NFL Offseason Fixer-Uppers: Four Ways Raiders Can Improve in 2023
Analysis 3/8/23
In an ongoing offseason series, experts from The 33rd Team offer things each team can do to improve in 2023.
AFC: BAL | BUF | CIN | CLE | HOU | JAX | LAC | MIA | NE | NYJ | PIT | TEN
NFC: ATL | CAR | DAL | DET | GB | LAR | MIN | NYG | PHI | SEA | SF | TB
Here are four ways to improve the Las Vegas Raiders for the 2023 NFL season.
4 Ways to Improve Raiders
1. Find a Franchise Quarterback
They've moved on from Derek Carr. I think the best fit is Jimmy Garoppolo. He's a quarterback that knows the system. Garoppolo spent time with coach Josh McDaniels as a young player for the New England Patriots. He's had success with the San Francisco 49ers, although he's had difficulty finishing seasons.
What makes the most sense is to go out and get Garoppolo, then use one of those later draft picks, maybe in the second or third round, and see if you can find a developmental, young quarterback prospect you like. You can bring that player into the program to develop and train in the system.
2. Continue Investing in Offensive Line
It was a problem last year, not only in terms of the running game, but the protection affected Carr. If the Raiders don't make any changes this offseason, the lack of pass protection will affect a quarterback like Garoppolo, who doesn't have great mobility.
3. Get Pass-Rush Help
Maxx Crosby is one of the best players at his position, but he can't do it alone. The Raiders had 27 sacks last year. That was 30th in the NFL. If you compare that with the Philadelphia Eagles' 70 sacks and the Kansas City Chiefs' 55 sacks, you can see why the Chiefs and the Eagles were in the Super Bowl. The Raiders have to find better ways to impact and get to the quarterbacks, particularly in the AFC West.
4. Add Playmakers in Secondary
They need help in the secondary, both at cornerback and at safety. The Raiders have struggled the last four or five years at creating negative plays and taking the ball away. They had 13 takeaways last year, which was the fewest in the NFL. They've been at the bottom of the league over the last decade. The Raiders just don't have a lot of playmakers on the edges and at the safety position.
Rich Gannon played 18 seasons in the NFL and won the league’s Most Valuable Player award in 2002 when he led the Oakland Raiders to Super Bowl XXXVII. Follow him on Twitter at @RichGannon12.