The Raiders, whether they are in Oakland or Las Vegas in recent memory have been one of the weakest if not the weakest franchise in the NFL. They cannot seem to figure out the quarterback position and have a turnstile of head coaches and general managers. Again, last season the team was mostly a mess as they alternated between multiple quarterbacks none of whom were starting caliber quarterbacks. After the season they also fired the head coach and general manager once again and the team remains without a playoff win in over two decades still. Pete Carroll is one of the most decorated coaches in NFL history and I love the hire the new general manager made in bringing Carroll on board. Geno Smith is a starting caliber NFL quarterback who when he is on A game can go toe to toe with almost anyone at the position. Chip Kelly at one point was one of the most progressive and innovative offensive minds in football and has now returned to the NFL. Kelly makes his return to professional football as the offensive coordinator for the Raiders after being the offensive coordinator for a high-octane Ohio State Buckeye team that ended up winning the national title. With the acquisition of Geno Smith/Chip Kelly/Pete Carroll the Raiders are heading in the right direction and based on the onboarding of those three individuals, I already think the general manager is a good fit. General manager John Spytek worked his way up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization where he learned under Tampa Bay GM Jason Licht who is one of the sharpest GMs in the league. Spytek’s acquisitions at coach/QB/offensive coordinator along with his strong background before being hired makes me feel optimistic for the Raiders going forward. The team will likely not contend for a Super Bowl next season but they can certainly be a solid team capable of contending to make the postseason. As Geno Smith is at worst a solid starting quarterback, Pete Carroll is one of the premier head coaches and perhaps is the premier defensive head coach in the NFL, Chip Kelly will likely be one of the premier offensive coordinators as well. The Detroit Lions before Dan Campbell and Jared Goff arrived were in a very similar situation to the Raiders, being one of the weakest franchises on a year-in-year-out basis for decades at a time. Now the Lions are one of the favorites to win it all on a year in year out basis. Perhaps the Raiders with this new regime can replicate the Lions in that regard.
On the offensive side of the ball the Raiders struggled a season ago as they typically do as three different quarterbacks, none of whom were starting caliber players, logged substantial snaps for the team at the position. The team also had a defensive minded head coach who was fired right after the season along with an offensive coordinator who was fired midway through the season. The Raiders offensive ranks for the 2024 season can be found below.
2024 Raiders Offensive Ranks
29th in points per game
27th in yards per game
25th in offense grade according to Pro Football Focus
As you can see from the above the Raiders were amongst the weakest teams in the NFL on the offensive side of the ball a season ago. Desmond Ridder, Gardner Minshew, and Aidan O’Connell are high end backups at best but all three started games for the Raiders this past season. I have conducted a unit-by-unit analysis of the Raiders on the offensive side of the ball heading into next season. I have included the offense grade that each player was assigned over the course of the 2024 season. I have also included my own subjective grade of each player which indicates how strong of players I deem them to be in totality outside of just 2024. This subjective grade is based upon yearly statistical output and yearly subjective grades assigned to them by Pro Football Focus.
Raiders Starting Offensive Line
LT – Kolton Miller – (14/87) offense grade in 2024 over 1075 snaps, B+ to A-
LG – Alex Cappa – (76/83) offense grade in 2024 over 1132 snaps for Bengals, C+ to B-
C – Jackson Powers-Johnson – (41/83) offense grade in 2024 over 956 snaps, C+ to B- so far as 2024 2nd rounder
RG – Dylan Parham – (19/83) offense grade in 2024 over 882 snaps, B to B+
RT – D.J Glaze – (49/87) offense grade in 2024 over 998 snaps, C to C+ so far as 2024 3rd rounder
Raiders Reserve Offensive Lineman
T – Dalton Wagner – 0 career snaps, undrafted 2023
G – Jordan Meredith – (7/83) offense grade in 2024 over 574 snaps, B+ to A-
G/C – Will Putnam – 0 career snaps, undrafted 2024
T – Thayer Munford Jr – (85/87) offense grade in 2024 over 201 snaps, C+
T – Gottlieb Ayedze – 0 career snaps, undrafted 2024
Raiders Offensive Lineman from 2024 no longer on team
C – Andre James – (39/43) offense grade in 2024 over 702 snaps
G/T – Andrus Peat – (83/83) offense grade in 2024 over 57 snaps
G – Cody Whitehair – (125/135) offense grade in 2024 over 221 snaps
Raiders 2024 Key Offensive Line Metrics
14th in pass blocking grade according to Pro Football Focus
19th in run blocking grade according to Pro Football Focus
20th in pass blocking efficiency according to Pro Football Focus
24th in sacks allowed
As you can see from the above data the Raiders were subpar on the offensive front a season ago but there is a ton to be optimistic about heading into next season with regards to the offensive line. The Raiders ranked above average in terms of pass blocking grade according to Pro Football Focus while still ranking below average but only slightly so in the other three major metrics. The Raiders quarterback position was one of the least mobile in totality this past season and the Raiders were one of the poorest coached offensive teams in the league in 2024 as well which contributed to the subpar metrics. The optimism in regards to the offensive line next season can be derived from the following. Left tackle Kolton Miller on the most important position on the offensive front is one of the premier left tackles in the NFL. Las Vegas acquired left guard Alex Cappa in free agency this offseason to address the interior of the offensive line. Cappa had a really down year in the 2024 campaign which is why the Bengals did not emphasize resigning him. However, in the previous five seasons Cappa ranked among the better guards on a year in year out basis for either the Bengals or Bucs. If Cappa, at the ripe age of 30 for an offensive lineman can recapture his old form, he will be one of the better starting guards in the NFL for Las Vegas next season. Center Andre James played the majority of snaps last season at the center spot for the Raiders but has since departed the team. James was mostly ineffective last season starting for the Raiders at center ranking among the weakest players in terms of an offense grade. Slated to start at center is 2024 2nd rounder Jackson Powers-Johnson. Powers-Johnson as a highly drafted rookie in 2024 appeared in nearly 1000 snaps at guard for the Raiders last season. He ranked above average in terms of offense grade as a rookie which is remarkable. But it remains to be seen how he will progress in year 2 now playing at center instead of at guard. Right guard Dylan Parham has been very effective at the guard spot in the NFL and ranked in the above average to well above average range in terms of an offense grade among qualified guards a season ago. Parham, who was a third rounder in 2022 has ranked above average in terms of an offense grade in every season thus far in the league. His offense grade among qualified players at his position has improved every single season as well and they read as the following in chronological order, (42/87), (37/88), (19/83). If Parham can keep things up, he will be a force at right guard for Las Vegas next year. At the right tackle spot D.J Glaze, who was a rookie third round draft pick heading into last season started for Vegas at the position accumulating nearly 1000 snaps. Glaze as a rookie had a solid rookie season and although he may not evolve into a star, he can certainly be a solid starter for the Raiders. In totality on the offensive front the unit struggled last season but there is far too much to be optimistic about heading into next year. Left tackle Kolton Miller is one of the premier left tackles in the league. Alex Cappa, who up until last season was an above average to a well above average player is now slated to start at left guard for the team. Cappa is more than capable of recapturing his old form as he is only 30 years old. Perhaps he struggled as an offensive lineman last season because the remainder of the Bengals line around him also struggled so much and Cincinnati, at least a season ago, was a very disadvantageous situation for any offensive lineman to thrive in. At center the team has moved on from Andre James who gave them very subpar production and are now reliant upon 2024 rookie standout guard Jackson Powers-Johnson to transition to center. Powers-Johnson had a remarkable season and was such a high draft pick and Raiders fans should be optimistic he can fill the void at center adequately. At the right guard spot Dylan Parham is a stud who has improved every season he has been in the league. He has consistently been one of the better starting guards and perhaps he can take the next step to being one of the premier starting guards in professional football next season. As he can continue to improve as he always has and now, he will be surrounded by a better if not a much better offensive line and offensive circumstances in general. At right tackle 2024 rookie third rounder D.J Glaze had a solid rookie season and potentially can transition to being a solid starter if not more than that for the Raiders going forward. Jordan Meredith who is currently a reserve for the Raiders on the offensive line can certainly threaten for a starting role and will at worst be a high-end backup. Meredith has shown an incredibly high ceiling thus far in the NFL ranking top 10 among all qualified guards in terms of an offense grade in over 500 snaps this past season. Reserve tackle Thayer Munford Jr also has what it takes to offer the Raiders some high-end capabilities from a reserve offensive lineman role next season. The Raiders offensive line despite the struggles this past season can absolutely be one of the premier units in the league next season. If the 2024 rookies continue to grow and if veteran guard Alex Cappa can recapture his old form. If those two ifs occur, then the Raiders offensive front would rank up there with any NFL team including the defending champion Eagles. I have conducted a similar analysis of the team’s skill position players which can be found below.
Raiders Starting Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
WR – Jakobi Meyers – (24/110) offense grade in 2024 in 15 games, B to B+
WR – Tre Tucker – (102/110) offense grade in 2024 in 17 games, C
WR – Kyle Phillips – DNP in 2024, C+ to B- in very limited snaps
TE – Brock Bowers – (3/45) offense grade in 2024 in 12 games, A to A+ so far as 2024 1st rounder
Raiders Reserve Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
WR – Ramel Keyton – 1 career reception, undrafted 2024
WR – Kristian Wilkerson – 6 career receptions, undrafted 2020
WR – Alex Bachman – 3 career receptions, undrafted 2019
WR – Tyreik McCallister – 0 career receptions, undrafted 2022
WR – Shedrick Jackson – 0 career receptions, undrafted 2023
WR – Jeff Foreman – 0 career receptions, undrafted 2024
WR – Terrace Marshall Jr – 3 receptions in 2024, D+ to C-
WR – D.J Turner – (106/110) offense grade in 2024 in 12 games, D to D+
TE – Michael Mayer – (39/45) offense grade in 2024 in 11 games, C to C- so far as 2023 2nd rounder
TE – Ian Thomas – (45/45) offense grade in 2024 in 5 games for Carolina, D+ to C-
TE – Justin Shorter – 0 career receptions, 2023 5th rounder
Raiders Wide Receivers and Tight Ends from 2024 not currently or no longer on team
WR – Davante Adams- 18 receptions in 3 games for Raiders in 2024, B+
TE – Harrison Bryant – (33/45) offense grade in 2024 in 12 games, C
As you can see from the above data the Raiders have a very strong wide out in Jakobi Meyers and a budding superstar tight end in Brock Bowers. Outside of that the team was mostly bereft of receiving talent from the tight end and wide out spots, however. After Davante Adams was traded no other wide out or tight end was a legitimate starter and the team was also bereft of depth from a receiving core standpoint as well. Meyers is the team’s primary wide receiver and is very effective as that but perhaps he would be better suited in a #2 wide out role. Jakobi Meyers in my estimation would be one of the premier number two wide outs in the NFL if he transitioned to that role. For that to occur the team will need to acquire a bona-fide number one wide receiver this offseason. Doing so should be a big point of emphasis heading into the draft and beyond for the Raiders front office. Tight end Brock Bowers, who was a first-round pick, had one of the best rookie tight end seasons ever and projects to be a superstar at the position for years to come. If the team can add a high level wide out to go alongside the two then the Raiders could certainly have one of the premier receiving trios in the league. The tight end and wide receiver positions should be one of the biggest points of emphasis entering the draft for the Raiders as outside of standouts Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers, the cupboard is essentially bare. I have conducted a similar evaluation of the team’s running back unit which can be found below as well.
Raiders Running Backs
HB – Raheem Mostert – (32/57) offense grade in 2024 in 13 games for Dolphins, B to B+
HB – Sincere McCormick – (16/57) offense grade in 2024 in 4 games, B to B+ as the 4 games are his only 4 career games
HB – Zamir White – (57/57) offense grade in 2024 in 7 games, C
HB – Dylan Laube – 1 career rush attempt
HB – Chris Collier – 5 career rush attempts
HB – Ameer Abdullah – (36/58) offense grade in 2024 in 14 games, C
Raiders Running Backs from 2024 not currently or no longer on team
HB – Alexander Mattison – C+
As you can see from the above data the Raiders possess some talent out of the backfield but there are still some concerns. Raheem Mostert was acquired this offseason to replace Alexander Mattison. Both running backs are very capable players with a high ceiling but not an elite ceiling and who struggle with consistency. Mostert is the better out of the two and will likely serve as the Raiders primary running back next season. However, he is aging at the age of 32 and is coming off one of the weakest seasons of his career. Running back Sincere McCormick looked very strong in very limited snaps thus far in the NFL. Both the backs are solid but perhaps the Raiders should look to add another running back via the draft to bolster the position. Running back Ashton Jeanty is a remarkable talent at running back and given the Raiders need at the position they should certainly look into drafting him with their 6th overall pick. Doing so will allow McCormick and Mostert to thrive in reserve running back roles as a result.
In totality, on the offensive end the Raiders really struggled last season and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has his work cut out for him. However, the sky is the limit for the Raiders heading into next season on offense. Brock Bowers is in the definitive discussion for being the best tight end in the league. Jakobi Meyers is a well above average wide out and if the Raiders can acquire a star #1 wide out, he can be amongst the best secondary wide receivers in the NFL. If the Raiders see improvement from multiple young offensive lineman and if guard Alex Cappa can recapture his old form. Then the Raiders offensive line would potentially even be in the discussion for the best overall offensive line in the NFL. Raheem Mostert and Sincere McCormick as of now could serve as amongst the best #2/#3 backs in the NFL to potentially top running back prospect Ashton Jeanty who the Raiders can certainly select with their 6th overall pick. Obviously, the Raiders who finished 4-13 last season do not deserve to be compared to the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles, but the similarities are glaring. If the Raiders see that offensive line improvement and if they can acquire a star running back and a star wide out, then there would be no gap at all offensively on paper between them and Philadelphia to be quite frank. If they can find an A.J Brown level talent and if they can find a Saquon Barkley level talent such as top running back prospect Ashton Jeanty who they can draft 6th overall. Then there would be no gap between them and the Eagles from an offensive personnel standpoint. Although Jalen Hurts deserves to be recognized as better for now coming off the Super Bowl MVP and with the down year Geno Smith had. If I were a general manager and I could have either player for just one season, it would certainly be a toss up between the two. The Eagles have lost offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to the Saints and Chip Kelly at one point was heralded as one of the premier offensive minds in all of football. So, from an offensive coaching standpoint and quarterbacking standpoint there would strong similarities between the Raiders and Eagles as well.
The defensive side of the ball was even more concerning than the offensive side of the ball last season for the Raiders. The team with now terminated defensive minded head coach Antonio Pierce struggled to get stops a season ago. The team’s defensive ranks over the course of this past season can be found below.
Raiders 2024 Defensive Metrics
26th in points per game allowed
15th in yards allowed
30th in overall defense grade according to Pro Football Focus
As you can see from the above data the team was amongst the weakest teams in the league on the defensive side of the ball this past season. They have retained their defensive coordinator who will now head into his fourth season in the position. But they have now transitioned from defensive minded head coach Antonio Pierce to defensive minded head coach Pete Caroll. I have conducted a similar analysis of the team’s defensive personnel just as I did with the offense of the team which can be found below.
Raiders Starting Defensive Lineman
ED – Maxx Crosby – (29/135) defense grade in 2024 over 766 snaps, A to A-
DT – Christian Wilkins – (19/146) defense grade in 2024 over 246 snaps, B+ to A-
DT – Jonah Lalu – (118/146) defense grade in 2024 over 474 snaps, C to C- so far as 2024 7th rounder
ED – Malcolm Koonce – DNP in 2024 due to season ending injury before first game, B to B+
Raiders Reserve Defensive Lineman
ED – Charles Snowden – (78/135) defense grade in 2024 over 405 snaps, C
DL – Adam Butler – (77/146) defense grade in 2024 over 856 snaps, C
DL – Leki Fotu – (139/146) defense grade in 2024 over 46 snaps for Jets, D to D+
ED – Tyree Wilson – (52/135) defense grade in 2024 over 524 snaps, B to B- so far as ’23 1st rounder
ED – Andre Carter II – (129/135) defense grade in 2024 over 16 snaps, C
DL – Tyler Manoa – 0 career snaps, undrafted 2024
DL – Matthew Butler – (84/146) defense grade in 2024 over 101 snaps, C
ED – David Agoha – 0 career snaps, undrafted 2023
ED – Ovie Oghoufo – 0 career snaps, undrafted 2024
DL – Zach Carter – (120/146) defense grade in 2024 over 263 snaps, C
ED – Janarius Robinson – (132/135) defense grade in 2024 over 109 snaps in 2024, C
Raiders Starting Linebackers
LB – Devin White – (72/92) defense grade in 2024 over 176 snaps for Texans, C to C-
LB – Elandon Roberts – (11/92) defense grade in 2024 over 478 snaps for Steelers, B to B-
LB – Luke Masterson – (87/92) defense grade in 2024 over 102 snaps, C+
Raiders Reserve Linebackers
LB – Amari Burney – (72/92) defense grade in 2024 over 101 snaps, C
LB – Kanai Mauga – 11 career snaps, undrafted 2022
LB – Tommy Eichenberg – poor in 78 career snaps, 2024 5th rounder
LB – Amari Gainer – poor in 12 career snaps, undrafted 2024
LB – Jackson Mitchell – 0 career snaps, undrafted 2024
LB – Brandon Smith – poor in 52 career snaps, 2022 4th rounder
Raiders Front Seven Players from 2024 not currently or no longer on team
LB – Robert Spillane – (33/92) defense grade in 2024 over 1093 snaps, B-, Patriots
LB – Devine Deablo – (72/92) defense grade in 2024 over 689 snaps, C to C+, Falcons
ED – K’lavon Chaisson – (70/135) defense grade in 2024 over 508 snaps, C, Patriots
DL – Nesta Jade Silvera – poor in 71 snaps in 2024, D to D+, Packers
DL – John Jenkins – (96/146) defense grade in 2024 over 606 snaps, C to C+, free agent
Raiders Key Front Seven Metrics from 2024
13th in rushing yards per game allowed
13th in run defense grade according to Pro Football Focus
27th in pass rush grade according to Pro Football Focus
22nd in sacks
As you can see from the above data the Raiders struggled with their defensive front seven a season ago but there is reason for optimism heading into next season. The team ranked slightly above average in both major run defense metrics. Maxx Crosby is one of the premier players in the NFL and is in the definitive discussion for being the best overall edge rusher in the league. Christian Wilkins is consistently among the better if not among the best interior defensive lineman in the sport. Malcolm Koonce coming off the edge can be very effective but missed all of last season due to a season ending injury. The Raiders can expect to see a big boost on the offensive line with him coming back next year. Tyree Wilson, who was a first-round pick in the 2023 draft has looked good thus far in limited time in the NFL. As such a high draft pick if he can come into his own and if Koonce can stay healthy and also come into his own. Then the Raiders primary four starting defensive lineman will be one of the more formidable if not one of the most formidable combinations in professional football. As Crosby is in the definitive discussion for being the best at his position and the remaining three starters on the defensive front would all be above average to well above average starters. The depth on the defensive line would be a concern however as no reserve player, if Tyree Wilson were to step into a starting role, would be more than just a mediocre caliber C level player. The aforementioned lack of depth on the defensive line indeed cost the Raiders this past season as Christian Wilkins missed the majority of the season and Koonce missed the whole season. The players who stepped up in place of them were not nearly as good and the quality of the Raiders defensive line play really dipped. The Raiders’ linebacking core was a concern last season and it was a unit that was led by Robert Spillane who has now departed the team for the Patriots. Spillane was effective for the Raiders this past season, ranking above average playing in over 1000 snaps for the team at linebacker. The Raiders got very mediocre play from the remaining linebackers outside of Spillane and the unit remains a concerning point heading into next season. With the departure of Spillane, the team has acquired Elandon Roberts who is more than capable of replicating Spillane’s production. But similar to how the linebacking unit looked for the Raiders a season ago it is led by one good above average but not elite player, with the remaining players in the unit being mediocre calibers with no definitive starter being on the team outside of the lead player on the unit. The team also struggles with depth from a linebacking standpoint as well just as they do on the defensive line. I have conducted a similar analysis of the Raiders secondary which can be found below.
Raiders Starting Secondary
CB – Jack Jones – (106/128) defense grade in 2024 over 1047 snaps, C+ to B-
SS – Jeremy Chinn – (33/104) defense grade in 2024 over 1020 snaps for Was, C+ to B-
FS – Isaiah Pola-Mao – (87/104) defense grade in 2024 over 952 snaps, C
CB – Decamerion Richardson – (123/128) defense grade in 2024 over 559 snaps, D+ to C- so far as 2024 4th rounder
NB – Jakorian Bennett – (90/128) defense grade in 2024 over 459 snaps, C
Raiders Reserve Secondary
CB – Eric Stokes – (76/128) defense grade in 2024 over 587 snaps for GB, C to C+
SS – Lonnie Johnson Jr – (98/104) defense grade in 2024 in 12 snaps for Car, C
FS – Thomas Harper – (10/104) defense grade in 2024 in 191 snaps, A to A- so far in very limited snaps as 2024 undrafted
CB – Sam Webb – (54/128) defense grade in 2024 in 13 snaps, C
CB – Darnay Holmes – (105/128) defense grade in 2024 in 298 snaps, C
CB – M.J Devonshire – 0 career snaps, 2024 7th rounder
SS – Trey Taylor – 0 career snaps, 2024 7th rounder
FS – Chris Smith II – (18/104) defense grade in 2024 in 11 snaps, C+ to B- in very limited snaps
CB – Kyu Blu Kelly – (119/128) defense grade in 2024 in 14 snaps, D+
Raiders Secondary from 2024 no longer on team
S – Trevon Moehrig – (39/104) defense grade in 2024 in 1099 snaps, B to B-
S – Marcus Epps – (100/104) defense grade in 2024 in 176 snaps, C+
CB – Nate Hobbs – (75/128) defense grade in 2024 in 554 snaps, B to B-
Raiders Key Secondary Metrics from 2024
26th in passing yards per game allowed
32nd in coverage grade according to Pro Football Focus
As you can see from the above data, the Raiders really struggled on the back end of the defense this past season. Pro Football Focus even graded them as the weakest coverage team in the NFL this past season as well. All the five players currently listed as starters in the secondary on the Las Vegas depth chart are all average to mediocre caliber players. The team’s secondary was mostly a mess a season ago and they have lost arguably their top two starters in the secondary as well in Trevon Moehrig and Nate Hobbs. The unit was one of the weakest if not the weakest in the league a season ago and as of now doesn’t project to be any better heading into next year. Jeremy Chinn was acquired from Washington to replace Moehrig and will at best replicate his production but likely wont surpass it and likely wont be as productive. Thomas Harper looked elite in less than 200 snaps as an undrafted free agent in 2024 but is still listed as a reserve. Perhaps he can step up and give Las Vegas some good production in the backend. The Raiders secondary is the biggest concern for the team heading into the 2025 season and the backend hemorrhaging yards like they did a season ago could lead to the team’s demise. With the rest of the offseason cycle the biggest point of emphasis should be to patch up the backend of the defense.
In totality on the defensive side of the ball the Raiders were amongst the weakest teams in the league a season ago but there is reason for optimism heading into next year. The defensive line was very banged up and will likely stay healthier next season. The Raiders with a healthy defensive line have one of the better starting defensive fronts in the league although they lack depth. Pete Carroll is one of the most decorated and accomplished defensive minds in league history. Outside of the first starting 3-4 players on the defensive line the rest of the Raiders defense is very subpar. As they lack on the depth on the defensive front and their linebacking unit and secondary as currently aligned ranks amongst the weakest in the NFL. However, in my estimation the two most important things on the defensive end are the defensive front and the coaching on the defensive side of the ball. The Raiders combination of those two things could certainly rank up there with anyone next season. As a result, the Raiders defense will likely be at least respectable.
Overall, with the Raiders, I could certainly see them vying for the postseason if not making the postseason in year 1 of the Geno Smith-Pete Carroll era in Las Vegas. They are a couple of pieces away from having one of the most talented offensive personnel groupings in the NFL in my estimation. Chip Kelly at one point was heralded as one of the brightest offensive minds in the sport. Geno Smith is at worst a capable starter and at best is potentially right in the same class with the Jared Goff’s and Jalen Hurts’ of the world as a tier 2 level quarterback, each of whom led two of the best teams in the league a season ago. Pete Carroll is one of the most decorated football coaches ever and will seek to turn around a deadbeat Raiders culture. The Raiders will be a very difficult offense to deal with next season and although they lack talent on defense, their combination of defensive coaching and starting defensive lineman will likely rank up there with any team in the NFL.
