Ranking the Oakland Raiders After Several Offseason Moves

The Oakland Raiders, now known as the Las Vegas Raiders after their relocation to Sin City in 2020, have had a mixed history. Throughout the franchise’s rich history, there have been many high points, such as their three Super Bowl victories, but also many low points, including long playoff droughts and seasons full of disappointments. The 2020s, particularly, have marked a new chapter for the franchise with the relocation to Las Vegas and an influx of new leadership under General Manager Mike Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden (prior to Gruden’s resignation in 2021).

However, as of the most recent offseason (2024), there has been a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the Raiders, bolstered by some significant moves in free agency, the draft, and a revamped coaching staff. In this ranking and analysis, we’ll look at several factors that contribute to the Raiders’ current position in the league, including their roster, coaching changes, draft picks, and overall direction as a team. The aim is to assess how these moves impact their ranking among the 32 NFL teams.

1. Quarterback Position: A New Era with Jimmy Garoppolo

Perhaps the most significant move made by the Raiders this offseason was the signing of veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. After years of inconsistency under Derek Carr, the Raiders chose to move on from Carr and bring in Garoppolo, who had previously enjoyed moderate success with the San Francisco 49ers.

Garoppolo’s Strengths

Garoppolo, while not the flashiest quarterback, brings stability and experience. He has demonstrated his ability to manage games, make key throws, and guide a team to the Super Bowl. In his best years with the 49ers, Garoppolo posted solid statistics, including a career passer rating of 98.3 in 2019. His skill set fits the Raiders’ offense, which is predicated on balance and the deep passing game. In addition, his familiarity with offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi (a former 49ers assistant) should help Garoppolo assimilate into the system quickly.

Garoppolo’s Limitations

However, Garoppolo is not without his concerns. He has been prone to injuries in the past, missing significant time throughout his career. Additionally, while he has shown the ability to win games in the regular season, he has yet to prove he can elevate his team in the postseason. The Raiders will need Garoppolo to stay healthy and consistently perform at a high level, as their playoff aspirations hinge largely on his development in Las Vegas.

Impact on the Raiders’ Ranking

Garoppolo is a solid, albeit unspectacular, upgrade from Carr. While his limitations may hinder the Raiders’ potential for a deep playoff run, he provides the stability the team has lacked at quarterback for years. Therefore, the Raiders’ ranking improves with Garoppolo under center but doesn’t push them into the league’s elite.

2. Wide Receiver Corps: An Elite Group Led by Davante Adams

One of the Raiders’ greatest strengths remains their wide receiver corps, which is one of the best in the NFL. Davante Adams, whom the Raiders acquired via trade in 2022, is still one of the most dominant wide receivers in the game. His ability to separate from defenders, make spectacular catches, and operate in both short and deep routes makes him an elite weapon in the NFL.

Supporting Cast: Hunter Renfrow and Jakobi Meyers

While Adams is undoubtedly the star, the supporting cast around him is also strong. Hunter Renfrow remains one of the best slot receivers in the league, and his chemistry with Garoppolo should help in creating mismatches on short-to-intermediate routes. Additionally, the Raiders signed Jakobi Meyers, a versatile and reliable wide receiver from the New England Patriots, who will likely add depth and stability to the receiving unit.

Impact on the Raiders’ Ranking

With a top-tier receiver like Adams, combined with Renfrow’s quickness and Meyers’ reliability, the Raiders have one of the most dangerous passing offenses in the NFL. This is a major plus, as Garoppolo will have weapons at his disposal who can create opportunities downfield and after the catch. The wide receiver corps boosts the team’s ranking significantly.

3. Offensive Line: Improving But Still a Work in Progress

The Raiders’ offensive line has been a weak point in recent years. Although they have some solid pieces in place, such as All-Pro left tackle Kolton Miller, the rest of the line has been inconsistent. The Raiders did make several changes to their offensive line during the offseason in an attempt to shore up this weakness.

Key Additions and Losses

The Raiders brought in a few veteran free agents to add depth and experience to the line, including signing former New England Patriots offensive guard Mike Onwenu. While Onwenu is a solid player, the overall line is still a bit shaky, particularly on the interior, where they’ve struggled to protect the quarterback and establish a strong running game.

Impact on the Raiders’ Ranking

Garoppolo’s effectiveness will be heavily influenced by the performance of the offensive line. If the Raiders can improve in pass protection and create running lanes for their backs, they will be more dangerous. However, a subpar offensive line could lead to struggles on offense, which will keep them from being considered one of the league’s elite teams.

4. Running Back Room: A Solid, But Not Elite Group

The Raiders have a solid running back unit, headed by Josh Jacobs, who led the NFL in rushing yards in 2022. Jacobs, who was franchise-tagged in the offseason, is the backbone of the Raiders’ running game. He is a powerful, downhill runner with excellent vision and a knack for breaking tackles.

However, the backup options behind Jacobs are less inspiring. While players like Zamir White and Ameer Abdullah provide depth, neither has proven to be a reliable starter in the NFL. The Raiders also didn’t make any significant moves to address the backup running back role in the offseason.

Impact on the Raiders’ Ranking

Jacobs is a dynamic player who will keep opposing defenses honest and open up the passing game. However, the lack of a strong backup could hurt the Raiders if Jacobs gets injured or wears down throughout the season. The running back position is solid but not a game-changer, limiting the offense’s overall potential.

5. Defense: A Work in Progress with Promising Pieces

While the Raiders have shown promise offensively, their defense has been a significant point of concern over the past few seasons. They’ve struggled with consistency, especially in the secondary and against the run. However, the Raiders made several moves this offseason aimed at improving their defense, which could elevate their ranking in the league.

Key Additions

The Raiders made a big splash by signing edge rusher Chandler Jones in free agency in 2022, and while he had a quiet year in 2023, his presence remains a strong asset to the defensive line. Additionally, they added defensive tackle Bilal Nichols to bolster the interior pass rush. With star linebacker Divine Deablo and safety Trevon Moehrig leading the way in the secondary, the Raiders have some exciting young players who could contribute heavily.

However, the Raiders still have a lot of questions to answer on defense, particularly in terms of depth and the secondary. They failed to land a true top-tier cornerback in free agency or the draft, which leaves them vulnerable to elite passing offenses.

Impact on the Raiders’ Ranking

Defensively, the Raiders are average at best. While they have the talent to be a solid unit, inconsistency has plagued them in recent years. They need to find more consistency from their young players and rely on veterans like Jones to perform at a high level. If they can improve their defense, especially in the secondary, it will significantly boost their playoff chances. However, they still fall short of being a top defensive team in the league.

6. Coaching: Changes and Adjustments in the Post-Gruden Era

After the resignation of Jon Gruden in 2021, the Raiders hired head coach Josh McDaniels, formerly the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots. McDaniels has brought in his system, focusing on a balanced, run-heavy offense while utilizing Garoppolo’s quick release and efficiency.

McDaniels’ Influence

McDaniels is a highly respected coach, but he hasn’t always had success as a head coach. His first stint with the Denver Broncos was short-lived, and his tenure in New England was marked by a stable yet sometimes uninspired offense. However, McDaniels brings a wealth of experience, and his offensive acumen could elevate Garoppolo and the rest of the offense.

Impact on the Raiders’ Ranking

McDaniels’ ability to make in-game adjustments and develop the young talent on the roster will be crucial to the team’s success. While he is certainly an improvement over Gruden in terms of offensive philosophy, his ability to adapt and lead in critical moments remains a question mark. This uncertainty at the coaching position keeps the Raiders from being ranked among the elite teams in the NFL.

The Raiders’ Current Ranking

After evaluating the Raiders’ offseason moves, it’s clear that they’ve taken steps in the right direction, but they still have work to do to become one of the league’s elite teams. They boast a solid offense with the addition of Garoppolo, an elite receiving corps, and a star running back in Jacobs. However, the team’s weaknesses on the offensive line, lack of depth at running back, and inconsistent defense prevent them from climbing into the top tier of NFL teams.

The Raiders are likely a middle-of-the-pack team in the NFL for the 2024 season. They should be competitive in the AFC West and may be able to push for a playoff spot, but their limitations on both sides of the ball hold them back from being serious Super Bowl contenders.

With a ranking that likely places them in the range of No. 15 to No. 20 in the league, the Raiders have potential but are not yet ready to contend for the top prizes in the NFL. If they can address their defensive issues and find consistency from their quarterback play, they could rise higher in future seasons.