The Raiders made a big jump in 2019, going 7-9 despite an incredibly tough schedule and a lot of injuries. In 2020, they will make the playoffs.
The 2019 Raiders were not nearly as bad as most people made the team out to be, and if a few things went differently, they could have made the playoffs last season. The team had an incredible rookie class, a few bright spots on the team, and Derek Carr played well despite having no weapons.
This offseason, the organization did a nice job bringing in talented free agents, especially on the defensive side of the ball, fixing needs on all three levels. In the 2020 NFL Draft, they once again had multiple first round selections, adding an explosive wide receiver, and a cornerback who could be the answer as a starter alongside Trayvon Mullen.
The 2020 team has become more mature, has created more chemistry, and have an easier schedule than in 2019. Although most people do not believe the Raiders will produce next season, they have made massive improvements since last season, and they will make the playoffs for these three reasons.
Upgrade at Linebacker
The Raiders worst position group last season was linebacker, and the team made a couple of massive additions that greatly improved the group this offseason. Not only did the Raiders add younger players, they added much better players, getting rid of Tahir Whitehead and bringing in Nick Kwiatkoski and Cory Littleton.
Littleton has the ability to turn the Raiders defense around, as he is not only a better tackler than any linebacker the Raiders had in 2019, but is a huge upgrade in terms of coverage. In addition, Littleton is elite at play recognition.
Littleton does everything better than all the Raiders linebackers in 2019, and will instantly improve the running and passing defense.
Although Kwiatkoski does not have a ton of experience, he did show his potential last season for the Chicago Bears, and could no doubt surprise everyone with how much of an impact he will have on the Raiders defense in 2020. The middle of the defense has been a liability for the Raiders over the last few years, but with the additions of these two linebackers, it could turn into a strength.
Year 2 for a special draft class
The biggest jump players often take is from their rookie season to their second season, and the Raiders 2019 rookie class was incredible last year. Players like Josh Jacobs and Maxx Crosby should continue to produce at a high level, but the team only takes the next step if players like Clelin Ferrell, Hunter Renfrow, Trayvon Mullen, and Johnathan Abram step up in Year 2.
Renfrow and Mullen really started to come around at the end of last season, as Renfrow started to look like the best receiver on the team, and Mullen proved to be a CB1 once the team dealt Gareon Conley away.
The biggest piece to the defense could be Abram, a 2019 first round pick that only played one game last season. In that game, Abram looked to be everything the Raiders expected him to be, a fierce safety in the backend of their defense.
The Raiders brought in a couple of other veteran safeties in case Abram’s reckless style leads to another injury, but if he can stay healthy, the Raiders defensive backs could be a solid group of young players.
Derek Carr’s arsenal of weapons
In 2019, Derek Carr did not have too many weapons, yet he still was able to set a career-high in passing yards, and complete 70 percent of his passes. Outside of tight end Darren Waller and Josh Jacobs, the Raiders were thin for most of the season in terms of weapons Carr could rely on.
Tyrell Williams started off hot as the Raiders WR1, but as the season progressed, it was clear that Williams did not fit the role, but he could be a solid WR2 if he stayed healthy. In fairness to Williams, he did suffer a terrible injury for a wide receiver, but when he was right, he was a touchdown machine.
Hunter Renfrow was a great addition as well, but he fits best in the slot as a player that can make the occasional big play. The Raiders addressed the receiving group heavily in the 2020 NFL Draft, using their first pick on Henry Ruggs III, a speedy wide receiver from Alabama that not only possesses speed and explosiveness that the Raiders lack, but also has great hands and route running.
The team also brought in Bryan Edwards, a tall receiver that has the ability to use his size and dominate defensive backs on jump balls. They also added Lynn Bowden Jr, one of the most dynamic players in the draft.
Bowden Jr has the ability to play multiple positions and can open up the Raiders play book in a ton of different ways. Bowden Jr rushed for over 1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, as well as receiving for 348 yards.