NFL Oakland Raiders

2015 NFL Draft: Oakland Raiders’ Top 5 Needs

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By @Kevin_Saito

Oakland's Top 5 Needs in 2015 Draft

Raiders
Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Guaranteed another high draft pick in the 2015 draft, the Raiders have a chance to continue building a young nucleus that is performing well. The team's future looks bright, but there are still many glaring areas of need on both sides of the ball. Reggie McKenzie's 2014 draft class is playing well and has laid a solid foundation for the future. Assuming he is still calling the shots, McKenzie must continue to build on this season's success.

5. Offensive Line

Scherff
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

5. Offensive Line

Scherff
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Though not given much credit, the Raiders' offensive line has performed well this season. They've done a good job of protecting their rookie QB, giving up among the fewest sacks in the league. But injuries have forced them to juggle their lineup and exposed the need for depth. Linemen like Iowa's Brandon Scherff or Andrus Peat could help. The line shouldn't be the first area of need they address, but they will need to add help on the line.

4. Defensive Line

Williams
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

4. Defensive Line

Williams
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With just 21 total sacks on the season, the Raiders' defensive pass rush has been anemic, to say the least. Though Oakland brought in Justin Tuck and LaMarr Woodley to give their defensive front some teeth, it hasn't worked out that way. Oakland must address this need by adding a speed rusher that can get after the quarterback. USC's Leonard Williams or Nebraska's Randy Gregory would fit this bill.

3. Cornerback

Waynes
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

3. Cornerback

Waynes
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

For too many years, the cornerback position has been a glaring area of weakness for the Raiders. Free agent adds haven't worked out and DJ Hayden has yet to prove worthy of his first-round selection. Late-round pick TJ Carrie has shown the potential to be a solid part of Oakland's secondary for many years to come but Oakland may want to consider adding Michigan State's Trae Waynes or Oregon's Ifo Ekpre-Olomu to add some depth.

2. Safety

Holliman
Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

2. Safety

Holliman
Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

With Charles Woodson near the end of his career, and Oakland's other safeties never able to stay healthy, the Raiders have a glaring need. Brandian Ross has filled in admirably for an injured Tyvon Branch, Usama Young and Larry Asante, but those injuries have exposed a fatal lack of depth. Louisville's Gerod Holliman, Fresno State's Derron Smith or Alabama's Landon Collins would be smart picks.

1. Wide Receiver

Cooper
Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

1. Wide Receiver

Cooper
Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

Rod Streater was developing into a legitimate No. 1 receiving threat for the Raiders, but his injury has exposed the team's absolute need for more pass catching weapons. He's developed good chemistry with his current receiving corps, but Oakland still needs another home run hitter. Alabama's Amari Cooper or Louisville's DeVante Parker would add some punch to an offense that must have it. The WR spot must be addressed early in the draft.

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