Oakland Raiders: Offseason Winners and Losers
By Justin Smith
Reviewing the Oakland Raiders offseason by handing out some winners and losers.
The Oakland Raiders had a heck of an offseason, beginning with some key free agent signings and continuing through a solid draft that filled some needs and added depth at key positions.
Some have panned a couple Raiders’ selections, saying that they reached for the relatively raw Jihad Ward in the second round when other higher profile DL were available, questioning a trade up for QB Connor Cook when Derek Carr is entrenched for years to come, and pondering the value of diminutive and little-known Texas Tech RB DeAndre Washington when UCLA’s Paul Perkins and Arkansas’ Alex Collins, higher rated workhorse-type backs, were on the board.
Time will tell on both Ward and Washington. With Ward’s proven dedication and perseverance it would be wise to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Cook is insurance for Carr while a potential backup making $1.6M less than Matt McGloin, with enough upside to become a potential trade chip down the road. The Raiders have definitely improved their talent and depth, meaning a variety of things for the veterans wearing Silver & Black.
Next: Raiders Offseason Review: Winners