Raiders. (Photo by Don Juan Moore / Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders have been busy with free agencies so far and have made a number of important moves that will change the look of the team in 2021. The Raiders recently made headlines by inflating their current offensive line in an effort to make some changes. They have already moved in from Rodney Hudson, Gabe Jackson and Trent Brown. The team also released Richie Incognito, but has since announced he has resigned and will return in 2021.
The good news with the deals is that the Raiders are getting back quality concept capital in return, and that they are clearing the hood by moving away from the players. Hudson was sent to the Arizona Cardinals for a third-round pick in 2021, Jackson was sent to the Seattle Seahawks for a fifth round in 2021, and Brown landed in New England for a fifth and seventh 2022.
Can the Raider use their bootload concept capital?
While the Raiders are far from finished signing free agents, they will try to use their abundant draft capital to strengthen the roster to make a playoff game. The Raiders have a lot of potential and talent, but it is known that GM Mike Mayock from time to time makes a mindless signing or draft pick. Mayock cannot afford to miss his earlier choice in the NFL draft in 2021, otherwise he could lose his job if the team is not successful after the season.
With a large number of picks in the 2021 NFL draft, I expect the Raiders will do a brand or two to move up to catch up with their guys they desire. The most important positions of emergency are offensive, lineout, defensive line and secondary.