Five Oakland Raiders who must step up with Aldon Smith gone

Nov 8, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Aldon Smith (99) celebrates a sack as Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) lays injured on the ground during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Aldon Smith is banned from being around the Oakland Raiders for a full-year. Rather you agree or not, it is time for the franchise to move on.

In the midst of a playoff race, the Raiders will need to quickly replace Smith on defense.

The Raiders will not have time to lick their wounds, because their upcoming matchup is against a Detroit Lions team that just defeated Green Bay Packers.

Here are five players that must improve in Smith’s absence this season.