With the NFL Draft fast approaching, Raiders news is still focused on possible free-agent signings and speculation on what Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock will do on draft day. Here’s the latest round-up of Vegas Raiders rumors for the weekend.
With the NFL Draft later this month, fans eagerly await to see who the Raiders will select. The team has undergone a few projects thus far in the offseason — including rebuilding both the offensive and defensive lines — yet there are still a few holes left to patch up. Raiders rumors aren’t as numerous as last year, but there are still some making the rounds this offseason.
With a couple of big names left in the free agency market, plus the upcoming draft, the Raiders still have time to acquire more players before the season begins. The secondary is still young, although with good potential, and it’s expected that the team will bring in a veteran to help out. They brought back former first-round draft pick Karl Joseph on Friday but still have depth issues at cornerback. The rebuild of the offensive line could also use one more piece, though it’s still up in the air if the Raiders would rather address that issue through the draft, free agency, or a trade.
Here are the latest rumors on moves the Raiders may be making:
Richard Sherman Spotted in Las Vegas
Former Seattle Seahawk Richard Sherman was spotted in Las Vegas recently, adding to the Raiders rumors that he could be signing with the to play 2021 in Sin City. He has a history with Gus Bradley, the Raiders’ new defensive coordinator, and would add a much-needed veteran presence to a young defensive backs group.
Sherman visiting Las Vegas doesn’t mean he was there to talk with the Raiders, but as far as rumors go it’s an interesting tidbit that is worth mentioning.
Kenyan Drake’s Versatility a Point of Emphasis for Coaching Staff
When the Raiders signed running back Kenyan Drake to complement current starter Josh Jacobs, a lot of people were left shaking their heads. They felt as if resources could have been better allocated rather than signing anotther running back.
However, from recent comments made by coach Jon Gruden it seems as if the Raiders aren’t pigeonholing Drake into the running back term. “He can run it, catch it, return it,” sad Gruden in an interview with ESPN earlier this week. It’s clear that he envisions Drake in a Swiss-army knife role, getting touches at multiple different spots on the field.
Which Side of the Ball Gets the First Round Pick: Offense or Defense?
When it comes to Raiders rumors concerning their 2021 first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, which direction will the Raiders elect to take? Tackle is a position of need that could be addressed with a first-round pick, much as the Raiders did with Kolton Miller a few years back.
However, the offense got Henry Ruggs last season with the Raiders’ first selection and Gus Bradley may be vying for a playmaker of his own. Whichever direction the Raiders decide to go, it seems as if they will flip-flop for their next picks.
Make sure to check back in the coming weeks as we recap the latest Raiders rumors building up to the NFL Draft.