Following a crushing loss to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Raider Nation is looking for answers. There are definitely a few concerns on the offensive side of the ball, mainly depth in the offensive line. However, all eyes are on Paul Guenther and the subpar defense he has put together. The Las Vegas Raiders’ loss to the ‘Bucs’ was an all-too-familiar sight, as the Raiders surrendered 45 points in an all-around lackluster effort from the defense.
Looking to shake things up on defense, the Raiders could be buyers ahead of the Nov. 3 trade deadline. Thus, we highlighted three positions they could address through trades. Also, we mention some potential targets for these positions of need.
The Raiders need more playmakers at safety other than Johnathan Abram
While safety Jonathan Abram has been adequate on defense, we can’t say the same about the other safeties on the roster. After a promising 2019 campaign, Erik Harris has disappointed this season. On the same note, Jeff Heath’s first start of the year was nothing to write home about. The Raiders should make the safety position a priority moving forward.
Potential Targets: Anthony Harris, Marcus Maye, (Sign) Earl Thomas III
Related: Raiders Can’t Wait to Have G Richie Incognito Back In Lineup
The defensive line hasn’t generated enough pressure upfront
Against the ‘Bucs’, the Raiders could only muster four pressures and zero sacks. That’s not enough and won’t cut it against top NFL defenses. It has been a while since the Silver and Black have had consistent production when rushing the passer, and this season, the trend has continued. Currently, they rank 29th in the league in sacks per game. Regardless of the resources the team has invested at this seeming Achilles heel, the results have been unfruitful.
Nonetheless, head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock cannot be content with this type of play. They must continue to try and field a respectable pass rush, which they have clearly not done. That is why we believe there could be a move made to try and generate some sort of spark to an otherwise moribund pass rush.
Potential Targets: Quinnen Williams, Carlos Dunlap, Grady Jarrett, JJ Watt
Trayvon Mullen is playing well at cornerback but he needs help
Since losing the first-round pick Damon Arnette to a thumb injury in Week 3 (and then to the reserve/COVID-19 list), the Raiders have been left with a major hole at cornerback. With the exception of Trayvon Mullen, the team’s cornerback group could use some stability. Nevin Lawson has been ok, but he’s far from the solution at the position. Meanwhile, Keisean Nixon has struggled on the few occasions he has been on the field.
There is still time for the Raiders to upgrade the position via trade before the deadline. Even though Gruden said the team would make internal changes to boost defensive productivity, the team’s brass shouldn’t disregard the opportunity to improve via trade. Then again, going after a veteran cornerback seems like something Mayock may hesitate to do following the preseason release of Prince Amukamara.
Potential Targets: William Jackson III, Rock Ya-Sin, Brian Poole
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