Despite the Oakland Raiders hiring an offensive minded coach, or even because of it, the team must focus their attention during free agency and the NFL Draft on the defensive side of the ball. We already know that the personnel on offense is capable of great things, we saw as much in 2016. The Oakland defense, on the other hand, has never shown that kind of potential and it’s far past time for that side of the ball to get an overhaul.
Many of us, myself included, thought that overhaul would happen last offseason, but to everyone’s surprise, the Raiders added more talent on offense during free agency while neglecting a defense that was among the league’s worst in 2016. That mistake cannot be made again this offseason.
Yes, Oakland focused heavily on defense during the draft last year, but they need to do more than just grab inexperienced rookies for the defense this time around. The Raiders need more veteran leadership in general, and on defense in particular.
The in season addition of NaVorro Bowman made a big difference on defense as the team finally had a quarterback of the defense and a guy with the experience and football IQ to make an immediate impact. More of those kinds of players are needed this offseason.
First and foremost, the Raiders must sign a veteran corner. Unless he take a big pay cut, Sean Smith is all but gone and the same can be said for David Amerson. T.J. Carrie could be back but even if he is, it’s not like he’s a great corner. Solid? Sure. But more of a slot guy than someone you want on the outside. As for Gareon Conley, there’s still hope he could end up being the lock down corner Oakland is hoping for, that’s still not enough. The Raiders need three good corners so even with Carrie and Conley, they will need at least one more starter and solid depth behind them.
And that’s just the start. Oakland needs to upgrade their depth throughout the defense and could also afford to add a veteran starter or two elsewhere, whether it be on the interior of the defensive line, at linebacker or at safety. The defense has been a major liability for years now and now is the time to make some major changes to help the new coaching staff hit the ground running.
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