Tight End Room Is Crowded
In 2019, Darren Waller racked up 1,145 receiving yards. Foster Moreau hauled in five touchdowns as a rookie. The tight end position seemed like one of the last positions to address during Raiders free agency.
Yet, the Raiders signed long-time Dallas Cowboy Jason Witten and Nick O’Leary. Remember, Moreau suffered a torn ACL in Week 14.
Typically, teams have an optimistic timetable for significant injuries, but Moreau will need time to bounce back. Even if he’s on the field Week 1, the 2019 fourth-rounder may not feel like himself until the second half of the season.
In the meantime, Witten can fill the red-zone pass-catching role that served Moreau well last season. The 37-year-old isn’t “washed up” yet. He caught 63 passes for 529 yards and four touchdowns as the fourth option in the Cowboys offense behind wideouts Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and Randall Cobb.
With a 75.9 percent catch rate, a connection to Marinelli and leadership qualities needed in a young locker room, Witten has a good chance at making the 53-man roster—contrary to popular belief.
Derek Carrier blocks well, but he’ll have to battle for a spot if Moreau doesn’t go on the physically unable to perform list or injured reserve.
Gabe Jackson Could Be on the Move
Here’s the downside to the NFL business—more specifically free agency. While some guys are on their way in, others land on the bubble.
The Raiders low remaining salary cap number ($6.47 million), suggests guard Gabe Jackson could be on the way out. The team can release him and save $9.6 million, per Over the Cap.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Raiders have included Jackson’s name in trade talks, which shouldn’t come as a surprise after a quick look at his recent performance in pass protection.
Jackson allowed three sacks in his first four seasons but gave up 10 over the last two terms, per Pro Football Focus. The Raiders may recoup some draft capital and unload an underperforming player on an expensive deal.
If the Raiders trade Jackson, Denzelle Good and Kush would likely battle for the position. Ideally, the team should also look to select a guard in the third or fourth round of the draft.
Looking Ahead to the 2020 Draft
The Silver and Black didn’t grab a lot of headlines during free agency, but the club checked two boxes that matter. On paper, the defense looks much improved with two more competent pass-rushers and a pair of highly-skilled linebackers.
Even if you have mixed feelings about Apple, he’s at least a placeholder until the Raiders commit to a starter opposite Mullen.
Overall, Mayock addressed most of the roster’s shallow spots, which is the basic objective during free agency. In case the draft doesn’t pan out as expected, there are serviceable veterans in place.
Secondly, Mayock and Gruden have some flexibility in how they target roster needs. If the Raiders don’t feel strongly about a cornerback on Day 1, team brass could circle back to the position in Round 3 knowing Apple can play out the year on the boundary. This train of thought prevents a reach to fill a big void.
Most fans and analysts will project a wide receiver and cornerback at 12 and 19, respectively.
What if defensive lineman Derrick Brown slips or a team calls with a great trade offer, allowing the Mayock to move down a few spots and pick up a second-round pick? The Raiders can go with the flow and not feel handcuffed to a rigid plan. Mayock will be able to maneuver whatever situations arise from the random madness in April.