Reliable defenses have eluded the Raiders for most of this century. Last season marked the franchise’s 20th straight ranking in the bottom half in scoring defense. Patrick Graham‘s unit ranked 26th in points allowed and 27th in DVOA, making it logical to expect the AFC West franchise to seek help in the draft.
The team will do so, and the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vincent Bonsignore notes help will be sought on all three defensive levels. Although the Raiders have added a few pieces on defense, they have not devoted much money beyond the midlevel Marcus Epps contract. After the Davante Adams trade cost Las Vegas’ first- and second-round picks last year, the team should be expected to add defensive help early in this draft.
Substantial guarantees remain on Chandler Jones‘ deal, but after the former Cardinals All-Pro did not live up to expectations last season, Bonsignore adds the Raiders are eyeing edge help that would both prepare them for Jones’ departure — which could happen in 2024 — and give the veteran pass rusher more rest in 2023. The team met with Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson on Thursday, Albert Breer of SI.com tweets.
Jones, 33, finished with just 4.5 sacks last season; three of those came in one game. His 2023 base salary and roster bonus represent a $16MM guarantee for the Silver and Black. Due to the void years tacked onto Jones’ three-year contract, it would cost the Raiders $7.2MM in dead money to cut him (without a post-June 1 designation, that is) in 2024. The Raiders signed ex-49er Jordan Willis as a backup but look to be targeting edge help. Both NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah and ESPN’s Scouts Inc. rate Wilson as a top-six player, but teams’ quarterback maneuvers could push him down to the Raiders at No. 7. Iowa’s Lukas Van Ness also sits as a possible edge upgrade for the Raiders, who have also done considerable homework on quarterbacks.
The Raiders have hosted each of the top quarterbacks available this year, including Hendon Hooker, but their defense may have too many needs for Josh McDaniels’ team — which already signed Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year deal that guarantees him $33.75MM — to take a quarterback in Round 1. Instead, cornerback looks like a strong consideration. The Raiders should be monitored for a corner at 7, Jordan Reid of ESPN.com notes. They hosted Penn State’s Joey Porter Jr. and Maryland’s Deonte Banks on visits, and Reid adds the team has also work on top corners Devon Witherspoon (Illinois) and Christian Gonzalez (Oregon). Mel Kiper Jr.’s most recent mock sends Witherspoon to Vegas.
Robert Spillane (two years, $7MM) could be ticketed for a full-time role with the Raiders, being on the radar to wear the green dot signifying communication. The Raiders should be expected to look into this year’s linebacker class, per Bonsignore, but that will not happen until at least Round 2. On Day 2, Las Vegas holds the Nos. 38, 70 and 100 overall picks.
A Jalen Carter visit surfaced, with word of that meeting coming out shortly after a report indicated the Raiders would not consider the Georgia defensive tackle, and could be in position to select the high-risk proposition. But The Athletic’s Vic Tafur adds the Carter meeting has not yet transpired. The Bears (No. 9) and Eagles (No. 10) have both emerged as potential Carter landing spots, though the Seahawks (No. 5) have as well.
Josh McDaniels was handed a playoff caliber roster. To see it torn to shreds is sad.
In 2021 the Raiders finished 10-7 and snuck into the playoffs by winning their last 4 games against inferior QB play in 3 of those games. They had a point differential of a 7-10 team. At 6-7 after being blown out by the Chiefs they defeated the Browns on a 3rd string QB, the Broncos who started Drew Lock, and the Carson Wentz led Colts. They won those 3 games by 9 points. I know I know, JUST WIN BABY. I love that too, really been with the silver and black since the 80s. The last game of the season was a play-in game vs the Chargers. When are we all going to realize that the Chargers are gonna Charger in big moments. What I mean by that is choke. How many of us remember the Chargers at the Jaguars in the wild card round? To say the roster was a playoff roster in 2021 when it was actually a bottom ten roster as rated by FPI is asinine.
Bottom 10 rosters don’t make the playoffs.
They made the playoffs.
Ergo, they had a playoff caliber roster.
Let’s not act like they were dominate when they made the playoffs in 2021. They won 7 games with less than a touchdown in difference and were barely 10-7. In 2022, they lost 9 games by a touchdown or less.
It was just bad luck last year and good luck the year before.usually teams split those games. First time in the system with new coaching, it really wasn’t that bad.
I hope they do better but sometimes it is just luck of the draw.
1-I like Hooker, but wouldn’t reach for him.
2-It feels like you can trade back from #7 and still pick up a good CB. I’d take Gonzalez at #7 (maybe), but I don’t see enough difference between Witherspoon, Porter, and Branch that I would bother using a #7 for. In that case, just trade back, and take whoever is available.
3-While I’d like to see a CB and an edge, we have a fair amount of holes. Wilson looks good, but Jones could return to form. I’d be happier trading back, and landing a good, but maybe not great, CB, DT, and TE.