The Las Vegas Raiders defense was expected to be one of the best in the National Football League this season. Unfortunately, numerous injuries have made that possibility much less likely, as the Raiders don’t have several critical players.

One player still on the Raiders defense, however, is defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who was brought in earlier this season to help shore up the Raiders defensive line. Through the first four weeks of the season, Wilkins has continued to improve. He credits the scheme of his teammates and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham as part of his success.

“There are a lot of factors at play, but to make one thing clear, I feel comfortable with my guys, my teammates and the plan,” Wilkins said. “There are a lot of different things. But again, like I said last week, I love being able to do whatever it takes to win, just contributing as much as I can and just being able to play for this team.”

In addition to feeling comfortable in a new scheme for the first time in his career, Wilkins is playing with a handful of familiar faces. Wilkins played with defensive linemen John Jenkins and Adam Butler when the two played for the Miami Dolphins. Wilkins credited Jenkins and Butler for the hard work they put in and how they helped him throughout his career.

“Those are my boys,” Wilkins said. “And speaking of Jenk (John Jenkins), we go way back. He’s been a teammate of mine for a long time, going back to my rookie year. And Adam (Butler), I’ve been able to play with him before. And those guys definitely give me a lot of life. Just keep doing it. Adam played crazy (against the Cleveland Browns.)

“And those guys definitely give me a lot of life. Just keep doing it. Adam played crazy (against the Cleveland Browns.)

“Shout out to him. Jenk is like a Cadillac, just an old, trustworthy vet and such a calming presence on the field and all that. So it’s just fun going to work with those guys every day. And Jenk is still my OG, so I still learn a lot from him. As much as I’m seen as a vet and an established figure in the league, I still watch him a lot.

“Same with Adam. He’s been in the league a little longer than me, so I definitely count on those guys every day. Just their energy, their juice and just their wisdom, on and off the field.”

The Raiders have a serviceable defensive line despite the injuries the unit has suffered. Wilkins, Butler and Jenkins have become even more critical after the losses for the Raiders defense. The Silver and Black will continue to rely on their huge free agent addition to prove he was worth the lofty contract.

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