Rank our team draft needs:

[007]

I figured this would be a productive one to see where we alll stand with the team, and to help us all with mock drafts etc.

1) QB
I won't get into this too much, but at the moment we have Walter, Tui and Brooks. Not the most assuring lineup, although I do hold out hope that Walter can be a starter in this league.

Anyways, even if Walter plays well, it doesnt preclude us from drafting a guy with Russell's talent. He may fill a need and be the most talented guy there.

2) OT

Walker is gone (Thank god) and Gallery is underwhelming and is close to being labeled a bust.

I see us addressing this one way or another in the offseason and there are some legitimate prospects out there this year...

3) DT

We cant stop the run, and we need beef beside Sapp/Kelly and someone to rotate with Sands...

I put this higher than WR, but if we lose one or both of Moss and Porter, these spots will flip flop....Offense:32nd Defense:4th

4) WR
Explained above; If we lose our two 'stars' we might need to address this need earlier with a guy like Rice/Meachem/Bowe or if they stay we could wait later on for a faller like Higgins/Davis/Hill/Williams/Gonzo/Steve Smith...

Either way I think this need is addressed in the draft.

5) RB

Depending on where Kiffin and Knapp see LJ as a back, this could be a top area of need, or a lower area...

I tend to side on the lower end, because I think LJ/Fargas and a mid round guy or free agent is more than enough.

IMO this need will get addressed in the mid rounds, unless Al falls in love with Peterson...

6) TE

I second guessed my rating here, because of the way both Kiffin and Knapp have utilized tight ends in the past (Byrd and Davis in USC and Crumpler in Atl.)

This could essentially be the 3rd biggest need on our team, because Anderson-Williams both blow, but I don't know if they would pull the trigger on the only two 100% day one prospects...Miller and Olsen. (Guys like Chandler/Newton/Harline/Milner are all mediocre prospects)

There you have it. Again, JMO but I'm interested to see where other fans fall...

[Byron2112]

I'd go...

C)

We badly need someone that has the ability to make protection calls and communicate blitz pick pickups, along with the talent to not be frequently pushed into the quaterback's lap... someone with the smarts and talent to take charge and lead this ragged band of lineman we've got. We really got gyped on the Robbins deal. The moment he reached his ceiling he dissappeared. By all rights he should still be playing the pivot for us and grooming his successor. I don't think the line/offense really ever recovered from his sudden departure.

TE)

TE is a part of this offense that's basically been an empty hole for a decade. We've not benifited from any of the chain moving,saftey valve value a good TE can provide... not to mention the big downfield plays/mismatches a great TE can give. A good hands TE is a QB's best friend and a great security blanket for a young QB.

QB)

Obviously we have no leadership, football intelligence, or hope from this position since Gannon went down. We don't neccesarily need a QB with any elite qualities, a Hoss type player will do. A leader, with some craftiness and football IQ that won't make horrible decisions at critical moments. We've enjoyed not a sniff of that with these dumbasses we've paid to play the position. I am of the opinion that scheme/protection will aid whoever is back there and improve their chances quite a bit, but what we've got on the roster at this most critical position is totally unproven and Brooks is unsalvagable IMO. I'm still a bit intrigued with what Walter may do with better circumstances, but we definatly need to hedge here.

DT)

We've got some young prospects at this position who I believe will continue to improve, and the D as a whole is pretty decent as things stand, but we've not got a complete rotation at the moment and Sapp's wheels could fall off at any time. It does them and the offense no favors when they can't get off the field in the 4th quarter because teams abuse us running up the middle. We need a big time plugger before this D can continue to progress toward the top tier of the league.

OT)

Obviously a big concern. Gallery, for whatever reasons, has busted. He doesn't seem to be able to handle speed or power on the edge. I'm not sure there has been adequate communication or leadership along the line to help these guys get into postion with all the blitzing, and I am sure the scheme was doing them no favors, but we need more than free agent retreads and low round picks manning these important positions. Definatly in need of a talent upgrade here. That said, I think Gallery could still be of use in a different scheme or maybe on the other side, and McUgs and Slaughter may have a future at one position or another aswell. Another spot where hedging is a brilliant idea :D

[massraider]

Ot
Te
Qb
Dt
De

[gst8]

QB: We've got nothing from this position the last couple of years and nobody on the current roster to indicate this will change. On the bright side, we've got the top draft pick and a couple of potential franchise guys to choose from.

RB: Where RB sits in our list of needs really depends on whether we try to instill a Alex Gibbs type zone-blocking scheme. If we do, we probably don't need a "franchise" type guy. If not, then getting someone with some play-making ability is a must.

DT: Probably the one weak link of our defense. A young run-stuffer would put us over the top.

TE: It would be nice to pair our new rookie QB with a legit safety valve to aid in the transition. Even if we are stuck with Walter, it is a position worth considering. ***Blocking ability is a must***

OL: Most will probably put this higher on the list. However, we have invested pretty heavily in the OL the last couple of drafts and I'd like to see them get some consistent coaching and a little help from their skill position players before going that route again. Although a real Center would be nice.

DE: Huntley looked decent in limited action and I still like Kelly at DE, but getting a pass-rush opposite Burgess would be great. Probably more of a luxury than a need though...

WR: Assuming Moss is gone, the combination of Curry and a rejuvenated Jerry Porter should be more than enough to get us through the season IMO. Gabriel and Morant provide decent depth. TE is much more of a pressing need.

CB: What would a Raider draft be if we didn't draft the fasted CB in the draft? It just wouldn't feel right. :D

[BigTron]

RT. We have invested too much in Gallery for him not to get another shot. We need a future RT to get our running game going. L.Walker stunk, he couldnt run or pass block well. Our guards were rooks so ill give them a pass.

TE. How many passes did our tight ends drop? Better yet how many first downs? Ricky Dudley could have done a better job.

DE. We cannot stop the run very well. Burgess is decent at run stopping, but brayton flat out stinks against the pass and run. I have nothing personal against the guy, he should just be a back up. We need to get pressure from both sides not just one Huntlyey can pass rush but we need a guy who can be like a fast DT on the outside pushing the tackle back.

QB. Walter like him or not has proven nothing. And cant be relied on to go it alone in 07. We do have the #1 overall and some good options through the draft.

C. I want Grove to show up but this guy gets bitched. I dont wanna draft another 2nd rounder in Kalil unless Kiffin is really high on him. Grove might be ok in the zone blocking scheme as well. I would rather draft the big guy Kyle Young day two and groom him.

DT. If we re-sign Sands this isnt as an important of a need this season, but if we could find someone to pair with Sands so we could spell Sapp that would be a help in stopping the run also. I have a hunch Hawthorne might play more this season.

RB - Fargas is brittle, Lamont is fat and brittle. We could try LJ one more year but im not expecting a feature back that anyone will be afraid of.

WR/OLB/FS- All these postions could be upgraded but arent pressing needs right now.

[jatfly]

You people are HIGH,,,,,my take


(QB Damn it)
We passed up the big arms enough Time to bring a bright young star at this posistion to Oakland

OL)
Anywhere on the Line works for me! We have nothing but bums....

TE)
We need a Play maker there.....oh yeah someone that can BLOCK AND CATCH WOULD BE NICE....

FB)
IT's Time to put Crockett and his salary out to Roost...We need a Young strong Stud that can lay some wood.............(boy that may be the gayest thing I ever typed)

DT)
We could use a Run Stuffer

RB)
Only because there is no Depth behind Jordon, no one else is dependable and I guess neither is Jordon. I like Jordon so I think if we can either Sign a Big Bruiser or someone that is a flat out burner.

[Seraph24]

in this order 1st biggest need at the top, last least needed guys towards the bottom..
RB
DT
TE
OL
FB
DE
QB
WR
ST
S
CB

[hawaiianboy]

1) An OT opposite whatever side Gallery is playing... I would prefer a FA vet here over a draft pick

2) QB: Something other than 'really hoping Walter is the guy' would be nice

3) NT: Even if we resign Sands, we need another run stopper, especially in this division

4) TE: Enough with the blown up WR's already

5) RB: As long as he's running North-South, Lamont Jordan is the definition of the word servicable... Fargas is also a North-South guy... be nice to get a guy in here that can get wide and press the edge...

6) Center: Would be higher except I think Grove is a much better fit in a zone blocking scheme

7) LG: Unfortunately, McQuistan showed us about as much as Andrew Walter did

8) Rush end

[Madturk]

QB Let's face it, we really have dogshit here folks. It's time to finally pull the trigger and be done with it once and for all. If you're going to roll the dice it might as well be on a QB.

OL I agree with Byron here, it all starts at center. Our OL has never been the same since BRobb went down. Ryan Khalil knows Kiffen's offense and we'll need that if we plan on pursuing a new QB. Hopefully we'll find another starter on the second day.

TE I just assume jettison the whole stinking bunch of them with the exception of Madsen who at least showed some ability to catch. I can't recall how many times CA and RW killed drives with their ill advised drops, not to mention they were invisible blocking out there.

DT Really a key area if we want to bring our defense to the elite level

FB I want a Lorenzo Neal, Tony Richardson back there. Not a tweener. Leron McClain is the guy here.

RB Maybe not such a need area if we go with the RBBC approach someone alluded to. Guess it all depends if we bring LJ back. I'm really on the Portis for Moss rumor if it has any merit.

DE There's always an Aaron Kampman or Jared Allen waiting to be had on the second day.

[Limee]

1) OL We need to get this fixed first and foremost. Now getting a consistent scheme and good coaching is going to help, but you could argue that we have question marks at all 5 positions. On the positive side Gallery, Grove and Walker all looked better the previous year and Boothe had a solid rookie campaign so there is some hope.

2) RB I don't know what the status of Jordan's injury is and he has a huge roster bonus that I don't see us paying him. I could see him being brought back at a lower cost, but at the moment I am looking at Fargas, who has had big problems staying healthy, and Lee.

3) QB I think Brooks will be gone, probably along with Tui which leaves Andrew Walter alone at the position. If we can get the running game going with improvements on the OL and at RB then we don't need anybody great at QB. We need someone who can manage the game and not make costly turnovers. If we really are looking to attack on offense then this position obviously becomes that much more important.

4) DT I hope we can get Sands signed up longer term and that Sapp will be back. Hawthorne got some playing time towards the end of the season so he may become part of the rotation. We need to be able to stop the run especially with the teams in our division being so good at running the ball. Another 2 gap DT would help and could even allow us to use Kelly at DE which would upgrade 2 positions, even though him and Burgess would still be arse backwards position wise.

5) TE Having a sure handed safety valve would be a big help to the QB. Having a solid blocker would help the running game. Having both in the same body could add another dimension to the offense.

6) DE When the only noticable play your starting DE makes is to knee someone in the bollocks then you know he needs to be replaced.

7) FB I would love to have a true lead blocker who can catch the odd pass.

8) WR I am assuming that Porter will be playing and that Moss will be gone. I think Curry, Porter, Gabriel and Whitted is servicable especially if we upgrade the TE position.

[Ghost To The Post]

Draft Needs:

1) QB - I would hope to draft a youngster with the kind of talent that will never be available as a free agent.

2) TE - Almost nil contribution from this position last season. Unless we go wishbone next season we are going to need one.

3) DT - Morrison is not a player that lives by shedding blockers. Keep him clean and he is a force. Sands (OK), Sapp (doesn't eat up blockers) and Hawthorne (only potential as of now). This group needs a sponge up front to soak up blockers.

4) WR - There is such a glut of great receivers in this years draft. This is where the value pick will be.

5) FB - Everyone else has one. Why can't we have one?


Free Agent Needs:

OL - A huge need for the Raiders is talented veteran leadership for this group. I know Gallery got his leadership badge but this ain't cub scouts.

DE - There are three or four very good options avaialable. Smith, Freeney, Thomas or Allen.

Next season:

RB - To plug into a gelling offense.

[SoCalRaider]

1) RB... In a division with LT and LJ, getting a franchise RB is a must. Trading for Portis is an outstanding option. Drafting Peterson is an equally outstanding option. The chances of either of these scenarios playing out is somewhere between zero and non-existent.


2) DT... If guys like Portis and Peterson weren't available, I'd actually list this #1... I'd like to see this addressed in both the draft and FA.


3) Entire OLine... Even though RBs make O-lineman, I'd like to see some more young talent that can be developed. Before we destroyed Gallery's and Grove's and Walker's careers, we were pretty damn good in developing All Pros like Wiz and BRobb.


4) DE... I'd like to see us get some more speed and depth off the edge.


5) LB... Can never have enough of these. With RR at the helm, I'd be surprised if we don't draft at least one more.



The following positions aren't even on my draft board (I really don't have a draft board... but whatever)...

- QB... :rolleyes:

- P... We're in good shape here.

- TE... No point in drafting one since I give it 3 years before JRuss is converted into one.

[BigTron]

1) RB... In a division with LT and LJ, getting a franchise RB is a must. Trading for Portis is an outstanding option. Drafting Peterson is an equally outstanding option. The chances of either of these scenarios playing out is somewhere between zero and non-existent.


2) DT... If guys like Portis and Peterson weren't available, I'd actually list this #1... I'd like to see this addressed in both the draft and FA.


3) Entire OLine... Even though RBs make O-lineman, I'd like to see some more young talent that can be developed. Before we destroyed Gallery's and Grove's and Walker's careers, we were pretty damn good in developing All Pros like Wiz and BRobb.


4) DE... I'd like to see us get some more speed and depth off the edge.


5) LB... Can never have enough of these. With RR at the helm, I'd be surprised if we don't draft at least one more.



The following positions aren't even on my draft board (I really don't have a draft board... but whatever)...

- QB... :rolleyes:

- P... We're in good shape here.

- TE... No point in drafting one since I give it 3 years before JRuss is converted into one.

Honestly if we really wanted to upgrade the OLB position, I think there is a shot that Paul P. from Penn state falls out of the first. Not a huge need but a great value pick. A great tackler who would have been up there with AJ.Hawk last year but his injury really set him back.

[massraider]

5) LB... Can never have enough of these. With RR at the helm, I'd be surprised if we don't draft at least one more.



The following positions aren't even on my draft board (I really don't have a draft board... but whatever)...

- QB... :rolleyes:
.

LB is a greater need than QB?

[007]

I think we should draft a Punter.

Lechler is getting old and he can't even make a Probowl.

[SoCalRaider]

LB is a greater need than QB?

I usually distinguish draft needs from FA needs. From what I've seen of Morrison and Howard, drafting LBs is definitely a trend I'd like to continue as long as RR is around to develop them...

If we were talking FA, then sure... QB would occupy #1 and #2... but drafting and attempting to develop a QB is a trend that can't end soon enough in my opinion.

[TheNextStep]

1. Adrian Peterson.

2. Other offensive players.

[007]

To be honest, I really see us giving Darnell Bing, Sam Williams and Robert Thomas legit shots at starting for us next year, and am holding out major hope that Darnell Bing (Who will only be 22 next season) can play lights out and earn a spot.

Like HBoy precluded to earlier on in the pre season, he didnt look like a 'beefed up' safety, he didnt look out of position like Teyo, Randal Williams, DeLawrence Grant or Tommy Kelly...He just looked: Natural.

I will say that having a young talent like Bing shouldnt preclude us from drafting a top talent like Poz, Everett, Beason or Willis if the value is there, but I really dont think LB is a 'need' for us.

DT and DE on defense for sure, but I'd say LB is pretty close to being set with those 5 capable 'backers. (T-How and Morrison with Williams/Bing/Thomas)

[jatfly]

Well correct me if I am wrong, but R. Thomas is Morrisons back up so he won't start. I still like Sam Williams but Bing may be a sleeper to push Sam out. Also let's hope Howard doesn't have the sophomore jinx.

[massraider]

but drafting and attempting to develop a QB is a trend that can't end soon enough in my opinion.

Why is that, exactly?

[RHC]

QB. Until someone proves to me conclusively that we actually HAVE a QB on the roster right now, this will remain #1 on my list. Either draft Quinn or trade for a good QB before the draft, as there is nothing in FA worth shitting on. Failure to upgrade this position would be suicidal.

TE. Our guys just flat out suck. It's embarassing. A team that once employed guys like Casper and Christensen should not be so damned talent-poor at this position. A guy like Clark would fill this need, or we could draft Miller/Olsen.

OG. Gallery has LT locked up for 2007. IMO we have guys who can take over the RT spot, especially if we can field a competent TE. McQ and Slaughter both come to mind. But we desperately need answers at OG and OC. FA is the way to go IMO.

RB. Lynch would be great. I'm also convinced that Brian Leonard would be a good pick. I'd personally prefer to sign Ahman Green in FA. Use a RBBC with Green, Jordan, Fargas and Crockett. That's good shit right there.

WR. If we can't trade for a solid QB we're going to have to pass up CJ and draft Quinn. If that happens we need to be looking for a guy like Steve Smith in the 3rd.

These rankings are based on our current situation. But everything hinges on what we do with Porter and Moss. Will we trade them? If so, will we get a decent WR as part of the package? Will we get a QB like Schaub or Delhomme? Or do we get a high draft pick we can spend on a good WR? Bottom line, if both Porter and Moss are gone, we may need to draft CJ depending on what we get back in the deal.

Probably my ultimate scenario would be:

1. Trade with CAR for Delhomme.

2. Sign Ahman Green.

3. Sign Dallas Clark.

4. Sign Leonard Davis.

5. Draft CJ.

6. Draft Quinn Pitcock.

7. Draft a guy like Kalil.

One trade. 3 FA signings. 3 draft picks. We wind up with:

Delhomme / CJ / Porter / Curry / Clark / Green / Jordan

And an OL that can block. We should be able to work with that. :cool:

[BigTron]

If we are going back to a zone blocking scheme will players like Gallery and Grove be much better suited to succeed? Grove has problems getting pushed around so maybe in the zone scheme where smaller more ahtletic players are better suited he will succeed. Gallery also used to be a tight end so im sure that he can move. He is big but isnt exactly the strongest guy. Another guy we might look at is Joe Staley 6'5" 300 former tight end who is an excellent pass blocker and very athletic LT who projects as a RT. I think Gallery and Staley would be a decent pair of bookends in a zone scheme. If we draft Ugoh, the other RT we should be looking at, he is more of a Mauler in the running game and doesnt have great feet.

Gallery, Steinbach, Grove/Kyle Young, Boothe, MCMull, Joe Staley/Ugoh
That would be one free agent pick-up, 1 first day round 2/3, and a second day pick.

[007]

Gallery, Grove, McQ, and even Sims/Badger/Treu are all suited more to a zone blocking scheme, IMO.

Only Boothe seemed comfortable in the man to man stuff last year, IMO.

Walker doesnt count because he's a pylon and he thankfully will be playing elsewhere in 2007. 12 sacks given up in 14 starts on the right side? Thats atrocious.

Hell, even Gallery only gave up 2-3 sacks a year on the right side...If we could nab Ugoh or Staley and try and get them on the tackle spot opposite Gallery, I would be all for it. I figure Gallery will get one more shot before he's booted to RT or G permanently.

[CrossBones]

Why is it when we had a zone blocking scheme in that everyday wanted it taken out.

Now it's out and we want it back? Same players for the most part. :confused:

[BigTron]

Why is it when we had a zone blocking scheme in that everyday wanted it taken out.

Now it's out and we want it back? Same players for the most part. :confused:

After last season's disaster, the prior years in zone seemed like paradise. Grove and Gallery were drafted for that type of line also. Thats what USC ran also. Hopefully we can sign E.Steinbach, he is 27 and in his prime and can do it all. If he wants Hutchinson money, I dont even care. Our line would have a pro-bowl calibur beast for years to come. He could also play LT is Gallery doesnt stick. They used to be teamates in college maybe a solid LG could bring Gallery back to his franchise status.

[R4Life]

Raiders Draft needs
by PFT Editor Mike Florio, with Matt Miller of NewEraScouting.com



The 2007 NFL draft is the first time that the Raiders have had the initial pick in any draft since December 1961, when they selected quarterback Roman Gabriel with the No. 1 overall choice in the 1962 AFL selection process.

The fact that it's been 46 years between No. 1 picks speaks to the proud tradition of the Raiders, who usually aren't at the bottom of the NFL's barrel.

But now they are, and they need to find a way out of it, and fast.

Speaking of fast, we think that the Raiders should draft Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson.

Sure, he's not a guy who will handle the ball 20 times a game (like a tailback), or directly influence the outcome via his decision-making under pressure (like a quarterback). But Johnson's 4.3-speed and his size and his hands and his unbelievable leaping ability make him the single best prospect in this draft -- and possibly in any draft since John Elway came out of Stanford in 1983.

Even if Johnson only touches the ball five times per game, his presence will command the constant attention of two defenders, opening up the rest of the field to other receivers -- and creating running lanes for the backs.

So, as we see it, it's a no-brainer. The Raiders take Johnson.

But there's a caveat. Oakland should not consider adding Johnson unless and until either Randy Moss or Jerry Porter (or both) are long gone. With Johnson having a great attitude and demeanor, the last thing he needs is to be influenced (and/or resented) by this turdish twosome.

If the first pick isn't used on Johnson, then it most definitely should be spent on a passer. The quarterback position in Oakland has been in disarray since Rich Gannon won a late-career MVP award. And the only in-house candidate for the job is Andrew Walter, who had a passer rating of 55.8 in 12 games last year.

If Johnson is the guy at No. 1, then the Raiders should look lower in the draft for another arm. Maybe Drew Stanton is the choice at the top of round two.

Another area of need for the Raiders is the defensive tackle position, where Warren Sapp is getting toward the end of the line. N.C. State's Tank Tyler, who benched pressed 225 pounds 42 times at the combine, is a possibility.

If Calvin Johnson isn't drafted (and if Randy Moss and/or Jerry Porter are traded), the Raiders would be wise to eyeball the available wideouts in rounds two and below. Dwayne Jarrett, who played for Raiders coach Lane Kiffin at USC, could still be available in early round two, if as we believe Jarrett generates a sssslow time in the 40 at his workout. (In fact, if Jarrett is still on the board after the first twenty picks are called, we wouldn't be surprised to see the Raiders try to trade back into the bottom of round one in order to get him.) Another possibility is Steve Smith, another former Trojan wideout. Or how about Ted Ginn, Jr.? He's a speed burner whose ankle injury at the start of the National Championship game could contribute to a plunge on draft day.

Generally speaking, the Raiders have drafted well on defense over the past couple of years. We wouldn't be surprised to see them find another young starter this year. The biggest need arguably is at outside linebacker, where Sam Williams, a third-round pick in 2003, made only 44 tackles in 2006.

Finally, the Raiders could use some help at tight end, especially if Courtney Anderson ends up being shipped to Green Bay as part of the rumored Randy Moss trade. Even with the addition of Fred Wakefield and Tony Stewart, the team lacks a real threat at the position.

And if Calvin Johnson ends up on the team, whoever plays tight end will have a great opportunity to catch passes in the zones that Johnson clears out.

[BigTron]

Raiders Draft needs
by PFT Editor Mike Florio, with Matt Miller of NewEraScouting.com



The 2007 NFL draft is the first time that the Raiders have had the initial pick in any draft since December 1961, when they selected quarterback Roman Gabriel with the No. 1 overall choice in the 1962 AFL selection process.

The fact that it's been 46 years between No. 1 picks speaks to the proud tradition of the Raiders, who usually aren't at the bottom of the NFL's barrel.

But now they are, and they need to find a way out of it, and fast.

Speaking of fast, we think that the Raiders should draft Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson.

Sure, he's not a guy who will handle the ball 20 times a game (like a tailback), or directly influence the outcome via his decision-making under pressure (like a quarterback). But Johnson's 4.3-speed and his size and his hands and his unbelievable leaping ability make him the single best prospect in this draft -- and possibly in any draft since John Elway came out of Stanford in 1983.

Even if Johnson only touches the ball five times per game, his presence will command the constant attention of two defenders, opening up the rest of the field to other receivers -- and creating running lanes for the backs.

So, as we see it, it's a no-brainer. The Raiders take Johnson.

But there's a caveat. Oakland should not consider adding Johnson unless and until either Randy Moss or Jerry Porter (or both) are long gone. With Johnson having a great attitude and demeanor, the last thing he needs is to be influenced (and/or resented) by this turdish twosome.

If the first pick isn't used on Johnson, then it most definitely should be spent on a passer. The quarterback position in Oakland has been in disarray since Rich Gannon won a late-career MVP award. And the only in-house candidate for the job is Andrew Walter, who had a passer rating of 55.8 in 12 games last year.

If Johnson is the guy at No. 1, then the Raiders should look lower in the draft for another arm. Maybe Drew Stanton is the choice at the top of round two.

Another area of need for the Raiders is the defensive tackle position, where Warren Sapp is getting toward the end of the line. N.C. State's Tank Tyler, who benched pressed 225 pounds 42 times at the combine, is a possibility.

If Calvin Johnson isn't drafted (and if Randy Moss and/or Jerry Porter are traded), the Raiders would be wise to eyeball the available wideouts in rounds two and below. Dwayne Jarrett, who played for Raiders coach Lane Kiffin at USC, could still be available in early round two, if as we believe Jarrett generates a sssslow time in the 40 at his workout. (In fact, if Jarrett is still on the board after the first twenty picks are called, we wouldn't be surprised to see the Raiders try to trade back into the bottom of round one in order to get him.) Another possibility is Steve Smith, another former Trojan wideout. Or how about Ted Ginn, Jr.? He's a speed burner whose ankle injury at the start of the National Championship game could contribute to a plunge on draft day.

Generally speaking, the Raiders have drafted well on defense over the past couple of years. We wouldn't be surprised to see them find another young starter this year. The biggest need arguably is at outside linebacker, where Sam Williams, a third-round pick in 2003, made only 44 tackles in 2006.

Finally, the Raiders could use some help at tight end, especially if Courtney Anderson ends up being shipped to Green Bay as part of the rumored Randy Moss trade. Even with the addition of Fred Wakefield and Tony Stewart, the team lacks a real threat at the position.

And if Calvin Johnson ends up on the team, whoever plays tight end will have a great opportunity to catch passes in the zones that Johnson clears out.



Great Stuff. This draft is going to be the shit.