ESPN recently conducted an NFL power ranking for the next three years.
It is the typical July forage and is simply meant to have a good time. It really doesn’t mean anything and Raiders fans should keep that in mind because it didn’t go very well …
Las Vegas ranked 19th in this long-term power ranking. The most recent 2020 power ratings I’ve seen have the Raiders in the 20-24 range. Sadly, ESPN’s long-term outlook for the Raiders isn’t much better.
I tend to disagree. It would rank the Raiders higher on this rating in the long run, and would likely enter the 12-15 range.
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The 2019 draft class, with players like running back Josh Jacobs, passing runner Maxx Crosby, safety Johnathan Abram, tight end Foster Moreau and slot receiver Hunter Renfrow, among others, has a chance to be cool. The team is also excited about its 2020 draft class.
Here’s a young core, and the Raiders don’t have a lot of holes. Also, they are in good long-term salary shape.
Las Vegas is poised to become a playoff contender soon and, most importantly, remain a playoff contender. The key, of course, is growth in defense and quarterback play. If Derek Carr plays well, he will be the Raiders’ quarterback for the next three years.
Maybe that’s why ESPN is concerned about the Raiders’ near future, due to a lack of faith in Carr. But the Raiders are building around them, so it wouldn’t surprise me if the Raiders exceed ESPN’s expectations.
The problem, of course, is that the Chiefs are poised to be champions again in the next three years. Also, if Drew Lock and Justin Herbert perform well for the Broncos and Chargers, respectively, the entire AFC West will be strong. But that is out of the Raiders’ control. If they take care of their businesses, they will have the opportunity to take a big step in the next three seasons.
