3 Players Who Need To Step It Up For The Raiders In 2016

The 2016 NFL Playoffs are still ongoing, but that doesn't mean we can't look at the teams who didn't make the postseason and the players that need to make improvements this offseason. Here's our list of the 3 Players Who Need To Step It Up For The Raiders In 2016.

QB Derek Carr

Carr took a major leap in 2015, becoming one of the most prolific passers in the NFL. However, he made some CRITICAL mistakes in clutch situations -- including three fourth-quarter interceptions in a 34-20 December home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs which basically snuffed out the team's playoff hopes. This offseason is all about learning patience in the face of the rush, trusting progressions and finding a way to match stats with clutch performance.

DB DJ Hayden

Defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. benched Hayden in early December for taking a lax approach to practice, and it remains to be seen if Norton's decision to start Amerson instead of Hayden will wake up the talented cornerback. Hayden's early career has been plagued by injuries and now controversy, so it'll be big for him and his future value to the team to step it up in all facets next season.

S Taylor Mays

Charles Woodson's retirement could be a huge opportunity for Mays -- a former second-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in the 2010 NFL Draft. Oakland will look for safety reinforcements in free agency and the draft, but this is Mays' chance to prove he belongs as a starter in this league.