Oakland Raiders Roster 2018 Raiders Roster

Things have taken a weird turn in Oakland, as a few years ago they had a lot of promising pieces that looked like it was going to be a core of the future. Amari Cooper has yet to transition into the receiver everybody thought he was going to be, but we shouldn’t give up just yet. Oakland walked away from Michael Crabtree, and they instated Jordy Nelson and Martavis Bryant to fill in. Bryant is on the verge of potential suspension, meaning a guy like Seth Roberts will see some more time. This is an interesting passing game because I don’t believe anybody knows what to expect. Jared Cook has been a deep threat, but the volume varied on a week-to-week basis. Combining Marshawn Lynch and Doug Martin doesn’t seem optimal, but that is where Oakland is looking this season. Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington will be trying to compete for snaps.

All Eyes on Gruden

An injury-ridden season wrote the story for the 2017-18 Raiders. Derek Carr dealt with minor back problems that would pile to flare-ups and much needed time off. The franchise quarterback is a gamer and he rarely would spend time on the sidelines if given the choice. The 2018 off-season was a busy one for the Raiders. The team brought in John Gruden to right the path for an organization that is ready to breakout within the league. The Gruden signing was welcomed by the team and they hope he can mold this team into a Super Bowl contender.

One move that had the team and Carr overly excited was the addition of Jordy Nelson. Nelson is the product of a Green Bay offense that flourished under the leadership of Aaron Rodgers. When healthy, he is as consistent as they come. His upfield play keeps options available to Carr across the field, helping to gear a target towards his playing style. The team is very excited for this addition and Carr now has a #1 target in his arsenal of playmakers. The team was also able to acquire Martavis Bryant late last season and he has yet to see hill full-term of run within the offense. The team now boasts Nelson, Bryant and Amari Cooper as the weapon pool for Carr to work around; a scary combination for an offense that will be looking for a major spark in 2018.

The running back position also got a boost. Doug Martin was signed as a free-agent. Martin provides some relief for Marshawn Lynch. Both backs have been in the league for an extended period, causing some slow down due to wear and usage. These two backs will compliment each other nicely, with Lynch headlining as the bruising back while Martin excels outside the backfield. The team also traded down in the draft to obtain a local product to build offensive line depth. The team drafted Kolton Miller out of UCLA with the 15th overall pick. Miller will be slotted into an instant impact role, possessing starter status with little competition at the tackle position. Miller presents blindside protection and help sans the relief for seasoned veteran, Donald Penn.

John Gruden is a defensive specialist, so gearing his roster towards depth is something he wanted to start with once he took the position. Khalil Mack has shaped into the defensive leader on the team, doing it all from the linebacker and end positions. His edge rush is second to none in the league, but he needed to have a few pieces structured around him to influence his play. Derrick Johnson was brought in on a flier from Kansas City. His role at within the middle puts him in an opportune spot to showcase he has what it takes to remain a force within the league. The team also trailed back to reach for some secondary relief with the signing of Rashaan Melvin at the corner and Marcus Gilchrist at safety. Gilchrist looks to make an instant impact, while Melvin will have to compete with the likes of Gareon Conley and Shareece Wright.

Gruden brings an additional aspect of game planning and experience that the team has failed to locate at the head coaching position. This new-found structure will help the team compete within a weaker division, hopefully spelling an end to a playoff drought and making the team relevant within the AFC in 2018.