The Oakland Raiders are one of the rising teams in the NFL and that is why Reggie McKenzie should continue to be aggressive this offseason. The team has added some solid names in free agency, but there is more that could be done, including going after a trade with Muhammad Wilkerson.
The New York Jets are reportedly open to trading Wilkerson this offseason, and the Raiders have a need at defensive end. The Raiders have spent money in free agency, but they have room to add more money on the cap and Wilkerson could be that move. The Jets and Wilkerson have not been able to agree on a new contract and that could open up an avenue for the Raiders to bring him in.
Although the Jets are "not actively pursuing" a trade with Wilkerson, things could change as the draft gets closer. Wilkerson is one of the best defensive players in the league and is still young at just 26. The franchise tag would cost $15.7 million for this season, but if the Raiders make a deal, they likely would sign Wilkerson to a contract. Last season Wilkerson had 12 sacks in 16 games for the Jets. Over the last three seasons Wilkerson has combined for 38 sacks.
The Raiders also have the opportunity to add some talent in the draft. The team picks at number 14 in the first round and there are a number of positions that Oakland could target with the pick. Running back should be one of the positions the team looks at. Latavius Murray had a productive season last year, but Roy Helu and Taiwan Jones did not do enough behind Murray.
The Raiders should look at Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry as potential options in the draft. Henry is coming off of a Heisman winning season that saw him rush for over 2000 yards, while Elliott is considered to be the top running back prospect in the draft. Elliott had 1,821 yards with 23 touchdowns and also added 27 receptions for 206 yards. Elliott could give the Raiders a strong one-two punch at the position with Murray.
Oakland has the foundation in place to make a run to the playoffs in 2016. While the Denver Broncos should still be very good, the Raiders are a real threat in the division. Derek Carr as established himself as one of the best young QBs in the league, while Murray and Amari Cooper give the offensive some major weapons. Adding the free agent moves with Bruce Irvin and Sean Smith to that foundation could lead to the postseason for the first time in years.
