LAST SEASON: Raiders entered 2017 full of optimism following 12-win season and first playoff berth in 14 years in 2016. Little went right for Oakland as QB Derek Carr regressed Shelby Harris Jersey , defense struggled and coach Jack Del Rio was fired following third season. Jon Gruden returns to Raiders in charge of team that had plenty of holes. Defense struggled to generate pass rush or strong coverage in secondary as opponents easily picked apart unit. Offensive line that was so stout in 2016 showed some holes, contributing to Carr's struggles. WR Amari Cooper plagued by drops and had major dropoff following two straight 1,000-yard seasons. RB Marshawn Lynch provided boost in second half of season in return from retirement but Beast Mode wasn't enough to carry team to success.
POSSIBLE FIRST PICK: LB Roquan Smith, Georgia; CB Denzel Ward, Ohio State; LB Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech; DT Vita Vea, Washington.
OUTLOOK: Team is being remade in Gruden's vision with significant changes made in free agency. Gone are stalwarts WR Michael Crabtree; CBs David Amerson Gary Zimmerman Jersey , Sean Smith and TJ Carrie; and specialists Marquette King, Sebastian Janikowski, Jon Condo and Cordarrelle Patterson. Most of newcomers added so far are either in their 30s or role players, making draft key for finding more foundation pieces to team with Carr, Cooper and Khalil Mack. Linebacker and cornerback have been positions of need for years and still need help. Tackle also could be important with potential hole on right side and LT Donald Penn nearing end of career.
Following a whirlwind opening night in the NFL draft, the Baltimore Ravens can kick back during the second round before getting down to business.
On Day 2 of the draft, the Ravens have two third-round picks: the first one and No. 83 overall.
At least that's how it stands now.
If the first round taught us anything Tyler Kroft Jersey , it's that nothing can be taken for granted when Ozzie Newsome is calling the shots in the draft room.
On Thursday night, Newsome twice traded back before picking South Carolina tight end Hayden Hurst at No. 25.
Then Newsome jumped back into the fray after it seemed the Ravens were done. He swapped his second-round pick, a fourth-rounder and a 2019 second-round pick to the Eagles to get No. 32, which garnered Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson.
So, heading into Friday, the Ravens hope to garner success with the third-round pick they got from Buffalo on Thursday night and No. 83, which Newsome somehow found a way to retain.
Having added a much-needed tight end and his quarterback of the future Mike White Jersey , Newsome and the Ravens can focus Friday addressing some of their other needs.
A right tackle, a center, a wide receiver and a pass-rushing defensive end are among the priorities.
"We got some really good opportunities," said assistant general manager Eric DeCosta, who will take over for Newsome in 2019. "We're in good shape."
DJ-Mixradio
Thema drucken
31.08.2018 04:23
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