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Oakland Raiders: Biggest Roster Successes and Disappointments in 2015

By Maurice Moton

Dec 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) celebrates as the Raiders defeat the San Diego Chargers during overtime at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the San Diego Chargers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) celebrates as the Raiders defeat the San Diego Chargers during overtime at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the San Diego Chargers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 15, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) runs with the football against Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Curtis Lofton (50) during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 15, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) runs with the football against Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Curtis Lofton (50) during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Curtis Lofton: Disappointment

Linebacker Curtis Lofton hoped to regain his status as a downhill thumper against the run and sharpen his skills in pass coverage. Neither of the two happened in Oakland.

Early in the season, opposing offenses exploited the middle of the Raiders defense utilizing the tight end. At some point in the season, ESPN Senior Fantasy Analyst Matthew Berry recommended picking up the tight end playing against the Raiders weekly.

“Start your tight ends against the Raiders,” said Berry in a Week 5 fantasy breakdown. “They’ve given up at least one score in every game to an opposing tight end and allow the most receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns and fantasy points to opposing tight ends.”

Oakland didn’t solve its tight end issues until Lofton’s snaps dwindled, and he became a situational inside linebacker on run snaps. As a result, linebackers Neiron Ball and Ben Heeney took advantage of opportunities to play as rookies.

The Raiders cannot ignore Lofton’s steady decline. The team can release him and save $5.5 million in cap savings.

Next: Undrafted and Under the Radar

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