The Oakland Raiders are finally trending up

Since losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII, the Oakland Raiders have been the epitome of dysfunction and losing. Oakland has not been back to the playoffs since, only twice (2010, 2011) winning more than five games in a season.

The franchise has plowed through eight coaches since that fateful afternoon, ranging from Bill Callahan and Norv Turner, Art Shell and Lane Kiffin, to Tom Cable, Hue Jackson, Dennis Allen and Tony Sparano. For over a decade, the loyal Oakland fan base has not been allowed to harbor hope.

Yet, this offseason creates exactly that after general manager Reggie McKenzie nailed the 2014 NFL Draft. McKenzie, who correctly spent the first two years of his tenure clearing cap space, selected linebacker Khalil Mack and quarterback Derek Carr with Oakland’s first two choices.

Then, after relieving Sparano of his interim duties, McKenzie brought in former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach and Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio to lead the way. Del Rio is a fantastic choice for Oakland. The former linebacker is no-nonsense and possesses ample experience, having nine seasons under his belt with the Jaguars. Despite a mediocre roster throughout his tenure, Del Rio lifted Jacksonville to a pair of playoff appearances.

Carr, who showcases promise after throwing for 3,270 yards and 21 touchdowns, needs help on the offensive side of the ball. The Raiders finished last in rushing yards per game, averaging 77.5. Carr’s weapons down the field are also underwhelming, with Andre Holmes leading the team with 693 receiving yards.

Holding the No. 4 overall pick in the draft, McKenzie needs to find a playmaker. Many mock drafts see Amari Cooper of Alabama or West Virginia’s Kevin White going to Oakland, giving Carr a potential lethal receiver. In the second round, the Raiders would be wise to look at one of the top running backs available in this deep class, perhaps Melvin Gordon or Todd Gurley.

When free agency begins on March 10, expect Oakland to be aggressive with a projected $55.43 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap. The Raiders have been rumored to be very interested in a pair of Denver Broncos free agents; Julius Thomas and Terrance Knighton. There have also been reports about intrigue in Green Bay Packers receiver Randall Cobb, a man who can play both outside the numbers and in the slot.

Oakland’s roster has a bevy of holes, so it will be difficult to around everything in a single season. However, the Raiders can make large strides with the right moves. In the loaded AFC West, results could be slow to show up initially, but gains will be obvious in the level of play.

McKenzie has been waiting years for these next few months. The time is now to make moves.

About Matt Verderame

Matt Verderame, 26, is a New Yorker who went to school at the frozen tundra of SUNY Oswego. After graduating, Verderame has worked for Gannett and SB Nation among other ventures.

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