NFL Power Ranking Preseason Edition: NFC only gets better

It’s throwback time in Oakland with Jon Gruden refusing to use GPS and other stuff that wasn’t around in the 1990s. Chucky is back, and he’s ready to revamp the Raiders after the organization felt so close to being a title contender.

Luckily for Gruden, a quarterback is already in place for the long haul with Derek Carr. With Amari Cooper returning and the additions of Jordy Nelson and Martavis Bryant, the Raiders are giving Carr the best weapons he’s ever had.

Oakland also returns Marshawn Lynch and supplements the running back room with Doug Martin behind him. They’ll run behind what should be an excellent offensive line bolstered with first round pick Kolton Miller at left tackle.

The Raiders defense has a major piece missing with Khalil Mack right now, and it’s something Gruden doesn’t appear overly anxious about. Having one of the best pass rushers in the league not in attendance with only a couple weeks until the season is not an ideal scenario, to say the least. Hopefully Oakland can figure out his mega-deal before the season starts.

Oakland invested a lot into their defensive line during the draft, adding PJ Hill, Arden Key, and Mo Hurst. Some argued Key and Hurst had first round talent, making them potential steals in the midrounds of the draft.

There’s a good mix of youth and experience on this defense with Derrick Johnson and Tahir Whitehead joining this offseason. The cornerbacks are a young group with a lot of talent that just needs to stay on the field.