Priority Position Upgrades For the Raiders’ Offseason

The Las Vegas Raiders’ roster has been upgraded tremendously over the past couple of seasons. Players like DE Yannick Ngakoue, CB Casey Hayward Jr., and rookie CB Nate Hobbs have recently joined Las Vegas but have made immediate impacts.

These players have shown how effective free agency and the draft can be in elevating your roster quickly to the next level. The addition of these three players and many others took the Raiders from a .500 team to the playoffs in just one season.

For the Raiders to take the next leap next season, there are a couple of positions that need to be the focus of the roster moves this offseason.

Offensive Line

Las Vegas went from having one of the most elite offensive line units in the league to having an offensive line that ranks in the bottom tier of the NFL. Despite the addition of G Alex Leatherwood in the first round, the Raiders’ O-line has yet to form a connection.

A veteran offensive lineman could be what the Raiders need to look for to improve those positions in free agency. Terron Armstead, Orlando Brown Jr., and Eric Fisher are among a few of the impressive free agents this offseason, but it remains to be seen if their respective teams will let them hit free agency. The experience and leadership a veteran lineman may help push Las Vegas’ young offensive line to the next level.

Wide Receiver

The Raiders have long been known for having fast players. Al Davis was notorious for loving players he knew would have the advantage in a foot race. Owner Mark Davis has shown he longs for the same thing.

Las Vegas lost its fastest player in 2021 and tried to make up for it right away. Signing WR DeSean Jackson, known for his speed, showed the Raiders were relying on the quickness of their receivers to elevate their game.

The 2022 NFL Draft has many young wide receivers who are highly regarded. Garrett Wilson from Ohio State and his Buckeye teammate Chris Olave, Jameson Williams from Alabama, Treylon Burks from Arkansas, and Drake London from USC are some of the names to watch for in the draft.

Taking a wide receiver in the first round may be what Las Vegas elects to do. The Raiders’ offense fell flat in the second half of 2021. An upgrade in speed and talent will be needed to drive the 2022 Raiders back to the playoffs.