Stats don't tell the whole story in football, but the best players in the game typically post the best numbers.

Whether it's passing, rushing or tackling, the leaders in every category are there for a reason. Production is everything, and if a player doesn't produce he might not have a job for long.

It's impossible to know exactly from year to year what kind of stats players will put up, but past performance can provide a good indication of what to expect from certain guys. So as we try to survive the offseason, we'll take a look at a few players' numbers from previous years and how they might perform in 2015.

Derek Carr, Quarterback

2014 stats: 348-for-599 (58.1%), 3,270 yards, 21 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 76.6 quarterback rating

2015 projection: 354-for-590 (60%), 3,700 yards, 28 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, 84.3 quarterback rating

Thoughts: Carr didn't set the world on fire as a rookie. His completion percentage was relatively low, and he averaged just 5.5 yards per attempt, ranking him 33rd among qualified players. But there was still enough reason for encouragement that Carr could make a nice jump in 2015.

For one, any struggles Carr had in his first year could be at least somewhat contributed to his supporting cast. The Raiders didn't have a deep threat to speak of, making it difficult for Carr to do much down the field. Oakland also totaled 33 drops as a team, second only to the Colts with 40. Now, the Raiders have added fourth-overall pick Amari Cooper, third-round tight end Clive Walford and free agent receiver Michael Crabtree. Plus, Rod Streater returns after playing in just three games last season, when he appeared poised to follow up a nice 2013 campaign.

The Raiders also should have a better running game in 2015, which would help take some pressure off Carr and create some easier opportunities in play-action. Teams knew the Raiders couldn't run the ball last year and forced Carr to try and beat them. While he did his best, that's a lot to ask of a rookie quarterback. An improved run game along with being able to threaten down the field should open things up.

Starting 16 games as a rookie, Carr showed he had the physical tools to be an NFL quarterback and continued to display the necessary leadership skills this offseason. In Year 2, with a stronger arsenal of weapons, look for Carr to keep developing into the Raiders' quarterback of the future.

RELATED: Raiders QB Derek Carr's passes look even better in slow motion