Last year this time RaiderNation was still in shock over Khalil Mack being traded just over 72 hours ago. The season was worse as the they went 4-12 garnering the pick #4 in the draft. 2019 should be better (I hope) not talking playoff better but, win total better.
Front Office- Before the end of the 2018 season, GM Reggie McKenzie was fired as the Raiders wanted to go in a different direction. I'll give McKenzie a lot of credit because he got the Raiders out of salary cap hell and put them on the road to get better players. However, John Gruden obviously wanted someone else and that someone else is Mike Mayock. We'll see how well these two work together.
Offense:
The offense ranked 23rd averaging 18 points per game. With upgrades at the skill positions this should be a better offense year for the Raiders.
QB - Derek Carr had an up and down season last year (19 tds 10 ints) and w/out a consistent wr on the roster it showed. He is expected to have a much better season given the weapons that are now at his disposal.
Mike Glennon & DeShone Kizer are the backups (Nate Peterman is currently on IR)
RB - Marshawn Lynch & Doug Martin are officially gone (Gruden coaxed Lynch to come back for one last season last year) and the Raiders. They barely averaged 100 yards per game (101.8 to be exact) some of the blame could be placed on the rb's themselves (old) as well the o-line (coach) either way it was a pitiful attack. Enter in Josh Jacobs (Bears' pick for Mack) who was the only rb taken in the 1st rd. He's a pass catching rb who has speed & power. He'll probably be in the running for Offensive ROY. Jalen Richard & DeAndre Washington are the backups. Alex Ingold is the FB
WR's - Arguably one of the top 5 wr's in Antonio Brown joined the Raiders via trade w/the Steelers (for a 2019 3rd rounder) on 3/13. This obviously came out of nowhere as the Bills were thought to be his destination but, he killed the deal. They then signed Tyrell Williams late of the Bolts. This gives the Raiders a nice outside wr tandem. Hunter Renfrow (2019 5th rounder) is projected to be the starting slot receiver.
TE's - Gone is last years leading receiver in Jared Cook (going to catch passes from Brees). Because of the upgrade at the wr position it wasn't as big a blow. The current te is Darren Waller who only caught 6 balls last year; expect an uptick in his production.
O-Line - The Raiders made Super Bowl winning T Trent Brown a rich man by signing him to protect Carr's right side (last years #1 pick Kolton Miller is pegged in at LT). Center Rodney Houston (one of the best in the NFL) just signed a new contract as well. Richie Incognitio (yes that one) is in @ LG while the injured Gabe Jackson (he should be back by week 6 if not sooner) is the RG.
DefenseThe #13 is typically thought to be unlucky. For the Raiders it was better than 12 because that's the # of sacks they had all of last year. 16 games...13 sacks. This side of the ball ranked #32. With a turnover rate of -7 an upgrade was needed.
D-Line - The d-line couldn't generate any kind of pressure consistently which allowed most opposing qb's to absolutely torch the Raiders. Hopefully, through FA and the draft things will be a little different this season. Clelin Ferrell (rd 1/#4) is hopefully going to help pass rushing attack. Fresh off him helping Clemson winning another natty, he going to be thrown straight into the fire. Josh Mauro who was w/the Giants last year is on the other side. Keep an eye out for rookie Maxx Crosby. PJ Hall & Johnathan Hankins get the nod @ DT's although I suspect that Maurice Hurst could be in the starting line-up before seasons end. This unit is looking to not only be better run stuffers but, collapse the pocket for opposing qb's.
LB's - One name two words: Vontaez Burfict. One of the dirtiest players in recent NFL history is now w/the Silver & Black (Al would be proud
). Burfict is a good player who knows d-coordinator's Guenther system very well (from Cincy). If he can keep his head on straight tho.... . Unfortunately, the Raiders didn't draft a linebacker (heavy on CB's and DE's) and this unit could be the weak link on the defense.
DB's - Gareon Conley showed flashes last year and covered the oppositions #1 receiver. Opposite him is Daryl Worley. Karl Joseph; to my surprise is still around. My sources
had him leaving the Raiders this offseason after being in Grudens dog house. However he looks to have gotten himself out (he played well down the stretch last season) and is back in his good graces. Johnathan Abram (rd 1 #27) the rookie from Mississippi St. is a thumper and like Ferrell is being thrown right into the fire. Lamarcus Joyner signed after spending the previous 5 years w/the Rams.
Outlook - The Raiders again have one of the if not the toughest schedule in the league. In addition to playoff teams in the divisiion (Bolts/Chiefs) they have the Bears (hi Khalil!), Colts and Texans. They play 5 straight games away from Oakland beginning w/the Vikings 9/22 and ending w/the Texans 10/27. Sandwiched in they go to Indy, London to play Da Bears (a "home" game
) & Packers.
With all the upgrades I don't think the Raiders will be able to get over the hump to make the playoffs. Winning the division is going to take a lot of luck because of the Chiefs & Bolts. Even if the wild card were to come into play they would probably need to beat out the following:
Browns
Steelers
Ravens
Texans
Colts
Jags
Again a lot of luck will be needed and I just don't see it.
Record - 7-9
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