Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock are without any draft picks beyond the middle of the fifth round, which isn’t such a bad thing because of the added time it gives them to direct their attention elsewhere. In particular, Mayock and Gruden can use more time than they might have in
Signing undrafted players important part of Raiders’ approach; won’t be as easy to do this year
Not much to argue with there.
Good players not drafted will have a wealth of opportunity most likely.
One other thing, it might be a little tougher to try and “hide” guys on the PS or IR this year too.
Good players are always in high demand, especially those earning a salary far below their talent level, this year will be no exception.
For undrafted free agents, Raiders need to bring in lots of competition for Carlson. Kicking doesn’t get a lot of attention but each year, close games come down to whether your kicker can deliver (and not the 2nd string LB for example)
Agreed, but bringing in “lots” of competition is difficult to do if Gruden and Mayock don’t have a lot of roster spots to free up. They certainly should free up one spot, though. There always are free-agent kickers waiting to be signed. That’s how the Raiders found Phil Dawson in the late-90s.