The Las Vegas Raiders open 2020 on the road after an offseason of literal construction. The Raiders will be playing adjacent to the Vegas Strip in the brand-new Allegiant Stadium this fall.
But while their home surroundings may be new, the team formerly known as the Oakland Raiders retain a similar look in terms of style, leadership and roster makeup.
2019 Recap
The Raiders went 7-9 in 2019 under second-year head coach Jon Gruden, who's serving a second stint in the silver and black. It was an improvement from the 4-12 season in Gruden's first year, but the Raiders missed the playoffs yet again after losing five of their last six games. They have been to the postseason just once since 2002.
Quarterback Derek Carr threw for 253.4 yards per game and had a passer rating of 100.8 while running back Josh Jacobs rushed for 1,150 yards and seven rushing touchdowns and ranked third in the NFL with 88.5 rushing yards per game.
Tight end Darren Waller posted 1,145 receiving yards, ranking second among all NFL tight ends.
But the Raiders struggled to get the ball in the end zone. They posted the 11th-most yards per game at 363.7 but were 24th in points at 19.6 per game.
On defense, the Raiders have young but talented edge rushers in Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby. The duo, who headlined general manager Mike Mayock's 2019 draft, combined for 14.5 sacks as rookies.
Key Additions
The Raiders drafted Henry Ruggs III in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He finished his career ranked third in Alabama history with 24 receiving touchdowns while totaling 1,716 yards in three seasons. Ruggs, alongside former ECU standout Zay Jones, rookie Bryan Edwards, second-year receiver Hunter Renfrow and free agent addition Nelson Agholor give Carr plenty of targets.
The Raiders added to a young defense by using their 19th overall pick on cornerback Damon Arnette, who joins 2019 second-round pick Trayvon Mullen on the outside. Safety Johnathan Abram will return after missing nearly his entire rookie season in 2019 with a shoulder injury.
Las Vegas also signed linebacker Cory Littleton from the Rams, edge rusher Carl Nassib from the Buccaneers, and defensive tackle Maliek Collins from the Cowboys.
Offensively, they added a notable veteran for depth in tight end Jason Witten, who had previously retired to take Gruden's job at Monday Night Football after Gruden returned to the Raiders in 2018.
Carolina Connections
Five Raiders went to Clemson: Ferrell, Mullen, Renfrow, linebacker Tanner Muse and guard John Simpson.
Jones (ECU), linebacker Nicholas Morrow (Greenville College), guard Denzelle Good (Mars Hill), punter AJ Cole (N.C. State), offensive tackle Brandon Parker (North Carolina A&T), wide receiver Bryan Edwards (South Carolina) and cornerback Keisean Nixon (South Carolina) all played their college ball in the Carolinas.
Carolina is 3-3 all-time against the Raiders with a 2-1 record at home.
Oakland Raiders' Lamarr Houston (99), Carolina Panthers' Louis Murphy (83) and other players scuffle as Armond Smith walks nearby after a play during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil (67) looks to his left as he and the Panthers offensive line gets set to snap the ball at the line of scrimmage opposite the Oakland Raiders defensive line during the 2016 NFL week 12 regular season football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game 35-32. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) reacts after making a first down during NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Charlotte, NC Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
FILE - In this Dec. 23, 2012 file photo, Oakland Raiders' Carson Palmer (3) is hit by Carolina Panthers' Greg Hardy (76) and Charles Johnson (95) while throwing a pass during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. Hardy, a.k.a. the "Kracken," is quickly earning a reputation as one of the best all-around defensive ends in the league, and nobody knows that better than Palmer, who got knocked out of the game last year by Hardy. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone, File)
Oakland Raiders offense lines up against the Carolina Panthers defense during an NFL game on Sunday, November 27, 2016. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 35-32. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
FILE - In this Dec. 23, 2012, file photo, Oakland Raiders' Terrelle Pryor (6) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C. Pryor will make his first career start at quarterback for the Oakland Raiders in their season finale in San Diego, coach Dennis Allen announced Friday. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)
Oakland Raiders' Andre Carter (97) grabs the jersey of Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) as Raiders' Philip Wheeler (52) reaches for Smith during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly (59) walks off the field after an interception of a Oakland Raiders pass during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) gets a high five from Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr. (19) after throwing a touchdown pass that gives the Panthers a 32-24 fourth quarter lead during the 2016 NFL week 12 regular season football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game 35-32. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Two Carolina Panthers fans are surrounded by Oakland Raiders fans in the black hole during the 2016 NFL week 12 regular season football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game 35-32. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) beats Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith (21) and catches a touchdown pass during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, November 27, 2016. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 35-32. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) reacts after making a first down against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
A penalty flag flies past Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (34) as he breaks away for a run against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. The run, for a touchdown, was called back for a holding penalty. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) and Cam Newton (1) celebrate Smith's touchdown catch against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Oakland Raiders' Darren McFadden (20) tries to break the tackle of Carolina Panthers' Thomas Davis (58) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' James Dockery (31) defends a pass to Oakland Raiders' Rod Streater (80) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. The pass was incomplete. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers defense stops Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) during an NFL game on Sunday, November 27, 2016. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 35-32. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) celebrates his touchdown run against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly, right, tackles Oakland Raiders' Terrelle Pryor, left, during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) lines up against the Oakland Raiders offense during an NFL football game in Charlotte, NC Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn (19) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders defeated the Panthers, 35-32. (Ryan Kang via AP)
The Carolina Panthers offense huddles and calls a play during the 2016 NFL week 12 regular season football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game 35-32. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Reggie White (92) pass rushes during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2000 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game, 52-9. (Greg Trott via AP)
FILE - In this Nov. 27, 2016, file photo, Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin (14) drops back as Carolina Panthers free safety Tre Boston (33) applies pressure during the second half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders are headed to the postseason party for the first time since 2002, but they'll be without Derek Carr after losing their star quarterback to a broken right leg. Backup Matt McGloin will lead them instead. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) scores a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (34) runs as Oakland Raiders' Matt Giordano (27) tries to make the tackle during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) leaps over a pile of players as he tried diving for a touchdown that gets stopped by the defense during the 2016 NFL week 12 regular season football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game 35-32. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders defeated the Panthers, 35-32. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Julius Peppers #90 and Richard Marshall #31 of the Carolina Panthers celebrate following a fumble recovery against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 9, 2008 in Oakland, California. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Jake Delhomme #17 of the Carolina Panthers pitches out against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 9, 2008 in Oakland, California. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Jake Delhomme #17 of the Carolina Panthers drops back to pass against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 9, 2008 in Oakland, California. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers runs for a 69-yard touchdown against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 9, 2008 in Oakland, California. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Muhsin Muhammad #87 of the Carolina Panthers makes a 27-yard reception against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 9, 2008 in Oakland, California. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Members of the Carolina Panthers defensive line look on from the sidelines against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 9, 2008 in Oakland, California. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Jon Beason #52 of the Carolina Panthers calls a defense in the huddle against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 9, 2008 in Oakland, California. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Oakland Raiders Quarter Back Marques Tuiasosopo (8) during an NFL football game against The Carolina Panthers Sunday November 09, 2008 in Oakland. The Carolina Panthers defeated The Oakland Raiders 17-6 at The Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in 2008 Regular Season Week 10 action. (AP Photo / Bill Nichols)
Carolina Panthers defensive back Nate Salley (25) points the way during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders, Nov. 9, 2008 in Oakland. (AP Photos/Greg Trott)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason (52) defends during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders, Nov. 9, 2008 in Oakland. (AP Photos/Greg Trott)
Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) celebrates a touchdown during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders, Nov. 9, 2008 in Oakland. (AP Photos/Greg Trott)
Carolina Panthers waide receiver Steve Smith (89) catches a pass during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders, Nov. 9, 2008 in Oakland. (AP Photos/Greg Trott)
Carolina Panthers' Tyler Brayton (96) sacks Oakland Raiders quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo (8) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Oakland Raiders, including Tony Stewart (86) and Luke Lawton (44) pursue Carolina Panthers' Mark Jones, foreground, during a 55-yard punt-return in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in Oakland, Calif. The Panthers won the game 17-6. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Oakland Raiders' Kwame Harris (77) recovers a fumble during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in Oakland, Calif. Panthers' Tyler Brayton (96) and Julius Peppers (90) are also in on the play. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Carolina Panthers, including Charles Godfrey (30), Adam Seward (59) and Jon Beason, right, bring down Oakland Raiders' Justin Fargas (25) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers, right, chases Oakland Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Oakland Raiders receiver Doug Gabriel (85) and Carolina Panthers' Dante Wesley (21) wrestle near the end zone during the fourth quarter in Charlotte, N.C. Sunday Nov. 7, 2004. Wesley was flagged for pass interference and the 38-yard penalty gave Oakland the ball at the 4. Sebastian Janikowski kicked the game-winner three plays later as the Raiders won 27-24. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Kerry Collins (5) throws a pass as Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers (90) is upended during the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 7, 2004. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Quarterback Kerry Collins #5 of the Oakland Raiders looks downfield for a receiver against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Defensive tackle Warren Sapp #99 of the Oakland Raiders takes a Gatorade break against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Wide receiver Ricky Proehl #81 of the Carolina Panthers gets upended on a pass play by rookie Stuart Schweigert #30 of the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Defensive end Julius Peppers #90 of the Carolina Panthers gets blocked by rookie tackle Robert Gallery #76 of the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Fullback Brad Hoover #45 of the Carolina Panthers scores a touchdown on a 16 yard pass play from quarterback Jake Delhomme in the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Wide receiver Mushin Muhammad #87 of the Carolina Panthers goes out for a pass while defended by Phillip Buchanon #31 of the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
With the stadium scoreboard in the background, the Carolina Panthers try to block a PAT by the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Quarterback Jake Delhomme #17 of the Carolina Panthers drops back to pass against the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Tight end Doug Jolley #88 of the Oakland Raiders catches a pass for a 33 yard gain against safety Mike Minter #30 of the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Tight end Kris Mangum #86 of the Carolina Panthers slaps a high five on a teammate after scoring a touchdown on a one yard pass from quarterback Jake Delhomme against the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
An unidentified Carolina Panthers defensive back breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Jerry Porter #84 of the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Oakland Raiders vs. Carolina Panthers at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, December 24, 2000. Raiders beat Panthers 52-9. Oakland Raiders defensive back Eric Johnson (41) chases Carolina Panthers running back Michael Bates (24). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders vs. Carolina Panthers at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, December 24, 2000. Raiders beat Panthers 52-9. Oakland Raiders linebacker Greg Biekert (54) chases down Carolina Panthers wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad (87). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
