Free agents that address the Oakland Raiders needs
Defensive Ends
Trey Flowers
Trey Flowers is arguably going to be the most coveted free agent once the market opens. This guy a 25-year old playmaker. He did it all for the New England Patriots on the defensive line. He terrorized the quarterback and was efficient at stopping the run. There’s still a lot of upside when it comes to Flowers.
The only knock on him is that he may be a product of the Patriots’ system. I don’t think that is the case when it comes to Flowers. There’s not too much a system can do to aid an edge rusher. Trey Flowers would be well worth the heavy cash he will demand.
Cameron Wake
Typically in free agency, Jon Gruden tends to go with the more experienced player. Look no further than Cameron Wake who is still playing at a high level at 37 years old. Wake fits the mold of a prototypical Gruden signing, but it’s actually a signing that isn’t as bad as it sounds. The Raiders should be getting younger and banking on players who have upside. However, they also need someone to set the standard in the pass rush department.
The Raiders were bottom feeders in that aspect. Bringing in Wake would have an immediate impact production wise. Not only that, it’ll allow Arden Key to be groomed. With so many elite pass rushers being tagged, it makes Cameron Wakes value soar higher. Luckily, he’s still a player that is producing consistently.
Brandon Graham
Finding a defensive end that can be an effective pass rusher and run stopper is difficult. That dual threat is insane value for any team that can get their hands on that type of player. Fortunately for the Raiders they have the opportunity to do so with Brandon Graham in free agency. Graham would be a dangerous weapon on any defense.
Areas of Improvement For The Young Defensive Line. dark. Next
It’s not just the versatile talent he possesses. It’s the fact that he’s a super bowl champion. He can be a real influential voice in the young locker room of the Raiders. They need that leadership from a player with his resume. That leadership will be further amplified with his tone setting plays. He should be a top target of Jon Grudens once free agency opens.