NFL 2015: Ranking each defense from 32-1

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November 20, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders free safety Charles Woodson (24) celebrates after sacking Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11, not pictured) during the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chiefs 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

20. Oakland Raiders

The Raiders have definitely improved over the offseason, but the secondary and lack of pass rush is going to hold this team back. Oakland did a nice job upgrading the front seven in the offseason, with general manager Reggie McKenzie signing middle linebacker Curtis Lofton and nose tackle Dan Williams. Both should help out against the run but provide little help in the passing game.

Oakland has a new head coach in Jack Del Rio, who spent the last few years working as the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos. Del Rio brings the 4-3 defense to Oakland, giving Lofton a key role in the unit. Lofton has to be the communicator for this young group, making sure everyone has their calls. The pass rush is almost exclusively on second-year man Khalil Mack, who won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2014.

The secondary features a bunch of question marks. T.J. Carrie and D.J. Hayden are both young guys trying to prove themselves, especially with Hayden being a former first-round pick. Charles Woodson is still playing well at safety, but his shelf life is limited. This should be a better unit, but it still needs to make some progress.

Next: 19. Indianapolis Colts

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