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Last week, we looked at what the Oakland Raiders’ starting offense and defense looks like as of now. Of course, the Raiders could add a piece or two in the latter stages of free agency (although there aren’t many sure starters currently on the market) and the Raiders should find starters in the draft, starting with the No. 4 overall pick. Let’s take a look at the starting lineup broken down in different categories, beginning with the more urgent issues: Need to upgrade:  Receiver: The Raiders need an impact receiver. Expect to see them draft Amari Cooper of Alabama or Kevin White of West Virginia at No. 4. If so, this becomes a strength area.
Defensive end: The Raiders have no pass-rush punch from this spot. They could go for Leonard Williams or Dante Fowler in first round. If not, it could be a big need area all year. Right guard: They have Khalif Barnes, but they are looking to upgrade. Perhaps they could do it in the middle rounds, but there’s no guarantees. Cornerback: The Raiders are young at cornerback with DJ Hayden, TJ Carrie and Keith McGill. They are going to have to hope two develop quickly. It’s iffy. Position filled, but there are question marks Receiver: James Jones was their No. 1 receiver. He’s productive, with 73 catches for 666 yards and six TDs last season, but probably a lower-level No. 2 rather than a No. 1. Running back: Latavius Murray will try to hold off the newly signed Trent Richardson. Murray has big potential, but the team wants to see how he handles a heavy work load. He had only 82 carries for 424 yards and two TDs last season. Tight end: Mychal Rivera will make his share of catches. He had 58 receptions 534 yards and four TDs last season. But the Raiders are unsure if he can be an impact tight end. Right tackle: Austin Howard is back to the position where he played with the Jets after struggling as a big money-making guard. Defensive end: Justin Tuck is still productive, but he is aging and he is probably best served as a rotational player. Cornerback: See above. Safety: Newly signed Nate Allen, who had four interceptions last season, is getting paid a lot. He is a serviceable starter, but he will probably frustrate his coaches at times. Solid starters Quarterback: Derek Carr has a chance to be a good player, especially when he gets some help. As a rookie, Carr threw for 3,270 yards with 21 TDs and 12 INTs. This is not a problem position for Oakland. H-Back: Marcel Reece has a chance to flourish in the Raiders' offense. Left tackle: Donald Penn is an above-average player who is a nice anchor to an improving line. Left guard: Gabe Jackson is a second-year player who has big potential. Center: Free-agent prize Rodney Hudson is a perfect fit for the Raiders’ new offense and is an upper-level player at this spot. Defensive tackle (2): Free-agent Dan Williams and second-year player Justin Ellis have a chance to be anchors to the defense. Williams is solid against the run and Ellis has a chance to shine. Inside linebacker: Free-agent addition Curtis Lofton makes a ton of tackles. He is not without his flaws, but he is not a detriment. Outside linebacker: Sio Moore us growing into a nice player. Safety: Charles Woodson had four interception last and has 60 in his storied career. Future Hall of Famer. Elite starter Outside linebacker: Khalil Mack, who had 75 tackles including four sacks as a rookie, looks like he is special. Folks around the league are in love with him. He’s the guy in Oakland. Conclusion: Half the starting lineup is on solid ground. That’s a positive change for Oakland. Yes, there are holes and I believe the defense is in slightly better shape than the offense. This is still very much a work-in-progress roster with as many questions and answers, but it’s not an empty deck in Oakland.
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