The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview. In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps, as well as defensive analysis from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2026 Football Preview.
With the 2026 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the Las Vegas Raiders and preview how it might perform this season.
Las Vegas Raiders 2026 Defense Preview: A Unit-by-Unit Breakdown
The switch to a 3-4 base defense could shake up the positional grouping for some on a defensive front that stood up well against the run last season, finishing third in yards allowed before contact per running back rush. Jonah Laulu, Adam Butler, and Thomas Booker led the defensive line group last season. Butler took a step back in the sacks category, but his per-snap pressure numbers have never been great. Laulu did end up with 4 sacks, but he was 103rd out of 108 qualified players in pressure rate, so it is unrealistic to expect him to be a consistent threat.
The Raiders were 25th in pressure rate last season despite Maxx Crosby having yet another quality season. As of writing, Crosby is still on the defense after the trade with the Ravens fell through, and Las Vegas added Kwity Paye to play on the other side. Much like Crosby, Paye is solid against the run and should be able to help keep the Raiders stout up front. Unlike Crosby, Paye has not gotten consistent pressure on the quarterback despite some good sack numbers, sporting a career 9.5% pressure rate. Malcolm Koonce stands out as the upside possibility in this group, and the team added Keyron Crawford in the third round.
Las Vegas spent big on linebackers in free agency, bringing in both Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker. Dean could be a great addition if he gets back to his 2024 form after suffering a serious knee injury in the playoffs that season. As for Walker, he played a lot of snaps over his rookie contract with the Packers, but he never really played at a high level.
The Raiders gave up 7.0 yards per pass attempt last season (15th) and finished with a 1.5% interception rate (26th). Eric Stokes had a great first season in Las Vegas, allowing the second-fewest yards per coverage snap among qualified cornerbacks. Las Vegas also added to the room in March, trading for nickel corner Taron Johnson from the Bills. Darien Porter played the most snaps opposite Stokes as a rookie last season.
Safety stood out as a real need heading into the draft, so it was not a surprise the team selected Treydan Stukes in the second round, though he is more of a combo corner/safety. Jeremy Chinn is fine closer to the line of scrimmage and can hold down one of the starting spots – he was ninth among qualified defensive backs in run stuffs last season. Isaiah Pola-Mao has struggled in coverage the last two seasons, allowing over a 120 quarterback rating and 9 touchdowns.
This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview
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