The Las Vegas Raiders will have a new linebacker duo after signing Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean in free agency this past offseason. Moreover, both players were teammates on the Georgia Bulldogs.
As a result, the Silver and Black are banking on both players to pick up their chemistry from college. Furthermore, there’s another former teammate of Walker and Dean on the Raiders’ defense: Eric Stokes.
On Aug. 23, Stokes spoke with reporters on reuniting with the Raiders’ linebacker duo and whether it’s been a simple transition to playing with them again.
“It was an adjustment period just playing with them two again, getting that connection back,” Stokes told reporters. “They say little things, and I’m like, ‘I remember this.’ We talk off each other, saying, ‘Nah, I’m going to be here for this.’
“We’re just bouncing knowledge off each other. Even when I’m confused about some of the little things, like how we run gaps and other stuff like that, I know I can easily talk to Quay Walker or Nakobe Dean.”
Last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dean posted a 61.9 PFF grade, recording 44 solo tackles, 10 assisted tackles, 4 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. Meanwhile, Walker registered a 48.5 PFF grade, recording 90 solo tackles, 20 assisted tackles, and three sacks in the previous campaign with the Green Bay Packers.
Eric Stokes on Talking Football With Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean
Moreover, Stokes shared how easy it is to talk football with Walker and Dean, as it helps the player find that chemistry once again that the three players had at Georgia.
“We can easily be somewhere and just talk ball,” Stokes added. “We could be outside the facility talking ball, and it’s all good. That’s the one little thing I absolutely love about it.”
As for Stokes, he played 1,037 snaps on defense for the Raiders last season, leading to a 75.0 overall PFF defensive grade. Moreover, the 27-year-old recorded four pass breakups, surrendered 28 receptions, and allowed a 77.2 passer rating when targeted by opposing quarterbacks.
Stokes also contributed 46 solo tackles in run support and open-field situations, 15 stops, and seven missed tackles. Perhaps reuniting with Walker and Dean can help elevate Stokes’ production in the secondary.
Maxx Crosby on Raiders’ Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean
Stokes isn’t the only one speaking highly of the new Raiders linebacker duo. Ahead of the new campaign, Maxx Crosby spoke about what it means to have this new tandem behind him.
“They’re dogs, literally Georgia Bulldogs,” Crosby said in an Aug. 19 video from Bussin’ With The Boys. “They’re awesome, bro. They bring the energy every single day. They bring a certain type of confidence that you feel when you’re out there.
“Having two of those guys who have actual experience playing together and are both in the prime of their careers, I haven’t had that my whole career.”
It will be interesting to see how Walker and Dean impact the Raiders’ defense, as the team also has a new defensive coordinator in Rob Leonard, who will look to elevate the group into a respectable unit this season.
Raiders’ Eric Stokes Gets Blunt on Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean