Raiders Super Bowl contenders? There is still work to be done
Raiders Super Bowl contenders? There is still work to be done
What has to change on the roster?
The missing ingredients really boil down to guard/tackle, linebacker, interior defensive line, and a safety.
The guard/tackle is obvious. Leatherwood’s development should be treated as a top priority, and as such getting, someone he can grow with is of utmost importance. The big thing here is, you have options. You can put Leatherwood at guard if you find a right tackle, or you can continue developing him at right tackle and grab a guard.
There are currently two linebackers on the active roster: Divine Deablo and Denzel Perryman. For obvious reasons, this simply won’t do. The two are fine to start, but there needs to be depth and rotation. Ideally, you want a guy like Kyle Van Noy or Anthony Barr, due to them being able to do whatever is asked of them.
Versatility is key here.
For the interior defensive line, there’s no depth. Bilal Nichols was just brought in, and Andrew Billings was signed to a reserve contract before the new football year began. Bringing in another key rotational guy or two would go a long way here. Like the above, you ideally want versatility. It’s a Patrick Graham thing.
When I say the team needs a safety, I don’t necessarily mean Johnathan Abram isn’t the answer. The Raiders need a split-safety who can help on passing downs and come in as the third safety in triple-deep sets. As much as I can appreciate Abram’s steady growth along with what he brings to the Silver and Black, you don’t win championships with a Johnathan Abram in coverage.
