MORE POSITION REVIEWS: Quarterbacks, Safeties, Running Backs
The 2019 regular season is officially in the books, and while we're already looking ahead to the 2020 offseason, let's take some time to look back at the Raiders' roster, position by position, to see what the new year could hold for the Silver and Black.
Next up, the linebackers.
Overview:
When Paul Guenther's defense took the field for the regular season opener against the Denver Broncos, his trio of starting linebackers were Tahir Whitehead, Vontaze Burfict, and Marquel Lee.
Fast forward to Week 17, and Whitehead was the only holdover from Week 1, as Will Compton and Kyle Wilber joined him in the regular season finale.
In fact, much like many other position groups on the Raiders' roster from 2019, there were no shortage of faces that filled the linebackers' room. From old friends like Whitehead, Lee, and Nicholas Morrow, to late additions (Compton) and guys previously seen primarily on special teams (Wilber), David Lippincott saw his fair share of players in 2019.
Through it all, Whitehead was once again the team's consistent presence in the linebacking corps; he started all 16 games for the Silver and Black, and his 108 total tackles were good for a team-high in 2019.
Morrow also appeared in every game last year – the third time he's done that in his young career – and enjoyed a quality campaign, totaling 67 tackles, as well as his first career interception.
Compton – who was signed to the active roster in late-October – really came into his own over the final month of the season, and was incredibly productive to boot, finishing with 39 tackles, a majority of those which came after he took over a starting role Week 14.
In terms of Marquel Lee, after a very nice sophomore campaign in 2018, the athletic linebacker just couldn't shake the injury bug in 2019; he appeared in just five games, and actually had two stints on the reserve/injured list before all was said and done.
Before his season was prematurely ended, Burfict also played well, finishing his abbreviated campaign with 18 tackles.
Number to Know:
Four hundred seventy-six.
That's the number of tackles that Tahir Whitehead has totaled since 2016, the fourth-highest mark in the league since that time.
Plain and simple, the man produces when he's on the field.
Entering 2020…
Vontaze Burfict – Unrestricted Free Agent
Will Compton – Unrestricted Free Agent
Ukeme Eligwe – Under Contract
Marquel Lee – Under Contract
Nicholas Morrow – Restricted Free Agent
Tahir Whitehead – Under Contract
Kyle Wilber – Unrestricted Free Agent
A quick glance at the impending free agents in the Raiders' linebacking corps, and it's clear that David Lippincott's group could look a lot different in 2020.
For starters, the only player who had any type of consequential playing time in 2019 that's still under contract is Tahir Whitehead, which means that there are a lot of decisions to be made in the coming months.
Will Compton came in over the final month of the season and certainly made an impact for the defense, but he's scheduled to become a free agent in March, meaning Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock need to decide what they want to do with the 30-year-old linebacker.
Another big offseason question will surround the future of Vontaze Burfict, as his questionable season-long suspension has technically been lifted, and he's free to return to work for any NFL team that chooses to employ him.
It seems like it was eons ago now, but before his season was abruptly cut short after just four games, Burfict was actually playing a pretty quality brand of football, and very much looked the part of a starting, NFL middle linebacker.
Now, with two first-round draft picks in the 2020 draft, could Gruden and Mayock be intrigued enough by a young guy to snag him at either No. 12 or No. 19? Time will tell, but I'm sure that the "experts" will have no shortage of linebackers connected to the Silver and Black in the coming months.
From players currently on the roster, to the intrigue that the draft will bring, the state of the 2020 Raiders' linebackers is going to be a fluid situation from now until training camp.
Position Group MVP:
While Will Compton made an intriguing case for himself over the final stretch of the season, Tahir Whitehead has to get the nod on this one.
Not only did Whitehead start in all 16 games (the best ability is availability), he led the team in tackles, and also was flexible enough to change his role on Paul Guenther's defense throughout the season.
Throw in the fact that he was the team's Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for his incredible efforts off the field, and No. 59 was the cream of the crop in terms of Raiders' linebackers in 2019.
Take a look at the best gameday entertainment moments from the Raiders' 2019 season.
Raiders guard Richie Incognito (64) signs autographs for fans before the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Bay Area All-Stars Scholarship Team recipients are honored on the field before the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Grandson of Raiders legend Tom Flores, Brian Flores, performs the national anthem before the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Raiders alumnus Cotton Davidson signs the Al Davis torch before the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) with fans before the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) with fans before the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Raiders fans during the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Raiders fans hold up signs before the Raiders preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
A view of IG Field, the stadium for the Raiders preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.
Fans before the Raiders regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
Raiders fans before the Raiders preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at IG Field.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87), quarterback Nathan Peterman (3) and long snapper Trent Sieg (47) stand on the sideline during the national anthem before the regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
In honor of the Raiders' 60th season, alumni George Atkinson, Mark van Eeghen, Jim Plunkett, Steve Wisniewski, Lincoln Kennedy, and Marcel Reece are honored on the field before the regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
A Raiders fan during the Raiders preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at IG Field.
Mother of Raiders legend Marshawn Lynch, Delisa Lynch, before the regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders fan and comedian George Lopez signs autographs for fans before the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Celebrity chef and Raiders fan Guy Fieri before the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
Raiders Hall of Famer Jim Otto and alumnus Mike Davis before the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
Raiders alumni Cedrick Hardman remembered on the field with families during an In Memoriam ceremony before the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) is introduced onto the field before their regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders legend Tom Flores and Hall of Famer Jim Otto on the field with families during an In Memoriam ceremony before the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
The Beagle Air Force before the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
The American flag at the stadium before the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
Culture Shock Dance Team during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) enters the field before the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) exiting the field aftert the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) exiting the field after the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) signs autographs for fans before the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders safety Karl Joseph (42) signs autographs for fans before the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Frog-X Parachute team parachutes into Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum before the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders alumni Daryle Lamonica and Lincoln Kennedy on the field before the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas Chiefs.
Frog-X Parachute team parachutes into Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum before the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders Hall of Famer Fred Biletnikoff and sideline announcer Chris Townsend on the field before the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas Chiefs.
Frog-X Parachute team members stand on the field after parachuting into Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum before the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The American flag is displayed by season ticket members on the field during the national anthem before the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders defensive end Josh Mauro (97) is introduced onto the field before the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders alumnus John Vella signs the Al Davis torch before the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders fans during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Army versus Navy Rivalry Skills Challenge during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Army versus Navy Rivalry Skills Challenge during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders fans during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Singer Tinashe performs the national anthem before the Raiders regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
Fans in the Welcome Zone before the Raiders regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
Fans outside of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before the Raiders regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
The British and American flag is displayed on the field during the national anthem before the Raiders regular season game against the Chicago Bears.
The UC Davis Marching Band performs before the Raiders regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) is introduced onto the field before the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Singer Dinah Jane performs the national anthem before the Raiders regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) leaps into the stands after a 3-yard touchdown run during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden celebrates with fans after the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) celebrates with fans after the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Fans attend tailgating festivities before the Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Fans attend tailgating festivities before the Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) signs autographs for fans before the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) plays catch with fans before the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) is introduced onto the field before the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Singer Montell Jordan performs the national anthem before the Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco performs a flyover before the Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4), linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59), safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) and center Rodney Hudson (61) during the coin toss before the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders alumni Marcel Reece jumps in to The Black Hole before the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders alumnus Matt Millen lights the Al Davis torch before the Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Tennyson High School's football team recreates top plays from the 1980 Super Bowl run during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Tennyson High School's football team recreates top plays from the 1980 Super Bowl run during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Tennyson High School's football team recreates top plays from the 1980 Super Bowl run during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Tennyson High School's football team recreates top plays from the 1980 Super Bowl run during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Tennyson High School's football team recreates top plays from the 1980 Super Bowl run during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders alumnus Lester Hayes signs autographs for fans during halftime at the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders alumnus Rod Martin signs autographs for fans during halftime at the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) on the field after the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Frog-X Parachute Team parachutes into Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum before the Raiders regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) is introduced onto the field before the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Travis Air Force Base band, Air Mobility, perform during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
A member of the United States Marine Corps Reserve watches as a Raiders fan makes a toy donation for their Toys for Tots program before the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) signs autographs for fans before the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders tackle David Sharpe (72) warming up in custom cleats for the NFL's My Cause, My Cleats campaign before the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) is introduced onto the field before their regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) is introduced onto the field before their regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Singer Arlissa performs the national anthem before the Raiders regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones (12) during the national anthem before the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Henry Lawrence and Big City Revue perform during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Henry Lawrence and Big City Revue perform during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders alumnus, Kenny Shedd, two civilians and Sgt. Morgan are honored as Hometown Heroes during the Raiders regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders alumnus Charles Woodson speaks on behalf of other alumni standing with him on the field in celebration of the Raiders' 60th celebration during halftime at the Raiders regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead is awarded the nomination as the Raiders' Walter Payton Man of the Award on the field before the Raiders regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders alumnus Jim Otto knowledges the fans after reciting the last four lines of "The Autumn Wind" before the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders alumnus Charles Woodson lights the Al Davis torch before the Raiders regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Singer Judith Hill performs the national anthem before the Raiders regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) embraces a fan after the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) high fives fans after the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) gives his jersey to a fan after the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
