3 Players Raiders Must Consider Trading for at 2022 NFL Deadline

Josh McDaniels and the Las Vegas Raiders find themselves in an interesting spot as the 2022 NFL trade deadline approaches.

Purely based on record, they might be thrown in with the group of teams that should definitely be sellers as the November 1 deadline approaches. However, that doesn't take into account just how close their games have been.

All four of the Raiders' losses have come by a combined 14 points. They've not won a one-score game yet and are one of two teams in the AFC West with a positive point differential.

In other words, the Raiders are incredibly close to being a 4-2 team right now and having the narrative completely flipped.

That actually makes them sound more like buyers, as they should be looking for the piece that can take them over the top and get back into the playoff race after an aggressive offseason.

Here are three targets who could help get them there.

The Las Vegas Raiders offensive line has found an identity as a run-blocking unit that has allowed Josh Jacobs to run for more than 140 yards in three consecutive games.

However, the pass protection and the play of right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor remain an issue.

The former Patriot is ranked 68th of 77 tackles graded by PFF this year. The 6'4", 245-pounder is better at guard but has been forced to the outside because of Brandon Parker's injury.

The Raiders traded the Patriots for Justin Herron, but he is now on injured reserve as well, which means the team should call up New England once more.

Isaiah Wynn was benched in Week 6 and was inactive for the Patriots' game against the Bears on Monday night. He's having a rough season with eight penalties and three sacks allowed, per PFF, but McDaniels has seen him play much better.

The Raiders head coach was in New England when he posted an 82.6 grade in 2020 and a 74.9 grade last year.

It would make sense for the Raiders to swoop in and acquire Wynn for a late pick and have a real shot at finding a right tackle.

The cornerback position group has been a bit of a mess for the Raiders all season thanks to injuries.

Anthony Averett made his first appearance against the Houston Texans after suffering a broken thumb. Nate Hobbs stepped up in his absence, but he has now been placed on injured reserve while he recovers from a broken hand.

It puts additional stress on Amik Robertson, who will now need to play more reps on the inside and tests the Raiders' depth on the outside.

It's all bad news for a secondary that has given up the highest passer rating to opposing quarterbacks (104.7) in the league.

If the Raiders have any hope of clawing their way back into the playoff race, they need reinforcements in the secondary.

Fortunately, Sidney Jones IV could help, and the Seahawks should be willing to deal him. The 26-year-old has only played 45 defensive snaps this season.

His exclusion from the Seahawks lineup is interesting because he only allowed a passer rating of 84.3 last season.

That's a skill set the Raiders could use right now.

The Carolina Panthers have already shown they are willing to make a deal. They have sent Robbie Anderson to the Arizona Cardinals and Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers.

The Raiders might be able to address their tackle problem this season by making a call to Carolina.

The Panthers already have their starters at both tackle spots. Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu has been a Day 1 starter as a rookie, and the team seems content to let him gain experience, even if it isn't always pretty.

On the right side, they have Taylor Moton, who has a considerable amount of money and cash left on his contract that expires in 2026.

That leaves veteran swing tackle Cameron Erving without much of a path to playing time. He played in nine games last season, allowing three sacks.

Improved pass protection and secondary play should be the two things the Raiders are looking to address. Erving could help with the first one while costing much less than Isaiah Wynn.