Entering this year’s draft, Raiders owner Al Davis startegy is unpredictable as ever. In his head the mastermind actually may be mulling a move that makes sense during the off-season.
The Raiders first resigned their best players and then scratched off all the wasted contracts from last year by releasing some and negotiating deals like Javon Walker.
On both sides of the ball the Raiders still need to make numerous improvements. This fact creates even more speculation surrounding the strategies and developments regarding how the team can improve as the draft grows closer.
Will there be a trade on draft day possibly for a wide receiver or offensive tackle? Which positions are primary needs from the team’s point of view? Enough questions, let's get into who the Raiders might select with their six picks on draft day.
I am going nuts with some of the mock drafts that have the Raiders selecting one of the top tackles with the seventh overall pick. Raider fans brace yourselves, this draft year is not going to yield the Silver and Black either of the two most talented offensive linemen. They will be gone before Oakland selects at the seventh spot.
Prior to the combine, the seventh overall pick would preferably be Michael Crabtree. According to National Football Post, a former executive for Oakland has reported the Raiders are not interested in Crabtree. He lacked of an impressive 40 time, apparently meaning he's not a great player according to Davis.
With the seventh overall pick the Raiders should select another wide receiver in the first round, more then likely it will be Jeremy Maclin. During combine he posted a 4.34 time 40 yard dash. Maclin recorded 5,609 all-purpose yards in his two years at Missouri. He is an outstanding playmaker and should be a great contributor to the Raiders.
Don’t be shocked if the Raiders move in a completely different direction by selecting BJ Raji a Defensive Tackle from Boston College if he is still available. The team ranked 31st in run defense in 2008. A strong, quick defensive tackle may make all the difference in boosting the Raiders pass rush this season.
Raji can fit into the defense very well, making him a perfect fit for the Raiders at the seventh pick. Raji has the ideal frame for a defensive tackle at 6'1", 331 lbs. to play nose, he is very big with a low center of gravity. Making him very hard to block while attacking the quarterback.
As the Raiders enter in the 2nd round many questions still enter Al Davis mind.
Making a decision on Maclin in the 1st round the Raiders will select a Defensive End for their 2nd pick.
For the 40th pick overall the Raiders will select Robert Ayers a Defensive End from Tennessee. Ayers, has great size and is a very mobile defender. He’s extremely quick off the line and uses his hands very well. Making him the explosive pass rusher the Raiders really need to improve their defensive attack.
With the possible selection of Raji in the 1st round the Raider will go with the best available receiver in the 2nd round. With this outcome the Raiders will select wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey from Maryland an outstanding player for Al Davis. The kid has breakout speed. He posted a 4.30 40 time at the combine. At Maryland Darrius Heyward-Bey had just 38 receptions, 553 yards and five touchdowns in 2008.
In the 3rd round Raiders will not pass up on a solid Offensive Lineman for the future. Even though with the recent signing of Eric Pears from Denver. He is not the answer to the teams offensive line problems. They need to find a long-term solution at the right tackle position in the 2009 NFL Draft.
The 71st overall pick in the draft the Oakland Raiders select from Oregon Offensive Tackle Fenuki Tupou. Tupou might even be able to start at right tackle immediately. A 6-5 massive right tackle weighting in at 314lbs will be very productive for Raiders for many years to come.
In the 4th round the Raiders will select the best defensive player available according to Davis and the player may land on his lap. Cable will make the call to Davis on this pick and Davis will actually jump off his chair. OK, a little exaggerated though he will be happy the pick he wanted is still available.
The 104th overall-pick the Raiders select Chris Clemons Safety from Clemson. He was third leading tackler for the Tigers defense that ranked 15th in overall pass efficiency. Clemons made 78 total tackles and two interceptions last season.
We're going to send you the most entertaining Oakland Raiders articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
12 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete