The Raiders again enter the offseason with several needs both on offense and defense. Fortunately, the team holds the fourth overall pick in the draft and approximately 50 million dollars in salary cap space to help. Here is a look at their top three needs.
Oakland Raiders 2015 Offseason: Top 3 Needs
Wide Receiver
The Raiders seem to have found their quarterback of the present and future in last year’s draft, taking Derek Carr in the second round. The team now needs to surround Carr with the talent necessary to succeed. This starts by giving Carr a legitimate number one receiver.
Luckily the Raiders seem to be in position to take the highest-ranked receiver in the draft: Amari Cooper out of Alabama. Cooper, 6-1 and 210 lbs., draws comparisons to Marvin Harrison and should provide an immediate impact in his rookie season.
The NFL free agent market could help as well. It includes big names such as Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas, Randall Cobb, Jeremy Maclin, Torrey Smith, and Michael Crabtree.
The Raiders ranked 26th in the NFL in passing offense last year so it is not unreasonable to believe that the Raiders could draft a receiver and also sign a free agent.
Offensive Line
Just like surrounding Carr with talent, the Raiders need to make sure Carr is protected from injury. Current left tackle Donald Penn played well last year, but Penn will be 32 before the season starts and a suitable replacement will be needed sooner rather than later. What may be more pressing though might be the need for a new right tackle. Incumbent starter Menelik Watson has yet to play at a consistent level, and the team cannot rely on Khalif Barnes playing forever. It seems certain as well that starting center Stefen Wisniewski will be leaving as a free agent, which means that offensive line becomes even more of a need.
The top offensive linemen in this draft seem to be Brandon Scherff, Ereck Flowers, and T.J. Clemmings, but all three could be considered a reach at fourth overall and won’t be available in the second round.
It might be wise for the Raiders to stay with Penn for another year, go hard after a center such as Rodney Hudson or Dominic Raiola in free agency, hope Watson develops under Mike Tice’s tutelage, and draft a stud left tackle in next year’s draft. Only guards Gabe Jackson and Austin Howard seem to be mainstays.
Defensive End
Last year’s draft was a huge success, as they not only landed the quarterback of the future in Carr, but they also landed the leader of their defense in Khalil Mack. Mack proved to be a force in not only stopping the run but rushing the passer as well. If the Raiders can land a solid defense end, through free agency or the draft, this will give the team a solid 1-2 punch on defense to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks for years to come.
If the Raiders decide not to draft a top wide receiver at four overall then they will most certainly have a few top defensive ends to choose from. Leonard Williams tops the list followed closely by Shane Ray and Randy Gregory. Free agent options could include Tyson Alualu, Da’Quan Bowers, Adrian Clayborn, Greg Hardy, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Darryl Tapp.
The Raiders had just 22 sacks last year, beating only the Cincinnati Bengals, who had 20. Improving the pass rush is a must. The team currently lacks someone on the defensive line who can create sacks which causes the team to rely too heavily on the blitz.
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