TEAM OVERVIEW
Strengths: Receiving options. The addition of Davante Adams as the
No. 1 receiver gives QB Derek Carr (right) one of the best pass-catching trios in the NFL. Adams has averaged 108 catches per season the past four years, TE Darren Waller is one of the best at his position and slot WR Hunter Renfrow had 103 catches for 1,038 yards last season. If the Raiders can find one more capable WR, they should be well positioned to have one of the most productive passing offenses in the league.
Weaknesses: Offensive line. The main thing that could slow down that passing attack is a suspect offensive line. While LT Kolton Miller has proven to be very dependable protecting Carr’s blind side, there are questions at the other four spots. The biggest issue is at RT where last year’s first-round pick Alex Leatherwood failed at last year before moving inside and is trying to get another shot this season. C Andre James is a decent option but there are questions at both guard spots with returning starter John Simpson and third-round pick Dylan Parham the best options.
Expectations: After adding Adams and Jones to a team that made the playoffs in 2021, the expectations are high in Las Vegas in Josh McDaniels’ first season. But the problem for the Raiders is their division is brutal and they overachieved last season by winning 10 games despite getting outscored by 65 points. But if the additions of Adams and McDaniels can make the offense elite and the defense does a better job creating turnovers, the Raiders could be in the mix.