Two first-round picks and a bunch of mid-round picks can fill a lot of holes on the Las Vegas Raiders roster; however, free agency would strengthen right now what is a fairly competitive roster. This list is dependent on the sheer fact the Raiders will go all in and commit to Derek Carr at quarterback. This list would look totally different otherwise.
Offensive Line
- Brandon Scherff
- Joe Thuney
- Graham Glasgow
- Cordy Glenn
Why?
- Scherff is a former three-time pro bowler and absolute technician whose battled injuries recently. The former 5th overall pick is the best lineman available in free agency and fits the mold of a “Gruden grinder.” With rumors of former Pro Bowl guard, Gabe Jackson potentially getting traded, who better to invest in than Scherff, who when healthy is a top-10 guard and form a dominant running combo with Pro Bowl right tackle Trent Brown?
- Who better or good adjacent might be Ironman guard Joe Thuney, who hasn’t missed a game in his career with the Patriots. He blocked for Tom Brady, another high-profile free agent and is a model of consistency and toughness. That’s excellent for a former third-round pick. Thuney is going to cash in but his history of consistency makes him one of the safest investments on the market.
- Glasgow could kill two birds with one stone as he can play center and guard. He was one of the bright spots on the Detroit Lions offensive line. Former All-Pro center Rodney Hudson won’t be around forever and Glasgow could be the incumbent that allows for the Raiders to have a swing offensive lineman that’s proven to be a capable starter at two positions, thus freeing up a roster spot.
- Recently released on Friday, the former first-round pick is still an athletic freak with position versatility at guard. Raiders Head Coach John Gruden was quite a fan of Glenn early in his career with the Buffalo Bills. The Bengals were cursed with injuries and bad play so all the blame can’t be placed on him. Glenn might be the cheapest of these three as he would definitely be playing guard for the Raiders and could be signed to a two-year price it deals with a team option.
- None of the above: The Raiders could opt to keep Jackson at guard and draft from a deep group of offensive lineman.
Wide Receiver
- Robby Anderson
- Travis Benjamin
- Geronimo Allison
Purpose?
- Anderson is the best deep threat on the market based on his production and would complement the Raiders offense perfectly. Tyrell Williams proved to be a good player but he can’t carry an offense by himself or scare a defense’s too cornerback. Anderson’s consistency beating defenses that knew exactly what he was going to do makes him a viable number two option.
- Benjamin hasn’t done much in the receiving department but he could provide some juice in the return game if Dwayne Harris isn’t brought back. Benjamin hasn’t lost all his 4.37 speed from his Miami Hurricane days and would probably thrive better than he did as a Los Angeles Charger.
- Allison would simple be a good depth pick that would make sure the offense didn’t slouch if Williams or Hunter Renfrow get hurt. Playing with the likes of Aaron Rodgers might help him adjust to the likes of Derek Carr which could lead to him out producing his years as a Green Bay Packer.
Running Back
- Kenyon Drake
Reasoning
- Drake had monster performances throughout the season and proved he could thrive as a change-of-pace back, something Jalen Richard hasn’t really proved yet. He can be a returner and reliable starter if Josh Jacobs goes down with an injury.
Safety
- Anthony Harris
- Ha-Ha Clinton Dix
- Karl Joseph
Really?
- Certified ball hawk and the best one all offseason. Harris gives the Raiders something they haven’t had since Charles Woodson’s Pro Bowl season. The corners aren’t getting enough interceptions and Harris has proven he will and can. Mayock could strike gold with a Harris signing like that of another undrafted free agent, Erik Harris. He’d be the perfect free safety for this Paul Guenther defense.
- Clinton Dix is a consummate professional with the football IQ to play both safety spots and some nickel. He can tutor Jonathan Abrams and help coach up the young defenders by setting a tone. His Alabama tutelage serves him well.
- Joseph had a career year and keeping him would totally rule out taking a safety. Retaining him might give the secondary some much-needed chemistry.
