DC hiring is first on Gruden’s list
The Raiders began the process Monday of identifying what it will take to squeeze a few more wins out of a roster which will return a nucleus of players, plus whatever else they can add through the draft and free agency.
The plan doesn’t include finding a sunny spot in a warmer locale for some rest and relaxation.
“Our goal is not 8-8,” Raiders coach Jon Gruden said in his season-ending video conference. “You shouldn’t go on a cruise or on a vacation if you’re 8-8. We’ve got to take a good look at how we can close the gap.”
The first order of business will be hiring a coordinator to repair one of the most flawed defenses in franchise history, with some names familiar to Gruden emerging as candidates. Reports indicate the Raiders are interested in Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. He and Gruden have worked together in the past.
Gruden said the personnel staff will be gathering information on draft-eligible players and sorting through whether there will be any all-star games or an NFL scouting combine with the coronavirus pandemic still an issue.
Some other issues related to 2020 and how they relate to 2021 and observations from Gruden and selected players who were made available by conference call: INCREASING AVAILABILITY >> Sometimes it’s just bad luck. Other times young players such as safety Johnathan Abram, cornerback Damon Arnette and others need to make their own luck. Whatever the problem, the Raiders were hurt badly by missed practice time and game time.
“We need time on task. We need Abram on the field Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. We need him on the field Sunday all the time with Arnette, (Lamarcus) Joyner and (Trayvon) Mullen. And we need to get these guys out there day after day after day.”
Gruden noted the loss of wide receiver Tyrell Williams before the season even started, the five games started by right tackle Trent Brown and the injuries to backup quarterback Marcus Mariota.