Oakland Raiders defense the biggest question mark heading into 2019
By Brad Weiss
After bringing in a ton of talent on the offensive side of the ball, most believe the Oakland Raiders biggest question mark will be their defense.
The Oakland Raiders went out and added some big names to their offense this offseason, bringing in guys like Antonio Brown, Tyrell Williams, and Trent Brown. On defense, the Raiders added some talent as well in the likes of Lamarcus Joyner in the secondary, while bringing in veterans Vontaze Burfict and Brandon Marshall at linebacker.
It is clear that the Raiders have more depth on the roster this offseason, as they look to shake off their four-win season from a year ago. With veterans on the defensive side of the ball, there are still holes to be filled, and that side of the ball is considered the biggest question mark this season.
Josh Schrock from NBCSports Bay Area recently posted the biggest questions for each AFC West team as they head into training camp. For the Raiders, their biggest question will be on the defensive side of the ball, where players will need to seriously step up in 2019.
During the 2019 NFL Draft, the Raiders did focus a lot on the defensive side of the ball, including drafting edge rusher Clelin Ferrell and safety Johnathan Abram in the first round. In addition, they brought in cornerback Trayvon Mullen in round No. 2, while adding another edge rusher in Maxx Crosby in the fourth round.
If these four rookies can step up in 2019, this could be a solid defense, as there is more talent on all three levels than there has been in years past. In addition, the Raiders will be bringing back the same defensive coordinator in Paul Guenther, whose defense showed improvement towards the end of last season.
The rest of the division’s biggest questions focused on the quarterbacks, whether it was what Patrick Mahomes does for an encore with the Kansas City Chiefs, or whether Joe Flacco is an actual starting quarterback anymore. For the Los Angeles Chargers, it was how the team can maximize Philip Rivers‘ final seasons.
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Cornerback Gareon Conley looked like a star last season, and the young players up front, Maurice Hurst and Arden Key should be better in Year No. 2. The Raiders defense has not been solid in quite some time, but the new faces have shown they can play at a high level in the past, and now they just have to do it in the Silver and Black.