The Raiders entered last offseason desperate for defensive help. Nothing has changed this time around.
General manager Reggie McKenzie’s defense-heavy 2017 draft didn’t have an immediate impact, nor did it eliminate needs in the starting lineup. Even top talents in cornerback Gareon Conley and safety Obi Melifonwu must stay healthy enough to contribute after injury-riddled rookie seasons.
The Raiders should look for upgrades across the defensive landscape, and will be hunting for players who fit Paul Guenther’s new scheme. The same can be said about Jon Gruden’s offense, where he’ll need some additions at the skill spots.
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This week’s NFL Scouting Combine the first big road trip for Gruden’s staff, which has hunkered down in the team’s Alameda complex developing schemes, evaluating the current roster and selecting targets in free agency and the NFL draft. They’ll get a close look at players McKenzie’s personnel department has been evaluating for months, and offer input on how the Raiders can best upgrade the roster this offseason.
It’s an important stretch for Raiders brass, which will evaluate college talent all day and work behind-the-scenes getting information and market values on prospective free agents well before the negotiating window opens March 12.
They’ll also lock down their first-round draft pick – either No. 9 or 10 -- via a tiebreaking coin flip with the 49ers on Friday.
Primary focus, however, remains on college talent. Let’s take a look at those who can fill important Raiders needs:
CORNERBACK
The Raiders drafted Gareon Conley in last year’s first round. The Ohio State product was supposed to supplement starters David Amerson and Sean Smith, but didn’t play much due to a shin injury. The veterans starters didn’t do much either. Amerson missed 10 games with injury has been cut. Smith could suffer the same fate, considering his hefty paycheck and felony charges of assault and battery.
That puts the Raiders back in the cornerback market. Conley should man one spot. They need at least one more, even if TJ Carrie gets re-signed. They could look to free agency here, but veterans at this position are typically pricey. If the Raiders hope for a starting draft solution, they should look in the first few rounds.
Denzel Ward, Ohio State: Pairing Buckeyes together in Oakland might be a solid strategy, though it’s uncertain Ward will make it to the Raiders at Nos. 9 or 10. The kid has great footwork and coverage skill, but analysts say he lacks play strength and proper size. He could flash tangibles this week that quell those concerns.
Isaiah Oliver, Colorado:Oliver has the size, length and speed you want in a outside cover corner. Those things will show up in measurable. He needs to function well in agility and change-of-direction drills. He could be a combine standout, but still be a prospect new secondary coach Derrick Ansley must develop into a quality NFL corner.
Josh Jackson, Iowa:Jackson had 27 passes defenseds and eight picks last year. The guy is a ball hawk, and analysts say he has a strong work ethic. He doesn’t have much experience, and could make some headway in meetings with teams, showing that he can properly identify routes. A good 40-yard dash and agility drills would help secure his spot as a first-rounder, though he might be a candidate if the Raiders trade down.
DEFENSIVE LINE
There are quite a few positions and roles under the defensive line umbrella, but the Raiders need help in every area. They need depth behind Khalil Mack, and possibly a prototypical 4-3 defensive end if Bruce Irvin ends up an a strongside linebacker in the base defense and Denico Autry takes a walk this March.
They need an interior pass rusher to help the outside guys thrive, or even a gap-plugger should Justin Ellis move on in free agency. They can’t count on 2016 draftees Jihad Ward and Shilique Calhoun to plug holes as expected, leaving the Raiders to look for more this week.
DE Marcus Davenport, UTSA: The Raiders met with this talented edge rusher at the Senior Bowl, an worthwhile endeavor considering his immense talent and experience rushing from a two-point stance. He worked from the line at the Senior Bowl, which might help woo some teams. He’ll measure well, but his speed, acceleration and position-specific drills will be interesting to watch. If there are enough raw tools, he could develop into an elite talent from a small school.
DT Vita Vea, Washington:Vea has been projected to the Raiders on a few mock drafts, though he isn’t expected to be a strong interior pass rusher in the NFL. He is, however, massive, and pressures the quarterback more than you might think. The 6-foot-4, 355-pounder has surprising agility for his size, which he could reinforce at the combine. He could be an excellent run defender right away, anchor the line and swallow blockers on the inside. Vea can do it all, and could bring interior pressure especially with single-gap responsibilities.
DE Sam Hubbard, Ohio State:Hubbard is known as a technically sound, fundamental defensive end/edge rusher with high effort. He’ll need to flash athleticism some analysts believe he’s lacking at the combine to be a high second-round pick as many project. The drills will offer an opportunity to prove his raw skills. He’s project as a strongside defensive end, something the Raiders are looking for on base downs. He could fill an immediate need.
RECEIVER
The once-lauded Raiders receiving corps had a down year. That’s hard to argue, with Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree struggling to find consistency in an off-kilter offense. Seth Roberts didn’t make much of an impact in the slot. That crew’s drop issues continued, showing the need for fresh faces and sure hands.
Cooper will be a central figure moving forward, and Crabtree could be if he’s retained next year. Both guys exceeded 1,000 yards in 2016, and were tough to handle when going well.
Free-agent receivers might be too pricey – the class is also a bit thin – meaning the draft could hold intriguing options for head coach Jon Gruden.
Anthony Miller, Memphis:Evaluators says Miller is a high-motivated, highly-competitive receiver who excels making tough down the field. He’s quick, but needs to prove he has straight-line speed. He must also show well in drills with quarterbacks and catch passes consistently at every level. His hands are reportedly a concern. He must show a solid catch radius, and keep passes from hitting the turf.
James Washington, Oklahoma State: The Raiders need someone to take the top off a defense. That’s an element, accompanied by sure hands, they’ve been lacking. Washington has those skills. Showing well running shorter routes could help his stock. The same with flashing change of direction and short-area quickness.
D.J. Chark, LSU The former Tiger has the size and speed you want at receiver, with a penchant for making big plays. He’ll have to show well in strength drills and improved route running. He’s also a punt returner, which may make him a dual threat. Meetings could be important, as he sells his improvement running routes and dissecting plays.
LINEBACKER
The Raiders need help on the interior, where they’ve devoted few resources in recent years. That’s true even if NaVorro Bowman re-signs this offseason. Cory James can be a solid tackler, but the Raiders need coverage linebackers in the work way. Finding a long-term solution in the middle would also help, and this draft could solve an immediate problem in the middle of this defense. McKenzie has drafted linebackers in the later rounds during his tenure. It might be time to reach a bit higher, especially with the top-tier prospects in this draft.
Roquan Smith, GeorgiaThe former Bulldog can fly, with rare sideline-to-sideline range. Game tape proved that already. He’s an explosive defender and sure tackler. He has discipline and evaluators say he’s a great leader. His combine will be about reinforcing those attributes and proving his relative lack of size won’t be a hindrance at the next level. Smith could easily play weakside linebacker next to Bowman or man the middle. He could be a solid first-round choice.
Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech:Smith gets a ton of hype. He’s also consistently ranked below Edmunds. This versatile talent has excellent size and speed, with a long frame ideal for coverage or rushing the passer. He can play any linebacker spot. He doesn’t have much to prove at this combine either, though diagnosing plays and strategy well in meetings could help negate some knocks.
Rashaan Evans, Alabama:Don’t let the ghost of Rolando McClain in silver and black cloud judgment here. Evans is long, fast coverage linebacker who can tackle. He’s a tough guy, and evaluators say he’ll play through pain. He can rush the passer as well. Positional drills might be key for this defender, especially if he wants to show what some consider plus pass-rush ability.
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
The Raiders have more than five needs to be sure. They need safety help – that could come via free agency – and might need a running back if Marshawn Lynch doesn’t return. We’ll go with offensive tackle here. They need a long-term solution on the left and possibly immediate help on the right, depending on Tom Cable’s evaluation of Marshall Newhouse.
David Sharpe and Jylan Ware are already in house, but they haven’t locked down rights to take over on either side just yet.
Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame: The Raiders have more pressing first-round needs, but finding a tackle with pedigree takes a high pick. McGlichney is a technical player and a hard worker and a former team captain. He might need to show upper-level strength, or at least that he’s improved in that area. He could be a long-term, productive answer on the right.
Tyrell Crosby, Oregon: Crosby is huge, with power in his 6-foot-5, 325-pound frame. That’s a given. He can be a stout run blocker and someone who might pair well with guard Gabe Jackson. He has a lot to prove regarding his athleticism, and the combine is a great showcase to do it.
Joseph Noteboom, TCU: The former Horned Frog has NFL size and athleticism. He’s functional in space and has shown an ability to establish leverage. Evaluators say his tape is inconsistent, though he flashed some at the Senior Bowl. A strong effort at the combine could help his stock and make him more attractive to a team with time to develop a tackle.