Post by DJ on Aug 4, 2024 11:11:43 GMT -5
Antonio Pierce was a solid hire last season when they fired Josh Mc(dumbass)Daniels. They went 5-4 after promoting AP and the team rallied around him. They played a lot better and the defense really improved as they had a top 3 defense in ppg allowed after his promotion.
Adding Christian Wilkins (65 combined tackles, 23 QB hits, 10 tackles for a loss, 9 sacks) in free agency was a huge get for the DL as he will man one of the LDT spot in the 4-3 defense they run next to LDE Max Crosby (90 tackles, 31 QB hits, NFL leading 23 TFL, and 14.5 sacks). That duo is going to be scary good, instantly making it one of the best DL's in all of football.
On the right side of the DL they will have DT John Jenkins (more of a run stopper than a pass rusher, 61 tackles but he also added 4 TFL, and 4 passes defended) and Malcolm Koonce who had a breakout season (43 tackles, 17 QB hits, 9 TFL, and 8 sacks) at DE.
Adam Butler provides depth at DT (9 QB hits, 8 TFL, and 5 sacks) and last year's 1st round pick Tyree Wilson (8 QB hits, 3.5 sacks) can play DE as well as DT where he came on late in the season as an undersized tackle.
The offense is loaded with talent with WR's Adams, Meyers, speedster Tre Tucker. They surprised many by drafting TE Brock Bowers after taking Michael Mayer in the 2023 draft. But, he was the best player available and new OC Luke Getsy likes to utilize 2 TE sets in his offense. And Bowers can also play some receiver as well.
The real question is the QB position. A lot of people expected them to try and trade up in the draft and select a potential franchise QB but after signing Gardner Minshew they clearly did not want to give up a lot in a trade for a future QB. So far in training camp, Minshew looks to have the lead on Aidan O'Connell but that could change. But, after Minshew kept the Indianapolis Colts in the playoff hunt last season the Raiders would be best served by going with a veteran since the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos seem to be in rebuild mode. If Minshew can give them improved QB play from last season (yes, it's a low bar) the Raiders could be in the hunt for a wild card playoff spot.
Adding Christian Wilkins (65 combined tackles, 23 QB hits, 10 tackles for a loss, 9 sacks) in free agency was a huge get for the DL as he will man one of the LDT spot in the 4-3 defense they run next to LDE Max Crosby (90 tackles, 31 QB hits, NFL leading 23 TFL, and 14.5 sacks). That duo is going to be scary good, instantly making it one of the best DL's in all of football.
On the right side of the DL they will have DT John Jenkins (more of a run stopper than a pass rusher, 61 tackles but he also added 4 TFL, and 4 passes defended) and Malcolm Koonce who had a breakout season (43 tackles, 17 QB hits, 9 TFL, and 8 sacks) at DE.
Adam Butler provides depth at DT (9 QB hits, 8 TFL, and 5 sacks) and last year's 1st round pick Tyree Wilson (8 QB hits, 3.5 sacks) can play DE as well as DT where he came on late in the season as an undersized tackle.
The offense is loaded with talent with WR's Adams, Meyers, speedster Tre Tucker. They surprised many by drafting TE Brock Bowers after taking Michael Mayer in the 2023 draft. But, he was the best player available and new OC Luke Getsy likes to utilize 2 TE sets in his offense. And Bowers can also play some receiver as well.
The real question is the QB position. A lot of people expected them to try and trade up in the draft and select a potential franchise QB but after signing Gardner Minshew they clearly did not want to give up a lot in a trade for a future QB. So far in training camp, Minshew looks to have the lead on Aidan O'Connell but that could change. But, after Minshew kept the Indianapolis Colts in the playoff hunt last season the Raiders would be best served by going with a veteran since the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos seem to be in rebuild mode. If Minshew can give them improved QB play from last season (yes, it's a low bar) the Raiders could be in the hunt for a wild card playoff spot.
