As always, the NFL offseason was a busy one as a few of the league’s biggest stars switched teams. But one move that hasn’t received enough national attention is the addition of Cory Littleton to the Raiders’ defense.
Littleton has quietly become one of the league’s best linebackers, as he was named to a Pro Bowl in 2018. Over the last two seasons, he’s accumulated 259 tackles, 22 pass deflections, 7.5 sacks and five interceptions. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s been one of the league’s best coverage linebackers and only continues to improve as a run defender.
In a recent piece by Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report, he named Littleton as a player who could make a significant impact for the Raiders right away this season. Here is a snippet of Moton’s thoughts on Littleton:
Littleton profiles as a complete second-level defender who can supplement the run defense, rush the quarterback and cover a receiver in space. He’s recorded 315 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 26 pass breakups and six interceptions over his career.
It has been years since the Raiders have had a linebacker the quality of Littleton. And given just how desperately the team needed to add speed to their defense, it’s a match made in heaven.
Don’t be surprised if this move along helps remake the Raiders’ defense this season as he has the ability to transform the entire unit. Littleton landing in Las Vegas should be considered one of the most important signings of the offseason.
