Raiders Today

Answering Your Raiders Emails, Questions

The Las Vegas Raiders are one of the world's most influential professional sports franchises, and we take time each week to answer the questions of a rabid fan base.

Hondo Carpenter

Answering Your Raiders Emails, Questions
Answering Your Raiders Emails, Questions /
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Hondo, dude, you are like my football God/Guru. You said J.J. McCarthy was flying up NFL Draft boards, and in your latest MOCK, you had the New England Patriots taking him at No. 3 overall. As a Raiders fan in Boston, I laughed at you. How dare I question you, oh great Hondini. The Boston Globe/NBC Sports blog had them taking J.J. McCarthy at No. 3 today. I shall never doubt you again. Is there any chance we can move up and get him?  

A chance?  For sure, but hearing that Washington Commanders are No. 2, Chicago Bears at No. 1, and New England Patriots at No. 3 aren't moving is so doubtful.

Even though you tell us what the team thinks, what are your thoughts on the Raiders off-season moves? Justin W.

I would not have made all the moves that they have made, but I also must make it clear that when I report, I give you people what the team thinks and keep my opinion out of it.

Hondo, I saw that Buffalo Bills CB Tre’Davious White is going to visit the Raiders? Your thoughts? Steven P.

The guy was a stud for a long time. An injury cut short 2021, and a different injury was lost in the last part of 2023. In my opinion, he can pass a physical, and you can get him at a fair price if you jump on it. He's a great player when healthy, and two injuries separated by a year don’t concern me if he passes the medical part.

Hondo, do you have any thoughts on FA RB Alexander Mattison? K. Campbell

I like him a lot. He can run, catch passes, and block. I have written that I expect the Raiders to draft an RB, but they could add a free agent. He is one of the “coulds” I was referring to.

As we reported months ago, Michigan Wolverine QB J.J. McCarthy is flying up NFL Draft boards.
As we reported months ago, Michigan Wolverine QB J.J. McCarthy is flying up NFL Draft boards / © Junfu Han | 2024 Jan 13

Hondo, do you know the running back the Raiders have targeted in the NFL Draft? Michael G.

I take umbrage with your question. This early in the process, it isn’t one; there are several they are looking at.

Hondo, I love your coverage, and I appreciate what Tom Telesco is doing with his “Salary cap discipline,” but is there something that you want to see more of? Ernesto C.

No, not at this point. They have several offers out there, and they are trying to get some guys who would be significant contributors. So, I would say nothing much different.

Hey, Hondiggity, take it as a compliment; you have now become a drinking game when listening to your podcast.  That isn't hate Uncle Hondo, that is love.  Cheers!  T. Dailey

Thank you, I think.  

Hondo, do you think there are divisions between Tom Telesco and Antonio Pierce because he didn’t hire him? Angel R.

No, like in any working relationship, they are learning from one another but have no animosity.

Hondo, who do you think starts the first game right now between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell? Carol G.

Aidan is the first on the depth chart, so to quote Ric Flair, “To be the man, you gotta beat the man.” While realistically, it is up in the air, you asked my thoughts, so I say Aidan O’Connell right now.

No Hondo hate this week, but plenty of love for my son Noah:

Hondo, I was at the airport in Denver recently and saw you with your family. I didn’t want to bother you by taking a picture. I just wanted to say I love your coverage of my Raiders, but why haven’t I seen your older son before? That guy was adorable. I am 29, and I love your family values and character. Is he available? Samantha F.

Hello, Hondo. I am one of your biggest fans. I watched your son Shane, Dexter, and even Junior grow up on your social media. Recently, you posted some pics and videos of your son Noah. Where has this dreamboat been my whole life? He is tall, tan, and handsome, and he looks older. Any details would be appreciated. More pictures, please. Bethany P.

Noah is an amazing son of whom we love and are very proud. I wouldn't say "Dreamboat," but his mom would.  He is not available; he has a sweetheart of a girlfriend named Allison, and she is a true keeper. They aren’t married, so if that changes, I am sure it will cause a stir among the young ladies. Thank you for the kind words. He is an even better young man, and we are proud of him as a man, and of his success in banking.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.

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Hondo Carpenter
HONDO CARPENTER

Hondo S. Carpenter Sr. is an award-winning sports journalist who brings decades of experience to his role as editor and publisher, and beat writer for our Las Vegas Raiders and the NFL coverage. Carpenter is a member of the PFWA, FWAA, and USBWA.

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