Oakland Raiders 2016 NFL Draft Selections (Rounds 4-7) + Final Thoughts

Round 4, Pick 100 (TRADE UP from 114): Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State

Highlights:

Comment: I was following Day 3 of the draft on my phone while I was in S.F. with family. When I saw that the Raiders selected a quarterback in Connor Cook, I'll admit I was holding my head in confusion. My initial reaction was "what are we doing?" We already have Derek Carr. We have a solid backup in Matt McGloin. Why trade up, lose the extra 5th rounder, and waste a fourth round pick on a position that we don't need? Then as I researched more through my phone, I realized the bigger picture. McGloin will be an unrestricted free agent next year and he likely wants a shot as a starter to another team and the Raiders will eventually pay Carr top-tier money once his rookie contract was up. That's one of the few reasons why this pick makes sense. Before the Raiders traded up, Cook was on the boards of the Cowboys, Chargers, and Chiefs and they're looking for someone to groom when Romo, Rivers, and Alex Smith eventually call it quits. Cook was the best quarterback available after Goff, Wentz, and Paxton Lynch went in the first round and the Raiders scooped him up before they do. Another reason is that Cook can be used as trade bait, so if he develops to be one heck of a backup to Derek Carr and fills in admirably if Carr were to get hurt, another team could use his service and will probably "give up the farm" to the Raiders for Connor Cook. This can be a genius pick or it could backfire. Remember Tyler Wilson from three years ago? Raiders let Wilson go for nothing since he wasn't a fit and McGloin beat him out. Hopefully, this works this time around because this is a risky pick and a highly questionable one for the Raiders.

Round 5, Pick 143: DeAndre Washington, RB, Texas Tech

Highlights:

Comment: So, the Raiders missed out Devontae Booker to screw up some other teams' draft boards to take Connor Cook. We're screaming for a running back and finally, in the fifth round, the Raiders select DeAndre Washington out of Texas Tech. The expectation is that he'll be the complementary back to Latavius Murray. I heard Paul Perkins out of UCLA was still on the board, I thought he would be a better pick, but I'll live with Washington since he fills a need as a change-of-pace back. He had quite a productive year as a senior for the Red Raiders, racking up 1,455 rushing yards and 14 rushing TDs and 304 receiving yards and 2 receiving TDs. Based on his highlights, he is capable of running in between the tackles, he has pretty quick acceleration once he sees a hole even though he needs to be quicker because defenses in the NFL are much faster closing in at running backs. He reminds me of Maurice Jones-Drew. The funny thing is Washington is almost the same size as MJD and did pattern his game after him. So, I think I'll live with this pick even if we passed up on some better prospects. Murray has a partner-in-crime and it looks like Roy Helu will be shown the door after Washington's selection.

Round 6, Pick 194: Cory James, LB, Colorado State

Highlights:

Comment: The Raiders use the 6th round to stock up some depth at the linebacker position and possibly at special teams. Looking at Cory James' draft profile, he was mainly used as a pass rusher on passing downs, the sack totals are pretty decent: 7.5 sacks (2013), 8 sacks (2014), 6.5 sacks (2015). James was one of Colorado State's most consistent playmakers and he was converted to play the middle linebacker position just last season. Essentially, he can play at any position. I heard the Raiders actually worked James to play either strongside or weakside linebacker. Again, versatility is emphasized here in this pick. Cory James is likely going to be a special teamer and a project at best.

Round 7, Pick 234: Vadal Alexander, G, LSU

Highlights: 

Comment: With the Raiders' final pick, they addressed depth on the O-line by selecting this big man out of LSU, Vadal Alexander. 300+ pounds, definitely, he's a fit in the power running game. Again, versatility is considered here and Alexander was capable of playing Left Guard and Right Tackle during his tenure with the Tigers. However, according to his draft profile, he has slow feet and slow change of direction against defenders. He'll get the benefit of a doubt in being coached by one of the best O-line coaches in the NFL in Mike Tice and he's going to be essential as insurance if one player of the Raiders' potential elite O-line goes down (which we hope doesn't happen).

Conclusion

After evaluating each selection, this was a pretty okay class for the Raiders. It's not as legendary as the 2014 class nor is it as great as the 2015 class, but it's just average at best. I liked the Karl Joseph pick. The Jihad Ward pick was "meh." The Shilique Calhoun pick was a solid steal. The Connor Cook pick will continue to make us scratch our heads unless he actually beats out McGloin because McGloin won't go down without a fight and he knows the system well. DeAndre Washington fills a need for a complementary RB. Finally, Cory James and Vadal Alexander are selected to stock up depth. With the way the Raiders built this roster with the 2014 and 2015 draft class and with the 2016 free agency, they've addressed every glaring need on their roster and they used this draft to take the BPA (Best Player Available) in the first round and stock up on some depth. Yes, to the casual fan who doesn't follow college football too much, it's underwhelming, but we'll see how they pan out as the season progresses. Right now, this team is stacked with young talent and this draft is used to add more "nuts and bolts" to this team.

Grade: B-

Oakland Raiders 2016 NFL Draft Selections (Rounds 2-3)

Round 2 Pick 44: Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois

Highlights:

Comment: Now keep in mind, I don't follow college football a lot. Last year I did because I was high on Amari Cooper coming to Oakland, so I kept following some Alabama games. Since I don't follow too much college football, this pick was a head scratcher to me even though Mike Mayock loves his story and how he worked his way up. The Raiders value good stories, but there were a couple of better defensive end/defensive tackle prospects on the board like A'Shawn Robinson, Jarren Reed, Andrew Billings; they could've waited in the 3rd round to select Sheldon Day out of Notre Dame (I'm just following what mock drafts say, scouts, PFF, etc.). When I saw his highlights and game tape against Perdue and Iowa, it was a little "meh." Like I said, Reggie and Jack love versatile players and Ward can play both the DE and DT position on the defensive line. PFF graded him high in terms of run stopping. Pass rush? I heard his pass rush fell off and according to the NFL draft profile, he's not a counter pass rusher because when one technique doesn't work, he'll just give up on the fly. But I have full faith and confidence that he'll be coached up under Del Rio, Norton, and Jethro Franklin. A lot of people are comparing this pick to the Mario Edwards, Jr. pick last year, but I thought MEJ's highlights and tape were more convincing to see when he the Raiders drafted him. Again, this is my opinion, this pick was a little "meh." I wasn't too convinced on his tape and highlights, but I trust the coaching staff to coach him up to his potential. 

Round 3 Pick 75: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State

Highlights:

Comment: I've seen Shilique Calhoun's name pop up in a couple of 7-round mock drafts. So, for Day 2, the Raiders decide to use Rounds 2-3 to beef up the defensive line. And like the old saying goes in football: "you can never have to many pass rushers." Calhoun had quite the production in the sacks department with 27 sacks in his four-year collegiate career at Michigan State. He finished amassing 100+ tackles, five fumble recoveries, and an interception. When you see his highlights, he looks like an absolute beast in getting after the quarterback, but the more game tape you see of Calhoun, there's a mismatch. Even though he's good in pass rushing, he has a hard time stuffing the run. So, most likely, he'll be a situational pass-rusher as 4-3 DE or a 3-4 OLB and the Raiders run a hybrid of both. This pick, I can live with even though I was hoping the Raiders would use a 3rd round pick for a complementary running back to Murray like a Devontae Booker. This is a solid pick. I would say I like this pick more than Jihad Ward selection in the 2nd round, but they're both good depth picks to beef up the D-Line and make this pass-rush even more scary with Mack, Irvin, and Aldon Smith.

Oakland Raiders 2016 NFL Draft Selections (Round 1)

Round 1, Pick 14: Karl Joseph, Safety, West Virginia

Highlights:

Comment: Early on this year, I was looking at a couple of highlights of 1st round prospects the Raiders could take with their #14 pick. It ranged from Mackensie Alexander to Ezekiel Elliot to Sheldon Rankins and to Myles Jack. And during that span, I did come across some highlights of Karl Joseph and saw a little bit of tape of him in an actual game against Oklahoma. During this draft, I liked the idea that Myles Jack would fall to us, then when I heard that Karl Joseph was the selection, I had somewhat of a mixed reaction, but it's mainly positive. I thought he would've been still available during the 2nd round because his stock dropped off after the ACL injury, but the Raiders were comfortable drafting him at the #14 spot. When I saw Karl Joseph's highlights, my first impression was that this guy is a hard hitter. He's also a solid tackler in the open field against the run and he has a nose for the football. I heard he had three interceptions in one game, lead the nation in with five interceptions before his ACL tear; he's always around where the football is at. Joseph could be that hard hitting enforcer-type Safety that the Raiders haven't had in a long time since "The Assassin," Jack Tatum. Albeit he's a little small in size, I heard he can play anywhere from Free Safety to Strong Safety to Nickel Safety. Keep in mind, McKenzie and Del Rio love versatile players. The number of selections that the Raiders made on players who can play anywhere on the field is evident: Mack (OLB/DE), Carrie (CB/S), Cooper (Outside/Slot Receiver), Edwards, Jr. (DT/DE), Ball (OLB/ILB), Feliciano (T/G/C) to name a few. Add Karl Joseph to the list of versatile players. Even though Charles Woodson retired, Joseph will still benefit playing behind veteran safeties Reggie Nelson and Nate Allen. Not to mention, he also has Marcus Robertson and the Hall-of-Famer Rod Woodson coaching him up. Good pick, a little bit of a reach at the 14th spot, but he can be the guy patrolling the secondary on the defense for a very long time. 

Raiders Sign Reggie Nelson

The final piece is inserted in transforming the Raiders' defense into a monster. The Raiders have agreed to terms with former Cincinnati Bengals safety, Reggie Nelson to a 2-year deal. Nelson is coming off a Pro Bowl season and a career year with the Bengals, leading the league in interceptions with 8 picks. He is expected to take Charles Woodson's place in providing veteran leadership in the secondary.

I'm not going to lie, when I saw that Reggie Nelson left the Raiders' facility without a deal last night, I thought that the deal was dead even though a lot of sources say he was expected to sign after his workout. There were a lot of speculations that he probably failed his physical, he was demanding a lot more money than he's worth, especially since he's in his 30's, or he still had beef with Jack Del Rio during their time in Jacksonville, which I didn't know of. But, who cares about, we have our safety and this will ease up the void of veteran leadership that Charles Woodson left behind since announcing his retirement. No question, safety is still a priority in the draft, but signing Nelson will take pressure off a rookie safety for us. The Raiders lost out on Eric Weddle to the Ravens last month. Reggie Nelson was the next available veteran safety on the board. Once again, Reggie McKenzie is making big-time moves when the market is all dried up during this month of April. Last season, he signed Michael Crabtree. This season, he locked up Aldon Smith to a 2-year deal and today, he locked up Reggie Nelson to a 2-year deal. Raider Nation, the transformation of this defense is on a whole different level of epic proportions. Can't wait for the season to start. Welcome to the Raider Nation Reggie Nelson!

Raiders Re-Sign Aldon Smith Despite Suspension

It didn't take that long for the Raiders to re-sign Aldon Smith. Today, the Raiders have inked Aldon Smith to a two-year deal with some incentives added into the mix. Even though Smith has been suspended for one calendar year and won't be available till late November, Reggie McKenzie assured that he is in the long-term plans for the Raiders.

Getting Aldon Smith now before some other team jumped in on the opportunity and signing him to a minimum of a two-year deal  are both wise moves by Reggie McKenzie. Obviously, he needs to serve his lengthy suspension and we can't see him in action until late November when teams are gunning for the playoffs. This could spell both good news and bad news. We don't know if Aldon Smith has a full grasp of the defensive playbook. He might since he played 10 games before his suspension and of course, we gotta look out for rusts since he's out of football for a year. The good news is he's going to be fresh and healthy when every other team's roster is spent and fighting some injuries. He'll provide much needed relief for Khalil Mack, Bruce Irvin, and the rest of this Raiders defense. The Raider defense with Aldon Smith on the field is going to be a terrifying sight to see for opposing teams and their QB. Luckily for them, they have a 10 week head start before Del Rio and Norton, Jr. turns this three-headed monster of Mack, Irvin, and Smith loose to bring pain and destruction to offensive lines and quarterbacks.

2016 Oakland Raiders Offseason Activity

03/22:

(-)

DE, Benson Mayowa - Signed with the Dallas Cowboys

Comment: Considering he was a restricted free agent, the Raiders had five days to match the Cowboys' offer sheet and they refused to match the offer. Mayowa was a serviceable defensive end for the Raiders, but he was valuable depth for the D-line.  Luckily, Denico Autry, Shelby Harris, and Leon Orr are going to make up for Benson's departure in terms of D-line depth and the Raiders still have the draft to address the area and this year is definitely loaded with D-line talent.  I wish Mayowa the best of luck in Dallas.

03/16:

(+)

S, Brynden Trawick (BAL) - Signed to a 1-year deal

Comment: A lot of people are bagging on this signing after losing out on Eric Weddle. Likely, Reggie is going to make the safety position as a top priority of the draft. The addition of Trawick adds depth to safety position and as much as Trawick is going to be remembered colliding with Jacoby Jones on a punt three seasons ago, in the Ravens' opener vs. the Broncos, Trawick is likely going to spend time on special teams.

OT, Donald Penn

03/15:

(+)

WR, Andre Holmes - Re-signed to a 1-year deal

Comment: The return of Holmes pretty much retains the receiving corps of last season. That should spell good news for Derek Carr for the sake of continuity on the Raiders' offense.

(-)

G/T, J'Marcus Webb - Signed with the Seattle Seahawks

Comment: Webb was just a serviceable right guard and I thought he wasn't the long-term answer for the Raiders at that position. It would be wise for the Seahawks to keep him at that position rather than at offensive tackle where he struggled the most throughout his NFL career.

03/14:

(+)

LB, Daren Bates (LA) - Signed to a 1-year deal

Comment: At this stage of free agency, Reggie is going in cheap to add some quality depth to the team after making a splash on three big free agents. I think that's why they lost the Eric Weddle sweepstakes to Baltimore, but knowing Reggie, there was no way he was going to offer Weddle that kind of money Baltimore gave him. The signing of Daren Bates brings depth to the linebacker position and reading the article, he is a solid special teams guy. He took a page out of Troy Polamalu's book of jumping over the Long Snapper for a blocked field goal. Maybe he influenced Kam Chancellor to go for a block field goal attempt in the divisional round against the Panthers a year ago.

03/12:

(-)

WR, Rod Streater

03/11:

(-)

LB, Curtis Lofton - Released

Comment: Lofton was supposed to be the Raiders' answer for the "Mike" position at linebacker and be that signal caller on defense, but the signal calling duties was handed to Malcolm Smith and Lofton fallen out of favor when Ben Heeney stepped up. Solid as a run defender, but as a pass defender? He was terrible and eventually became a liability as the season progressed.

03/10:

(+)

CB, Sean Smith (KC)

03/09: Beginning of Free Agency Period

(+)

LB, Bruce Irvin (SEA)

OG, Kelechi Osemele (BAL)

(-)

G/C, Tony Bergstrom - Agreed to sign with the Houston Texans

Comment: The last of Reggie McKenzie's first draft class of 2012. The time he actually played, I thought he was a serviceable fill-in at center when Rodney Hudson was hurt last season, but overall he doesn't fit in with the power/gap blocking scheme the Raiders have been running since they showed Greg Knapp the door. Not too much of a loss, but happy for Bergstrom that he's going to get an opportunity to showcase his talent to a team that runs the ZBS (Zone Blocking Scheme).

TrueRaiderLaker Productions Entry #3 (Teaser): AC/DC Amari Cooper, Derek Carr Highlights

I just confirmed the same video on my Instagram account. The long wait for new TrueRaiderLaker Productions content is over...well almost. This 16 second clip is a taste of things to come for my latest entry: Amari Cooper, Derek Carr, Carr to Cooper highlights with AC/DC playing in the background. In this process, there was serious competition between "Back in Black," "Thunderstruck," "TNT," and "Shoot to Thrill." Which AC/DC song I should use? Prior to this process, I wanted to put up a poll to ask you, the Raider Nation on which AC/DC song I should use for my upcoming Amari Cooper, Derek Carr highlight video, but that never happened, so I had to go with my gut feeling. "TNT" and "Shoot to Thrill" went down to the wire, but in the end, "Shoot to Thrill" came out on top. It made sense because after all, Iron Man is my unofficial mascot on my TrueRaiderLaker banner. The Carr-Cooper connection showed a lot of potential that it could be one of the best QB-WR tandems. They made strides, but Cooper's constant drops and Carr's play down the stretch of the season, they could've had more highlight plays if weren't for those factors. But Carr's 3rd year with the game already slowed down for him and Cooper's 2nd year with the game slowing down for him after his solid rookie season should provide more optimism that the best is yet to come for these two. Enjoy the vid.

Raiders to Retain Donald Penn

The frenzy that is the free agency period may have winded down, but this was the question that we were asking: "will the Raiders re-sign Donald Penn?" Penn was scheduled to meet with the New York Giants and the Seattle Seahawks, but you cancel those plans. The Raiders have to terms to re-sign Penn reportedly to a 2-year $14 million deal. Penn was an integral piece to the Raiders' O-line, protecting Derek Carr's blind side.

With signing of Kelechi Osemele prior to the start of free agency, that would've indicated that the writing was on the wall for Penn. Not to mention, both sides couldn't agree to an offer. But, today that has changed and it's good to see that D.P. is coming back. With Penn back, the acquisition of Osemele at the start of free agency, this O-line is going to be insane along with Jackson, Hudson, and Watson (if he stays healthy) or Howard (if Watson gets injured again). This move also gives the Raiders versatility on their draft board because they don't have to address the left tackle position early on since some mock drafts have them taking offensive tackle. Welcome back Penn!

Raiders Lose Rod Streater to Chiefs

Rod Streater is jumping over to a division rival. Today, the former undrafted wide receiver for the Raiders have agreed to terms to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs. Streater's contract details for the Chiefs is 1-year $4.8 million deal. Streater finishes with 109 receptions for 1,564 yards and 8 touchdowns in his 4-year career with the Silver and Black.

It's always tough to lose a player to a division rival. As much as Streater's loss does minimal impact to the Raiders with the wide receivers they have now, he had a lot of potential to be something special. He showed strides in his rookie year of 2012, developing a connection with Carson Palmer. Then in 2013 with the quarterback roulette between Terrelle Pryor, Matt Flynn, and Matt McGloin, Streater continued to build off from his rookie season, almost becoming our 1,000 yard receiver since Randy Moss. It's just unfortunate that he got injured in 2014 and later got hit with a mysterious illness in 2015 that kept him off the field and he never developed that connection with Derek Carr. With the year Seth Roberts had last season, it was obvious that the writing was on the wall for Streater. Not only did we just like him as a fan favorite, we also liked him because he was a class act on and off the field and the Chiefs are getting a guy who is a definition of class and putting the team first before himself. It hurts that he's going to try to stick it to the Raiders twice a year, but I wish him the best and I'm happy that he's getting a fresh start in his career,

Raiders Win Sean Smith Sweepstakes

After an agonizing wait since the end of Day 1 of free agency period, Sean Smith is "goin goin, back back, to Cali Cali" (Notorious B.I.G. reference). The Raiders reached an agreement with the former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback to a 4-year, $40 million contract. Smith brings much-needed help to a Raiders secondary that was atrocious last season.

Thank goodness my older brother woke me up to this news. It is on! I could not contain my excitement with this. We just signed not 1, not 2, but 3 of the top 10 free agents in the market! There was not a single doubt that Sean Smith was a high priority because the Raiders needed a splash to fix the secondary and have a cornerback play opposite of David Amerson. We got him, Raider Nation. We pry him away from a division rival. We outbid a desperate 49ers team in need of a top free agent to save face (because honestly, who wants to play for that team that's an absolute train wreck right now). Throw in the towel for free agency already. Reggie McKenzie, GM of the Year, mark it down, but we'll reserve that when this new look Raiders team plays a down. But, Reggie McKenzie, snagging three of the top 10 free agents in the market and if he can hit it in the draft once again, he deserves to be in discussion for GM of the Year. This is great. Welcome to the Raider Nation Sean Smith!

Seahawks Linebacker, Bruce Irvin, Agrees to Join Raiders

Reggie McKenzie is coming out swinging and it's not even the start of the free agency period yet! After striking a deal earlier today with Ravens' guard, Kelechi Osemele, to a 5-year $30 million contract, the Raiders have struck yet another solid free agency acquisition. Linebacker, Bruce Irvin of the Seattle Seahawks agrees to sign with the Raiders with the details of the contract to come out once the free agency period officially starts.

This was certainly an unexpected move. Once again, the presence of Ken Norton, Jr. on this coaching staff is making a huge impact on migrating linebackers from Seattle to Oakland. Last offseason, it was Malcolm Smith who followed Norton from the Seahawks to the Raiders. Now, Irvin is the latest Seahawk from that awesome linebacker corps they have to join Norton to the Silver and Black. As we all know, Aldon Smith is not going to be with the team until as later as November, so this move makes a whole lot of sense to give Khalil Mack a pass rushing partner-in-crime while Smith is serving his suspension. This is a great signing and Reggie McKenzie is on his A-game. Let's hope the train keeps running once the free agency period starts for real tomorrow.

*Updated* Contract Details: 4-year $39 million contract

Free Agent Guard, Kelechi Osemele Agrees to Deal with Raiders

Reggie McKenzie replicates the same formula as he did last offseason when acquiring Rodney Hudson and they struck again. The Raiders have agreed, in principle, to sign offensive guard Kelechi Osemele from the Baltimore Ravens. Now, none of this is official yet until tomorrow where players can start signing their contracts, but the contract details for Osemele is a 5-year $60 million contract.

That's a lot of meat on the O-line, but we're not complaining. It's a good thing that I did the free agency outlook post last night before the Raiders were able to struck a deal before free agency happened. Osemele from the get-go was one of the top-tier free agents in the interior offensive line market and one of the primary targets for the Raiders. 5 years for $60 million is a hefty price, but given the Raiders' salary cap room, they have to overpay some guys to get on the cap floor per league rules and they did so on one of the top-tier free agents. Osemele brings a big, physical presence on the O-line, which Reggie, Del Rio, and O-line coach, Mike Tice covet and he's versatile too. During his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens, he played tackle, then converted to guard. As of now, we don't know where Osemele will play because it's completely contingent on what the Raiders do with Donald Penn. But, we'll assume for now that Osemele is going to be paired inside with Gabe Jackson and Rodney Hudson. However, if Osemele ends up as Penn's replacement, then that saves the Raiders trouble for drafting an O-lineman early in the draft. On paper, this Raiders O-line turned from solid to legit with the acquisition of Osemele.

Oakland Raiders 2016 Free Agency Outlook

Alright Raider Nation, it's another offseason to get excited. The free agency period is upon us and you'll get all kinds of reaction from me about the Raiders' transactions on who they sign and who they let go. So without further ado, this is your 2016 Free Agency Outlook.

Last offsason, Reggie McKenzie brought in a really solid crop of free agents, signing players like Rodney Hudson, Malcolm Smith, Dan Williams, and Michael Crabtree and these players made big time contributions to help the team leap from 3-13 in 2014 to 7-9 in 2015. This offseason, Reggie is looking to take big swings to help the Raiders take the next step in order to make the playoffs and take over the AFC West for years to come. First things first, he addressed retaining some home grown players before they hit the unrestricted free agent market. He made a brilliant move in signing Crabtree to a 4-year extension before the 2015 NFL season ended after Crabtree proved his worth on a 1-year deal. Next, Reggie re-signed, Marquette King to a 5-year, $16.5 million extension, so that King doesn't hit the free agency market. So the least of our worries now in terms of the unrestricted free agency market is whether the Raiders will retain left tackle, Donald Penn or let him walk, which I'll address this issue at the conclusion of this post.

Potential  Free Agent Targets for the Raiders: DE Malik Jackson (DEN), ILB Danny Trevathan (DEN), CB Sean Smith (KC), OG Kelechi Osemele (BAL), S Eric Weddle (SD)

So, the Raiders have around $70+ million in the salary cap to spend on some key free agents. Once again, Reggie has done a masterful job throughout his tenure as GM in putting the Raiders out of "cap Hell" and managing the salary cap wisely. Now that the saving up has worked out, the Raiders have to spend 89% of their salary cap to get on the cap floor according to NFL's collective bargaining agreement. I couldn't recall what the penalty is for failing to get on the cap floor, but this is a chance for Reggie to seriously make a push on some key free agents. 

The priorities for the Raiders are as follows: secondary, linebackers that can cover, right side of the O-line, and D-line. Obviously, the primary target to help solidify the secondary is cornerback, Sean Smith from the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith fits the mold that Ken Norton, Jr. wants to bring to this Raider secondary from his coaching tenure at Seattle, big, lanky corners. With David Amerson coming on as one of our best corners, I think Smith will be a perfect complementary corner playing opposite of Amerson. Addressing the safety position is a must too in fortifying the secondary because there are a bunch of unknowns on that position. The Raiders released and re-signed Nate Allen to a 1-year contract, they're looking to convert T.J. Carrie to the safety spot since Charles Woodson retired. As of now, Eric Weddle of the San Diego Chargers is a top target to put some stability to the safety position and I believe he wants to go to a division rival where he can stick it to the Chargers twice after being disrespected by them. I think Weddle can fit in because he will fill that veteran leadership void that Charles Woodson left behind in that secondary, but given his age and past injuries, it should warrant some risk in signing him. 

Now, onto the linebackers, O-line, and D-line. The Raiders need some coverage linebackers that can cover tight ends because they've been atrocious last season in that category. Curtis Lofton, good run defender, liability in coverage. Malcolm Smith, love his motor and pursuit to the ball, but not too great in coverage. Danny Trevathan of the Denver Broncos would be a huge upgrade because not only can he play the run, but his coverage skills would be of huge help and his ties with Jack Del Rio is a plus. Addressing the O-line, aside from the decision of what to do with Donald Penn, the Raiders are just one or two pieces from forming a legit O-line. The name that is hot on the free agent market for the O-line is interior guard, Kelechi Osemele of the Baltimore Ravens. Now, if Osemele re-signs with the Ravens or goes to another team, there are other options out there such as Ramon Foster from the Steelers and Alex Boone from the 49ers. Signing either of the three will make the Raiders' interior side of the O-line legit and the running game with Latavius Murray would benefit big time with Jackson, Hudson, and Osemele/Foster/Boone. Finally, for D-line, we don't know the status of Mario Edwards' neck, so it's best to sign a D-linemen just in case. Once again, weakening the division rival and Super Bowl champion, Broncos, stealing away Malik Jackson would be huge and like Trevathan, Jackson has ties with Del Rio and fits the mold of what Del Rio likes from his D-line, big, physical linemen that can eat up blocks to free up Khalil Mack. A front 7 with Jackson, Dan Williams, Jelly (Justin Ellis), Mario Edwards, Jr. plus Mack and Aldon Smith (when he comes back from suspension), that has the potential to be a scary front 7.

To Re-sign or Not to Re-sign Donald Penn

Moving on to this big time question the Raiders need to address, there aren't a lot of big time names in the left tackle position hitting the free agent market. The top-tier left tackle, Cordy Glenn of the Buffalo Bills got the franchise tag and the options are really limited. So it begs the question, should the Raiders retain Donald Penn? So far, contract negotiations have not worked out between the Raiders and Penn and we all know Penn is at the downside of his career. If it were up to me and I was Reggie McKenzie on the front desk, I would re-sign Penn for another 2 years and find his replacement later in the upcoming draft. That's my opinion, we'll have different views and that's fine. Now, if Penn walks away from the Raiders, Seahawks' tackle Russell Okung is the best available option out there. Okung would be a nice upgrade, albeit expensive and we don't know how he will play under power blocking scheme since he's been playing in a zone scheme his whole career. But, personally, if the Raiders want to go cheap in order to greatly upgrade other positions in need, I think they should the rout of re-signing Penn to another 2-year deal and draft his future replacement not in the first round, but some time during the draft.

It's an exciting time Raider Nation; we are almost there. The Raiders have a lot of cap space and they can address a lot of needs to shake up their draft board. Again, like last season I will make a post where I constantly update the Raiders' transactions as well as separate posts for big time free agents that could make a huge impact for the Raiders. Reggie McKenzie, Mark Davis, Jack Del Rio, it's time to make it rain in the free agent market. I'll see you guys later.