2022 Las Vegas Raiders still a few pieces away heading into June
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders have certainly built up their roster this offseason, but as we near June 1, there is still work to do on both sides of the ball.
We are inching closer to the summer months, and from there, we will get a good look at what the 2022 Las Vegas Raiders will look like. The Silver and Black will be playing Jacksonville in the Hall of Fame Game, so the preseason kicks off earlier for those two teams than any others, making the next few months crucial.
In 2021, Las Vegas navigated a tough schedule on the field, and some incredibly tough situations off of it, going 4-0 down the stretch and clinching a Wild Card spot. In 2022, the bar has to be set higher, and for them to continue to move in the right direction, there is still work to be done on the roster.
Looking at some players who are still available, Las Vegas should not be finished working this roster, as they need help on both sides of the ball. They have done a really nice job fixing some issues already, and have added elite talent this offseason, but if they are legitimately going to contend for a Super Bowl, or even win a very tough AFC West, more changes have to be coming.
Raiders still need help along the offensive line
We know all about the Raiders weapons on offense, including an elite tight end in Darren Waller, and one of the best wide receiver tandems in the league in Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow. We also know the Raiders have a great group of running backs, but can the offensive line hold up to make this offense explosive.
Last season, we saw so many struggles on the right side, and despite that, there has been no real upgrade to the unit. Sure, they used a third-round pick on an offensive lineman, but more emphasis should have been placed on bringing in a veteran right tackle, or even guard.
There is still a lot of time left, and a lot of solid players available, so I do not believe David Ziegler is done as he reconstructs this roster after taking over as general manager. The Silver and Black also need help on defense, including in the secondary, so do not be surprised if the action ramps up again after June 1.