With a 6-11 record at the end of the season, the Las Vegas Raiders disappointed many. Because of the new leadership and significant offseason additions, this club had a lot of hype, but they fell short of expectations. Even though there weren’t numerous successes, several players put on outstanding displays. As we analyze the top 10 Raiders in 2022 based on performance and value, sit back and unwind.
A Top 10 For The 2022 Las Vegas Raiders: Who Was No. 1?
No. 1 Josh Jacobs, RB
It was a toss-up between Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams for the top spot, but since Jacobs had a career year, we’ll choose him. Jacobs gained over 2,000 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns this season. He concluded with the second-best rushing season in Raiders history and many single-game marks for the team. The Raiders’ offense this year was led and powered by No. 28, and now we just wait to see if he’s in the team’s long-term plans.
No. 2 Davante Adams, WR
Adams lived up to expectations after being dealt to the Raiders to serve as their new top wide receiver. He concluded the 2022 campaign with a record-breaking 1,516 yards for the Raiders, a career-high 15.2 yards per reception, and 14 touchdowns (the Raiders’ second most in a single season). Adams finished third in receiving yards and first in receiving touchdowns. The “Terminator” will continue to torment secondaries in 2023, following his great debut season with the Silver and Black.
No. 3 Maxx Crosby, DE
Once more, Maxx Crosby led the Raiders’ defense. And once again, Crosby excelled in most defensive categories. He recorded 22 tackles for a loss along with three forced fumbles en route to consecutive Pro Bowl nods. His sack total also jumped in 2022, going from eight in 2021 to 12.5 this season; that’s very impressive. Many believe Crosby was snubbed from an All-Pro designation for this past season, so you can bet that’s only motivating him even more. Maybe the Raiders’ brass can finally get Crosby a game-changing pass rusher through the NFL Draft to help him.
No. 4 Daniel Carlson, K
May the real “DC” please stand up. As always, Daniel Carlson, arguably the best kicker in the NFL, was spectacular. Carlson concluded the season with the third-most points, the second-most field goals, and the top spot in games with 10 or more points, according to Raiders PR. Additionally, Carlson’s 11 field goals of 50 yards or more broke the NFL record for most in a single season. The Minnesota Vikings deserve credit for giving up on him during his rookie season.
No. 5 AJ Cole, P
It’s important to have a good punter, and the Raiders have one in AJ Cole. According to NFL.com, Cole’s 48.9 punt average placed him fourth overall. Cole finished fifth in the NFL with 43.9 net yards, the best total of his career. Cole came through for the Raiders whenever they needed to pin down their opponent.
Rounding Off The Bottom Half
No. 6 Duron Harmon, DB
Duron Harmon was acquired to increase the depth of the Raiders’ safeties, but he finished the year as one of their most important defensive contributors. Harmon had 86 total tackles, placing him second on the Raiders. He was tied for first with two interceptions, second with two forced fumbles, third with five passes defended, and first with one defensive touchdown. The Raiders weren’t heavily beaten down the field thanks to Harmon’s savvy coverage. With his excellent performance, Harmon has secured a spot on the Raiders’ roster going forward.
No. 7 Jermaine Eluemunor, RT
I beg to differ with those who claim Kolton Miller had the best season of any offensive lineman for the Raiders. Jermaine Eluemunor concluded the season with just three sacks allowed. This was based on grades of 76.1 for pass blocking and a grade of 75.7 for run blocking, according to Pro Football Focus. Every week, Eluemunor faced the opposing team’s best defensive end week in and week out; therefore, he performed as well as was realistically expected. He’s not likely the Raiders’ long-term solution, but he wasn’t the problem either, all things considered. Also, he knows Josh McDaniels’ system as well as anyone on that O-line. In all likelihood, he’ll be back.
No. 8 Andrew Billings, DT
At defensive tackle, the Raiders have a problem, but Andrew Billings looked solid this season. Although Billings’ strength isn’t pass-rushing, he is one of the league’s best three-techs at stopping the run. With his strength and capacity to consume double teams, he showed he is still a great two-down defensive tackle. According to Tristen Kuhn of TWSN, Billings’ 49.4 run-stop win rate was the ninth-best among defensive tackles.
No. 9 Mack Hollins, WR
Due to Hunter Renfrow’s injuries, Mack Hollins assumed the role of secondary receiver for the Raiders. Hollins performed a good job; he finished with his career’s highest total of receiving and scrimmage yards. In terms of touchdowns, he also tied his career high. Hollins also demonstrated his willingness to perform admirably on special teams and as a run blocker.
No. 10 Tyler Hall, CB
How could someone get on here after just appearing in seven games with the Raiders? Tyler Hall walked into the Raiders’ locker room and immediately began to perform well, and that’s why. Hall recorded 20 tackles, two quarterback hits, one sack, and four passes defended in just three starts. When targeted within the Raiders’ secondary, Hall had the lowest passing rating permitted, according to PFF. Hall showed off his adaptability and excellent coverage skills; the Raiders may have uncovered a quality player in him. With a full offseason and training camp this year under his belt, Hall could end up becoming a regular contributor next season for the Las Vegas Raiders.
*Top Photo: Getty Images