Will Vegas Raiders Offensive Players Change The Game?

The Oakland Raiders officially moved to a new place in January 2020. They became the Las Vegas Raiders. Now they are ready to be back in the game, as a whole new team. The COVID-19 pandemic has paused all sports activities as of now. The NFL 2020 season is the 101st season of the National football league. It is scheduled to be held from 10 Sept to 3 Jan 2021.

The team has added many offensive players in its roster for this season. The 2020 season is their 51st in the NFL and their first as the Las Vegas Raiders. They would hope it to be better than their previous seasons and would try to make it to the playoffs for the first time after 2016. They are also on the verge of reaching the milestone of 500 career wins, becoming the third country to achieve this and originating in the American Football League. It would take them a mere 2 victories to make that happen.

The newly built Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada will serve as their home ground. General Manager Mike Mayock, Head coach Jon Gruden, and Owner Mark Davis will look after the team.

The 2020 Draft.

In the 2020 draft, the Raiders have kept their focus on offense. This selection was carried out through video conferencing.

In the first round, they picked up the energetic Henry Ruggs, who was the 12th selection of the draft. They also acquired Damron Arnette in the first round as the part of Khalil Mack trade. The list of the other players drafted by the Raiders includes Bryan Edwards, Lynn Bowden, Tanner Muse, Amik Robertson, John Simpson.

The 80th overall selection, Lynn Bowden Jr. is considered a very good athlete. He is a running back/wide receiver and his offensive game is impressive. Bowden had a brilliant career with the wild cats and was the focal point of their offense. He brings out special skills set to the Raiders. And he also can impact the team line up dynamically.

The next pick, number 81, Bryan Edwards is a standout wide receiver, previously of South Carolina. He is 6 feet 3, receiver, and has a great impact on the game. And can create huge throwing windows for the quarterbacks. Edwards may be influential right from the start because of his experience and due to a very wide catch radius and a big target no one would miss. However, his issues with route running may bother him a bit. But he more than covers for it.

The 100th pick Muse is a key defensive player, who might have to play at a new position of a linebacker this season. The Raiders have picked up three skill-position players with their first four picks. All three will make impacts in their first season, but they spent much of their draft capital. This may leave some gaps in their defense, but the attack is pretty solid.

Coach's Plan

The head coach Jon Gruden said that he didn't want to get just big players, but the ones who are fit in quite well. He said that in the off-season, he had pondered how to add more dynamics to the Raiders. This new draft is certain of bringing that to his team.

Derek Carr is the center around whom the coach has planned the attack. Gruden hopes that Ruggs, Bowden, and Edwards will fit perfectly in the attack plan he has decided. He says he sees the dynamic he hoped for in the trio.

Still, the biggest concern for the team is their defense. Damron Arnette and Amik Robertson were acquired as an effort to ease the problems with the weak defense. They both are cornerbacks, and their performances have been decent till now. Tenner Muse can act as a good addition to the defense. The coach probably wants to retain him for a long-term plan.

Besides these new additions the previous players that serve as the foundation of the team are also important. Rodney Hudson, Kolton Miller, Trent Brown, Darren Waller, Josh Jacobs, Trayvon Mullen, Maxx Crosby, Lamarcus Joyner, Clelin Ferrell, and many players are already a vital part of the Raiders strategy.

The lineup of the team for this season contains a pretty solid attack that can take on any other team. But they would have to take care of the lacking defense if they want to win this season.