The Oakland Raiders had a few items on their offseason checklist, but high atop that list was building a stronger, revamped defense, and looking at the moves the team made since the 2015 season wrapped up, on paper, you’d certainly say they did just that.
General Manager Reggie McKenzie attacked free agency, signing linebacker Bruce Irvin and cornerback Sean Smith, and then used the team’s first-round pick to select dynamic safety Karl Joseph, infusing the defensive unit with a wealth of talent. Combine those additions with another year of experience for All-Pro defensive end Khalil Mack, and the Silver and Black’s defense seems poised to take another forward in 2016.