Oakland Raiders’ rebuild is almost complete

After years of deconstruction, Oakland Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie started rebuilding the team in 2014. That draft class had hits like QB Derek Carr, OLB Khalil Mack and OG Gabe Jackson. Then in 2015, the hits kept coming with WR Amari Cooper, DL Mario Edwards Jr., and TE Clive Walford.

The Raiders also supplemented well with free agents NT Dan Williams, WR, Michael Crabtree, OLB Aldon Smith and C Rodney Hudson. Picking up CB Dave Amerson up of waivers early in the season was also a big help. That led to a 7-9 season, the wins being as many as the previous two seasons combined.

And of those nine losses, four of them were within six points or less, where defense and the running game matter most. This offseason, the Raiders entered free agency needing a CB to play opposite Amerson, a FS to replace Charles Woodson and a LB that can cover and play the run. Woodson played well at 37 but the Raiders had the NFL’s No. 26-ranked pass defense in 2015.

As far as the running game goes, running back Latavius Murray made great strides, rushing for over 1,000 yards in 2015. He improved in the areas of breaking tackles and making players miss and can improve more this offseason. But the Raiders were No. 28 in the NFL in rushing because they have more of a pass-blocking than run-blocking offensive line.

Thursday, two of NFL.com‘s top-5 and three of their top-15 free agents signed with the Raiders. The best thing about these signings are that the players address those areas of need for the Raiders. And couple of those signings have the type of versatility that gives the Raiders extra depth and options.

The Raiders have almost completed their rebuild!

Turn the page to see how.

Next: Bruce Irvin