Three reasons to be optimistic about the Las Vegas Raiders

The roster is better than the 6-11 record in 2022 indicates. Las Vegas has a Pro Bowler at defensive end in Maxx Crosby and another one in running back Josh Jacobs, a free agent Las Vegas wants back. With the right quarterback, this team could return to the playoffs. 

Here are three reasons for Raiders fans to be optimistic:

1. The Davante Adams trade worked 

Trading 2022 first- and second-round picks for the former Green Bay wideout proved worth the price. Adams led the NFL in receiving TDs (14) and made first-team All-Pro for the third straight season. 

Adams, who has caught 100 or more passes for three consecutive seasons, could make Las Vegas an enticing destination for a veteran quarterback, perhaps his former teammate, Aaron Rodgers. Per Oddschecker, Las Vegas is favored to be his NFL home in 2023.  

2. Lots of cap space

Per OverTheCap, the Raiders have the third-highest cap space in the league ($48.4 million), giving them the ability to make a splash in free agency.

Las Vegas could replace longtime QB Derek Carr, who it recently released, with free agent Jimmy Garoppolo. In 10 starts, Jimmy G posted the league's third-best passer rating (103.0). Also, he knows the Raiders' system since he played for HC Josh McDaniels while he served as New England's offensive coordinator. 

The Raiders need defensive help, especially in the pass-rush department. Las Vegas ranked 30th in sacks (27) in 2022. Philadelphia DT Javon Hargrave could aid the line immensely. He had 11 sacks in 17 games, tied for second on the Eagles, a unit that led the league in sacks (70). 

3. No. 7 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft

With the seventh overall pick, Las Vegas could select a potential franchise QB. Per ESPN's Todd McShay, it will take Kentucky's Will Levis, who is well-suited for its system.

"He has a huge arm to drive the ball downfield to Adams," he wrote.  

The Raiders will have plenty of non-QB options with the pick, too. Clemson DE Myles Murphy and Northwestern OT Peter Skoronski could be available. Skoronski is Mel Kiper Jr's. No.1 offensive line prospect and Murphy is Kiper Jr's No.2 defensive end prospect.