Let's dive into the world of NFL trades and the future of the Las Vegas Raiders. This week's mailbag explores some intriguing questions, and I'm here to share my insights and opinions on these matters.
The Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors
The recent trade of Myles Garrett to the Rams has sparked discussions about the potential movement of Maxx Crosby. However, I believe the trade block scenario for Crosby is less likely, especially considering his knee injury and the Raiders' apparent desire to keep him. It seems the team is content with their edge-rusher, and an in-season trade, if any, is more probable.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the comparison between Garrett and Crosby. While Garrett is often considered the best pass-rusher in NFL history, Crosby falls short of that category. This distinction is crucial when evaluating trade offers. The Raiders would need an extraordinary package to consider letting go of Crosby, and it's doubtful any team will match the Rams' offer for Garrett.
Defensive Snap Counts and Starting Lineups
Moving on to defensive snap counts, I predict a significant reduction for Pola-Mao this season. Last year, he played nearly 1,100 snaps, but with the arrival of Jeremy Chinn, the strong safety role seems more suited to him. Treydan Stukes, with his experience and profile, is likely to take over as the starting free safety, pushing Pola-Mao into a rotational role.
As for the starting offensive line, I'm going with LT Kolton Miller, LG Jackson Powers-Johnson, C Tyler Linderbaum, RG Caleb Rogers, and RT Charles Grant. Miller and Linderbaum are locks, and I'm particularly excited about the potential of Jackson Powers-Johnson to bounce back and secure one of the guard positions.
Rebuilding the Raiders
The Raiders' rebuild is an interesting case study. Looking at the 2016 squad as a blueprint, we can see a similar trajectory. The 2014 team, led by Derek Carr, started strong but finished with a 3-3 record in their last six games. The following year, they improved further, going 7-9 and showing promise. This gradual growth led to a successful 2016 campaign and ended their postseason drought.
Personally, I think the Raiders should aim for a similar timeline. While it's optimistic to expect a playoff team by 2027, it's not unrealistic. The key is to focus on the young core and build for the future. General Manager John Spytek seems to have a clear vision, and his moves this offseason, targeting free agents and drafting young talent, are steps in the right direction.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the Raiders' future looks promising, and I'm excited to see how this rebuild unfolds. While there are still questions about certain positions, like the interior defensive line, the team seems to be heading in the right direction. It's all about patience and strategic moves, and I believe the Raiders are on the right track. Stay tuned for more insights and analysis as the season progresses!
