Raiders News: Jon Gruden Excited About Roster Without ‘Energy Vampires’

Since coming back to the Las Vegas Raiders, head coach Jon Gruden has worked with the front office on identifying and bringing on players that fit his vision of the ideal football team.

Gruden has spent the past couple of seasons retooling and rebuilding the roster, adding talented young players in the draft and signing veterans who can help in their development. Heading into the 2021 season, the Raiders have the look of an up-and-coming team who should be competitive in every game they play.

Las Vegas is in the midst of their offseason training program, and Gruden seems pleased with how things are shaping up so far.

“I like the guys. We have guys that like each other that love football and that love the preparation,” Gruden said. “A lot of these guys would play for nothing. They would come out here and keep practicing if I didn’t blow the whistle.

“We don’t have any energy vampires. We have guys that like that game that are going to compete. We have some talent. We have some young, exciting talent, and that’s what excites me the most.”

The Raiders boast some premiere young talent in players like Josh Jacobs and Henry Ruggs III but also had a solid 2021 NFL Draft that addressed holes on the defensive end. Gruden has the ability to mold and develop these players as he sees fit, and it sounds as though they are receptive and willing to put in the work.

The playoffs have eluded Gruden and the Silver and Black for years now, and getting back there will be a challenge when you take a look around the league and see what they will be up against. However, the general framework of a successful team is there, and it will be up to Gruden and the roster to work together to get them to where they want to be.