2016 NFL Draft: Assessing Oakland Raiders Roster Strategies
By Jim Vickers
As the 2016 NFL Draft approaches, speculation about potential selections intensifies.
But, let’s take a step back, hit the reset button, and assess the Oakland Raiders’ roster needs. It’s time to put away instinct and the memory of a late-season performance with a banged up offensive line. Let’s rate the franchise’s long-term and short-term roster needs 1 thru 10 before general manager Reggie McKenzie makes them a reality on April 28.
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Offensive Line: Zero
Right, I’m not good with math.
Several mock drafts have had the Raiders taking a tackle with the 14th overall pick. However, offensive line is arguably the team’s deepest unit. Left tackle Donald Penn re-signed for two years: guard Gabe Jackson has been playing at a high level since being drafted by Oakland, center Rodney Hudson remains a top tier player, newly acquired guard Kelechi Osemele was considered among the best at his position in free agency, and Austin Howard was excellent until being injured last season. And, reasonably good depth exists behind these starters.
In short, the Raiders are stacked at offensive line. Spending a first-round pick on a guy who probably couldn’t break into the starting lineup makes zero football sense.
Running Back: 11
Numbers, hmm. The Raiders’ backfield may be its thinnest unit. Yet, many so-called experts and mock drafts pooh pooh the notion of taking a running back at No. 14, unless it’s Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott.
Feature back Latavius Murray has done an admiral job shouldering the workload. However, he should be the relief back, not the feature. His pass-catching skills are sub-par, blocking mediocre and he lacks the explosiveness to be a game-changer. Elliott obviously has all those things but will likely be gone-daddy-gone at No. 14.
Oakland also lacks a third-down back and a legitimate short-yardage package. Roy Helu Jr. road the bench much of the year and Taiwan Jones hasn’t shown a knack for either role to date.
Despite fans being excited about having a 1,000-yard rusher, Oakland needs TWO running backs in this draft.
Teams that run the ball and play good defense still win Super Bowls.
Wide Receiver: 2
The team seems almost blessed at this position. Amari Cooper immediately lived up to his billing, cracking 1,000 yards as a rookie. Michael Crabtree has had a resurgence adorning the Silver and Black. Seth Roberts was a pleasant surprise with his big-play catches and backup Andre Holmes remains effective in the vertical game.
Late-round depth may be in order here, but standing pat would be fine as well. You gotta love this unit.
Defensive Line: 4
The twitter buzz about various defensive ends and tackles in the 2016 draft class has been deafening. And, Oakland has one question mark. Will promising defensive end Mario Edwards Jr return to his solid rookie form?
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At interior line, Dan Williams continues to be a force against the run. Other players seem to shuffle up and down the line of scrimmage. So, if the Raiders are satisfied Edwards will return to full strength, then a late-round nose tackle would be a nice. Another big body couldn’t hurt.
Linebackers: 3
The Raiders have one of the better linebacker corps in the league. The unit includes All-Pro defensive end and linebacker Khalil Mack, recently acquired Bruce Irvin, Malcolm Smith, Ben Heeney. The also re-signed currently-suspended pass-rusher Aldon Smith, although he still has to apply for reinstatement in November. Talk about loaded.
However, it’s tough to call any of them true NFL middle linebackers. The 2016 inside linebacker class appears a tad too slow by NFL standards, but McKenzie will think of something.
Secondary: 10
The starting secondary has been pieced together with free agents. The two corners — Sean Smith and David Amerson — had excellent 2015 seasons. Safety Reggie Nelson had a banner year in Cincinnati and Nate Allen returns from injury. After that, the whole thing is a crapshoot. D.J. Hayden disappoints, T.J. Carrie has been inconsistent, and the others have gotten consistently torched.
On the surface, this unit appears to have a huge first-round need. Unfortunately, the Raiders need a safety first and foremost and there probably won’t be a top-flight prospect on the board at No. 14.
So, Oakland will likely be relegated to drafting depth at corner or a future safety prospect to replace one of the veterans in a year or two.
More nfl spin zone: Oakland Raiders: Breaking Down The Secondary
The Greatness of the Raiders is in the Future
Owner Mark Davis, McKenzie and head coach Jack Del Rio appear to be building a long-term contender and there’s been no Super Bowl talk, yet. Oakland’s season goals are to get into the playoffs and possibly win the AFC West. In 2017, the team should be pushing to be a legitimate contender. There will be many a long and winding road between here and there. But the Raiders have the right people holding the compass.