Too often we wait for the off-season to analyze teams’ strengths and weaknesses. We end up looking back at statistics and box scores in an attempt to find deficiencies. With that in mind, let’s look at the 2019 Oakland Raiders offense, in season, with an eye towards the 2020 NFL Draft. As it stands now, the Oakland Raiders have two first-round picks, no pick in the second round, and three picks in the third round. With that many high end picks, expect to see a couple of new faces on offense in 2020.
Oakland Raiders 2020 NFL Draft Needs on Offense
Quarterback
Derek Carr has elevated his game in his second year under head coach Jon Gruden. While Carr is more game manager than playmaker, finding a better quarterback in the draft for the 2020 season will be tough. There is still a quarter of the season left but at this moment I don’t see anyone other than Carr as the starting quarterback next season. I will note that Gruden sees the game shifting for quarterbacks and has said he’d like to see Carr use his legs more.
Draft Need: Low. The top quarterbacks look to be off the board by the time the Raiders pick in the first round so Gruden won’t be tempted. He does love quarterbacks though. I can see him taking a dual-threat quarterback late (even with DeShone Kizer and Nathan Peterman around).
Running Back / Fullback
Rookies Josh Jacobs and Alec Ingold have the backfield locked down for the foreseeable future. The need is at backup running back. While Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington are both talented backs, they’re very similar, smaller backs. The Raiders could use a bigger back to spell Jacobs at times. General manager Mike Mayock and Gruden have worked out bruising backs such as Bo Scarbrough, LeGarrette Blount, and C.J. Anderson throughout the season in an attempt to find someone who can help.
Need: Moderate. Josh Jacobs is on pace for nearly 300 carries which is a high mark for a rookie running back. If not addressed in free agency, there’s definitely a need for a late-round back with size.
Wide Receiver / Tight End
Wide receiver might be the most glaring need on offense. Tyrell Williams and Hunter Renfrow have played important roles in the offense but Zay Jones and Trevor Davis have failed to make much of an impact so far. An explosive playmaker is absolutely needed on the outside. At the same time, there doesn’t appear to be much of a need at tight end. Darren Waller, Foster Moreau, and Derek Carrier are as well rounded a position group as the Raiders have.
Need: High. The need for a playmaking wide receiver is high. Raider Nation is hoping someone like CeeDee Lamb or Laviska Shenault is available when they pick in the first round. With this much need at receiver, I expect the Raiders to double-dip and take a second receiver in the middle rounds.
Offensive Line
The offensive line play has been good in 2019 after struggling mightily at times in 2018. They overcame the early suspension and injury issues on the interior. Richie Incognito is 36 years old and it’s fair to ask how long he’ll play at this high of a level. Rookie Andre James has filled in well for Rodney Hudson at the center. The same goes for Denzelle Good filling in at guard.
Need: Low. I think the Raiders will take a developmental guard with an eye toward the future.
