The Oakland Raiders have made a number of significant moves on defense this offseason, signing two new linebackers and two cornerbacks in Tracy Porter and Mike Jenkins and as the NFL draft approaches, the team is targeting offensive players they may select on April 25.
According to ESPN.com, the Raiders could consider going after a wide receiver or tight end after losing a number of players in the offseason, including Brandon Myers to the New York Giants and wideout Darrius Heyward-Bey to free agency after they decided to cut him in a cap saving move. The team has a number of young wide receivers in Dennarius Moore and Jacoby Ford, but the team needs depth and that is why they may look at names like Robert Woods, Tavon Austin and Cordarrelle Patterson if they slip past the first round.
The Raiders likely will select Eric Fisher or Sharrif Floyd with the third overall pick, but the rest of the way they may target receivers and tight ends, including names like Zach Ertz and Tyler Eifert, who are considered to two best prospects at their position in the draft. The Raiders need some more weapons on offense for Matt Flynn, who they traded away draft picks for, and since he doesn't have much starting experience, he will need a tight end to help on short passes and third down conversions.
Both Ertz and Eifert were extremely productive in college, while Austin is considered one of the fastest players in the draft, which the Raiders love. Ertz made 69 catches last season for 898 yards and six touchdowns, while Eifert made 50 catches for 685 yards and four touchdowns after scoring five the previous season on 63 catches. Both players appear NFL ready and could fit into the Raiders offense.
Another option could be South Carolina Justice Cunningham, who the Raiders met with and they could get later in the draft if they can't get Ertz or Eifert. While his speed is not top of the line, Cunningham is considered a solid player with good hands and he made 22 catches for 287 yards last season whle playing in 12 games and could be an interesting late round selection.
The Raiders were just 4-12 last season and despite ranking eighth in passing, they had one of the worst offenses in the NFL. The team ranked 20th and 18th in passing yards and rushing yards allowed each game and the team will be looking to reshape the defense for next season.
