During his four seasons in New England, Chandler Jones played for Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who coached the defensive line and linebackers.
Vincent Bonsignore
Vinny has covered the Raiders extensively in the past, breaking news on their eventual move to Las Vegas and their thwarted return to Los Angeles. Before joining the Review-Journal, he covered the Rams for The Athletic and the Los Angeles Daily News.
Rock Ya-Sin could play a big role for the Raiders as a trusted cornerback, either as a starter or a key sub-package defensive back.
The Raiders are reworking their defensive line by adding DE Chandler Jones, trading Yannick Ngakoue and releasing DE Carl Nassib.
With other teams signing other cornerbacks, the Raiders are in better position to snag the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
The Raiders have opted for a more quiet start to their offseason roster tinkering while watching the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos add impact players.
With holes to fill, the Raiders have roughly $33 million to work with under the $208.2 million cap and will add $11 million after the Cory Littleton transaction is completed.
Defensive end Maxx Crosby will remain in Las Vegas on a four-year contract for a reported $98.98 million and $53 million guaranteed.
With free agency looming, don’t expect the Raiders to overreact to the Chargers signing Khalil Mack.
Patrick Graham sees a sturdy foundation of players on defense. And that is before some of the expected reinforcements arrive via free agency and the draft.
Raiders fullback Alec Ingold will become a free agent after the club opts against tendering him. The Raiders also will release linebacker Cory Littleton.
The Raiders feel the impact of Aaron Rodgers staying in Green Bay and Russell Wilson being traded to the Broncos.
The power structure created by Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler already feels different than the one left behind by Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock.
With this front office, it will be interesting to see if the Raiders build a draft board simply reflecting their feelings on the best players from A to Z — and remain true to it.
The strong wide receiver performance at the scouting combine bodes well for the Raiders. The 2022 draft class offers as much explosiveness as any in recent history.
The Raiders aren’t in a rush to decide on where Alex Leatherwood will play on the offensive line. He is a key to what direction the Raiders take.