Raiders Opinion: First Group Of Needed Veteran Signings -

With a baffling draft strategy, the Las Vegas Raiders still need to add talent to the roster, if they hope to make noise in 2023.

The Raiders needed to hit on this draft. They only bagged two Day One starters in their first four picks, which fell in the Draft’s top 100 picks. Tyree Wilson should very well become a starter but Vegas gave him some time to develop by keeping Chandler Jones. Michael Mayer is the only clear starter the Raiders drafted. And Vegas already signed two veteran tight ends with starting experience. Austin Hooper and O.J. Howard have yet to be consistent and have had injuries. They will now battle for second TE duties. Jesper Horstead could also be in the mic.

Uphill Battles

Otherwise, Byron Young is going to have to beat out five dudes to see substantial playing time. Other third round pick Tre Tucker will have to keep several veteran receivers at bay to earn the fourth receiver spot, at least while Hunter Renfrow stays on the roster. Defensive backs Jakorian Bennett and Chris Smith II were both considered great value picks on the last day of the draft. Some people had them going on Day Two but the Raiders got them in the 4th and 5th round, respectively.

Versatility In Desperate Times

Smith could easily start at safety or slot corner. However, he’ll need to prove his size and speed won’t hinder his performance in the league. Bennett could also start on the outside. But the Raiders signed a bunch of veterans they think can compete for those two starting outside jobs too. It remains to be seen if they can crack the starting lineup but it’s still expecting a lot if you hope your fourth and fifth round picks start on Day One.

Around Full Press Coverage

OPINION: Morten Andersen: The Toughest Place To Kick? For Me, It Was This Place

NFL: NFL 2022: Five Key Statistics for Week 2

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs Stock Report: Week 2 2022

Ep 119: Patrick Mahomes' Top 5 List
by Full Press Coverage on May 27, 2023 at 7:49 pm

MORE PODCASTS From FPC

FULL PRESS BETS: NFL MVP Odds: Patrick Mahomes Leapfrogs Josh Allen For Top Spot

FANTASY FOOTBALL: Fantasy Football Value Picks In Every Round

PODCAST: Full Press NFL Podcast Ep 54: Chargers At Chiefs Preview

Money Matters

Right now Vegas only has about $4 million in cap space. They can make some more room by trading Bilal Nichols as well as cutting Brandon Bolden or Andre James. Trading or cutting James would save $5 million in cap space and trading Nichols could save about the same amount. Moving Nichols or James would just create more roster voids on a team that desperately needs talent. It’s also unclear what value Bolden holds after turning 33 and only getting 17 carries last season. Cutting Bolden would save over $2 mill in cap space. Vegas can save almost $11 million in cap space by trading Renfrow after June 1. He is one of their most moveable contracts and probably one of the few valuable trade pieces they would actually move. What would Vegas use that potential cap space on?

Makes Too Much Sense: Marcus Peters

With Rock Ya-Sin joining the Ravens after the NFL Draft, this move makes too much sense for both parties. Peters visited the facility earlier this month but left without a deal. Reports say there is interest from both parties but they have yet to agree to a deal. I’ve been banging the table for the Raiders to add a defensive playmaker for a long time. I’ve also always leaned towards wanting them to add folks from Oakland who understand the Greatness of the organization.

Age Doesn’t Matter

Please don’t tell me Marcus Peters is washed. In case you didn’t know, Peters is a coach’s son and high IQ football player. He’s only missed the postseason, what once? And that’s only if you count the season he didn’t play due to a knee injury. Even fresh off a knee injury, Peters registered an interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. That’s the playmaking and turnover creating ability the Raiders have lacked for years. The two-time Pro Bowler turned 30 in January 2023. If the price is right, there’s no reason the Raiders shouldn’t add Peters. His battles with DaVante Adams could be legendary. Peters will also get revenge versus the team that drafted and traded him, the Chiefs. Don’t forget that time Peters almost fought the entire Raiders o-line before his big cousin Marshawn Lynch hopped in.

Fitting The Description

What player is better to carry on the Raiders’ legacy of the No. 24? Yes, Peters gambles and his tackling can be a mixed bag. However, he makes plays and brings a swagger that the Raiders desperately need. Adding a corner like Peters this late could really make a huge difference for the Raiders defense.