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Oakland Raiders: 5 offseason needs

By Brad Weiss

Dec 24, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) gestures before the snap against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at the Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) gestures before the snap against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at the Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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With a 12-win season in the rear-view mirror, the Oakland Raiders head into free agency looking to improve on their already solid roster.

The Oakland Raiders have been making steady improvements over the last few seasons, and are coming off a 12-win season in 2016. Despite the fact that the season ended in disappointment, all signs point to them being back in the thick of things next season. Quarterback Derek Carr will likely be back at 100 percent for training camp, and you have to think the Raiders could do something special if they can stay healthy.

As we inch towards the 2017 NFL Draft, lets take a look at five offseason priorities for the Oakland Raiders.

5. Improvements needed on the defensive line

The Oakland Raiders put together one of the better regular seasons for the franchise in recent memory, making the playoffs for the first time since 2002. The Raiders actually could have done something special in 2016 had quarterback Derek Carr not broken his leg in Week 16. As they head into 2017, there are some big areas of need up and down their roster, with the defensive line being one of them.

Throughout the 2016 season, the Raiders failed to stop the run, leading to them being scored on way too much. If the Raiders want to be a team to beat in the AFC, especially during playoff time, they are going to have to make wholesale changes on the defensive line. Stacy McGee is likely gone, and Mario Edwards Jr. needs to prove that he can stay healthy for a 16-game schedule. Running backs were able to run free against the Silver and Black last season, so expect general manager Reggie McKenzie to make that a priority this offseason.

The NFL Draft has a ton of good defensive lineman in it, including people that can really get after the quarterback. The real issue is getting push up front, so the Raiders may target a player like Michigan State’s Malik McDowell with the No. 24 pick in the first round. Whether it is a free agent, or a draft pick, the Raiders need to make sure they add depth to the defensive line before they head to training camp.