Oakland Raiders: A Few Reasons For Optimism, A Few Reasons for Concern

Optimism: Young Stars in the Making and Savvy Veterans

Although the Raiders have one of the younger rosters in the league, they also have a fantastic blend of youth with experience. GM Reggie McKenzie has done a terrific job of identifying veterans who fit the mold of what he’s looking for – and then bringing them in.

While Khalil Mack is an absolute beast and has proven that he can be a dominant force all on his own, having a veteran presence like Bruce Irvin is going to help him take his game to the next level. With teams having to focus now, on a bevy of pass rushers coming from every angle, Mack may face fewer double and triple teams – and could potentially walk away with a sack title. And who knows, perhaps even the record for most sacks in a year?

McKenzie has brought in some battle tested, high character guys who are great in the locker room, have had some success, and can mentor Oakland’s fleet of young players. Guys like Dan Williams, Sean Smith, Reggie Nelson, Bruce Irvin, and Michael Crabtree, among others, can help some of Oakland’s younger guys like Justin Ellis, Ben Heeney, Neiron Ball, Shilique Calhoun, Jihad Ward, and Karl Joseph take that next step in their development.

Next: Oakland Raiders: A Deeper Dive Into the Numbers

Oakland has a terrific mix of youth and veterans on their roster. In Carr, Cooper, and Mack, they have some superstars in the making. And they have a number of other young players who, while perhaps not superstars in the making, are going to be top flight contributors.

It’s this mix of talent and the cohesive unit that they will form that is going to enable these Raiders to have the sort of season Oakland hasn’t seen in a long, long time.