Big Cat Country
Gain intel on the enemy as the Jaguars prepare to face the Raiders in Week 16.
As the Jacksonville Jaguars prepare to play the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 16, we sat down with Matt Holder of Silver & Black Pride to learn more about the opposing side.
Question 1: As ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky said last week, Shedeur Sanders’ desire to land with the Raiders in the 2025 NFL Draft “feels like the worst-kept secret in sports right now.” Do you think Sanders to Las Vegas is inevitable? At the very least, is selecting a passer in the first round a sure thing for Las Vegas?
There have been plenty of signs that Sanders wants to or is at least interested in playing for the Raiders, dating back to the summer. So there is merit to those rumors and Orlovksy’s comments.
Owner Mark Davis recently told reporters he isn’t mandating that general manager Tom Telesco drafts a quarterback in the first round. But, let’s be honest, it’s the team’s biggest need and you can’t win in this league without a decent quarterback.
I’d be shocked if they passed on a passer, especially since Las Vegas will likely have a top draft pick. As far as if they’ll take Sanders specifically, I’m about 75 percent confident he’ll be wearing Silver and Black in 2025. The extra 25 percent comes from my personal preference for Cam Ward and I could see Telesco liking Ward’s potential more than Sander’s.
Question 2: Beyond quarterback, which position groups should the Raiders prioritize upgrading this offseason?
Cornerback would be the next biggest need, in my opinion. The defense doesn’t have a true No. 1 at the position and could use a shutdown corner. The wide receiver room is in a similar boat, although Brock Bowers has made a strong case as a rookie that the offense can run through him, similar to what Kansas City does with Travis Kelce.
After that, the Raiders have a good amount of needs where any position could be on the table. Kolton Miller has been a stud, but he’s entering a contract year in 2025 and has battled several injuries while getting up there in age. So, I could see the front office targeting a left tackle to serve as Miller’s replacement. Also, linebacker and safety will be priorities if Robert Spillane and Tre’von Moehrig aren’t re-signed.
Question 3: How would you gameplan against this Raiders offense (which no longer has Davante Adams) and defense (which no longer has Maxx Crosby)?
If a defense can stop Bowers, the Raiders are pretty easy to keep in check offensively. Jakobi Meyers has been a good No. 2 receiver to hurt you every now and again. But Meyers can’t do it alone if Bowers is held in check and the offense doesn’t have many weapons beyond those two. The running game had improved with Sincere McCormick toting the rock, but McCormick...
