Big Jump on Defense
While we don’t know for sure what the Raiders will do in the draft or free agency, we have every reason to believe significant investment and time will be spent on improving a defense that has lots of needs.
The Raiders were encouraged by the improved play on the defensive front with rookies Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell, as well as second-year players Maurice Hurst and PJ Hall. Add the impressive play of rookie defensive back Trayvon Mullen, and the Raiders have pieces to build around.
That said, they still need help on the EDGE and also have no linebacking corps to speak of. They won’t be able to go from NFL’s worst to best in one season but they won’t need to. If they can improve enough to be a middle-of-the-pack defense, coupled with more scoring and success on offense, it’ll do to get them into the postseason in 2020.