A turbulent first week of free agency left everyone’s head spinning, and Raiders fans are understandably in need of advice to try to make sense of it all.
Here is a sample of questions that arrived in our mailbox:
Matt Berger (@matt_berger): Now that Tent Brown, Gabe Jackson and Rodney Hudson are gone and a lot of defensive line signings, does the first round of the draft focus on the tackle on the right or can they still go to DL?
Vincent Bonsignore: It depends on what happens the rest of the way in the free agency, since there are still possibilities of a certain attack in the market and, if there is, it could mean going in a different direction in the draft. But being such a deep draft in the tackle, it definitely makes sense for them to take advantage of a young, accessible and under control player. Especially with the Kolton Miller contract coming up and an extension on the horizon.
Darren Waller Burner (@______dawg): Do you think John Brown and Henry Ruggs will complement each other?
Bonsignore: For the way football is today, putting as many fast weapons on the pitch is very important. The combination of Ruggs and Brown, along with Darren Waller, Bryan Edwards and Hunter Renfrow, has a chance to really fit in a way that puts a ton of pressure on defense and gives Derek Carr a lot of options.
Wong Hou Shun (@Houshun): Does Jon Gruden have any credibility issues among the players? It’s a big red flag when quality players are asking to leave. Did your strategy of dealing with Gabe Jackson and Richie Incognito discourage Rodney Hudson?
Bonsignore: Not buying this narrative in any way. Frankly, everything seemed to be more about money than anything else. It is understandable when veteran players do not accept the proposal to accept a salary cut. This is pretty much the standard across the NFL. The Raiders needed to gain a better financial understanding of the offensive line, especially with the Kolton Miller contract extension approaching. And at some points, they just wanted to be younger. Any resulting unhappiness was the result of that reality. In the case of Hudson. it can also be a situation where he wants to go somewhere where the victory of a championship seems more imminent. But the feeling is that it had nothing to do with personal problems with coaches.
Silver and Black (@ Godfather2212): How much influence do you think Gus Bradley has on current free defense agents?
Bonsignore: Significantly, and that was a big reason why Jon Gruden and the Raiders wanted a proven coach like Bradley. It’s not just the track record of success, it’s the ability to identify talent in the draft and in the free agency.
Rick Johnston (@ rick_j1022): Where are we bringing talent in high school?
Bonsignore: The understanding is that the Raiders have some fires going in the cornerback and free safety, but the asking price is too high for them. Players are understandably looking for as much as possible, but the market is not ready this year for players to make money. The Raiders are hoping that some players will lower their expectations, and the feeling is that they will attack at some point.
Johnk101790 (@ johnk101790): Is free security a free agency plan or just a draft?
Bonsignore: I would not be surprised if it were both. It makes sense for Raiders to add players safely both ways.
Contact Vincent Bonsignore at [email protected]. follow @VinnyBonsignore on twitter.