In just one week, the first major step toward shoring up the Raiders’ need areas begins. That’s when the reports will begin to fly around that the Raiders are going after several key free agents headed for the open market, which is official at the beginning of the new league year on March 18.
The first wave will figure to focus on those positions in the most critical condition, so we will rank each Raiders’ positions starting with those Critical needs and on up to Serious, Unstable, Stable, and Strong.
Critical
Wide receiver
Starters: Tyrell Williams, Hunter Renfrow
Backups: Marcell Ateman, Keelan Doss, Rico Gafford, Zay Jones, Anthony Ratliff-Williams
Free agents: Dwayne Harris
Notes: A No. 1 receiver is needed. They could also use more speed on the outside, as well. Depth also is needed. Read more here.
Linebacker
Starters: Tahir Whitehead
Backups: Nicholas Morrow, Marquel Lee, Ukeme Eligwe, Quentin Poling, Te’Von Coney, Derrick Moncrief, Nick Usher
Free agents: Will Compton, Kyle Wilber, Vontaze Burfict
Notes: Two and perhaps three new starting linebackers are needed. Read more here.
Serious
Cornerback
Starters: Trayvon Mullen, Daryl Worley, Lamarcus Joyner
Backups: Nevin Lawson, Isaiah Johnson, Keisean Nixon, Markinton Dorleant, DJ Killings, Nick Nelson, Dylan Mabin, Ken Crawley, Jordan Brown
Free agents: Daryl Worley
Notes: A starting cornerback is need to replace departing Daryl Worley, should he leave. Read more here.
Quarterback
Starter: Derek Carr
Backup: DeShone Kizer, Nathan Peterman
Free agents: Mike Glennon
Notes: If Carr is traded, they will need a new starter and a backup. If he’s not, they need competition and at very least a viable backup and potential future starter. Read more here.
Unstable
Defensive tackle
Starters: Johnathan Hankins, Maurice Hurst
Backups: P.J. Hall
Free agents: Olsen Pierre
Notes: Inside pass rush is needed. Depth is also an issue. Read more here.
Running back
Starters: Josh Jacobs, Alex Ingold (FB)
Backups: Jalen Richard, Mark Thompson, William Stanback
Free agents: DeAndre Washington, Isaiah Crowell, Rod Smith
Notes: Josh Jacobs needs a complementary back. Preferably a big back for short-yardage and goal line, but mostly someone to share the load. Read more here.
Safety
Starters: Erik Harris, Johnathan Abram
Backups: Dallin Leavitt
Free agents: Karl Joseph, Curtis Riley
Notes: Depth is a major issue. The Raiders seem like they’d also like to upgrade from Harris, though they could get by with him and Abram as the starters. Read more here.
Specialists
Starters: Daniel Carlson (K), AJ Cole (P). Trent Sieg (LS)
Backups: None
Free agents: None
Notes: Carlson had a terrible season in 2019, missing a field goal in every game in which he had multiple attempts and finishing with a 73.1% conversion rate. They have to think about whether they can trust him now.
Defensive end
Starters: Clelin Ferrell, Maxx Crosby
Backups: Arden Key, Jeremiah Valoaga, Ade Aruna, Kendall Donnerson, Kendal Vickers
Free agents: Benson Mayowa, Dion Jordan, Josh Mauro
Notes: Bringing back Jordan and/or Mayowa could be the answer here. If not, they must find another suitable situational pass rusher. Read more here.
Stable
Offensive tackle
Starters: Kolton Miller, Trent Brown
Backups: David Sharpe, Brandon Parker, Kyle Kalis
Free agents: None
Notes: Sharpe may be the answer as the backup swing tackle. Parker appears not to be. They could again have them compete for the job or find a Cable guy to come in to compete. Read more here.
Guard
Starters: Richie Incognito, Gabe Jackson
Backups: Denzelle Good, Lester Cotton Sr
Free agents: None
Notes: They should be ok here. Jackson’s contract could make him trade bait, but even if they did trade him, Good has proven he can step up. Read more here.
Strong
Tight end
Starters: Darren Waller, Foster Moreau
Backups: Derek Carrier
Free agents: Eric Tomlinson
Notes: Waller led the team in receiving and Moreau was solid as well. They may be able to upgrade from Carrier as the third guy, but no real need. Read more here.
Center
Starter: Rodney Hudson
Backup: Andre James, Cameron Hunt, Erik Magnuson
Free agents: Jordan Devey
Notes: Hudson is the best in the biz. Gruden loves James as his backup. Read more here.
See the condition of each position: QB, RB, WR, TE, OT, G, C, DI, ED, LB, CB, and S
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