If there’s a position of need the Raiders haven’t heavily addressed over the off-season, it’s middle linebacker.
Along with some struggles in the secondary, the Raiders inside linebacker play was among the biggest issues on a defense that ranked 26th in the league, allowing 375.1 yards per game.
The primary starters last year were Malcolm Smith, who signed a five-year deal with the 49ers, and Perry Riley Jr., who joined the team last year a month into the season. Ben Heeney started the year at the Mike linebacker position before being benched for rookie Cory James and then getting injured.