The Las Vegas Raiders are now a few weeks into the off-season with the new regime in place. General Manager Dave Zeigler has just enough cap space to make some moves over the next few months. Extensions for players like Maxx Crosby and Hunter Renfrow should be at the top of the to-do list. In terms of free agency, there are three guys Las Vegas should be making a ply for. Each one of these players fills a need and will help take this playoff roster to the next level. With that in mind, here are the three players on the 2022 free agent wish list for the Raiders.
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J.C. Jackson Tops Free Agency Wish List for Las Vegas Raiders
One of the crown jewels of this upcoming free agency class is J.C. Jackson. The 26-year-old cornerback has spent his first four seasons with the New England Patriots. Jackson has emerged as one of the top cornerbacks in the entirety of the league. He excels in man coverage and has a knack for creating turnovers. Over the last two seasons, Jackson has recorded an astonishing 17 interceptions. His nine last season was three more than the entire Las Vegas defense. Jackson is going to be at the top of every team’s wish list that is in need of a cornerback. Las Vegas should be prepared to off “Jalen Ramsey money” in order to secure this top free agent.
Morgan Moses Fills a Need
Sadly, the drafting of Alex Leatherwood has not solved the issue at the right tackle position. Leatherwood was kicked inside to right guard due to his abysmal play at right tackle early in the season. Right guard is likely the future for Leatherwood going forward. With that in mind, Las Vegas still desperately needs to fill the void at right tackle. Morgan Moses is projected to be the top available right tackle in free agency. He is above average at the position and has not missed a game since 2015. Moses especially excels in the run-blocking game. This is important because of how much Josh McDaniels is known to covet a strong rushing attack.
Laken Tomlinson Completes Line Overhaul
Sticking with the offensive line, the final player on the free agency wish list is Laken Tomlinson. He is a player that thrives as a zone blocker but can excel in any scheme. Tomlinson grades near the top of the league as a run-blocker and would cap off a complete rebuild of the offensive line. This unit was easily one of the weakest for Las Vegas last season. The addition of players like Moses and Tomlinson would almost immediately vault the Las Vegas offensive line to “top-tier” status.
Conclusion
If this free agency wish list comes to fruition, it will free up Las Vegas to take the best available wide receiver with their first draft pick. The rumored asking price for Davante Adams is a little pricey. Regardless, the Green Bay Packers will likely tag Adams before the deadline arises. Having to trade for and then pay him would be asking a little bit too much. The three players listed on this wish list should all be doable even when you factor in the projected extensions previously mentioned. Should this scenario come to pass, Las Vegas would be heavy-playoff favorites for the 2022 season.
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