Raiders named top NFL franchise on the rise

One of the common themes in the past week with regard to the Raiders is a power shift. That shift stared last season when the Raiders pulled to a respectable 7-9 record, their best mark since 2011. It continued with some key free agent additions along with the reigning AFC West and Super Bowl champion Broncos losing several key pieces.

NFL.com's Chris Wesseling agrees, as he had the Raiders atop his list of teams on the rise. Here is what some of what he had to say:

The Raiders succeeded in luring three of Around The NFL's top 15 free agents to play in the only NFL stadium still saddled with a dirt infield.

McKenzie suddenly finds himself capable of enticing respected veterans into accepting Davis' money because he built a solid foundation with the past two draft classes.

The difference between the Raiders and an organization such as the dormant Browns is that McKenzie can point to a young franchise quarterback (Derek Carr), a legitimate No. 1 receiver (Amari Cooper) and a Defensive Player of the Year candidate (Khalil Mack) as the cornerstones of a competitive roster.

Those three new players in Oakland are offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele, linebacker Bruce Irvin, and cornerback Sean Smith.

The other four teams on the list are the Jaguars, Titans, Texans, and Bears. All of whom also added key pieces in free agency.

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