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Raiders: Ten players that are crucial to the 2018 season

By Thomas Wheaton

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders directs his team before throwing the ball during the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders directs his team before throwing the ball during the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 03: Orleans Darkwa No. 26 of the New York Giants is tackled by Bruce Irvin No. 51 of the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 03: Orleans Darkwa No. 26 of the New York Giants is tackled by Bruce Irvin No. 51 of the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

7. Bruce Irvin

This offseason it was revealed that Irvin would be used almost exclusively as a pass rusher. Irvin showed his excitement with this news on Twitter, insinuating he was sick of being used improperly. With new defensive coordinator Paul Guenther in charge, hopefully Irvin will be used to his full potential.

Since coming to Oakland, Irvin was used quite often as an off-ball coverage linebacker. While he isn’t horrible in coverage, Irvin really shines when he is getting after the quarterback. Since coming to Oakland in 2016, Irvin hasn’t missed a game. His ability to stay on the field is huge, and his impact is felt as a result.

In the last two seasons, Irvin has recorded 15 sacks and 10 forced fumbles. That production is nothing to scoff at. If the Raiders are committed to using him primarily as a pass-rusher, those numbers may get even better. If his full potential is unlocked, Irvin can play a huge role opposite of Khalil Mack this season.

6. Jordy Nelson

Nelson is one of the newcomers to the Raiders roster, joining from the Green Bay Packers. Essentially, Nelson is a direct replacement for Michael Crabtree who departed this offseason. As a result, Nelson has some big shoes to fill. Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree were one of the best tandems in football in 2016. They took a pretty big step back in 2017, but were by no means bad. Nelson also had a down year last season, but part of that was due to Brett Hundley throwing him the ball.

Nelson is a great veteran presence and will provide arguably more value off the field than on it. His knowledge will be shared with the younger guys in the room, and his leadership will be invaluable to a locker room that sorely lacked leadership last season.

The former Super Bowl champion will bring a winning mentality to the Raiders and will be a great mentor for a budding star in Amari Cooper. If he can still play at a high level at 32-years-old, Nelson will be a crucial piece in the dynamic Oakland offense next season.

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