2019 NFL Power Rankings: Who heads into summer at No. 1?
By Ian Cummings
No. 25 – Oakland Raiders
If you want a trend argument that says the Raiders won’t do well in 2019, here’s one: The last five teams to appear on Hard Knocks are 31-48-1.
If you want a logical argument, there are several. Jon Gruden has yet to prove that he can lead a winning team in the modern NFL. The team’s roster building process has been uneven over the past two years. And they still have Derek Carr at quarterback, who appears to have a ceiling of sorts.
The Raiders made headlines with their non-discriminating player acquisition method, and but there’s no guarantee that those same methods will make a contender. There exists dozens of personalities in Oakland’s locker room, from Antonio Brown to Richie Incognito. And the talent in the organization doesn’t quite make up for the lack of cohesion.
The team’s investment in aging assets is precarious at best, and inconsistent draft decisions over the past two years, such as the selection of Kolton Miller in 2018, could cost the team. Ultimately, the Raiders’ roster needs a coach able to cultivate chemistry, and a coach able to win in the modern NFL. Gruden’s got a Super Bowl ring. But the game has changed. In 2019, Gruden might learn the hard way.