Oakland Raiders: Rising star, breakout player, rebound player, and more
By Brad Weiss
The 2018 Oakland Raiders have a lot of questions to answer during camp, and we take a look at those who could rebound, breakout, and more.
Our staff decided to do these together, as we will look at one rising star, breakout player, comeback player, a player not to forget about, one who needs to rebound, a darkhorse, and someone who is underrated or underappreciated. We start with one breakout player for each member of the staff.
Breakout Player
Jose Sanchez: Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch will be the Raiders’ breakout player in 2018. The team brought in players and coaches that fit the running scheme that compliments Lynch. From offensive line coach Tom Cable to bringing in fullback Keith Smith. The Raiders have all the ingredients to ensure that Lynch will be cooking all season. I see a 1,000 yard and 10 touchdown season for the bulldozing Lynch. Defenders beware!
Thomas Wheaton: Gareon Conley
Conley, as fans know, missed essentially all of last season due to a mysterious shin injury. After being drafted in the first round of the 2017 Draft, expectations were high for the cornerback out of Ohio State. 2018 is finally the year that he will prove he has what it takes to be a number one corner.
Jordan Alexis: Gareon Conley
After losing pretty much all of his rookie season, Conley will be motivated to prove he is a worthy first-round pick and a young shutdown corner.
Brad Weiss: Maurice Hurst Jr.
Mo Hurst has looked like a beast early in camp, and is showing why he was a projected first round draft pick this past April. With a clean bill of health, he is full systems go for the Silver and Black in 2018, and could be the guy who really solidifies the interior of the Raiders defensive line.