In less than a month, the Oakland Raiders possess the chance to round out their roster via the NFL Draft. With so much uncertainty, each side of the ball needs considerable work. Despite voluminous free agent signings and trades, the Raiders refining. For the purpose of this article, we’ll look at the offensive side of the ball, shattering myths.
The Raiders Shouldn’t Draft a QB
With all due respect, did you see who they signed? Mike Glennon is, well, a backup for a reason. If you look at his stats, many aspects should scare the Raiders, if Derek Carr gets hurt. First, he completes under 61 percent for his career. Next, his longest pass in the last five years was 41 yards in 2014. So, a rusty, inaccurate, immobile quarterback waits in the wings?
If you honestly believe that someone with an affinity for quarterbacks like Gruden won’t draft a quarterback, I’m not sure what to tell you. If Derek Carr stays healthy, Gruden could develop a Ryan Finley, Easton Stick, or Brett Rypien.
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Chris Warren Should Start as the Lead RB
Warren ran well during the 2018 preseason. AS a result, fans began to believe he can immediately step in as Marshawn Lynch’s successor. First, no one knows if Lynch will play for the Raiders again. In addition, grabbing yards versus third-string defenders should not carry this much weight. Granted, Warren possesses the type of size that Gruden loves and running style he prefers. However, how will he look when facing elite defenses keying on him.
In this draft, the Raiders should have their chance at playmaking rushers across the table. Under those circumstances, they don’t need to spend a first on a back. With Miles Sanders, Darrell Henderson, and David Montgomery hovering in the middle rounds, choices abound.
No Need for a Tight End
In reality, the Raiders employ five tight ends. However, none are dominant receivers. Plus, while only Waller can stretch defenses, he does not block well enough or show the traits to start. As a result, Oakland should grab one early. If they are lucky and the draft falls their way, one of the two Iowa tight ends, TJ Hockenson or Noah Fant should fall to them late in the first. On the other hand, should the draft does not cooperate, Texas A&M Jace Sternberger, SDSU Kahale Warring, or Ole Miss’ Dalton Knox present viable options.
In essence, the Raiders took less than one offseason to reconstruct their offense, yet, with the draft, they can place the final changes on a successful winter/spring.
