Oakland Raiders' Top Needs, Fits for 2015 NFL Draft to Build for the Future

The Oakland Raiders might not be positioned to compete for a Super Bowl in the very near future, but the team has the right pieces in place to potentially make a run a few years down the line.

The Raiders added cornerstone pieces to both the offense and the defense in last year's draft in quarterback Derek Carr and linebacker Khalil Mack, respectively. This offseason, the team added an experienced and respected head coach in Jack Del Rio.

While the Raiders would certainly like to add players that can bring an immediate impact, the focus in this year's draft should be on the future.

With this in mind, let's take a look at which needs Oakland should address to begin preparing for the long haul.

Wide Receiver

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The Oakland Raiders got their franchise quarterback in last year's draft. Now is the time to go out and get Derek Carr a true No. 1 receiving option.

Even without an elite receiver on the roster, Carr managed to pass for 3,270 yards with 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his rookie season. He also completed a respectable 58.1 percent of his passes. If Oakland can manage to significantly upgrade its receiving corps, there's no telling just how far this kid can go as a signal-caller. 

Fortunately, this year's draft is chock full of receiving talent.

Amari Cooper, Alabama

Due to the need at the position and the amount of talent available in this year's draft, I do believe wide receiver is a position the Raiders can justify targeting with the fourth-overall selection in the first round.

Alabama product Amari Cooper certainly appears worthy of going at this spot. The 6'1", 211-pound pass-catcher racked up 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2014 alone.

"Amari is super athletic, very fluid and highly skilled as a route runner and hands catcher. Because of his reserved demeanor and similar ability, I compared him to Marvin Harrison during the season," former NFL general manager Phil Savage said of Cooper, via NFL.com. 

Kevin White, West Virginia

The Raiders might also want to consider former West Virginia standout Kevin White with the fourth-overall pick, based on his athletic potential alone.

White wasn't quite as productive as Cooper last season, though he did manage to produce an impressive 1,447 yards and 10 scores. However his combination of size (6'3", 215 pounds) and speed (ran a 4.35-second 40 at the scouting combine) seems to indicate a bright future awaits White in the NFL.

Devin Smith, Ohio State

If the Raiders decide to strengthen a different position in the first round, they can always grab a guy like Devin Smith in the second. 

Though the former Ohio State pass-catcher isn't exactly a completely polished receiver, he does bring the assets needed to be an elite deep threat. Smith is fluid in the open field and accelerates extremely quickly out of his breaks. He led the Buckeyes with 931 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2014.

Smith's ability to find open space downfield would perfectly complement Carr's above-average deep-ball accuracy.

Devin Funchess, Michigan 

Michigan's Devin Funchess is another second-round prospect that would fit nicely in the Oakland offense.

Funchess is a strong and aggressive pass-catcher who could help add a physical identity to the Raiders' receiving corps. However, he is definitely not the fastest pass-catcher in this year's draft (ran a 4.70-second 40 at the combine) and plays more like an undersized (6'4", 232 pounds) tight end. 

He racked up 733 yards and four touchdowns in 2014.

Pass-Rusher

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The Raiders finished the 2014 season with a paltry 22.0 sacks as a team, tied for 30th in the NFL. Only the Cincinnati Bengals logged fewer quarterback takedowns on the year.

This is precisely why Oakland needs to target an edge-rusher early in the draft, possibly as early as the first round.

Dante Fowler, Florida

Oakland can probably trade out of the No. 4 spot and still find a viable pass-rusher in the first round, but I certainly don't see anything wrong with grabbing a guy like Dante Fowler if the Raiders stand pat with their selection.

Fowler is a 6'3", 261-pound athletic nightmare on the football field. He racked up 8.5 sacks and 15.0 tackled for a loss in 2014 alone. He would easily pair with 2014 first-round pick Khalil Mack to give Oakland one of the better one-two punch combinations in the league.

Shane Ray, Missouri

If the Raiders do decide to trade down a couple of spots (possible for the rights to Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota), former Missouri defender Shane Ray might just become the perfect target.

Ray is an extremely explosive pass-rusher who amassed 13.0 sacks and 22.5 tackles for a loss in 2014. However, he is a bit undersized for the end position at 6'3" and 245 pounds, likely making him a rotational edge-rusher in Oakland's 4-3 front.

Alvin Dupree, Kentucky

Former Kentucky defensive end Alvin Dupree is another guy I like in the first round, should the Raiders decide to trade out of the No. 4 spot.

At 6'4" and 269 pounds, Dupree is a better fit than Ray at defensive end. Yet, he still brings the type of athleticism NFL scouts covet in their edge-rushing prospects. His combine time of 4.56 seconds in the 40-yard dash should give you an idea just how quickly Dupree can get off the line.

Dupree finished the 2014 season with 7.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss.

Defensive Lineman

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Defensive lineman certainly isn't the biggest need for the Raiders. However, the team did allow an average of 119.4 rushing yards per game (22nd in the league) a season ago, which means there is room for improvement.

The good news is that there is a chance Oakland can snag one of the draft's truly elite tackle prospects at No. 4 overall.

Leonard Willaims, USC

Former Southern California defensive tackle/end Leonard Williams is widely considered one of the top overall prospects in the entire draft. He produced an impressive 80 tackles, 7.0 sacks and 9.5 tackles for a loss a season ago and projects as a potential Pro Bowler at the NFL level.

Williams could go to the Tennessee Titans at No. 2 overall if they decide to pass on Mariota or trade out of the spot. He could also go to the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 3. However, if the mammoth 6'5", 302-pound defender slides to No. 4, the Raiders should feel good about snatching him.

Not only would Oakland be getting a potentially elite defender, but they would be getting a guy that is excited about joining the franchise.

Williams said the following during February's scouting combine, per Bryan Fischer of NFL.com:

"

The Raiders have kind of been like my favorite, hometown team. I love their colors, I love their tradition, I love their defense. I want to go as high as possible and shooting for that number one spot. But if I did end up dropping to the Raiders, I would love to play for them.

"

Michael Bennett, Ohio State

If Williams doesn't fall to Oakland at No. 4, I believe the team can afford to wait a couple of rounds before strongly considering the defensive line again in the draft. With that said, I believe a guy like Ohio State's Michael Bennett makes sense in Round 3.

Bennett's biggest asset is perhaps his versatility. The 6'2", 293-pound defender could potentially line up at various positions in Oakland's front in order to attack upfield more effectively. He produced 7.0 sacks and 14.0 tackles for a loss in 2014.

Laterrius Walton, Central Michigan

If the Raiders want to add a stout run defender in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft, I like a guy like Central Michigan's Laterrius Walton.

Walton is a massive 6'5", 319-pound prospect who projects as a run-stuffer at the pro level. However, his technique is raw and he isn't likely to immediately become a regular contributor. He could, however, fit into long-term plans for solidifying the run defense. 

Cornerback

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Oakland fielded a respectable pass defense in 2014 (ranked 16th in the NFL), but the team lacks an elite cornerback in the secondary.

The team's top corner, T.J. Carrie, was rated just 42nd among all cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus for the 2014 season. Fellow starter D.J. Hayden was rated 61st. Finding an upgrade somewhere in the draft should be a priority.

Trae Waynes, Michigan State

Former Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes is another guy I like for Oakland should the team decide to trade out of the No. 4 spot. Waynes is fast (ran a 4.31-second 40 at the scouting combine), physical and possesses adequate size for the pro game.

However, I don't believe Waynes is good enough to be a top-five selection. He is a Day 1 starter and would immediately elevate the Raiders secondary if selected.

Quinten Rollins, Miami University

If Oakland doesn't trade down in the first round, I really like the idea of adding a guy like Quinten Rollins in the second. The former MAC standout is not likely to be an immediate starter, but Rollins has the physical tools and the instincts to develop into a top-tier cover corner.

Rollins isn't the most impressive athlete in terms of straight-line speed, but he is a fluid runner with above-average start-stop quickness. He was credited with nine passes defended and seven interceptions just last season.

Ronald Darby, Florida State

I also like Florida State product Ronald Darby as a potential second-round target for Oakland. Though he isn't as physical as Waynes or as instinctive as Rollins, Darby does possess impressive speed (4.38-second 40 at the combine) for the position.

Darby could likely become an immediate contributor and a weapon against quicker slot receivers. 

Guard

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For the most part, the Raiders have a respectable offensive line. However, starting right guard Austin Howard was a liability in 2014.

Howard ranked just 59th among guards last season, according to Pro Football Focus, and was credited with allowing five sacks. Finding an upgrade should be on Oakland's to-do list.

Tre' Jackson, Florida State

I definitely don't believe the Raiders should consider a guard in the first round or even at the top of the second. However, if the team trades down in Round 2 for some reason, I do like Florida State's Tre' Jackson.

Jackson is a strong, physical interior lineman who can likely play on either side of the offensive line. This versatility adds to Jackson's value, though it shouldn't matter as much to the Raiders, who only need to fill one position.

Still, the South Team MVP of the 2015 Senior Bowl is an excellent long-term prospect Oakland should consider drafting at the right spot.

Josue Matias, Florida State

A more realistic option for Oakland is Jackson's former teammate Josue Matias. Matias is an exceptional pass-blocking guard who could potentially be available in Round 3 or Round 4.

At 6'5" and 309 pounds, Matias has the size of an NFL-caliber guard, though his pass-blocking skills are superior to his run-blocking ability. This would bode well for second-year quarterback Carr, but not so well for the Raiders' struggling ground game.

Mitch Morse, Missouri

Missouri's Mitch Morse is another mid-round prospect who could fit nicely inside Oakland's offensive line.

Though he took over for Justin Britt at left tackle in 2014, Morse appears better suited for the right side of the line at the pro level. He could very well end up as a right tackle with another team, but I like him as a guard with the Raiders. His biggest assets are his strength and his upfield punch off the snap.

Running Back

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Oakland fielded the league's worst rushing offense a season ago, averaging just 77.5 rushing yards per game. A big part of the problem is the team's lack of a reliable every-down back.

Last year, the team's leading rusher with 534 yards was Darren McFadden. McFadden averaged a miserable 3.4 yards per carry and is no longer with the team. Latavius Murray showed glimpses of promise late in the season, but hasn't solidified himself as a workhorse. 

Because of where the Raiders pick in each round, I don't like the idea of adding a running back earlier than Round 3.

Mike Davis, South Carolina

If the Raiders want to start considering ball-carriers in Round 3, South Carolina product Mike Davis might be a good one to start with. The 5'9", 217-pound back has the size and build of an NFL player.

Davis also has two solid years of starting experience to bring to the table. He amassed 982 yards and nine touchdowns a season ago to go with a nice 4.9 yards-per-carry average. Though he does not possess elite quickness or agility, Davis is the type of bruising between-the-tackles runner that could complement Murray in Oakland's backfield.

David Cobb, Minnesota

Another bruising, physical runner is David Cobb. The former Minnesota standout stands 5'11" and weighs a solid 229 pounds.

Cobb isn't flashy and definitely won't wow anyone with his breakaway speed (ran a 4.81-second 40 at the scouting combine), but he is definitely capable of battering opposing defenses. In 2014, he racked up 1,626 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Golden Gophers.

Cameron Artis-Payne, Auburn

Auburn's Cameron Artis-Payne is another solid mid-round prospect the Raiders could consider. He had just one year of workhorse experience at Auburn (303 carries, 1,608 yards) and therefore should be relatively fresh when compared to some other backs.

However, Artis-Payne is little more than a grinder and doesn't appear to do any one thing particularly well. He will likely need to improve on his pass-protection in order to crack a starting lineup, but he should find a role in a committee backfield. 

Safety

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Though he will be around this year, the Raiders are going to have to start preparing for life without free safety Charles Woodson.

The 38-year-old signed a one-year extension this offseason and had a very productive 2014 campaign (113 tackles, four interceptions). However, a long-term plan for the position has to be considered. Grabbing a developmental prospect in the middle of the draft this year seems like a smart move.

Gerod Holliman, Louisville

A guy I believe could be the eventual successor to Woodson is former Louisville standout Gerod Holliman. 

Holliman won the Thorpe Award in 2014 after playing an impressive campaign and snagging 14 interceptions on the season. However, 2014 was Holliman's only standout season at the collegiate level, which is why teams may hesitate to take him before the third round.

Among the middle-round options, Holliman may be the most physically capable of picking up where Woodson leaves off at the end of 2015. 

Kurtis Drummond, Michigan State

Michigan State's Kurtis Drummond is a guy who possesses the fluidity and ball skills needed to thrive at the free safety position. However, he lacks physicality and instinct, which is why he projects as a mid-round talent. 

A year in the wight room and a season learning behind a guy like Woodson could help Drummond realize his full potential. He is worth a look in Round 4 or Round 5, if the Raiders believe he can save them from spending a higher pick on the position next year.

Adrian Amos, Penn State

Adrian Amos is another safety prospect that should find himself drafted in the middle rounds. He has adequate ball skills and projects as a solid zone safety at the pro level.

Like Drummond, however, Amos will likely be a liability in run support. He lacks physicality and is more of a leg-tackler than a hitter. Amos also seems to shy away from taking risks, something Woodson's tutelage may be able to change. 

Tight End

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Raiders tight end Mychal Rivera was a solid contributor to the passing game (58 receptions and 534 yards) in 2014, so the tight end position isn't exactly a glaring need.

However, Oakland at least showed interest in acquiring former Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham in free agency, according to ESPN's Adam Caplan. This means the desire to add to the position is there.

Still, I believe the Raiders can afford waiting until the end of the draft to gamble on a tight end prospect.

Nick Boyle, Delaware

Delaware product Nick Boyle is far from an elite athlete, but he is a good tight end capable of both blocking and receiving adequately.

Boyle certainly looks the part of an NFL tight end at 6'4" and 268 pounds. He hauled in 37 receptions for 304 yards in 2014.

Gerald Christian, Louisville

Former Louisville tight end Gerald Christian doesn't possess the size of a guy like Boyle (he stands 6'3" and 244 pounds) but he is more athletic and brings more potential as a pass-catcher.

Even though he produced a solid combine workout (4.87-second 40 time and 28 reps on the bench press) Christian could be available in the sixth round or later due to his lack of ideal size. I still see him as a good fit as a complementary pass-catcher in Oakland.

Jean Sifrin, Massachusetts

Jean Sifrin is an athletically talented but extremely raw 27-year-old tight end prospect. He hauled in 41 passes for 637 yards and six scores in his only season at UMass, but has very limited football experience.

Sifrin is a gamble in just about every sense of the word, but the potential to make plays is there and I believe the Raiders could afford to take the risk at the very bottom of April's draft.