With The First Pick
Fansided

Raiders 2021 NFL Draft primer: Can Gruden get over the hump?

By Dylan Grimm

Nov 29, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach John Gruden looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach John Gruden looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Raiders. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

The Las Vegas Raiders did not finish the 2020 season how they would have liked after going 8-8 and failing to make the playoffs for the second season under Head Coach Jon Gruden. After getting off to a hot 6-3 start with wins over the rival Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, and the Cleveland Browns (all playoff teams) the Raiders finished the season in a terrible fashion. The Raiders finished the season losing five of their last seven games in the regular season. With how competitive the AFC was in 2020 despite the additional playoff spot, going .500 wasn’t good enough to make the playoffs.

While the Raiders were excited for their first season in their new home of Las Vegas and playing in the beautiful, brand new Allegiant Stadium they had to play with zero fans due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Raiders had a rough first year in their new home and it showed that playing without crazy and loud fans in attendance the Raiders aren’t as good.

How can the Raiders improve in 2021 NFL Draft?

The Black Hole fan section is notorious for being one of the best home-field advantages in terms of fan support. The Raiders only managed to squeak out just two wins in their new home. Hopefully having some fans in attendance in 2021 will help change those losses into some wins for the new Raiders fans in Las Vegas.

After going 7-9 in 2019 and 8-8 in 2020, year three will be a big one for Jon Gruden and General Manager Mike Mayock to show that the team they have built is ready to compete on a higher level with a successful 2021 NFL Draft.

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