Sam Monson is an analytical machine over at Pro Football Focus, and recently released his “101 Best NFL Players Right Now” piece. Quite the feat, as the list is packed with a ton of detail and reasoning as to why each player is slotted where they are.
I understand there are two camps when it comes to PFF and how they approach evaluations: those who take their work as gospel, and those who gloss over the numbers and pay their “grading system” no mind. Regarding this list in particular: of course there are a handful of players I’d move around but overall, I think the rankings are fairly accurate and straightforward, a list a majority can appreciate.
Let’s see where a few of our favorite Raiders landed.
To the surprise of very few at this point (friendly reminder, as Sam pointed out above: Mack is entering the third year of his career), Raiders all-world DE/LB Khalil Mack finds himself firmly inside the top ten. If I was a betting man, I’d bank on Mack climbing a few more spots after this season. With the addition of Bruce Irvin and Aldon Smith becoming available down the stretch, coupled with other rotational pieces along the line via the draft, the sky’s the limit for 52.
Reggie McKenzie’s prized acquisition this offseason figures to boost an already solid offensive line for Oakland. Marshal Yanda (13), Zack Martin (35), Josh Sitton (49), T.J. Lang (57), Richie Incognito (62), and Trai Turner (63) all check in before the Raiders’ guard and his newly found fat wallet. I think you can debate a couple of those names but overall, fair spot for Osemele who has a chance to be the best in the business. Paired with Gabe Jackson, the Raiders might roll out the top guard combo in the NFL.
Related:
Best offensive line in 2016? @PFF_Matt takes a look at the Raiders and Cowboys: https://t.co/cEm6u4a8dk pic.twitter.com/MefLQIHosm
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) March 29, 2016
I won’t spend much time here.
He had his drops.
He just turned 22.
Loop this:
Ridiculous.
Absolutely ridiculous.That's just @AmariCooper9 making an entire defense miss… NBD. #HBDAmari https://t.co/jsJA7ffg8t
— NFL (@NFL) June 18, 2016
One of ten quarterbacks to make the cut, Carr’s arrow is pointing directly north. With Amari Cooper and Clive Walford, the reliable Michael Crabtree, and an upgraded offensive line (I’m looking at you as well, Latavius), expect another jump from the Raiders’ signal-caller. We should see a player who’s a lot more comfortable, and the playbook open up as such.
But don’t just listen to me, take it from the author himself:
Could @RAIDERS' Derek Carr be the next great NFL QB?@PFF_Sam explains why he has a shot: https://t.co/OfWpav4l3h pic.twitter.com/07mc7qERYW
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) June 14, 2016
Final note on Carr and his ranking: bias aside, I’d comfortably rank him above Matt Ryan (69) as it stands currently.
I figured we’d see one or both of Gabe Jackson and Rodney Hudson on this list; perhaps they join this group next year. I’ve already tabbed Big Gabe for a Pro Bowl appearance, and perhaps All-Pro honors. Sean Smith was omitted as well, one I wouldn’t debate. Seeing a small handful of young corners make the cut (Desmond Trufant namely) brings you right back to that D.J. Hayden selection however. Not quite over that one yet.
The core is in place for a young Raiders team in 2016 and going forward.
Will the wins follow?
Catch me on Twitter: @StillRyanFive
