5 reasons why the Raiders can make the playoffs
The Raiders are looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs last season, here are a few reasons why they will make it back to the postseason.
Prior to an awesome 2016 season in which the Raiders went 12-4 and made the playoffs, the franchise hadn’t appeared in the postseason since the 2002 season. All in all, that is one playoff appearance in 15 seasons. For the record, that’s not the mark of a successful franchise.
Many factors impacted that playoff drought. Bad draft picks (JaMarcus Russel), inconsistent and bad coaching, and overpaying for old veterans who didn’t produce all contributed to the lack of success for the Raiders. The tides shifted in 2014 when the team drafted Khalil Mack and Derek Carr. The team and the fan base finally had a young nucleus to build around.
The Raiders have some talented players on the roster, and finally have a respectable coaching staff established. Let’s see what they can do with it.
5. A high-upside draft class
Many people have questioned the Raiders draft class for this year, myself included. Kolton Miller is a bit of a head-scratcher at No. 15 overall, and to follow that with two FCS players is puzzling to say the least. However, this class has a lot of upside to it. If even half of them pan out to become legitimate starting caliber NFL players, it will be seen as a successful draft.
Miller is 6-foot-9 and has all the physical tools in the world. The tape leaves a little to be desired, but the physical foundation is in place. If the coaches can work on some of his technique, Miller could become the next starting left tackle.
P.J. Hall has some upside and is quite quick for his size, as does cornerback Nick Nelson. If Nelson can recover from his knee injury and get some practice in this offseason, he could contribute immediately. Brandon Parker may win the right tackle job, but even if he doesn’t he has some potential with his big frame.
Maurice Hurst and Arden Key may be two of the biggest steals of the draft, if they can play that is. Hurst has a known heart ailment but as of now, seems like he can play. Key has struggled with some off-field issues, but with more structure in his life now, he should have plenty of help. Both Hurst and Key are supreme talents, and could both make an impact in their rookie season.
If some of this year’s rookies step up and prove themselves at the professional level, the Raiders will have a lot of depth on their roster. With quality production from the young guys, the Raiders could easily make the playoffs in 2018.