The Las Vegas Raiders are 3-3 and need to make a move to give not only the offense, but the team a shot in the arm. In previous weeks, the chatter centered on Marvin Harrison Jr., Brian Thomas Jr., and any other wide receiver. However, there is a need that will fix far more than just the passing game.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts fired her general manager of 10 years, Chris Ballard. Many speculate an oncoming fire sale as the Colts look to potentially dump salary and begin
the tear down phase of a rebuild. One of the players rumored to be available is Guard Quenton Nelson.
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has cited a need to get better production across the offensive line. Nelson is 30 years old, an 8-time Pro Bowler and a 6-time All-Pro. Nelson has the unique set of skills that can make the entire offense better overnight.
Instant impact
With Nelson, the run blocking becomes 20% better and takes some of the stress off center Tyler Linderbaum, so he can focus on his blocking assignment instead of being a help blocker. Maybe even help him out so that running backs stop getting hit in the backfield. Combine that with a switch to Mike Washington Jr. as the number one back and suddenly the Raiders are controlling the clock on the ground, allowing the defense to rest and not be overextended.
Against the Buffalo Bills in the waning moments of the game, we saw a beautiful deep ball to Tre Tucker who came up with a diving catch in the end zone. Nelson’s pass blocking provides interior protection for the quarterbacks, be it Kirk Cousins now and/or Fernando Mendoza later. Giving receivers more time to get open and get deep, making all of the existing pass catchers better.
The fallout
Kubiak may profess a healthy respect for Spencer Burford but we can be honest in this safe space. Burford has been a liability. There is not good, and there is what Burford has been. For someone with experience in Kubiak’s system it’s inexcusable how he isn’t obtaining larger amounts of success.
Nelson erases that issue outright, helps both Kolton Miller and Linderbaum. Potentially allows for Trey Zuhn to be slid out to left tackle, if need be and keeps continuity in the better performing right side of the line.
The question is, what will it cost? Would the Colts be interested in a cheaper veteran cornerback such as Eric Stokes and a second- or third-round draft pick? If so, the deal should be done posthaste. Or perhaps a young defensive end like Malcolm Koonce? That’s where the Raiders general manager John Spytek will have to be willing to make a splash that will help his team for years to come.
