Oakland Raiders Two-Deep Depth Chart

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Dec 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) tackles San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead (39) during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Strongside ILB: Malcolm Smith, Daren Bates

Malcolm Smith was burried on the depth chart by some great linebackers in Seattle and former linebackers coach and current Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. knew it. That’s why one of the first things Norton did was bring Smith over with him in free agency last year.

And Norton got more out of the deal than he expected to from Smith. It helps that he’s one of the fastest linebackers in the game today but knowing the defense from his days in Seattle with Norton was huge. That’s why he took over the MIKE spot when Lofton didn’t work out.

He had the green dot on his helmet so he lined the defense up and made all the calls. Smith also became the emotional leader the heart and soul, and the biggest factor for the improvement of the defense. Smith is a do-it-all linebacker that can play the run, cover, and blitz.

He ended the season with 123 total tackles, four sacks, six passes defensed, and three forced fumbles. It’s been a while since the Raiders have had a MIKE linebacker produce like that. So he will be back in the starting lineup in 2016 with Daren Bates as his backup.

Next: Strongside OLB

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