In the weeks leading up to the Raiders’ initial campaign in Las Vegas — which coincides with the third year of a roster rebuild — there was something missing. Something big.
There were no preseason games. Not a reduced stretch of games, as some have called for, but none whatsoever.
Every NFL team had the same situation, due to the spread of COVID-19, but it was a particularly bad blow for the Raiders. Much of the young roster needs more seasoning, especially the rookies.
But this year, they must find their form quickly because these games count, starting this weekend against the Panthers. Coach Jon Gruden is confident his young roster is prepared.
“We’ve done all we can to get them ready,” Gruden told reporters on Wednesday. “We’re confident in these young people. That’s why we brought them here.”
Gruden mentioned that in 2018, his first year back with the Raiders, he started two rookie offensive tackles in Kolton Miller and Brandon Parker. Last season, Las Vegas relied on two rookies in the backfield with Josh Jacobs and Alec Ingold. Rookie wide receiver Hunter Renfrow started in the slot.
“We’re rebuilding the team. Now we’re starting to see the products of our labor,” Gruden said. “And we’re hoping that [Damon] Arnette and [Henry] Ruggs and [Bryan] Edwards are up to the challenge because Carolina is going to challenge them.”
Defensive back Damon Arnette and wide receivers Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards are listed as rookie starters on the Raiders’ initial depth chart. Arnette and Ruggs III are both first-round picks, and Edwards is the next highest-drafted rookie on the team.
How they respond to their first NFL action could reveal a lot about their skill, and of their character.
They’re bound to make mistakes they could have made in the preseason and will have to persevere with live bullets flying. Any miscue by Arnette is likely to be extremely visible, as well, due to his position.
But Gruden is confident. And why wouldn’t he be? It’s year three of his run as coach, and many roster pieces are in place. He and general manager Mike Mayock have targeted tough, competitive players, just the type that can fight through rough patches.
Now, it’s up to these three rookies to embrace the challenge and thrive in Las Vegas, along with the rest of the youthful roster and their veteran leadership.
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