Ranking the Oakland Raiders 5 crucial roster needs for 2019 offseason

(Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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The Oakland Raiders have the financial and draft ammunition to address a variety of roster needs. What are the biggest voids to fill for the 2019 offseason?

After a short dead period, teams will shift their focus toward the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium then free agency in the next three weeks. The Oakland Raiders have several needs across the roster to address this offseason, which voids stand out as top priorities?

Before delving into roster holes, it’s important to understand the top priority isn’t necessarily what a team must select first in the draft. The selection process is dictated by who’s available while on the clock. The list below references positions bereft of talent. Some areas require more help than others, but all five spots deserve some attention between March and April.

Head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock understand they have a lot of work to do in an attempt to put this franchise on the right track. This offseason is crucial to building a foundation for the future as the team transitions from Oakland to Las Vegas.

With three first-round picks and $71.2 million in cap space, per Over the Cap, there are plenty of options on the table—including trade scenarios.

First, it’s imperative to outline where the decision-makers should swing hard during free agency and the draft. Obvious roster spots and roles standout as no-brainers, but we’ll look beneath the surface to rank each need starting with No. 1 down to No. 5 with explanations on the condition of each position.

Furthermore, top veterans and rookie prospects have been noted as suggestions to fill in gaps atop the depth chart for the 2019 campaign.