10. Oakland Raiders
General manager Reggie McKenzie targeted reinforcements in a struggling secondary during the spring, adding top-end corner Sean Smith and former Pro Bowl safety Reggie Nelson to the mix in free agency. He then doubled down in the secondary with strong safety Karl Joseph in the first round.
That’s a whole heck of a lot more talent than what Oakland had in the secondary a season ago.
Considering Oakland boasts one of the top defensive fronts in the entire AFC, this is going to go a long way in helping build a contender in the AFC West.
Khalil Mack might have been the second-best defensive player in the NFL last season behind J.J. Watt. He recorded 77 tackles, 15 sacks and two forced fumbles as a sophomore last season. Former Pro Bowler Aldon Smith will join him for the stretch run after he serves his one-year suspension.
Those two will also be joined by former Seattle Seahawks first-round pick Bruce Irvin at linebacker.
That’s a ton of young high-upside talent on a defense that ranked in the bottom quarter of the NFL last season. Look for a dramatic improvement from Ken Norton’s unit in 2016.