Former linebacker Antonio Pierce was able to assist shape the perfect linebacker that the Las Vegas Raiders selected.
The Las Vegas Raiders feature a former Super Bowl-winning linebacker in Antonio Pierce as their head coach and a defensive coordinator in Patrick Graham, who has a strong enough bond with the defense to bring out the best in almost every Raiders player on the defensive side of the ball.
The Raiders wisely chose to select a gifted linebacker from a prestigious college football program in the fifth round of the NFL Draft, after allocating their first three selections to improving their offense. The Raiders selected a player in the draft, linebacker Tommy Eichenberg of Ohio State, who may allow Las Vegas to give linebacker Robert Spillane a few more plays off, extending Spillane’s career and improving the Raiders’ effectiveness.
Spillane participated in 97% of the team’s defensive plays during the previous campaign, at one time even playing through a broken hand. Eichenberg, who at one point at Ohio State had to play despite two broken hands, lets the Raiders relieve some of Spillane’s workload. Spillane, a seasoned linebacker, has established himself as the team’s surefire starting linebacker for the remainder of this season and probably beyond. Eichenberg might assist the Raiders in maintaining Spillane’s physical condition and mileage.
Coach Pierce now has a gifted linebacker that he and Graham can develop into their ideal linebacker in Eichenberg. Pierce, a free agent who went undrafted and went on to start for a club that won the Super Bowl, now has a rookie linebacker that he can work with right away. Coach Pierce, who has benefited Spillane, fellow linebackers Divine Deablo and Luke Masterson, will have the opportunity to positively influence Eichenberg and enhance his game.
Before the previous campaign, Spillane needed to get better at pass coverage. Spillane was able to do this following his work with Graham and Coach Pierce. Graham and Coach Pierce have the chance to assist Eichenberg in the same way. Pro Football Focus reports that Eichenberg was targeted 24 times in pass coverage during the previous season, with 18 passes being completed.
In Ohio State’s five seasons, Eichenberg recorded over 265 tackles. Along with 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a score, he finished with 21 tackles for a loss. He more than demonstrated throughout his time with the Buckeyes that he was deserving of a chance to play in the NFL.
Eichenberg has a lot to show when he joins the league, much like Coach Pierce and Spillane. To an already competitive linebacker group that includes coaches and players with a lot riding on their shoulders, the Ohio State product is the perfect addition.
