The way the Raiders are throwing around money you’d think they finished 12-4 and close to a Super Bowl title in 2007. In reality, they were 4-12 for the third time in five seasons (2007, 2005, 2003). Their record was actually a two game improvement from 2006 in which they went an NFL worst 2-14.
As I mentioned, the Raiders are spending money at a remarkably fast pace and the signings have not been well received around the league. Resigning Tommy Kelly, coming off a serious injury, for seven years and $50.5 million ($18.125 million guaranteed)? And then grabbing the injury-riddled Javon Walker for six years, $55 million ($16 million guaranteed)? Odd. Will these signings pay off? Not if they don’t fix a few other areas through the draft.
Areas of Need
The Raiders biggest needs lay with arguably the most important units on the football field: offensive and defensive lines. Both need upgrades at almost every position within the unit.
Offensive Tackle – Robert Gallery is officially a bust. Barry Sims was cut. Kwame Harris was signed from the 49ers but he is really a bust, too. Jeremy Newberry is gone as well so the o-line is not in that great of shape. Another tackle to play opposite of Harris is a necessity but unless Jake Long falls past Atlanta (doubtful) or the Raiders reach for Ryan Clady, a new tackle won’t be selected until round four (the Raiders traded their pick in round two to Atlanta in the DeAngelo Hall deal and their pick in round three to New England).
Possible Targets (Round) – John Greco, Toledo (4); Oniel Cousins, UTEP (4); Tony Hills, Texas (4); Jeremy Zuttah, Rutgers (4); Kirk Barton, Ohio State (4)
Wide Receiver – Randy Moss is gone. Jerry Porter jumped ship as soon as he could. Who are the WRs currently under contract? Injured Javon Walker, Ronald Curry, Johnnie Lee Higgins, and Drew Carter (plus a few others that few people would recognize). When Walker is healthy he is good, a more than capable number two and possible number one. Curry is a solid number three. The Raiders would love to add a great number two to team with Walker and Curry. Adding one solid player would drastically upgrade this unit. Unfortunately, as mentioned before, the Raiders have no second or third round pick. I fear that the Raiders may not address the WR position until round six or seven. Not good.
Possible Targets (Round) – Harry Douglas, Louisville (6); Arman Shields, Richmond (6); D.J. Hall, Alabama (6); Keenan Burton, Kentucky (6); Marcus Monk, Arkansas (6)
Defensive Line – This need most certainly should be rectified (well made better) with the fourth overall pick in the draft. At four the Raiders will have their choice of Glenn Dorsey, Sedrick Ellis, Chris Long, and Vernon Gholston. Two of those four are guaranteed to be there. I say Long is more than likely gone (that’s a shame, too, because having Chris play for the same team Howie did would be sweeeeet). However, Darren McFadden will be available and may be enough to entice Al Davis to take him because of his freakish ability and the huge impact Adrian Peterson had last year. Taking McFadden would be a bad choice, only because of the team needs. Dorsey, Ellis, or Gholston are much better options.
Possible Targets (Round) – Glenn Dorsey, LSU (1); Sedrick Ellis, USC (1); Vernon Gholston, Ohio State (1); Kendall Langford, Hampton (4); Jason Jones, Eastern Michigan (4)
