Oakland Raiders Offense and The #8 Pick

The Raiders have needs all over the offense.  They don't have a go to guy at wide receiver, though they have a couple good receivers, Schilens and Murphy.  They have a weak right tackle, Cornell Green who is recognized for poor blocking and penalties.  And they don't know who the quarterback of the franchise is.  Although Gradkowski looks the best of the three, Russell has the support of Al Davis.  The Raiders sit with the #8 pick in the draft on April 22.  Here is a look at what they can do with this pick on the offensive side of the ball. 

Russell Okung-Tackle-Oklahoma State:   I know that most Raiders fans have developed a reflex to yell "boo" every time they hear the name Russell, but this guy is good.  He is 6'8" and 300 pounds.  He is ranked by ESPN as the best OT in the draft.  A few mock drafts have him going as #1 overall because of his consistency in both pass and run blocking.  Last year the Raiders passed on Michael Oher, hopefully that mistake was a one time thing because if Okung is on the board at #8 for the Raiders he better be off the board before #9.  He was the Big 12 O-lineman of the year for 2009 and the last 2 years has been All-American.

  Trent Williams-Tackle-Oklahoma:   He is 6'5" and 305 pounds.  Another good size tackle.  He does not as many awards as Okung but Williams was an All-American in 2009 and is ranked #8 by ESPN in the draft, that is perfect for the Raiders.  Williams has played a lot at both tackle spots because of injury and competition at Oklahoma during his college career.  With Cornell Green crumbling Williams could be the perfect piece for the Raiders 2010 team. 

  Anthony Davis-Tackle-Rutgers:   Considered the #3 tackle in the draft, Davis could be overlooked...he shouldn't be.  He is 6'5" and 330 pounds.  Imagine him protecting Brruce Gradkowski or paving a road for Michael Bush or Darren McFadden.  He has been a right guard and a left tackle.  He may not be as desirable for the Raiders because of Mario Henderson currently starting at left tackle, the priority should be the right tackle.  Davis bust status would depend on his ability to switch from the left tackle to the right to replace Green.  But if Williams and Okung are both off the board (which is possible) Davis would be good insurance. 

  Sam Bradford-QB-Oklahoma:  The state of Oklahoma will be watching many of their college athletes leave them, among those athletes is Bradford.  If the Raiders have grown impatient withRussell and are not sold on Frye or Gradkowski then Sam Bradford could be the next man to try to change the Raiders fortunes.  He was the 2nd sophmore to ever win the Heisman after his freshman year he set a record for freshman with 36 TDs.  The reason he could be available for the Raiders at #8 is a shoulder injury that has hurt his status.  Michael Crabtree didn't go until #10 because of an injury and attitude problem.  But he had a very good rookie year considering he missed several weks and training camp.  He clearly had no injury problems so Bradford shouldn't be dropped lower in the draft because of a shoulder injury. 

  Dez Bryant-WR-Oklahoma State:  His off field problems should not be used against him in mock drafts.  Remember Darren McFadden's problems, and remember him being picked #4 in 2008.  He is ranked as the top WR in the draft and is also experienced at punt returns.  This may be a reach for the Raiders who have a stockpile of young WRs, but those WRs lack production.  Bryant was a Heisman nominee before his suspension.  He finished the 2008 season with 87 catches going for 1,480 yards and 19 TDs.  He was suspended October 7, 2009 for not disclosing interactions with Deion Sanders.  His only problem is he may be rusty from not playing football for such a long time.