The outlook for the Oakland Raiders is grim. Glancing at their remaining schedule, it is hard to see them getting more than two wins on the season if they continue to play the way they are. Having already fired former head coach Dennis Allen, no player is safe from dismal while general manager Reggie McKenzie could also end up on the outside looking in. With the No. 1 draft pick inching closer to their future, what direction will the Raiders take the francise?
According to ESPN Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr, the Raiders select Marcus Mariota who is currently putting together a Heisman campaign with the Oregon Ducks. Is a new quarterback the answer for the Raiders? The team has struggled with quarterback issues over the past few years. Matt Flynn, Matt McGloin, Matt Schaub and now Derek Carr have and are struggling at the postion. Carr has potential, but do the Raiders have the time to wait around for him to develop? The quarterback has shown potential which could lead Oakland to use their draft pick on another position and try their hand at another free agent.
So far, finding a quarterback in free agency has really failed the Raiders. However, this offseason there is some talent at the position that could come cheap for Oakland. Ryan Mallett, Mark Sanchez and Michael Vick will all be available for the Raiders should they feel the need to bring in another option. The Schaub experiment has clearly failed and while the Raiders still owe him money, it would be wise to cut their losses. A free agent could be the better option over drafting a first-round quarterback simply because all of those other needs the Raiders have.
Oakland will lose both Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew in the offseason. Both running backs signed one-year deals last year, but have failed to let them be motivation for a big season. The Raiders could opt to draft someone or make a run at players like Frank Gore, DeMarco Murray or Knowshon Moreno who will be healed from injuries.
The wide receiver position will get a look. The Raiders have suffered from not having a true No. 1 wide receiver. James Jones and Andre Holmes are doing all they can to carry the work load, but it simply has not been enough. There is a lot of talent this season at the wide receiver spot in the draft and the Raiders could even attempt to grab someone like Amari Cooper or West Virginia's Kevin White.
Changes are coming for Oakland. That could mean a number of things. Everyone will get a look when it comes to their future as the Raiders try to move past a rebuilding stage.
