NFL Draft 2011: Players the Oakland Raiders Should Target Early in the Draft

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Ahh, the Oakland Raiders and the NFL Draft.

Around this time of year is when the jokes about Oakland begins; how they'll draft a 39-year old crackpot who weighs 290 pounds to be a quarterback, or how they've began their search in the jungle for the next cheetah who can take the franchise to the next level.

Whatever. Most of the jokes are terrible.

Anyways, last year Al Davis and his Raiders had an excellent draft. They added key players to offense, defense and special teams. Basically, they took advantage of a very strong class.

Oakland did a nice job of drafting the "physical freaks" they covet, who can play and fill a position of need as well.

Now it's 2011 and the Raiders had a solid season at 8-8. No playoffs; nothing spectacular.

The draft is nearing and the chatter is just heating up. Oakland has no first-round selection in the NFL Draft this year; however that could change instantly knowing Al Davis.

The draft is a confusing thing for some, so let me name some players I think the Raiders should consider selecting in Round One or Two.

Please note this is under the assumption that Nnamdi Asomugha will not re-sign with the Oakland Raiders. Although, it's my personal belief that he will, but the consensus right now is that he won't.

Enjoy!

Ryan Mallett, Quarterback, Arkansas

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 255

Ryan Mallett is one of the most controversial players coming out of the draft, with rumors of drug abuse and questionable character.

Has that ever stopped the Raiders from grabbing a guy they liked?

At 6'7" and 255 pounds, Mallett is the type of quarterback Al Davis absolutely covets. With the drug issue looming, it's widely expected that teams even with a quarterback need will say "thanks, but no thanks" to Mallett.

This opens the possibility that he'll fall to Oakland in Round Two.

With Jason Campbell in a contract year, the Raiders could decide to pull the trigger on Mallett.

Marvin Austin, Defensive Tackle, North Carolina

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 309

Marvin Austin is comparable to LaMarr Houston, the defensive end/tackle the Raiders selected in the second round last year.

The Raiders really need a run-stuffer to help their run-stopping woes. Austin is only 310 pounds, but could easily put on weight in the NFL and has that 6'2" frame which gives him leverage against the taller linemen.

Bruce Carter, Outside Linebacker, North Carolina

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 240

The Raiders have a legitimate need to add depth to their linebacking corps. Bruce Carter fits the bill at 6'3" and 240 pounds and has nice speed, running a 4.57 in the 40-yard dash.

Carter is a guy I wouldn't have a problem with if Oakland selected.

Orlando Franklin, Offensive Tackle, Miami

Doug Benc/Getty Images

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 316

Orlando Franklin is a massive tackle from the University of Miami who I really like for the Raiders. He has prototypical size for a pro-bowl caliber tackle and would fit nicely in Oakland's power-blocking scheme.

With Langston Walker aging and a free agent, Hue Jackson would do well to make a run at this guy.

Marcus Cannon, Offensive Guard, TCU

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 358

As you can see, Marcus Cannon is absolutely huge. His combination of size and strength will be hard to pass up on. The Raiders have a plethora of free agent guards and starter Robert Gallery has confirmed he will not be in Oakland this season. I love Cannon for the Raiders, and he'd develop into a starter rather quickly.

Aaron Williams, Cornerback, Texas

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 192

Aaron Williams had a solid career at Texas. Considering cornerback is a huge need in this scenario, it'd be no surprise if he was taken by the Raiders in Round Two. He has the size that Oakland covets and is an excellent tackler. However, Williams' speed is an issue considering he only ran a 4.52. 

Martez Wilson, Outside Linebacker, Illinois

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 250

A guy who hasn't really been talked about, Martez Wilson has been quietly sneaking up draft boards. It's been rumored that the Raiders will be switching to a 3-4 defense. If so, Wilson is an easy fit in Round Two. He most likely tempted Al Davis at the combine, where he ran a whopping 4.49. That's amazing considering how big this guy is.

Ras-I Dowling, Cornerback, Virginia

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 200

Ras-I Dowling is a guy who has Raiders written all over him. He's widely the consensus selection for the Raiders in most mock drafts. Dowling has Oakland-corner size at 6'2", but his 40 time is what sets him apart from the others. Running a good 4.40 that is sure to catch Al Davis' eye.

Stefen Wisniewski, Guard/Center, Penn State

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 306

Stefen Wisniewski has some family history with the Raiders, as his uncle was a legendary Raider and recently was hired to coach the offensive line as an assistant.

Some in Raider Nation, including me, were cautious of Stefen's size as the Raiders are trying to bulk up on the line. However he weighed in at 306 at the combine, which is fine for me. Wisniewski on playing for Oakland? "That'd be awesome."

Mike Pouncey, Center, Florida

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 310

I had my eyes on Mike's brother, Maurkice, when he entered the draft last year. Of course, the Raiders didn't draft him and he made the Pro Bowl his rookie year.

Let's hope Oakland doesn't make the same mistake twice. Pouncey has nice size for a center and can easily take on the bigger nose tackles in the NFL. The Raiders would obviously have to trade into the first round to grab Pouncey, but I think they could do it.

Jimmy Smith, Cornerback, Colorado

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 205

Jimmy Smith isn't considered to be the best cornerback in the 2011 NFL Draft, and that's a mistake. Smith has amazing size and speed for a corner and easily compares to Nnamdi Asomugha. Jimmy notoriously has character problems which has caused his stock to fall a bit. He was considered to be a late second-round pick, but he's been launched into consideration for mid to late first round.

Oakland should definitely pull the trigger on Jimmy Smith. He's comparable to Nnamdi Asomugha, and I'm really high on him.

What Do You Think?

Tim Umphrey/Getty Images

Who did I miss? Tell me what you think below, and don't forget to "like"!