The Oakland Raiders had another losing season in 2014, but the team has hired Jack Del Rio and they have some young players to build around like Derek Carr and with players like Darren McFadden, Charles Woodson, Denarius Moore and Carlos Rogers hitting free agency, the Raiders may have the cap space to sign Jeremy Maclin, Ndamukong Suh or make a trade for someone like Andre Johnson, Mike Wallace or Larry Fitzgerald.
The Raiders are picking in the top five in the draft once again and after getting a strong player in Khalil Mack last season, they will have the chance to add another top prospect in 2015. According to ESPN.com writer Bill Williamson, the team is likely to target Amari Cooper in the draft with the number four pick, as they were satisfied with Carr and may opt to avoid taking Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston even if they drop. The Raiders need playmakers and they have holes at a number of positions, but quarterback doesn't appear to be one of them.
The Raiders went just 3-13 this season and ended up firing Dennis Allen in the middle of the year, giving Tony Sparano the interim title. Allen had only won eight games while going 4-12 in each of the last two seasons and now the Raiders are looking for a new coach to take over. The team has numerous questions moving forward and they will have the cap space to make moves in free agency, with names like Jeremy Maclin and Ndamukong Suh as potential targets.
Suh likely will be leaving Detroit and teams like the NY Giants, Jets, Vikings, Browns and Raiders all could be potential targets for the defensive lineman. Suh is an All-Pro player and while he has had some issues about being a dirty player, he is one of the best at his position. The Raiders also need playmakers and that is why Maclin could be a target along with Cooper. The team also could look at trades, as Mike Wallace may have worn out his welcome in Miami after reportedly pulling himself out of a game this season.
The Raiders are going to have to hit on their draft picks this year and that is why going after Cooper is a smart move. Cooper is as close to a sure thing as there is in the top 10, as he put up fantastic numbers in the SEC last season and played in a pro style offense at Alabama. Julio Jones came out of Alabama with Nick Saban and he has turned out to be pretty good. Some have even said that Cooper is better than Jones and that could make this pick even easier for the Raiders.
ESPN.com reports that the team may have up to $70 million in cap space come the offseason and that could make the team big spenders once again. Last season the team signed Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley and Maurice Jones-Drew, but those free agent signings did not do much to help the team. The Raiders have McFadden hitting the market after a one year deal and he may return, while Woodson also could be an option to stay. Moore is likely done with the Raiders after a disappointing run, while Rogers and Tarrell Brown could sign back to the secondary.
