$Oakland Raiders\' 5 Biggest Draft Needs Heading Into 2016 Combine$

Oakland Raiders' 5 Biggest Draft Needs Heading Into 2016 Combine

By Geoffrey Knox

We’ve been told they might end up everywhere from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to San Antonio, but as it stands, they’re still the Oakland Raiders. They’re still one of the most storied franchises in all of sports, and in a league where fairweather fans seem to be aplenty, you can’t find a more passionate and loyal fanbase. It’s good to see this team is getting better, and regardless of what’s going on off of the field, you can always depend on Raider Nation and “The Black Hole”. As another year approaches, they look to take the next step. Here are a few places they can start.

$Oakland Raiders\' 5 Biggest Draft Needs Heading Into 2016 Combine$

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Inside Linebacker — The offense is good enough to keep them in games and can score with the best of them. One or two more stops a game and the Raiders probably have three more wins. With a little more depth at the second level, that's a very real possibility.

Right Guard — At times, it appears they are okay here. At others, it looks like the Raiders need something and need it quickly. Being that both of those statements can be deemed correct, it may be necessary to pencil this in as an immediate need.

Left Tackle — Derek Carr is a special talent and has shown he can play at this level, but it won't matter much if they don't protect his blindside. His brother may have been robbed of his chance to blossom due to the beating he took. The Raiders can't have that.

Safety — The Raiders lost a a great leader and a huge locker room presence with the retirement of future Hall Of Famer Charles Woodson. Even as an old man, he was still forcing turnovers and making plays. He'll be missed, but now it's time to replace him.

Cornerback — D.J. Hayden just didn't become what they thought he would. The AFC West is getting better all around this team, and you can't forget there's a guy in San Diego who can light it up with the best of them. They have to have solid play in the secondary.

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Oakland Raiders

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