What offseason upgrades on horizon?
Multiple options for free agents, draft picks
Here’s an early look at potential free agent and draft targets for the Raiders this offseason. Keep in mind the Raiders could also be a prime candidate to deal a firstround pick for an established star player.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The lack of a consistent pass rush has been a recurring theme, and developing one would go a long way toward alleviating stress on the young secondary.
Landing an edge rusher or a disruptive force on the interior of the defensive line should be a priority.
Free-agent possibilities
■ Shaquil Barrett, Tampa Bay
■ Jadeveon Clowney, Tennessee
■ Bud Dupree, Pittsburgh
■ Melvin Ingram, LA Chargers
■ Yannick Ngakoue, Baltimore
■ Matthew Judon, Baltimore
■ Leonard Williams, NY Giants
■ BEST GUESS: The Raiders’ biggest need just so happens to be at a position loaded with talent that is set to hit the open market. Any of these players would be good options, though Judon may be a bit overrated.
Williams isn’t an edge rusher but falls in this category as an interior player who is an absolute runstuffer who has developed as a pass rusher. He should be a main target for the Raiders.
There has been some
Von Miller chatter, but the Broncos do still have a club option on the hybrid edge rusher.
Draft possibilities
■ Gregory Rousseau, Miami
■ Kwity Paye, Michigan
■ Jayson Oweh, Penn State
■ BEST GUESS: If the Raiders do hold on to their first-round pick, one of these projected first-rounders could be a target.
SAFETY
The book is still out on young corners Trayvon Mullen and Damon Arnette, along with safety Johnathan Abram, but the Raiders are committed to developing these young players.
A mix of several veterans , including Erik Harris, Lamarcus Joyner and particularly Jeff Heath, were serviceable playing alongside Abram, but a legitimate top-tier running mate could help his progress.
Free agents
■ Anthony Harris, Minnesota
■ John Johnson, LA Rams
■ Marcus Williams, New Orleans
■ Justin Simmons, Denver
■ Marcus Maye, NY Jets
■ BEST GUESS: Simmons is great, but Harris and Johnson feel like perfect fits.
Draft
■ Paris Ford, Pittsburgh
■ Jevon Holland, Oregon
■ BEST GUESS: There are decent safety prospects, but a veteran makes more sense for this roster.
RIGHT TACKLE
One of the ways the Raiders could clear cap space is to move on from right tackle Trent Brown. They might also try to negotiate a more favorable contract with him. But if they do move on, they will need to replace him.
While there are candidates in the building, it’s a position worth exploring.
Free agents
■ Taylor Moton, Carolina
■ Cameron Fleming, NY Giants
■ BEST GUESS: Moton would be a tremendous get, though he could be in for a huge raise.
Draft
■ Alex Leatherwood, Alabama
■ Daniel Faalele, Minnesota
■ Samuel Cosmi, Texas
■ BEST GUESS: The Raiders probably won’t look here in the first round, so these are guys a bit further down on the draft board who could contribute right away.
INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINE
This is a strength of the team,
but they are getting old and expensive. John Simpson was drafted last year to start the rebuilding. The Raiders need to keep adding players who could eventually become starters.
Free agents
Brandon Scherff, Washington
■ Joe Thuney, New England
■ Corey Linsley, Green Bay
■ BEST GUESS: All are great options, though the Raiders would probably prefer to address this in the draft.
Draft
■ Trey Smith, Tennessee
■ Jackson Carman, Clemson
■ Rashawn Slater, Northwestern
■ BEST GUESS: All of these players could be available as late as the third round. Carman plays tackle in college, but projects as a guard at the next level.
LINEBACKER
The Raiders brought in two linebackers in free agency last year with mixed results. Nick Kwiatkoski was steady in the middle, while Cory
Littleton was open about his struggles. He could take a big step forward next year, but the Raiders still need reinforcements, especially if Nicholas Morrow leaves as a free agent.
Free agents
■ Lavonte David, Tampa Bay
■ Jayon Brown, Tennessee
■ Matt Milano, Buffalo
■ K.J. Wright, Seattle
These are the top four linebackers available, though the Raiders might look a bit further down the rankings and invest in other areas.
Draft
■ Micah Parsons, Penn State
■ Zaven Collins, Tulsa
■ Dylan Moses, Alabama
■ BEST GUESS: Moses just feels like a Mike Mayock-type pick.
WIDE RECEIVER
It might not be likely that the Raiders invest here, but there are excellent players available if they decided to just go all-in on offense and try to outscore everyone.
This could especially come into play should Nelson Agholor hit the open market as a free agent after his bounceback campaign.
Free agents
■ Allen Robinson, Chicago
■ Kenny Golladay, Detroit
■ Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay
■ Juju Smith-schuster, Pittsburgh
■ BEST GUESS: If the Raiders were to go this route, the assumption would be they would try for a true No. 1. Any of them fit that criteria, though Robinson has the potential to be a true superstar.
Draft
■ Kadarius Toney, Florida
■ Tamorrion Terry, Florida State
■ Amon-ra St. Brown, USC
■ BEST GUESS: The Raiders aren’t likely to use another first-round pick on a receiver. These are talented options who could fall to Day 2.