Raiders: Questions that still linger heading into the 2022 NFL Draft
Raiders: Questions that still linger heading into the 2022 NFL Draft
The 2-tight end set McDaniels referenced in his interview?
When Mark Davis interviewed Josh McDaniels for the head coach vacancy, it was reported McDaniels presented a 2-tight end set that blew Davis’ mind. Now with the back-to-back All-Pro wideout Davante Adams on the roster, is that vision still relevant?
During the off-season, Las Vegas signed tight end Jacob Hollister, who has familiarity with McDaniels’ system. Furthermore, 2019 fourth-round pick Foster Moreau is on the roster and has stepped up multiple times in star tight end Darren Waller’s absence. So, why would it be in the Raiders’ best interest to add another tight end for a scheme involving two tight ends?
It’s simple. When you look at the most successful two-tight end sets across the league, there’s one thing they all have in common that allows them to thrive: The tight end no.2 is an instant mismatch against defenses.
While Moreau has shown incredible hands and great reliability, he’s simply not the versatile mismatch opposing defensive coordinators go to sleep worrying about. Likewise, while Hollister has had a bit of success, most notably in the Red Zone, he’s also not a matchup nightmare. That being said, the draft houses tight ends such as Cade Otton and Isaiah Likely who are those instant mismatches.
There are certainly tight ends in this year’s draft with wide receiver skillsets who can make defenses tremble, much more so as a team’s second tight end. However, multiple sub-questions should be asked and answered before considering using a draft pick on one of these players.
Will the player be comfortable knowing they’ll be the second, or perhaps even the third option on shorter downs? Waller’s job is untouchable, and in all likelihood, Moreau remains the team’s no.2 tight end on small yardage downs. A player of this caliber may just want to showcase what he can do as often as possible, and with Waller on the roster, this just isn’t realistic.
Are there any immediate needs Las Vegas feels they’re passing up on for this second tight end? After all, it sure would be beneficial to present such a mismatch on a week-to-week basis, but it isn’t what should be classified as a need; other positions could use the help more.
And finally, taking it back to what was said in the first paragraph of this page – Is this even still relevant? The team now has Davante Adams, who’s essentially averaging 100 yards and 1 touchdown per game over the last two seasons. The weaponry has been retooled, and there’s not much need for panic or thinking outside the box anymore.
We’ll find out on draft day if this set is still in the cards for McDaniels and the Raiders.