In just one week, the first major step toward shoring up the Raiders’ need areas begins. That’s when the reports will begin to fly around that the Raiders are going after several key free agents headed for the open market, which is official at the beginning of the new league year on March 18.

The first wave will figure to focus on those positions in the most critical condition, so we will rank each Raiders’ positions starting with those Critical needs and on up to Serious, Unstable, Stable, and Strong.

Critical

Wide receiver

Starters: Tyrell Williams, Hunter Renfrow

Backups: Marcell Ateman, Keelan Doss, Rico Gafford, Zay Jones, Anthony Ratliff-Williams

Free agents: Dwayne Harris

Notes: A No. 1 receiver is needed. They could also use more speed on the outside, as well. Depth also is needed. Read more here.

Linebacker

Starters: Tahir Whitehead

Backups: Nicholas Morrow, Marquel Lee, Ukeme Eligwe, Quentin Poling, Te’Von Coney, Derrick Moncrief, Nick Usher

Free agents: Will Compton, Kyle Wilber, Vontaze Burfict

Notes: Two and perhaps three new starting linebackers are needed. Read more here.

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