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5 Oakland Raiders Veterans Now On the Hot Seat Following 2015 NFL Draft

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Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

5 Oakland Raiders Veterans Now On the Hot Seat Following 2015 NFL Draft

jack del rio, reggie mckenzie
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders are going to be a playoff team one day. Over the past few years, they have done an excellent job at building their roster and setting themselves up for future success. This year's offseason was no different, as the Raiders, again, added quality talent to their roster. With these new additions, however, five veterans could be out of a job if they don't produce.

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5. Khalif Barnes

jon feliciano
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

5. Khalif Barnes

jon feliciano
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Going into the draft, the Raiders had a big need at the guard position. Not only was upgrading the offensive line crucial for Derek Carr's progression, but the Raiders needed to improve their run game and they did just that by adding a huge guard in Jon Feliciano. In terms of blocking ability, Feliciano is solid in both departments. That said, right guard Khalif Barnes is in trouble.

4. C.J. Wilson

mario edwards jr
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

4. C.J. Wilson

mario edwards jr
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

C.J. Wilson provides some athleticism from the defensive end position. He's a quick-twitch type of player, with active hands and a high motor, but the Raiders used their second-round pick on Florida State' Mario Edwards Jr. Drafting Edwards Jr. was a bit of a risk, but the reality is that Jack Del Rio will want to start featuring him on his defense right away.

3. Denico Autry

max valles
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

3. Denico Autry

max valles
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Max Valles was one of the surprise names in the draft last year. Although he has a ton of potential, because of his athleticism and lengthy body, Valles is ridiculously raw. However, the Raiders were able to reel Valles in on Day 3 of the draft. I don't expect Valles to start right away, but my belief is that he'll rotate as a situational pass-rusher, leaving Denico Autry out of a job.

2. T.J. Carrie

andre dubose
Getty Images

2. T.J. Carrie

andre dubose
Getty Images

While T.J. Carrie wasn't bad in the return game last year, the fact of the matter is that the Raiders need his ability and versatility on defense. That said, to prevent him from getting injured on special teams, the Raiders will likely move Carrie to a defense-only role, which opens up the kick return job. Andre Dubose is a guy who flashes that return ability. His speed would fit perfectly in this role.

1. Mychal Rivera

mychal rivera
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

1. Mychal Rivera

mychal rivera
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Even though Mychal Rivera and Derek Carr grew together a lot last season, the harsh reality for Rivera is that he has a talented rookie right behind him in Clive Walford. The Miami product is extremely athletic. He can make plays in the run-blocking game, as well as stretch defenses in the pass-catching game. It would be difficult for Rivera to lose his job after such a productive year, but it could very well happen.

Ryan Ratty is a writer for RantSports.
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