Raiders Mailbag: MLB battle, an average defense, how to use Hood and more

We are in the thick of the NFL dead time. Sure the Oakland Raiders have OTAs but that’s like getting bread and butter when you’re ready for your steak dinner. But the nice thing is, without any major news, we are free to talk about any aspect of the Raiders we so choose. So let’s see what Raider Nation wants to talk about in the latest Raiders Mailbag:

@RaidersReporter@BlackHoleBanter With my former nemesis now departed, which current Raider should become the focus of my ferocious fisticuff flinging prowess?

— East Oakland Evy (@tokthadon) May 30, 2020

For those who do not remember, @tokthadon is most well known for challenging D.J. Hayden to a fight on Twitter. Hayden accepted but when Evy showed up at Raiders HQ, there was no Hayden to be seen. Of the many ways to kill time in the offseason, this was definitely one of my favorites.

As to who Evy should target on Twitter next, I’d suggest Jihad Ward but I’m guessing Evy has already been blocked like I was.

@RaidersReporter @BlackHoleBanter I know the talk of Super Bowl is exciting but how realistic is it?

— Greg Espinoza (@Bigcountry83) May 30, 2020

It’s realistic. It’s very realistic. I don’t think the Raiders are the favorites to get to the Super Bowl let alone win it. But if you make a top five list of teams who could win the Super Bowl this year, it really wouldn’t be crazy to include the Raiders. The offense will be one of the best in the league once again this year and all the defense has to do is improve in order for the Raiders to be Super Bowl contenders.

@RaidersReporter @BlackHoleBanter I keep hearing Tyrell Adams as starting ILB, I know - IT’S MAY, but Is he really a thing now?

— Jamie Clark (@jamesaclark) May 30, 2020

Here’s what you can take from Tyrell Adams playing with the first team in OTAs: That the coaches want to see more of him. The linebackers are a group that’s totally up for grabs at the moment. Besides Bruce Irvin and Khalil Mack who both will play linebacker, noting is a given when it comes to the linebacker position. Playing time and starting roles are up for grabs and the group competing for them isn’t exactly star studded. Giving Adams a lot of time now gives the Raiders a chance to see if he should be in the competition once it really begins in training camp.

Can Elijah Hood lead block and catch the football? Can we play him like DiMarco or Kyle Juszcheqke?

— Po ?? Clinton Hill (@poewing) May 31, 2020

Elijah Hood can lead block and he can catch the football, but he isn’t going to do much after or before catching it. He isn’t a very good route runner nor is he dangerous in space. What he is as a pass catcher is an outlet for dump off passes and not much else. So no, he’s not a guy who will get heavily involved in the passing game. But he can lead block and play fullback, just not one who is a threat as a pass catcher.

Where do you see our defense ranking this season? We need an average defense at least to contend with NE

— By any means (@Sauuulllito) May 31, 2020

I think average is a good target for this defense because it’s hard to expect a whole lot more. I think there are moments they will play better than average and moments they will be worse. Luckily, average is about all they need in order to be a Super Bowl contender. The offense was great last season and is only going to be better this season. With an improved defense, not even a good defense, just one that is improved over the dumpster fire we saw last season, this is a team that will be very hard to stop.