Oakland Raiders rookies building a new core ahead of Las Vegas move

The Oakland Raiders draft class has made quite an impact this season. And as the team’s rookies continue to develop, the Raiders’ new core continues to be established.

The Oakland Raiders have surprised many this season en route to a 4-4 record at the midway point of the season. And while they may still be a ways away from being legitimate contenders, the improvement shown this season is certainly promising.

At the end of the day, this wasn’t a roster constructed for success in 2019. Sure, improvement was expected after last season’s 4-12 disaster. But few expect the Raiders to make a deep playoff run this year.

That is if they even make the postseason at all.

But that’s quite alright. The Raiders have managed to do something even more important this season and it all revolves around their 2019 rookie class.

Head coach Jon Gruden’s first draft class with the team was one that was heavily scrutinized after the fact. Offensive tackle Kolton Miller was considered a reach at No. 15 overall and his disappointing rookie campaign did little to dispell those concerns.

And outside of Millerand his much-improved play this season, the only real positive contribution from the class has come from fifth-round pick Maurice Hurst who impressed in his rookie season after falling in the draft due to health concerns.

The remainder of the class was disappointing, to say the last.

Third-round pick Brandon Parker struggled in a starting role he never should have been in and the same could be said for fellow third-round pick Arden Key. Meanwhile, second-round pick P.J. Hall was little more than an underwhelming rotation player.

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And the less that’s said about the likes of Nick Nelson, Johnny Townsend, and Azeem Victor the better.

The pressure was on for the Raiders to put together a much better draft in 2019 and the addition of new general manager Mike Mayock was expected to help matters. And through eight weeks, the Raiders have had one of the most impactful rookie classes in the NFL.

That class is, of course, led by potential Offensive Rookie of the Year Josh Jacobs who has rushed his way to 740 yards and six touchdowns as the lead back in a revived Raiders ground game.

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But even apart from the flashy Jacobs, the rookies have come alive in recent weeks for Oakland.

Fourth-round picks Maxx Crosby and Foster Moreau continue to improve with the latter hauling in touchdowns in three of his last five games. Meanwhile, Crosby has two sacks on the year and has flashed as a pass rusher.

Fifth-round rookie Hunter Renfrow has recently come into his own as the Clemson product looks well on his way to being a fixture in the slot for many years.

Even 27th overall selection Johnathan Abram looked excellent in the preseason and in his first game before unfortunately suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. But Abram has all the makings of a defensive stalwart at safety for years to come.

For weeks, the one blemish on an otherwise excellent draft class has been fourth overall pick Clelin Ferrell. Ferrell has had a slow start to his NFL career but is fresh off the best game of his career this past week against the Detroit Lions.