The Las Vegas Raiders’ new regime continues to impress in the eyes of fans and media alike. General manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels followed up a free agency period bookended by flashy signings with a disciplined approach to the NFL Draft. Rather than reaching for potential needs that might still be on the roster, the front office stuck to their plan, adding depth and new levels of competition at a variety of positions.
Who should the Raiders target?
With post-June 1st cuts on the horizon, there are still names available on the free-agent market that could help provide an immediate impact or push younger counterparts in camp.
Daryl Williams, RT
Yes, we know the Raiders re-signed Brandon Parker in the offseason to a one-year deal. We’ve all seen the wonderful training photos of 2021 first round selection Alex Leatherwood, provided by offensive line guru Duke Manyweather. Add in newly minted third round pick Dylan Parham, a guard/tackle/center hybrid of sorts; count your days, Andre James; and returning names like Denzelle Good and Jermaine Eluemunor, and it would appear that the Raiders have a group of linemen that will compete for starting spots (I didn’t even mention Thayer Munford).
So why mention Williams, a name that has constantly been linked to the Raiders in talking head articles all offseason long? Because it makes too much sense not to.
If nothing else, the Raiders’ draft day strategy showed us they value competition at positions of great importance. From the moment he steps onto the field in Las Vegas, Williams has the potential to be the best right tackle on the team. The price tag should be relatively modest at this point in the league year as well, making it easy to cut ties if the former Buffalo Bill is outplayed by one of his younger incumbents.
Should the Raiders bring back a fan favorite?
Benson Mayowa, DE
Why not bring back a familiar face to fill a depth role along the defensive line? The Raiders’ first splash signing of the offseason was pass rush specialist Chandler Jones, a top-notch pairing with Mad Maxx Crosby. It’s not a stretch to say the rush options beyond Crosby and Jones range from uninspiring to unproven. Clelin Ferrell has shown us he’s not a capable pass rusher off the edge, and while Malcolm Koonce flashed in limited reps last season, we don’t know if he could be relied upon if thrown into the fire consistently. Enter Benson Mayowa, a former Raider cult favorite known for playing a similar role to what he would be asked to do in this scenario. Mayowa didn’t have an amazing 2021 season but could thrive when placed back in a rotational role.
Las Vegas is long removed from the time when Mayowa was their most productive rusher, but he can still come home and contribute.
Tashaun Gipson, S
Now that I’ve been forcefully awakened from my Honey Badger fever dream, I refuse to live in a cold, harsh reality that features Johnathan Abram and Duron Harmon as the best options to line up in two deep sets with Trevon Moehrig. The free agent market is almost dry, but one name could still present some value. Tashaun Gipson has spent the past few seasons with the Chicago Bears, giving adequate play in a somewhat “box” safety role. Playing in Las Vegas would put Gipson back in his more natural role, with Abram doing the dirty work in the box. Gipson won’t light the world on fire, but he could be a serviceable option until second-year safety Tyree Gillespie can show he’s ready.
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*Top Photo: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images