5 Raiders defensive position battles to watch in preseason opener in Minnesota

Defense will be the strength of this Raiders team and there’s a lot of returning starters. But the preseason isn’t really about entrenched starters. It’s about hopefuls and those looking to be the guy who, if called upon, would keep the group from missing a beat.

With that in mind, here are the top five positions battles to watch when the Raiders take on the Vikings on Saturday.

Adam Butler vs Byron Young

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 22: Byron Young #93 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 22, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Technically speaking, these two don’t play the same position. But they are both fighting to be the next man off the bench and for more reps in the defensive interior rotation. Butler is trying to prove he is more than a situational pass rusher, and Young is just trying to prove he is worthy of playing time. Young is entering his second season since being the team’s third round pick last year.

Tyree Wilson vs Janarius Robinson

Dec 25, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass as he’s pressured by Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, it’s come to this. The Raiders second year seventh overall pick vs former Vikings fourth round pick Janarious Robinson. Wilson has to prove he has made the leap from his rookie season and Janarius is looking to prove he is more worthy. Robinson has the added motivation of proving his former team that they made a mistake in giving up on him.

Luke Masterson vs Tommy Eichenberg

Aug 4, 2022; Canton, Ohio, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darius Phillips (20) and linebacker Luke Masterson (59) tackle Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Tim Jones (83) in the second quarter during the Hall of Fame game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Masterson is entering his third season with the Raiders since earning a spot on the team as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Now he has some serious competition for playing time from the team’s rookie fifth round pick. Both still seem likely to make the squad and could even see the field together with Eichenberg at the MIKE and Masterson at outside LB.

DeCamerion Richardson vs MJ Devonshire

HENDERSON, NEVADA – JUNE 04: Cornerback Decamerion Richardson #25 and wide receiver Alex Bachman #33 of the Las Vegas Raiders work out during an OTA offseason workout at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center on June 04, 2024 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The two rookie cornerbacks have been in a heated battle to be the fourth cornerback on the depth chart. That would mean they are the next man up should one of the three starters go down. Both have shown flashes, and now we get to see them do it against another team.

Christopher Smith II vs Trey Taylor

Aug 13, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Burney (56). safety Chris Smith II (42) and defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera (97) prepare to enter the field before the game against the San Francisco 49ers Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It’s last year’s fifth round pick versus this year’s seventh round pick. Both came in with impressive college resumes. Now they battle for the fourth safety spot behind Tre’von Moehrig, Marcus Epps, and Isaiah Pola-Mao.

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