With the NFL draft conversation beginning to warm up, it’s notable that no projected first-round pick is being linked to the Raiders more than Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith.
The Raiders may very well draft Smith, but according to Raiders insider Joe Arrigo, a significant bump in the road could develop in the form of NaVorro Bowman.
“I’ve been told re-signing NaVorro Bowman is a priority for the Raiders,” Arrigo said on the Las Vegas Raiders Report podcast. “Guenther wants him there, he wants that veteran leadership because that is exactly what that defense lacked last year.”
Historically, Gruden has benefited from veteran inside linebackers and Bowman would certainly fit the mold.
There had been mutterings that the Raiders might not make a strong effort to bring back Bowman, but with Gruden back in saddle, it sounds like Bowman’s chances of coming back are getting a bit of a boost.
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Bring him back, if you can. Just don’t break the bank to do it and sacrifice getting other quality players as a result. Bowman’s a solid, experienced veteran, but not the dominating force he once was.
If we don’t sign him something is wrong!
Bring him back. If money is a issue maybe Carr can restructure his deal for the good of the team like a true leader would do. And when Mack gets his deal I really hope Carr does what’s best for the team.
Carr already took less
His market Value according to spotrac is 5.9$ based off production but 5.9$ when considering age and injury. That’s not much at all and may even be able to get a better deal considering he has said he rather not move the family and that was major factor in signing with Oakland in first place. Demario Davis, Zack and Preston Brown and Avery Williamson are all options, but at much higher cost. Bring Bowman back and draft Leighton Vender Esch or t. Edmunds to learn behind him.
Dude is a MUST SIGN!!!
duh! with the lame slack weve had at that position, its a no brainer. agreed hashtag smiley face. im a bit concerned with the next comment report that gruden is wanting to run a 4-3 run gap defense. thats a facter we have to consider. go raiders and die hard to the core
i meant one gap
Sign Bowman and Draft Smith, those two together in a 3-4 and the Nickel will be a drastic improvement. What better mentor for Roquan and tone setter for Gruden could we have????
You know Gruden already said he wants to run a one-gap (i.e. 4-3) scheme, right?