May 26, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end
Justin Tuck(91) stretches at organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Oakland Raiders have made a huge effort this off-season, and the last few seasons, to add talent and excitement in many key positions on the team. The potential issue when doing this, however, is that you sometimes trade experience and maturity for that talent. Most Raiders fans would agree this was necessary to make the team more competitive going forward, and if you want to have a chance these days in pro football, you need elite talent all over the field to do so.
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With that being said, you can’t teach longevity; if you haven’t “been there, done that”, trying to fake it in a key series or game just won’t work. Every team ideally wants a great mix of youth and experience, and the Oakland Raiders are no different.
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The problem is that almost everyone on the team that didn’t come in as a free agent has only experienced losing, and a change in attitude and mentality are needed. The coaching staff is committed to doing what is necessary to turn the franchise around, but they will need the veterans to help apply their message. The following are five key players that not only need to lead the team from their respective positions, but they are expected to show some of the rookies and newer players on the entire team what it takes to be successful in the NFL.
Next: A defensive veteran on the line