Top 10 Oakland Raiders Players Coming Into the 2019 Season
I’ve done the Rest of the AFC West so I might as well do the Raiders as well. Honestly this is gonna be the hardest list to make of the entire division. Oakland was terrible last year after they decided to go back to “old glory” and relive the early 2000s by bringing Jon Gruden back as their coach. Entering year two I don’t have high expectations. They’ll be more interesting on Hard Knocks but not much better
One of the biggest blockbuster moves in free agency this past offseason was Antonio Brown wanting out of Pittsburgh. And he's getting out alright. In fact, he'll be playing his home games on the other side of the country now. This guy is one of the best offensive talents in the league. However, expect a decline in production this year. Derek Carr is no Ben Roethlisberger and has regressed heavily since 2016.
Better figure out that helmet situation. Apparently, he said he wouldn't play if he couldn't wear his older helmet. Yes, this is a real thing in 2019.
Williams is a solid number 2 receiver behind AB. He had a stellar 2016 season with 69 catches, 1,059 yards, and 7 touchdowns. 2017 and 2018 were also decent seasons but not quite as productive. Williams is a good pickup for Oakland in free agency.
While Burfict might not be the cleanest player in the league, he's very physical and could add some extra spice to the Raiders' defense that they've been missing for a while. As a bonus, he'll be reunited with Paul Guenther, who was the defensive coordinator for part of his time in Cincinnati.
He'll be a good starting safety for the rebuild. The Raiders need help in the back of their defense, and Joyner will fill that void. Last year, he racked up 78 tackles for the Rams, ranking third on their team.
The Raiders re-signed one of the best return specialists in the league. He has an average of about 14 yards per return, which was the best in the league. He also contributes on offense, although he's not a primary go-to weapon.
Maurice Hurst was considered one of the best talents in the 2018 draft. He didn't disappoint and could possibly become a leader on this defense. Khalil Mack left a large hole on this team after being traded, and Hurst could potentially fill part of it.
Carr has declined since 2016. With the receiving corps bringing in some decent weapons, one has to think that Carr will bounce back to decency in 2019. The Raiders need him to if they want to compete.
The Raiders must like this guy after giving him the richest contract for an offensive lineman in the history of the league. Or they're just desperate. Knowing Oakland, it's probably the latter. This guy did alright for the Patriots, but will it transfer to Tom Cable and Oakland's O-line?
Marshall is a player who will fill an area of need on this team in linebacker. He was okay in Denver and could really help improve Oakland's defense.
Josh Jacobs is a great athlete on the Raiders and joins an offense with some weapons. I don't expect him to be the biggest go-to option, but he could be a good contributor.
The Newcomers
