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Oakland Raiders: Perfect Fits for 5 Biggest Free Agency Needs

By Gil Alcaraz IV

Oct 25, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) celebrates after the defense recovered a fumble by the Cleveland Browns during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) celebrates after the defense recovered a fumble by the Cleveland Browns during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Danny Trevathan
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Middle Linebacker: Danny Trevathan

It’s pretty simple–Curtis Lofton was a disaster as the starting middle linebacker in 2015. The aging veteran doesn’t belong in a starting role, or on the roster for that matter. While the Raiders saw some serious upside in rookie Ben Heeney, it may be best to go with a more experienced linebacker who can step in and make an immediate impact.

That’s exactly what Trevathan could do if the Raiders signed him.

Trevathan, a former college safety, has seen his stock skyrocket since landing with the Denver Broncos. Over the past few seasons, he’s emerged as a legitimate playmaker at linebacker, shining specifically in coverage. That shouldn’t downplay the fact that he does excel as a run defender as well, as he was one of the most underrated pieces of Denver’s Super Bowl defense.

However, the Broncos likely won’t have the money to re-sign him with several other defenders taking priority, which will allow the Raiders to swoop in and steal him away from their AFC West rivals. They’d be getting a proven starter who can kick Lofton to the bench, while upgrading the pitiful pass coverage Oakland saw from their linebackers in 2015.

Next: Running Back

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