NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Oakland Raiders: 3 Sleeper contributors who could impact the 2019 season

By Maurice Moton

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Erik Harris #25 of the Oakland Raiders returns an interception against the Denver Broncos late in the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Erik Harris #25 of the Oakland Raiders returns an interception against the Denver Broncos late in the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
(Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
(Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

LB Nicholas Morrow

The Raiders took the veteran route to address the linebacker group, signing Vontaze Burfict and Brandon Marshall to one-year deals.

Burfict has experience within defensive coordinator Paul Guenther’s scheme, so he’ll likely play the majority snaps at the position. Marshall had a light workload in the early portion of the offseason program, but the team expects him to participate at training camp. Tahir Whitehead probably remains a constant on the second level of the defense.

Nicholas Morrow could emerge as an X-Factor in the nickel package. He played a hybrid linebacker-safety role at Greenville College, registering 151 solo tackles, five sacks, 38 tackles for loss and three interceptions.

Even though Morrow came out of a Division III program, he’s flashed some athleticism in his two seasons with the Raiders, recording 67 solo tackles, seven pass breakups and a sack. According to Jerry McDonald of the San Jose Mercury News, the versatile linebacker went step-for-step with Brown on a deep ball during OTAs.

“Morrow stayed with Brown, knocking down the pass in the end zone,” McDonald wrote. “Brown smiled, and Morrow’s defensive teammates went crazy.”

Burfict noticed the enthusiasm on the sideline after Morrow made a play on the ball while covering one of the best wide receivers in the league. “When Nick made that breakup I saw the whole defensive sideline try to run out and congratulate him,” he said. “The energy here is just amazing. I can’t wait to start the season off.”

We know. It’s just OTAs, but Brown puts forth his best effort on the practice field; Morrow matched his intensity and rose to the challenge.

Because of the increased pace of offenses around the league and an emphasis on spacing, Morrow’s ability to go downhill against the run and blanket wide receivers should help improve the Raiders defense. He’ll need more snaps to make a significant impact, but Guenther can’t ignore his speed, agility and coverage skills. The 23-year old can become a reliable matchup against pass-catching tight ends.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders