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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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 10: Ka’imi Fairbairn #7, Breno Giacomini #68 and Jon Weeks #46 of the Houston Texans celebrate a field goal against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Miss: Signing OT Breno Giacomini

There’s a connection between offensive tackle Breno Giacomini and Cable dating back to their days with the Seahawks. Gruden has decided to pair players with coaches on staff via familiarity.

However, Giacomini has struggled as a starter on three different teams. In 2010, the Seahawks plucked him off the Packers practice squad. He started 33 games under Cable. Despite holding his spot, the former fifth-rounder struggled with penalties and listed as a below-average run-blocker in Seattle, per Pro Football Focus.

Giacomini’s play continued to decline with the New York Jets. He gave up nine sacks during the previous campaign with the Houston Texans, per PFF Elite.

In this scenario, subpar play should outweigh familiarity with the coach, who’s also a shaky hire.

The Raiders should put the spotlight on David Sharpe, Jylan Ware, Vadal Alexander and Denver Kirkland as potential replacements for Marshall Newhouse on the right side. We’ve already seen Giacomini in that position, and it’s not good.

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