Oakland Raiders: Five Players Under The Most Pressure To Produce Now

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) is tackled by Denver Broncos strong safety David Bruton (30) and defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) and middle linebacker Steven Johnson (53) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 47-14. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

For the Oakland Raiders, all of their time, planning, and preparation the last few years has been leading to this – they finally have a roster brimming with talent, and despite what many of the “experts” believe, one that could be a contender in the AFC West.

The Raiders are a young squad, but their AFC West foes haven’t drastically improved – some might argue that they’ve regressed – so it may help their cause that many expect to see a less than dominant division this season. But even on their own merits, the Raiders have a roster capable of making some noise in the division.

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Of course, the Raiders’ success this season is going to rely upon the players actually playing to their potential. If Oakland is going to win this season – and they certainly have the potential – they will need their young core of players to step up, make plays, and play older than their years.

Contending in the division and fighting for a playoff berth isn’t going to come easy, and they will need some help. The Broncos, Chiefs, and Chargers aren’t simply going to roll over and hand them the division crown, after all. But this is a team filled with difference makers, rookies and veterans alike, who can help them to their ultimate goal.

But that is going to take the players stepping up. And with a roster infused with as much talent as Oakland’s is, there are some players who are going to be looked at the produce.

Not everybody is going to make it through camp and be on that final 53-man roster. Jack Del Rio is a no-nonsense coach who is only going to keep those players who can help the team. For many, there are no guarantees.

As we get ever nearer to the start of training camp, and eventually, the start of the regular season, these five players will be under the most pressure to produce. For some, if they don’t produce, they won’t be starting. For others, it could spell the end of their time in Silver and Black…

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