Pros and Cons of keeping Raiders General Manager Mike Mayock

Apr 11, 2019, Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders general manager Mike Mayock speaks at a press conference at the Raiders practice facility prior to the 2019 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2019, Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders general manager Mike Mayock speaks at a press conference at the Raiders practice facility prior to the 2019 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 14: Wide receiver DeSean Jackson #1 of the Las Vegas Raiders and general manager Mike Mayock talk during warmups before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 41-14. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 14: Wide receiver DeSean Jackson #1 of the Las Vegas Raiders and general manager Mike Mayock talk during warmups before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 41-14. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Pros and Cons of keeping Raiders General Manager Mike Mayock

What’s working in Mayock’s favor?

More than anything, bringing back Mayock ensures that the Raiders have stability. Continuing the work that was started by Gruden and Mayock allows the executive to build on 2021’s success. Who knows this roster better than Mayock? He’s seen the deficiencies first hand and once free agency begins, he can begin his work to rectify those areas.

For example, he can scout and address the glaring weakness that the Raiders now posses at wide receiver. The current administration was responsible for selecting Henry Ruggs III. Despite criticism that the wrong wide receiver was chosen, Ruggs proved to be right choice in the long run. Of course, no one could’ve foreseen the tragedy that ended his career.

Mayock can select another wide receiver in the first round in April or he could go after a prized free agent once the playoffs end.

Continuity might not appear to be a big deal to some fans but for this organization, it’s imperative that the current administration is kept together. A playoff berth surely grants Mayock at least one more year to see if the team can improve on their 10-7 record this season. Let’s not forget the excellent job that Mayock has done with the draft outside of the first round.

This year’s defense turned around their fortunes thanks in part to the rookies that were added. Other key contributors such as Hunter Renfrow and Maxx Crosby, were drafted by Mayock.

It’s hard to determine who was more responsible for assembling this year’s defense, Gruden or Mayock. Who made the final decisions on the draft and free agency will almost certainly remain a mystery. Be that as it may, the Raiders have returned to the postseason under Mayock’s eye, and one more year has definitely been earned.