NFL Oakland Raiders

Oakland Raiders’ 5 Biggest Draft Needs Heading Into 2015 NFL Combine

Oakland Raiders' 5 Biggest Draft Needs Heading Into 2015 NFL Combine

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Despite having yet another top-five pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, things are looking up for the Oakland Raiders after drafting two franchise pieces last year in Derek Carr and Khalil Mack. Franchises become successful by building through the draft, and the Raiders need to make sure they hit on this draft. Here are their five biggest needs going into the 2015 NFL Combine.

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5. Offensive Tackle

ty sambrailo
Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

5. Offensive Tackle

ty sambrailo
Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

The Raiders finally have their quarterback for the foreseeable future in Carr. That being said, one thing Oakland must address this offseason is their offensive line. For Carr to grow as a quarterback, he will need ample time in the pocket. That being said, adding an offensive tackle and maybe an interior lineman as well would be ideal.

4. Middle Linebacker

miles burris
Donald Miralle/Getty Images

4. Middle Linebacker

miles burris
Donald Miralle/Getty Images

Miles Burris wasn't good in 2014 and Raiders fans are calling for his head this offseason. Knowing that, the Raiders need to address this position in the draft. Although there isn't a stud linebacker in this year's draft outside of Benardrick McKinney, there are a few mid-round targets that could be intriguing.

3. Running Back

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3. Running Back

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On top of Carr's development, the Raiders need to bring in a running back to take pressure off of the QB. While I do know that their offensive line wasn't particularly good in 2014, I also know that both Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew have seen their better days.

2. Defensive End

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2. Defensive End

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Mack is an absolute stud, and he has the makings of a Pro Bowl player for years to come as the weakside linebacker in Oakland's 4-3 scheme. Besides Mack, the Raiders don't have a lot of pass-rushing talent. With the No. 4 pick in the draft, if Leonard Williams is somehow available, he would be a great fit in this defense.

1. Wide Receiver

amari cooper
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

1. Wide Receiver

Amari Cooper, NFL Draft
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Simply put, the Raiders need to add more talent around Carr. James Jones was decent in 2014, but he is by no means a No. 1 receiver in this league. Andre Holmes isn't anything special, and it is easy to see why many draft experts have the Raiders selecting Amari Cooper in the first round. Wherever they decide to do this, upgrading the receiving corps is the highest need on Oakland's priority list.

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