NFL analyst makes interesting suggestion on Raiders' biggest 2023 flaw
The Las Vegas Raiders missed one thing over this 2023 offseason, but one NFL analyst makes an interesting suggestion that could help them fix a huge flaw. The Raiders really addressed just about everything they needed to this offseason, whether you agree with the move or not. They needed a starting-level quarterback who can run […]
The Las Vegas Raiders missed one thing over this 2023 offseason, but one NFL analyst makes an interesting suggestion that could help them fix a huge flaw.
The Raiders really addressed just about everything they needed to this offseason, whether you agree with the move or not. They needed a starting-level quarterback who can run the offense and they got one. They needed some more weapons on the offense after trading away Waller and they did that. They needed to add some pieces on the defense and they did, just not enough.
But, there is one thing they didn't do, and they definitely should have. By the time the season starts, it will be noticeable enough the Raiders will make a move at fixing it, at least that's what one NFL analyst suggested.
Top priority: Don't stand pat along the O-line
Little was done to strengthen a hodgepodge line that needed a boost. After the Cardinals snatched up tackle Paris Johnson Jr. with the sixth overall pick in the 2023 draft, Vegas chose pass rusher Tyree Wilson at No. 7 and ignored their front five for the rest of the draft. Beyond Kolton Miller, this remains a suspicious bunch. (OK, Jermaine Eluemunor had an acceptable run last season at right tackle.) The Raiders proved they could pave the way for Josh Jacobs in 2022, but Jimmy Garoppolo running for his life is never a pleasant sight. Trading for a blue-chip helper could be invaluable.
-Marc Sessler, NFL
The Raiders offensive line started terribly last season, I mean Week 1 they allowed six sacks. But, it got better as the season went on. They didn't become a top offensive line in the league, but they weren't the worst by far. They were in the middle of the pack.
But, for all we know that could have been an anomaly for the guys on the line. How do we know a group like the Raiders have will do something like that again? And they still ended up allowing Carr to get sacked, which is something you can't do often with Garoppolo.
Trading for an offensive linemen mid-season, or even at the start of the season may be their best bet. I don't know who some guys are that would be available at that time, but one guy who stands out to me is Bengals left tackle Jonah Williams, who is demanding a trade. He isn't amazing, but he could certainly help.
The only problem is that he plays left tackle, and that's where Kolton Miller plays, the Raiders' best offensive lineman. Williams doesn't want to be on the Bengals anymore because he doesn't want to play right tackle after Cincy went and got Orlando Brown Jr. to play the left side.
If they can somehow talk him or Miller into playing either right tackle or left guard, that would help out a lot, but at the same time, that may be a bit of a stretch. Either way, trading for an offensive lineman isn't a bad idea at all.
