If the offseason is a big puzzle, the Las Vegas Raiders have their corner pieces in place now that Antonio Pierce has officially been named head coach and Tom Telesco was hired as general manager. All that’s left to do is fill in the middle and we’ll have a good picture of what the 2024 Raiders will look like.
So, this week’s mailbag is focused on just that, filling the remaining holes the Silver and Black have.
Question: 1) Favorite OC fit(s)?
1B) Best singular roster addition to pair with OC?
2) Top defensive FA targets (realistically)?
3) Favorite draft targets days 1 and 2?
Answer: 1) Of the names that have recently been thrown in the mix, Zac Robinson would be my top choice. He comes from the Sean McVay/Kyle Shanahan tree and is an up-and-comer who I think could thrive if given the opportunity. Also, he was considered the “favorite” to get the Chargers’ OC job last offseason before Kellen Moore became available, so Robinson is somewhat connected to Telesco to help make this pairing happen.
1B) I think the Raiders are in good shape with their offensive skill positions and I’d like to see them target defensive players in free agency, but they could use some help at offensive line.
Kevin Dotson, guard from the Rams, would be a great target up front. He got traded to Los Angeles in the offseason and had a career year as Pro Football Focus’ second-highest graded (84.4) guard while playing in McVay’s offense. Dotson also said moving over to his more natural position at right guard helped him, which the Raiders will need since Greg Van Roten is an impending free agent. Marcus broke down Dotson in the video below if anyone is interested.
2) Jaylon Johnson, Patrick Queen and Christian Wilkins. We’ll find out how realistic that is when we get close to the franchise tag deadline!
3) Very early and could change, but Bo Nix, Kool-Aid McKinstry and Jer’Zhan Newton on Day 1. Day 2, Byron Murphy II, T.J. Tampa and Cooper Beebe.