Raiders Targeting Defensive Upgrades, Meet With DE Tyree Wilson
Reliable defenses have eluded the Raiders for most of this century. Last season marked the franchise’s 20th straight ranking in the bottom half in scoring defense. Patrick Graham‘s unit ranked 26th in points allowed and 27th in DVOA, making it logical to expect the AFC West franchise to seek help in the draft.
The team will do so, and the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vincent Bonsignore notes help will be sought on all three defensive levels. Although the Raiders have added a few pieces on defense, they have not devoted much money beyond the midlevel Marcus Epps contract. After the Davante Adams trade cost Las Vegas’ first- and second-round picks last year, the team should be expected to add defensive help early in this draft.
Substantial guarantees remain on Chandler Jones‘ deal, but after the former Cardinals All-Pro did not live up to expectations last season, Bonsignore adds the Raiders are eyeing edge help that would both prepare them for Jones’ departure — which could happen in 2024 — and give the veteran pass rusher more rest in 2023. The team met with Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson on Thursday, Albert Breer of SI.com tweets.
Jones, 33, finished with just 4.5 sacks last season; three of those came in one game. His 2023 base salary and roster bonus represent a $16MM guarantee for the Silver and Black. Due to the void years tacked onto Jones’ three-year contract, it would cost the Raiders $7.2MM in dead money to cut him (without a post-June 1 designation, that is) in 2024. The Raiders signed ex-49er Jordan Willis as a backup but look to be targeting edge help. Both NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah and ESPN’s Scouts Inc. rate Wilson as a top-six player, but teams’ quarterback maneuvers could push him down to the Raiders at No. 7. Iowa’s Lukas Van Ness also sits as a possible edge upgrade for the Raiders, who have also done considerable homework on quarterbacks.
The Raiders have hosted each of the top quarterbacks available this year, including Hendon Hooker, but their defense may have too many needs for Josh McDaniels’ team — which already signed Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year deal that guarantees him $33.75MM — to take a quarterback in Round 1. Instead, cornerback looks like a strong consideration. The Raiders should be monitored for a corner at 7, Jordan Reid of ESPN.com notes. They hosted Penn State’s Joey Porter Jr. and Maryland’s Deonte Banks on visits, and Reid adds the team has also work on top corners Devon Witherspoon (Illinois) and Christian Gonzalez (Oregon). Mel Kiper Jr.’s most recent mock sends Witherspoon to Vegas.
Robert Spillane (two years, $7MM) could be ticketed for a full-time role with the Raiders, being on the radar to wear the green dot signifying communication. The Raiders should be expected to look into this year’s linebacker class, per Bonsignore, but that will not happen until at least Round 2. On Day 2, Las Vegas holds the Nos. 38, 70 and 100 overall picks.
A Jalen Carter visit surfaced, with word of that meeting coming out shortly after a report indicated the Raiders would not consider the Georgia defensive tackle, and could be in position to select the high-risk proposition. But The Athletic’s Vic Tafur adds the Carter meeting has not yet transpired. The Bears (No. 9) and Eagles (No. 10) have both emerged as potential Carter landing spots, though the Seahawks (No. 5) have as well.
Commanders Host CB Devon Witherspoon
The Commanders will have a number of directions they can go in when they select 16th overall in this month’s draft. One of those would be a cornerback addition, something the team continues to look into.
Washington hosted former Illinois corner Devon Witherspoon on a top 30 visit, as noted (on Twitter) by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. That makes them one of several teams which no doubt has Witherspoon on their first-round radar, considering the senior’s status as arguably the top member of this year’s class at the position.
Witherspoon was a four-year contributor for the Fighting Illini, making noteworthy plays in run defense as well as in the passing game. Witherspoon took off in the latter regard in 2021 when he posted nine pass breakups. He was able to replicate that success last season, where he posted 14 PBUs along with three interceptions and 41 tackles.
Those totals helped earn Witherspoon All-American honors, and cemented his place as one of the best cover men in a strong CB class in 2023. Most analysts have either Witherspoon or Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez listed as the No. 1 option at the position, with both squarely in contention to hear their names called in the top 10. While that would put them out of Washington’s range, the team is looking into an addition to their secondary with the top selection.
The Commanders either already have spoken to, or will meet with, corners Deonte Banks (Maryland) and Emmanuel Forbes (Mississippi State), as well as hybrid safety/corner Brian Branch (Alabama). Each of those three are likely to be on the board if they stay put at pick No. 16 and choose to add to a defense which ranked fourth against the pass in 2022. Washington registered only nine interceptions last year, however, which leaves a vacancy for a playmaker on the backend.
Witherspoon would certainly fit that description, and immediately compete for a starting role with Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste. Other teams in need of corner help sit ahead of Washington in the draft order, though, so significant interest in the build-up to the draft from around the league can be expected.