With The First Pick
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NFL Team Needs: Oakland Raiders Team Needs

By Jon Dove

ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden speaks during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden speaks during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) /
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The Oakland Raiders have already made a big splash this offseason when they lured John Gruden out of retirement. However, they have plenty of team needs that must be addressed.

John Gruden’s presence should help add some spark on the offensive side of the ball. However, there are some team needs that the Oakland Raiders must solve if they want to be a legitimate contender.

They enter the offseason with around $27 million to spend in free agency and 7 draft picks. The $27 million in cap space isn’t a huge number. They will need to be careful when trying to land a specific free agents.

Below are the top 3 team needs for the Oakland Raiders:

1. Cornerback

The Raiders released former starter David Amerson this past week. This leaves Raiders a little thin at the cornerback position. On paper they have some talent, but the struggles of Sean Smith and Gareon Conley create uncertainty.

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It’s possible that they bring back Travis Carrie who is a free agent. However, they could also use the draft to bring in more talent at the position.

Conley will be counted on to take a larger role, but will need stay healthy in order to contribute. Oakland may make this need a priority which could put them in the market for a high-priced free agent.

2. Linebacker

Oakland tried to solve their inside linebacker problems by bringing in Navorro Bowman in the middle of the season. He had some bright moments, but is a free agent. The Raiders need to find a long-term answer at the position.

They will be in a prime position to add one of the top inside linebackers in the 2018 NFL Draft. Virginia Tech’s Tremaine Edmunds and Georiga’s Roquan Smith are projected to come off the board when the Raiders will be on the clock.

Either would be a great addition and give Oakland a playmaker in the middle of their defense.

3. Defensive Tackle

The Raiders got solid production from Eddie Vanderdoes, but realistically need at least one more interior defensive lineman. This year’s draft features a handful of defensive tackle prospects who would fit Oakland’s needs.

It would make the most sense for them to target this need in the 2nd or 3rd rounds. However, they could also dip into the free agent pool.

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