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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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Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Willie Snead (83) makes a catch while defended by Oakland Raiders defensive back Sean Smith (21) in the second quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Willie Snead (83) makes a catch while defended by Oakland Raiders defensive back Sean Smith (21) in the second quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Finally put together an elite secondary

Last offseason, the Oakland Raiders brought in Sean Smith to team with David Amerson at the cornerback position. Coming over from the Kansas City Chiefs, Smith was one of the more sought-after players at his position, though he did not perform up to his lofty expectations. He was burnt on way too many occasions, and the Raiders once again had one of the worst secondaries in all of football.

Smith may actually be gone next season, as the Raiders have some big decisions to make at the cornerback position. The team also has to decide whether or not to bring back former first round pick, D.J. Hayden, who has been quite the bust since the team took him with the 12th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. The Raiders will likely spend their first round pick on a cornerback once again in 2017, and luckily for them, this draft class is loaded with impact players at the position.

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The 2017 season has a chance to be a very special one for the Oakland Raiders, who will be gunning for their fourth Super Bowl win. If Carr can stay healthy, the Raiders should be battling for a bye week in the AFC Playoffs next season. The Raiders have to make some big moves on the defensive side of the ball, and if McKenzie can continue to bring people into the Black Hole, the Raiders should at least win their first playoff game in 15 years.