The talent at linebacker is deeper for the Raiders than it was a year ago, yet Ray-Ray Armstrong still appears poised to make the roster -- and perhaps make an impact -- in his second season in Oakland.
After the former University of Miami defensive back signed with the Raiders in October, Armstrong made good progress learning the system and stepping in when injuries took their toll. He started the final three games and played 12 in total. He was in on 20 tackles, forced a fumble and had one pass defensed.
It was the first real playing time for Armstrong, a 6-foot-3, 227-pounder who saw limited action in his rookie season of 2013 with the St. Louis Rams.
Now the Raiders have projected starters Khalil Mack, Sio Moore and Curtis Lofton at the three linebacker spots and have brought in former Seahawk Malcolm Smith as a free agent. Yet Armstrong has been impressing the Raiders’ new coaching staff this offseason, and it appears he’s in line to earn playing time again in 2015.
“He really has a passion for the game,” linebackers coach Sal Sunseri told the team’s website recently. “The kid has done an excellent job of going out there and competing every day. He puts a lot of pride on himself doing it right, being consistent and being the best he can be.”
Added new head coach Jack Del Rio: “A guy like Ray-Ray has really had a productive offseason. As a staff, we’re really excited about where he’s tracking.”
What makes Armstrong most intriguing is that he’s new to the linebacker position yet has made quick progress and improvement as a linebacker. Plus, he has pass coverage skills from his three seasons as a defensive back for the Hurricanes. He had four interceptions -- including one he returned for a touchdown -- at Miami while also being in on 134 tackles.
Those pass-coverage skills could make him valuable as a nickel linebacker.
Raiders veteran defensive end Justin Tuck is another who believes Armstrong might be an under-the-radar impact player in 2015. In a Twitter Q&A session with fans over the weekend, Tuck singled out Armstrong as a player who will make a name for himself this season.
Armstrong, too, is excited about putting the work in in the ongoing organized team activities (OTAs), the upcoming mini camp and summer camp, and showing what he can do.
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“I see my game rising each year, year in and year out, just putting in the work to be that player on Sunday” he told the media recently. “You never settle with anything. I feel like I can always get better.”
