Las Vegas Raiders: Biggest questions that need answers this offseason

Dec 26, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders interim coach Rich Bisaccia reacts against the Denver Broncos in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders interim coach Rich Bisaccia reacts against the Denver Broncos in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 11, 2019, Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders general manager Mike Mayock speaks at a press conference at the Raiders practice facility before the 2019 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders: Biggest questions that need answers this offseason

Should Mike Mayock return as the Raiders’ general manager?

The biggest question dominating headlines right now is regarding the head coach position. In reality, the biggest concern for the Raiders should be the future of Mayock. Formerly an NFL Network analyst, Mayock has done what could be seen as a questionable job for Las Vegas. The real problem when evaluating Mayock was his attachment to Gruden. We can all argue and share conjecture about who really was calling the shots, but at the end of the day, Mayock had his input. Was he truly responsible for striking out on so many first-round choices?

Let’s say the Raiders make the playoffs. Can Davis trust Mayock to have a “home run” draft class in 2022, helping the team get over the hump? Or, let’s say the team was a one-and-done in the postseason. How close are they really and can he be trusted with a possible total rebuild?

On the other hand, let’s give credit where it’s due. The organization did a fine job this past offseason when it came to free agency. This was especially true on defense, where several key veterans were added that helped lead to the unit’s turnaround in 2021. Maybe another year with this coaching staff aided by Mayock’s maneuvering is what’s needed in 2022? Speaking of which…