The Raiders got great effort from their tight end group this past season, as Jared Cook had a career-year in Jon Gruden’s offense. However, he is a pending free agent, and after a year that saw him set career-highs in receptions and yards, he will likely be testing the market this offseason.
When it comes to the group as a whole, the Raiders still have talent even without Cook, as guys like Lee Smith, Derek Carrier, and Darren Waller played very well in 2018. With their fifth round pick, they may want to dip into a deep tight end class in the 2019 NFL Draft, and Tommy Sweeney from Boston College has the size, and hands to be a nice player at the next level.
Maybe Ryan Bates should have returned for one more season in Happy Valley, but whoever gets him at the NFL level, is getting a very versatile offensive lineman. Bates is one of those players who can play inside, or out along the offensive line, but is probably going to stick as a guard when he gets to the pros.
Bates finished up his career at Penn State by being named a third-team Big Ten selection, and will now get the chance to prove he is ready for the pro game. He played both center, and guard at the collegiate level, but is very nimble for a big guy, and could play tackle if needed in a pinch. Oakland needs depth along the offensive line, and Bates would give them some.