Even in an exciting 12-4 season, there were plenty of reasons to be frustrated with how the Raiders played defensively. Whether it was allowing over 500 yards in consecutive games to open the season or their league-leading 38 pass plays of 25-plus yards, the unit wasn’t good despite the presence of Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack.

Overall, the Raiders finished 26th in total yards allowed and 20th in average points allowed at 24.1. When the offense is that good, you can get away with such futility and that might be the case again in 2017. But Jack Del Rio is a prideful man with a defensive background who wants to see this group play better.

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Photos: Las Vegas Raiders play their first game at Allegiant Stadium Here’s a look at the Raiders defense entering the start of training camp Saturday:

Defensive line (13): *Khalil Mack, *Mario Edwards Jr., *Justin Ellis, *Jihad Ward, Denico Autry, Darius Latham, Eddie Vanderdoes, Treyvon Hester, Branden Jackson, Jimmy Bean, Fadol Brown, Chris Casher, Paul Boyette.

Analysis: Can anybody give Mack a hand? The NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year had 11 sacks last year, but got next to no help from his linemates. Denico Autry had 2.5 sack, as did Stacy McGee (who left for Washington in free agency) and the since-released Dan Williams had 0.5. Other than that, nothing else came from the Raiders down linemen. If they can get close to a full healthy season from Edwards, that should help a lot. The release of Williams opens up the top NT job for Ellis, who had a career-low four starts last year. Ward won’t be healthy at the start of camp after having foot surgery and so Autry will have the early edge for that spot. Between Latham and the rookies Vanderdoes and Hester, the Raiders need to find somebody who can show an ability to pressure the quarterback from the interior. For complete Oakland Raiders coverage

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Outside linebacker (5): *Bruce Irvin, Shilique Calhoun, James Cowser, LaTroy Lewis, Brady Sheldon.

Analysis: Irvin was the Raiders’ only other pass-rushing threat last year with seven sacks, although that was shy of his double-digit goal. Calhoun seems to have bulked up and among him and Cowser, the Raiders need to find someone who can reliably step in for Irvin and/or Mack on the edge when they need a breather. There were games late last season where the duo played nearly every snap. Lewis played on the D-line, even at tackle at times, at Tennessee, but the Raiders have him listed at linebacker for now. Sheldon has some freaky athletic measurables, but his numbers were unspectacular while playing at Division II Ferris State.

Inside linebacker (8): *Jelani Jenkins, *Cory James, Tyrell Adams, Marquel Lee, Ben Heeney, Xavier Woodson-Luster, Najee Harris, Nicholas Morrow,

Analysis: The competition here is as wide as the Grand Canyon. Jenkins, with 34 career starts and the only defensive free agent acquisition, would seem to be viewed as a likely starter at weak side linebacker. His best NFL season came in 2014 when he started 14 games for the Dolphins and had 110 tackles and 3.5 sacks. As for the Mike linebacker, care to throw your name in the hat? James held the role for a little while last year. Heeney spent all off-season preparing to be the guy and was sacked two games in (and then got hurt on a special teams play in that game and missed the rest of the year). Lee was drafted in the fifth round and it would be a nice treat if he can seize the job.

Cornerback (9): *Sean Smith, *David Amerson, Gareon Conley, TJ Carrie, Dexter McDonald, Antonio Hamilton, Kenneth Durden, Breon Borders, Chris Humes.

Analysis: If Smith and Amerson have bounce-back seasons, the defense can immensely improve. Conley should, at minimum, be the starting nickel corner from Day 1 so long as the investigation into his rape allegation do not lead to any charges being filed. Carrie remains a nice piece as a versatile backup. He’s played outside corner, nickel and safety. McDonald and Hamilton have flashes of experience should the Raiders’ depth be tested.

Safety (8): *Reggie Nelson, *Karl Joseph, Obi Melifonwu, Keith McGill, Shalom Luani, Rickey Jefferson, Marcus McWilson, Anthony Cioffi.

Analysis: The Raiders needed to add depth here, especially when they didn’t retain Nate Allen or Brynden Trawick. Melifonwu, the second-round pick, may not start many games, but should see the field a lot in the dime package. After starting the first two games last year, McGill didn’t see the field much on defense and it’s possible some of the young undrafted options push for his spot. Luani will contribute right away on special teams and his good natural instincts could earn him some defensive snaps.