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While other teams chose the splashy route, in regards to the NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders filled areas of need.
While some of the NFL attacked the draft process with reckless abandon, the Las Vegas Raiders took a tactical approach. Unlike previous years, the Raiders look to have competent adults in the room, for the first time in what seems like eons. Yet, the self-involved critics will find fault with their draft. By complaining about shipping draft capital, the realization that Davante Adams lining up in Vegas should clear all doubt.
Adaptable Potential Anchor
Since their arrival in the desert, the Raiders' braintrust beat the proverbial drum regarding the trait they cherish most versatility. In Dylan Parham, the Raiders see a player that will compete for a starting spot at multiple positions. Parham features durability, and never missed a game. Furthermore, his agility, quick hands, and feet allow for pulling or climbing to the second level. The Raiders, as of right now, could feature a line of Miller-Good-James-Parham-Leatherwood. Now, if Parham grabs reps at center, that dynamic could change, Either way, the offensive will outpace their 2021 predecessor.
Low Risk, High Reward
With the decline of Josh Jacobs' fifth-year option, the Raiders signaled a possible look into the future. In drafting Georgis running back Zamir White, the future became slightly clearer. Jacobs, for all intents and purposes, operates on a one-year deal in 2022. Moreover, anyone familiar with how the Patriots handle their backs, understands that carries will be split among several different ballcarriers. White will eat into Jacobs' carries while bringing a power aspect to the backfield. At Georgia, White averaged 3.5 yards after contact. Not to mention, the speed aspect in the open field. In the seventh round, the Raiders selected Brittain Brown, a back from UCLA. This brings the number of in-house backs up to seven.
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Line Rotation Improvement
Neil Farrell will never light up a stat sheet or generate highlight buzz. However, what he will do is knuckle up and fight from snap to whistle. Farrell loves the trenches and fights, embraces double teams, and pushes the pocket. With strength and a competitively-nasty disposition, Farrell will make every other lineman better. Additionally, the Raiders added Tennessee defensive lineman Matthew Butler. Butler can operate from a three or five-technique with a bend that is uncommon for his size. Patrick Graham stacks linemen in the hopes of building a defense that can win games if the offense sputters. Later on in the draft, Vegas selected Ohio State offensive lineman Thayer Munford. A four-year starter, Munford brings experience to the backend of the roster.
Bottom Line
If you were looking for a fun draft filled with trite catchphrases from management, you lost out. Instead, the Las Vegas Raiders applied a reasonable strategy and decided to not let the cameras sway them like the former regime. While we will not know the outcome of the draft for a few years. Yet, it's safe to say, the Las Vegas Raiders focused.
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