The legendary quarterback recently shared his thoughts on the 2021 rookie class for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Other than Derek Carr, no other quarterback can lay claim to being the best Raiders quarterback this century. Rich Gannon was the last signal-caller to lead the organization to a Super Bowl so his opinion surely carries some weight. Though some fans haven’t cared for his on-air game commentary, which was often critical of the team, the man knows his stuff. Surely he wants this team to be back in the playoffs and to return to its winning ways as much as anyone in Raider Nation. The team’s 2021 draft has been the subject of harsh criticism this offseason, starting with Alex Leatherwood’s selection. Well, ’12’ recently shared some thoughts on the rookies and what they mean for the Silver and Black moving forward.
[pickup_prop id=”6848″]
Gannon expressed optimism regarding the Raiders’ rookies
The defense needs to improve this year and anyone familiar with the Raiders knows this. Well, no surprise here but Gannon also feels the same way.
“You can’t keep giving up 30 points each week and expect to win in this league.”
Gannon’s preaching to the choir when you consider that fans, writers, analysts, etc. have been saying this. The organization finally appears to be turning the corner with their defense, at least on paper. They brought in Gus Bradley and drafted a slew of defensive backs to help shape up the pass defense. However, Gannon emphasized that the team’s lack of a pass rush has impeded progress from taking place. Yes, the team has had talent along the defensive line but clearly, it hasn’t been enough. The defense has lacked speed as Gannon pointed out, so the Raiders decided to add that via the draft and in free agency.
What about the Leatherwood pick? Gannon believes that coming from Alabama and that program’s pedigree bodes well for the rookie. The Raiders moved on from several contributors along that offensive line so drafting a versatile lineman like Leatherwood made sense. Regardless, it seems many including Gannon, have liked what the Raiders did last month at the draft. What are your thoughts, Raider Nation? Do you agree with Gannon on this one?
You May Also Like: Raiders Vault: Bill Callahan Super Bowl Conspiracy Part II
*Top Photo: Official Raiders Web Site