Report: Raiders Offseason Areas of Focus
The Las Vegas Raiders will have many decisions to make with their roster this offseason. With the new league year beginning soon, the Raiders must execute their offseason gameplan.
Bleacher Report's Joe Tansey has a few ideas of what the Raiders should do this offseason.
"The Raiders should put a good amount of energy into signing Christian Wilkins," Tansey said. "Wilkins is the top defensive tackle on the market now that Chris Jones re-signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Raiders need more pressure from the interior to complement Maxx Crosby's rushes off the edge. Wilkins is the top-tier fit for the Raiders' primary need.
"There is no guarantee he will sign in Las Vegas, but the Raiders should at least make a push for him. D.J. Reader and Leonard Williams are among the second-tier free agents at the position who the Raiders could pursue if they do not land Wilkins."
Offensive line is arguably the biggest position of need for Las Vegas this offseason, even after deciding to bring back center Andre James.
"[Jermaine] Eluemunor could be the most valuable player of the trio on the open market because of the lack of offensive tackles available. The Raiders could be aggressive in their own right to land someone like Mike Onwenu to upgrade from their impending free agents," Tansey said. "Onwenu should have plenty of suitors as potentially the top free-agent offensive lineman behind Tyron Smith and Trent Brown."
"The Raiders must focus on the offensive line so that whomever starts at quarterback in 2024 can make a difference from the pocket. Las Vegas resides in one of the most difficult positions to land a new quarterback.The Raiders sit 13th in the draft order, and they probably need to trade up into the top 10 to land one of the premier prospects."
The Las Vegas Raiders will let Aidan O'Connell compete with another quarterback for the starting position next season.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Tansey believes the Raiders should bring in a veteran option to compete with O'Connell, as it is unlikely they'll be in range to draft one of the top quarterbacks available.
"Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels are likely the top three picks in the 2024 NFL draft. J.J. McCarthy may not get past Atlanta at No. 8, Minnesota at No. 11, or Denver at No. 12," Tansey said.
"The Raiders could be ultra-aggressive on the free-agent market to land Kirk Cousins. Las Vegas may also stick with O'Connell and bring in a backup, like Jacoby Brissett or Ryan Tannehill, to help with his development. A move for a new starter, or at least for depth, is required for the Raiders to have the best possible chance of beating the Chiefs and others in the AFC."
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.
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