Aaron Dickens: This might sound dumb considering Texas Tech once again regressed defensively and currently ranks dead-last in scoring defense, but I think the biggest item on the Red Raiders' offseason to-do list is fix the run game.



The team ranked second in the Big 12 in yards per rush and rushing touchdowns in 2015. That productivity dipped dramatically in 2016, and the passing offense suffered as a result. Texas Tech's opponents had no reason to fear its run game, which made for some long afternoons against West Virginia, Texas and others.

The Red Raiders have proven that they can ride an elite offense to eight wins no matter how bad their defense is. They can do that again next year, but the run game will have to be dramatically improved in order for that to happen.

Will McKay: I think the one thing that Texas Tech absolutely must improve on is its pass rush.

Outside of a handful of games, the Red Raiders were flat out bad at creating legitimate pressure, and the solid signal callers on the schedule shredded them as a result. But the question is where does that pressure come from? Kris Williams was a respectable pass rusher off the edge, but outside of him things were largely hit or miss with individual players.

Whether it be through JUCO or grad transfer additions or a few younger players such as Kolin Hill, Kaleb Hill, Eli Howard, Broderick Washington or Joe Wallace, the Red Raiders have to find a way to get to the quarterback without big blitzes. If they do that, defensive back play will benefit both in coverage and in gaining interceptions, and Tech will be able to get off the field more on third down.

It's a simple solution with no current simple answer.

Drew Kohnle: Texas Tech needs to find guys who can consistently be in the opponent's backfield, whether sacking the QB or stuffing the run behind the line. The Red Raider defense was tied for 118th in the country this year with only 14 sacks in 12 games. Tackles for loss were even worse, as the team ranked 125th with 47 stops behind the line of scrimmage and ranked an NCAA-worst 128th in yards lost on those tackles behind the line.

The program needs to identify some immediate JUCO help in this department -- ideally early-enrollee types --then it needs to reel in two high school pass rushers on signing day. Their work isn't done there, as then the Red Raiders need to develop the players that they have on campus to be guys who can set up shop in the backfield. Maybe Clarence Henderson will be that dude? Maybe a platoon of Henderson, Eli Howard, Houston Miller and Zach Barnes will get the job done?

Whatever it takes, Tech needs help in this department and needs to develop this area in the offseason in a big way.

Matt Clare: I think the biggest priority should be adding defensive end and outside linebacker prospects capable of rushing the quarterback.

The Texas Tech defense will benefit from adding some players to the mix who were redshirting this past season, but getting more pressure on the opposing quarterback would make this defense much more effective.

I believe the coaches have a good start with Nelson Mbanasor, who will enroll early this January. They are in a good position for another DE, David Anenih, and should be looking to offer a couple of JUCO pass rushers for immediate help as well.