The Oakland Raiders have already altered the composition of their roster in a big way this offseason, bringing in 10 free agents that are poised to take on significant roles for the franchise during the 2015 NFL season. Who in that mix of guys is primed for a big year? Who else on the roster is ready to take the leap? Here's our list of 3 Oakland Raiders Players Ready To Break Out In 2015.
RB Roy Helu Jr.
New head coach Jack Del Rio says Helu will have the opportunity to "create a bigger role" for himself with Latavius Murray and the recently-acquired Trent Richardson projected ahead of him on the depth chart. Helu's versatility as a pass catcher (42 catches for a career-best 477 yards and two touchdowns in 2014) and as a rusher (5.4 ypc in 2014) is so undeniable that there's plenty of reason to assume he'll establish himself as more than just a third-down back as the 2015 season progresses.
LB Curtis Lofton
The former New Orleans Saints veteran may have been a cap casuality this offseason, but his departure from the Big Easy will pay major dividends for the Oakland Raiders. Lofton's will provide stability at middle linebacker, and while he's not the biggest nor quickest defender in the fight, he's going to be able to PacMan gobble up tackles alongside superstar-to-be OLB Khalil Mack. Expect Lofton to have one of the biggest statistical seasons of his seven-plus year NFL career while adding major value as a mentor to Mack.
QB Derek Carr
Carr needs some more wide receivers to work with, and it's up to the Raiders' front office to find them either in the existing crop of free agents or in the upcoming 2015 NFL Draft. However, even in the midst of a tumultuous season for the franchise in 2014, Carr made due with limited weaponry and posted one of the best full seasons for a rookie QB in the history of the league. No matter how the roster shakes out around him, Carr's unique blend of physical tools and bulldog toughness will thrust him into the national spotlight in 2015.
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