Stars aligning for a big offseason for the Las Vegas Raiders
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders have a lot of work to do in terms of their roster this offseason, and they have what they need to get the job done.
Heading into the 2019 offseason, the Oakland Raiders had a lot of work to do, as they were coming off a tough 2018 campaign, and needed to revamp the roster. To make matters more concerning, the team brought in Mike Mayock to be their general manager, his first time in that role at any level.
Well, Mayock proved to be just what this team needed, and by the end of the 2019 offseason, the team was in much better shape than the year before. Now, 13 months later, Mayock and company are entering their second offseason, and it has all the markings of being one of the best in team history.
Looking at the roster, there are holes on both sides of the ball, specifically wide receiver, cornerback, and linebacker. All of these should be filled via the 2020 NFL Draft, or free agency, where there are some elite names available this offseason.
Linebacker and cornerback are well represented via free agency, as corners like Logan Ryan, Byron Jones, or Chris Harris could certainly fill the void in the defensive backfield. Cory Littleton, Blake Martinez, and Kyle Van Noy are just a few of the linebackers availble this offseason, all three of which would be a major upgrade over the Raiders current players at the position.
In the draft, wide receiver is as deep as it has been in a long time, meaning the Raiders could certainly get the WR1 they so covet this offseason. Remember, Las Vegas holds two first round picks this year, and a guy like CeeDee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy, or Henry Ruggs III would certainly look nice atop the depth chart at the position.
The Raiders are in a much better financial situation, as they have some cap space, and some guys currently on the roster they could cut to create even more. Entering a new city, with a beautiful new building, and no state tax, the Raiders are going to be a destination for free agents this season, and the team has the cash to spend.
Outside of the two first round picks, the team also holds five of the first 91 selections this April, meaning they could once again stockpile talent via the draft. Last year, Mayock had an incredible draft class, hitting home runs in the fourth and fifth rounds, while bringing in starting talent with his three first round picks.
Next. Trayvon Mullen the Las Vegas Raiders most important second-year player. dark
Looking at this team, the draft capital, and the cap space, the Raiders are on the brink of being a perennial playoff team. Of course, the question of who quarterbacks this team remains unanswered, but whoever it is in 2020, they will have a ton of weapons at their disposal, and the best defensive unit we have seen in a long time.