The Las Vegas Raiders are moving to a 3-4 base defense. Who will thrive most in it?
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak recently announced the team's intentions to make a major defensive change. The Raiders will switch to a 3-4 base defense, featuring three down defensive linemen and four linebackers.
Few teams play a majority of base defense anymore, as most offenses require you to be multiple, but the change is underway regardless. Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive line coach Rob Leonard against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images New Defensive Coordinator Rob Leonard will lead the charge, and after spending the last few seasons as the defensive line coach, he has a tremendous understanding of his defensive line personnel. The switch may not be seamless, but Leonard is the best man for the job. There are a few Raiders who should enjoy the philosophical shift, and some who may reach a new level of their games. Who will benefit most from playing in a 3-4 defense?Nov 30, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby reacts after a tackle against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images While Crosby is a scheme-transcendent player, deploying him as a 3-4 outside linebacker may get him back to playing at an elite level. Crosby often rushes out of a three-point stance with a hand in the dirt, and he still very well could, but playing as an outside linebacker allows him to rush off two feet. Plus, he may drop back into coverage at times, showing off his athleticism and covering tight ends downfield. The Raiders got Crosby back after a failed trade with the Baltimore Ravens, and he is committed to being a Raider and helping the team win games. He should transition seamlessly to the new system.Dec 21, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb runs with the ball as Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway makes a tackle during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Imagesmay be a perfect fit in the 3-4. At 6-foot-2 and 284 pounds, Hemingway has the perfect build to be a 3-4 defensive end. He recorded four sacks in nine games for the Silver and Black, showing off a pass-rush acumen most interior defensive linemen don't have. Hemingway should be a force on the interior as a result, as he will be able to line up over offensive line matchups he can expose. We may see an unsuspecting breakout season from the former South Carolina star.Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images, and the 3-4 defensive scheme just might be it. Wilson has struggled as a traditional defensive end, and he found more success as an interior rusher in specific defensive packages. The switch to a new base defense should allow him to rush in that spot for a majority of the time. 2026 is a major make-or-break year for Wilson, as he could enter free agency after the season. He must prove he belongs by thriving in the system.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former Oakland Raiders All-Pro center Barret Robbins dies at 52Former All-Pro center Barret Robbins, largely known for leaving the Oakland Raiders' team hotel on the eve of their most recent Super Bowl appearance in 2003, has died at 52.
Read more »
Former Raiders Center Barret Robbins DiesFormer Raiders center Barret Robbins, who battled mental illness and addiction and was suspended before Super Bowl XXXVII, has died. The Raiders organization and former teammates expressed their condolences.
Read more »
Former Raiders center Barret Robbins was never at peace — until nowJerry McDonald has been with the Bay Area News Group for more than 30 years, with a heavy concentration of NFL football since the Raiders returned to Oakland in 1995. His all-time favorite athlete is a right-handed pitcher at Division III Linfield College in Oregon.
Read more »
Barret Robbins, former Raiders All-Pro center, dies at 52Barret Robbins, largely known for leaving the Oakland Raiders’ team hotel on the eve of their most recent Super Bowl appearance in 2003, is dead at 52.
Read more »
10 Adventure Movies Since 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' That Are Amazing From Start to FinishRyan Heffernan is a Senior Writer at Collider. Storytelling has been one of his interests since an early age, with his appreciation for film and television becoming a particular interest of his during his teenage years. This passion saw Ryan graduate from the University of Canberra in 2020 with an Honours Degree in Film Production.
Read more »
Barret Robbins, former Raiders All-Pro center, dies at 52Former All-Pro center Barret Robbins, largely known for leaving the Oakland Raiders’ team hotel on the eve of their most recent Super Bowl appearance in 2003, has died at 52. The Raiders confirmed his death on Friday. Ex-teammate Tim Brown, a Hall of Fame wide receiver, announced Robbins’ death on social media Thursday night.
Read more »