Oakland Raiders: Derrick Johnson adds solid coverage to linebacker unit
The Oakland Raiders signed linebacker Derrick Johnson, who’s been a quality pass defender over the past 13 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.
It’s not NaVorro Bowman. However, the Oakland Raiders signed Derrick Johnson, a linebacker who can help the back end of their front seven, specifically in pass coverage.
The Kansas City Chiefs decided to go in a younger direction at inside linebacker with Reggie Ragland and Anthony Hitchens. Still, going into his age-36 season, Johnson has a skill set the Raiders should covet for their defense.
According to Pro Football Focus, opposing quarterbacks targeted Johnson 43 times, and he allowed just 24 completions in 448 coverage snaps in 2017:
Last year, in 448 coverage snaps, Derrick Johnson was thrown at 43 times and only 24 passes were completed, per @PFF
— Moe Moton (@MoeMoton) May 4, 2018
He also had 7 pass breakups. #Raiders
In comparison, signal-callers targeted Bowman 45 times, and he allowed 36 completions in 337 coverage snaps during the previous year, per PFF. He logged one pass breakup.
On the flipside, Bowman provides much better run support. The Raiders front seven saw a boost once he stepped on the field.
The Chiefs defense has struggled against the run for the past two seasons when Johnson’s productivity started to noticeably dip.
Raiders fans wanted to see Bowman back in silver and black, but no one can deny Johnson has provided solid coverage in the middle for over a decade in Kansas City. Nonetheless, the door hasn’t totally shut on Bowman yet. The Raiders will host linebacker Brian Cushing for a visit, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
With Raiders expected to sign Derrick Johnson, as @MikeSilver noted, they now have cancelled Sunday’s previously scheduled visit with former Texans’ LB Brian Cushing.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 4, 2018
Oakland also waived linebacker Cory James due to a failed physical, per Vic Tafur of The Athletic:
LB Cory James failed his physical and was waived
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) May 4, 2018
There’s still room for linebacker help as the team revamps the position during the offseason. The Raiders have shown they’re not going to wait around for Bowman to come to terms with an offer.
Tahir Whitehead, Emmanuel Lamur, Marquel Lee, Nicholas Morrow and rookie Azeem Victor will battle for significant roles for the upcoming season.
Oakland decided not to draft a linebacker until the sixth round of this year’s draft and only acquired one rookie at the position in Victor. Clearly, there’s a preference for experience at the position. The Washington product has an opportunity to carve out a sizeable role. Though, he’s going to fight an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster.
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If Cushing signs with Oakland after Sunday’s visit, fans should completely close the door on Bowman, barring an injury to a player at the position. Johnson should have a decent role due to his refined coverage ability. It’s a skill the linebacker corps lacks with its current assets.