Defenders Oakland Can Get At #8

The Raiders have a lot of questions and even more needs. The Raiders have a lot of options for the #8 pick in the April draft. Even though we haven't even hit the scouting combine (a month away) it is never to early to evaluate the teams needs and options for who they should select when they are on the clock.

  Taylor Mays-Safety-USC:In an ESPN mock draft, Taylor Mays goes to Oakland because Al Davis loves his size. This mock draft pick is based on Heyward-Bey being drafted last year because of his speed. The "experts" think that Al Davis will draft because of size and speed and not needs. Heyward-Bey was drafted with a need at WR which is being taken care of by Chaz Schilens and Louis Murphy. If Al Davis drafts another safety he has truly gone off the deep end, the Raiders have Michael Huff, Mike Mitchell and Tyvon Branch all playing well at safety.

  Ndamukong Suh-Defensive Tackle-Nebraska:What is not to like about this guy? He would easily replace Tommy Kelly or Gerard Warren in the starting line-up. He was the only defender considered for the Heisman. Unfortunately, the Raiders are too good to draft him. Suh is likely a top 5 pick and the Raiders pick #8. If the Raiders trade #8 and some mid-round picks or 2011 picks to the Rams or Lions for the #1 or #2 pick then the Raiders can snag him.

  Rolando McClain-Linebacker-Alabama: McClain is an inside or middle linebacker. He is a very good player but the Raiders have Kirk Morrison. But Morrison is out of a contract. If the Raiders can't keep Morrison then I welcome McClain but if the Raiders keep Morrison then LB is not a position of need.

  Derrick Morgan-DE-Georgia Tech:Just like the situation with McClain, the Raiders have talent at DE. Even if Seymour is not resigned, Greg Ellis says he will return and the Raiders have the emerging Matt Shaugnessy coming off a big rookie year. Trevor Scott can also play DE but is becoming more popular with the "elephant" position when he is a pass-rush LB. If Seymour leaves, the Raiders will need depth at the position but depth issues are adressed in later rounds. The most pressing needs are the ones taken care of in the first round.

  Gerald McCoy-DT-Oklahoma:He is the next best thing to Ndamukong Suh. He is a big DT who can get to the ball. With the Raiders struggles in the run game inside the tackles, McCoy's presence could scare away running backs like how Namdi Asomugha scares away QBs. McCoy is rated #3 on ESPN so it may be the same problem with Suh, he will be drafted early. If the Raiders can't get Suh or McCoy, ESPNs next rated DT is #29 Arthur Jones of Syracuse. The Raiders have reached before (DHB) so it is not out of the question that they reach again, especially with the glaring weakness of the DTs.

  Trade The Pick: Imagine the Raiders trade this pick to the 49ers for the 49ers 2 1st round picks (13 and 16/17 pending a coin toss with the Titans) and the Raiders will be able to get 2 good players instead of another top 10 guy like Russell, McFadden or Heyward-Bey. Though it is an uncapped year, those top 10 salaries are not paying off for the Raiders so far. The last Round 1 pick to pay off for Oakland is Asomugha (31st pick). Michael Huff is improving, remember that Jack Tatum style hit on Brandon Marshall at Denver. Huff is getting INTs also so he is justifying his selection but still not good enough for #7 overall. The point is that these top 10 picks have under-performed in Oakland. Gallery is not looking like a top 5 pick so far, he has been good but not great. Russel, McFadden and DHB are giving me gray hair and I'm 19! Maybe the Raiders can trade this pick for a current disgruntled player who wants a new home.