Between now and the end of August, TGS will offer up a quick snapshot of every NFL team heading into the 2016 regular season. Today, the Oakland Raiders.
2015 in a nutshell: Young offensive star-in-the-making Derek Carr, Amari Cooper and Latavius Murray shine as the Raiders put together a seven-win season in a tough division. Still, they fall well short of the playoffs for the 13th straight season.
Why 2016 could be different: They improved greatly on both sides of the ball, their young budding stars should be even better and it looks like they’re going to run a hybrid 3-4 defense this season.
Major additions: Pro Bowl-caliber hybrid rusher Bruce Irvin and reliable veteran safety Sean Smith were signed to start on defense, while stud offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele gives a talented line a boost on the inside.
Major losses: With Donald Penn and Aldon Smith also back, it’s hard to argue they lost anyone of import.
Breakout watch: A lot of folks expect bigger seasons from Carr, Cooper and Murray, but we should also keep an eye on 2015 second-round pick Mario Edwards, who should have plenty of opportunities as a defensive end in front of Irvin and Khalil Mack. The problem is he’s having trouble staying on the field.
Position to watch: That offensive line was considered one of the best in the league last season, but they’d probably like to see Carr take even fewer than 31 sacks. Opposite the strong Gabe Jackson at guard, Osemele is a huge upgrade over the departed J’Marcus Webb. And he can also play outside if need be, but Penn’s solid and there’s a lot of hope for 2013 second-round pick Menelik Watson, who is back after missing 2015 with a torn Achilles tendon. With the solid Rodney Hudson at center, this really could be one of the best lines in football in 2016.
Prediction: I think they might be better than the Denver Broncos, especially when you consider the pressure Denver faces and its issues at quarterback. I think the Kansas City Chiefs will once again be good and the AFC West will be a battle, but I’m going out on a limb and giving the Raiders their first division title since 2002.
