6 Oakland Raiders Who Must Take Big Leap in 2015
The Oakland Raiders have made a lot of significant additions to the roster this offseason. In the initial free-agency rush, the team brought in more than 10 free agents. Add to those the 10 draft picks, and the Raiders have plenty of new options.
But these players aren't supposed to be the team. They were brought in to supplement the players already on the roster.
While Oakland made some significant additions, the future success of the team is dependent on players who were already on the roster last season. These are the young players who should start in 2015 and are expected to lead the team back to NFL relevance.
Here's a look at six players from last season who need to be consistent, significant contributors in 2015.
T.J. Carrie
1 of 7
2014 Key Stats
Games played: 13
Games started: 4
Interceptions: 1
Passes defended: 8
Forced Fumbles: 1
Total tackles: 44
Solo Tackles: 37
2014 Recap
It was an interesting season for T.J. Carrie. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2014 draft, he was brought in primarily for his abilities as a kick returner. Injuries forced the team to give him significant playing time at cornerback, and he proved capable of doing the job.
Carrie quietly went about his business. He frequently found himself in situations that looked like mismatches on paper, but he was never flustered or overwhelmed. He also showed encouraging development throughout the season and clearly improved with each game.
At 6'0"and 204 pounds, he has good size, and he's willing to use it. He's a physical cornerback, and he also has the speed and quickness to stay with receivers and make a play on the ball. Even though it was injuries that led to his increased playing time, he established himself as a solid second cornerback.
What Oakland Needs From Carrie in '15: Continued Development
Carrie's exceptional speed made him a prime option for kick returns, but he was impressive enough once he started playing cornerback that he played himself out of kick-return duties. As good as he was on defense, it didn't make sense to risk injuries on special teams.
With D.J. Hayden expected to finally lock down the top cornerback spot (more on that later), the Raiders still have to find reliable answers throughout the depth chart. Primarily, the team has to figure who's going to start across from Hayden, and Carrie is the top candidate for the job.
If Carrie continues to develop, the Raiders could suddenly find themselves relatively solid at a position that was one of the team's biggest question marks just a season ago.
Carrie has the physical tools. He's big and fast, and he has the ability to turn into one of the better No. 2 cornerbacks in the NFL. His continued development will go a long way in improving the overall performance of the defense.
Mychal Rivera
2 of 7
2014 Key Stats
Games played: 16
Games started: 10
Receptions: 58
Receiving Yards: 534
Average YPC: 9.2
Average YPG: 33.4
Touchdowns: 4
2014 Recap
In 2013, Mychal Rivera found himself receiving unexpected playing time because of a combination of injuries and a lack of better options. He rewarded the team by being a surprisingly effective receiving tight end. An injury to David Ausberry left Rivera as the starter in 2014, and he continued to impress as a pass-catcher.
The best stretch of his young career came during Weeks 8 to 10, when he had a combined 21 catches for 185 yards and three touchdowns. He stretched the field down the sidelines and up the middle. He also proved to be a true red-zone threat.
The ineffectiveness of the offense overall led to Rivera's development being overlooked. He wasn't consistent, which hurt the offense, but when he was on his game, he was very dangerous. At times, he was Oakland's most dangerous receiving threat.
What Oakland Needs From Rivera in '15: Establish a Consistent Role in the Offense
Rivera was always expected to be more of a pass-catcher than a blocker. A lack of options at tight end forced Rivera into an every-down role, but he's still generally weak as a blocker. The Raiders addressed this in the offseason by adding blocking specialist Lee Smith in free agency and every-down tight end Clive Walford in the draft.
However, this shouldn't be seen as a setback for Rivera. Instead, it should be seen as an opportunity for him to focus on what he does best, which is catch the ball.
Having a reliable tight end in the passing game is huge for a developing quarterback such as Derek Carr. Rivera can become his security blanket, the receiving option who is consistently available and effective.
Rivera might never be much better as a blocker than he is now. But he can continue to develop as a receiving tight end. And if he can reach his potential in this area, he has the size and speed to be a very dangerous option in the passing game in any situation.
Sio Moore
3 of 7
2014 Key Stats
Games played: 11
Games started: 11
Forced Fumbles: 1
Sacks: 3
Total tackles: 90
Solo Tackles: 67
2014 Recap
After an impressive rookie season, Moore continued to solidify his grasp on the weakside linebacker spot. He was a constant presence on defense, seemingly always near the ball. He finished four games with double-digit tackles, and he constantly had to be accounted for by the defense.
Unfortunately, a hip injury in Week 14 cost him the rest of the season. It eventually resulted in surgery, but Moore's recovery has gone well, and it shouldn't affect him going forward, reported by Bill Williamson of ESPN.
Despite missing five games, Moore still finished with 90 tackles, good for third highest on the team. After an impressive rookie season, Moore built on his success and continued to show he's an effective every-down linebacker.
What Oakland Needs From Moore in '15: Better Focus His Energy
When Moore was drafted in the third round of the 2013 draft, he was honest about how he felt about it, relayed by Levi Damien of Silver and Black Pride:
"Everything I do, I do with juice. ... The Oakland Raiders got the best linebacker in the draft, I don't care who went before. ... I've played every position on the field and done so in a productive manner and have the film to prove it. ... For me, I take that and use that not to brag and boast but as a chip on my shoulder because even though I can do a bunch of things I'm still overlooked. It's a shame but it's also a blessing because it's the reason why I'm pissed off.
"
This confidence, fire and energy is what makes Moore effective, and it has made him a fan favorite. But it can also be a detriment. Case in point: On a single play against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12 last season, Moore made a play that could've guaranteed Oakland's first win, and he followed it up with a ridiculous celebration that could've cost them the game.
Coaches have to walk a fine line. They have to try and keep players from making bad decisions while not restricting them to the point of being ineffective. But this has as much to do with the player himself. Moore has incredible potential as a pass-rusher, as a run-stuffer and in coverage so long as he doesn't let his energy lead to over-pursuing or being out of position.
Moore's a foundational piece of the defense as long as he's not a distraction. He needs to better channel his infectious energy and focus not only on making plays but on being effective on every play. If he does, he'll become a true game-changer on a weekly basis, and the rest of the league will no longer be able to overlook him.
.jpg?w=256 "Chiefs Giants Football")
Khalil Mack
4 of 7
2014 Key Stats
Games played: 16
Games started: 16
Forced Fumbles: 1
Sacks: 4
Total tackles: 75
Solo Tackles: 59
2014 Recap
Khalil Mack had the expectations of the entire Raider Nation on his shoulders when he arrived in Oakland last year. He never buckled under the pressure, and he proved to be as good as advertised.
Mack proved to be an incredibly well-prepared rookie. He showed great ability as an edge-rusher, and he was incredibly effective against the run. He showed a great ability to read and understand defenses, which allowed him to be in the right position most of the time.
What Mack wasn't able to provide as a rookie was enough of an impact. Yes, he was effective in every area. But he wasn't able to provide many big plays. There were times when the Raiders, in the middle of their 0-10 start, were one defensive play away from getting a game-changing stop. It was at these times when Oakland needed Mack, the first-round pick, to step up, but he couldn't.
What Oakland Needs From Mack in '15: More Impact Plays
The foundation is there for Mack. There isn't any glaring weakness in his game. What he must focus on now is making the leap from good to great.
Four sacks isn't good enough. One forced fumble isn't good enough. He has to be a game-changing defender, and that impact has to be made primarily in the pass rush. Anything less than double digits in sacks should be seen as a disappointment for a player with this much ability and potential.
Mack should see more time as a pass-rusher under new head coach Jack Del Rio and new defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. He'll be used as an extra rusher from the linebacker position, but he should also see significant time as a true, hand-in-the-dirt edge-rusher. He needs to make these opportunities count.
Mack was effective in 2014. He needs to be a true force in 2015.
D.J. Hayden
5 of 7
2014 Key Stats
Games played: 10
Games started: 8
Interceptions: 1
Passes defended: 10
Total tackles: 47
Solo Tackles: 42
2014 Recap
Hayden's sophomore campaign was similar to his rookie year. After losing much of his first season to injury, 2014 began in the same way, and he didn't see the field until Week 8 of the regular season. Naturally, the "bust" label began to be mentioned. But while he missed time, Hayden was effective when he stepped on the field.
Hayden showed flashes of the player the Raiders were hoping for when they took him with the 12th overall pick in 2013. He's a big, strong cornerback with great speed and the ability to quickly break on the ball to break up passes.
Eventually, Hayden found himself in the starting lineup. But that was as much due to injuries as it was to Hayden's play. Given the time he's missed in his career through injury, he also looked like a cornerback still learning to play against NFL receivers.
What Oakland Needs From Hayden in '15: Stay Healthy
This offseason, the Raiders have made no significant additions to the cornerback depth chart. That means Hayden will once again be expected to lead the Oakland pass defense as the team's top cornerback.
Obviously, Hayden hasn't chosen to miss games, but it's an issue that needs to be addressed. Oakland needs consistency at the No. 1 cornerback spot. He has the ability to be an impact cornerback, but it doesn't do the team any good if he's standing on the sideline.
Expecting Hayden to be a shutdown cornerback this season is expecting too much. But he does have to be able to consistently take on the opposing team's top receiver.
The success of the entire cornerback depth chart behind Hayden is dependent on him being on the field for 16 games and being effective, making Hayden's development for this upcoming season crucial.
Getting ready to enter his third season, D.J. Hayden should have played 32 games in his career. Instead, he's only played 18. This has been Hayden's biggest issue, and it continues to be the major concern. Now, he appears to be fully healthy, which is music to Oakland's ears.
For 2015, the goal for Hayden is simple: stay on the field.
Derek Carr
6 of 7
2014 Key Stats
Games played: 16
Games started: 16
Passing yards: 3,270
Average YPG: 204.4
Touchdown passes: 21
Interceptions: 12
2014 Recap
Expectations were already high for Derek Carr when he was taken in the second round of the draft last year. He eventually won the starting job over Matt Schaub and went on to start all 16 games as a rookie, which only increased the pressure he was under.
Carr was thrown into the fire as rookie in the NFL's most difficult and most scrutinized position, and he handled the pressure like a veteran. He was comfortable leading the offense, and he was better at reading defenses than most would expect from a rookie. He showed a veteran-like savvy in knowing how to avoid sacks both through pocket presence and knowing when to get rid of the ball.
One of Carr's best attributes also proved to be one of the offense's biggest problems. Carr was very careful with the ball, which often proved to be the offense's undoing. He finished with a league-worst average of 5.5 yards per attempt.
He too often settled for the quick, safe pass short of the sticks rather than letting routes develop further downfield. This was less risky, but it was also ineffective.
It was a 16-game, on-the-job learning experience. There are plenty of areas where Carr can improve. But more importantly, he proved he can be the answer at quarterback that Oakland has been desperately looking for.
What Oakland Needs From Carr in '15: Become the Franchise Quarterback
Fact: The Raiders have placed their hopes for the future on Carr's shoulders.
Every other quarterback on the roster understands he's playing for a backup role because this is Carr's team. And this offseason, the Raiders went to considerable effort to add offensive weapons. Now, it's up to Carr to take the next step and show what he's truly capable of and that he really is a franchise quarterback.
He's only in his second season, so more growing pains will be understandable. But the jump in his performance from last season to this season has to be franchise-changing. He needs to finish with over 4,000 passing yards and about 30 touchdown passes. He alone needs to take responsibility for Oakland finishing the season above .500 and threatening for a playoff spot.
Is that expecting too much? If Carr is the quarterback that the Raiders believe he is, then the answer is no.
At some point, potential needs to become reality. For Carr, that time is now.
Conclusion
7 of 7
The Raiders have spent years trying to rebuild. And as most would agree, a team must rebuild through the draft.
All six of these players were drafted by Oakland, and they've been good picks. They've shown real potential on the field, and they've at times been key factors in winning games.
While other players have been brought in, they're reinforcements. But these six are foundational. They are the players upon whom the Raiders can build sustained success.
For more than a decade, Raiders fans have held onto the belief that things will one day get better—that, one day, the team will start winning again and the Silver and Black will retake its rightful place among the NFL's elite.
2015 is the year for these six players to make this happen and to show that day has finally arrived.
Unless otherwise noted, all stats taken from Pro-Football-Reference.com and NFL.com.
Share your thoughts in the comments section below and on at Twitter @BrianJ_Flores.
.jpg?w=480 "Chiefs Giants Football")
.jpg?w=600 "Browns GM Speaks on Trade Buzz")