If Manning does sign with Denver, Oakland needs a contingency plan, to deal with the extra threat of having Manning as a divisional opponent. Some of these things are fixes the Raiders must make regardless of Manning signing with the Broncos or not, however if he does sign they become that much more important to address.
Get a Pass-Rushing Linebacker
Now that the Raiders are one lighter at linebacker (parting ways with OLB Kamerion Wimbley on Friday), they need to find a pass-rushing linebacker.
While the linebackers they have now (Quentin Groves, Rolando McClain, Aaron Curry) are talented, the latter two are more like battering rams than pass-rushers who can come around the edge and get to the QB in different ways.
The good news is that the Raiders defensive line (even without John Henderson) is one of the best in the league. It has tough and talented veterans like Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly, as well as younger talent like Matt Shaughnessy and Desmond Bryant.
This group will no doubt provide good pressure on any quarterback due to their tough play, but I still see the Raiders needing one more linebacker to complete the outfit.
Improve at Cornerback
The cornerbacks on the Raiders aren't very talented. They aren't starting quality and probably won't be for some time.
They did sign ex-Ram Ronald Bartell, but there is still more work to be done. The NFL draft may be a venue the Raiders can look to in an effort to bolster this group.
The good news for Raiders fans is the team already has good safeties in Michael Huff and Tyvon Branch, along with backup Mike Mitchell. That said, if Manning does ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
