Raiders Opinion: Depth Could Keep Team Afloat

  Depending on the team, reviewing a roster in mid-July can bring forth a spectrum of emotions. For once, the Las Vegas Raiders’ roster, there is confidence not followed by doubt. After years of being “just a couple pieces away”, it finally feels like the Raiders are poised to turn a new page. Considering the fact that injuries happen to every team, seeing the Raiders’ depth at almost every vital position is incredibly enlightening. For every solidified starter, there is at least one young player chomping at his heels, ready to take their spot.

Extended Schedule

  With the NFL expanding its season to 17 games (what a horribly odd number), teams will need gameday-ready talent as deep as their roster will allow. The Raiders starting roster is no Super Bowl favorite, but their depth alone can help weather the storm of the already lengthy second half of the season. Looking at the depth chart, the Raiders boast seven offensive and seven defensive starters drafted in 2019 or later. While this does mean the team has potential to be a bit jumpy, it also means they will possess ample frowing time.

Tension              

  While depth helps with injury preparedness, it also brings a high level of competition normally saved for Sundays. Backup players tend to act like sharks, silently lurking in the shadows until they smell blood. Should any starter begin to falter, there is an incredibly good chance the Raiders have someone else begging for a chance.

Top-Flight Management?

  Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden have done an impressive job making sure injuries and fatigue serve as the team’s downfall. With that, apologists will run out of possible excuses for the 2021 season. Limited offensive weapons, injuries, fatigue, and an abysmal defense/pass rush can no longerbail out a team simply cannot get over the hump.

Kudos

  The Raiders front office deserves praise this offseason. Many glaring questions were answered through the draft and free agency, even when fans may not have agreed (i.e. Alex Leatherwood). Typically, depth is something which solid teams attempt to pursue. Establishing depth before setting the starters does not happen often, and succeeds even less frequently. Mayock and Gruden have gone all in on 2021, and they may have aligned their timing perfectly.

Expectation

  Expect success from the 2021 season and expect more in the years to come. The core of this Raiders team has the potential to be around for the long haul; this success will be lasting. The 2016 season was one of the best in recent memory, but with other seasons considered, comes off as a flash in the pan. However, the Raiders are primed for 2016-esque seasons for years to come.