These would be A+ moves for Raiders
NFL free agency begins soon and the NFL draft is in less than two months away.
The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to make several additions as they try to improve. Expect an extremely busy period. But now, as we prepare for the storm, let’s look big. We’re looking for major impact additions and these would qualify:
Get a quality quarterback:
Yes, it’s easier said than done and there are no guarantees any of the options this year will work out. Same may be expensive and all come with risk. But if the Raiders can get a quarterback this offseason, it would solve a lot of issues and open up some possibilities.
Keep, at least, three defensive starters from leaving:
Unlike most years in recent history, the Raiders have a lot of key free agents this offseason, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Players like cornerback Nate Hobbs, safety Tre’von Moehrig, linebackers Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo and pass-rusher Malcolm Koonce are all key pieces to the defense and all will attract interest on the open market. New Las Vegas coach Pete Carroll said recently he wants this all back. Maybe that’s possible, but the majority needs to be brought back or there will be a ton of rebuilding to be done on that side of the ball.
Add another impact starter on defensive line:
The Raiders could use another defensive tackle even if they retain Adam Butler and John Jenkins in free agency. The draft is considered extremely deep at defensive tackle and it would be a good idea for the Raiders to address the position early in the draft. New Las Vegas general manager John Spytek has said he wants to build in the trenches, so what this position early. If the Raiders address quarterback in the veteran market and he is available at No. 6, Michigan defensive tackle (Spytek is a Michigan man) would be tempting. A defensive front that features Maxx Crosby, Christian Wilkins, Koonce and Graham would be daunting. If Koonce leaves, though, the Raiders will need another pass-rusher as well and still may need one if he stays.
Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images
Get a top running back in the draft:
The Raiders need a running back and this is a good draft to find one. Perhaps the Raiders, especially if they get their quarterback in the veteran market, could be tempted to take Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty at No. 6 (or after a short trade down). Jeanty could help change this offense for years to go. and Spytek and new coach Pete Carroll want to run the ball. There are other top running back prospects who could be available a little later in the draft including Omarion Hampton (North Carolina), Kaleb Johnson (Iowa) and TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins who were both with new Raiders’ offensive coordinator Chip Kelly at Ohio State in 2024. Spytek was with Tampa Bay when they took Bucky Irving in the fourth round and he was a rookie star. He will help to accomplish the same thing in his first draft with the Raiders.
Add offensive lineman:
The Raiders could use another guard. Stud Trey Smith of the the rival Kansas City Chiefs has been given the franchise tag and is off the board. But the could use another guard in either free agency or the draft.
Conclusion:
This would be a great offseason and it would help Carroll cash in on his vow of making the Raiders an instant contender. Yes, they have other needs and they can address this. But this plan would play into Spytek’s plan of improving the trenches and the running game.