Another sub-.500 season for the Raiders in 2019 meant another disappointment. They can’t just rely on added talent in order to improve their chances. They also need some incumbent players to step up.
By the same token, with these new additions to the team, several incumbents could be in danger of having their jobs taken from them. Either their starting spot or their roster spot.
None more so than these four.
QB Derek Carr
Last year was supposed to be a make-or-break season for Carr. It was also the last season in which Carr has nothing to worry about in terms of getting benched for his backup. This season the Raiders brought in Marcus Mariota and Carr figures to be on a short leash.
He’s going to have to put the team on his back and win some games even if everything around him isn’t perfect. And in this case, things will be as close to perfect as they’ve ever been for him. Carr has a stellar offensive line, solid running game, upgraded and deep receiving corps, and improved defense.
If he looks as he typically does in practice while wearing a no-contact red jersey, he should get the ball to start the season. After that, it’s step up or sit down.
WR Tyrell Williams
He was a disappointment in his first season with the team. Williams was struggling with a plantar fascia injury much of the season and if that was the reason for the letdown, perhaps we will see improved play from him.
The 6-4, 205-pounder was touted as the guy the Raiders originally wanted as their number one receive until Antonio Brown became an option in trade. With Brown missing basically all of camp throwing tantrums about his helmet and ultimately released, Williams was back to being the number one again. Now if he can stay healthy he should have the chance to prove he was worthy of those expectations.
If health proves not to be enough, the team drafted Bryan Edwards in the third round and they can give him a shot to be the team’s X receiver across from fellow rookie Henry Ruggs III.
G Gabe Jackson
Jackson hasn’t really been the force the past couple years under Tom Cable that he was in his first four NFL seasons. He was the primary subject of trade discussions leading up to the draft, but no deal was made. If this means he is sticking around, and Cable is sticking around too, Jackson will have to figure out how to find a way to thrive in Cable’s outside zone scheme.
It’s weird to think of Jackson as the weak link on an otherwise solid offensive line. Though I’d submit he’s still the level of ‘weak link’ most teams would love to have. Nagging injuries have also gotten to Jackson since moving around a lot more than he was used to doing. He cut a lot of weight last year. A second offseason working at that weight means it’s now or never. Denzelle Good is an option ready to step up if called upon.
OT David Sharpe
There is a tremendous opportunity with the Raiders if Sharpe can put it together and take it. Not as a starter, mind you, but as a utility backup and first tackle off the bench.
Brandon Parker has shown he ain’t it. Sharpe has been mediocre in fill-in work and always seems like he’s close to being serviceable. The team brought in veteran Sam Young who figures to be the primary competition for Sharpe in that role. There’s always the possibility that they keep both, but, again, that’s up to Sharpe.
