Las Vegas Raiders are trying to rebuild a lost franchise. Their first step was to bring back to the NFL a Super Bowl champion in head coach Pete Carroll. Now the oldest head coach in the league, Carroll is still a bold coach who likes to experiment with stuff. After signing a former Bryce Young teammate, they are willing to push limits on Jeremy Chinn’s usage.
In a press conference, both Carroll and GM John Spytek talked about Jeremy Chinn. Spytek said Chinn has “such an amazing skill set for a man of his size.” He added, “you love the intelligence and the instincts that go with it.”
Chinn was drafted in 2020 and was second in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Since then, he’s established himself as a versatile player. From a linebacker to a free safety or a nickel corner, Chinn can do it all in the secondary.
The now-Raider played for the Commanders last season and Dan Quinn also used him all over the formation. According to Pro Football Focus, Chinn was used 470 times as a linebacker. He played 369 snaps lined up as a free safety and 222 times as a slot cornerback. Quinn also lined him up 106 times along the defensive line and 40 times at wide corner. Chinn is the definition of top-tier versatility.
Jeremy Chinn #21 of the Carolina Panthers looks on during the first quarter of a preseason game against the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
What can Pete Carroll do with Chinn?
Pete Carroll is a defensive-minded coach. As previously said above, he is also a bit… crazy. That’s why Chinn and Carroll are such a good pairing. Chinn’s talent and versatility at the hands of Pete Carroll can only mean good things for the Raiders.
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Besides, it’s not like Las Vegas has a deep roster, so using a guy in plenty of positions while maintaining a good level is something they won’t refuse at all. Chinn will join a team with DE Maxx Crosby, LB Devin White, DT Christian Wilkins and S Isaiah Pola-Mao. While it’s not deep, it’s not bad per se.
The Raiders also moved pieces on offense
Defense is only half of football. The Raiders are aware of that. That’s why they signed QB Geno Smith and drafted generational prospect Ashton Jeanty as a running back in this NFL draft.
The Raiders also added Raheem Mostert as Jeanty’s backup. They reinforced the offensive line by signing Alex Cappa. As for the wideouts, Jakobi Meyers will serve as WR1. Then, they drafted three receivers but the main one is Jack Bech, who Las Vegas picked in the second round. Of course, you have to take into account TE Brock Bowers, who is a top-tier talent in the league.
Pete Carroll is not going for a Super Bowl appearance this season, but to establish culture and find identity. Carroll has an NFL ring and a College Football ring with USC. He knows what it takes to become a winner.
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