Ten Bold Predictions For The Oakland Raiders 2019 Offseason

With the Eagles being eliminated from the playoffs, the Oakland Raiders offseason is now set. Oakland will have picks four, 24 and 27 in the 2019 NFL Draft. The Raiders will also be just one of five teams in the NFL with $75+ million in cap space. The future Las Vegas Raiders should be one of the most active teams this offseason, and will certainly be one of the most watched. As Jon Gruden and his staff look to rebuild the team, many different questions must be answered. For starters, where will the team play in 2019? Multiple different possibilities, including Oakland remain an option. The team must come together and make a decision on their final home before the Las Vegas move. With their cap space, do they try and make a few flashy signings, or use it to bring in a large crop of free agents? Will players be allured to the idea of playing in Las Vegas? Finally, what direction do the Raiders take in the draft? Do they go offensive heavy, defensive heavy or look to take a more balanced approach? With multiple picks inside the top 100, Gruden and company must acquire multiple day one starters. The Raiders could answer those questions with multiple different answers. As the front office looks to rebuild towards the future, these 10 options could be the quickest and most efficient path towards success.

The Raiders Stay in Oakland for One More Season

First and foremost, finding a place to play will be priority number one for the Raiders this offseason. With one year left before their Las Vegas move, owner Mark Davis and company have been scouring the West Coast for the team's 2019 location. Options have included Tuscon, San Diego and San Francisco among others. One location that remains a possibility is a return to Oakland for one final season. According to AP, Authority executive director Scott McKibben has reportedly been in talks with Raiders president Marc Badain about a return to Oakland. McKibben is expected to give an update in the coming weeks as to where the two entities stand. Currently, the city has a lawsuit against the Raiders after their reported move to Las Vegas. In turn, Davis pulled the team's $7.5 million lease from the Coliseum. While multiple hurdles remain, a return to Oakland still makes the most sense for the Raiders. Following their return to the Bay, the Raiders have played in Oakland since 1995. They have developed a fan base loyal to their local team. Many fans have been upset at the idea that the Raiders are moving once more. While remaining in Oakland doesn't necessarily fix that issue, Davis might be able to make a few more fans by keeping the team "home" for one more season. When Davis himself talks about potential 2019 playing options, at least publicly he says he wants to remain in Oakland. One of the main reasons is due to the Raiders' fans. Davis has been quoted with saying:

I personally want to play in Oakland. I absolutely want to play in Oakland. We have a completed lease sitting with the city council, that all they have to do is agree to it and we’re here next year.  if they’ll have us, I can’t turn on the fans. I can’t do it. And this is terrible negotiating I’m doing now. I’m going to get killed. But that’s just the way I am.

Staying in Oakland gives the team a sense of familiarity. They know how to function in Oakland. They know what to expect come game day and they know they already have a fan base in place. By moving to Tuscon or San Francisco or any other location, there is no sure thing that their fans will travel. The team will also have to change their functions entirely, all to change them once more again in 2020. The Raiders should be planning towards their move to Las Vegas. Moving to a different city for one year just to move again doesn't make sense. There are multiple issues to get over, but Davis will find a way to get over them. The Raiders have too many fans in Oakland, and will look to play in front of them for one more season before Las Vegas.

The Raiders Will NOT Re-Sign TE Jared Cook

With the business logistics out of the way, the Raiders can now focus on rebuilding their roster. One of their toughest decisions will come in the form of tight end Jared Cook. Cook had a breakout 2019 season, catching 68 passes for 896 yards and six touchdowns. The tight end set all new career highs while also leading the Raiders in receiving. But despite his impressive output, Cook doesn't make the most sense for the team's future. With how well he performed in 2018, Cook is undoubtedly the best tight end on the free agent market. Teams looking for another field-spreader and red zone threat could look to the former Raider. With the market being so weak, perhaps he can earn a deal similar to Jimmy Graham's three year/$30 million contract. The Raiders will certainly have the money to sign Cook, but committing that much cash to a 32-year old tight end seems unwise. Cook has been inconsistent throughout his time in the NFL as his six touchdowns in 2018 marked just the second time in his 10-year career he has had at least five scores. While losing Cook might hurt in the short-term, the Raiders should look to bring in a much cheaper, and potentially more athletic option. The 2019 NFL Draft is considered a tight end heavy draft, and could hold the Raiders next Cook. Walter Football has 14 tight ends ranked as potential third round or higher talents with three being potential first round picks. A player like Iowa's Noah Fant in the late first or early second round could make more sense than giving Cook a massive contract.

While tight ends usually take a while to develop in the NFL, the league saw what a player like George Kittle could do for a team's offense. Many of the tight ends in this years draft have been graded much higher than Kittle, meaning they could potentially be an explosive weapon for the Raiders.

Cook's 2018 season was impressive and will likely stick with Raider fans for a few years. However, the Raiders need to focus on adding young talent, not aging veterans. They'll look to draft Cook's successor in the NFL Draft. 

The Raiders will Trade Down from Pick Four

The best part about draft picks, is that you can never have enough of them. As the Raiders look to their all important first round, they'll likely be taking calls for fourth overall pick. While some have suggested that Oakland could actually trade up, moving slightly down the board while acquiring more picks could help solidify the team's young core. The 2019 NFL Draft is considered to be one of the weakest when it comes to quarterback in recent memory. However, no matter how weak the class, QB will always be the most important player on the field. Needy teams will always look for their next signal caller early in the draft. This year, a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants or Washington Redskins are all possible candidates to move up for their QB. In the case of the Jags and Giants, the Raiders would be able to remain in the top 10 picks while acquiring valuable second/third round picks. With Washington, Oakland would be able to get a haul of enticing picks, but would have to sacrifice moving out of the top 10. Overall, with the Raiders having so many holes to fill, moving down the board, still landing a top notch player while moving up the board in the later rounds makes the most sense. Various mock drafts have already discussed this possibility. CBS Sports' R.J. White recently had a mock draft in which the Raiders traded down with the Jaguars. The Jaguars landed quarterback Dwayne Haskins at four while the Raiders were able to snag EDGE Clelin Ferrell at seven. While this is just one example, the Raiders would be able to add more picks, likely in the top 100 while also adding an explosive player like Ferrell with their first pick. If teams fall in love with the QBs in this year's draft, the Raiders should have ample opportunity to work their way down and up the draft board. As for what the Raiders can receive, the Colts and Jets made a similar deal in the 2018 NFL Draft. Trading up from six to three, the Jets landed their future quarterback in Sam Darnold. By trading down three spots, the Colts snagged the sixth overall pick and three second rounders. They turned those picks into All-Pro Quenton Nelson, 13-game started Braden Smith and 13-game contributor Kemoko Turray. Indianapolis also has the Jets 2019 second round pick. By trading down a few spots, the Raiders could obtain massive draft capital that could completely change their franchise around. Unless a player like Nick Bosa or Josh Allen falls to four, the Raiders will look to trade down, preferably with the Jags or Giants to gain even more early draft picks.

The Raiders will Trade Up from Pick 24

While more draft picks are usually considered a good thing, landing a difference making player at every selection is even more important. Picks are just that, but the players those picks turn into is what could turn the Raiders around. The 24th overall pick could certainly give the team a day one starter. Gareon Conley was selected with the 24th overall pick. However, with the team trading down from four, they'll have more ammo to work with. If the Raiders fall in love with a player, they could work their way back up the draft board to land him. In this example, an ideal trade would occur between the Raiders and a team sitting in the mid-teens. Perhaps the Washington Redskins, who pick 15th, would move down to the Raiders selection to land a quarterback like Daniel Jones or Drew Lock. With the 15th overall pick, the Raiders could then draft another vital piece to their young core. Two players currently stand out as potential pieces the Raiders could move up for. Former LSU linebacker Devin White is considered one of the best in the draft class. During his three years with the Tigers, White amassed 286 total tackles with 28.5 of them coming for a loss, including 8.5 sacks. Recently, Bleacher Report's Matt Miller recently called White a great fit for the Raiders, saying:

Devin White is my top-ranked linebacker and a top five overall player. His athleticism as a former top prep running back shows on the field as he tracks down ball-carriers and receivers. The Oakland Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers are all great fits in the first half of Round 1. White is an easy comparison to Myles Jack and should be one of the prized defenders in this year’s class.

It's unlikely that White makes it all the way to 24. If the Raiders fall in love with him during the draft process, there's a chance they move up to select him, likely pairing him with the defensive lineman they drafted with their first pick. Another option would be offensive lineman Jonah Williams. Ranked as one of the best offensive tackles in the draft, Williams was at one time considered to be a top five pick. However, new reports have stated that there is a chance he slips out of the top 10. According to Draft Analyst's Tony Pauline, "at least a dozen scouts" have ranked Williams as a mid-first round pick. Williams will have an opportunity to improve his draft stock, and could work his way back into the top 10 with a strong NFL Combine. However, if he slips into the teens, the Raiders might be willing to move up for him. Pairing Williams with former first rounder Kolton Miller on the outside with Kelechi Osemele, Rodney Hudson and Gabe Jackson on the inside could make for one of the better offensive lines in the league. With three first round picks, the Raiders will likely move their way up and down the draft board. After trading down from four, Oakland could then trade back up into the middle rounds to land another important piece for their rebuild.

The Raiders will Replace Tom Cable with Dave DeGuglielmo

Of all the bold predictions on this list, surprisingly, this one might be the boldest. Tom Cable has always had a fan in Jon Gruden as the Raiders' coach quickly scooped him up after he was released by the Seahawks. However, as the team looks to rebuild, replacing Cable will be key. The Raiders' offensive line was disappointing in 2018, to put it lightly. In Cable's first year back with the team, Oakland allowed 52 sacks, tied for the fifth most in the league. This comes just one year after the Raiders, with no Cable, allowed just 24 sacks, tied for 27th most in the league. Oakland's line did suffer injuries throughout the season. Donald Penn was placed on IR and replaced by Brandon Parker. Kelechi Osemele appeared in just 11 games while Gabe Jackson appeared in 13. And while first-rounder Kolton Miller played in all 16, he reportedly battled knee injuries all year. However, even when healthy, Cable did not do an impressive job. The Raiders' offensive line was a massive letdown after being ranked by Pro Football Focus as the seventh best heading into the season. Outside of his one year with the Raiders, Cable has failed time and time again as an offense line coach over the past decade. As the Seahawks’ OL coach from 2011-2017, Cable’s units allowed the second, 12th, third, sixth, third, second and fourth most sacks in the league. It's clear that Cable isn't the answer and despite his loyalty to Gruden, the Raiders need to make a change. That change should come in the form of former Colts OL coach Dave DeGuglielmo. Recently, DeGuglielmo was let go from his position as Head Coach Frank Reich wanted to bring in his own hire.

It is important to note that there are some reports that DeGuglielmo was disrespectful and called offensive tackle Denzelle Good a "failure" following the death of his brother. If those reports are true, then this becomes a moot point and the Raiders should turn elsewhere. However, the former Colts' coach earned a glowing review from his former All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson.

On the field, "Coach Guge" helped completely revitalize a Colts offensive line that was downright dreadful in 2017. The team went from allowing a league high 56 sacks last season to a league low 18 in 2018. DeGuglielmo not only got an All-Pro season out of Nelson, but coaxed a career year of Anthony Castonzo while turning second rounder Braden Smith into a quality starter. DeGuglielmo proved that he is a quality offensive line coach with the Colts. In Oakland he could potentially do wonders with the amount of talent on the team's offensive line. The Raiders need to replace Cable. While they need to make sure DeGuglielmo isn't a tyrant who will mistreat their players, he makes the most sense if the team does go a different direction at OL coach.

The Raiders WON'T Trade Derek Carr

Some talk this off season has been made surrounding the idea that the Raiders could move on from Derek Carr. While Carr struggled in 2018, it makes little sense to move him this offseason. Coming into the 2018 season, Carr was voted to three straight Pro Bowls. He is just two years removed from a campaign in which he threw for 3,937 yards and a 28/6 TD/INT ratio. He isn't Andrew Luck and he surely isn't Patrick Mahomes, but Carr has been a feasible starter during his career. The 2018 season also saw Carr lose his best weapon in Amari Cooper. It would be hard for most quarterbacks in the league to succeed with a receiving core headlined by Jordy Nelson and Seth Roberts. If the team adds more weapons this offseason, there's a chance Carr bounces back to his pre-2018 form. That being said, Carr hasn't necessarily earned anything in Oakland. He has a record of just 32-46 and hasn't won a playoff game. It makes total sense if the Raiders, especially with a new front office in place, want to bring in a new quarterback to mold. However, if Gruden, Mayock and company want to do that, this is the wrong offseason to do so. As mentioned multiple times, the 2019 NFL Draft is considered a weak quarterback class. While players such as Dwayne Haskins or Kyler Murray could hold more potential than Carr, there's no certainty what their floor is. Moving on from Carr, while taking a chance on Haskins/Murray or any other early-round QB is a risk that could set the franchise back numerous seasons. The 2020 QB class is considered much stronger. Players such as Justin Herbert, Tua Tagovailo, Jake Fromm and Jacob Eason will all be available. The Raiders are better off building their team around Carr in 2019, seeing if he truly is a fit, before potentially adding a much better passing option in the 2020 NFL Draft. Let's say the Raiders want to move Carr and replace him via free agency. The top FA QB are likely Teddy Bridgewater, Nick Foles and Tyrod Taylor. Both Foles and Taylor are aging veterans. Foles has been talked up as an option, but he is still a risk and would be a band-aid on an offense that needs surgery. Bridgewater is young, but has been inconsistent during his NFL career. The 2020 free agent QB class has players such as Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota and Jacoby Brissett as well as veterans like Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisburger. If the Raiders really want to move on at QB, spending up for a QB in the 2020 class makes much more sense. Derek Carr might not be the most sexy pick right now, but he is arguably the best option. As Gruden tries to rebuild the Raiders, he will focus on other positions for at least one more season while keeping Carr under center.

The Raiders WILL Draft a Quarterback in the Fourth Round

While Carr should get one more season under center, the Raiders are likely going to think about the future of the position. If Carr puts together another poor performance in 2019, there's a strong chance the team moves on. Taking a QB in the fourth round doesn't mean they'll be landing their quarterback of the future. But the Raiders would be able to acquire a developmental prospect to build around Carr. If he performs to the level they expect, perhaps they build around that prospect rather than spending money or draft capital on another option. Outside of just the future, the Raiders are in desperate need of a quarterback behind Carr. Backup A.J. McCarron is under contract for just one more season. But McCarron hasn't started a game since 2015 and has just eight NFL passes outside of that season. Going on 29, he isn't the future for the Raiders. Besides McCarron, the Raiders did sign one quarterback to a reserve/future contract. But his name is Nathan Peterman. If Peterman were to make starts for the Raiders, fans might willfully push them out of Oakland. The first three rounds of the draft usually hold sure-fire talent that is likely to make an impact sooner rather than later. While the fourth round and beyond can hold those players, the draft becomes more of a crapshoot. If the Raiders want to get a quality quarterback to backup Carr/potentially build around, taking him in the fourth makes sense. Some potential QBs could be Auburn's Jared Stidham, NC State's Ryan Finley, or Northwestern's Clayton Thorson. While none of these quarterbacks may be ready to start right away, with proper training, they all hold potential and could be starters down the road. Taking a QB in the fourth doesn't necessarily take them out of the running for a player like Herbert or Tagovailo, Fromm or Eason. However, it would give the Raiders a potential replacement for Carr and a much better backup should he get hurt in 2019. The Raiders should be looking to add day one play-makers all throughout their draft. In the fourth they could take a chance and grab a quarterback. He could be Carr's replacement or be an insurance policy for whoever ends up replacing Carr. Whatever is the case, Oakland will find some quarterback talent in the 2019 draft.

The Raiders Will Sign One of Malik Jackson or Gerald McCoy

On the surface this may seem like a very weird an convoluted prediction. However, both Jackson and McCoy have been mentioned as cut candidates and signing either seems like a very Gruden move. Both would be "big name" free agent veterans that could contribute in Gruden's defense. The Raiders did use two draft picks on defensive tackles in Maurice Hurst and P.J. Hall. Hurst impressed during his rookie season, starting 10 games and making four sacks. However, he did deal with a potentially serious heart injury prior to the 2018 Draft which led to his slide. Hall appeared in 14 games with the Raiders, but made just 22 tackles and no sacks. Coming from FCS Sam Houston State, it may take a little while for Hall to be fully acclimated into the NFL. Adding Jackson or McCoy would shore up the team's defensive tackle position. Jackson or McCoy would be able to play next to Hurst/Hall and would overall help the team's pass rush. While it's unknown exactly how much either would cost, there's a strong chance Gruden and company are interested if either become available. According to Daniel Popper of the Athletic, the Jaguars seem likely to cut Jackson this offseason. Jackson has reportedly already said his goodbyes and seems ready to leave the team. Jacksonville would save $11 million by releasing him and already have his replacement in Taven Bryan. Jackson struggled in 2018, making just 3.5 sacks. However, in 2017 he was voted to his first Pro Bowl after starting all 16 games and amassing eight sacks. Jackson has been a healthy and somewhat consistent force throughout his time in the NFL. He already has experience in the AFC West, playing with the Broncos for four seasons. ESPN's Jenna Laine has reported that there is a "real chance" the Buccaneers release McCoy. Like the Jags, the Bucs already have his replacement in 2018 first rounder Vita Vea. Furthermore, the team has multiple free agents they'd like to re-sign and releasing McCoy saves them $13 million against the cap. Jackson has put together a prolific career that includes six Pro Bowl nods and one All-Pro nomination. While his streak of Pro Bowls ended in 2018, he still mustered six sacks in 14 games. McCoy has at least six sacks the past six seasons including 9.5 in 2013. There's a good chance he still has a lot left in the tank. Whether it be Jackson or McCoy, the Raiders would likely be interested. Either gives the Raiders a veteran component to their young defensive tackles. Look for Oakland to target either DT should they be released.

The Raiders 2019 Feature Running Back will Come via the Draft

While a lot has been made of the Oakland Raiders lack of pass catchers, the team's running game will also be a focal point of the offseason. As a whole the unit ran for just 1,628 yards in 2018, good for 25th in the NFL. The Raiders are likely to lose both Marshawn Lynch and Doug Martin to retirement and free agency respectively. Jalen Richard, the team's pass-catching back is a restricted free agent and has a decent chance of returning in 2019. But even if Richard does return, the Raiders need a true feature back who could help carry the offense. Looking at the free agent running back class, some names do pop out. Obviously Le'Veon Bell will be the most sought after free agent runner. However, he reportedly turned down a $70 million contract with the Steelers, meaning he is going to ask for a monstrous deal. The Raiders may not think that is worth it. Players like Mark Ingram or Latavius Murray could also make sense, but again they are veteran runners who could potentially ask for a large contract. Finally, players like Tevin Coleman, Alex Collins or Jay Ajayi could make sense, but all carry bagage and may not succeed as a true RB1. As the Raiders look to shore up their running game, the NFL Draft makes the most sense. While there's no Saquon Barkleys this year, there are plenty of talented runners who could help Oakland immediately. One of those running backs is Alabama's Josh Jacobs. Recently Bleacher Report's Matt Miller mocked Jacobs to the Raiders with the 27th overall pick. He wrote:

The Raiders need to get better at virtually every position, including running back. Jacobs will take pressure off quarterback Derek Carr and should have plenty of holes to run through given the strength of the team's offensive line.

But even if Jacobs isn't the pick, many other draft-bound running backs could make sense early in the draft for the Raiders. According to Walter Football, at least 18 running backs could be worth a third or higher round pick. Adding a player in the draft would not only be cheaper, but could potentially give the Raiders a more explosive and productive running back. Oakland will likely start over when it comes to their running game in 2019. While they may not use a first rounder on a tailback, it's certain that they'll be adding to their running game through the draft. Whichever running back the Raiders do end up taking should be the team's feature back in 2019 and beyond.

The Raiders Will Spend $15+ Million on One Free Agent

With $75+ million to spend this offseason, it's very likely that the Raiders will try to go after some of the bigger fish in the market. However, even with the bright lights of Las Vegas looming, it's very hard to lure a top free agent to a losing team. That being said, if the right FA opens up, it's likely Gruden would be willing to overpay for him. On the offensive side of the ball, the only player potentially worth $15 million a year is the aforementioned Le'Veon Bell. However, Todd Gurley, arguably the best running back in the NFL just signed a deal that maxes out at a $14.2 million cap hit. Giving Bell a contract that size would be unprecedented and seems highly unlikely for the Raiders. At quarterback, Nick Foles and potentially Teddy Bridgewater will likely garner $15+ million contracts, but it's unlikely the Raiders sign either. Top wide receiver Devin Funchess as well as top tight end Jared Cook seem unlikely to make $15+ million as well. Only three offensive lineman - Taylor Lewan, Nate Solder and Jake Matthews make $15 million or more a year. It's unlikely a lineman for this year's class earns that type of money. However, while the offensive side of the ball is unlikely to see a contract of that magnitude, the defensive side is a different story. Three names that immediately stand out are Chiefs' linebacker Dee Ford, Texans' linebacker Jadeveon Clowney and Cowboys' defensive end Demarcus Lawrence. Ford had a breakout 2018 that helped put him on the map. In 16 starts the linebacker amassed 55 total tackles with 13 sacks and seven forced fumbles. Ford tied for the league lead in FF while his 13 sacks ranked tied for eighth best. He was voted to his first Pro Bowl. While Ford's 2018 season is what will get him paid, he has shown potential in the past, making 10 sacks in 2016. There's a good chance the Chiefs end up franchise tagging one of their best defenders, especially after proving how explosive their offense can be. However, if Ford is able to hit the open market, the Raiders should do everything they can to bring his pass rush prowess to Oakland. Ford could try to cash in big after his breakout year, something the Raiders could accommodate. Clowney's 2018 season again proved that he can stay healthy for a majority of the year. After battling serious injuries his first two seasons, Clowney has now appeared in at least 14 games the past three years, thrice being nominated to the Pro Bowl. In 2018, the Texans' defender made 47 combined tackles with nine sacks. He now has at least nine sacks the past two seasons. Like Ford, there is a good chance the Texans end up franchise tagging Clowney. It's rare a young talent like him hits the market. However, if he doesn't end up getting tagged, he is the perfect piece for the Raiders to build their defense around. For what it's worth, Bleacher Report recently predicted Clowney would end up in Oakland. Lawrence may be the most likely of the three to make it to free agency. After playing under the franchise tag in 2018, there's a chance he threatens hold out if he is tagged again. If the Cowboys take his claims seriously they'll either have to lock him up to a long-term deal or watch him walk away. If the latter becomes a reality, Lawrence could be the juice the Raiders' pass rush needs. In 2018, Lawrence made 64 total tackles with 10.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. In 2017, he made 58 tackles with 14.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. He's made the Pro Bowl both seasons. Lawrence is a young proven pass rusher, exactly what the Raiders need. If he hits free agency, he could become Gruden's top target. Whether it be Ford, Clowney, Lawrence or any other free agent, the Raiders are likely to overspend for at least one player. While they'll try to build through the draft, the Oakland Raiders' 2019 defense will feature one 2018 stud with a shiny new contract.