Oakland Raiders Two-Deep Depth Chart

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Dec 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Donald Brown (34) scores a touchdown between Oakland Raiders strong safety Larry Asante (42) and inside linebacker Ben Heeney (51) during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Weakside ILB: Ben Heeney and Nieron Ball

When I first saw 2015 fifth-round pick Ben Heeney, I thought he was around 10 pounds away from being a Pro Bowler. He’s quick, he’s fast, he has a nose for the ball, and he can shed blocks. But at 6’0″, and only 231 pounds, Heeney is a little light in the booty for an ILB.

That didn’t stop him from making the defense better when he started to get more run in late November. His coverage lacked a little at first but it got better as the season went on last year. The coaches love him and he is set to start at one of the ILB positions for the Raiders.

Another LB that looked really good in spots when he got the chance to play is Neiron Ball. When Curtis Lofton struggled in coverage last year, he was the first one that got the opportunity to steal some snaps and he made the most of them.

He had Raider Nation excited for a while but he ended up getting injured and missed the last 10 games of the season. Medically, he is all checked out and ready to roll with training camp starts. If Heeney doesn’t falter in the starting role in 2016, Ball will be his backup.

Next: Strongside ILB

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