No Darren McFadden, No Linemen, No Problem for the Oakland Raiders

There has been much talk about the Raiders drafting Darren McFadden. You can look on almost any draft board and see it.  I have used "the force" to come up with the secret draft pick in the sights of Al Davis and company.

And the pick is...              

Keith Rivers LB, USC

Height: 6'3" Weight: 235    Hometown: Lake Mary, FL High School: Lake Mary

Don't believe me, check this out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXYE-hXNN-c

Rumors have been floating around that Rivers was the "staff favorite" at the Senior Bowl.  Oakland has made a lot of moves this offseason, but if you have noticed, not many involve new linebackers. 

Imagine, if you will, Rivers teaming up with Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard.  Suddenly our run defense issues seem to float far away out of my perception.

The tricky part is the No. 4 pick is a bit too high for the standout linebacker from USC.  Thus, my assumption, Oakland will look to trade down a handful of picks; gaining an extra pick in the third round. 

Everybody knows the amount of money Davis has dished out this offseason, so dropping down a few picks will allow the Raiders to save a few bucks and get the player they truly want. 

Don't forget about cornerback Fabian Washington and running back Dominic Rhodes, who could be included in some type of package deal for more picks.  

Then we can open up a can of worms about Oakland keeping No. 4 pick and trading Fabian or Rhodes and a high pick in 2009, allowing the Raiders to move up to select Rivers later in the first round. 

But we will save that issue for draft day. 

For now, let's keep in simple.  Save some money, add another draft pick, and get the player you REALLY want.