Oakland Raiders: 12 steps towards fixing the team’s biggest problems

CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 07: Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden walks out to the field ahead of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 07: Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden walks out to the field ahead of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 1: Nick Bosa #97 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after recovering a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Ohio Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 1: Nick Bosa #97 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after recovering a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Ohio Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Draft an edge rusher early in round one

The Raiders will likely be drafting early in round one in 2019, as they have one of the worst records in football, and they may continue to do so the rest of the year. Three of their next four games are against teams who also have only one win on the season, so if they continue to struggle, they may be looking at a top-3 pick next April.

While there are plenty of holes on this roster, one that is pretty glaring is the fact that they can get zero pass rush no matter who they play. Sure, rookie Arden Key continues to get better every week, but Bruce Irvin has become a waste, and apparently is more interested in getting home than winning football games.

With that early first round pick next April, the Raiders have to bring in an elite pass rusher, and there are a couple of names at the top of the draft class that should be impact players at the next level. Guys like Nick Bosa and Clelin Ferrell should both hear their names called early in the first round, and one of those teams better be the Silver and Black.