Heading into 2022 penciled in as a starter at the linebacker position, Divine Deablo is looking to make an immediate impact when the Las Vegas Raiders season begins.
Asked in an interview at training camp, Deablo said, “I’m really excited. First, I got to prove it out there on the field. I got to earn my spot. But I’m excited. I’m still new to the linebacker position. I’m trying to grow every day, improve every day, and that’s my only goal.”
In Deablo’s 2021 rookie season he had 28 solo tackles and a fumble recovery.
The fumble recovery came in Week 18 during San Diego, a game leading the Raiders to the post season.
Deablo started racking up defensive stats as the season played on.
He played in least 45% the defensive snaps for Vegas from Week 12 through the post season.
Deablo said his mindset has changed from his rookie season to his second.
“They brought in a lot of guys and they’re good, so first of all I just got to earn my spot. That’s my main thing. And I want to earn the trust of my teammates. I want them to see me as a leader as well.” Deablo was drafted in the 3rd Round by Las Vegas in 2021.
The Raiders — and Deablo — will be in the spotlight soon enough.
In less than one week, the NFL preseason schedule kicks off in Canton, OH between the Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars.