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The Oakland Raiders are coming off a 7-9 record, finishing third in the AFC West behind the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos who both made the playoffs. While Kansas City and Denver were the top two teams in the division this past season, Oakland could give both teams a run for their money in the AFC West, or possibly be one of three teams from the division to reach the playoffs.
Head coach Jack Del Rio and his staff know the team is just a couple of moves away from having a competitive 2016 season. With some adjustments on both sides of the ball this offseason, the Raiders should be expected to finish above .500 and reach the playoffs for the first time in 14 years.
Expect the Raiders to be aggressive this offseason, and don’t be surprised if they take a risk on a couple of players who’ve struggled lately. In fact, wide receiver Michael Crabtree revitalized his career in Oakland this past year. Perhaps a couple of free agents might wind up in Oakland and turn their careers around for the better.
5. Roddy White Will Be Added
Credit: Getty Images5. Roddy White Will Be Added
The Oakland Raiders already have a strong set of starting receivers in Crabtree and Amari Cooper, who had a remarkable rookie season. But Roddy White should be considered, and it would not be a surprise if the Raiders contact him and his agent. Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave was an assistant in Atlanta, where he worked with White, and may work with him again in Oakland. White’s depth can help Oakland improve its passing attack.
4. Mario Williams Will Join As Well
Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig - USA TODAY Sports4. Mario Williams Will Join As Well
With the Buffalo Bills cutting Mario Williams last week, the Raiders must strike and pick him up as soon as free agency begins. Despite a quiet, five-sack season, Williams logged double-digit sacks in each of the previous three years. If signing Williams becomes a long-shot, the Raiders have a chance to improve the pass rush by signing Olivier Vernon or Jason Pierre-Paul.
3. Alex Boone Will Replace J’Marcus Webb
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports3. Alex Boone Will Replace J’Marcus Webb
The Raiders will look elsewhere for a new right guard after J’Marcus Webb had a bad season while playing a new position on the offensive line. But a replacement might be just across the Bay Area. San Francisco 49ers guard Alex Boone has experience playing both guard spots, and he would be a great fit at right guard for the Raiders. Boone will serve as a reliable pass-blocker for Derek Carr.
2. Rodney McLeod Will Replace Charles Woodson
Credit: Getty Images2. Rodney McLeod Will Replace Charles Woodson
Eric Weddle, Reggie Nelson and George Iloka sound like ideal replacements for Charles Woodson, but the Raiders could go a different path in free agency by signing Rodney McLeod, who is an underrated safety. McLeod has played more than 1,000 snaps each of the last three years and has been good in pass coverage.
1. Running Back Will Be Selected In Round 1
Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports1. Running Back Will Be Selected In Round 1
You may not find a mock draft that has Oakland taking a running back with their first pick. It may not even be considered a need in the draft. But as we’ve seen many times, teams have drafted a player early whose position wasn’t a need for the team. Both Derrick Henry and Ezekiel Elliot should be available at No. 14. While Latavius Murray is good, he’s been a one-man rushing band in Oakland and needs help carrying the rock.
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