How Las Vegas Raiders 3-4 Shift Redefines Defensive Line

The Las Vegas Raiders, and new defensive coordinator, Rob Leonard are switching to a 3-4 system. If you’re wondering the role in which certain players will have for that system, an excellent breakdown is here by our own Ray Aspuria . The Raiders added to their defensive line with signing Kwity Paye, and retaining Malcolm Koonce to pair with Maxx Crosby after the Baltimore Ravens backed out of their trade with the Raiders early last week.

The Raiders are going to run a versatile group of defensive fronts, and also generate good blitz packages with their unit, that said the Raiders will have a situation on their hands with their current unit and where they fit best. The Raiders defensive line is diverse, and they have rotated their units between techniques frequently, that should remain the same for the Raiders in 2026 if not increase. NFL Techniques, Defensive Line: Below is a graphic outlining NFL techniques, a key distinction for defensive lineman as a 5 tech and 1 tech may both be labeled as interior lineman, but are completely different players.

A quick breakdown of each is below as well: A Gap: Area between center and guard B Gap: Area between guard and tackle C Gap: Area between tackle and Tight End D Gap: Area outside the TE inline Man Control: Two Gapping lineman, play through certain offensive lineman. Usually utilized in a 3-4 front or 4-3 even, which the Raiders will be running a majority in 2026 and forward under Rob Leonard. This front usually contains a 0, 2, 4, 6, and depending on personnel a 7/9 technique in diverse packages.

The package is traditionally used to be a run first approach, and often is paired with an attack front ideology. Gap Control: Lineman responsible for stopping and holding a gap specific per play. Very common in 4 lineman fronts with spread lineman, and 5 down lineman as well.