Building around class of 2014 QB Derek Carr, OLB Khalil Mack and OG Gabe Jackson, the Oakland Raiders were vastly improved in 2015. WR Amari Cooper, DE Mario Edwards Jr., and TE Clive Walford are who the team continued to build with as all the players look like they have very bright futures.
I agreed with CSNBAYAREA when they identified the Raiders’ needs going into this offseason. An RB to pair with Latavius Murray, checking left tackle Donald Penn then signing him, upgrading the RG position, linebacker stability and pass rush reinforcements were on the list.
And the Raiders put a big dent in all of that in free agency, signing Kelichi Osemele, giving the Raiders one of the best offensive lines in football. The Raiders got stability at linebacker and pass rush reinforcements in LB/DE Bruce Irvin. Then the Raiders started the overhaul of their secondary, siging CB Sean Smith and FS Reggie Nelson.
Now, along with another ILB that can cover and play the run, the Raiders need to finish overhauling the secondary. Head coach Jack Del Rio told CSNBAYAREA, “We have to attack our secondary with draft picks and free agents. We’re going to do that. We’re going to add talent to that group and make it really competitive.”
If the Raiders do it right, they will contend in 2016.
Turn the page to see how they should do it.