Ranking Oakland Raiders' 10 Most Important Contributors in 2017

For the Oakland Raiders, rookies from the draft, undrafted first-year players, free agents and prominent players all contributed to a 12-4 season in the previous campaign. What will it take to achieve the ultimate goal in February? Who's most responsible for the team's success?

It takes 11 men operating as a cohesive unit on the field and a full roster, which includes emergency fill-ins off the practice squad, to reign victorious over 31 other teams in the NFL. Injuries, matchups and outstanding performances all play a part.

We're all aware teams sink or swim with the quarterback position. Nonetheless, the onus falls on his playmakers to move the ball downfield and rack up points. Specifically for the Raiders, an improved defense will heighten their chances at punching their tickets to U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on February 4. 

Before training camp begins late July, we'll identify and rank the top-10 most important contributors on the roster, starting with the least and ending with the most vital to the team's success for the 2017 season.

Gareon Conley

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Typically, rookies selected within the top 10 on draft day carry a heavy burden. Front offices hope for immediate contribution and a lift at the position within the first year.

General manager Reggie McKenzie selected Gareon Conley at No. 24. He's not expected to start, per se, but the team drafted the Ohio State cornerback with matchups in mind, per defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr.

"A lot of speed,” Norton said of Conley and Melifonwu. “Youth, length all the things you like to get on matchups. You really need matchups. These guys do a great job disrupting and they should cover really well.”

Sean Smith and David Amerson have similar skill sets at cornerback. Both have the size and strength to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage, which disrupts the timing between quarterbacks and receivers. On the other hand, they have a tendency to struggle against quick-twitch wideouts who can shake off defenders with double moves. 

Conley flashed the ability to press on the collegiate level, but his quickness will allow him to keep stride with speed receivers looking to go deep on the Raiders secondary. Expect the coaching staff to plug the rookie into nickel packages and match him up on the perimeter against deep threats with reliable hands.

Reggie Nelson

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Despite earning a Pro Bowl invite, free safety Reggie Nelson deserves some blame with Smith on allowing explosive plays on the back end. New defensive assistant John Pagano talked about the team's focus on putting a lid on the defense in the upcoming season.

"The number one thing we got to be able to do, you got to eliminate those explosive plays," Pagano said. "It's a focus that you have to hit in our OTAs right now and in the offseason. You can't let the ball get over your head. It's those things we got to correct."

It's a very subtle shout out to Nelson, who's the centerfielder responsible for keeping the action in front of him. When looking at the box score, you'll notice he led the defense with five interceptions. However, when reviewing the game tapes, Nelson forced four out of five turnovers on last-ditch effort throws downfield before halves.

The 11th-year veteran isn't going to gain speed at 33 years old, but he must use his field savvy and awareness to position himself in the right place at the right time. The defense can't afford to hemorrhage on the back end for the third consecutive season.

Cory James

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At the moment, second-year pro Cory James sits in the driver's seat for the starting position. According to NBCS Bay Area reporter Scott Bair, he's practiced with the starters during practices.

The Raiders have struggled to find solid play and consistency at the middle linebacker position for about a decade. You'd have to rewind back to Kirk Morrison between the 2005-09 seasons to find quality middle linebacker play for multiple years.

McKenzie drafted Marquel Lee in the fifth round, but he must make up ground to claim a significant role on defense. James started five games during the previous season. Heeney enters his third year, but his sluggish recovery from an ankle injury knocks him further down the pecking order.

Among the middle linebackers in the inexperienced group, James' development on the practice field and in live action directly affects the defense's communication between the front seven and secondary. It's another focus area for Pagano and the defensive coaching staff throughout the year.

Sean Smith

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Smith surrendered seven touchdowns when targeted in coverage during the previous season, per Pro Football Focus. Though he improved as the year progressed, most fans won't forget his exceptionally poor play in Weeks 1 and 2.

Smith made a declaration to turn the page on a rocky season, per Las Vegas Journal-Review reporter Michael Gehlken:

"With careers of seven-, eight-plus (years), there is always going to be that one year that everyone looks at like, 'Oh, man. Did he lose it? What's going on?' The coaches have said I'm flying around. I've got speed still. I feel great. That one year doesn't define me. I know I'm way better than that."

Smith doesn't force many turnovers in coverage, amassing 12 interceptions in eight seasons. He's exceptional at using his length to cover the field and tighten throwing windows for quarterbacks. At his best, he'll record 13-16 passes defensed. 

Nonetheless, the Raiders need Smith to cover enough ground to avoid overextending Nelson's range due to his limitations in quickness. A poor showing would also thrust Conley or T.J. Carrie into a bigger role on the perimeter.

Mario Edwards Jr.

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The Raiders picked up two defensive interior linemen in the draft and hope to see Jihad Ward show improvement during his sophomore season. There's depth along the front line, but the run defense needs a proven talent to plug the holes in the trenches.

It's not a coincidence the Raiders ranked No. 13 in rushing yards allowed with Mario Edwards Jr. on the field for 14 games during the 2015 campaign and No. 23 without him for most of 2016. His ability to take on two-gap assignments allows linebackers and prominent edge-rushers to make plays. 

In the previous campaign, Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin still managed to record 18 sacks. Denico Autry has pushed the pocket as an interior defender, but he graded 43.1 in run defense, per Pro Football Focus. Edwards' skill set and size allow him to excel in both areas in the trenches.

Amari Cooper

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Over the past two seasons, wideout Michael Crabtree leads all receivers with 17 touchdown catches. In the red zone, he's become Carr's favorite target, but the savvy veteran benefits from Amari Cooper drawing so much attention on the opposite side.

Cooper can beat defenders deep or on short catch-and-run plays. He's also a crisp route-runner, which leaves little margin for error in coverage. Due to his versatility, Crabtree and Seth Roberts have more opportunities to win their one-on-one matchups. 

In the past two campaigns, Cooper's production has dropped in the second halves of seasons. Carr hasn't recorded a 300-yard passing game beyond Week 12 in his career. It's not a coincidence. The offense struggles without a dynamic No. 1 receiver on the perimeter. 

If Cooper finishes as strong as he looks with the added bulk, Carr should be in the discussion for league MVP.

Sebastian Janikowski

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Why does kicker Sebastian Janikowski rank high on this list? Last year, the Raiders won or lost nine games by seven points or fewer. A missed field goal or a shanked extra point could change the opponent's strategy.

Janikowski has converted 80 percent of his field-goal attempts through 17 seasons. He's eclipsed 90 percent once in his career, during the 2012 campaign. Though far from automatic, the Raiders will depend on his legs to finish drives and close games. 

Despite failing to convert on 75 percent of his total field-goal attempts in five single seasons, Janikowski has hovered above 80 percent over the last three years.

On the final year of his contract, Janikowski could prove he's still a decent kicker or play himself out of the league at 39 years old. Keep in mind, the Raiders have Giorgio Tavecchio on the offseason roster for the third consecutive year.

Marshawn Lynch

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Marshawn Lynch doesn't have to carry the entire load at running back, but his production on early downs and near the goal line could make or break the offense. Sure, it seems odd to think Beast Mode would struggle to finish drives or break through tackles for short gains, but it's not a given coming off an inactive year. 

All signs point to Lynch putting together a bounce-back season, and the Raiders absolutely need his physical run style behind a stout offensive line. Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington will continue to develop in their sophomore years, but neither has the size and power to accumulate consistent yardage shooting through A-gaps

The Raiders could utilize fullback Jamize Olawale as the bruising back or seventh-round pick Elijah Hood, who flashed during rookie minicamp, per MMQB's Albert Breer.

Nonetheless, Beast Mode at 75 percent of his former self before the 2015 season likely draws a safety into the box and opens passing lanes for the receivers downfield. The offense would look unstoppable at some points during the season.

Khalil Mack

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Here's where the ranking heads into predictable territory. When looking at game tapes, you'll often see double and triple teams on Mack. The Defensive Player of the Year's relentless rush toward the pocket garners enough attention to leave adjacent gaps unattended or undermanned.

Due to the attention to Mack, Irvin becomes a menace against single blocks. Keep an eye on defensive tackle Treyvon Hester, who displayed the ability to rush the passer on the collegiate level.

The defensive front should be able to capitalize on the opponent's game plan to slow down Mack in pursuit. If a third pass-rusher shows consistency in pushing the pocket, the front seven could compensate for a leaky pass defense.

Let's not forget the reigning Defensive Player of the Year also has a five-sack performance in a single contest on his resume. He can take over a game against an unprepared offensive line.

Derek Carr

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Oh, the suspense. It's no surprise this team, and most clubs, need the quarterback playing at optimal levels to succeed in this league. Instead of pointing out the obvious, we'll pinpoint the statement games in which Carr will likely have to throw his team to victory. 

Tom Brady and Carr could develop into another must-see AFC quarterback duel for years to come. As for this year, the last team to have possession likely wins in Mexico City. Expect scores in the high 30s with both passers throwing for more than 300 yards. 

In Week 13, the New York Giants will come to the Oakland Coliseum with a loaded pass offense featuring wideouts Odell Beckham Jr., Brandon Marshall and Sterling Shepard. Both offenses will likely score four-to-five touchdowns with a strong possibility for overtime.

The Raiders should finish with a top-five rushing offense, which means Carr doesn't have to throw 35-plus touchdowns for a good season.

It's important for him to stay healthy, take command of the offense and break through his difficulties in dissecting the Kansas City Chiefs defense. If he's able to hit on those objectives, the Raiders could see the Patriots again in the postseason.