The Oakland Raiders were not what you would call a good team last year. They finished 3-13 overall and ranked 26th in passing yards (204.7), 32nd in rushing (77.5), 16th in pass defense (238.1), 22nd in rush defense (1219.4) and 30th in sacks (22). That's a long winded way of saying that the Raiders need help all over. As such, the team could go in any number of directions with the fourth overall pick in the NFL draft next month. Here are the team's top three needs and who could fill them.
1. Wide Receiver
The Raiders were one of only two teams in the NFL not to have a receiver post at least 700 yards last season. That has to change with quarterback Derek Carr entering his second year. Oakland has confidence that Carr can develop into a franchise quarterback. But to do so, he is going to need some help, especially after the team failed to sign any impact offensive players in free agency. Alabama's Amari Cooper and West Virginia's Kevin White have both been mentioned as possibilities in the first-round. Though ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr. believes that the Raiders will opt for White, he argues that Cooper is actually the better fit.
2. Pass-Rusher
The Raiders recorded just 22 sacks last season. By comparison, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston recorded 22 all by himself. Linebacker Khalil Mack is a stud and cornerback D.J. Hayden seems to be a keeper, but this defense needs more talent. The quickest way to improve a pass-defense is to get after opposing quarterbacks. Pass-rushers such as Florida's Dante Fowler Jr. and Missouri's Shane Ray may not be sure fire All-Pros, but they do lead a pack of talented pass-rushing prospects in this year's draft class.
3. Right Guard
Oakland wants Khalif Barnes to be their swing/utility linemen, not a bona fide starter. At 32-years-old, it's fair to see why. Head coach Jack Del Rio wants to get younger along the offensive line. More importantly, they need to open up running lanes and protect Carr. Oakland ranked just 27th in yards-per-carry average (3.7) last season and allowed 56 QB hits. They can do better. Unfortunately, there isn't a linemen worth taking in the top five so Oakland should look at Duke's Laken Tomlinson or Florida State's Tre Jackson in the later rounds.
