Heading into the 2021 offseason, it’s pretty clear what the Raiders need to do to get back on the right track in the AFC. The offense is essentially set and has proven to be explosive and productive. The defense, on the other hand, needs a ton of work.
In a recent article by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, he wrote about every non-playoff team in 2020 and what they need to do to improve in 2021. For the Raiders, it’s simple; use more resources to fix the defense. Here is a snippet of what Fowler had to say in regards to the Raiders:
“The lack of resources on the defense is hurting the overall product. The Raiders have allocated 37% of their 2020 and 2021 salary caps to that side of the ball. The offense has more than enough to win, ranking eighth in total offense behind Derek Carr, Darren Waller, a stout offensive line and intriguing young playmakers. Time to give the defense the same treatment, starting with prioritizing help along the defensive line via free agency and the draft.”
While it’s true the Raiders have spent more cap dollars on defense, that doesn’t tell the whole story. In the 2019 and 2020 drafts, the Raiders spent four top-40 picks on defense. The truth is, they just haven’t gotten enough out of the likes of Johnathan Abram and Clelin Ferrell and it’s hurting their roster.
It certainly wouldn’t hurt to see the team invest more cap space into their defense, as well. They need to add another veteran cornerback to push players like Damon Arnette and Nevin Lawson. They could also use a proven interior rusher as Maliek Collins wasn’t the answer this season.
The Raiders will have some cap space available to them this offseason to improve that side of the ball. Now, it’s up to Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden to find the right players to improve one of the league’s worst defenses.
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