Las Vegas Raiders 2026 Defensive Wildcards

The Las Vegas Raiders are set to start training camp within the next month, and as they gear up for an interesting 2026 season, a few players and/or position groups can really make or break the season. The Raiders added a plethora of talent over the last off-season, with the Raiders likely to only return starters at left & right tackle, tight end, runningback, and one wide receiver on offense. Defensively, they likely return 3 starers on the defensive line, one at safety, one at corner, and none at linebacker. Needless, to say the Raiders are turning over the roster with talent, and for a roster that has been void of young talent in previous years, that was crucial.

I’ve also already broke down the offense, and special teams. Those links may be live when you read this, and if not they will be soon.

Rob Leonard

• No matter how much talent the Raiders have on defense, it will all come down to Rob Leonard. Leonard’s scheme is still an unknown, and after spending time with Patrick Graham, Mike MacDonald, and Brian Flores it’s likely he’ll adapt each system into one culmination. I’d expect the versatility of MacDonald, aggression of Flores/Graham (yes Patrick Graham’s defense was aggressive in terms of blitz rates, havock plays, etc), and similar coverage tendencies to Graham. Leonard is the true wildcard, he’s shown an ability to be a leader of men, is clearly a player focused coach, and he’s preached aggression, effort, and attack on defense. If the Raiders can put together a quick moving, aggressive defense, that is able to deconstruct, work through assignments, and play consistent the unit can elevate quickly. However, aggressive and complex defenses can also fail, and Leonard will be tasked with a lot in 2026.

Defensive Backs

• The Raiders added an influx of talent into their secondary this year. The core remains with CB Eric Stokes, who enjoyed a massive breakout season for the Raiders and arguably played at the level of a top 15 corner in the NFL. Additionally, the Raiders will keep safety Jeremy Chinn, who will work in a variety of formations, styles, and overall defensive fits to allow the Raiders flexibility in the secondary. Taron Johnson comes over from Buffalo in a trade, and while Johnson is likely on the decline he’ll work in a secondary that allows him flexibility across the nickel, free safety, and slot cornerback. In addition to those three, the Raiders also return Darien Porter who played well as a rookie, but has a ways to go in his development as well.

  Porter played roughly 50% of the Raiders snaps, and he’ll be pushed for that role this year by rookies Jermod McCoy & Hezekiah Masses. Porter has good ball skills, moves well, and is fluid in coverage with good instincts. He’s still learning the position, technique is rather inconsistent, and he’s a poor tackler which could really limit his chances in this defense. McCoy, if healthy,...