With the 2008 NFL draft around the corner, the Raiders find themselves in a familiar position of late with the fourth overall selection.
There are several options for Al Davis and Lane Kiffin as they move forward under the media microscope which has followed the Raiders since the 2003 Super Bowl loss to Tampa.
With a weak free agent market this year, expect the Raiders to possibly trade their 4th overall pick to Dallas for their 22nd and 28th picks. After spending 1st overall pick money on Jamarcus Russell last year, Al won't want to overpay another draft pick. This will allow them to attack the running back, wide reciever, and D-line positions within the first 36 picks, without paying the big money.
Players who may still be around in these positions are Sweed, Jackson, and Doucet at wideout; Mendenhall, Jones, or Stewart at halfback;and Harvey, Merling, or Balmer on the D-line. Balmer would be best option at nose tackle but Kelly can be moved inside on a 4-3 scheme with Sands if drafting an end. The offensive line and strong saftey positions can be filled in later rounds and free agency. Maybe Adams from Dallas can be involved with the trade at left tackle.
Never mind the madness which has always existed in Oakland, the light can now be seen at the end of the tunnel. With a young defence gaining more experience under Ryan, a coach they love to play for, and a 6th-ranked rushing attack which came from the basement on the trails of Tom Cable's zone blocking O-line, the perfect storm may be brewing.
Al, pick up the phone and call Jerry Jones. Let's make a deal!
4 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Keith Sellars about 1 year ago
OH-LINE!!! How many years are the Raider QBs going to have to risk life and limb before someone does something about the offensive line?
They Raiders didn't need Russell. Andrew Walter is more than capable... IF he can stay on his feet for long enough to do check two recievers. When he was at ASU he broke all John Elways Pac-10 records.
Shore up the O-Line with experienced zone blockers, draft some D linemen, and get a Defensive backfield coach who knows how to teach tackling fundamentals.
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chris jansa about 1 year ago
GENIOUSSSSSSS NOT ANDREW WALTER is more useless than tards lunchbox bc he eats his shit anyway
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Keith Sellars about 1 year ago
Speaking of genius. What do you base that on? Walter is a smart QB with good field vision and good touch when he doesn't have a defensive end giving him a colonoscopy with a cleat.
Walters problem isn't that he can't play, his problem is that noone can play in the conditions the Raider QBs have had to endure the last 4 years. Add to that the fact that he's 3rd on the depth chart. That equals zero reps. Certainly no reps with the starting line.
Give Walter a chance. Let hims split time in camp with Russell, and if he wins the starting job, trade Russell to a team that has extra talent at O-line and needs a good QB.
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adam smith about 1 year ago
what are u talking about "Al won't want to overpay "? he would easily love to over spend and I still can't believe the contract of tommy kelly, what a joke!! how about doing something logical like giving burgees a good contract before he holds out! The best thing oakland can do with this pick is to draft a great offensive line guy. I would also like to see the raiders draft another linebacker so that we can have three great linebackers because sam williams is horrible.
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