Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders free safety Charles Woodson (24) prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
One position of need, not necessarily for 2015, but definitely in 2016 and beyond for the Raiders are the two safety positions, both free and strong safety. While both are technically manned for 2015: Charles Woodson is the man at FS for the upcoming season, and both Tyvon Branch and Usama Young will be back and under contract next year as well. Brandian Ross looked dramatically improved last year, and Larry Asante came in and played well late in the year also.
There are options to fix the free safety position in the long term on the free agent market, as well. But Reggie McKenzie loves to draft defensive backs, and with a number of solid safeties in this draft, he may use a middle or late pick on a safety to bring another talented player into camp who can compete for a roster spot and potentially compete for the starting job at either the free or strong safety spot someday.
Here are five names McKenzie may keep an eye on at the safety position:
Next: Player to Watch: Derron Smith