The Raiders were pretty darn good last season, with the talent required to make a playoff run. Not, however, without their MVP. Quarterback Derek Carr's broken fibula brought the season crashing down, with the Raiders losing both games played without him. The last was a playoff flop at Houston that closed proceedings for good.
While few teams could absorb a franchise quarterback's loss, especially with the timing of Carr's injury, the MVP candidate covered up some weaknesses general manager Reggie McKenzie hopes to fortify this offseason.
Fixing a flawed defense tops the agenda.
"We're just going to have to improve in every area," McKenzie said a few weeks back. "We're going to have to figure out the players, number one. We're going to have some free agents and we're going to have to overcome some injuries that we had late, but we should be okay with that.
"We feel like, at each level, we need improvement. That's D-line, linebackers and the DB's. We need to get better at all levels. We really do. I don't think we're locked in anywhere as far as position."
That's especially on the interior. Let's take a look at some areas where the Raiders need an upgrade.
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DEFENSIVE TACKLE
The Raiders struggled getting solid push up the middle from their defensive tackles. While that position group was hampered with Mario Edwards Jr. out 14 games with a hip injury, more is required from the interior pass rush.
The Raiders had a league-low 25 sacks, and 19 of them came from edge rushers. That has to change, which head coach Jack Del Rio made clear shortly after the season.
"The interior pass rush, it's critical for us to get that going. We were not nearly effective enough. I think Stacy (McGee) had the 2.5 sacks in there and Mario, we got Mario back late and he wasn't a huge factor. (Jihad Ward) wasn't a huge factor, Denico (Autry) played with that wrist all year and he wasn't (as effective).
"I didn't feel like we got enough inside push. That's going to be an area for sure that we're going to have to be better and do better."
Defensive tackle could be a target in free agency or high in the NFL draft. There could be some turnover as well. Dan Williams' salary could be trimmed without penalty, and McGee is an unrestricted free agent, and Ward might be better suited developing as a rotational player.
INTERIOR LINEBACKER
Expiring contracts leave the Raiders with a skeleton crew at middle linebacker and weakside linebacker, positions generally posted in the middle of the field in coverage and against the run. Ben Heeney (recovering from ankle surgery) and Cory James are the only options under contract. Perry Riley and Malcolm Smith started there, and both guys are set to hit unrestricted free agency.
Riley could be brought back to add a veteran presence in the middle. Coaches like Smith, though he may have played too key a role in recent seasons. He could return or the Raiders could look for an upgrade in search of speed and sure tackling at that spot.
EDGE RUSHER
Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin were obviously strong getting after the quarterback, but there was no support behind them. Depth is needed at this spot. Shilique Calhoun wasn't effective enough as a rookie sub, though Aldon Smith could be a huge addition if he's reinstated. He's an excellent pass rusher, and could help especially in sub packages. His reinstatement could come in March and would impact how the Raiders proceed in this area.
CORNERBACK
Many fans were disappointed in the return on investment from Sean Smith, but he wasn't all bad and should benefit from offseason shoulder surgery and another year in the Raiders system. David Amerson wasn't as good as 2015 following a contract extension last summer, but it's reasonable to expect him and Smith to start outside again. DJ Hayden is a free agent and could be brought back, though TJ Carrie fared well despite a hamstring tear. One can't have too many good cornerbacks, so a draft pick is certainly possible here.
SAFETY
The starting lineup seems set with Pro Bowler Reggie Nelson and 2016 first-round pick Karl Joseph. Depth is required, especially if Nate Allen signs elsewhere in free agency. A versatile player could help in the back, and Nelson's replacement could be groomed right away, with the Pro Bowler playing next season at 34 and in a contract year.
