Between now and the end of August, TGS will offer up a quick snapshot of every NFL team heading into the 2015 regular season. Today, the Oakland Raiders.
2014 in a nutshell: Rookie quarterback Derek Carr injects some optimism into a franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2002, but they give up a league-high 28.3 points per game and finish 3-13.
Why 2015 could be different: They were absolutely crushed by injuries on defense last season. In fact, no unit was hit harder, per Football Outsiders. Law of averages indicates they should have better luck with that this season. Plus, it’s Carr’s first full year coming off a complete offseason and they added No. 4 overall pick Amari Cooper to the fray at receiver.
Major additions: Cooper, second-round defensive end Mario Edwards, Michael Crabtree, Trent Richardson, Nate Allen, Rodney Hudson and Curtis Lofton.
Major losses: Wide receiver Denarius Moore, corners Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers, running back Darren McFadden and center Stefen Wisniewski (why do they keep letting quality offensive linemen get away?).
Breakout watch: Khalil Mack is already a stud, so keep an eye on youngsters Gabe Jackson, Latavius Murray and D.J. Hayden.
Position to watch: At running back, McFadden is finally gone, giving Murray a chance to follow up on a season in which he averaged an impressive 5.2 yards per carry in a part-time role. Can he emerge? And can Richardson revive his career? They also brought in the underrated Roy Helu, so it’s an intriguing spot.
Prediction: They should be healthier and Carr should be better, but that won’t be enough to contend with Denver, San Diego and Kansas City. They’ll win five or six games.
