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5 things Raiders fans should be thankful for in 2018

By Brad Weiss

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 24: Arden Key #99 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after he sacked the quarterback against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 24: Arden Key #99 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after he sacked the quarterback against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 14: Kolton Miller of Oakland Raiders looks on during the NFL International series match between Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 14: Kolton Miller of Oakland Raiders looks on during the NFL International series match between Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images) /

The Rookies

For all the bad things that have happened to the Raiders this season, it does appear that they hit on some key players during the 2018 NFL Draft. First rounder Kolton Miller has been the starting left tackle from Day One, and has proven to be an absolute warrior, and someone who can anchor this offensive line for years to come.

Fellow offensive tackle Brandon Parker is getting great experience on the right side, filling in for the injured Donald Penn. Defensive tackles PJ Hall and Maurice Hurst have proven to be legitimate players on the inside, with Hurst being the top-rated Raiders defensive player through Week 10 according to Pro Football Focus.

In addition, Arden Key looks like he is going to be an explosive player off the edge, and while Johnny Townsend has struggled immensely as the starting punter, he is coming off his best game of the season. All in all, this was a solid draft haul for Jon Gruden in year one, as they added players who will be at the core of the roster heading into Las Vegas.

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