It's all settling in for Christian Wilkins. He's a Las Vegas Raider.
Granted, he's been with the Raiders since March, having signed with the team after spending five seasons with the Miami Dolphins.
Over the past several months, Wilkins has spent the majority of his time getting acquainted with his teammates, but now, heading into Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers, the intensity and anticipation is at an all-time high for the defensive tackle.
"It's exciting for a lot of different reasons: a divisional game, divisional opponent, my first official game as a Raider, my first division game," Wilkins said. "There's just a lot to be excited about and just to kind of start the 2024 season out the right way as a team. We'll learn a lot about ourselves and about our opponent and the rest of the league as well."
In the dog days of training camp, Wilkins showed why he was one of the team's top free agent signings this offseason. Lined up next to three-time Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby, the football landscape – including the Raiders staff – believes the duo can become one of the top pass-rushing tandems in the league.
"You watch [Wilkins] practice, I mean, it's a thing of beauty when you have two of your best players that work as hard as anybody on the team," Pierce said. "But more importantly, he's a perfectionist. ... But what I love about him is the teammate. He's a great teammate. He's a good person, man. You see him bring over a lot of these young defensive tackles and work with them on the side, not selfish at all. He wants to win."
"He's a great leader. I think he was a leader when he was a rookie in his own way," said defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who also coached Wilkins on the Dolphins. "Now he's had success in this league, and you can see his leadership skills, how he's matured. Not saying he was immature before, but how he's matured over time. And I know this, the players gravitate to him, coaching staff gravitates to him. He's doing a good job for us."
When Wilkins steps on the field Sunday, the expectations will be high. He joins a defense that was one of the best in the league in the latter half of the 2023 season and is looking to raise the bar higher.
While it may seem like a daunting task to live up to the hype, that's not where Wilkins' mind is at.
"We're focused on us," he said. "I feel like we're focused on the right thing. We're not focused on the outside noise, just building each and every day, and that's been the mentality since OTAs. Get one percent better each and every day. That's really our focus, and again, just bringing it all together as a team now and continue to strive to get better and putting the process over the results.
"The results will come, but just being really process-oriented and focused."
As the Raiders head to SoFi Stadium for their Week 1 matchup, take a look back at past matchups between the Silver and Black and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders running back Pete Banaszak (40) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at San Diego Stadium, Sunday, October 10, 1976.
Raiders defensive back Odis McKinney (23) makes a catch during the AFC Championship away game against the San Diego Chargers at San Diego Stadium, Sunday, January 11, 1981.
Raiders running back Kenny King (33) rushes as guard Gene Upshaw (63) blocks during the AFC Championship away game against the San Diego Chargers at San Diego Stadium, Sunday, January 11, 1981.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, January 2, 1982.
Raiders linebacker Ted Hendricks (83) make a tackle during the AFC Championship away game against the San Diego Chargers at San Diego Stadium, Sunday, January 11, 1981.
Raiders running back Mark van Eeghen (30) rushes during the AFC Championship away game against the San Diego Chargers at San Diego Stadium, Sunday, January 11, 1981.
Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett(16) rushes for a 5-yard touchdown during the AFC Championship away game against the San Diego Chargers at San Diego Stadium, Sunday, January 11, 1981.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, January 2, 1982.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, October 21, 1984.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, November 15, 1987.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, November 6, 1988.
Raiders running back/tight end Todd Christensen (46) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, October 21, 1984.
Raiders running back/tight end Todd Christensen (46) during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, Novermber 10, 1985.
Raiders linebacker Ted Hendricks (83) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Thursday, December 1, 1983.
Raiders wide receiver Malcolm Barnwell (80) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, October 21, 1984.
Raiders defensive end Lyle Alzado (77) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, October 21, 1984.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, October 21, 1984.
Raiders running back/tight end Todd Christensen (46) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, November 15, 1987.
Raiders defensive tackle/defensive end Bill Pickel (71) and defensive back Vann McElroy (26) makesa tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, November 15, 1987.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the preseason away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Friday, August 23, 1991.
Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown (81) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 16, 1997.
Raiders guard Bruce Wilkerson (68) blocks during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, November 6, 1988.
Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown (81) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 26, 1999.
Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon (12), center Barret Robbins (63) and guard Steve Wisniewski (76) line up before the snap during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 26, 1999.
Raiders Raiders guard/tackle Darryl Ashmore (73) blocks during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 20, 1998.
Raiders linebacker Greg Biekert (54) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 26, 1999.
Raiders running back Wes Bener (49) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Monday, December 25, 1994.
The Raiders try to block a kick during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, October 21, 1990.
Raiders defensive tackle Chris Cooper (75) pressures the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, December 28, 2003.
Raiders defensive tackle Roderick Coleman (57) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, December 15, 2001.
Raiders running back Zack Crockett (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, December 28, 2003.
Raiders quarterback Tee Martin (17) looks for a receiver during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, December 28, 2003.
Raiders linebacker Eric Barton (50) and defensive back Anthony Newman (30) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 26, 1999.
Raiders defensive back Phillip Buchanon (31) returns a punt 80-yard for a touchdown during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, December 28, 2003.
Raiders quarterback Kerry Collins (5) passes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 31, 2004.
Raiders cornerback Chris Carr (23) returns a kickoff during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 4, 2005.
Raiders running back Tyrone Wheatley (47) stiff arms the defender during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 31, 2004.
Raiders defensive tackle Terdell Sands (90) rushes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 4, 2005.
Raiders linebacker Danny Clark (55) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 31, 2004.
Raiders defensive tackle Roderick Coleman (57) pressures the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, December 8, 2002.
Raiders wide receiver Doug Gabriel (85) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, December 28, 2003.
Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 16, 2014.
Raiders tight end Mychal Rivera (81) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 16, 2014.
Raiders defensive back Mike Jenkins (21) intercepts a pass during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 22, 2013.
Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin (14) passes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 22, 2013.
Raiders tight end Mychal Rivera (18) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 22, 2013.
Raiders running back Michael Bush (29) stiff arms the defender during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, November 10, 2011.
Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) rushes for a 5-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 22, 2013.
Raiders defensive end Jason Hunter (93) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 22, 2013.
Raiders running back Michael Bush (29) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, November 10, 2011.
Raiders linebacker Kamerion Wimbley (96) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, November 10, 2011.
Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore (17) makes a 26-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, November 10, 2011.
Raiders wide receiver Louis Murphy (18) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 5, 2010.
Raiders running back Marcel Reece (45) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 5, 2010.
Raiders running back Michael Bush (29) rushes for a 7-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 5, 2010.
Raiders wide receiver Jacoby Ford (12) makes a 4-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 5, 2010.
Raiders defensive back Mike Mitchell (34) and linebacker Ricky Brown (57) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 5, 2010.
Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) hands the ball off to running back Justin Fargas (25) during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 1, 2009.
Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) rushes for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 1, 2009.
Raiders quarterback Andrew Walter (16) passes as guard Robert Gallery (76) blocks during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, December 4, 2008.
Raiders defensive end Justin Miller (22) returns a kickoff during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, December 4, 2008.
Raiders tight end Tony Stewart (85) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, December 4, 2008.
Raiders linebacker Jon Alston (55) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, December 4, 2008.
Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 4, 2005.
Raiders defensive end Justin Miller (22) returns a kickoff during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, December 4, 2008.
Raiders linebacker Napoleon Harris (58) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 31, 2004.
Raiders wide receiver Jerry Porter (84) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 14, 2007.
Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) stiff arms the defender during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 14, 2007.
Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard (53) celebrates as he returns an interception 66-yards for a touchdown during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 14, 2007.
Raiders defensive back Stanford Routt (27) breaks up a pass during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 14, 2007.
Raiders tight end John Madsen (85) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 26, 2006.
Raiders defensive back Chris Carr (23) returns a kickoff during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 26, 2006.
Raiders quarterback Aaron Brooks (2) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 26, 2006.
Raiders running back ReShard Lee (42) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 26, 2006.
Raiders running back Zack Crockett (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 4, 2005.
Raiders defensive back Stanford Routt (26) breaks up a pass during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 26, 2006.
Raiders tight end Zach Miller (80) makes a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 14, 2007.
Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61) blocks for wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 25, 2015.
Raiders linebacker Sio Moore (55) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 16, 2014.
Raiders tight end Clive Walford (88) makes a 23-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 25, 2015.
Raiders linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 25, 2015.
Raiders linebacker Miles Burris (55) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 16, 2014.
Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a 25-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 25, 2015.
Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 18, 2016.
Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a 13-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 18, 2016.
Raiders running back DeAndre Washington (33) rushes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center, Sunday, December 31, 2017.
Raiders defensive end Denico Autry (96) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 18, 2016.
Raiders linebacker Perry Riley Jr. (54) forces a fumble during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 18, 2016.
Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) rushes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center, Sunday, December 31, 2017.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes as guard Gabe Jackson (66) blocks during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at ROKiT Field at Dignity Health Sports Park, Sunday, December 22, 2019.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center, Sunday, October 7, 2018.
Raiders linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) and defensive back Sean Smith (21) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center, Sunday, December 31, 2017.
Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) rushes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center, Sunday, October 7, 2018.
Raiders defensive back T.J. Carrie (38) breaks up a pass during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center, Sunday, December 31, 2017.
Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) sacks the quarterback during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at ROKiT Field at Dignity Health Sports Park, Sunday, December 22, 2019. The Raiders won 24-17.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at ROKiT Field at Dignity Health Sports Park, Sunday, December 22, 2019.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at ROKiT Field at Dignity Health Sports Park, Sunday, December 22, 2019.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) rushes for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at ROKiT Field at Dignity Health Sports Park, Sunday, December 22, 2019.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, November 8, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, November 8, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) celebrates after making a 2-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, November 8, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) pressures the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Monday, October 4, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) lines up to kick a PAT during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Monday, October 4, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Monday, October 4, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, September 11, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) makes an 18-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, September 11, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) hits the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, September 11, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, September 11, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, October 1, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) looks for a receiver during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, October 1, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, October 1, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, October 1, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, October 1, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif.
