Oakland Raiders: 5 offseason needs

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Jan 15, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Jared Cook (89) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against Dallas Cowboys strong safety J.J. Wilcox (27) during the third quarter in the NFC Divisional playoff game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Find a pass-catching TE

For all of the weapons the Raiders have on offense, the tight end position has been a weakness over the past few seasons. Players like Clive Walford and Mychel Rivera have done well in spurts, but neither is the kind of player that defenses scheme around. The Raiders need to bring in somebody who can make big plays in the red zone from the tight end position, and they should have plenty of options this offseason.

Carr does a nice job in working everybody into the offense, though he could definitely use a good safety valve at the tight end position. The Raiders often have to check down to the running backs when plays break down, as they lack the kind of playmaker that can move the chains when wide receivers are covered down field. Bringing a guy like Jared Cook in to play tight end would give the Raiders a nice wrinkle in their offense, one they have not had in plenty of years.

In the 2017 NFL Draft, players like Miami’s David Njoku and Alabama’s O.J. Howard may be available when the Raiders make their first round pick at No. 24. Both of those players should have a big time impact during their rookie seasons, as they have the kind of skill set that can really set them apart from other players in the league. The Raiders do not have many holes on their offense, and if they can bring in a pass-catching tight end, they will even be more explosive in 2017.