Kickoff Primer: An instant guide to the 2016 Oakland Raiders
AFC Previews
BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ
BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT
HOU | IND | JAX | TEN
DEN | KC | OAK | SD
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CHI | DET | GB | MIN
ATL | CAR | NO | TB
ARI | LA | SF | SEA
Oakland Raiders
| 2015 Record | 2015 Finish |
|---|---|
| 7-9 | 3rd in AFC West |
Coaching Staff
Head coach: Jack Del Rio
Offensive coordinator: Bill Musgrave
Defensive coordinator: Ken Norton Jr.
Key Additions
- G Kelechi Osemele
- LB Bruce Irvin
- CB Sean Smith
- S Karl Joseph (1st round)
- S Reggie Nelson
- DT Jihad Ward (2nd round)
Key Departures
- S Charles Woodson (retired)
- DE Justin Tuck (retired)
- LB Curtis Lofton
Preseason Power Ranking - No. 13
The Raiders clearly won the offseason, making a number of marquee free-agent signings. Now they need to prove they're greater than the sum of their collective talent entering 2016. More...
Projected Starting Lineup
| Position | Starter |
|---|---|
| WR | Amari Cooper |
| WR | Michael Crabtree |
| WR | Seth Roberts |
| LT | Donald Penn |
| LG | Kelechi Osemele |
| C | Rodney Hudson |
| RG | Gabe Jackson |
| RT | Menelik Watson |
| TE | Clive Walford |
| QB | Derek Carr |
| RB | Latavius Murray |
| Position | Starter |
|---|---|
| DE | Khalil Mack |
| NT | Dan Williams |
| DT | Jihad Ward |
| DE | Mario Edwards Jr. |
| SLB | Bruce Irvin |
| ILB | Ben Heeney |
| WLB | Malcolm Smith |
| CB | Sean Smith |
| SS | Karl Joseph |
| FS | Reggie Nelson |
| CB | David Amerson |
Questions to Answer
- Can Carr take the next step in his development?
- Will Murray prove to be a reliable featured running back?
- Were the offseason additions enough to overhaul the secondary?
- Is Heeney the answer at middle linebacker?
Best-case Scenario
While being dubbed the winners of the offseason means next to nothing, there's no denying the Raiders have added a significant amount of talent. With the incoming group complementing what was already an impressive young core, their first playoff berth since 2002 is well within reach. Carr improving as much as he did heading into Year 2 could conceivably help this team earn an AFC West title and a playoff win.
Worst-case Scenario
The added benefit of some substantial talent and depth upgrades across the board is a far higher floor than in years past. An absolute worst-case scenario for the Raiders would have to be somewhere in the range of the 7-9 record they overachieved to reach last season. Such a disappointing finish would be the result of some regression from Carr, and the new-look defense struggling to come together as one unit.