Oakland Raiders: Ranking the team’s top 2018 offseason additions

ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden (L) and Raiders owner Mark Davis pose for a photograph during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 31: Tahir Whitehead #59 of the Detroit Lions recovers a fumbler by quarterback Brett Hundley #7 of the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Ford Field on December 31, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. Tahir Whitehead, MLB (from Detroit Lions)

Back to the defense and it will be reiterated here. It certainly hasn’t been for a lack of trying on the part of general manager Reggie McKenzie. But the bottom line is no matter who they have signed or which players have been selected in recent drafts, the issues when it comes to stopping an opponent continue for the Oakland Raiders.

Now consider the talent that does exist on this side of the ball — led by 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack — and it’s a bit head-scratching to see the lack of results when it comes to this unit. A year ago, coordinator Ken Norton Jr. lost his job in the middle of the season. Now with the hiring of new head coach Jon Gruden, the team has brought in Paul Guenther — who comes over from the Cincinnati Bengals.

As has already been alluded to, the numbers are highly disappointing. In 2016, this was a club that managed 30 takeaways during the regular season, but still finished 26th in total yards per game allowed and 20th in the NFL in points surrendered. A year ago it was nearly more of the same as the Silver and Black once again finished 20th in points allowed and 23rd in total defense.

The signing of Tahir Whitehead from the Detroit Lions means the Raiders should have a new man in the middle, although the veteran proved a year ago he can be effective from any spot. He figures to bring a lot of production to a unit in dire need of consistency.

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