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Raiders Veteran LB Praises North Carolina Coach Bill Belichick

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi Dombro | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 2:31 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders have been largely praised this offseason for the decisions they made under new head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek. However, they were not absolved of criticism, especially as it pertains to the linebacker room.

Spytek let veterans Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo leave in free agency without a contract, which was met with uncertainty from the fan base. However, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has made a living by developing linebackers in recent years.

Veteran Elandon Roberts, who the team signed to a one-year deal worth $3 million this offseason, is expected to be the Raiders' starting middle linebacker in 2025.

Roberts has played nine NFL seasons, including four with the New England Patriots. There, he won two Super Bowls under head coach Bill Belichick and alongside Raiders minority owner Tom Brady.

On Tuesday, Roberts was a guest on "The Rush With Maxx Crosby," and was asked about how he thought his former coach would fair at North Carolina this season. He had nothing but positive things to say about Belichick ahead of his first year in the college ranks.

"Man, believe it or not, I think he’ll do straight,” Roberts said. “Bill not like, an awkward guy as he was when he was coach of the New England Patriots. … He’s very with the military background and stuff like that, very structured guy, … One thing I know he knows how to do is develop.”

Through nine NFL seasons, Roberts has compiled 604 career tackles, including 54 for a loss, as well as 14.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. He also has an interception returned for a touchdown on his resume, which came in 2021 against Derek Carr and the Raiders.

Las Vegas will need a linebacker to step up alongside Roberts this season if the defense wants to reach its full potential. Veterans Devin White and Jaylon Smith are in the running, as well as seventh-round rookie Cody Lindenberg.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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