The Oakland Raiders are right in the thick of things in the AFC playoff hunt, and with seven games remaining, they have a great chance of clinching a playoff berth for the first time since 2016.
However, it’s never too soon to look forward to the offseason as the team tries to continue its rebuild. So without further ado, here are the Raiders’ three biggest needs entering the 2020 offseason:
1. Linebacker
No position has haunted the Raiders more over the past decade than linebacker. Oakland has struggled to find consistent play at the position, cycling through dozens of players over the last few seasons.
If the Raiders want to improve as a defense, they need to get faster in the middle. While elite off-the-ball linebackers don’t often hit free agency, the 2020 draft does have several quality players at the position this year. Look for Oakland to address that need early next offseason.
2. Wide Receiver
The Raiders took a big chance in 2019 by trading for Antonio Brown, and that move obviously did not pan out well. However, look for the Raiders to continue to swing for the fences at receiver as it’s a position that needs to be upgraded.
The Raiders have some talent there with Tyrell Williams, Hunter Renfrow, and Zay Jones, but the unit lacks a true No. 1 receiver who can beat double coverage.
Luckily for Oakland, the 2020 draft looks to be the best wide receiver class in the last several years. And with Oakland having two picks in the first round, you can bet on the team looking to draft a stud wideout next offseason.
3. Defensive End
Despite the improvements from Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby, the Raiders will continue to look to upgrade the defensive end position next season. While it would be nice to have a single player of the caliber of Khalil Mack, it’s clear that the Raiders believe in rotating their defensive linemen to keep them fresh.
Oakland likely won’t spend one of its two first-round picks at defensive end, but don’t be surprised if the team signs a proven veteran in free agency that could provide some juice off the edge.
A player like Robert Quinn, who is having a great year in Dallas, would make for a nice fit in the Raiders’ defense with Ferrell and Crosby. Another name is Bud Dupree, who is having a career year in Pittsburgh. Bringing in a proven veteran like Dupree would help stabilize this defensive line.
Expect the team to continue to search for defensive end help this offseason.
