Raiders Opinion: Offensive Options Look Strong

     The headlines and media coverage surrounding the Raiders has been steady, but missing a bit of the girth it deserves. Looking at the roster, it becomes incredibly clear that this is the best (quantity and quality) supporting cast Derek Carr has had in the NFL. Going back to the 2016 roster, one of Carr’s best offensive years, Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper tend to steal headlines to reveal that behind the two 1,000 yard receivers, Carr was not throwing to another big name. Behind Coop and Crab, the Raiders rostered Seth Roberts (397 receiving yards in 2016) and Clive Walford (359 receiving yards) as their next leading receivers.

Numbers

    However, 2021 brings high talent and depth. Darren Waller takes the lead as target #1, but close behind him should be Henry Ruggs, Hunter Renfrow, and Kenyan Drake. While only Waller has recorded a 1,000-yard season (of which he has two), the talent is there for Carr and the Raiders to thrive. Henry Ruggs did not start his career as explosively as a majority of his fellow 2020 receiver class, but averaging over 17 yards per catch is nothing to overlook. With a packed depth chart, it might be a bit difficult for him to surpass 1,000 this season, but it would be an incredibly safe bet to take him over last season’s total (452).

Slot Work

     Hunter Renfrow, widely known for his third-down abilities, has posted over 600 yards in each of his first two seasons. The former Clemson Tiger and national champion may not be Carr’s first look very often, but the two boast an impressive connection. Kenyan Drake may be listed as a running back, but it became immediately apparent that head coach Jon Gruden had more in mind, as Drake was found in receiver drills during his first workout with the team.

Backfield

   With all this talk about receivers, it could almost be possible to forget about Josh Jacobs. In his first two seasons, Jacobs has quietly posted over 1,000 yards without playing all 16 games. In 2019, Jacobs posted 1150 rushing yards in a mere 13 games. Additionally, Jacobs has been fairly reliable with the ball in his hands, fumbling only three times in his first two seasons, averaging 1 fumble per 171 carries, which, compared to Derrick Henry’s 1 fumble per 85 carries in 2019 and 2020, is absolutely outstanding.

Outlook              

   Considering the defense’s recent improvements as well, it is completely possible the Raiders are moving from “slept-on” to “disrespected” by the general public. By no means does that mean there is a Super Bowl in the near future, but when Las Vegas turns heads to start the year, it will be nice to recall that my head has been unwavering since the preseason.