Raiders' Biggest Questions to Answer in 2022 NFL Preseason
The Las Vegas Raiders are a team with a ton of potential in 2022, but that doesn't come without questions.
They have done a lot to improve and there's a case to be made they are one of the most improved teams in the NFL. However, they are in an AFC West division that has little margin for error.
Fortunately, the Raiders still have three more preseason games to solidify their roster and improve their odds at a hot start to the season.
After getting a bit of run in the Hall of Fame Game, they have three more contests in which to crystallize their depth chart before starting the season on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 11.
Here's a look at three questions they need to figure out over the next few weeks.
Do They Need to Add a Veteran Offensive Lineman?
There's no question the biggest unknown for the offense is how much the O-line will be improved next season.
Based on last year's performances and the personnel they have returning, the unit is ranked 29th by PFF's preseason rankings. Since then, they've potentially gotten worse as that list was compiled before Denzelle Good's retirement. PFF had the veteran penciled in as the starter at left guard.
That spot is now up for grabs, with John Simpson listed as the starter and rookie Dylan Parham behind him on the team's depth chart. But the most important position battle is the one that's going on at right tackle.
Alex Leatherwood is listed as the starter after a rough campaign as a rookie in which he was ultimately kicked to the inside after initial struggles on the edge. Brandon Paker has taken the majority of the first-team reps in camp, though, per Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
The question is whether the options the Raiders have in-house are enough. There are multiple veteran free agents who could help the team up front. Daryl Williams remains unsigned and has experience at both right tackle and guard.
Eric Fisher and Bobby Massie highlight the names if they are in search of a pure tackle. More possibilities are bound to open up as teams cut down their rosters to 53.
The Raiders need to figure out if they should be combing the waiver wire when that happens.
Who Will Be the Third Pass-Rusher?
The Raiders figure to have a productive pass-rushing tandem in Chandler Jones and Maxx Crosby. Both are threats to have double-digit sacks.
However, building depth among pass-rushers is always key. With Jones entering his age-32 season and missing 11 games in 2020, it's good to have depth.
Clelin Ferrell is the team's most experienced edge defender outside of the big two, but he's been disappointing as a pass-rusher. He had just 1.5 sacks in 16 games last season. If his contract wasn't fully guaranteed this season, it wouldn't be shocking to see them just part ways.
Kyler Fackrell's season-ending injury hasn't helped the team's search for answers.
Malcolm Koonce made a case for himself in the Hall of Fame Game. He had a pass deflection and, while he didn't have a sack, he was seen in the backfield. He saw action in five games last season and had two sacks with two tackles for loss.
Kendal Vickers notched the only sack in the game against the Jaguars from the interior. Koonce provided pressure on the play, but the hope should be that the young edge defenders start racking up some sacks of their own.
With three more games, the Raiders should be looking to rest Jones and Crosby while searching for their third rotational rusher.
What Will the Interior Defensive Line Look Like?
The offensive side of the ball isn't the only one with questions hanging over it.
The Raiders have struggled on the interior of the defensive line as well. Last season, the defensive tackles were short on splash plays. Quinton Jefferson led the way with 4.5 sacks and three tackles for loss but he's now with the Seattle Seahawks.
The team added Bilal Nichols, Vernon Butler, Tyler Lancaster and Kyle Peko in free agency. They also drafted Neil Farrell Jr. and Matthew Butler in the fourth and fifth rounds, respectively. That's a sure sign the front office saw a need and worked to address it.
It's also a lot of players fighting for a spot in the rotation.
That doesn't even include Vickers after getting the only sack for the Raiders in the Hall of Fame Game.
It's a good mix of veterans and young talent hungry to make an impression. Their extended tryout over the next three games is something to keep an eye on.