The NFL Draft is creeping up on us, and with it comes a sense of optimism among fans in Raider Nation.
Many believe the 2011 Raiders will be a much improved team from the 8-8 squad we saw in 2010, and a expected playoff campaign is on the horizon.
No doubt, Oakland is a young, up-and-coming team, but the Raiders are not without flaws. If they want to make the playoffs next season, many players must vastly improve.
Offensive line and quarterback are just a couple positions that need to show progression in 2011.
Here are 14 players who need to get better if the Silver and Black want to be in contention at season's end.
14. Nnamdi Asomugha
SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 05: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 the Oakland Raiders looks on from the sideline against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 28-13. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Ge
Jeff Gross/Getty Images
You might be asking, "How does the best cornerback in the NFL improve?"
Well, Nnamdi Asomugha was injured for what seemed like the majority of the 2010 season, and didn't make a huge impact relative to what he usually does.
Although many NFL pundits think Asomugha will not be back in 2011, I feel he will be a Raider this season.
He needs to stay healthy and create more turnovers if he wants to return to form.
13. Sebastian Janikowski
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 26: Kicker Sebastian Janikowski #11 of the Oakland Raiders walks off the field after missing the game winning 32 yard field goal against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
First-round pick Sebastian Janikowski has proved his worth several times for the Raiders, displaying the strongest leg in the NFL.
However, Janikowski has also broken the hearts of Raider Nation on numerous occasions.
For example, he had three separate opportunities to win the game against Arizona last season. He missed each field-goal attempt, including a 34-yarder as regulation ended.
Jano needs to improve this year to earn that massive contract Al Davis gave him.
12. Mike Mitchell
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: Mike Mitchell #34 and Quentin Groves #52 of the Oakland Raiders celebrate after a play during their game against the St. Louis Rams at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 19, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo b
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Mike Mitchell is a highly energetic safety from Ohio.
He definitely has the skill set, but needs to put the work and time in so he can finally see the field on defense.
Mitchell has played fantastically on special teams, but as a second-round pick he must contribute on defense or he'll get slapped with the feared "Bust" label.
11. Louis Murphy
KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Wide receiver Louis Murphy #18 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled as he catches the ball in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tim Umphrey/Getty
Tim Umphrey/Getty Images
Louis Murphy had a solid rookie campaign in 2009 but definitely disappointed in 2010. He was injured in a blowout win against the Broncos, and was sidelined for several weeks.
Murphy also has a strong case of the dropsies. He dropped a crucial pass against the Texans that hit him right in his chest.
If Louis Murphy wants any chance at a starting spot, he'd better catch the ball in 2011.
10. Hiram Eugene
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 19: Syd'Quan Thompson #22 of the Denver Broncos is tackled by Hiram Eugene #31 of the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 19, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Hiram Eugene is a very underrated special-teamer, and he's got some expectations heading into the 2011 season.
Eugene recently signed a contract that pays him the salary of a starting safety. Although it's unknown if that's due to his stellar special teams play or because he will indeed be a starter, he still needs to earn his pay.
9. Tyvon Branch
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 19: Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos gets past Tyvon Branch #33 of the Oakland Raiders to score a touchdown at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 19, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Yet another safety.
Tyvon Branch had an impressive 2009 campaign, but 2010 was much less than stellar. Although Branch found himself making stops in the backfield, he also over-pursued many plays and was below average on the pass rush.
I'm speculating that Branch's starting job is indeed in jeopardy this offseason.
He'll have to get better, because guys like the aforementioned Mike Mitchell are breathing down his neck.
8. Daniel Loper
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 26: Guard Daniel Loper #60 of the Oakland Raiders sits on the sidelines during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated th
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Loper is another backup who was signed to a starter's salary before the lockout.
When Loper filled in for the injured Robert Gallery, he played very well. However, he needs to get better, as he has little experience as a starter in the NFL.
If Loper can become a better player than Gallery, that will be another step in improving this Oakland offensive line from the 2010 version.
7. Jeremy Ware and Walter McFadden
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Both Jeremy Ware and Walter McFadden have great potential to have solid professional careers. There's a reason these two late-round picks made the Raiders' roster in 2010.
With Nnamdi Asomugha and Chris Johnson having injury problems, Ware and McFadden are expected to get increased playing time this season.
These guys need to improve and start generating turnovers for the Silver and Black.
6. Stanford Routt
SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 05: Seyi Ajirotutu #89 of the San Diego Chargers is pursued by Stanford Routt #26 of the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 28-13. (Photo by Jeff Gross
Jeff Gross/Getty Images
A recurring "defensive backs"
theme here.
Stanford Routt is a very underrated NFL cornerback. His burn percentage last year was close to that of Darrelle Revis and Nnamdi Asomugha.
Routt's big problem is penalties. He constantly draws pass interference and holding calls.
If he can fix that, and stop giving up so many touchdowns, Routt has a very bright future with the Oakland Raiders.
5. Jason Campbell
DENVER - OCTOBER 24: Quarterback Jason Campbell #8 of the Oakland Raiders tries to elude cornerback Nate Jones #33 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 24, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images
As many of you know, Jason Campbell is a personal favorite of mine.
I had been calling for Campbell since the season ended in 2009. One year later, he was acquired from the Redskins via trade.
The classy Campbell admitted he didn't get as much time to "know" the guys as he would have liked, and his play suffered after a stinger against the 49ers.
Campbell was benched a few times last season by coach Tom Cable, but is the unquestioned starter in 2011. If the Raiders want to be a playoff team this year, Campbell will have to be much more consistent and drop the injuries.
4. Samson Satele
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 13: Samson Satele #64 of the Oakland Raiders gets set to snap the ball during their game against the Washington Redskins at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 13, 2009 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Imag
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Samson Satele is a guy I consistently hear about from Raider Nation. The fans definitely want him replaced; most prefer Stefen Wisniewski.
Satele's inability to block bigger defenders is what his critics point to. Well, Wisniewski is not the answer, as he's the same size.
Although the Raiders will probably draft a center, it's questionable whether he will start.
So, I'll assume Satele is the starter in 2011.
Just get better, buddy. We face a lot of 3-4 nose tackles. Bulk up.
3. Jared Veldheer
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Offensive lineman Jared Veldheer of Hillsdale runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty I
Scott Boehm/Getty Images
Jared Veldheer is the big offensive tackle out of Hillsdale College entering his second year in the NFL.
The poor guy had to start at left tackle his rookie year as a third-round draft selection. Many in Raider Nation criticize him, but he played well if you consider the situation.
Either way, Veldheer will still have to improve his pass protection in 2011 if he wants any shot at being a Pro-Bowler.
This kid is a natural mauler, but has to get quicker and become a leader on the offensive line.
2. Bruce Campbell
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 26: (L-R) Marcel Reece #45, Mike Mitchell #34 and Bruce Campbell #73 of the Oakland Raiders before the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The C
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Bruce Campbell will definitely see the field this season.
After playing sparingly last year (he was rumored to be in Coach Cable's doghouse), Al Davis assured Raider Nation that this freak of nature will be starting on day one.
Nobody knows how Campbell will fare on offense, as he did not make a start this season. However, he was described as a raw prospect who has Pro Bowl potential if coached correctly.
1. Darrius Heyward-Bey
KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey #85 of the Oakland Raiders runs down field in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tim Umphrey/Getty Images)
Tim Umphrey/Getty Images
We've talked about this time and time again.
This will be Darrius Heyward-Bey's breakout year. Trust me.
Conclusion
ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 18: New Oakland Raiders coach Hue Jackson pauses as he speaks to reporters during a press conference on January 18, 2011 in Alameda, California. Hue Jackson was introduced as the new coach of the Oakland Raiders, replacing the fired
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
As you can see, Oakland has plenty of youngsters who have room to improve in 2011.
If these guys, among others, can get better, I think the Raiders will definitely be a contender.
