While we know where the Las Vegas play, who coaches and plays quarterback, where they reside rankings-wise, still remains a mystery. Now, rankings can seem subjective. However, even opinion-based thoughts contain some measure of statistical backup. With that, the Raiders, on the whole, sit rather dead center in the conference. Rankings flow from AFC East to AFC West
Head Coach: Jon Gruden
Better AFC Coaches: Belichick, McDermott, Harbaugh, Tomlin, Vrabel, Reid
Overall, for all of his offensive acumen, Gruden’s inflexibility hurts the team. Additionally, he allowed Paul Guenther to control the defense for too long. By completely turning over the defense and allowing defensive meltdowns, the Raiders faded late in consecutive seasons, costing them potential playoff spots. With a better defensive coordinator in tow, maybe we will see how the Raiders now. Granted, Vrabel and McDermott may lack the Super Bowl hardware as head coaches. Yet, they managed to craft quality offenses and enough defense to secure playoff spots.
Quarterback: Derek Carr
Better AFC Quarterbacks: Allen, Jackson, Tannehill, Roethlisberger, Mahomes, Herbert
Like Gruden, Carr resides in the middle of the back of AFC quarterbacks. That should not be seen as an insult. With young talent passers like Josh Allen, MVPs like Mahomes and Jackson, Carr struggles to finish seasons with the strength of how he starts them. Now, Herbert may seem out of place. However, based on his talent set and ability to make the quick transition from Oregon to the NFL, if you say that you’d rather have Carr, no words exist for that level of wrong. Additionally, at the end of his career, Ben Roethlisberger still managed 33 passing touchdowns.
Running Back: Josh Jacobs
Better AFC Running Backs: Henry, Chubb
On balance, Josh Jacobs profiles as an upper-echelon AFC back. Granted, he doesn’t possess breakaway speed. However, he churns out chunk yardage. As a receiver, he’s not a gamebreaker, but that isn’t his role. Catching 73.6 percent of his passes, which are mostly dumpoffs is all Jacobs needs to do. As a pure runner, his strength, balance and ability to make defenders miss, places him in the elite AFC running back class.
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WR Corps: Ruggs, Renfrow, Edwards, Brown, Snead, Jones
Better AFC Receiving Corps: Miami, Buffalo, Ravens, Browns, Steelers, Chiefs, Chargers, Broncos
Now, you need to exclude Darren Waller, who operates occasionally as the X receiver. The Raiders’ receivers possess quickness and speed. However, what holds them back is the lack of faith shown in them by their quarter. Additionally, the underuse of Henry Ruggs in 2020 stunned many. The Raiders drafted the former Alabama standout in the first round for a reason. With his speed and track record of taking quick slants the distance, why not feature like that? Also, the additions of John Brown and Willie Snead give this group mystery and no clear-cut lead wideout.
Offensive Line: Miller, Incognito, James, Good, TBD
Better AFC Offensive Lines: Bills, Patriots, Browns, Steelers, Ravens, Colts, Titans
Due to trades, the unit took a major step back here. Losing Hudson, Jackson and Brown will hurt. Yet, the organization feels rather comfortable with their replacements. Tom Cable, for all of his previous reputation, gets the best of players. Kolton Miller earned an extension, based on improved play. A full season of Denzelle Good as a starter solidifies one spot. However, with a hole at right tackle and questions at center, the Raiders’ line could regress significantly.
Tight End: Darren Waller
Better AFC Tight Ends: Kelce
While many fairly criticized Jon Gruden for many issues, you cannot disagree with his signing of Darren Waller. A tight end with receiver speed and skills, Waller provides the Raiders a big-play threat that should open up the field for teammates. After back-to-back 1100 yard seasons, the sky’s the limit for Waller. Teams need to gameplan for him. His ability begs the question of who do you cover him with? Safeties possess the speed but lack the strength. Meanwhile, linebackers are strong but will ultimately lose down the field.
Bottom Line
While the biased will look at these thoughts as some catastrophic slight, they accurately reflect where the Las Vegas Raiders currently sit. This team is not elite, nor are they horrible. In fact, many of the rankings place Las Vegas right in the middle of the pack. As a result, no reason exists as to why this team should not challenge for and make the playoffs.