While all of the focus of the Oakland Raiders has been on the developing quarterback situation and overall offense, the defense has a few emerging stars in the group. Oakland's defense is young and outside of players like Charles Woodson, most lack NFL experience. After losing players like Rolando McClain in the offseason, the Raiders had some replacing to do in the linebacker area. After drafting Sio Moore and acquiring Nick Roach, the Raiders could have some successful players in the position group.
Roach had success with the Chicago Bears before coming over as the replacement for McClain. He has managed to have a quiet six-year NFL career, but is ready for the spotlight in Oakland. Roach is a welcomed veteran on a defense that could easily have nine new starters on it this season. Even with his experience, Roach understands that a starting spot will not just be handed to him.
"In my mind, you've got to make them see something in you to keep you around because it's performance-based," Roach said.
Head coach Dennis Allen has certainly been impressed with Roach, both on the field and off. Allen called Roach a smart player who puts the team first. He wants those kinds of characteristics to rub off on the younger players. On the field, Roach has been a big presence, breaking up passes and drawing contact with running back Darren McFadden. Rookies like Moore, certainly look to him as a player to copy.
Moore is considered a lock to start for the Raiders despite his rookie status. Moore missed a day of camp due to a minor injury, but Allen is not concerned about the young linebacker falling behind, impressed with how he has gone about his business at this point in camp.
Moore is taking all the time he has to learn from the few veterans on the defense. Drafted for being an excellent tackler and vital in the pass rush efforts, Moore wants to leave behind a legacy in Oakland like the veterans have.
"They've given us some really good speeches as we go into team meetings," Moore said. "Some of the stuff raises the hair on your skin because you can see that passion. Dedication just oozes out of those guys. ... You want to look back and say you had a storybook career like one of those guys."
Moore is ready to be a successor to departed free agent Philip Wheeler. The Raiders plan on making the rookie a key part of their defensive plan throughout the season.