Las Vegas Raiders' new linebacker Tommy Eichenberg explains what sets him apart from others

The Las Vegas Raiders made a strategic move in the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting Ohio State linebacker Tommy Eichenberg in the fifth round. This decision, while surprising to some, demonstrates the team's forward-thinking approach. While a linebacker may not be a pressing need for this season, it is a strategic move for the future, particularly the 2025 season.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the Raiders' defensive lineup could see significant changes. As it stands, the team will only have one linebacker, Amari Burney, who was a rookie last year. This draft pick suggests that the Raiders are preparing for a potential shift in their defensive strategy, possibly due to the potential departure of key players like Deablo and Spillane.

They got Spillane for super cheap last offseason, and he turned out to be the Raiders' second-best defender. After this season, he will likely ask for more money, or someone will outplay him compared to the Raiders. That's where Eichenberg comes in. He could play a role in 2024, but the big expectations are not there. That's still something we will have to wait and see.

We can anticipate that Eichenberg's unique qualities will make it challenging for the Raiders to keep him off the field. He possesses a distinct attribute that sets him apart from his draft peers, a quality that could significantly enhance the team's defensive strategy.

"Yeah, that was something that I told a lot of the teams, is my love for the game is unmatched," Eichenberg said during his introductory presser. "Like there's nothing else I want to do right now in my life. It's hard to turn it off, but I love the game. I mean, I'm always around it, always just trying to learn.

"I mean, I can't even name all the things I've done back in college that just revolved around football because I love the game so much, I love the dudes, I love the coaches. I love just everything that comes with it. So, I'm excited to just continue my journey."

That love for the game that separates him is very similar to what we see some of the best players in the league have. Maxx Crosby and Davante Adams have that. You hear them talk about it on podcasts, especially Crosby, who has the Kobe Bryant "Mamba Mentality." That's very similar to Eichenberg.

His skill set will already fit perfectly, too. It's not just all heart, as the player himself is talented. He played middle linebacker in a 4-2-5 (nickel) scheme. The Raiders used nickel more than any other team last season, so he's a scheme fit for defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. The fit is perfect. He plays the way the Raiders like on their defense, too. According to Pro Football Network, he has had 29 tackles for loss/no gain since 2022, which is third among Big Ten linebackers.

Eichenberg has the will and wants to be great. He can be, too. He can be great despite where he was drafted, and that's what the Raider way and mentality is.