Prioritizing The Oakland Raiders’ Free Agency Wish List By Need

2. Dontari Poe

There is no question that one of the two biggest questions the Raiders must address this offseason is their interior pass rush. A rotation of Justin Ellis, Dan Williams, Darius Latham, and Stacy McGee just didn’t get it done in 2016 – though, it should be noted that McGee and Latham had some flashes and did seem to outplay both Ellis and Williams.

Though the team should make an attempt to re-sign McGee, it wouldn’t hurt to go out and get a free agent. Somebody who can come in and make an immediate impact.

Dontari Poe could be just that player.

At 26, Poe is entering his prime and is a beast. He’s been a disruptive force for Kansas City for the last five seasons, but with the Chiefs opting to not hit him with the tag, he’s going to test the open market. And he should find a somewhat robust market for his services.

Oakland needs a disruptive force in the middle of that defense. Somebody who can play the run, but somebody who – more importantly – can push that pocket and create some pressure on the quarterback. And of course, being able to occupy the interior of the line will allow the rushers on the edge – Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin – to wreak havoc on an offense.

McKenzie is going to have limited dollars to spend in free agency this offseason – with contracts for Carr and Mack being the priority. He definitely won’t be making the splash he’s made in previous years, but he’s proven to be adept enough at managing the cap to perhaps, snag an impact free agent.

And the few dollars he has to spend could be put to worse use than on Poe.