Today’s NFL has become a breeding ground for hybridity. Players are no longer asked to settle into singular roles on either side of the ball. In step with the modern NFL, 3rd round pick Shilique Calhoun will be deployed from both the left and right sides of the 2016 Oakland Raiders’ defense.
While speaking on SiriusXM NFL Radio with hosts Howard Balzer and Gil Brandt, Calhoun expanded on his potential role for the 2016 Raiders.
“Honestly, I’ve played a little bit of everything, moving all around the field, but mainly it’s SAM and LEO for the most part; trying to learn those two positions. I’m behind two great veterans in Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin.”
While Calhoun espousing the edge roles for the Raiders isn’t a particularly surprising, it does offer an opportunity to analyze what exactly Calhoun will be doing in the upcoming season, and how the Raiders will look to deploy their plentiful group of pass rushers.
Understanding the LEO and SAM positions
Mimicry is often described as the highest form of flattery, but in the NFL, it’s just business as usual. Following the success of the Seattle Seahawks’ formidable defensive alignment, the promotion of their defensive staff to head coaching roles has distributed their patented (but not patent protected) 4-3 under defense around the league.
For the Raiders, defensive coordinator and former Seahawks linebackers coach, Ken Norton Jr., is responsible for the adoption of the LEO and SAM positions in the Raiders’ front seven.
On paper, the Raiders appear to run what seems like a 3-4 defense (three defensive lineman and four linebackers). While the optics of the alignment are true, the schematics behind the defense are more akin to a 4-3, or perhaps even a 5-2 front.
The LEO position in this alignment is virtually the right defensive end in a 4-3 defense. When deployed in this role, Calhoun is considered a primary pass rusher and can either stand up or put his hand in the dirt (like he did so often at Michigan State).
Conversely, when Calhoun plays SAM, or strong side linebacker, he'll operate on the opposite end of the defense. Aside from being the left side bookend, the SAM linebacker is responsible for setting the edge against the run and more frequently dropping into coverage.
The Raiders most commonly deployed Khalil Mack as the starting SAM linebacker in early downs in 2015. With Aldon Smith sidelined due to suspension until November, it's likely that the newly acquired Bruce Irvin will play the LEO role, where he acquired his career-best eight sacks during his rookie year.
Calhoun isn't likely to supplant either Irvin or Mack in either role, but he does offer much-needed depth to combat potential injuries and rest.
An Embarrassment of Rushers
Calhoun is a perfect fit for the Raiders multiple defenses. During his time playing in the Big 10 for Michigan State, Calhoun lived in opponent's backfields, collecting a combined 71 sacks and tackles for loss during his four-year career in East Lansing.
The selection of Calhoun also offers an insight into how the Raiders value pass rushing role players. Along with Calhoun, the team acquired former Seahawk Bruce Irvin and re-signed suspended Aldon Smith. By season’s end, the team will have an embarrassment of riches at pass rusher.
Too often the NFL season often becomes a battle of attrition. If everything goes according to plan, the Raiders won’t have to use Calhoun much during the year aside from the occasional spelling of starters Irvin and Mack. Even with the departure of restricted free agent Benson Mayowa to the Dallas Cowboys, the Raiders can rest assured they have enough firepower in their arsenal to last the regular season and hopefully beyond.