Oakland's Chaz Schilens: His Future Is in His Hands

Anyone who is not a Raider fan will probably have never heard of him. However, WR Chaz Schilens could be integral to the success of the Raiders in 2009.

Chaz Schilens was drafted by the Raiders in the 7th round of the 2008 draft. He had all the measurables that Al Davis likes with a 6-4 frame and weighing 225lbs he is a big target but also possesses great down-field speed.

In his rookie season he started six games, had 15 receptions for 226 yards with an average 15.1 yrds per catch. He also caught 2 touchdown passes.

He managed to make it into the preseason, despite being such a late round pick competing on a roster that had a large number of receivers, and showed us all a glimpse of his potential with a great catch against the Titans.

It was his willingness to run block that initially got him game time as he was not afraid to assist the run game with his large frame. However, with Lame Kiffin fired and Tom Cable opting for Schilens over Curry, he found himself starting in the week seven win over the Jets.

Schilens continued to impress as a starter, and in the next game against the Ravens he caught a 60 yard pass against Fabian Washington, much to the appreciation of the Raider Nation. He was then hampered by injury, but returned to start the last two games, in which he scored a touchdown in both.

Many people have speculated that Al Davis will want to draft the big and physical Michael Crabtree. But why would he when he has a bigger and quicker receiver on his team already; an accomplished youngster.

No draft pick is a sure thing so why should we risk it on Crabtree when Schilens is already used to the system, the quarterback, has shown that he can excel when handed the opportunity, and is on a dramatically smaller salary than a seventh pick receiver would demand.

Schilens could potentially become one of the Raiders best ever draft picks, or he could also turn out to be useless. However, I believe that Chaz has earned the right to be given a season as a starter on the opposite side of the field to Javon Walker to prove to us that he is the Raiders WR for years to come.

With improvements to the offensive line and JaMarcus Russell entering his second full season we should see improvement in the passing game. This means that we will be in an eligible position to see if he is worthy of continuing to start for the Raiders, because if he plays poorly he only has himself to blame.

The Raiders have plenty of other needs in the draft so if it doesn't work out for him then we can take a WR in next years draft. So lets fill other holes in the draft and give Chaz the chance to prove himself; he may just surprise you.