The Oakland Raiders addressed perhaps their biggest need and definitely their biggest priority by selecting Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper in last week's NFL Draft. In doing so, they gave second-year quarterback and hopeful franchise signal-caller Derek Carr a go-to weapon to aid his development. It was without a doubt the right pick.
But that doesn't mean it was a cure for all of Oakland's weaknesses. This is a team that hasn't enjoyed a winning season since 2003. Despite a solid draft that earned the team a B grade from ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr., there are still improvements to be made on this roster.
What are Oakland's biggest remaining needs?
Pass Rusher
"The Raiders had 22 sacks last season, tied for the second fewest last season," ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson wrote. "They had seven sacks from their defensive ends, which was the lowest in the NFL. Oakland drafted Florida State's Mario Edwards Jr. in the second round. Edwards is known for being more of a run stopper, as he had eight sacks in three college seasons, including three in 2014. Oakland drafted Max Valles of Virginia, who had eight sacks last season, in the sixth round. He is a project. The Raiders will use 2014 first-round pick, Khalil Mack, at defensive end some as well at outside linebacker. He must bring most of the pass-rush spark."
It's not a coincidence that four of the top five teams in sacks last year finished with winning records. In a passing league, getting after the quarterback is a must. Not only is that not Edwards' forte, but the pick itself was considered a big reach. The Raisers will have to hope for some internal improvement in this department.
Defensive Back
"The Raiders' top cornerbacks are DJ Hayden, TJ Carrie and Keith McGill," Williamson wrote. "They have a combined total of 15 starts. None are proven. Oakland could perhaps opt to bring back free-agent Tarell Brown as some insurance. The Raiders didn't take a safety despite looking for one in free agency."
Oakland finished 16th against the pass last season, surrendering 238.1 yards per game. While that doesn't sound so bad, you have to remember that the low passing totals were likely due to the ease at which teams could run against the Raiders. Shoring up a secondary that has to play Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers twice a year is a priority.
Guard
"Oakland drafted Miami's Joe Feliciano in the fourth round and he will compete with veteran Khalif Barnes," Williamson wrote. "Feliciano is considered tough, but perhaps still somewhat raw. He'd need a great camp to beat the steady Barnes, who the Raiders would like to be their swing offensive lineman."
At first glance, you might say, "Hey, the Raiders finished in the top ten in sacks and QB hits allowed. Their offensive line is fine." But you would be wrong. Carr's 5.46 yards per pass mark was one of the lowest for a starting QB in NFL history. One reason was a lack of receiver talent and one reason was because his line couldn't protect long enough to allow deeper routes to develop. Throw in Oakland's 27th ranked yards per carry average (3.7) and you've got yourself a glaring need.
