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Oakland Raiders free agency 2017: Top 5 targets

By Brad Weiss

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 18: Head coach Jack Del Rio of the Oakland Raiders on the field before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 18, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 18: Head coach Jack Del Rio of the Oakland Raiders on the field before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 18, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) celebrates with linebacker Daren Bates (56) and defensive tackle Darius Latham (75) after a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers during a NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) celebrates with linebacker Daren Bates (56) and defensive tackle Darius Latham (75) after a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers during a NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Malcolm Smith

OLB, Oakland Raiders

The Raiders struggled mightily on defense in 2016, as they continuously let teams beat them for big gainers from time to time. However, one player on that defense played up to his potential, and that man was Malcolm Smith. Smith, who was a Super Bowl MVP with the Seattle Seahawks, is the heart and soul of the Raiders defense, and the team needs to bring him back next season.

Smith came to the Raiders to play for defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., who was with Smith when the Seahawks won the Super Bowl back in 2014. Norton has been a big reason why the Raiders have turned around their franchise, and I just do not see the 27-year old Smith leading Oakland without at least a shot at the Super Bowl. He plays with incredible passion, and the Raiders should be able to make the contract work to bring him back next season.

There are going to be plenty of suitors for Smith, who is a rare commodity in the NFL. Smith is a winner, and players gravitate towards people like him. He has played such a big role in the development of young stars like Khalil Mack, that the Raiders need to keep him as the glue to their defense. General manager Reggie McKenzie will make it work, and Smith and the Raiders should go deep into the playoffs if they stay healthy next season.