Raiders offseason report: Rising stars poised to end years of futility
For the first time in a very long time, the Oakland Raiders appear headed in a clear direction.
Whether it's the right direction remains to be seen. But it's a welcome change for a team that had spent the previous decade desperately trying to a build one last winner in Al Davis' final years.
In their desperation, the Raiders never fully committed to rebuilding, which had been needed since the early 2000s.
That all changed in 2012 when Reggie McKenzie was brought in from the Green Bay Packers organization to run the team. In his tenure, McKenzie has purged the team of its past salary cap transgressions and built a solid foundation.
The Raiders are flush with cap room but have spent conservatively. Last year, McKenzie opted for veterans on low-risk deals. Some of the deals were hits — defensive lineman Antonio Smith and left tackle Donald Penn had fine seasons — and some were misses. But those misses — wideout James Jones, running back Maurice Jones-Drew and linebacker LaMarr Woodley — were let go this offseason. Even Smith was cut in a cost-cutting move.
But the Raiders' real bounty came in the 2014 draft. Outside linebacker Khalil Mack was recently voted the league's 49th best player in an NFL Network survey of his peers, but even that may not do justice to the impact he had. The fifth overall pick was a monster against the run and showed the potential of a dominant pass rusher.
Quarterback Derek Carr, a second-round pick, was the most competent Oakland passer since the days of Rich Gannon. And guard Gabe Jackson, taken in the third round, looks like a decade-long starter at left guard.
This offseason, McKenzie went back to the veteran well in free agency, passing on big-money players for sensibly priced experience. It's a move right out the Packers' playbook: Draft your stars and supplement them with veteran free agents. Nose tackle Dan Williams will help shore up a sieve-like run defense. Former New Orleans Saint Curtis Lofton will solidify a talented linebacker corps alongside Mack and Sio Moore. And wideout Michael Crabtree, a good route runner and catch-and-run guy, plays to Carr's strengths.
Oakland also helped out its young quarterback by drafting wideout Amari Cooper, who can be used as a threat on the outside and in the slot.
To help oversee this reclamation project, McKenzie brought in Jack Del Rio as head coach. Before running the Denver Broncos defense for John Fox, Del Rio helped build the Jacksonville Jaguars into a playoff team as their head coach.
There's no guarantee these moves will pay off for McKenzie and the Raiders, but they finally appear like a real NFL team again.
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Quarterback
Carr had a solid rookie season, but the Raiders aren't out of quarterback purgatory quite yet. A poor second half raised doubts about his potential as a franchise QB. Carr had one of the worst yards-per-attempt marks in NFL history (5.5). But he also didn't get much help from his receivers.
Running back
The disappointing Darren McFadden era is over. The often-injured back will be replaced by explosive Latavius Murray. The second-year pro averaged 5.2 yards a carry on 82 rushes in 2014 and showed big-play potential on numerous occasions, including a 90-yard touchdown run vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. Free agent pickups Trent Richardson and Roy Helu will spell Murray.
Wide receiver
Cooper and Crabtree solidify the receiving corps, but Oakland lacks a reliable downfield threat. That might be for the best, given Carr's skill set. His downfield accuracy was underwhelming, but he showed good accuracy in the short to intermediate passing game. Oakland receivers struggled after the catch in 2014; Cooper, who does have decent long speed, and Crabtree should rectify that.
Tight end
Mychal Rivera wasn't the most reliable target for Carr in 2014. The 2013 sixth-rounder caught 59% of the passes thrown his way and averaged a modest 9.2 yards a reception. The Raiders drafted a possible replacement in Clive Walford. The third-round selection averaged more than 15 yards a reception his last season with Miami (Fla.).
Offensive line
While the line finished tied for sixth in fewest sacks allowed (28), that number is skewed by Carr's quick trigger. Outside of Penn and Jackson the rest of the line was replaceable. The Raiders let center Stefen Wisniewski walk in free agency and replaced him with former Chief Rodney Hudson, who should be an upgrade. They drafted guard Jon Feliciano to compete with Khalif Barnes for the starting job on the right side. Right tackle Austin Howard likely will retain his spot.
Defensive line
After ignoring the defensive end position in free agency, the Raiders used their second-round pick on Florida State's Mario Edwards Jr. He'll pair with solid veteran Justin Tuck in Oakland's base defense. Mack will bump down to defensive end on passing downs when Oakland goes to its sub packages. He was a devastating pass rusher during his rookie campaign, even if his 2014 sack numbers (four) say otherwise. The Raiders signed Williams to strengthen the run defense up the middle.
Linebacker
Mack and Moore are rising stars, but the Raiders needed a replacement for woeful Miles Burris when Mack moves to end on passing downs. Enter Lofton, who led New Orleans with 144 tackles. Lofton is not a long-term solution, but he is a major upgrade over Burris.
Secondary
Safety Charles Woodson has lost much of the athleticism that made him one of the best defensive players of this generation, but his instincts allow him to make plays in the passing game while offering excellent run support when he drops into the box. Oakland will pair him with free agent pickup Nate Allen. The cornerback position is unsettled. D.J. Hayden, a 2013 first-round pick, has been inconsistent when healthy (which hasn't been often), and T.J. Carrie is unproven. If Hayden lives up to his draft position, the secondary could surprise.
Special teams
After 15 seasons, kicker Sebastian Janikowski continues to boast one of the strongest legs in the game. His wayward accuracy on field goal attempts is a concern, but his kickoffs are an asset. Punter Marquette King has impressive tools.
Coaching
Del Rio takes over a young defense filled with potential stars. And he might be the perfect coach to preside over Mack's development after overseeing Von Miller's first few seasons in Denver. Bill Musgrave takes over the offense after spending two seasons working under Chip Kelly with the Philadelphia Eagles. Musgrave has promised an up-tempo system, which favors Carr, who thrived in a no-huddle attack at Fresno State.