Raiders: Players who must improve to stick around in Las Vegas

Raiders: Players who must improve to stick around in Las Vegas

Players on the offense who need to take their game to the next level.

Let’s get the low hanging fruit out of the way; Alex Leatherwood needs to take steps forward. Giving up the third highest amount of sacks in the NFL with eight, as well as compiling an outrageous number of penalties with 14, it’s fair to say the offensive lineman’s rookie season was abysmal at best.

Leatherwood spent time at both guard and tackle, neither of which he excelled at.

The Alabama alumni did have highs, most notably where he gave up one single pressure to the Chargers in Week 18, helping Vegas secure their playoff berth. Raider Nation shouldn’t be too worried, though, as the organization was aware he was a project when they selected him 17th overall in the 2021 NFL draft.

Carr was sacked 43 times in 2021, which was tied for the fourth-most. If the Raiders want to be serious about competing, they have to take protecting their QB seriously.

If Bryan Edwards wants to stick around, he has to show a more consistent ability to create space. The 6’3 WR is great at using his massive frame to battle off-pass defenders, but not so great at creating a cushion between him and the defense.

In this year’s training camp, that wasn’t the case Levi Edwards reported.

"“He’s not only been creating separation on his routes, but is also using his physicality to go up and over defensive backs”"

That lets us know [Bryan] Edwards has the tools to create space as he impressed his teammates all training camp. Las Vegas needs something from their receivers more than any other unit, and hopefully, Bryan Edwards can deliver by returning to the form that left the building singing praises of him.