The Raiders presently do not have a quarterback considered as their long-term franchise player…
The Raiders currently lack a franchise quarterback, and the starting quarterback position is expected to be contested between Aidan O’Connell, a fourth-round pick in 2023, and the newly signed Gardner Minshew. This competition is likely unless the team opts for a quarterback in the first round of the upcoming draft. However, with the 13th overall pick, it’s improbable for the Raiders to secure a quarterback capable of challenging the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert from the Chiefs and Chargers, respectively. Consequently, the team must explore alternative avenues to strengthen their roster. The recent signing of Wilkins is a strategic move aimed at steering the team toward competitiveness against the formidable quarterbacks in their division.
While Wilkins may not reach the level of Chris Jones, the Raiders understand the impact a dominant player in the middle can have on an entire defense. Wilkins, with his ability to draw attention in the middle, can alleviate pressure on other players, allowing them to disrupt opponents. Notably, NFL Next Gen Stats reveal that Wilkins recorded 18 double-team pressures last season, ranking fifth among defensive tackles. In contrast, Raiders’ defensive tackles collectively managed 15 double-team pressures, which was the fourth-lowest in the league. This acquisition is a valuable addition to a defense that showcased considerable improvement under interim head coach Antonio Pierce in the latter half of the previous season.
