Yesterday, the Las Vegas Raiders filled holes and addresses depth issues with signings. Now, while they should receive massive praise, there are spots for concern. Below, are the five best signings to this point. Here are the deals, to date.
Marcus Mariota
In all honesty, I am not sure what to make of this. Normally, we’d see the contract numbers released. Yet, Mariota’s, as of this writing, remains a mystery. Some feel rather off about that. On the field, Mariota’s athleticism jumps off the screen. The key is whether he serves as a trusted backup or an actual threat to Derek Carr’s tenure as the starter? The money will be a factor. Also, the length of the contract.
Nick Kwiatkowski
All upside and upgrade. In Kwiatkoski, the Raiders now employ a linebacker that uses his vision and instinct to make plays. Plus, he will not kill them in coverage. Kwiatkoski embraces the Gruden Grinder ethos. He played well in spot duty last year in Chicago. Time to see how he shines as a full-time starter.
Cory Littleton
If you go back into the recent past, you will see that the Raiders suffered in coverage from the linebacker spot. I have used this space to bemoan this for years. Yet, Littleton provides a glimmer of hope. He appears natural in coverage. More importantly, he seems to have a nose for the ball.
Carl Nassib
When the Raiders inked the former Buccaneer, no one batted an eye. Then, the talk of seventeen million dollar guarantee surfaced, all eyes went to the depth chart. Where does this place Clelin Ferrell? Will he slide inside. Nassib brings length and excellent hand placement to the table. Add in the fact, at 6’7”, quarterbacks will need to throw around him.
Maliek Collins
Rod Marinelli continues to put his fingerprints on this defense. Collins, a slashing three-technique will pair with Maurice Hurst, giving the Raiders a prime opportunity to disrupt the interior, forcing the quarterbacks wide.
