A year ago, it really didn’t matter who head coach Jon Gruden drafted or in what order, the Raiders’ needs were so many. The primary focus was upon adding impact, foundational players. The approach has changed quite a bit for the upcoming draft. Given how many core players Gruden and Mayock added last offseason and
Jon Gruden, Mike Mayock taking new approach this draft, thanks to recent success replenishing roster
In addition, a quality backup RB behind Josh Jacobs is important. Will be important to rest Jacobs without a drop off in performance.
Interior defensive line also would be good beefing up.
As Mayock mentioned, depth is critical.
Indeed. A No. 3 back is on the list, just not in the top five. The Raiders can get by with Jacobs and Richard if forced to.
Great analysis Cork. Year 2 of Mayock/Gruden should give us a clear vision of their philosophy in selecting players. For example – what happens at 12 if a Derrick Brown lands in their lap. Most rankings have Brown selected relatively early. Do they go with Best Player Available or with a position of need? I know many successful GM’s follow their board very closely in the early rounds. It wouldn’t appear as though the Raiders need starters on the OL but what happens if one of the highly rated Tackles drops in their lap? In 2018 it was clear the Raiders coveted a starting LT and they set out to grab one – and let Minkah Fitzpatrick and Derwin James slip right on by. I can almost hear Gruden yelling “Man I’ve got to protect Carr! My guy is gonna get killed. Get me a damm LT Reg!” If Gruden has the final say on player personnel like nearly everyone believes, I would expect to get the WR at 12 regardless of who’s available. If on the other hand Mayock is more than a talent evaluator and has the trust to select the BPA, that diamond that drops might make its way onto the roster..no matter the need.
Thanks, Ben. You make a great point, and one that we haven’t explored here yet. What if a player that Gruden and Mayock expect to be long gone by the time they pick at No. 12 is available? Uh oh. Might be a post in the coming days. Happy Easter.
I’m surprised you didn’t have qb listed in this article. I think drafting qbs in this draft would be a huge waste of a pick. Give carr one more year with Mariota breathing down his neck and if he fails then next year will be the year to draft a qb.
Well, it wasn’t mentioned for two reasons, Chris. One, if Gruden and Mayock truly are sold on Carr, then there’s no need to use any draft pick on a quarterback. But, if we knew for certain that Gruden and Mayock 100 percent aren’t convinced that Carr is their guy, then quarterback would be No. 1 and No. 2.