Where the Raiders can grow from 2019
On paper, Mayock was panned for his first draft in 2019. However, it turned out to be one of the top classes when the 7-9 Raiders finished their final year in Oakland. Josh Jacobs became a household name, as did the likes of Maxx Crosby. Trayvon Mullen became a staple in the secondary while top-five pick Clelin Ferrell had glimpses of greatness in the silver and black.
Now, it’s about building off that success in year two and taking that next step. More importantly, it’s about making sure high-end picks hit and don’t look like colossal busts. For Ferrell and Johnathan Abram, that will be their ultimate goal.
Can Ferrell and Abram take the next step?
The Ferrell pick looked flawed as Kentucky’s Josh Allen was there for the taking. Drafted seventh overall by Jacksonville, Allen finished with 10.5 sacks and a Pro Bowl nod while the former Clemson Power Ranger only tallied one takedown in the final eight games. Abram, a standout box safety from Mississippi State, played only a handful of snaps before moving to the injured reserve after Week 1.
Ferrell spent the offseason adding weight to win battles off the edge. Entering the season 13 pounds heavier should give him the power and base footing to win more one-on-one matchups against standout tackles. With a better first step to drive off, this should add more pressure to a front seven that tallied 32 sacks in 2019.
Abram, the wild card in a lost season, has the potential to break free. Gruden loves players that like to hit and one look at his highlight tape says just that. Although limited in coverage, his box safety skills in Guenther’s defense should allow him to win more in zone coverage while making plays against tight ends.
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Abram’s return also should fix the secondary woes as a whole. The Raiders added former Browns safety Damarious Randall as their deep cover man. Having two complementary safeties should allow 2019 super free agent LaMarcus Joyner to remain in the slot and live up to that massive contract. The former Ram never found his footing due to injuries around him, but a fresh season in Guenther’s system should also help.
As for Jacobs, Crosby, and Mullen, they’ll look to remain on pace as future leaders. The Alabama runner likely should have won Rookie of the Year after his 1,150-yard campaign. Crosby was a draft day steal in the fourth round thanks to a 10.5 sack season. Mullen’s development helped Gruden trade away Gareon Conley, leading to his status as the team’s top cover man.
Can it all work?
The Raiders’ success — to plainly put it — will be based on Carr. Mayock and Gruden spent a lot of draft capital to fix the offensive arsenal over the past two seasons to see if the former 2014 Draft pick can be their guy. And on paper, there’s little for Carr to complain about.
Ruggs and Williams should combine for a fabulous 1-2 speed threat outside. Edwards is a perfect split end for Gruden’s scheme and Hunter Renfrow surprised in the slot. Jacobs impressed as a receiver, averaging 8.3 yards per catch, but Bowden’s addition should give Carr a reoccurring check down. Let’s keep in mind Darren Waller might have been the NFL’s breakout star after a 1,145-yard season as the team’s top option in the 11th ranked offense.
More importantly, the offensive line stout and ready. Rodney Hudson is the game’s top center while Richie Incognito returned to near Pro Bowl form following retirement. If Gabe Jackson can be healthy, the two guards should combine for a quality run blocking set. Trent Brown has potential on the right side after his success in New England and will be fully healthy for the first time since 2018. Meanwhile, Kolton Miller surprised many with his development from his first to second year and could be a breakout on the blindside in his third.
Carr’s inability to take control of games could be pushed early. The Raiders will start with four games against teams that made the 2019 postseason. Following their bye week, Las Vegas will face a Tom Brady led Tampa Bay before taking on an improved Cleveland roster.
Overall, all the pieces have to click for Las Vegas to become a contender. Free agents must hit. First rounders must break out. Carr can’t crack under pressure. On top of that, the AFC West only improved with new-found players and substantial overall draft hauls.
Still, with the team built in his image, Gruden could bring magic to his new city before the season’s end. When one chapter closes, a new one begins. After three years of struggles, the Raiders’ recent moves could lead to a “Royal Flush” in their new home early.