Las Vegas Raiders 2023 Offseason Review (32 Teams/32 Days)

Las Vegas Raiders

Division: AFC West

2022 Record: 6-11, 3-3 in Division, 3rd in AFC West.

Free Agents

Players Lost/Cut

Player	Position	New Team
Andrew Billings	Defensive Tackle	Chicago Bears
Derek Carr	Quarterback	New Orleans Saints
Mack Hollins	Wide Receiver	Atlanta Falcons
Foster Moreau	Tight End	New Orleans Saints
Denzel Perryman	Middle Linebacker	Houston Texans
Rock Ya-Sin	Cornerback	Baltomore Ravens
Duron Harmon	Safety	Free Agent
Darren Waller	Tight End	New York Giants
Clelin Ferrel	Edge	San Francisco 49ers

Notable Players Lost/Cut Thoughts

Derek Carr

After nine-years, the time had come for the Raiders to move on. While there were moments of triumph with Carr at the helm, the lows outweighed the highs. Despite his talents, he fell short of securing a playoff victory and quite frankly was a timid and inconsistent player following the debilitating leg injury in 2016, which disrupted his promising quest for the MVP title.

The acquisition of his college comrade and the league's premier receiver, Davante Adams, was meant to elevate Carr's game to new heights. However, despite this impressive partnership, Carr struggled to rise above the trappings of mediocrity. As the season unfolded, his performance regressed, culminating in a heartbreaking interception that effectively marked the end of his Raiders chapter, fittingly against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Initially, Carr breathed life into the hearts of long-standing fans who had endured a revolving door of quarterbacks from 2003 to 2014. His arrival brought hope and stability to a franchise in dire need. However, as the seasons wore on, it became clear that while Carr never sank to the depths of being the league's worst quarterback, he consistently found himself lingering in the bottom half of the rankings between 2017 and 2022. Despite flashes of brilliance, Carr's overall performance failed to meet the expectations set by both the organization and its devoted fanbase.

Denzel Perryman

Perryman emerged as a cornerstone of the Raiders' defense, showcasing his skills and earning a well-deserved Pro Bowl nod in 2021. The departure of Perryman will undoubtedly leave a significant void, considering he was not only the most gifted linebacker on the team but also a catalyst for the struggling defense with his bone-jarring impact tackles. The absence of his presence on the field will be deeply felt.

Darren Waller

Undoubtedly, Darren Waller stands out as one of the most exceptional tight ends in the league.
When he's in optimal health and fully engaged, he possesses the ability to single-handedly alter the course of a game. However, Waller's journey has been marred by injury troubles over the past two seasons, casting doubts on his dedication to the sport, even raised by his own quarterback during the previous campaign. As the 2022 season drew to a close, it became increasingly apparent that Waller's departure was imminent, leading to his eventual trade to the Giants during the offseason.

Replacing a standout talent like Waller is no easy task, as his unique abilities are difficult to replicate. Nonetheless, the Raiders are hopeful that their new group of tight ends will provide a sense of stability at the position. While they may not possess the same otherworldly attributes as Waller, the team trusts that this fresh contingent of players will step up and fill the void left by his departure, ensuring that the position remains a valuable asset to the team's offensive strategy.

Players Signed

Player	Position	Old Team	Length	Salary
Marcus Epps	Safety	Philadelphia Eagles	2 Years	$12 Million
Jimmy Garoppolo	Quarterback	San Francisco 49ers	3 Years	$72.5 Million
Austin Hooper	Tight End	Tennessee Titans	1 Year	$2.8 Million
Jacobi Meyers	Wide Receiver	New England Patriots	3 Years	$33 Million
Robert Spillane	Linebacker	Pittsburgh Steelers	2 Years	$9 Million
DeAndre Carter	Wide Receiver	Los Angeles Chargers	1 Year	$1.5 Million
Phillip Dorsett	Wide Receiver	Houston Texans	1 Year	$1.2 Million
Brandon Facyson	Cornerback	Indianapolis Colts	2 Years	$6.5 Million
O.J. Howard	Tight End	Houston Texans	1 Year	$1.2 Million
Duke Shelly	Cornerback	Minnesota Vikings	1 Year	$1.3 Million
David Long	Cornerback	Los Angeles Rams	1 Year	$1.5 Million

Notable Players Signed Thoughts

Marcus Epps

Epps is expected to step in as the starter and serve as a replacement for Harmon. Epps has unfortunately demonstrated vulnerabilities in defending against the passing attack throughout his career. This acquisition raises questions, particularly in a division where containing the likes of Kelce should be the top defensive priority. The decision to bring in Epps may leave fans puzzled, as it doesn't align with the evident need for a reliable defender capable of neutralizing elite tight ends.

Jimmy Garoppolo

After Raider Nation stopped fantasizing about getting Tom Brady (who decided to hang it up and own us instead) or Aaron Rodgers, it became clear that Jimmy G would be the next target. He has a history with McDaniels and perhaps proved in his time with McDaniels that he can take the coaching that Carr seemed to hate. However, as the off-season went on, it turns out Jimmy G failed his physical upon visiting Raiders headquarters due to a lingering foot injury. This foot injury is severe enough that some believe he will not be ready for training camp. Throughout his career, Jimmy G has been injury prone and to think he will start and make it through the season is wishful thinking, wishful thinking that I am prepared to take part in.

Jacobi Meyers

Meyers is coming off an impressive season with the Patriots and it was expected that he would secure a lucrative deal elsewhere during the offseason. However, few could have anticipated his landing in Las Vegas. The Raiders entered the 2023 offseason with various areas of weakness and the receiving corps was not one of them. With Meyers joining the team, it raises questions about the impact on fan-favorite Hunter Renfrow, as both players fulfill similar roles. He is another product of McDaniels and is another sign that McDaniels and Ziegler are trying to get people who they are comfortable with in the building and ship those they are not out.

Robert Spillane

Last season, Spillane served as a role player for the Steelers. However, the Raiders have acquired him with the intention of potentially slotting him into the starting lineup from Week 1 onwards. While Spillane, like several other players on the Raiders' defense, has shown some limitations in pass coverage, he is expected to contribute with his reliable tackling skills, particularly in defending the run game.

Duke Shelley

The addition of Shelley to the Raiders' roster is seen as a significant acquisition. His impressive performance for the Vikings last year made it surprising that they did not re-sign him. From day one, Shelley is expected to step into a starting role for the Raiders, eager to demonstrate his capabilities once again. With aspirations of securing a more lucrative contract in the future, he will be highly motivated to showcase his skills and make a lasting impact.

2023 Draft

Round	Number	Player	Position	School
1	7	Tyree Wilson	Edge	Texas Tech
2	35	Michael Mayer	Tight End	Notre Dame
3	70	Byron Young	Defensive Tackle	Alabama
3	100	Tre Tucker	Wide Receiver	Cincinatti
4	104	Jakorian Bennett	Cornerback	Maryland
4	135	Aidan O'Connell	Quarterback	Purdue
5	170	Christopher Smith	Safety	Georgia
6	203	Amari Burney	Linebacker	Florida
7	231	Nesta Jade Silvera	Defensive Tackler	Arizona State

Tyree Wilson

Finally, the Raiders have made a draft selection that doesn't immediately raise eyebrows. While mock drafts should always be taken with a grain of salt, it was a moment of relief for Raider Nation when the card with Wilson's name was turned in. Many draft experts projected Wilson to be taken within the top 7, if not the top 5. The Raiders and experts alike recognized his potential, which propelled him to such high grades.

Wilson's physical attributes are undeniably impressive. Standing at 6'6" and weighing 271 pounds, he possesses the ideal build for greatness. While his college production may not have been eye-popping, there is tremendous excitement surrounding Wilson's prospects with the right coaching. His combination of size and agility could prove to be a nightmare for offensive linemen in the NFL.

However, there is an elephant in the room – Wilson's foot injury. This ailment has kept him sidelined during mini-camp and offseason activities, raising questions about his availability for day one of training camp. Raider Nation eagerly awaits updates on Wilson's recovery and hopes for his readiness to contribute immediately. The aspiration is that Wilson will make an instant impact, either by potentially challenging Chandler Jones for a starting spot or being heavily involved in a rotation with him and other players.

Michael Mayer

Widely regarded as one of the top tight ends in the draft, Mayer is considered a steal for the Raiders, as some argue he was the best at his position in the entire draft class. Raider fans eagerly await the spine-chilling performances Mayer will deliver, as he brings a new level of fright to the tight end position.

Byron Young

Known for his strength and tenacity, Young is expected to be a forceful presence in the interior of the defensive line, particularly in helping plug the run. The Raiders have high hopes for Young, envisioning him as a contributor who can make impactful plays on first and second downs, especially in a rotational role early in his career.

Tre Tucker

Tre Tucker's selection initially left many members of Raider Nation perplexed. With an already talented group of wide receivers, drafting another one, especially in the third round, seemed puzzling. However, upon closer examination of Tucker's highlights, it's hard not to feel a sense of excitement about his playmaking abilities heading into the season.

While Tucker may have a slight build, his speed appears to be a genuine difference-maker. His explosiveness and quickness make him a dynamic threat on the field. It's no secret that the Raiders have a penchant for speed, and Tucker's skill set aligns with that philosophy. His ability to stretch the field and create separation offers a promising dimension to the team's offensive arsenal.

The expectation is that Tucker will make the team, which will undoubtedly present the Raiders with some challenging decisions regarding their veteran receivers not named Meyers and Adams. As the season progresses, it wouldn't be surprising to see gadget plays designed to get the ball in Tucker's hands and take advantage of his athleticism in open space. His presence on the field brings an element of excitement and potential for game-changing plays.

Jakorian Bennett

Bennett is widely regarded as a fantastic value pick for the Raiders at the position he was selected. With a need for improvement in the defensive backfield, the team has high hopes for Bennett and envisions him playing a substantial role.

Bennett's competitive spirit and tenacity make him a promising prospect to face the formidable offenses within the AFC West. His blazing speed, evident in his impressive 4.3-second 40-yard dash, adds another element to his game and allows him to keep up with swift receivers in coverage.

The Raiders are counting on Bennett to bring that fighting mentality and toughness required to succeed in challenging matchups. His combination of speed and determination bodes well for his potential impact in the secondary.

Aidan O'Connell

The selection of Aidan O'Connell raised some eyebrows and piqued curiosity. The Raiders made a trade to move up and secure him. O'Connell's age, at 24, suggests a more mature player who may be able to grasp the playbook quickly and adjust to the NFL game.

With the uncertainty surrounding Jimmy Garoppolo's health, the Raiders might find themselves relying on O'Connell sooner than anticipated. If called upon, he will need to surpass Bryan Hoyer on the depth chart to earn playing time. It remains to be seen how quickly O'Connell can adjust to the pro level and make an impact for the team.

Christopher Smith

A stalwart in Georgia's renowned and highly skilled defense, Smith brings his expertise to the Raiders. Known for his proficiency in run defense, he possesses the instincts and intelligence to make an impact from the safety position. The Raiders have long been in need of a safety who can provide a smart and aggressive presence and Smith has the potential to fulfill that role. Although not expected to be an immediate starter, Smith is likely to see significant playing time as the season progresses.

Amari Burney

Burney's main strength lies in his sure-tackling ability, which will be crucial in bolstering the Raiders' special teams unit.

Nesta Jade Silvera

While Silvera may not generate a great deal of excitement due to being selected in the 7th round, early reports suggest that he possesses a strong work ethic. The Raiders recognized the need to address the interior defensive line and Silvera has the opportunity to make an impact early on and potentially earn more playing time as the season unfolds.

Projected Starting Lineup and Predictions

• QB: Jimmy Garoppolo (4000 yards, 25 TDs, 12 INTs)
• RB: Josh Jacobs (1300 yards, 9 TDs)
• FB: Jakob Johnson
• TE: Michael Mayer (58 catches, 700 yards, 2 TDs), Austin Hooper (33 catches, 453 yards, 2 TDs)
• WR: Davante Adams (108 catches, 1400 yards, 12 TDs), Jakobi Meyers (60 catches, 800 yards, 4 TDs), Hunter Renfrow (84 catches, 700 yards, 4 TDs), DeAndre Carter (21 catches, 300 yards, 2 TDs)
• LT: Kolton Miller (Continues to anchor the offensive line, establishing himself as one of the premier tackles in the league)
• LG: Dylan Parham (Shows continued growth and development)
• C: Andre James (Provides stability and reliability on his way to earning a new contract)
• RG: Alex Bars (Hopes for improved play at a position that has struggled in recent times)
• RT: Jermaine Eluemunor (Brings consistency and reliability to the right side of the line)
• DL: Chandler Jones (4 sacks)/Tyree Wilson (3 sacks), Bilal Nichols (1 sack), Jerry Tillery (1 sack), Maxx Crosby (13 sacks)
• LB: Robert Spillane (Strong presence against the run, with some limitations in pass coverage), Devine Deablo (Anchors the defense with his leadership), Chandler Jones (Brings veteran experience and clutch performances)/Tyree Wilson (Impressive physical plays and immediate impact against the run)
• CB: Duke Shelley (Emerges with a standout season, positioning himself for a lucrative contract in 2024), David Long Jr. (Provides serviceability at the position), Nate Hobbs (Taps into his true potential as a slot corner once again)
• S: Trevon Moehrig (Continues to grow, showcasing increased ball-hawking abilities), Marcus Epps (Reliable and sure-tackling presence)
• K: Daniel Carlson
• P: A.J. Cole III
• KR: Tre Tucker
• PR: Hunter Renfrow

Important Training Camp Battles

Backup Quarterback: As the season approaches, the uncertainty surrounding Jimmy Garoppolo's foot injury has intensified the competition for the backup quarterback role. Bryan Hoyer and Aiden O'Connell are set to battle it out for the position. I anticipate Hoyer emerging as the frontrunner and ultimately winning the backup quarterback battle during training camp.

Tight End: Michael Mayer enters the league with high expectations and appears ready to make an immediate impact. The Raiders view him as a versatile player who can contribute both as a blocker and a playmaker. Selected in the second round, the team believes they acquired a steal in the draft.
However, Mayer will face competition from veteran tight ends Austin Hooper and O.J. Howard. Both Hooper and Howard bring experience and proven skills to the position, adding an intriguing dynamic to the tight end battle.

Wide Receiver: Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers are undoubtedly the top two receivers on the depth chart for the Raiders. However, beyond them, the picture becomes less clear. Hunter Renfrow, a fan favorite, is expected to bounce back this season after having a year in McDaniels' system and returning to full health. Interestingly, it seems as if there may be some friction between Renfrow and McDaniels, as the team has brought in a group of receivers to challenge him. DeAndre Carter, Phillip Dorsett, and Tre Tucker are among the new additions who possess a similar skill set, notably speed. This battle will be fun.

Edge Rushers: The intriguing battle to watch will be between Chandler Jones and Tyree Wilson. The question arises as to whether Wilson will be healthy enough to compete for snaps against Jones early in training camp. Both Jones and Wilson possess significant potential and will undoubtedly push each other to perform at their best. Their competition will likely lead to a healthy and competitive environment, ultimately resulting in a great complement to Maxx Crosby's disruptive presence.

Cornerback: The competition at cornerback for the Raiders is wide open, with a multitude of players vying for starting roles. Brandon Facyson, Tyler Hall, Nate Hobbs, David Long Jr., Amik Robertson, Duke Shelly, and Sam Webb will all push each other in an effort to secure playing time.

Other Significant News:

Much of the storylines heading into the season are touched on above but there is a palpable tension in the autumn wind right now. The Raiders had a freak playoff appearance in 2021 under unprecedented circumstances (Henry Ruggs III killing someone, Jon Gruden’s 15-year-old e-mails leading to his firing from a 10-year deal). Raider Nation was divided on whether to retain interim head coach Rich Bisaccia and General Manager Mike Mayock, or opt for a new direction with a proven coach like Harbaugh. No one wanted McDaniels but that is who we got. McDaniels and his General Manager, Dave Ziegler came in and appeared to really go for it.

The hype leading into the 2022 season was real, with Derek Carr signing an extension and the acquisition of his close friend Davante Adams. However, the team stumbled out of the gate, starting 0-3 and relinquishing historic leads throughout the year. The frustration grew and blame fell squarely on McDaniels and Carr. Ultimately, Carr was the one to get the boot, leaving Raider Nation divided on his tenure. McDaniels now faces the challenge of proving himself in 2023 to secure his position.

Injury-prone Jimmy Garoppolo has been tasked with leading the offense. While considered an upgrade from Carr, the impact may not be significant. Adams has expressed frustration with aspects of McDaniels' plan without elaborating, while also expressing hope in Garoppolo's ability to lead the offense. Meanwhile, star running back Josh Jacobs is currently holding out in hopes of securing a contract to avoid playing on the franchise tag. The uncertainty surrounding Jacobs' situation leaves his availability for Week 1 in question.

On the defensive side of things, on paper, it appears the Raiders have improved. They have young and hungry players ready to help Maxx Crosby take this defense from the cellar to at least mediocrity (yes Raider Nation would gladly take a mediocre defense). Any improvement on this side of the ball would greatly support an offense that may start slowly but possesses potential.

This season carries great importance for the Raiders. The difference between a 9-8 and 7-10 record could determine McDaniels' future with the team. The presence of other professional sports franchises in Las Vegas highlights the need for the Raiders to become consistent winners and turn the franchise around. The city's sporting landscape is evolving rapidly and the Raiders risk being overshadowed if they fail to deliver consistent success.

Ultimately, the Raiders' offense remains talented, but an infusion of health and positive energy is needed to achieve a winning season. The defense must show improvement to support the offense effectively. Raider Nation eagerly awaits the outcome of this pivotal season, hoping for a turnaround and a return to prominence.

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Week	Team	Predicted Result (8-9), 3rd in AFC West
1	@ Denver Broncos	L
2	@ Buffalo Bills	L
3	Pittsburgh Steelers	W
4	@ Los Angeles Chargers	W
5	Green Bay Packers	W
6	New England Patriots	L
7	@ Chicago Bears	W
8	@ Detroit Lions	L
9	New York Giants	W
10	New York Jets	L
11	@ Miami Dolphins	L
12	Kansas City Chiefs	W
13	Bye Week	N/A
14	Minnesota Vikings	W
15	Los Angeles Chargers	L
16	@ Kansas City Chiefs	L
17	@ Indianapolis Colts	L
18	Denver Broncos	W

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