We're taking a look around the AFC West with a breakdown of our division rivals' offseasons. We end with a look at the Oakland Raiders.
*Additions: *OLB Bruce Irvin (Seahawks),OG Kelechi Osemele (Ravens), CB Sean Smith (Chiefs), OT Donald Penn (Re-Signed), OLB Aldon Smith (Re-Signed), S Reggie Nelson (Bengals), WR Andre Holmes (Re-Signed)
Losses:S Charles Woodson (Retired), DE Justin Tuck (Retired), WR Rod Streater (Chiefs),
Analysis: Expected to once again be one of the most active teams in free agency, the Raiders wasted no time making an immediate splash. Oakland landed two highly coveted players in guard Kelechi Osemele and OLB Bruce Irvin. Osemele was widely considered one of the top free agent offensive linemen available while Irvin provides a ferocious bookend to star edge rusher Khalil Mack. The Raiders also re-signed OLB Aldon Smith, although he is not eligible to return from suspension until November. Meanwhile, Oakland poached cornerback Sean Smith from the Chiefs while also signing former Bengals safety Reggie Nelson to reinforce a secondary that lost future Hall of Famer Charles Woodson to retirement.
Oakland holds the 14th overall pick in the NFL Draft. Here are notable Mock Draft projections for who the Raiders may select.
ESPN's Mel Kiper: CB Eli Apple – Ohio State
What he says: "A high-upside cornerback with size, Apple might deal with some growing pains, but he's an impressive combination of size, athleticism and natural gifts for the position."
ESPN's Todd McShay: ILB Reggie Ragland – Alabama
What he says: "Ragland is a heat-seeking missile with the toughness to excel as a downhill linebacker. He thrived versus the run at Alabama, but he was never truly unleashed as a pass-rusher. He might have some hidden potential off the edge, possessing underrated speed (4.72 40-yard dash) and athleticism."
NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah: CB William Jackson III – Houston
What he says: "Jackson is a very talented player who would fit well in this division."
NFL.com's Charles Davis: DT Jarran Reed – Alabama
What he says: "The Raiders struck gold last year with a first-round WR from Alabama in Amari Cooper. They go back to the same campus for a DT that stuffs the run, and will provide good pressure inside."
NFL.com's Bucky Brooks: DT Sheldon Rankins – Louisville
What he says: "The Raiders could opt for a CB1 at this spot, but the opportunity to add an energetic interior rusher to a front line that features Khalil Mack, Bruce Irvin and Mario Edwards, Jr., would make the unit downright scary."
CBSSports.com's Rob Rang: CB Vernon Hargreaves III – Florida
What he says: "iders general manager Reggie McKenzie deserves a lot of credit for drafting Khalil Mack, Amari Cooper and Derek Carr over the past two years, but his initial first round pick -- cornerback D.J. Hayden -- hasn't fared as well, which is among the reasons why Oakland signed Sean Smith away from the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. With Hayden entering the final year of his rookie deal in 2016, the Raiders could already be looking for depth. Hargreaves, a three-time All-SEC pick despite leaving after his junior season, is a scrappy playmaker with terrific agility and instincts for the position."
CBSSports.com's Dane Brugler: CB William Jackson III – Houston
What he says: "David Amerson showed signs of recharging his career in Oakland last season, but he is in the final year of his deal and Jackson would give the Raiders immediate depth and a long-term starter."
CBSSports.com's Pete Prisco: CB Vernon Hargreaves III – Florida
What he says: "Pair him with Sean Smith and suddenly the defense is much improved. He can excel in man coverage."
