Fansided

NFL training camp 2015: Priming all 32 teams

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Overview

The Oakland Raiders have not made the playoffs since losing in Super Bowl XXXVII to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Jan. 2003. Since then, Oakland is without a winning season and for the most part, has been without direction or hope. However, that seems to be changing with a new coach, a competent general manager and a young, talented quarterback.

This offseason, GM Reggie McKenzie was able to sign nose tackle Dan Williams and inside linebacker Curtis Lofton to bolster the run defense. McKenzie also made Rodney Hudson the highest-paid center in NFL history, giving quarterback Derek Carr an anchor in protection. On the outside, Michael Crabtree was signed and Amari Cooper was taken with the fourth-overall pick, re-shaping an offense in desperate need of a makeover.

Major Battle

The Raiders don’t have a ton of spots up for grabs, but tight end appears to be a good battle. Mychal Rivera has been holding down the position for the past few years, notching 58 catches for 534 yards and four touchdowns last season. However, rookie Clive Warford will battle for time. Warford comes from the University of Miami (FL) with the reputation of being a solid player in all aspects. He should push Rivera hard, if nothing else.

Expectations

Oakland is not going to make the playoffs in the first year of the Jack Del Rio era. Still, there should be some real improvement after going 3-13 last season. The Raiders are more talented on both sides of the ball and have an actual coach at the helm, a stark departure from Dennis Allen and Lane Kiffin.

Next: Dallas Cowboys

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