Raiders Keep Up In The AFC West
At the start of free agency, most of Raider Nation was worried the new front office was going to belly-up and let the rest of the West feast on the free agents. However, Ziegler and McDaniels were just lying in wait.
The first big move was obviously signing Chandler Jones. Then almost instantly followed by Yannick Ngakoue being traded to the Colts for Rock Ya-Sin. Then Thursday came and the front office gave Raider Nation something to celebrate. Trading a first and second for the best receiver in the NFL, Davante Adams. So what do these signings and trades mean for the Raiders?
Better Edge Presence
Chandler Jones is no slouch. While he is nearing the end of his prime he still requires attention from the opposing line. As he proved in week one of last season he is capable of BIG games. Tallying five sacks against the Tennessee Titans. Not only is he more than capable of getting to the quarterback he is a much better run defender than Ngakoue. Last season he had twelve TFLs, just one less than Crosby.
On top of being the better player, Jones adds depth to the Raiders’ pass rush moves. Crosby and Ngakoue are both more of finesse edge rushers where they will use more speed moves and use that to beat the tackle. Jones uses a combination of the two. Known for his chop and bull rush.
With the Chargers trading for Mack, the Raiders made sure to not be outdone and created the best edge duo in the AFC.
Bolstering The Secondary
The trading of Yannick Ngakoue caught me by surprise and to be honest I wasn’t thrilled with getting Ya-Sin in return. Having family that is Colts fans I have seen my fair share of Rock. The pros of getting him in return are simple; age (25), potential, and man coverage ability. Patrick Graham’s scheme involves a lot of multiple looks to keep the offense guessing. Graham also made it clear that he would put players in the best position to succeed. While I am unsure of what part he will play on the defense youth and potential never hurts.
Ya-Sin wasn’t the only corner the Raiders have brought in. Now former Raven Anthony Averett was also signed. Similar to Ya-Sin I’m not too sure of what role he will play in the defense he is a younger player (27). Admittedly, I am higher on Ya-Sin than Averett, but as we learned last year a team can never have too much depth in the secondary.
With Mullen coming back from injury and Nate Hobbs proving he is a great slot corner with lots of potential and the additions of Averett and Ya-Sin the Raiders have a slew of youth at the position. Wouldn’t mind seeing a certain former Patriot signed too before the end of free agency.
Number. One. Receiver.
Derek Carr has finally gotten his number one option. For the first time since 2016, the Raiders reeled in a true number one and have given this offense the best shot at success. As fans, we have seen what Carr is capable of with good weapons. Shoot we saw what Carr can do with an average weapon at number one last year.
Yes, it’s great to see the Raiders get their number one, but the best part is that Tae and Derek already have chemistry. In past seasons we have seen some problems with Carr getting chemistry with his receivers. Cooper would give up mid-play, Crabtree would drop passes, Zay would drop passes, and Jared Cook even had some problems. That won’t be a problem this season. With Carr having great chemistry with Renfrow and Waller already the addition of Adams makes this offense dangerous.
This year is a big make-or-break situation for Derek Carr. The front office has set him up with great weapons and is building a good defense. As much as I hate to say it if Carr doesn’t show out this may be his last season as a Raider barring an extension.