With the 2022 NFL season a week away, the Raiders are trying to move forward from the past Regime. The Jon Gruden era from 2018-2021 for the Las Vegas Raiders was a complete disaster for all involved. From Gruden’s past emails to bad trades and free agency signings, Gruden’s past draft picks will be the ones to look out for in 2022. Gruden’s draft picks from 2019 to 2021, were mostly busts, especially the 2019 class. From the perspective; of the 2019 First round Raiders, this looks to be the last chance for some. Some of the players in the draft class have shown some potential, but others have lost that chance.
The 2019 First Round Picks
The 2019 draft was a complete disaster, with Gruden and Mike Mayock at the helm. Las Vegas 2019 draft class for the Raiders includes first-round picks Clelin Ferrell, Josh Jacobs, and Johnathan Abram, who got their fifth-year options declined. Clelin Ferrell was a high reach for Gruden and has bitten the team with weak production. Another first-round pick Josh Jacobs, while a decent running back for the team with two one thousand-yard seasons, is a disappointment for some due to not providing value at the position. The last first-round pick in the 2019 draft for the Raiders was Johnathan Abram, who has an abysmal career.
What Happens Now
While the rest of the 2019 draft for the Raiders turn out well, with Hunter Renfrow, Maxx Crosby, and Foster Moreau being good pieces to the team, the first round was, in hindsight, a disaster. The players are in their last year with the team and will need to perform well this season. With the 2022 season coming, Clelin Ferrell, Josh Jacobs, and Jonathan Abram will need to outperform this season. They will need to step up for longevity and a guaranteed payday for all involved. This season will show the players in the Raiders system that they might be able to succeed or fall apart, ushering in another failure from the Gruden era.
