Raiders' Christian Wilkins not resting on his laurels ahead of 2024
Raiders' Christian Wilkins not resting on his laurels ahead of 2024
The Las Vegas Raiders spent a boatload of money to sign defensive lineman Christian Wilkins in free agency after he had a career year in 2023, but the veteran defender remains as motivated as ever.
Wilkins provides a massive upgrade for the Raiders' defensive line. Not only is he an impact pass rusher and run defender, he'll also take some pressure off Maxx Crosby, who is coming off the best season of his career.
Despite the big contract, Wilkins remains hungry.
"I've come a long way definitely since my rookie year in this league," Wilkins said, per Levi Edwards of Raiders.com. "I've seen so much, I've done a lot, and knowing that and just seeing how far I've come always just keeps me hungry. I'm just always trying to be my best, and now you kind of see what experience and wisdom does for you because then now when certain things go on, you're not rattled, or you can impart that wisdom into a younger guys. I'm just blessed to be in the position I'm in and to be able to do that."
By all accounts, Wilkins has shown what he can do in spades during the offseason program after he routinely dominated during practices. But he has also displayed leadership qualities ahead of his first season in Las Vegas.
"Christian, he's a natural leader," general manager Tom Telesco said. "Even though he's a veteran, he's played in the league, when you come to a new team sometimes guys will take a step back and see the lay of the land. He just walked in and he leads naturally right away and that's kind of rare to see."
The Raiders' defense had an impressive 2023 campaign, especially after head coach Antonio Pierce took over. With Wilkins now in the fold and much of that same defense returning, the unit has the potential to be elite in 2024.