The Raiders were a much-improved team in 2019 as they barely missed the playoffs after finishing 4-12 in the previous season. New general manager Mike Mayock helped address some of the team’s biggest needs, such as their offensive and defensive line, slot receiver and running back.
However, for the Raiders to make the next step as a team, they are going to need to improve a few critical positions this offseason. But deciding what position is the biggest need may be somewhat of a struggle.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Raiders’ biggest weakness on the roster is their secondary rather than at wide receiver or linebacker. Take a look at why PFF believes the Raiders need to invest into their secondary this offseason:
Problems have existed in the Raiders’ secondary for years now, and they’ve tried to remedy that by bringing in players through the draft and free agency in recent seasons. It hasn’t worked to this point. The secondary was still a major issue in 2019. No team in the NFL allowed more expected points per pass play than the Raiders, and they were one of the more susceptible teams to big plays, allowing 2,196 passing yards on gains of 20-plus yards. That was more than any other team in the league. Whether it be cornerback, safety or linebacker, the Raiders should continue to try and remedy their coverage woes.
With the Raiders having two first-round picks in April’s draft, you can bank on them using one of their picks on a secondary player. While the team is still optimistic about players such as Trayvon Mullen and Johnathan Abram, you can never have too many quality defensive backs. Expect the Raiders to address that position in both free agency and the draft.
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