The Oakland Raiders are heading into a very important offseason for the franchise and with Terrelle Pryor trade rumors to the Eagles coming up, the rookie class from last year will have a chance to step up and Matt McGloin, Mychal Rivera, Brice Butler, Nick Kasa, Latavius Murray and Menelik Watson could be ready for breakout seasons in the league.
The Raiders are heading into the offseason with nearly $60 million in projected cap space and after spending two years breaking down the roster of bad contracts and older players, Reggie McKenzie and Dennis Allen are ready to spend and the fans couldn't be happier. With a top five pick in hand after going 4-12 the past two seasons, the team could add another impact player to a young roster that includes a number of rookies stepping into year two, including McGloin, Sio Moore, DJ Hayden, Mychal Rivera, Brice Butler, Nick Kasa and Latavius Murray.
The Raiders could be poised for a fast turnaround if some of those rookies can develop quickly and after getting playing time last season, Rivera, Kasa and McGloin could be poised forf breakout seasons. The Raiders may bring in a new quarterback in free agency and the draft and that obviously would hurt McGloin's chances, but he still could be in the mix if there is a competition in camp, but so far no one thinks he will be the legit starter when the season rolls around.
The best bets for breakout stars for the Raiders comes from Murray, Butler, Kasa or Rivera, as they are set to get even more chances this coming season. Butler could be in the mix for one of the wideout spots with Jacoby Ford moving on, as the team needs players to step up after getting rid of Darrius Heyward Bey last season. Denarius Moore had a solid year, but he needs more help and Butler could be an option. The same goes for Kasa and Rivera, as they could give the Raiders a Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez type attack from the position.
Butler was a sixth round pick and he did not get much going last season with nine receptions for 103 yards, while averaging 11.4 yards per catch, but his speed could get him in the lineup. Butler started two games and played in 10 and he should get more time on the field this season compared to last year. Murray was injured so he did not get much of a look, but if he is healthy and has a full camp, he could get more touches since Darren McFadden is likely gone and there is a chance that Rashad Jennings leaves as well. Murray played in an exhibition game and had 29 yards on eight carries and now he could be in the mix at RB.
The tight ends are most likely to break out, as the QB will need a safety net and Rivera and Kasa could be it. Kasa was a sixth round pick and he had just one catch for a touchdown, but his size is excellent and he played in all 16 games and now could step up this season. Rivera showed his skills as well after making 38 catches and four touchdown receptions and he is the most likely candidate for a boost in production this season.
