Jon Gruden Says Raiders Aren’t Done Adding Players In Free Agency

Jon Gruden says the Raiders aren’t done adding players in free agency.

On Tuesday, at the league’s annual meeting, he elaborated on the positions where he’d like to see the Raiders get stronger.

“Our secondary is an area we’re going to continue to look at. Offensive line, offensive tackle is going to be a position we continue to look at. Wide receiver, we’re not done there. I’ll keep going. Inside pass rusher on defense is a priority.”

“Just about every position on the team,” Gruden then added with a smile.

Asked Gruden what needs are left to be addressed on #Raiders roster. Good list pic.twitter.com/l8saMh15aI

— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) March 27, 2018

One position Gruden didn’t mention is linebacker and that could be because the Raiders expect to reach a deal with their own NaVorro Bowman.

It will be interesting to see how Gruden and general manager Reggie McKenzie choose to address offensive tackle and interior defensive linemen going forward.

The free agent market has dried up at those positions and the draft may not offer enough options to address the need.

For now, the Raiders will stick with Donald Penn at left tackle, but Penn has two significant strikes working against him – he turns 35 next month and he’s coming back from a serious foot injury.

There’s also the matter of right tackle. Just a hunch, but watch Vadal Alexander – he might surprise a few people in the months ahead.

As for an interior pass rusher, the Raiders lost Denico Autry to the Colts and have really added only Tank Carradine.

That won’t be enough.

Expect new defensive coordinator to get creative with a couple of last year’s defensive ends playing more on the interior more this year.

If you happen to be taking odds on how the Raiders will spend their first-round pick this year, defensive tackle seems like the most likely as of now – with linebacker coming in a close second.

twitter: @raidersbeat