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In 2008, the fans in Oakland were excited to see a-big time receiver come back to Oakland for the first time since the departure of Randy Moss.
What they got was a receiver who couldn't stay on the field and ended the season with just 197 yards and one touchdown.
Many fans were quick to play the "I told you so" card, as Javon Walker has been hampered by injuries throughout his career.
I'm not ready to give up on him just yet.
Walker is a two-time Pro Bowler and, when healthy, is a premier receiver in the NFL. The Raiders are desperate for a clear No. 1 wideout, and despite the Nation falling in love with Chaz Schilens in the offseason, it is my belief that Walker, not Schilens, will be in the No. 1 spot this year.
Schilens is hardly a proven commodity. He has great measurables, sure, but he lacks any real production to gauge his overall effectiveness as a receiver.
Walker has serious upside.
He is explosive, has great hands, and has the ability to make tough catches in traffic, which will be desperately needed for a quarterback who has been known to be inaccurate at times.
Many have thought the Raiders would just cut Walker in the offseason to make way for a host of new receivers. It was also reported last year that Walker contemplated retiring and even went as far as to offer the Raiders a refund of sorts.
In the offseason, Walker surprised everyone by not showing up to the Raiders' organized team activities and went on record stating that he had corrective surgery on his knee just weeks before the mini-camp was scheduled.
Why is this significant? Simple.
Walker would not go under the knife if he didn't have every intention of playing football again.
He was in obvious pain all last season and claims to have suffered from chronic pain for at least the last four seasons.
Walker now claims he is pain-free and ready to go. I, for one, am excited.
What do the Raiders have to lose?
There is no clear No. 1 receiver in Oakland right now.
Darrius Heyward-Bey is not nearly ready for that responsibility, and it's my belief that neither is Schilens. He may have finished strong last season and is reportedly having a great camp, but I would like to see the veteran leadership of Walker lead the receiving corps and allow the younger receivers more time to blossom.
If nothing else, Walker has been a class act. He seems genuine about giving the fans their money's worth.
A lot of money's worth.
The Raiders haven't had a receiver eclipse 1,000 yards in a season since Moss in 2005.
Call me crazy, but I think that a healthy Walker is the Raiders' best chance to have a receiver break the 1,000-yard mark and help JaMarcus Russell take his game to the next level.
I think this is going to be a good year for Walker and the Raiders. He has a lot to prove in camp, and I will be watching with great anticipation Walker's return to his full potential.
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