The Las Vegas Raiders have bolstered their defense with the addition of linebacker Michael Berrett, a former seventh-round pick of the Carolina Panthers. The signing signals the Raiders’ interest in developing young, high-potential talent—especially players who may have flown under the radar during the NFL Draft but showcased promise during preseason action.
Berrett was originally drafted by the Panthers in the seventh round, where expectations are typically modest. However, he quickly turned heads during the preseason. His performances on the field demonstrated a maturity and technical ability well beyond his draft status. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Berrett earned an overall grade of 81.6—a mark that placed him among the better performers at his position throughout the league’s preseason games. Particularly impressive was his coverage ability, where he secured a 76.9 PFF grade and allowed only 4 yards in coverage. In a league where linebackers are increasingly asked to defend against versatile tight ends and running backs, Berrett’s skill in coverage is a valuable asset.
Seventh-round draft picks often face an uphill battle to secure a spot on a final 53-man roster. For many, their journey through the NFL includes stints on practice squads, short-term contracts, and a constant need to prove themselves. But Berrett’s performance made a case that he may have been undervalued during the draft process.
With the Panthers, Berrett was unable to crack the final roster—likely due to a combination of positional depth and team-specific needs. Still, his preseason work did not go unnoticed around the league. The Raiders, who have shown a recent commitment to improving their defense with youth and 
, saw an opportunity to bring in a young linebacker with immediate upside.
Las Vegas has been in the process of retooling their defensive unit, which has struggled in past seasons with consistency, particularly in pass coverage and stopping big plays. The addition of Michael Berrett fits within this strategic shift, giving the Raiders another tool to deploy in various defensive packages.
Berrett’s agility, awareness, and coverage instincts provide defensive coordinator Patrick Graham with flexibility. While it’s uncertain if Berrett will immediately earn significant playing time, his presence adds depth to a linebacker corps that has lacked consistent performers in recent years. If he continues his preseason form, Berrett could evolve from a depth piece into a rotational player or even a starter.
One of Berrett’s standout traits is his football intelligence. Coaches and analysts have noted his ability to read plays quickly and react effectively—critical skills for any NFL linebacker. His coverage numbers in the preseason are especially impressive, as allowing just four yards in coverage across multiple games suggests disciplined positioning and effective tackling.
Additionally, his PFF grades reflect well-roundedness. An 81.6 overall grade signals that Berrett contributed positively in multiple facets of the game—not just in coverage, but likely also in run defense and special teams, where many young linebackers get their first opportunities to contribute.
The Raiders’ decision to sign Michael Berrett speaks volumes about the organization’s desire to identify and nurture talent that may have been overlooked by other teams. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move that could pay dividends if Berrett continues his upward trajectory.
In a competitive AFC West, where defending against explosive offenses is a weekly challenge, adding a linebacker who can competently cover in space is a smart investment. If Berrett can translate his preseason success into regular-season performance, he may prove to be one of the savvier signings of the offseason.
While time will tell how much of an impact Michael Berrett makes with the Raiders, his signing is more than just a footnote. It’s a testament to how critical scouting, preseason performance, and development can be in shaping an NFL career. For Berrett, this marks a second chance to show he belongs in the league—and for the Raiders, it’s a chance to build a defense anchored not just by big names, but by emerging talents ready to seize their opportunity.
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