Tag: Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders pick LSU CB Kristian Fulton in latest Draft Network mock

Raiders pick LSU CB Kristian Fulton in latest Draft Network mock

Heading into the 2020 offseason, it appears the Raiders have two defined needs they will likely address in the first round of the draft; wide receiver and linebacker. Both of those positions need an influx of talent and speed in the worst way. However, don’t consider a lock that they select both a receiver and a linebacker in the first round of the draft.

General manager Mike Mayock isn’t going to reach for a position of need if it means passing up better players. While the Raiders are certainly an improving team, there aren’t many positions on the roster that couldn’t use upgrading. That is why it’s not unlikely the Raiders surprise us all on draft night and select a player that may be off our radars.

In a recent mock draft by Joe Marino of The Draft Network, he has the Raiders selecting cornerback Kristian Fulton from LSU. Take a look at Marino’s thoughts on why this pairing makes sense for the Raiders:

If there’s anything we learned from Mike Mayock’s first draft with the Oakland Raiders is that he values players from successful college programs. Staying on-brand, Kristian Fulton was an elite corner for LSU, which is in the conversation as one of the greatest teams in college football history. The Raiders have a massive need at cornerback and Fulton is exceptional. Everything he does in coverage is incredibly natural, and he thrives in a variety of coverage techniques. Fulton has the athletic profile, technical refinement, experience, balls skills and footwork to become dominant at the next level.

If you haven’t had a chance to watch Fulton yet, he will be at the 2020 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. With a strong week of practice, Fulton could solidify himself as the second-best cornerback in the draft behind Ohio State’s Jeffrey Okudah. Look for Fulton to excel in one-on-one drills and for him to be a potential target for the Raiders in the first round.

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Raiders RB Josh Jacobs named top rookie running back by Pro Football Focus

Raiders RB Josh Jacobs named top rookie running back by Pro Football Focus

The Raiders had arguably the best rookie class in the NFL this season as they were able to find productive players on all three days of the draft. Players such as Travyon Mullen, Maxx Crosby, Hunter Renfrow, and Foster Moreau all exceeded expectations during their rookie seasons.

But without a doubt, the team’s best rookie was running back Josh Jacobs. In 13 games, Jacobs totaled 1,316 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns. He averaged an incredible 4.8 yards per reception and 8.3 yards per catch.

Jacobs was a big reason why the Raiders were able to sustain some success in the middle of the season, and if it weren’t for a shoulder injury, he might have been able to help lead the Raiders into the playoffs.

In a recent piece by Pro Football Focus, Jacobs was named the league’s top-ranked rookie running back, edging out Miles Sanders with the Eagles. Take a look at what PFF had to say about Jacobs’ rookie season:

If you’re going to draft a running back in the first round, at least choose the right one. And that’s just what the Raiders did at No. 24 in the 2019 NFL draft. Jacobs led all running backs this season in elusive rating, as his mark of 103.6 was one of the best we’ve ever seen. You could even argue that the Raiders didn’t use him enough in the passing game, where he broke nine tackles on 20 catches.

Jacobs battled a shoulder injury all season long, but it didn’t appear to hamper him too much. Assuming he is 100 percent healthy next season, there is an excellent chance that he will lead the league in rushing yards in 2020. At pick No. 24, Jacobs was a home-run selection by general manager Mike Mayock.

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Raiders land WR CeeDee Lamb and CB Trevon Diggs in latest 2020 NFL Mock Draft

Raiders land WR CeeDee Lamb and CB Trevon Diggs in latest 2020 NFL Mock Draft

For most NFL teams, the 2020 NFL offseason is here. It is now all about what can be done to make our team better. Yes, free agency will play a big role in improving the team in the short term. But, in most cases, the NFL Draft is where the future is built.

Las Vegas Raiders, it is incredibly beneficial to have two picks within the top 19 selections. For many experts, the 2020 NFL draft class is better, and deeper, than their 2019 brethren. So, there will be impact players available for Jon Gruden, Mike Mayock, and the Silver and Black to select from.

Here is how I see, as of today, 1/18/2020, the NFL Draft playing out:

  1. Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
  2. Washington Redskins – Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio St
  3. Miami Dolphins (Trade with Detroit) – Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
  4. New York Giants – Jedrick Willis, OT, Alabama
  5. Detroit Lions (Trade with Detroit) – Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio St
  6. Los Angeles Chargers – Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
  7. Carolina Panthers – Derrick Brown, IDL, Auburn
  8. Arizona Cardinals – Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
  9. Jacksonville Jaguars – Isaiah Simmons, LB/DB, Clemson
  10. Cleveland Browns – Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
  11. New York Jets – Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
  12. Oakland Raiders – CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
  13. Indianapolis Colts – Javon Kinlaw, IDL, South Carolina
  14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
  15. Denver Broncos – Grant Delpit, S, LSU
  16. Atlanta Falcons – AJ Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
  17. Dallas Cowboys – Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama
  18. Miami Dolphins – Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
  19. Oakland Raiders – Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
  20. Jacksonville Jaguars – CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
  21. Philadelphia Eagles – Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
  22. Buffalo Bills – Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn St
  23. New England Patriots – Jordan Love, QB, Utah St
  24. New Orleans Saints – Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
  25. Minnesota Vikings – Laviska Shenault Jr, WR, Colorado
  26. Detroit Lions (Trade with Miami) – Neville Gallimore, IDL, Oklahoma
  27. Seattle Seahawks – Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame
  28. Baltimore Ravens – Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
  29. Tennessee Titans – Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
  30. Green Bay Packers – Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
  31. Kansas City Chiefs – Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
  32. San Francisco 49ers – Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

Now, there will be far more trades, but, at this time, I only see one trade as an obvious maneuver to benefit both teams. That would be Detroit trading the 3rd overall pick to Miami for picks 5 and 26. The Dolphins may be forced to include an additional pick later in the draft, but the Dolphins cannot afford to let the Chargers or Panthers move in front of them to land Tua.

As for the Oakland Raiders, a first round haul of CeeDee Lamb (my #1 WR in the draft) and Trevon Diggs gives them a pair of perimeter playmakers on either side of the ball. Lamb is an elite prospect that can win at all three levels of the defense and is excellent once the ball is in his hands.

Alabama WR Jerry Jeudy may be a better true complementary receiver with Tyrell Williams, but Lamb is a talent that Oakland would be foolish to pass on. Now, the Arizona Cardinals may be tempted to take Lamb and pair him with his former college QB in Kyler Murray, but the Cardinals really need to strengthen their offensive line and protect the face of their franchise, which allows Lamb to fall directly into the laps of the Silver and Black.

Trevon Diggs would also be an excellent match of need meeting best player available. Diggs has elite ball skills for a corner, excels in press/trail coverage, and can even help in the return game if necessary. Deploying him opposite last year’s 2nd round pick Trayvon Mullen gives the Raiders and enviable combination of young corners to build around.

Linebacker is also a big need for the Raiders, but I don’t see anyone in this draft, other than Isaiah Simmons, who would provide the value worth selecting at this point.

Oklahoma LB Kenneth Murray could be considered, as could LSU LB Patrick Queen, both of whom possess outstanding speed with sideline-to-sideline ability. As this draft has unfolded, the Raiders would benefit most from taking the perimeter players both with a chance to make an immediate impact for an up and coming roster.

What say you, Raiders Nation?

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[lawrence-newsletter]

This photo of Tom Brady and Raiders owner Al Davis has the NFL world wondering

Tom Brady and Al Davis were spotted laughing at UFC 246.

A mere appearance from New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady can start a conversation about NFL free agency.

Brady attended UFC 246 in Las Vegas for Conor McGregor’s fight against Cowboy Cerrone. At the match, Brady was spotted chatting with Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis. With Brady scheduled to enter free agency in March, the quarterback’s meeting with Davis appeared notable, at first glance. In truth, the greeting probably wasn’t notable — largely because they aren’t allowed to discuss Brady’s impending free agency, per the NFL’s tampering rules.

So while folks started to freak out on social media about the conversation, it was probably just two NFL influencers exchanging pleasantries.

But if you like a good conspiracy theory, then I’m here for you. Just hours before Davis and Brady met, general manger Mike Mayock was asked about Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, who Mayock said had made improvements in his second season under Jon Gruden.

“My job is to evaluate every position and try and make us better. And if I can, I will, and if I can’t, I won’t,” Mayock told The Athletic.

Las Vegas isn’t not in the market for a quarterback.

What’s more, UFC president Dana White, who spent some time with Brady before the match, took time to hype up the quarterback’s connection with the Raiders. White also admitted: “I have no [expletive] idea what I’m talking about here.”

Even though the moment was probably nothing and White’s opinions have little value, NFL fans — particularly in Oakland and Las Vegas — were excited about seeing Davis and Brady together.

Brady will spend the next few months under the microscope until his decision comes.

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Mike Mayock: Raiders’ move to Las Vegas could attract free agents

The Raiders move to Las Vegas is creating a ‘buzz’ around the NFL, according to general manager Mike Mayock.

In building an NFL contender, any advantage is welcome. Raiders general manager Mike Mayock believes his team’s move to Las Vegas sweetens the pot for potential free agents.

According to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, Mayock says he hears that NFL players, not to mention their agents, are intrigued regarding Nevada’s tax laws, which don’t collect income tax.

Additionally, Mayock said that Allegiant Stadium, complete with it’s glossy, black exterior and a view of the Las Vegas strip, is an attraction in itself to potential Raiders.

“There is definitely a buzz about our move into Las Vegas,” Mayock said. “Could be one of the big stories of free agency.”

As another advantage, the Raiders have ample space under the salary cap. They’ll certainly look to bolster their young roster with proven NFL players.

While doing so, the Raiders would be wise to continue building a roster with high-character athletes. The new stadium and advantageous tax laws are alluring, but so are the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip. That is a factor that Mayock apparently didn’t mention, but it’s undoubtedly causing a stir of its own around the NFL as the move draws closer.

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Raiders Film Room: 3rd and Renfrow

Raiders Wire takes a deep dive into Hunter Renfrow and why he was a standout on third down.

Hunter Renfrow has been underrated for most of his life. One of the unsung heroes of Clemson’s rise to prominence, you rarely hear his name when it comes to being apart of one of the best teams of the decade. The former walk-on scored the game-winning touchdown for Clemson for their first national championship and was on the roster for the second.

Renfrow went on to have a great senior bowl displaying how tough he is to guard in one on one matchups. His combine was much to desired with his hand size being 7 inches, and this led to him falling all the way down to the fifth round, where the Raiders scooped up the wide receiver prospect.

The fifth-round pick was a pleasant surprise for the Raiders offense and exhibited his value when he injured his ribs week 12. Renfrow finished with 49 catches for 605 yards and four touchdowns. His last two games of the season were his first 100 yard games at any level of football.

Where Renfrow truly shines is on third-down.

35 percent of Renfrow’s catches were third-down conversions where he finished 17th in the league. All four of his touchdowns are on third down with him being a safety valve for the Raiders offense in critical situations.

What makes Renfrow great on third down? I dug into the film and saw a savvy route runner and unexpected playmaker.

Playmaking ability

One area fans did not expect to see from the young slot machine was his ability to create big plays. Renfrow was never asked to do this in college, but in the NFL has displayed he can take a quick slant all the way to the house.

The first time we saw this was against the Houston Texans. It was third and six, and the Raiders come out in 11 personnel with a 2×2 set out of the shotgun. Renfrow will be running a slant route to Carr’s left with Zay Jones running a drag from the slot position.

Renfrew does a great job of stemming from the perfect angle for breaking inside on the slant. He exhibits his quickness at the top of his route to create separation and a good window for Carr. The quarterback hits him right in between the numbers, and Renfrow breaks two tackle on the way to a 65-yard touchdown.

Downfield Threat

Renfrow didn’t win downfield much when he was at Clemson where he was mostly used on underneath routes. During his rookie season, Renfrow was able to win downfield on multiple occasions.

Against the Cincinnati Bengals, Renfrow’s number was called on this third and six early in the second quarter. The Raiders offense is in an 11 personnel 3×1 bunch set out of the shotgun. Renfrow is the inside receiver on the bunch and will be running a delayed corner against the Bengals man to man coverage.

The former Clemson Tiger does a fantastic job on the delayed route allowing the other receivers to cross before he stems, causing confusion between the defensive backs. Once he stems out, he immediately wins and has separation from William Jackson. Carr throws a little off, but Renfrow shows off his tracking skills and can find the football with a terrific catch for the first down.

While this next play didn’t work out, it still displays Renfrow’s ability to get open on third down. Against the Broncos Week 17, the Raiders are facing a third and one on their first drive of the game.

Raiders are in a 2×2 set with Renfrow to the left of Carr. Renfrow will be running an out and up and wins easily on the outside with plenty of room for completion. Carr puts too much air into the throw, and Renfrow can’t find a way to get under it.

Mental Processing Versus Zone

The best area Renfrow adds to the Raiders offense is his ability to find the holes in the zone defense. Teams ran zone coverages against the Raiders 80 percent of the time according to sports info solutions the last six weeks. Renfrow missed three of those games, and his presence was felt against the zone right away.

This play against the Chargers in the ultimate example of how Renfrow uses his football intelligence. The Raiders are in a 3×1 set running the Ohio concept with Renfrow running the out route from the slot position. The Chargers are in cover 2, which will allow the boundary corner to play the underneath routes that come his way.

After the snap, Renfrow recognizes the zone coverage, and when he runs his out route turns his body towards Carr to give him an open window. This way, Carr can put the pass right on him instead of leading him right into the corner who is coming back down to his zone. This adjustment by Renfrow allows for the Raiders to earn first down on third and five.

It’s crazy to think about, but Renfrow has a chance to be a star player in the slot. He even displayed the ability to possibly play outside the numbers with his route running and ability to get open on double moves.

The chemistry between him a Carr is healthy, and you can tell by the way they connect on the field the quarterback trust him on third down. Renfrow got better as the season went along, and his year two might be a more substantial jump than many will be expecting.

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Three landing spots in the 2020 NFL Draft for Collin Johnson

Johnson’s size and athleticism are what make him a desirable target for many NFL teams. Here are three spots for him in the 2020 NFL draft.

Forgoing the 2019 NFL Draft, Longhorns wide receiver Collin Johnson came back for his senior season. It did not fully go to plan, as he spent most of the year injured. However, when he did play, he put up mega numbers for the Longhorns, competing with Devin Duvernay for the title of the best receiver on the team.

Finishing his Texas career strongly, he had over 100 receiving yards in his final two regular-season games against TCU and Kansas State, while he hauled in 62 yards on three catches in the bowl game against Utah. What makes him so dangerous is his size, coming in at 6 feet 6 inches and 220 pounds.

His size and athleticism are what makes Johnson a desirable target for many NFL teams. While he is not going to walk in and be the star/main receiver for many teams, what he will be is a bigger guy who will be a matchup nightmare for a team’s second or third best corner.

Here are three landing spots for Collin Johnson in the 2020 NFL Draft:

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Raiders get breather with strength of schedule among NFL’s easiest in 2020

Raiders get breather with strength of schedule among NFL’s easiest in 2020

Last season the NFL did the Raiders no favors. Not with regard to their opponents so much as how the schedule was arranged. With a seven-week span without a game in Oakland all in the first half of the season. But it wasn’t just the rough road trips, the Raiders also had the NFL’s toughest schedule with a .539 opponent winning percentage.

This season they get a bit of a break, at least from an opponent perspective. Their opponents have a 127-129 record, putting them under .500 (.496). That’s the league’s 21st schedule in terms of strength of opponent based on 2019 records.

See the Raiders 2019 opponents home and away here

Both the Chiefs (.500) and Broncos (.512) have tougher schedules and the Chargers (.492) are just one game behind.

Here is the strength of schedules across the NFL:

1. New England Patriots: 137-118-1 (.537)

2. New York Jets: 136-119-1 (.533)

3. Miami Dolphins: 135-120-1 (.529)

4. San Francisco 49ers: 134-120-2 (.528)

T5. Buffalo Bills: 134-121-1 (.525)

T5. Detroit Lions: 134-121-1 (.525)

T5. Atlanta Falcons: 134-121-1 (.525)

T8. Arizona Cardinals: 132-123-1 (.518)

T8. Houston Texans: 132-123-1 (.518)

T10. Los Angeles Rams: 131-123-2 (.516)

T10. Minnesota Vikings: 131-123-2 (.516)

12. Denver Broncos: 131-125 (.512)

T13. Seattle Seahawks: 129-125-2 (.508)

T13. Chicago Bears: 129-125-2 (.508)

15. Green Bay Packers: 128-126-2 (.504)

T16. Indianapolis Colts: 128-127-1 (.502)

T16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 128-127-1 (.502)

T18. Carolina Panthers: 127-127-2 (.500)

T18. Kansas City Chiefs: 128-128 (.500)

20. Tennessee Titans: 127-128-1 (.498)

21. Las Vegas Raiders: 127-129 (.496)

22. Jacksonville Jaguars: 126-129-1 (.494)

23. Los Angeles Chargers: 126-130 (.492)

24. New Orleans Saints: 125-130-1 (.490)

25. Philadelphia Eagles: 124-131-1 (.486)

26. New York Giants: 123-132-1 (.482)

27. Cincinnati Bengals: 122-134 (.477)

28. Washington Redskins: 118-136-2 (.465)

29. Cleveland Browns: 118-138 (.461)

30. Dallas Cowboys: 117-138-1 (.459)

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: 117-139 (.457)

32. Baltimore Ravens: 112-144 (.438)

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NFL fines Broncos cornerback Isaac Yiadom, 3 Raiders players

Broncos cornerback Isaac Yiadom was fined by the NFL after being penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct against the Raiders in Week 17.

Near the end of the Broncos’ 16-15 win over the Raiders in Week 17, a brawl broke out between the AFC West rivals. The league punished four players involved in the incident last week.

Denver cornerback Isaac Yiadom received a $14,037 unsportsmanlike conduct fine, according to The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala. That’s 2.324% of the $603,750 he earned during the 2019 season (salary via Spotrac.com).

In addition to Yiadom, three other players faced repercussions.

Raiders guard Josh Mauro and safety Erik Harris were fined $10,527 and $28,075, respectively, for unnecessary roughness. Oakland cornerback Nevin Lawson received the biggest punishment: a one-game suspension without pay to begin the 2020 season.

Lawson was suspended after using his helmet as a weapon in the brawl.

Yiadom (6-1, 190 pounds) was selected by the Broncos in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft out of Boston College. He hasn’t quite lived up to his draft status over the last two years, totaling just one interception and seven pass breakups in 29 games.

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NFL fans had lots of jokes on what the Raiders’ sweet new stadium looks like

The Raiders’ new stadium is looking SHARP. And also like a gigantic Roomba.

The Oakland Raiders will soon become the Las Vegas Raiders, as they will make the move to Sin City once this season is over, which still could end with a trip the playoffs if five things go their way in Week 17.

The team’s new stadium in Las Vegas is nearing completion and it looks like it is going to be monstrous upgrade from Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, which isn’t hard to do because the Coliseum is easily the dumpiest of all the stadiums in the NFL.

A new video showed the outside of the stadium looking almost done and I think it looks pretty darn awesome:

Other NFL fans had jokes about the look of the stadium:

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