The Las Vegas Raiders are looking forward to the 2024 NFL season with optimism, but external opinions are less favorable.
ESPN’s recent ranking of all projected NFL starting lineups placed the Raiders at a lowly No. 26. The primary concern highlighted was the team’s quarterback situation.
According to ESPN’s Mike Clay, the Raiders’ quarterback lineup is one of the most unimpressive in the league. The competition for the starting spot is between Aidan O’Connell, a 2023 fourth-round pick, and veteran Gardner Minshew.
Last season, Minshew performed solidly for Indianapolis, ranking 13th in QBR while filling in for Anthony Richardson. Conversely, O’Connell ranked 25th after taking over from Jimmy Garoppolo in Las Vegas. Clay suggests that for the Raiders to improve, O’Connell will need to significantly elevate his performance.
Despite these concerns, there is hope for an improved quarterback situation. O’Connell, having started ten games last season, may show development in his second year.
Minshew, known for his durability and deep-ball accuracy, could provide a more reliable option than Garoppolo. Additionally, the Raiders have bolstered their roster with key acquisitions like defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and tight end Brock Bowers. Given that the team finished with the 21st-best record last season, a significant regression seems unlikely.
ESPN did recognize some strengths within the Raiders’ lineup, particularly their defensive line. The addition of Christian Wilkins, who recorded 9.0 sacks last season, complements Maxx Crosby, a top edge rusher with 27.0 sacks and 178 tackles over the past two seasons.
Malcolm Koonce has also shown promise as a solid edge rusher, and there are high expectations for Tyree Wilson, a 2023 first-round pick. However, the depth behind Wilkins at defensive tackle remains a concern.
The Raiders’ defensive strategy will heavily depend on their line, especially since there was minimal investment in the secondary or linebacker positions during the offseason. The effectiveness of the defense will largely hinge on the performance of the defensive line.
A significant area of concern is the Raiders’ secondary, which remains largely unchanged. The team is relying on young players like Jack Jones, Jakorian Bennett, and Nate Hobbs to step up.
ESPN identifies the cornerback position as a critical factor for the team’s success in 2024. Last season, Jones showed promise with a slightly above-average performance in coverage, while Hobbs and Bennett struggled. For the Raiders to succeed, at least some of these cornerbacks will need to improve their performance this season.
Overall, while the Raiders have areas of strength, especially on the defensive line, their success in the 2024 season will depend on improved quarterback play and significant contributions from their young cornerbacks.
