Oakland Raiders: 5 biggest questions entering the summer

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on during warm ups prior to their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on during warm ups prior to their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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OXFORD, OH – NOVEMBER 15: Maxx Crosby #92 of the Eastern Michigan Eagles sacks Gus Ragland #14 of the Miami Ohio Redhawks during the second half at Yager Stadium on November 15, 2017 in Oxford, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
OXFORD, OH – NOVEMBER 15: Maxx Crosby #92 of the Eastern Michigan Eagles sacks Gus Ragland #14 of the Miami Ohio Redhawks during the second half at Yager Stadium on November 15, 2017 in Oxford, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Did the team do enough regarding the pass rush?

We all know the pathetic statistic from last season, as the Raiders were able to muster up only 13 sacks as a team. Of course, the lack of production was expected, as Khalil Mack was traded right before the season, and Bruce Irvin failed to show up in any kind of leadership role.

What was shocking was just how bad the pass rush was, and this offseason, Jon Gruden and new general manager Mike Mayock went out and brought in talent to help fix that issue in 2019. They utilized three of their nine draft picks on the defensive end position, while also adding guys like Benson Mayowa, Alex Barrett, and Josh Mauro via free agency.

The main question, however, is if the team did enough to actually be successful rushing the passer this season. No. 4 overall pick Clelin Ferrell looks like a perfect fit, and fellow rookie Maxx Crosby is a beast, while Arden Key has put on significant weight entering Year No. 2.

Did the Raiders do enough? Only time will tell, but this is a significantly more talented group than the guys that played most of the season for Oakland in 2018.

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