NFL: 5 best bets to be new playoff teams in 2014
By Phil Watson
Oakland Raiders (2013 record 4-12)
The Raiders haven’t made the playoffs since 2002, the last time they made the Super Bowl, but a busy offseason may get Oakland back over the hump.
Three of the four AFC West teams made the postseason in 2013, but it’s not hard to imagine regressions for both the Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers. Meanwhile, the Raiders went hog wild in free agency, bringing in a bevy of veterans in an effort to shore up the NFL’s 29th-ranked scoring defense, a unit that also ranked 28th against the pass.
Oakland brought in defensive linemen Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley and Antonio Smith as free agents and also signed cornerbacks Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers from the cross-bay San Francisco 49ers.
Additionally, the Raiders were able to draft linebacker Khalil Mack at No. 5 overall, a player who was graded by some as the draft’s top prospect.
The makeover didn’t end on defense, though.
Former Pro Bowler Matt Schaub takes over at quarterback, with rookie Derek Carr already moving to No. 2 on the depth chart, and the Raiders also brought back running back Darren McFadden and will team him with new addition Maurice Jones-Drew.
Perhaps the most important addition in Oakland on the offensive side of the ball, however, is former Green Bay Packers receiver James Jones, who will team with Rod Streater to give the Raiders two legitimate field-stretchers on the outside.
Oakland also addressed the offensive line, even after allowing incumbent left tackle Jared Veldheer to walk in free agency, bringing in Austin Howard and Kevin Boothe to solidify the line.
The Raiders have been a punch line for more than a decade, posting just two non-losing seasons in the last 11 years.
Bringing in a group of veterans who know how to not just get to the postseason, but win there, might have the Raiders getting the last laugh in 2014.