Oakland Raiders' 2009 Roster: Making the Grade?

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

As part of the ongoing effort to keep the post-draft hype cycle whirlwind going, I'm here to offer another perspective on the Oakland Raiders for 2009.

Raider fans have been suffering all kinds of indignities since the Super Bowl six years ago, and it’s high time for a change. At this point, what we have is a coach who is happy to be here, and a three-game win streak to build on.  

The key word for 2009 is build. The Raiders appear to have realized that they are indeed rebuilding, and are doing it with youth. Regardless of what folks think of the quality of their picks and how their roster looks, you can't argue with us getting younger.  

I'm going to take a look at each unit, and give our Raiders 2009 prospects a grade (relative to the best in the league). Agree, disagree, or wonder what yours truly is smoking – the choice is yours. 

The Defense

D-Line – The Raiders only spent a couple of picks on Shaughnessy and Sulak to add to Sands, Kelly, Burgess, and the rest of the tribe. I believe we’ll be improved over last year—but the question still remains, can we stop the run?  John Marshall has been to a Super Bowl, and also dropped to the dregs.

I believe Ryan overstayed his welcome in Oakland, and as we get younger, Marshall may be able to tighten up our 3-4-sieve run defense. Gunnheim is also waiting in the wings for a shot. 
Grade C+

LBs – The 2 2009 DE picks could shift to the LB pack, but my belief is quite simple.  With better performance up front, our four guys from last year—Morrison, Brown, Howard, and Williams all will see time. 

But my hope is that the young guys can unleash a little youthful exuberance, and some raw ability to improve the unit. Sulak or Alston could cross over and help improve the speed on the unit as well. 

Grade B -

DBs – I’m not gonna waste any time on the corners—Nnamdi and whoever the other QB has to throw at are gonna be just fine. Chris Johnson did well from that spot last year, and I expect his years of experience to show well this year.  My core concern is about the safeties.  

Huff still has to show something from being drafted in the first round. Mitchell will have a chip on his shoulder, which (along with Heyward-Bey) could help the middle of the field.  In addition, the safety support for run coverage will significantly help the transition of the DL mentioned above. 

Grade A (CB)+Grade C (Safety) = B

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