Oakland Raiders: Jon Gruden's offseason hits and misses

Oakland Raiders: Jon Gruden’s offseason hits and misses

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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OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 27: Running back Jamize Olawale #49 of the Oakland Raiders has his helmet ripped off by inside linebacker Wesley Woodyard #59 of the Tennessee Titans in the first half of their preseason football game at the Oakland Coliseum on August 27, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Miss: Trading FB Jamize Olawale

The decision to trade fullback Jamize Olawale retrieved a fifth-round pick in return. Still, it’s a bit of a head-scratcher. The Raiders signed Keith Smith who plays the same position, but he isn’t nearly as versatile.

Among the underutilized players on the roster, Olawale profiled as someone who could’ve broken out with a career year as a playmaker under Gruden.

When healthy, Olawale didn’t handle many carries for the Raiders, but he’s a capable alternative short-yardage option to Lynch in the backfield.

Under Musgrave during the 2016 term, Olawale caught 12 passes for 227 yards and finished with three total touchdowns. That year goes down as the peak of his tenure as a Raider.

It’s not a huge miss for Gruden. Typically, fullbacks don’t move the needle. However, the unit lost an offensive asset who can present matchup issues for the defense. Fortunately, Oakland has a fifth-round pick to compensate the loss.

Smith will likely fill the traditional role as a blocking fullback in the ground attack and a core special teamer.

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