Silver Minings: Was signing Kenyan Drake the Raiders’ biggest offseason mistake?

Yesterday, the focus was praising the Las Vegas Raiders’ signing of wide receiver John Brown.

Now talk has flipped to what might have been their biggest offseason blunder so far: Signing running back Kenyan Drake to a two-year deal with $11 million in guaranteed to backup Josh Jacobs.

Pro Football Focus’ Anthony Treash believes that the Drake deal was Gruden and co.’s worst mistake of the 2021 offseason to date:

“Las Vegas was reportedly attracted to Drake’s ability to produce in the passing game. While he certainly has gotten the opportunity to make plays as a pass-catcher throughout his five-year career with the Dolphins and Cardinals, his grades don’t match the hype. Drake ranks 51st among 57 qualifying running backs in receiving grade since he entered the NFL in 2016, a major factor in him owning a single-season career-best WAR ranking of 24th (2018) at the position.”

Coincidentally (or not), NFL Twitter also reminded us on Wednesday of how fast Drake is when he really puts his foot on the gas:

In other Raiders’ links:

• Marcus Mariota talks about why he took a pay cut to stay with the Raiders. “I feel like this team, this organization, has allowed me the opportunity to get healthy, to get better ... I appreciate the loyalty and was excited to come back,” Derek Carr’s back up QB told the Star Advertiser.
• Trent Brown says “not hard feelings or anything” ... but the Raiders weren’t a good fit. The former Las Vegas offensive tackle who recently signed back with the Patriots also said that playing in New England is “fun” — so there you have it.
• The Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vinny Bonsignore likes what he sees in new Raiders’ center Nick Martin.
• Martin could also play guard for the Raiders if he loses out to Andre James as starting center, as the former Houston Texan says guard is still part of his game.
• Yahoo Sports looks at the Raiders offensive line in the wake of re-signing Richie Incognito and Denzelle Good.