Jon Gruden rolling the dice on youth this time around with the Raiders
By Kenny King
Jon Gruden rolling the dice on youth this time around with the Raiders
Youth will be served in 2020
Gruden’s approach to a younger team was most solidified this offseason, as after drafting Damon Arnette and Amik Roberston, the Raiders brought in veteran cornerback Prince Amukamara on a one-year contract shortly after the signing of Eli Apple fell through. After a strong showing by rookies Arnette and Robertson, as well as second year players Keisean Nixon and Isiaiah Johnson, the Raiders decided to move on from Amukamara.
Gruden, who has historically stocked his team with veteran players who once were at the top of their game in hopes of a resurgence in energy, has opted to go younger, which makes perfect sense, considering he is entering Year 3 of a ten-year deal. Gruden is playing the long game, where he can develop a team built to his standards filled with young players excited about football and being Raiders.
Gruden doubled down on his love of the game in the second year of his contract by bringing in a draft guru in Mayock to be the general manager. Mayock’s analytical approach compliments Gruden’s eye for raw talent, and by them working together, they have identified the needs of the roster, and filled those in via the NFL Draft
Of course, having five first round picks over two drafts helps, but Mayock has earned his money after the first round, bringing in guys like Hunter Renfrow, Trayvon Mullen, Maxx Crosby, Bryan Edwards, and Amik Robertson to name a few.