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5 Early Predictions for the Oakland Raiders’ 2015 Season

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Early Predictions for the Oakland Raiders' Campaign

Early Predictions for the Oakland Raiders' Campaign Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It’s the middle of June, which means the beginning of the Oakland Raiders’ 2015 campaign is just under three months away. What better time to make some predictions for the season, as well as the players the Raiders will be depending on?

I tried to stick with the potential positive aspects of the upcoming season, although there is a little negative mixed in to maintain some aspect of unbiased opinion. Either way, here are my early predictions for the Raiders’ upcoming season.

It’s the middle of June, which means the beginning of the Oakland Raiders’ 2015 campaign is just under three months away. What better time to make some predictions for the season, as well as the players the Raiders will be depending on?

I tried to stick with the potential positive aspects of the upcoming season, although there is a little negative mixed in to maintain some aspect of unbiased opinion. Either way, here are my early predictions for the Raiders’ upcoming season.

Latavius Murray Emerges as a Top 10 RB

Latavius Murray Emerges as a Top 10 RB Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
For the last two seasons, Murray has been patiently waiting for the opportunity to be the star of the Oakland backfield. Last year, the Raiders got a glimpse of what the young running back could do with his talent. Now, heading into the 2015 campaign, Murray is ready to show them how bright his star can shine. He’ll lock down the starting job during training camp and spend the entire season racking up big yards on his way to a Top 10 finish.

For the last two seasons, Murray has been patiently waiting for the opportunity to be the star of the Oakland backfield. Last year, the Raiders got a glimpse of what the young running back could do with his talent. Now, heading into the 2015 campaign, Murray is ready to show them how bright his star can shine. He’ll lock down the starting job during training camp and spend the entire season racking up big yards on his way to a Top 10 finish.

Khalil Mack Racks Up 100 Tackles, 12 Sacks

Khalil Mack Racks Up 100 Tackles, 12 Sacks Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
As a rookie, Mack lit the NFL on fire. Although he had his fair share of struggles, the outstanding linebacker has the potential to develop into one of the best in the NFL. In 2015, he’ll take one more step towards becoming an All Star for the Raiders. Along the way, Mack will rack up some ridiculous numbers, including at least 100 tackles and 12 sacks.

As a rookie, Mack lit the NFL on fire. Although he had his fair share of struggles, the outstanding linebacker has the potential to develop into one of the best in the NFL. In 2015, he’ll take one more step towards becoming an All Star for the Raiders. Along the way, Mack will rack up some ridiculous numbers, including at least 100 tackles and 12 sacks.

Derek Carr Throws For 25 Touchdowns, 20 Interceptions

Derek Carr Throws For 25 Touchdowns, 20 Interceptions Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Carr displayed some legitimate potential to be a franchise quarterback as a rookie, but he’s not a finish product at this point in his young NFL career. His decision making isn’t always the greatest, especially when the suspect Oakland offensive line can’t keep the pass rush at bay. Sure, he’ll put up big yardage and touchdown numbers – especially with Amari Cooper to throw to – but he’ll also turn the ball over more than the Raiders would like.

Carr displayed some legitimate potential to be a franchise quarterback as a rookie, but he’s not a finish product at this point in his young NFL career. His decision making isn’t always the greatest, especially when the suspect Oakland offensive line can’t keep the pass rush at bay. Sure, he’ll put up big yardage and touchdown numbers – especially with Amari Cooper to throw to – but he’ll also turn the ball over more than the Raiders would like.

Amari Cooper Earns a Trip to the Pro Bowl

Amari Cooper Earns a Trip to the Pro Bowl Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
For years, the Raiders have been looking for a legitimate No. 1 receiver to make plays in the passing game. Well now, they have one and he’s ready to make a huge impact in Oakland. With Carr under center, Cooper should have no trouble putting up big numbers early. Combining excellent size, speed and agility, Cooper will use his elite route-running abilities to victimize defenses on his way to a Pro Bowl bid as a rookie.

For years, the Raiders have been looking for a legitimate No. 1 receiver to make plays in the passing game. Well now, they have one and he’s ready to make a huge impact in Oakland. With Carr under center, Cooper should have no trouble putting up big numbers early. Combining excellent size, speed and agility, Cooper will use his elite route-running abilities to victimize defenses on his way to a Pro Bowl bid as a rookie.

The Raiders Finish With a 6-10 Record

The Raiders Finish With a 6-10 Record Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Considering the Raiders managed a pitiful 3-13 record last season, a 6-10 finish in 2015 couldn't be considered a fail. They completely rebuilt the coaching staff, and added a number of key pieces to the roster. Management knew this wasn’t going to be a quick turnaround, so three more wins this upcoming campaign would be a big step in a positive direction for a franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2002.

Considering the Raiders managed a pitiful 3-13 record last season, a 6-10 finish in 2015 couldn't be considered a fail. They completely rebuilt the coaching staff, and added a number of key pieces to the roster. Management knew this wasn’t going to be a quick turnaround, so three more wins this upcoming campaign would be a big step in a positive direction for a franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2002.

Calvin Cress is a writer for RantSports.
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