Good find
@BonifayRam. I liked his versatility. He could be the answer as an ILBer on early downs while moving to Edge in pass rushing downs. That could still give TLew, Holland, and Garrett good PT to see who answers the bell.
Raiders: 3 reasons adding Kyle Van Noy in free agency makes sense
by
Alexander Failes2 weeks ago
Follow @AlexMonfreda
Raiders: 3 reasons adding Kyle Van Noy in free agency makes sense
Reason 1 – Linebacker help
With linebackers Nicholas Morrow and KJ Wright hitting free agency, the Raiders need to add some depth here. On top of that, the constant talks of Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski being cap casualties only add to this need. Van Noy can fill that need, and nicely at that.
Last year, Pro Football Focus have Van Noy a grade of 72.8; For perspective, Littleton received a grade of 47.8, which is shockingly still higher than last year’s 47.1. This is because Van Noy is consistent, and gives you a little of everything.
Throughout the last five years, the 6’3 linebacker has recorded 26.5 sacks, 34 tackles in the backfield, 356 combined tackles, and has even batted down 23 passes. He’s also forced eight fumbles, something Littleton has yet to do as a Raider.
Van Noy is not only highly regarded by Bill Belichick, but every locker room he joins is impressed with him. In his one season with Miami, Van Noy’s leadership was on full display as he was voted by the team to be a captain.
While in New England, the linebacker helped the Patriots win two Super Bowls. Amid their 2018 Super Bowl run, Van Noy was particularly effective in the post-season. He would have 18 tackles, three sacks, and even force a fumble in those three games.
Reason 2 – Graham’s ideal versatility.
First-year defensive coordinator Patrick Graham takes pride in running a system that integrates every scheme. Van Noy, who’s played each linebacker position, has the type of versatility that’s led him to excel in multiple schemes.
In his first stint with New England, the Patriots ran a 4-3 front. Van Noy shined, not only recording those 16.5 sacks mentioned early on but forcing five fumbles in addition to breaking up nine passes. Altogether, he wound up with 221 tackles, with 21 being behind the line of scrimmage.
Heading to Miami, he would be met with a different front;
A 3-4. Still, Van Noy looked the same as he always has. His one year here was met with 6 sacks, 69 tackles, and two forced fumbles. He still proved to be a nuisance in the passing game, making sure six attempts were broken up.
Another highlight was found in his career-high ten tackles for a loss.
It isn’t just that Van Noy has played well on both of these fronts, though. It’s that when you look at the film, and even the numbers, he gives you a little of everything. It’s not just sacks, or the pass breakups, or the tackles. It’s all of these things. Coverage ability with consistent pass-rushing skills, and tools to play well against the run.
If Graham makes the recipe, Van Noy can bake the cake.
Reason 3 – Familiarity
After the Raiders 2021 season wrapped up, owner Mark Davis decided to go in an entirely new direction. This direction was two men coming from the Patriots staff – Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to steer the ship as head coach, and director of player personnel Dave Ziegler as general manager.
Needless to say, Van Noy is familiar with both of these gentlemen.
The comfort in returning, not only to a place with familiar faces, but familiar faces you’ve accomplished so much with always plays a factor in these decisions. As such, it wouldn’t be shocking if the two-time Super Bowl champion had Vegas at the top of his destinations.
Reuniting with the former Patriots’ staff isn’t the real icing on the reunion cake, though. Joining the silver and black would make this a homecoming for the Nevada native.