Free agency was plentiful for the Raiders. They picked up 11 outside free agents in total, They had plenty of needs, so there was a lot to address. Let’s see what the biggest needs are now.
1. Wide receiver
Adding a top-flight wide receiver was arguably the Raiders’ biggest need prior to free agency. Now it’s their biggest need with a bullet. The addition of Nelson Agholor means they weren’t left out entirely, but he’s not the answer. They still need a speed burner deep threat desperately.
2. Cornerback
The Raiders missed out on their top two targets and settled for Eli Apple. Even after signing him, they were looking into trading for Darius Slay had his price tag not been too steep. They went into this wanting an upgrade from Daryl Worley, and Apple is more of a lateral move. A top-flight cornerback to go across form Trayvon Mullen is needed. Then let Apple compete with the others to bolster the depth.
3. Linebacker
Hard to believe this position is still one of the team’s top needs, but it is. They needed three new starters and they signed two, so at least one more linebacker is needed. Nick Kwiatkoski was an excellent addition at outside linebacker. Cory Littleton can play either middle linebacker or outside linebacker, so the Raiders could go either way in the draft.
4. Running back
Other than re-signing Rod Smith – who played exclusively on special teams last season — the Raiders didn’t go after a running back in free agency. Jalen Richard is back, but he’s mainly a receiver out of the backfield in Gruden’s offense. They still need a complementary back for Josh Jacobs.
5. Safety
To be honest, with as many players as the Raiders added in free agency, the fifth need is a distant one and an argument could be made for several positions. Safety could be fine this season but it isn’t without some questions. Johnathan Abram and Erik Harris are both good, but both are best suited at strong safety. Jeff Heath was added, but is he the answer? They would like to keep Lamarcus Joyner as the nickel corner, so adding a long free safety to the mix would be welcome.
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