NFL Offseason 2015: The AFC West
Dec 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks to throw a pass against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Key Returnees:
- QB Derek Carr
- RB Latavius Murray
- OLB Khalil Mack
- CB D.J. Hayden
- G Gabe Jackson
- LT Donald Penn
- RT Austin Howard
- S Charles Woodson
- FB Marcel Reece
- WR Rod Streater
- CB Keith McGill
Signings:
- C Rodney Hudson
- NT Dan Williams
- ILB Curtis Lofton
- OLB Malcolm Smith
- S Nate Allen
- RB Roy Helu
- TE Lee Smith
- RB Trent Richardson
- QB Christian Ponder
Re-signings:
- S Charles Woodson
- DL C.J. Wilson
- S Brandin Ross
Cuts:
- QB Matt Schaub
- S Tyvon Branch
- EDGE LaMarr Woodley
- DL Antonio Smith
Lost:
- WR Denarius Moore
- C Stefen Wisniewski
- RB Darren McFadden
- CB Chimdi Chekwa
State of the Raiders:
In 2014, the Oakland Raiders young core started to show what they can do after head coach Dennis Allen was fired. They went 3-3 in the last six games of the season as a result of the players from their 2013-2014 draft classes stepping up. So they now have a bit of a foundation to build off of to get some wins going forward.
The Raiders free agency period shows their taking on head coach Jack Del Rio’s tough, physical identity. All the upgrades they made were around the line of scrimmage, building the team from the inside to out. That’s how you’re supposed to do it so they didn’t get the sexy receiver fans expected and may not get one early in the draft.
The Raiders are almost there now as all they need now is a right guard on offense and a couple of defensive lineman. But two things the Raiders are going to do in 2015 is run the ball and stop the run. I don’t know what that means for their record but they will be much harder to beat, especially if they can find a receiver in the draft and still address the line of scrimmage.
Next: San Diego Chargers