Raiders depth chart analysis with top Free Agent additions on defense, special teams

Two of the Raiders free agent additions thus far came on defense in Bruce Irvin and Sean Smith. They lost Charles Woodson and Justin Tuck to retirement, released Curtis Lofton, and re-signed Nate Allen to a one-year deal.

Here is what the defensive depth chart looks like one week into free agency:

Observations:

A lot is dependent upon the health of Mario Edwards Jr's neck. If it's serious, the Raiders' need at defensive end becomes serious as well. If his neck is fine, he and Denico Autry are a fairly formidable pair at the defensive end position. But best for the team to attempt to protect their interests.

Last season Malcolm Smith moved inside to play a lot at middle linebacker. With the addition of Bruce Irvin, Smith is once again the best option in the middle until further notice. The Raiders have shown interest in free agent Erin Henderson. Should they manage to sign him, it would give the team flexibility to move Smith around as well as play a good amount of 3-4. Heeney is also valuable as depth and competition.

Lining up at safety with the current roster is TJ Carrie, though ideally he would be playing the slot/nickel corner. To do this the team would have to add a starting safety, as they are rumored to be attempting to do with Eric Weddle. Adding Weddle or another safety and keeping Carrie at CB would be ideal.

Debose returns after tearing his Achilles during OTA's and missing his entire rookie season. He will be looked at as the team's primary return specialist.

Needs: S, ILB, DE

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