Oakland Raiders: Reassessing Draft Needs After 1st Wave of Free Agency

With more than $60 million to spend, the Oakland Raiders were expected to make a big splash in free agency. Instead, what general manager Reggie McKenzie has done so far has been far from what everyone hoped for or anticipated.

That doesn't mean McKenzie hasn't done a good job. He's addressed several major needs. He's also made two things clear: He's trying to rebuild the roster from the inside out, and he will not get caught up in bidding wars for big names, regardless of the player.

The new additions to the roster have also clarified what the Raiders' plans will be during the draft. In a previous article, I noted that wide receiver, defensive tackle, center, middle linebacker, defensive end, running back and safety are the positions the team has to upgrade first.

Through free agency, McKenzie has secured a starter at center, defensive tackle, middle linebacker and safety. But the team still needs starters and more talent overall, and Oakland can find that in the draft.

After the free-agent additions, here's how the Raiders should approach the draft.

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