The Oakland Raiders expect to start nine players on defense coming from outside the organization this offseason.

Dennis Allen and defensive coordinator Jason Tarver are stressing the importance of communication to build chemistry.

The Raiders are confident in what they're seeing from Nick Roach, who was signed to play middle linebacker. Roach will be the signal caller for the Raiders' defense.

"That dude is brilliant," Tyvon Branch said of Roach. "He picks up everything quick. There's no curveballs with that guy. He gets everything the first time around. He's a very intelligent player. He really takes command of the huddle. He gets guys lined up. … It definitely helps when you have a guy like him out there orchestrating everything."

Branch and Lamarr Houston are the only starters who played together last season.

The Raiders allowed 27.7 points per game last season.

"I think we're going to be a fast-flowing defense," Woodson said. "I think that if you can have that on any team, a team that's willing to sell out every play and get to the ball, you're going to be in ballgames."