SS Gibril Wilson, Hiram Eugene
The next two moves I’d like to see the Raiders make would be to re-sign Asomugha and C Jeremy Newberry to long-term contracts.
In the upcoming NFL draft, I feel that the Raiders need to address the DE position in the first roundm by taking either Chris Long or Vernon Gholston. My reasons for saying that are: 1) the Raiders only have two DEs on the roster, 2) as of right now the team has a selection in rounds one, four, six, and two in the seventh, and 3) If the Raiders chose to select RB Darren McFadden—who is not my choice, but is a possibility—then the team will have to hope a higher-rated DE (such as Kenny Iwebema from Iowa or Jeremy Thompson from Wake Forest) drops to the fourth round, or that they can find a DE gem in rounds six, seven, or as an undrafted free agent.
Or, the Raiders can trade expendable players—such as CB Fabian Washington, FB Justin Griffith, FS Stuart Schweigert—to acquire picks in the second, third, or fifth round of the NFL Draft.
The Raiders will draft help for the Offensive Line, probably selecting a player or two from the 2008 Senior Bowl, due to the coaching staff working with them. There are currently 11 offensive linemen on the roster fighting for a total of 10 first- and second-team spots, with a few more being added in the draft as well as a few undrafted free agents being invited to camp.
I have faith that Tom Cable will handle all needed offensive line improvements. If Cable can work wonders with Robert Gallery, he will do the same with Kwame Harris.
The running game is set as of now, but I wouldn’t rule out an addition being made. The receiving corps is vastly improved from last year, and with Russell being present for all Organized Training Activities, passing sessions, 7-on-7 passing drills, mini-camps—and of course, training camp—he will have time to gel with his new receivers and master the playbook.
Russell is a young QB, and like any other young QB, he has a lot to learn. He did throw his first TD pass against Jacksonville and played solid against the Chargers.
Like it or not, this is a different and far more competitive Oakland Raider team, which will surprise a lot of people this year. The Raiders will make noise in 2008.
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