After eight seasons in Green Bay, Davante Adams’s reputation is well established. Considered by many to be the best receiver in the league, his stats prove it as well. He has been a Pro Bowler over the last five seasons and has earned All-Pro nods in the last two seasons as well. 2021 was perhaps his best season when he had 123 receptions for 1,553 yards and eleven touchdowns. Adams, who was teammates with Derek Carr in college, was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in the offseason. Costing Las Vegas a first and second-round pick, it is clear that they value him highly and plan on him being a massive part of the team moving forward.
CBS Sports Agrees With The Las Vegas Raiders
In an article by Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports, he named the one non-quarterback that each team couldn’t afford to lose. For the Raiders, Benjamin chose Adams as their most important player. While he did mention Kolton Miller as well, he said “Adams is the only big-time play-maker out wide alongside slot machine Hunter Renfrow.” He also stated that simply having Adams on board is enough to keep them in the playoff race.
For new head coach Josh McDaniels, Adams will be the centerpiece of an offense that should be one of the league’s best. Luckily for him, he already has a relationship with his quarterback dating back to their college days at Fresno State. Adams will no doubt be the number one wideout in Las Vegas. This, of course, makes him highly valuable to the team.
The Raiders’ Multiple Options Aside From Davante Adams
While Adams is no doubt an elite player, they have several on the team currently. Namely, Miller, who Benjamin mentioned in the article. The Raiders’ starting left tackle is easily the best player on the offensive line. Without him healthy, it is hard to imagine how they would block anyone.
On the defensive side, Maxx Crosby and Trevon Moehrig both warrant discussion. Crosby, fresh off a big payday, is one of the league’s best pass rushers. A defensive player of the year candidate, he makes up a large part of the team’s pass rush. As for Moehrig, the entire defense would change without him. He is a good, center-fielding safety who was a nice addition to the defense in 2021. They cannot afford to lose him.
Another reason Adams may not be the most important player on the team is his new arrival. After all, the Raiders just played most of last season without a true number one wide receiver. They have shown the ability to piece offenses together around Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller. The Raiders made the playoffs without Adams, but he will make them formidable.
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*Top Photo: Hannah Foslien/Getty Images