Raiders Post Mortem \ stacker news ~Stacker

The NFL officials did their job in making sure the Colts won and putting an end to the Raiders season.

Eliminated from the playoffs, we still look forward to beating the Donkeys next week to keep that streak going, but it's time to reflect on where the team is and what it needs going forward. We're actually in a really good position going forward, as long as the Russel Wilson rumors don't have any legs. The offense was terrible, but I think that has more to do with Josh McDaniels, a rookie interim OC, and a 4th round rookie QB than it did with talent.

Coaches and GM

GM: Champ Kelly took over after the trade deadline so there wasn't a ton of GM work to do, however he did pick up Jack Jones, who he had a pick six in back-to-back weeks, off waivers. Additionally, Kelly almost got the job last time and is well respected around the league. I think he's got the GM job.
HC: Antonio Pierce got the team playing Raiders football (in a good way) for the first time in literally decades and the fans love him. That should make hiring him a no-brainer, but never count out Mark Davis to make a catastrophically poor choice.
OC: We need a new one. Bo Hardegree ain't it.
DC: For the first time in 20 years, the Raiders not only have an above average defense, they have an elite defense. Back up the Brinks truck for Patrick Graham. Keeping him should be the top priority.

Draft Priorities

QB: Was Aidan O'Connell the second best rookie QB this season? Either way, they should look to draft a high upside QB in the first two rounds. If he needs to develop behind Aidan (or just loses the QB battle in camp), no problem.
OL: The Raiders need an upgrade on the offensive line. Fortunately, the guys they have are pretty versatile, so they should take any good offensive lineman who has fallen in the draft.
DT/CB: These units performed well, but there's room for a high-end player to upgrade the starting lineups.
Value!: Most of all, they need to just add more good players throughout the roster and not be too concerned about positions of need.

Free Agency Similar to the draft, wait for things to shake out and snatch up some of the good veterans who didn't land big deals.

503 sats \ 1 reply \ @grayruby 2 Jan

Great analysis. Raiders D definitely carried the team. I think O'Connell played well and I think he was probably the second best rookie QB this year (maybe you can argue Levis) but it probably benefits the Raiders to draft another QB who can compete for the job.

I like how Pierce had the team playing. Hopefully he sticks around and you get an OC to come in and help the O be more dynamic.

100 sats \ 0 replies \ @Undisciplined OP 2 Jan

Levis is the guy I was thinking of. He was good for those few games before he got hurt. O'Connell was the top rated QB in the league multiple weeks, which is why I'm so confused that the narrative is all about how desperately they need to go after a QB. I want to see them actually be patient and think about value during this offseason.