy’s a beast when healthy.
But here’s where it gets interesting. The Raiders brought in not one, but two rookie defensive tackles — Zach Carter and Jonah Laulu. These guys have shown serious potential early, even though their opportunities were limited. Both Carter and Laulu are viewed as rotational pieces for now, but don’t be shocked if one of them carves out a bigger role sooner rather than later. With Wilkins rehabbing and the team managing reps during preseason, these rookies could get more run and maybe even push for second-team reps right out of the gate.
🔥 Linebacker Position – A Major Shakeup
Let’s talk linebackers — and one name you need to lock into your memory: Germaine Pratt. While he wasn’t physically on the field during minicamp, that’s hardly the storyline. The Raiders went all-in and made him the highest-paid linebacker on the squad. You don’t cut that kind of check unless the dude’s about to be a foundational piece.
And what does that mean for returning linebacker Devin White? Let’s just say the depth chart is shifting fast. If the Raiders stick with two linebackers on the field, Pratt becomes the alpha, while White could slide to a backup role — at least on paper. But in formations that call for a trio of backers, expect to see White alongside Pratt and Divine Deablo (or possibly Luke Masterson). There’s still flexibility here, but make no mistake: this is Pratt’s room now.
🕵️♂️ The Mystery at Nickel Cornerback
This is where things get a little murky — and spicy.
At nickel corner, the Raiders did a little experimenting during minicamp. Surprisingly, the guy who took most of the snaps in that role wasn’t even a traditional corner — it was safety Jeremy Chinn. When Chinn slid into the nickel role, it created a domino effect in the secondary. Lonnie Johnson Jr. would then step into Chinn’s usual safety spot, giving the team a bit of hybrid versatility.
But if you’re talking pure nickel corner, then Darius “Dime” Holmes is the name to watch. He’s got the quick twitch and instincts to cover those dangerous slot receivers, and he’s been trending upward since OTAs. Still, don’t be surprised if the coaching staff rotates Chinn and Holmes depending on matchups. Flexibility is the name of the game here.
💣 Quick Hits — Depth Chart Standouts & Dark Horses
While the core defensive starters are starting to cement themselves, don’t sleep on a few key guys who are quietly climbing the depth chart:
-
Robert Spillane – Tough, rugged, vocal. He’s a classic glue guy who could earn more playing time in run-heavy packages.
-
Malcolm Koonce – Flashy edge rusher who showed growth last year. With Maxx Crosby drawing double teams, Koonce could sneak in for a breakout season.
-
Nate Hobbs – Lining up outside corner and slot, Hobbs is that gritty, never-back-down type. If he stays healthy, he’s going to ball out this season.
💡 Projected Starting Defense (as of Now):
DL – Maxx Crosby, Christian Wilkins (if healthy), Bilal Nichols, Tyree Wilson
LB – Germaine Pratt, Robert Spillane
CB – Jack Jones, Nate Hobbs
Nickel – Jeremy Chinn (with Holmes rotating)
S – Tre’von Moehrig, Marcus Epps (or Lonnie Johnson Jr. depending on Chinn’s role)
🚀 Why This Defense Might Surprise People
On paper, this defensive unit has the potential to cause chaos in 2025. You’ve got elite pressure up front with Crosby and Wilkins, dynamic hybrid options in the secondary like Chinn, and a fresh injection of leadership with Germaine Pratt running the show. Toss in a few hungry rookies and savvy veterans, and you’ve got a recipe for a much-improved defense.
And let’s be honest — the Raiders need this defense to step up. With AFC West offenses constantly airing it out, and guys like Mahomes and Herbert in the division, you need more than just hustle. You need speed, versatility, and smart, situational football. That’s what this revamped unit is trying to build.
🗓 What’s Next?
Training camp is where all of this will get sorted out. Roles will be defined, reps will be earned, and injuries (hopefully minimal) will test this roster’s depth. The rookies will have to prove they’re more than just upside. Veterans will need to stay sharp and healthy. Coaches will tweak alignments, experiment with sub-packages, and see who can really deliver when the pads go on.
But if minicamp showed us anything, it’s that competition is fierce, and this team isn’t locking in any spot without a fight. There’s still a ton to sort out, and that’s exactly what training camp is for.
💬 Final Thoughts
The Raiders defense has been a punchline in recent years, but don’t be so quick to write them off in 2025. There’s something brewing in Vegas — a new energy, a sharper edge, and just maybe… a defense that can finally hold its own.
So buckle up, Raider Nation. Training camp is right around the corner, and the battle for depth chart supremacy is about to get real.
Login