Oakland Raiders 2015 Bold Predictions: Staff Debate

A few staff members of NFL Mocks got together to throw out a few bold predictions regarding the upcoming 2015 Oakland Raiders season. Some were fierce, others praised Derek Carr — and some keep the Raiders picking high in the 2016 NFL Draft.

With each prediction comes backlash, which I’ll try to iron out with logic from offseason moves and projecting what the upcoming season should look like.

Erik Lambert

"Led by Khalil Mack, the defense will jump into the bottom half of the top 10. At the same time, Derek Carr takes another step forward, throwing for over 3,800 yards and 20-25 touchdowns. The Raiders will finish 8-8."

Chance of Accuracy: 80.0%+

I’d like to imagine Erik is on the right track with this one. Mack was a wrecking ball last year, there’s no rejecting that. With his projected path to continued improvement, it’s difficult to see anything but an excelling sophomore campaign. With the additions of Dan Williams and Mario Edwards Jr. up front, Mack’s opportunities to thrive should present themselves early and often.

Derek Carr will be the deciding factor for the offensive side of this prediction. Don’t be fooled — Oakland did their part to help their young buck under center. It’ll be up to Carr’s maturation and development process to eclipse the 3,800 yard mark.

Crabtree, Cooper and Walford — three new shiny weapons that can help Erik’s prediction be realized.

Lance Poirrier

"Del Rio gets everyone to buy in quickly and the Raiders won’t finish last in their division. A lot will hinder on how well their offensive line plays early on, if they can keep second year QB Derek Carr clean through the first few weeks, it will build trust and continuity within that young offense. The defense should come together quick, with the youth and talent of Khalil Mack, the veteran leadership of Charles Woodson, and the brainpower of new head coach Jack Del Rio, Raiders fans should expect a well calculated, hard hitting, and passionate group.All in all, the arrow is pointing up for Oakland and I can see them finishing .500 in 2015."

Chance of Accuracy: 70.0%

I praise Lance for putting the Del Rio storyline front and center. After all, he’s the guy that this season could end up largely revolving around — a fair spotlight to say the least.

However, Del Rio’s new role at the helm of the Raiders is also what pushes this prediction back just a bit. The immediate “buy in” — although something that should happen — is always a question that’ll be answered by week six or so. There’s absolutely no reason to believe Del Rio will have any issues commanding the squad, but we can’t jump to the conclusion that he’s the man for the job for the future just yet.

An interesting note of this prediction lies within the offensive line. “If they can keep Carr clean” is a fair disclaimer to any prediction of Oakland’s success. The unit is generally in-tact, also benefitting from the addition of fresh center Rodney Hudson, who was stolen from Kansas City. And don’t think the Raiders didn’t throw money at Hudson for good reason. His presence may prove to be crucial for young Carr.

George Stockburger

"Amari Cooper drags the team to a 6-10 record, putting them around the 10th pick in the draft."

Chance of Accuracy: 60.0%

My guy George kept this short and sweet, but the lack of optimism has validity.

It certainly feels like, in a large way, we could be in a wait and see mode with Oakland. They appear to have improved abundantly on paper — but when has a flashy depth chart translated to immediate success.

It can happen this year, but we’ll need to see a rapid attitude change on and off the field before pegging the Raiders potential AFC dark-horses.

In the end, I give the organization the benefit of the doubt for attempting to transform the look of the squad for Carr. They clearly have a grasp on what they want to do for their youngster and fan base. I’ll hover around the .500 mark before I expect another double-digit loss season.

Jonah Tuls

"Raiders won’t pick in the Top 10 this year! Thanks to Derek Carr making a big jump in his development as well as Khalil Mack leading that defense with an All-Pro season. Raiders go 7-9."

The trend seems fairly simple this season — Mack and Carr equal success.

Ultimately, it’s not simply Raider fans that are beginning to take notice of this team’s upcoming success. Wins are going to come; with Carr, playoff games should be won. The ladder is going to be climbed one step at a time, even if it means a 7-9 record in 2015.

The re-build has been underway for several years and it’ll only continue. Oakland isn’t going to the Super Bowl this season. The beauty of that fact is something that Raider Nation can smile about — they don’t have to be contenders in 2015.

Even in 2016, a notch closer to the playoffs will be welcomed.

Once Carr settles in and this offense gels, things will get exciting. Brighter days are ahead for this team, regardless of their 2015 performance.

My prediction?

I’ll keep the fans happy — eight wins with the potential for one more if Latavius Murray, my dark horse, can stay healthy.

Next: Bold Predictions for All 32 Teams

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