Pinpointing the top 2020 offseason needs for the Las Vegas Raiders
By Ian Higgins
A new city, and looking to develop a new identity. The Las Vegas Raiders will look to retool and find their footing in a new home with new acquisitions.
Moving on from a disappointing final season in Oakland, the newly relocated Las Vegas Raiders will look to put some of the final pieces in place to build a sustainable core for the foreseeable future. Questions have surrounded quarterback Derek Carr, but with two years remaining on a relatively cap-friendly contract, there should be no questions that he is the quarterback of the immediate future.
Head coach Jon Gruden has built out a respectable 4-3 defense with great draft selections in Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby, but still need an offseason or two to put the final touches on the unit to make them a complete team. Major holes are still present both at corner and wide receiver, meaning Las Vegas will hopefully acquire immediate contributors through both free agency and the 2020 NFL Draft to complete the respective position groups.
Alabama running back Josh Jacobs has become the heart and soul of this ground & pound offense, becoming a rushing-star after his 1,150-yard season. With a strong offensive line and a quarterback who is currently one of the most accurate downfield passers in the NFL, Las Vegas is in the perfect position to build a play-action offense that runs through Josh Jacobs and counter punches aggressive safeties with the deep shot.
The 2018 Los Angeles Rams were able to get to Super Bowl 53 on this offensive system with Todd Gurley, Jared Goff, and receivers Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks. Las Vegas arguably has a more explosive offense with their current personnel and has the 2020 offseason to look to improve their personnel.