NFL power rankings: Vikings, Eagles fight for top spot
By Joe Schiller
20. Oakland Raiders
There’s no question the Raiders were left disappointed after a mediocre 2017 season. The expectations were through the roof after the team’s surprise playoff berth one year before. But now the franchise is headed in a new direction with the return of Jon Gruden as the head coach. In retrospect, it’s been a relatively strong start to the offseason for the silver and black.
Free agency has allowed Reggie McKenzie to swiftly address some desperate needs for his team. Tahir Whitehead provides help to an inconsistent pass rush department that doesn’t have much beyond Khalil Mack. The secondary is completely revamped with the additions of Rashann Melvin and Marcus Gilchrist, two impressive veteran signings. I thought it was an underrated move to land Doug Martin on a one-year contract. If he can find his old form, the backfield could be dynamic with Beast Mode still around. Michael Crabtree may be gone but a reliable veteran in Jordy Nelson replaces him.
Derek Carr has the big-time contract with help around him, Gruden’s main will be getting his quarterback to the next level. There’s no ceiling blocking Carr’s potential but things are going to grown uneasy if he can’t produce at a high level in the coming seasons.
The Raiders are a complete wild card heading into the 2018 season so for now, there’s a lot yet to be seen.