With the training camp of the Las Vegas Raiders right around the corner, it is time to dive into some bold predictions. These bold predictions are things fans outside of the Raider Nation may not be expecting. Skeptics will likely call these prognostications “unlikely” or “ridiculous,” but the Raiders are ready to turn over a new leaf. Here are the bold predictions for the 2021 Las Vegas Raiders.
Las Vegas Raiders Bold Predictions for 2021
Henry Ruggs Has 1,000+ Yards Receiving
It is hard to find anyone that believes Henry Ruggs’ rookie season was not underwhelming at best. In this instance, those individuals would be right. The difference in strength was noticeable between him and defensive backs last season, especially at the line of scrimmage. When you consider how wide receivers drafted after him performed, it is understandable why some fans are skeptical about his future. If you follow Ruggs’ social media accounts, you know the emphasis he has put on adding muscle this off-season. As long as the speed is still there, then he will be a force to be reckoned with this season.
Unless your name is Tyreek Hill, smaller receivers typically do not last long in this league. They are typically too brittle and physically inferior to even the average defensive back a la John Ross. It will be up to Jon Gruden to find more creative ways to incorporate him into the offense. Ruggs finished with just over 450 yards receiving last season, so he will need to more than double his production to reach 1000 yards.
Two Raiders Record Double-Digit Sacks
This one is a doozy. The last time the Raiders had two players simultaneously record 10+ sacks in a single season was 2006. The players were Derrick Burgess (11) and Warren Sapp (10). Mind you, this is a team that had Khalil Mack in his prime. That just goes to show you how historically awful Raiders defenses have been the last two decades. So, what is going to be different this season?
The arrivals of defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, and defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, will be the catalyst for the Raiders. Bradley is going to bring discipline and a simplified scheme to this defense. Whether it be the Legion of Boom, or the development of Joey Bosa and Derwin James, Bradley has had his hands on a lot of success over the years. The arrival of Ngakoue will give the Raiders two legitimate threats to sack the quarterback. It will also allow Clelin Ferrell to kick inside and play at a position that more fits his skillset. Big things are coming for the Raiders defense this season, which brings us to our final bold prediction.
Raiders Finish Top 15 in Total Defense
Yes, you read that correctly. This is not just because the Raiders get to play against Drew Lock twice this season. The arrival of Gus Bradley, all of the high defensive draft picks and all of the money spent in free agency these last two seasons will finally cumulate into a top-rated defense for the Raiders in 2021. Keep an eye on early Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate, Trevon Moehrig. Bradley has a strong track record of developing safeties, and Moehrig has the skillset to develop into one of the best in the league.
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