It has been quite some time since the Oakland Raiders were considered serious contenders to make the NFL playoffs, but times may be changing. They have been slowly rebuilding their roster and have done an excellent job in the draft. Oakland has been very patient, and it appears that they are ready to take a big leap forward in 2016.

Derek Carr is one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL and has the potential to be the franchise player that the Raiders desperately needed to find. He also has one of the top young wide receivers in the league on his side in Amari Cooper. That duo will be feared for many years to come.

Oakland has also done a great job of building their defense through the draft and free agency. They are nowhere near the level of a Denver Broncos’ defense from last season, but they are good enough to put pressure on opposing offenses.

Looking ahead at 2016 NFL training camp for the Raiders, there are a lot of storylines and questions to keep an eye on. If they are going to make a run at the playoffs, there are a few players and positions that will need to step up.

All of that being said, what five questions do the Oakland Raiders need to answer during NFL training camp?

[Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini]

Can Latavius Murray Break Out Into His Full Potential?

Last season with the Raiders, Latavius Murray ended up carrying the football 266 times for 1,066 yards and six touchdowns, according to ESPN statistics. Those numbers may not look bad, but Murray has more potential to work his way into. He can improve his consistency, and the Raiders’ offense would take a huge step forward if he can break out into his full potential.

Will the Pass Rush Step Up a Bit More?

Oakland ended up finishing tied for 14th in the league last season when it came to sacks. Kahlil Mack recorded 15.0 of their 38.0 sacks and the Raiders could use a little more all-around pressure. If they want to contend for the AFC West division title, they have to find a way to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Can Michael Crabtree Keep Up His Impressive Production?

Obviously, Amari Cooper is the Raiders’ No. 1 wide receiver, but Michael Crabtree is not talked about nearly enough. He caught 85 passes for 922 yards and nine touchdowns last season. That was the second best season that he has had from a statistical standpoint, and the Raiders are hoping that he can continue that production in 2016.

[Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini]

Will the Defensive Secondary Take the Next Step?

It has been clear over the past couple of seasons that the Raiders’ secondary has been improving as the young talent continues growing. Last season, the Raiders finished tied for 13th in the NFL in interceptions. Oakland is hoping to see their secondary not only continue their playmaking at a high level, but also cut down passing yards against per game and make things much more difficult on opposing offenses.

Is Derek Carr Ready to Leap Into Stardom?

As Pro Football Focus proved in depth, Derek Carr has the potential to become a star at the NFL level. He will have a chance throughout the 2016 season to prove that he is one of the star quarterbacks in the league. It will be interesting to see what improvements he has made to his game and whether he has prepared enough to be ready for stardom.

Do you think the Oakland Raiders should be considered legitimate playoff contenders this season? Where would you rank Derek Carr among active NFL quarterbacks? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

[Photo by Ben Margot/AP Images]