The Oakland Raiders will look to continue to build a playoff-caliber team by utilizing not only their $72 million in cap space, but also their 14th overall draft pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The Raiders have needs at several positions including cornerback, safety, offensive line, and at inside linebacker. They should look to put together roster using both quality free agents and draft picks in order to compete in 2016, according to CBS Sports.
At cornerback the Raiders are thin, with D.J. Haden being a ridiculous bust and David Amerson proving to not be as effective as advertised. It would not be surprising to see Leon Hall or Prince Amukamara end up in Oakland. The Raiders have a ton of cap space so they could potentially go all in on Eric Berry - if he is available - or even Josh Norman, if the Carolina Panthers don't franchise tag him. This is a position so deep in free agency the Raiders do not need to spend their first round pick reaching for a cornerback, instead they should focus on the offensive line.
There are only a handful of productive offensive linemen hitting free agency according to Cover 32, and Oakland could see some potential in Kelechi Osemele, who was just released by the Baltimore Ravens. It could also put all of its money toward the defensive side of the ball and draft Taylor Decker or Ronnie Stanley, if available.
Lastly, at inside linebacker the Raiders are a mess. They need playmaking linebackers, guys who can both be dependable in coverage but a blitz threat. The Raiders could look at Derrick Johnson or Brandon Marshall as they look to rebuild their linebacking corps. They could also go all in and attempt to lure Danny Trevathan away from the Broncos, according to SF Bay.ca.
Oakland is only a handful of good players away from a playoff berth. It should look to do everything it can to make its team better for 2016.
