The Oakland Raiders have made all the right moves over the past few years to help turn themselves into a contender. The team has cleared cap space, drafted well, signed free agents and brought in the right head coach in Jack Del Rio. While the team is moving in the right direction, they shouldn't take their foot off the gas just yet.
While the team has signed strong free agents in offensive guard Kelechi Osemele, linebacker Bruce Irvin, and cornerback Sean Smith, there are more moves to make. The Raiders are close to being contenders in 2016 with the foundation they have with Derek Carr, Amari Cooper and Latavius Murray, but some other moves could put them over the top. The Raiders should sign Arian Foster and Greg Hardy in free agency, re-sign Aldon Smith, and target left tackle Jack Conklin in the draft.
Putting together these moves would help put the Raiders in position to make the playoffs in 2016. The potential is already there, but adding some more talent to the roster would get the team even closer. Foster could be a great fit as a secondary option behind Murray at running back. Foster can catch the ball out of the backfield, and when healthy, he is one of the best players in the league. Foster is reportedly "doing great" in his recovery from an Achilles injury, and he could be a great fit for the Raiders.
Hardy reportedly has some interest from teams, but he has not signed a deal yet. The Cowboys have left the door open for a move, but they haven't done anything with Hardy yet. This gives the Raiders an opening to make a move. Hardy has his off the field issues, but he would be a strong addition to the defensive line.
The Raiders should also go after Smith despite the fact that he has to serve a one-year suspension. Smith will have to wait until November to apply for reinstatement, but if he is allowed to return, he can make a late-season impact for the Raiders. The team has had "conversations" with Smith about returning, and the Raiders should make sure that happens.
Adding Hardy and bringing back Smith would be smart moves on defense, and the Raiders also have the chance to add another strong piece in the draft. The team has the No. 14 overall pick in the first round, and some draft experts have the team looking at left tackle Jack Conklin with the selection. While the Raiders brought back Donald Penn and signed Osemele, offensive line depth is always valuable in the NFL.
Conklin has the chance to be a consistent player in the NFL after playing his college ball at Michigan State. He has good size at 6-foot-6, 308 pounds, and he comes in after being a three-year starter for the Spartans. Conklin was named a consensus All-American last year, as well. Adding Conklin would help the rushing attack for the Raiders.
Latavius Murray had a strong season while rushing for over 1,000 yards, but overall, the Raiders' running game was not very productive. Adding Foster and Conklin to the mix could help give the offense a boost and would make the running game better for 2016. Will the Raiders make the playoffs next season? Only time will tell, but these moves could help make it happen.
