Grading the Raiders’ offensive acquisitions

While the Raiders were rumored to have interest in the NFL’s top free agent, quarterback Tom Brady, they ultimately were not in the running for the six-time Super Bowl champion who is now a Buccaneer.

Most of their moves in free agency on offense were about depth.

Marcus Mariota has a chance to push starting quarterback Derek Carr for playing time. The Raiders don’t need a starting guard, but Eric Kush has starting experience and provides valuable depth.

Darren Waller had a breakout season at tight end in 2019, and Jason Witten can provide leadership for him and rising second-year TE Foster Moreau. And while he’s probably most famous for his drops, wide receiver Nelson Agholor offers some draft flexibility.

Here’s a look at their offensive acquisitions.

QB MARCUS MARIOTA

FILE - In this Jan. 19, 2020, file photo, Tennessee Titans' quarterback Marcus Mariota warms up ... — FILE - In this Jan. 19, 2020, file photo, Tennessee Titans' quarterback Marcus Mariota warms up before the NFL AFC Championship football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo. The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed on a contract with free agent Mariota to provide an experienced backup behind starter Derek Carr. A person familiar with the deal said Monday, March 16, 2020, the Raiders reached the deal with the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

FORMER TEAM: Titans

AGE: 26

NFL EXPERIENCE: Five years

STRENGTHS: Mariota has always been a dual threat, which is part of why he became a Heisman Trophy winner at Oregon. At his best, he’s using his arm and his legs to make plays.

WEAKNESSES: Mariota’s accuracy and pocket presence have fallen off, particularly in 2019. In six starts, Mariota completed only 59.4 percent of his passes and was sacked on 13.5 percent of dropbacks. Ryan Tannehill was sacked on only 9.8 percent of his dropbacks behind the same offensive line.

FIT WITH RAIDERS: As a former No. 2 overall pick, Mariota has talent. At worst, he’s an experienced backup — which every team needs. At best, he could replace Carr as the starter — mimicking what happened to him in Tennessee in 2019.

GRADE: A

TE JASON WITTEN

FILE - In this Aug. 29, 2019, file photo, Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) smiles as ... — FILE - In this Aug. 29, 2019, file photo, Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) smiles as he gives a broadcast interview from the sideline in the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in Arlington, Texas. Witten is returning to Monday Night Football in his more accustomed role as the Dallas Cowboys’ tight end and not a television analyst for the ESPN production. Witten didn’t know if ESPN asked to have him miked for the game, but wanted no part of it. He said he has done it before and he didn’t like. His focus this week is to help the Cowboys build for their big win over the Eagles two weeks ago (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins, File)

FORMER TEAM: Cowboys

AGE: 37

NFL EXPERIENCE: 16 years

STRENGTHS: Witten has been a solid route runner his entire career. He knows how to get open, and his size still makes him a matchup issue. He can be a great target on third down.

WEAKNESSES: Witten is not fast, especially given his age. Unlikely to win a footrace.

FIT WITH RAIDERS: With Waller and Moreau already in tow, Witten has a chance to be a coach on the field. He can provide value through his leadership. And with 27 of his 63 receptions last year going for first downs, Witten can still move the chains.

GRADE: B

WR NELSON AGHOLOR

FILE - In this Oct. 13, 2019 file photo, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor runs ... — FILE - In this Oct. 13, 2019 file photo, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor runs upfield after catching a pass during the first half of the team's NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis. The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to a one-year contract with free agent Agholor to add a veteran receiver on offense. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File)

FORMER TEAM: Eagles

AGE: 26

NFL EXPERIENCE: Five years

STRENGTHS: Agholor has mainly been used in the slot with the Eagles over the last few years. He is an adept route runner who can separate.

WEAKNESSES: Too many drops.

FIT WITH RAIDERS: Agholor has experience, and his one-year contract for just more than $1 million means he’s a low risk/high reward signing. But the Raiders still need to improve at the position through the draft. They’re likely to get a WR at No. 12 overall.

GRADE: C

G ERIC KUSH

Cleveland Browns offensive guard Eric Kush warms up before an NFL preseason football game betwe ... — Cleveland Browns offensive guard Eric Kush warms up before an NFL preseason football game between the Washington Redskins and the Cleveland Browns, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

FORMER TEAM: Browns

AGE: 30

NFL EXPERIENCE: Seven years

STRENGTHS: Kush has experience being a backup and has started a total of 18 games for the Bears and Browns over the last three seasons. He’s a better pass blocker than run blocker.

WEAKNESSES: According to his Pro Football Focus grades, run blocking is Kush’s weakness. He has graded out in the high 40s in the last two seasons, which would rank among the bottom 10 of guards who played at least 50 percent of his team’s snaps.

FIT WITH RAIDERS: Kush is not expected to be a starter, with Gabe Jackson and Richie Incognito solidly in place. But should an injury occur — and based on history, one will — Kush can step in as a starter.

GRADE: B+

TE NICK O’LEARY

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Nick O'Leary during the second half of an NFL football game in O ... — Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Nick O'Leary during the second half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

FORMER TEAM: Jaguars

AGE: 27

NFL EXPERIENCE: Five years

STRENGTHS: O’Leary is a solid pass blocker as an in-line tight end. And he’s made receptions when targeted. He has a career 69 percent catch rate. He also can contribute on special teams.

WEAKNESSES: O’Leary is fairly limited. He’s only been targeted 77 times in his five NFL seasons.

FIT WITH RAIDERS: The Raiders have a lot of options at tight end, and on paper, O’Leary is jockeying for position with Derek Carrier at the bottom of the group. Like Luke Willson last year, O’Leary may not make the team out of training camp.

GRADE: D

Contact Myles Simmons at msimmons@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0350. Follow @MylesASimmons on Twitter.