Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock promised a lot of change this offseason for the Raiders, and they have delivered in a big way. With more than three months before the regular-season opener, half of the defensive and offensive starters from last season are either gone or supplanted by players acquired via trade, free agency or
Raiders makeover results in 11 new starters, confidence a third roster rebuild won’t be needed
Change is good but this isn’t fantasy football or baseball. Teams need time to build cohesion. It won’t likely be until mid season until the team gets to know each other and start playing like a team.
Great point. That’s why it helps that Derek Carr is putting in time with Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams away from the permitted team gatherings. Chemistry is so vital in the NFL. So, yes, it’s likely going to take a spell for the new players to mesh with the returners.
Its very possible that Key could be replaced as the starter too. Move him back to what the plan was initially and bring him in on passing downs. Mayowa would be the likely favorite for now.
Steve, I know Gruden said Parker could be the swing tackle, but do you see a chance he could be given a shot at the LG job if Good is not as good as Gruden and Cable think?
Agreed with Key. He might be best suited to a situational role, given there is a proven player such as Mayowa ahead of him. As for Parker, he whiffed big time when pressed into starting duty last season. That’s not all on him, of course. But he showed that he is a long way from being able to start at tackle in the NFL. Transitioning to guard might not be such a bad idea, given he would have help on either side, with one of those guys being center Rodney Hudson. In fact, you might have just spawned a story idea, Philip. Thank you, Sir.
Glad I can help.
And thank you for always giving us the feedback. Again, one of the reasons I love being able to talk Raiders here.
Gruden just said, during the presser, he could earn the LG spot.