The Oakland Raiders' Six Most Pressing Needs

Many people believe the Raiders have too many glaring holes to fix this offseason, but is this true?

Here I will rank the Raiders' most pressing needs and show how they can be fixed.

1. Defensive Tackle

The Raiders need a quality nose tackle to pair with Tommy Kelly. The team ranked near last in run defense last season, but with another big guy in the middle who requires a double team, linebackers will find it easier to flow to the ball.

The best ways of addressing this problem would be to either pick one up early in the draft or acquire one through a trade (Oakland could perhaps target Cleveland's Shaun Rogers).

2. Wide Receiver

Inclusion of this might be a bit controversial, as some believe wideout isn't big a need, while some think it should be the No. 1 priority. Still others say the best way to improve the passing game is with improved pass blocking and familiar faces at wide receiver for JaMarcus Russell.

This position can be addressed early in the draft, preferably in the first or second round (maybe in the third). But the Raiders can't forget that free agents such as Torry Holt, Marvin Harrison, and Plaxico Burress are all still available.

A trade for Braylon Edwards or Chad Johnson is still a possibility as well.

3. Offensive Tackle

It could also be controversial to deem this area a "need," as many believe this problem has already been fixed. Some would say the OT spot was fixed late last season by replacing Kwame Harris with Mario Henderson, and others would say it was fixed this offseason with new additions Khalif Barnes, Eric Pears, and Marcus Johnson.

But some would argue that none of these guys is the answer and that we still need a true "franchise" left tackle.

With all that's been invested in the tackle positions this offseason, I doubt the Raiders will draft a tackle with their current spot in the draft. The best way for Oakland to deal with this problem would be to trade up higher in the first round or trade for a veteran.

4. Strong Safety

The Raiders are looking great at all of the defensive back positions except this one, as Tyvon Branch lacks the size to be a true strong safety. Oakland needs someone who can step into the box for run support and further improve the horrid run D.

The optimal way to go about fixing the problem in the secondary is the draft, preferably in the third round, where the Raiders can take a sure-tackling ballhawk like Chip Vaughn (or, if he's not available, Patrick Chung, Rashad Johnson, or Michael Hamlin).

Roy Williams is also on the free agent market.

5. Linebacker

This is yet another debatable subject. Many people say we need a strong-side outside linebacker, while others insist we need a true middle linebacker so we can move Kirk Morrison back outside to his natural position.

Then, the group that includes me would say that, with an improved D-line, the likes of Sam Williams, Ricky Brown, or Jon Alston could all be adequate. I'm sure there are even people who would like to see Thomas Howard play strong side.

The best way to address the LB position is through free agency, as Derrick Brooks is still available, along with a few others. Otherwise, the Silver and Black can look in the draft's middle rounds, like the fourth.

6. Defensive End

The Raiders have a few standouts at this position but lack depth. Jay Richardson is great against the run but lacks pass rush skills. Trevor Scott lacks size but is great against the pass. Derrick Burgess is a stud when healthy and may be the closest thing to an every-down player at this position that the team has.

If Oakland can find a DE that can play all the time, that would be great, but I would settle even for situational guys like those already on the roster.

Both the draft and free agency are potential avenues here. Julius Peppers of the Carolina Panthers might be available via trade.

Other less pressing needs include a blocking fullback in case Oren O'Neal isn't back to his old self or goes down again, a blocking tight end in the mold of the Vikings' Jim Kleinsasser, and depth at guard and linebacker.

But in general, more competition at every position would be beneficial.