Trade For La’El Collins
Yes two trades. While the Raiders shoudln’t necesarily be in the market of trading draft picks, they do have a perfect trade option in Karl Joseph. After signing Joyner, drafting Abram and declining Joseph’s option, the former first round could/should be on the outs in Oakland.
The idea of trading Joseph for Collins was popularized by Marcus Mosher of Raiders Wire. Mosher writes:
Dallas may not be even considering trading Collins, but it wouldn’t hurt to ask. He is a player that could instantly improve the offensive line for the Raiders, and it likely wouldn’t cost them an arm and a leg to do so. Don’t be surprised if Collins is subject to trade rumors over the next several months.
The Cowboys used a third round pick on lineman Connor McGovern. With Collins poised for free agency and Dallas having to re-sign Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper, Collins could be on the trade block. If so, swinging a deal for the lineman could solidify what should be a strong offensive line.
Currently Denzelle Good is poised to be the starter at left guard. However, Good received a below average 52.5 grade from PFF during the 2018 season. He is a clear weak link on the Raiders’ O-Line.
In comparison, Collins received an above average 71.1. He has played both tackle and guard and has shown at times how dominant he could truly be.
An offensive line from left to right of Trent Brown, Gabe Jackson, Rodney Hudson, Collins and Kolton Miller would be one of the better lines in the league. They should be able to keep Derek Carr upright and open holes for Josh Jacobs in the run game.
Collins would cost Karl Joseph at max, meaning he wouldn’t cost much. He is a dominant force and would completely change the Raiders’ offense. After adding Brown it’s clear Oakland wanted to imrpove their line.
A final addition of Collins would give the Raiders a major boost on offense in 2019 and potentially beyond.
