Much of the excitement the Raiders generated this offseason centered on the trade for wide receiver Antonio Brown, the free-agent signing of defensive back Lamarcus Joyner and the selection of defensive end Clelin Ferrell at No. 4 in the draft. The spotlight now shines elsewhere. The Raiders sit at 4-4 at the midpoint of the
Lower-profile roster moves made by Jon Gruden, Mike Mayock have paved way for Raiders’ success
One minor quibble, Cork, Tyrell Williams was brought in to be the No. 1 WR until Gruden/Mayock understood that AB was available. Yes, these youngsters are looking good thus far, but as you allude to in the article, Gruden/Mayock have wasted many draft picks on players who are either not performing and/or no longer on the roster.
The real question for me will be can any of these young players last long enough to get a second contract with the team? Gruden seems to lose patience with players quickly.
Sure would be nice if Mayock/Gruden can find some magic on the defensive side of the ball. Offense wins games, defense wins championships.
Jacobs, Ingold and Moreau are locks for a second contract as far as I am concerned.
I know the fashion now is to use up RBs after you draft them and let the player get a big contract elsewhere. I have the feeling that Jacobs could be a very special player, someone that if you give him a bigger contract, you will get everything he has each week. Just like he does now. Money will not change him, though he will likely use that money to make changes in many peoples lives.
Call me an optimist, but I always want to think our drafted players are going to be around and help our franchise win, even if I don’t like the picks. I hated the Miller pick and he has proven me wrong thus far, I hope it continues. There are other players I see that way too, but then I am the optimist.
Two players I think Cork forgot to mention are Cole and Carrier. I know Carrier got a substantial contract but he has proven to be an impactful player on STs and when called upon on O. Cole earned his starting spot and has had his rookie ups and downs, but seems to be another UDFA find.
I am very happy that our young players seem to have the ability to be foundation players moving forward. And that is great for all of us as fans and our Raiders.
Then there is always the cap….but that is a different discussion.
Great insight TAV. Wish you would and Michelle would take over our Podcast . Cork has enough on his plate. . Hopefully we can get it back up and running.
Thank you for the support.
I have tried to write a couple articles, but I am just not good enough. Never was an English major!
I will let Cork do the heavy lifting and add whatever I can. Agree or disagree.
Though I too would love to see Michelle and Ghost articles at some point too if they are up to it.
I know it has been stated several times, by Cork and most of us, that this is a great place to share everything Raider.
Being able to interact with Cork and all of you is great opportunity to build and strengthen our community.
Raider Nation!!!
Can’t disagree with you ThankAVet. Something else that I’ve seen with this group is that they seem tighter and more supportive of each other. I don’t know if that is the result of Gruden/coaches, the GM, or just the players’ respective characters. I think that plays a part in elevating everyone’s play on the field (at least that has been my experience when I played for teams).
Paul, I’ve actually written a couple of articles for the site, but they are not relevant any more (one was about AB). I think it would be awesome for the podcast to get back up and running!
I agree with Paul
Agree there too Michelle, a team that works together off the field, charity, public service or just getting together for beers and bowling, seem to be more cohesive on the gridiron.
I don’t have facts to back that up, but I hate working with people I don’t like socially. No small talk or chit chat with someone who you do not respect.
Maybe that’s just me.