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Raiders: Ten players that are crucial to the 2018 season

By Thomas Wheaton

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders directs his team before throwing the ball during the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders directs his team before throwing the ball during the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 7: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates a win against the San Francisco 49ers late in the fourth quarter on December 7, 2014 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 24-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 7: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates a win against the San Francisco 49ers late in the fourth quarter on December 7, 2014 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 24-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

1. Derek Carr

This should come as a surprise to nobody, Derek Carr is the heart and soul of the Raiders. Aside from being a budding superstar heading into the fifth year of his career, Carr is a terrific leader in Oakland. He is the exact guy I would want to be the face of my franchise, and it is time that Carr leads the Raiders back to their championship days.

Back in 2016 Carr was considered the front-runner to win MVP had it not been for the broken ankle he suffered in Week 16. Unfortunately, he took a step back in 2017. Whether it was being somewhat hesitant with his recently healed ankle, or the back injury he suffered, Carr didn’t look like himself at all last season.

If were being honest, a lot of that should fall on Todd Downing and the 2017 coaching staff. However, Carr should have still produced more. With Gruden calling the shots and old friend Greg Olson back in the fold, Carr is in much better hands.

With plenty of weapons around him, Carr is in position to make another run at the MVP award. If he plays well, the Raiders will have a good season. As such, he is easily the Raiders most critical player. Given the importance of the quarterback position, it makes the most sense for Carr to be the most crucial player to the 2018 campaign.

Next: 2018 Raiders: Early Team MVP Award predictions

Under Gruden’s tutelage, Carr can soar to new heights. If he is the same clutch, confident quarterback that took the league by storm in 2016, the Raiders will be a strong contender in the AFC.

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