2013 NFL Draft: Oakland Raiders Team Needs
By John Carey
Jan 24, 2013; Fairhope AL, USA; Senior Bowl north squad head coach Dennis Allen of the Oakland Raiders talks to his players after Senior Bowl practice at Fairhope municipal stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
#1: Pass Rusher
The Raiders only mustered 25 sacks in the 2012 season that is just absolutely pitiful. Richard Seymour’s contract was voided and Tommy Kelley is likely to be cut. Matt Shaughnessy was signed by the Cardinals, and was more of a run stopper than pass rusher anyways. Even free agent Andre Carter couldn’t seem to pressure the quarterback.
Potential Draft Fixes: Sharrif Floyd, Dion Jordan, and Alex Okafor
#2: Offensive Line
The Raiders are set at Left Tackle and Center with Jared Veldheer and Stefen Wisnewski respectively, but the rest of the offensive line can stand to be upgraded. Both Khalif Barnes and Mike Brisiel underwent serious surgeries this offseason, and Cooper Carlisle is aging and hasn‘t played well at all since 2009.
Potential Draft Fixes: Larry Warford, Dallas Thomas, and Menelik Watson
#3: Inside Linebacker
Rolando McClain is as good as gone in Oakland and never really lived up to the hype coming out of Alabama anyways. An upgrade is really needed as at least one of the linebacker spots should be set as long as rookie Miles Burris progresses.
Potential Draft Fixes: Kiko Alonso, Jon Bostic, and A.J. Klein
#4: Defensive Back:
Michael Huff is gone as he digned with Baltimore, and former third round pick DeMarcus Van Dyke was cut and the other cornerbacks did not play well either.The Raiders need to vastly improve their secondary.
Potential Draft Fixes: Desmond Trufant, Darius Slay, and Logan Ryan
#5: Tight End
Brandon Myers played very well last season, compiling 79 catches for 806 yards, but he signed with the Giants, and there is no one on the roster currently that could replace him.
Potential Draft Fixes: Tyler Eifert, Jordan Reed, and Zach Ertz