This week’s mailbag covers a wide range of issues, including the rest of the season, free agency, and the NFL Draft, as the Las Vegas Raiders are on their bye week. So let’s get started immediately!
How would you handle the two open roster spots that the Raiders have?
Answer: Not many good players are available as free agents at this point in the season, and those that are will either be looking to play for a contender or won’t be interested in signing with the Raiders.
Sam Webb, a cornerback, would thus be moved from the practice squad to the active roster as my first move. During the past two preseasons, Webb has shown some potential. The front office may wait a few weeks to evaluate his abilities and determine whether to retain him in the long run.
I would also like to see running back Sincere McCormick called up for the same or comparable reasons. It would be good to see what McCormick can do, especially given Josh Jacobs’ position with the Raiders is questionable and Zamir White doesn’t appear to have improved much this season.
Q: Are the Raiders now in spoiler mode for the rest of the season?
A: In agreement. They are 12th in the AFC standings going into this Sunday, but they are only a game and a half off of a Wild Card place. In my opinion, they needed to steal one of the last two games to be a genuine playoff threat.
Q: The Raiders will probably still be dominated by Mahomes even if they are able to select the best quarterback available in the upcoming draft. I don’t believe any of them can compare to Stroud. Ideas?
A: Last year’s QB1 pick was C.J. Stroud, but I’d rank Drake Maye and Caleb Williams higher. Williams in particular is more adept at using his legs than Stroud was, and both players have greater arm skill.
Las Vegas will be in the mix to challenge the Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes if they can sign Williams or Maye and strengthen the defense. Of course, with fewer assets available to address the defense when trading up for a quarterback, it will be difficult to do in a single summer.
Q: First round pick Johnny Newton, DT; second round deal for Justin Fields; and signing Patrick Queen, LB, to cover Travis Kelce, is my plan for a speedy comeback. Where have I made a mistake?
A: If the Raiders decide not to trade up for a quarterback, I would be content to select Newton in the first round. Queen would also be a fine free-agent signing.
However, if you’re seeking for a fast
Furthermore, even though Queen provides strong coverage, I wouldn’t put my trust in him to look after Kelce. I don’t think adding one person will be enough to slow that guy down because he is difficult to stop.
I think the Raiders should move on from the Gruden era. Since they tried it and it didn’t work, he will likely demand complete control over the roster once more. The team’s present struggles are mostly due to the innumerable first-round flops involving Gruden and Mike Mayock, and it’s time to abandon the structure in which the general manager reports to the head coach. It would be preferable if they tried something different and offered a head coaching opportunity to a young, up-and-coming player without a big ego.
