Why Michael Crabtree May Not Be a Lock for Raiders

On Apr. 25, Roger Goodell will approach the podium at the 2009 NFL Draft and announce, "With the number seven pick in the NFL draft, the Oakland Raiders do not select Michael Crabtree from Texas Tech University."

Shocked? Here's why Crabtree may not be a sure thing for the Raiders:

1. Crabtree Is Not Available

Many Raider fans are screaming that Michael Crabtree has too much talent to pass up on. Why then, do they think that the fans, coaches and upper management of the teams picking before the Raiders aren't screaming the same thing? 

An argument can be made that none of those teams need a wide receiver, but with talent like Crabtree dangling in front of them, don't be surprised if he's gone by No. 7. 

2. Wide Receiver Is Not the Raiders' Biggest Need

The Oakland Raiders have not finished better than 22nd against the run since 2002. Not surprisingly, that was the last time the Raiders made the playoffs. 

Their scoring defense has ranked better than 24th only once during that time, ranking 18th in 2006. In other words, defense, and especially the run defense, is a problem for the Raiders. 

Defensive tackle, strong-side linebacker, safety, and defensive end are all areas of weakness. No doubt, wide receiver and offensive line are also weaknesses. It will be up to Al Davis and someone else (see No. 4) to decide which need is greatest.

3. The Raiders' Receiving Corps Is Not as Bad as It Seems

Anyone who watched the beginning and middle of last season knows that no one, not Michael Crabree, Tim Brown, nor Fred Biletnikoff, was going to catch a lot of the balls JaMarcus Russell was throwing. 

By the end of the season, however, he was starting to click with young receivers Chaz Schilens and Johnny Lee Higgins, and he was clicking even sooner than that with tight end Zach Miller. 

In his last seven games, Russell threw seven touchdowns and four interceptions.  That's not bad for what was essentially a rookie quarterback.

With Higgins, Schilens, and Miller returning, along with Arman Shields (who excited coaches last year before being injured for the season) and veteran Javon Walker (let the scoffing begin), the Raiders may have enough quality pass-catchers to get the job done in what is undoubtedly going to be a run-first offense. 

4. Al Davis' Opinion Is No Longer the Only One That Counts

Everyone knows that Al Davis loves big-name players who sell jerseys and put butts in the seats at the Coliseum.

It is also common knowledge that Al Davis is the guy who makes the decisions in Oakland, damn what anyone else thinks. 

That logic points straight to Crabtree. But a change is in the wind this offseason. 

Examples: a) Word has it that Davis allowed coach Tom Cable to be involved in the selection of his own staff.

b) The Raiders re-signed the majority of their free agents, including the two most important: Shane Lechler and Nnamdi Asomugha. 

c) Davis renegotiated the contracts of several players, including Russell, Walker, Justin Fargas, and Robert Gallery.

d) Al Davis has yet to throw unprecedented money at a free agent with an attitude problem. 

While none of this indicates that someone else is calling the shots in Oakland, it does seem that someone else finally has some input, and so far that input has been good. 

The point is, just because Crabtree is the prototypical big-name guy for Al Davis, that might not make him a lock with the No. 7 pick if this new source of input (likely Tom Cable) is opposed to it.  

5. Al Davis Hasn't Drafted a First-Round Wide Receiver Aince Tim Brown (1988)

This is a tenuous argument, especially in light of the previous one. Plus, Tim Brown was a pretty decent pick up, if memory serves, which would be an argument in favor of drafting Crabtree. 

6. Michael Crabtree Has Not Worked Out for Anyone, Yet

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?