So on paper, not you Paper you disgusting fuck, the Raiders should have a top 10 defense if they can address their need at safety. I want to see how they'll like up Mack, Irvin, Smith and Mario Edwards. I'm assuming it'll be Mack and Irvin at DE, Dan Williams at the 1, Edwards at the 3 and both the Smiths will be at LB (Nickel defense).
If they go 3-3-5, Mack and Irvin at ends, Mario Edwards, Dan Williams or Jelly Bean Ellis at DT, both Smiths at OLB and Ben Heeny or Neiron Ball at MLB. Sean Smith and David Amerson on the outside with ugh DJ Hayden manning the slot, TJ Carrie as box safety and Nate Allen as FS.
Base defense of 4-3 will be Mack and Edwards at DE, Jelly and Williams at DT, Irvin and Aldon on the outside with either Ben Heeny or Neiron Ball in the middle. Sean Smith and Amerson outside, TJ Carrie and Nate Allen as safeties. They can always go jumbo 3-4 with Aldon or Irvin as their 4th d-lineman. There's a lot of possibilities with this defense if they stay healthy and sign some cheap depth players and draft quality depth.
I really do hope they sign Reggie Nelson, he can provide the leadership that left with the great Charles Woodson. This defense actually could be one of the most athletic groups in the NFL. The key is going to be Mario Edwards this season, he played just as well as Malik Jackson did last season. His push when he plays DT is just amazing. Denico Autry, Stacy McGee, and Shelby Harris will be fine rotational players off the bench to relieve these guys. Again we'll see what kinda magic Reggie can do during cuts to bring in solid rotational guys.