Oakland Raiders: NFL Free Agents Al Davis Could Be Targeting This Offseason

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The Oakland Raiders have been dominating opponents for the past seven years and are now one of the most feared teams in all of the NFL.

Gosh, I wish.

The Raiders have been horrible for the majority of the 2000's, save for a Super Bowl appearance in 2002.

During the 2010 NFL season, the Raiders improved significantly but still disappointed, finishing the season with an 8-8 record.

The Raiders finished the season with a convincing win over the AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs. So they entered the offseason with high hopes, which eventually died down when star Nnamdi Asomugha's contract voided.

Now, Oakland is catching fire yet again, signing would-be free agents left and right to keep the core 2010 team for 2011.

The Raiders will let some key players walk as well. Offensive guard Robert Gallery will be departing Oakland this offseason.

This leaves a gaping hole in the already weak offensive line. The Raiders also will look to improve the secondary, linebacker positions and wide receiver position, along with the line.

Here are some guys I could see the Oakland Raiders making a run at.

Wide Receivers

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The Raiders have a young, talented wide receiver group that features some speedy guys. However, these youngsters have been plagued by injuries, dropped balls and overall lack of productivity, which leads them to consistently being among the worst in the National Football League.

Obviously the most annoying occurrence is receiver Chaz Schilens consistently being injured. Chaz, at 6'5" with a blazing 40-time, has the potential to be one of the best in the game.

The Raiders may be content with their current receiving corps, but don't be surprised if they add a veteran to show the youngsters a thing or two.

Oakland had a very good scoring offense in 2010, but it could have been top three if the red zone offense was reliable.

That's why I expect the Raiders to look at these veteran receivers:

 

Malcom Floyd—Floyd tore up the Raiders last year with the rival Chargers, and with guys like Legedu Naanee breaking out in San Diego, Malcom will get a chance to test the free agent market.

Floyd epitomizes what a red zone threat should be, standing at 6'5" and weighing 230 pounds. Although he's been injured in the past, it's nowhere near as bad as the Schilens case. The Raiders may just make a run at the 29-year-old. 

 

T.J. Houshmandzadeh—The favorite to be an Oakland Raider. If Baltimore doesn't re-sign Housh, you can be sure that he'll be getting a call from Hue Jackson.

The 6'2" receiver narrowed the teams down to Oakland and Baltimore last year, but decided to go with the sure winner in the Ravens. Houschmandzadeh, 33, will bring production and leadership to the Raiders.

 

Chad Johnson—Another former Hue Jackson disciple who seems done with his current team. Ochocinco is expected to get released.

We know all about his play ability, but the headliner might make Oakland wary with his attitude. Johnson would sell tickets and get the Raiders some national attention, but many in Raider Nation have a problem with this idea.

 

Terrell Owens—Whenever this guy's available, he's rumored to be heading to Oakland.

The model of what a diva should be, Owens kept quiet in Buffalo, but couldn't help to trash the coaching staff with the Bengals.

It's unlikely he'll sign here, but you never know.

Offensive Line

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The offensive line is the biggest weakness for the Raiders, and we should expect a complete overhaul, as many current Raiders are free agents.

All positions along the offensive line are a need in Oakland, so expect the Raiders to give big money to some of these guys.

 

Tyson Clabo—Considered by many to be the top offensive line in the free agent class, the underrated Clabo will be testing the free market.

Tyson is a perfect fit for the Raiders and their power blocking scheme. The offensive guard has a massive build at 6'6", 335 pounds. Oakland might overpay for him, but it'd be well worth it.

 

Jared Gaither—Although many see him returning to the Ravens, rumors are swirling that he's not satisfied with playing right tackle. Gaither has prototypical size to be a great left tackle in this league, but lingering back issues sidelined him in 2010.

Hue Jackson and Al Saunders both come from Baltimore, so Oakland is the most likely destination for Gaither if he plans on leaving the east coast.

 

Willie Colon—Another tackle who's season was lost due to injury, Colon's build makes him look more like a center than tackle.

6'3", 315 pounds is a tad undersized for a tackle.

However, Colon has been the Steelers' best offensive lineman for a while now, and he'd be a very nice sign despite the injury issues.

 

Carl Nicks—He bested counterpart Jahri Evans with New Orleans, and it's expected that the Saints will not be able to match offers with other teams for him.

Nicks made the Pro Bowl in 2011 and Al Davis surely would pay him well to take over Robert Gallery's spot as left guard.

 

Alan Faneca—The former great is nearing the end of his career, but still has some left in the tank. He'd be a cheap starter and a great leader to a younger player like Bruce Campbell.

 

Harvey Dahl—Clabo's counterpart. One of them is bound to leave. If it's Dahl, Oakland will definitely think long and hard about putting an offer in.

Dahl is sometimes called dirty by opposing players, and that's exactly what the Raiders need.

Defensive Backs

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Stanford Routt was just payed big bucks and Nnamdi Asomugha is a free agent. If Aso walks like many (not me) expect, then the Raiders definitely will be looking for a cornerback this offseason.

Michael Huff is also a free agent, and if he's let go, Oakland could sign other safeties. However, they do have replacements in Michael Mitchell and Stevie Brown.

 

Nnamdi Asomugha—Does this need explanation? Nnamdi wants to come back and finish what he started.

 

Carlos Rogers—A very underrated cornerback, Rogers should be excited to finally leave Washington. He's been quietly playing good football for most of his career, and would be a very serviceable player at 29.

 

Antonio Cromartie—A personal favorite of mine. Many of you may think he's a distraction, but his play is great and I like the mouth he has on him.

Trash-talking is something we need to bring back to the Oakland Raider defense. Cromartie would do just that.

He may or may not be an unrestricted free agent, depending on the new CBA.

 

Roman Harper—The opposite of Michael Huff. This guy is very aggressive in run support, but lacks in coverage. 

He'd be a very good sign and a nice step toward fixing the run woes.

Linebackers

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The Raiders are significantly thin at the linebacker position, and one injury could turn into a catastrophe.

With a possible move to the 3-4, Oakland very well could be looking to add two or three more linebacker this offseason.

 

Barrett Ruud—This intrigues me... a lot. Ruud is a darn good run stopper, but word out of Tampa Bay is they're prepared to walk.

Now, Barrett can't play outside in a 4-3. However, Rolando McClain can. That'd be a nasty combination, Wimbley, McClain and Ruud? Wow.

 

James Anderson—He's probably ready to move on from the disaster in Carolina. One of the few bright spots, the outside linebacker would play well in a Raider uniform.

 

David Harris—This one is strictly for a 3-4, I think. Unless the Raiders are set on moving McClain to outside. If so, Harris would do better than Ruud as a 4-3 middle linebacker.

Others

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Mike Tolbert—Another rival. If Michael Bush leaves, he'd be the perfect fit for the Raiders.

 

Vonta Leach—I personally don't think we need another fullback as Marcel Reece will revolutionize the position, but many think we need a hard-nosed blocker.

If so, Vonta Leach is the guy. He's tough as nails and loves to lead block.

 

Brandon Mebane—A short and stout run stopper that would instantly improve Oakland's lackluster run defense.

Conclusion

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In conclusion, the Raiders will definitely be looking to build via free agency since they have no first round selection. The main focus clearly will be the offensive line.

Linebacker, secondary and wide receiver will also be on the Raiders' radar, obviously.

Comment below and give me some thoughts. Who'd I miss? Don't forget to "Like!"