Las Vegas Raiders (Last Year: 10-7)
2022 NFL Season Preview:
Veteran Additions:
QB Nick Mullens, QB Garrett Gilbert, RB Brandon Bolden, RB Ameer Abdullah, FB Jakob Johnson, WR Davante Adams, WR Keelan Cole, WR Mack Hollins, TE Jacob Hollister, DE Chandler Jones, DT Bilal Nichols, OLB Kyler Fackrell, LB Jayon Brown, LB Micah Kiser, LB Kenny Young, CB Rock Ya-Sin, CB Anthony Averett, S Duron Harmon.
Early Draft Picks:
C/G Dylan Parham, RB Zamir White, NT Neil Farrell, DT Matthew Butler. Raiders Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
QB Marcus Mariota, WR Zay Jones, G Rich Incognito, DE Yannick Ngakoue, DT Quinton Jefferson, LB K.J. Wright, LB Cory Littleton, CB Casey Hayward, CB Desmond Trufant.
2022 Las Vegas Raiders Offense:
Between Jon Gruden’s firing and Henry Ruggs’ arrest, the Raiders endured plenty of turmoil last season. Things can only be more stable in 2022 by default, though there’s plenty of reason for optimism. That is centered, at least offensively, around the acquisition of Davante Adams.
Derek Carr has had his ups and downs as quarterback of the Raiders, but he hasn’t possessed a No. 1-caliber receiver since Amari Cooper. Ruggs was supposed to be that player, but he never lived up to expectations, even before his arrest. Adams certainly will qualify. The stellar receiver has produced even when Aaron Rodgers has been injured, so while he may not accumulate the same, insane stats he posted in recent years, he’s still expected to perform on a top-tier level.
Adams’ presence will give Carr three dynamic weapons. In addition to Adams, there’s tight end Darren Waller, who is one of the top athletes at the position in the entire NFL, and also Hunter Renfrow, who has transformed into an excellent slot receiver. He caught 103 passes last year, as Carr frequently relied on him in clutch moments. The Raiders also signed Keelan Cole. He’ll improve the depth the Raiders have at receiver. The only question the Raiders have on this side of the ball is the offensive line. Kolton Miller has developed into a premier blind-side protector, but the rest of the blocking unit is rather lackluster. Last year’s first-round pick, Alex Leatherwood, struggled mightily as a rookie. He played tackle and guard, and he may not crack the starting lineup, as he’ll have to compete with Jermaine Eluemunor and Denzelle Good at guard. Good is not a quality blocker by any means. Eluemunor enjoyed some nice moments in New England, but there have been many ex-Patriots who have struggled after leaving Bill Belichick. Unless Leatherwood makes a big leap in his sophomore campaign, or third-round rookie Dylan Parham proves that he’s good enough to start right away, this will be a big position of weakness for the Raiders.
Things aren’t much better at right tackle and center. The pedestrian Brandon Parker and mediocre Andre James will man those positions, respectively. Parham can also play center, so it’ll be interesting to see how the Raiders configure their offensive line if the Memphis rookie thrives in training camp. Leatherwood will also compete with Parker, but no one will have high hopes for that outcome.
Josh Jacobs will certainly be rooting for Parham to succeed because his blocking has been atrocious the past two years. This is the reason why his yards-per-carry average plummeted from 4.8 in his rookie campaign to 3.9 in the two years since. Jacobs is talented, but hasn’t played a full season either, so this is why the Raiders spent a fourth-round pick on Zamir White.
2022 Las Vegas Raiders Defense:
The Davante Adams trade wasn’t the only swap the Raiders made with another team this spring. They also sent one of their starting edge rushers, Yannick Ngakoue, to the Colts for Rock Ya-Sin. Ngakoue generated great pressure on the quarterback, but he would constantly be trampled in run support. His pass-rushing presence won’t be missed because the Raiders signed Chandler Jones away from Arizona. Jones turned 32 this offseason, but he’s still one of the top edge rushers in the NFL. He and Maxx Crosby will make one of the best edge-rushing tandems in the NFL.
As for Ya-Sin, he’ll provide much-needed help for the secondary. Cornerback has been a problem for the Raiders for quite a while, so he’s a nice solution. He’ll be starting on the outside along with Trayvon Mullen, who missed 12 games last year with a foot injury. Nate Hobbs, stationed in the slot, did a great job last year.
Perhaps the best player in the secondary, Trevon Moehrig will be entering his second season. Moehrig, chosen in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, had an excellent rookie campaign, and he should only continue to improve. He’ll continue to start with Johnathan Abram, who has struggled in coverage during his young career.
Another key player the Raiders added this offseason was linebacker Jayon Brown. Signed over from the Titans, Brown struggled in 2021 because of a lingering injury, but he could potentially revert to his pre-2021 play, which would allow the Raiders to have an upgrade at a position that has also been an issue for them for quite some time. He’ll likely start next to Denzel Perryman, a defender who thrives in run support, but tends to get lost in coverage.
Brown and Perryman will want some protection from a defensive line that added some beef in free agency via Bilal Nichols and Vernon Butler. Two mid-round draft choices were also used to address the area, as Neil Farrell and Matthew Butler were added. They’ll all join nose tackle Johnathan Hankins, who is coming off the worst season of his career. Hankins is usually a stout run stuffer, but he was dealing with an injury. He underwent minor surgery in May to “clean up work on something from last season.” Thus, Hankins is expected to rebound with a strong 2022 campaign.
2022 Las Vegas Raiders Schedule and Intangibles:
Sebastian Janikowski is long gone, and the Raiders certainly missed him ahead of 2020. Daniel Carlson was awful in 2019 – he was 19-of-26 – but he improved in 2020, hitting 33-of-35 attempts. He was 4-of-4 from beyond 50. Last year, Carlson was 40-of-43, including 6-of-7 from 50-plus.
A.J. Cole was 26th in net punting in 2019, but he improved that mark to 18th in 2020. He shot up to second last year.
The Raiders failed to return a touchdown last year while allowing one themselves.
The Raiders already had a difficult schedule because they reside in the AFC West. Their non-divisional battles are mixed. They have some tough opponents like the Rams, Patriots, Cardinals and 49ers, but they also get to take on the Jaguars, Texans and Seahawks.
2022 Las Vegas Raiders Rookies:
Go here for the Raiders Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.
2022 Las Vegas Raiders Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):
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2022 Las Vegas Raiders Analysis: It’s possible that the Raiders might be the weakest team in the division, and yet they could still make the playoffs. The Raiders have made improvements to both sides of the ball this offseason, and they likely won’t be dealing with any of the drama they endured in 2021. The only question is the offensive line, but if some of the new additions pan out, the Raiders could make a deep run come January.
Projection: 10-7 (4th in AFC West)
2021 Projection: 5-12. 2021 Actual Result: 10-7.
2020 Projection: 8-8. 2020 Actual Result: 8-8.
2019 Projection: 3-13. 2019 Actual Result: 7-9.
2018 Projection: 10-6. 2018 Actual Result: 4-12.
2017 Projection: 12-4. 2017 Actual Result: 6-10.
2016 Projection: 9-7. 2016 Actual Result: 12-4.
NFL Draft Team Grade: B Grade
Goals Entering the 2022 NFL Draft: The Raiders made a huge splash move this offseason, trading their first-round pick for Davante Adams. They have just two selections in the top 163, and none until No. 86. They won’t be able to improve their roster very much as a result, but they can still use a third- or fourth-round choice to bolster the offensive line.
2022 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Raiders did a good job of navigating the draft. They entered it with five picks and came away with six players because they were willing to trade down. This was crucial, given their lacking draft capital entering the weekend.
As for their actual picks, I liked all of them, save for the throw-away choice spent on a running back in the seventh frame. Otherwise, the Raiders scored B- or better with all of their picks, and that includes the top choice, used on Dylan Parham. The Memphis product can play center and guard, and his versatility will be key, given the dearth of talent on the blocking unit.
The Raiders spent three other picks addressing the trenches. Another guard, Thayer Munford, could help open up running lanes for Josh Jacobs or Zamir White, while the two defensive tackles, Neil Farrell and Matthew Butler, were needed to help slow down all the high-powered offenses in the division. Butler was a steal toward the end of the fifth frame.
Despite not picking until No. 90, the Raiders made out well in the 2022 NFL Draft. They didn’t land any superstars, but the same can be said of most teams in this underwhelming draft class.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
90. Dylan Parham, C/G, Memphis – A Grade
I love what the Raiders just did. They didn’t pick until No. 86, but they moved down four spots and picked a player who easily could’ve gone in the second round. Not only that, but Dylan Parham fills a huge need. Parham can play guard and center, and the Raiders will need his versatility on their horrid blocking unit.
122. Zamir White, RB, Georgia – B+ Grade
Zamir White is the next of impressive backs to come out of Georgia, along with James Cook. He’s a solid pick here in the fourth round, as the Raiders need to figure out what to do with Josh Jacobs, who has been very inconsistent for them.
126. Neil Farrell, NT, LSU – B- Grade
Neil Farrell is a big nose tackle who can help the Patriots stop the run. The problem is that the rest of the AFC West is all about passing, so I’m not sure about this fit. Farrell makes sense in this range as a fourth-round prospect though.
175. Matthew Butler, DT, Tennessee – B+ Grade
Another defensive tackle for the Raiders, but this one is a lot lighter. He’ll help the team generate pressure on the quarterback, which is essential in their division. The range is perfect for Butler.
238. Thayer Munford, G, Ohio State – B+ Grade
Thayer Munford played tackle at Ohio State, but he can’t handle edge rushers, so he’ll have to play at guard. Pass protection will still be an issue, but he should run block well. This is nice value for him.
250. Brittain Brown, RB, UCLA – C Grade
I never thought Brittain brown would be drafted, as he was just a “meh” running back at UCLA. I’m not sure what the Raiders see in him.
Follow @walterfootball for updates.
Season Summary:
The Raiders endured an emotional roller coaster of a season, suffering through Jon Gruden’s firing and Henry Ruggs’ banishment. It was impressive that they still made the playoffs, but they committed so many mistakes in their loss to the Bengals.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Two Guards: The Raiders had a weak offensive line in 2021 because of Richie Incognito’s injury. They’ll need two new guards so Alex Leatherwood can shift back to right tackle.
- Wide Receiver: Henry Ruggs hadn’t lived up to expectations, but he still served as a distraction because of his amazing speed. He’s gone, so he’ll need to be replaced. Traded for Davante Adams; signed Demarucs Robinson and Mack Hollins
- Two Cornerbacks: Casey Hayward is the Raiders’ No. 1 free agent. He had an excellent season, but he’s 33. The Raiders will need a young successor as well as another cornerback to start across from him. Traded for Rock Ya-Sin; signed Anthony Averett and Darius Phillips
- Two Defensive Tackles: The Raiders’ top two defensive tackles, Johnathan Hankins and Quinton Jefferson, are both impending free agents. Signed Bilal Nichols and Vernon Butler
- Linebacker: Las Vegas will want a second linebacker to go along with Denzel Perryman. Signed Jayon Brown
- Quarterback: Derek Carr is an average starting quarterback, so the Raiders will always be on the lookout for an upgrade.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2022 NFL Free Agent Signings:
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Chandler Jones, DE/OLB, Cardinals. Age: 32. 
Signed with Raiders
Chandler Jones returned from an injury-plagued 2020 campaign to log 10.5 sacks last year. He’s still a top pass rusher, but at 32, he could be in decline soon.
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Jayon Brown, LB, Titans. Age: 27. 
Signed with Raiders
The normally solid Jayon Brown struggled in 2021, likely because of a lingering injury. He should be able to bounce back in 2022.
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Jakob Johnson, FB, Patriots. Age: 27.
Signed with Raiders (1 year)
Jakob Johnson is an excellent blocking fullback. It’s unclear why the Patriots didn’t tender him.
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Bilal Nichols, DT, Bears. Age: 25.
Signed with Raiders
Bilal Nichols was seen as a high-upside defensive lineman coming out of Delaware. He’s only 25, so he could continue to develop.
- Kenny Young, LB, Broncos. Age: 27. — Signed with Raiders
- Kyler Fackrell, DE/OLB, Chargers. Age: 30. — Signed with Raiders
- Duron Harmon, S, Falcons. Age: 31. — Signed with Raiders
- Anthony Averett, CB, Ravens. Age: 27. — Signed with Raiders (1 year)
- Keelan Cole, WR, Jets. Age: 29. — Signed with Raiders
- Darius Phillips, CB/KR, Bengals. Age: 26. — Signed with Raiders
- Mack Hollins, WR, Dolphins. Age: 29. — Signed with Raiders (1 year)
- Tyler Lancaster, DE/DT, Packers. Age: 26. — Signed with Raiders
- Vernon Butler, DT, Bills. Age: 28. — Signed with Raiders
- Brandon Bolden, RB, Patriots. Age: 32. — Signed with Raiders
- Ameer Abdullah, RB, Panthers. Age: 29. — Signed with Raiders
- Jacob Hollister, TE, Jaguars. Age: 28. — Signed with Raiders (1 year)
- Garrett Gilbert, QB, Redskins. Age: 31. — Signed with Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
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Casey Hayward, CB, Raiders. Age: 33.
Signed Casey Hayward
Casey Hayward just had a terrific 2021 campaign as the Raiders’ top cornerback, but he’ll turn 33 in mid-September, so he could regress soon.
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Richie Incognito, G, Raiders. Age: 39.
Richie Incognito hasn’t played much in the past two years. He was great the last time he took the field, but that was a while ago.
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Quinton Jefferson, DT, Raiders. Age: 29.
Signed with Seahawks (2 years)
Quinton Jefferson was the Raiders’ best interior defensive lineman last year, logging 4.5 sacks.
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Marcus Mariota, QB, Raiders. Age: 28.
Signed with Falcons (2 years, $18.75 million)
I’d like to say that Marcus Mariota is a young quarterback with potential despite his final years in Tennessee, but he turns 29 just before Halloween.
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Alec Ingold, FB, Raiders. Age: 26.
Signed with Dolphins (2 years, $7.5 million)
Alec Ingold is a quality fullback, but is coming off an ACL tear.
- Johnathan Hankins, DT, Raiders. Age: 30.
- Desmond Trufant, CB, Raiders. Age: 30.
- K.J. Wright, LB, Raiders. Age: 33.
- Zay Jones, WR, Raiders. Age: 27. — Signed with Jaguars (3 years, $24 million)
- Cory Littleton, LB, Raiders. Age: 28. — Signed with Panthers
- Nick Kwiatkoski, LB, Raiders. Age: 29. — Signed with Falcons
- Jermaine Eluemunor, G, Raiders. Age: 27. — Re-signed with Raiders
- Darius Philon, DT, Raiders. Age: 28.
- Carl Nassib, DE, Raiders. Age: 29.
- Gerald McCoy, DT, Raiders. Age: 34.
- Peyton Barber, RB, Raiders. Age: 28.
- Solomon Thomas, DE, Raiders. Age: 26. — Signed with Jets
- Brandon Parker, OT, Raiders. Age: 26. — Re-signed with Raiders
- DeSean Jackson, WR, Raiders. Age: 35.
- Nick Martin, C/OT, Raiders. Age: 29.
- Nicholas Morrow, LB, Raiders. Age: 27. — Signed with Bears
- Jalen Richad, RB, Raiders. Age: 28.
- Marquel Lee, LB, Raiders. Age: 26. — Signed with Bills
- Damion Square, DT, Raiders. Age: 33.
- Derek Carrier, TE, Raiders. Age: 32.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
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