NFL power rankings: Stacking up all 32 teams amid 2018 training camp

Hiring Jon Gruden as head coach made a lot of buzz and gave Oakland Raiders fans plenty of reasons to get excited about 2018.

But Gruden’s moves this offseason (he’s got his stamp on almost every transaction… sorry, general manager Reggie McKenzie) have been questionable to say the least. Particularly with punter Marquette King.

And grabbing an old, washed-up wide receiver in Jordy Nelson to replace Michael Crabtree? No, that won’t work. It just puts more pressure on fellow wideout Amari Cooper to live up to expectations after a disappointing 2017 campaign.

All this means is quarterback Derek Carr will have to play at an MVP level this season for the Raiders to have a shot.

Yet the biggest storyline out of Oakland is edge rusher Khalil Mack’s holdout.

Gruden’s remarks about the Raiders defense not being good last year, even with Mack, are interesting. It’s clear, however, Mack is the best defender on Oakland’s defense, though. Any further delays in his contract talks and availability could seriously hinder the Raiders’ efforts this year, propelling them down in our NFL power rankings until that situation is resolved.