Las Vegas Raiders should bring back Nicholas Morrow
A bright spot on an otherwise porous defense, Nicholas Morrow ended up having a solid 2020 campaign. The former Greenville product has started 19 games over the last two seasons, totaling 2,171 defensive snaps.
He’s posted an impressive Pro Football Focus grade of 70.4 in the pass rush department for 2020, accumulating three sacks. Tack on 13 total pressures while being brought in on 58 blitzes from 2019 through last season. Though new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley isn’t known for blitzing, Morrow’s coverage skills are also solid.
His 70.4 PFF coverage grade supports that claim along with the fact he’s allowed only 290 yards in coverage and just 6.6 yards per reception when targeted.
With Nick Kwiatkoski solidified as the defensive leader, and Cory Littleton more than likely not going anywhere, Morrow should continue being their third man. Javin White also figures to have a role as well in the future, but Morrow’s definitely earned a contract beyond 2021.
Denzelle Good had an outstanding season for the Raiders
As far as the offensive side of the ball, the team has some decisions to make regarding their offensive line. Both Trent Brown and Richie Incognito are question marks as far as their future as Raiders. Denzelle Good shined in 2020 as the team’s offensive line was riddled with injury, most notably to Brown and Incognito.
Good’s status as an unrestricted free agent puts Las Vegas in a tight spot. Do they bring him back or go another route?
Well, to answer that, the team has to decide on Brown and Incognito first. If the team loses one of them, then yes, Good should be a priority. The Raiders could possibly draft a guard as well or go after a free agent such as Matt Feiler.
As far as 2020, Good started 14 out 15 games played after only seeing five starts the previous year.
Good’s run blocking abilities were solid in Incognito’s stead as you can see above. No one’s claiming Good is an elite offensive lineman, far from it, as he posted an overall 51.4 pass protection PFF grade. However, he’s proven his worth and should definitely be resigned given the state of the offensive line.