How Have Oakland Raiders Addressed Biggest Weaknesses from 2014?

The Oakland Raiders' new regime has created an air of optimism after addressing the weaknesses of a roster that turned in a third consecutive sub-.500 record in 2014.

There are conflicting opinions on whether the Raiders are ready to turn the corner in the upcoming season.

Peter King of MMQB released his early power rankings. He slotted Oakland in the 31st spot with a disturbing suspicion about quarterback Derek Carr:

"It’s not that I don’t trust Derek Carr. It’s that I don’t trust Derek Carr’s health after what I’ve read about the problems with a finger on his throwing hand. That plus the fact that the Raiders have a boatload of existing holes that Jack Del Rio has to address this summer." 

It should be noted that King’s skepticism on Carr’s finger comes after Tim Younger, Carr’s agent, dispelled rumors about a possible surgery, per San Francisco Chronicle reporter Lev Facher.

Subsequently, there was an active Carr sighting during organized team activities this week, per Oakland Tribune writer Jerry McDonald, who tweeted:

"

Just saw Derek Carr roll right and throw a short pass. And all is right with the world.

— Jerry McDonald (@Jerrymcd) June 2, 2015 "

"

Neglected to mention the pass was nearly end over end and now Carr is watching ...

— Jerry McDonald (@Jerrymcd) June 2, 2015"

Take what you want from these reports, but all eyes will be on Carr during training camp in July. One small wince or shake of the hand could be a cause of concern for the leader of this offense.

On the other hand, there are glimmering reports about the Raiders finally becoming a formidable and exciting team to watch in 2015, per NFL Network’s Charley Casserly.

The hype surrounding the Raiders' draft picks gives the offense much hope.

Has general manager Reggie McKenzie done enough in the offseason? We’ll dissect each of the following weaknesses that plagued the Raiders' 2014 season:

• Adding players who could provide a pass rush
• Upgrading Carr’s offensive weapons
• Addressing the right guard position
• Addressing an inexperienced secondary
• Retooling running back depth

I’ll also give an early grade on the improvements made through the draft and free agency.

Adding Players Who Could Provide a Pass Rush

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterbacks were quite comfortable against the Raiders. A scarcity in sacks meant more time to dissect the defense, which plays into the hands of cerebral QBs such as Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers. 

Oakland will make it uncomfortable for signal-callers in 2015. Khalil Mack is hellbent on creating nightmares for pocket passers. He has dedicated an offseason to progressing as a disruptive force on defense, per ESPN.com reporter Jeffri Chadiha:

"

I definitely want to get after the quarterback more this year," Mack said. "I got some hits [in 2014], but people didn't really see what I can do. Those sack numbers I had really weren't me. At the end of the day, you want people to see you at your best.

I can definitely say we will be relentless on defense this year," Mack said. "We're going to be dominant and physical and we're going to fly to the football. That's what this game comes down -- playing with that kind of effort. And we want to be the kind of defense that takes the ball away and gives it back to our offense as much as we possibly can.

"

Take Mack's quotes as a forewarning. Head coach Jack Del Rio echoed the idea that QBs could see more of Mack in the upcoming season, per Chadiha:

"

Since Del Rio coached Pro Bowl outside linebacker Von Miller as theDenver Broncos defensive coordinator from 2012-14, he'd like to see Mack have a similar impact on opposing passing attacks. "I think Khalil is way more physical than Von," Del Rio said. "Von got up to somewhere around 250 pounds when I had him but he's naturally closer to 240. Khalil can be up around 260 or 265 and they both play that strongside linebacker position and sub-pass-rusher role. Since most teams use their sub packages for two-thirds of the game, there will be some opportunities there.

"

Del Rio will likely mirror what he did with Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller. Miller has 37.5 sacks playing within the design of his former defensive coordinator. If Mack has similar success, the Raiders will have a consistent double-digit sack leader on the roster.

Defensive end Justin Tuck is a great example for rookies to follow, but he’s on the decline. In 2014, Tuck only recorded five sacks.

I don’t see rookie defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. being as much of a factor taking down the QB on his own—unless he develops a skill set that was nonexistent in his college years. Many will focus on his junior year as a letdown, but he was never a factor in terms of forcing sacks on his own. He only racked up five sacks combined in his first two seasons.

The Raiders’ second-round pick is a versatile defensive lineman who will earn his bones sealing off the edge stopping guys like running back Jamaal Charles from escaping on the outside.

The Raiders’ sixth-round pick is the prospect who will benefit significantly from Del Rio importing the Broncos’ defensive scheme. Max Valles has a history of being a disruptive force on the defensive line.

Judging by the Broncos' pass-rush snap count, per Pro Football Focus, Valles will have just as much of an opportunity to clobber QBs as Edwards and Tuck. Even if Edwards only provides a minimal effect on the pass rush, the Raiders' sack total should moderately increase.

Nonetheless, there are two caveats to the Raiders pass rush. Since Valles is only 20 years old, how quickly will he grow into his role? How much gas does Tuck have in the tank?

Grade: B

Upgrading Carr’s Offensive Weapons

The Raiders hit it out of park in this particular area. 

McKenzie overhauled Carr with dynamic weapons for his sophomore season. Wide receiver Amari Cooper was the No. 4 overall pick and has impressed during OTAs, resembling nothing close to a rookie, per ESPN.com’s Michael Wagaman:

"

The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder, whom head coach Jack Del Rio calls one of the most polished receivers to come out of college in years, has been extraordinarily smooth no matter who has been throwing the ball his way.

After an inauspicious start to his NFL career -- Cooper slipped and fell at the line of scrimmage, then was called for a false start on consecutive plays during the Raiders' rookie minicamp in May -- the former Alabama star has looked in many ways like a seasoned veteran.

His route running continues to be crisp, and Cooper seems to be picking up offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave's playbook without much problem.

"

Before drafting Cooper, the Raiders signed wide receiver Michael Crabtree. He brings veteran savvy and solid hands to the wide receiver corps. According to Crabtree, per San Francisco Chronicle writer Vic Tafur, he’s healthy and motivated:

"I have a lot to prove,” Crabtree said. “A lot to prove. Ain’t got nothing to lose and have a lot to prove. I would say the year prior to last year was me recovering, trying to get back right. This year I don’t feel a thing. Just go out there and play."

McKenzie also reunited Carr with an old teammate from Fresno State—wide receiver Josh Harper. Since joining the team, Harper has been proactive in his approach to making the cut at the end of the offseason.

"

Don't know if Josh Harper has what it takes but he's approaching his shot the right way, getting into Carr's ear, learning the playbook

— Asher Mathews (@AsherMathews) May 8, 2015"

"

Just talked to Fresno St. alum Josh Harper. He and Derek Carr have talked every day about the offense. Harper made some good plays on Day 1.

— Scott Bair (@BairCSN) May 8, 2015"

Let’s not forget rookie tight end Clive Walford also brings a dynamic mix of athleticism and solid hands as another viable target for the second-year QB. The Twitter universe salivated over Walford during OTAs:

"

.@PFF stat: Clive Walford best among draft-eligible TEs in yards per route run and was best from the slot https://t.co/Ide3iY2uoR #Raiders

— Matt Porter (@mattyports) May 4, 2015"

"

Ponder said rookie tight end Clive Walford “has really stood out. Big guy, catches ball well and is faster than I thought he would be.”

— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) May 26, 2015"

"

As much as I love Amari Cooper. Clive Walford is potentially the key to the Raiders offensive revival.

— Christopher Hansen (@ChrisHansenNFL) May 15, 2015"

Casserly of the NFL Network was accurate with his assessment of the Raiders offense. If Carr’s finger isn’t an issue as his agent says, Oakland's offense is hands down the most improved over the offseason.

Grade: A

Addressing the Right Guard Position

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

This is where the Raiders’ brain trust fumbled a bit (no pun intended). Jon Feliciano was the fourth-round pick expected to challenge offensive lineman Khalif Barnes for the starting right guard position. In the early going, Barnes seems to have a grip on the position battle. Levi Damien of SilverandBlackPride.com provided some insight:

"Feliciano has been working with the second team at right guard. They aren't going to hand him the starting job. He will have to beat out Barnes for that right. The hope is that he can do that so they can have Barnes available to fill in where needed due to his versatility."

According to a subsequent report from Damien, the team isn’t quite sold on the personnel projected to start on the right side of the offensive line:

"As the utility OL, Barnes is plugged in where needed. That spot is now right guard. Austin Howard played there last season to less than desirable results, so he is being moved to right tackle. There is a lot of uncertainty with those two leading the way on the right side."

Let’s add in the fact the Raiders traded back within the fourth round to draft Feliciano. The Carolina Panthers selected offensive tackle Daryl Williams with Oakland’s 102nd pick, and the New England Patriots selected guard Tre’ Jackson with the following pick.

I remember screaming, "Why didn’t the Raiders draft Jackson? I get it, Menelik Watson has been a disappointment as an offensive lineman out of Florida State, but Jackson has already made a name for himself at Patriots OTAs, per Cameron Doherty of EndZoneScore.com.

Jackson, a former Florida State guard, is already making waves as a rookie on a Super Bowl-winning team, all within three weeks of OTAs. Feliciano still has time to make up ground on Barnes, but let’s be honest, Jackson is further ahead of the curve from the start line.

The Raiders’ fourth-round pick was by far the most baffling. If Feliciano is unable to take over the starting job, the right side of Carr’s protection could be in trouble with Howard also coming off a subpar season.

Grade: D

Addressing an Inexperienced Secondary

Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

Aside from signing safety Nate Allen, the Raiders have put tremendous faith in their young secondary. D.J. Hayden enters a pivotal year. T.J. Carrie has been a pleasant surprise, making the Raiders scout team look like geniuses as a potential seventh-round gem.

Oakland didn’t select a cornerback until the seventh round in this year’s draft. Dexter McDonald (6’1”, 200 pounds) is a bigger cornerback who can become a prime-time player in a year or two, but all the experience in the secondary rests with safeties Allen and Charles Woodson. 

Allen led the Philadelphia Eagles in interceptions last year, which is understated. Oakland will desperately need his coverage skills to make up for the potential mistakes of the inexperienced cornerbacks.

He’ll also be available on the field. He has only missed one game since 2012. Before the Raiders released safety Tyvon Branch, he had only played in five games since 2012. Allen is a major upgrade at the position.

However, the success or fall of the secondary rests on the inexperienced shoulders of Hayden and Carrie. Oakland could have done itself a favor by signing a veteran CB, and that’s still possible. Recently, cornerback Tracy Porter was cut by the Washington Redskins, per NFL.com's Kevin Patra, and should be a target for the Raiders. 

He was a serviceable CB in a short stint for the Silver and Black during the 2013 season. Porter isn’t a shutdown defender by any means, but he fits in as solid insurance for the Raiders' younger talent at the position. Managing editor of the Raiders section on Cover32, James Arcellana recalls Porter’s unreasonably short tenure with the franchise:

"

@RaidersReporter Some people said that letting him walk was one of the worst moves RM ever made.

— StAy in Oakland (@RaiderSparky) May 27, 2015"

The Raiders are allowing their young talent to showcase their skills. Developing young talent on the roster is the key to building a solid future, but the value of a solid veteran would be ideal in a pass-happy league.

The New York Jets trusted a crop of young CBs in 2014, and they were futile at forcing turnovers, recording a league-worst six interceptions for the entire season.

Just take a look at the last two Super Bowl teams. Both the Seattle Seahawks and Patriots had high-end secondaries to offset high-powered offenses. The Seahawks had the Legion of Boom, and the Patriots had Revis and Brandon Browner. Oh, by the way, the game ended on an interception from cornerback Malcolm Butler. 

Much is made of assembling a solid defensive line, but look at the Jets and Buffalo Bills last year. Both teams had talented defensive lines. The Bills led the league in sacks and the Jets ranked sixth, but neither team made the playoffs.

Raider fans can only hope Hayden steps up to the challenge to flash the talent he displayed in college and Carrie continues to impress. Let’s not forget Porter, a former Super Bowl champion, is only a phone call away.

Grade: C

Retooling Running Back Depth

Noah Berger/Associated Press

This area of weakness was downplayed because of the expectations put on running back Latavius Murray to make a significant leap into the starting position. However, running back Maurice Jones-Drew retired, and Darren McFadden is now a Dallas Cowboy. The Raiders needed to re-up on RBs, and they’ve addressed the position with some interesting pickups. 

Running back Trent Richardson is literally running on his last legs in the league after being run out of Cleveland and Indianapolis.

"

#Raiders HC Jack Del Rio: We are giving Trent Richardson a chance to reinvent himself and have made no promises.

— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) May 13, 2015"

Two disappointing seasons after a solid rookie season pits Richardson in a position battle with Murray. 

Murray has more upside, but Richardson is a more polished, complete RB because of his ability to block and his overall football acumen. 

The two RBs together pose a potential threat as the classic thunder-and-lightning tandem. Richardson is a grinder, while Murray can hit a defense at any moment for a 90-yard run. The former needs a high volume of carries to be effective, while the latter doesn’t as a long-distance ball-carrier.

The Raiders are hoping for both or either of the following to happen: Richardson revitalizes his career behind a big, burly offensive line, or Murray progresses well in the offseason and is ready to contribute consistently for a full season.

Expect to see running back Roy Helu Jr. line up in various spots in formations. He’ll catch screen passes, short throws to the flat and grind out a few yards between the guards. He’s the utility back who gets very little press but does all the dirty work to move the chains. Think Shane Vereen or Kevin Faulk in their days with the Patriots when projecting Helu’s role within the offense. 

The sleeper pickup was running back Michael Dyer. He rushed for over 2,000 yards in his first two seasons at Auburn before getting into off-the-field trouble and becoming a footnote as a backup RB at Louisville, per AL.com writer Brandon Marcello:

"

The former five-star prospect posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons at Auburn, including an MVP performance in the 2011 BCS National Championship, but left the team following a suspension and off-the-field issues (he later admitted his pistol was used in a home invasion, and he smoked marijuana and spice while at Auburn) in January 2012. He landed at Arkansas State under then-coach Gus Malzahn, but was kicked off the team following a traffic stop in which a gun was found in his vehicle. 

"

Now, Dyer finally has his head on straight with his first chance at becoming a professional, telling Marcello:

"

Even at Auburn, I asked myself (if) I was to stay there three years, then where would I have been? The only answer I can come up with every time (is) I probably wouldn't even still be there because I didn't grow up. I didn't understand exactly about football and everything that comes with football.

I came out of high school and I had good talent and a lot of people around me supported me, but never really the structure to understand what it takes to maintain. Going through everything I went through, I understand that now.

"

He’s 25 but is only two years removed from performing as a colossal talent on the collegiate level. If Dyer has truly put the troubles behind him, he can put a stronghold on an open competition in Oakland.

Every player at the position has a fair opportunity to prove they deserve the bulk of the carries, which creates a must-watch competition at training camp.

When focused, Dyer has the talent level to take on the bulk of the carries and produce on a big stage, just ask quarterback Cam Newton and that championship Auburn team a few years ago.

Grade: B

Advanced statistics provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com, Sports-reference.com, Pro Football Focus and ESPN.com.

Player Measurements provided by ESPN.com.

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