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Oakland Raiders: Jon Gruden’s offseason hits and misses

By Maurice Moton

ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden speaks during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden speaks during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO – DECEMBER 05: Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable looks on from the sideline against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 28-13. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO – DECEMBER 05: Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable looks on from the sideline against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 28-13. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /

Miss: Hiring Offensive Line Coach Tom Cable

Here’s the move that should’ve made quarterback Derek Carr cringe a bit. After leading the Raiders to 8-8 during the 2010 campaign, Tom Cable served as the offensive line coach for the Seattle Seahawks between the 2011-17 seasons.

While it’s true the Seahawks fielded a dominant ground attack with running back Marshawn Lynch and Cable working together, Russell Wilson has taken the most sacks (248) of any quarterback between the 2012-17 campaigns.

There’s an obvious nostalgic connection between Lynch and Cable, but the 31-year-old running back only has a year left on his deal. The Raiders must protect their franchise quarterback for the long term.

Carr has earned a reputation as someone who pushes for every extra yard. It’s an admirable trait for a signal-caller, but it could work against him if his pass protection isn’t solid.

Under Cable, the Seahawks sent two offensive linemen to the Pro Bowl outright, center Max Unger and offensive tackle Russell Okung. The former achieved the honor after the 2013 season.

Since that year, Seattle struggled to develop early-to-middle round draft picks at the position or help them sustain progress. The Seahawks selected six offensive linemen between Rounds 1 and 3 with Cable. He’s also had a major influence on the type of players selected for his schemes.

It’s fair to point out Cable will inherit a solid group on the interior with Kelechi Osemele, Rodney Hudson and Gabe Jackson. However, he will become instrumental in developing long-term starters at both offensive tackle positions. If there’s an issue in those areas, edge-rushers Von Miller, Justin Houston and Joey Bosa will feast on Carr as easy target coming off the edge.

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