Quarterback Derek Carr and Wide Receiver Amari Cooper

As an analyst for NFL Network, Bucky Brooks spends his days breaking down all 32 NFL teams, and heading into the 2016 season he and his colleagues have lofty expectations for the Oakland Raiders.

"I think everybody has high hopes for the Raiders this year," said Brooks. "Outstanding defense; you have [defensive end] Khalil Mack coming back off a two-time [First-Team All-Pro] season, which is kind of crazy to be named All-Pro at two spots, but you have him anchoring a talented defensive line. They have some upgrades in the secondary with [cornerback] Sean Smith coming over. This is a team that appears ready to make a serious run in the AFC, and I think winning the division be a huge accomplishment, and going far in the playoffs would be the thing that everybody would expect from them."

While the Silver and Black didn't reach all their goals in 2015, the team definitely showed a marked improvement in Head Coach Jack Del Rio's first year the helm, and one key to that improvement was the maturation of quarterback Derek Carr.

Now, Carr is entering his third season under center, and Brooks is hoping that the gunslinger's development will continue – particularly as it pertains to his command of the offense.