The Oakland Raiders are heading into the 2013 season with high expectations after a solid offseason of smart draft picks and free agent signings and the most valuable move Reggie McKenzie made may have been the signing of linebacker Nick Roach.
While with the Bears, Roach developed into an excellent linebacker and leader alongside Brian Urlacher and now that he is with the Raiders, McKenzie and head coach Dennis Allen are expecting him to be a force on defense. He will serve as the captain of the defense and he headlines a new class of players that includes Kevin Burnett, Charles Woodson, Tracy Porter, Mike Jenkins and D.J. Hayden on that side of the ball.
The Raiders had a middle of the pack defense last season and if they can improve just slightly, they could end up playing much better overall this year. The team ranked 20th and 18th in passing and rushing yards allowed per game and coupled with improvements on offense, 4-12 won't be happening again. The team ranked eighth in passing yards per game but 28th in rushing due to injuries and if they can get a consistent rushing attack, the offense will be more balanced and effective.
Matt Flynn is coming in and starting for the first time in his career, but with additions in the draft like Nick Kasa, Brice Butler and Latavius Murray to go with Jacoby Ford, Denarius Moore and Rod Streater, the offense could surprise some people. The Raiders have a tough division with the Broncos and the improved Chargers and Chiefs, but for the first time in a few years there is hope in the Bay area for the franchise.
McKenzie has done a good job adding young players and veterans to the squad while also getting rid of some bad contracts and he also let go of linebacker Mario Kurn to make space on the roster. The team needs to sign top draft picks Menelik Watson, DJ Hayden and Tyler Wilson and now they will go into the season with Kaluka Maiava, Nick Roach, Kevin Burnett and new rookie Sio Moore at the linebacker position. McKenzie has high hopes for Moore, who was very productive in college and he is expected to contribute to the defense right away.
Kurn put up solid numbers before coming in as an undrafted free agent, making 17 sacks for first in the nation with the University of San Diego, although he never made it onto the field for Oakland.