Oakland Raiders: The Surprise Team of 2009

Al Davis made the right move by keeping interim head coach Tom Cable instead of another rebuilding period. The Raiders have a chance to make some noise in the AFC West with the Chiefs and Broncos both entering new rebuilding phases.

JaMarcus Russell really improved last season, and he could make a big leap in 2009. Russell has one of the strongest arms in the NFL, but he has had trouble focusing on the game and getting stuck in the moment. Having Jeff Garcia certainly does not hurt.

Darren McFadden, Michael Bush, and Justin Fargas have the potential to make the Raiders the best rushing team in the NFL. All of them have struggled with injuries, but their talent is immense.

Javon Walker needs to stay focused and healthy if he wants to make the Raiders roster in 2010. Darius Heyward-Bey, Chaz Schillens, Johnnie Lee Higgins, Louis Murphy, and Arman Shields need to step it up. They each have certain skills that put them on the field at different times. Zach Miller is the Raiders top target.

Robert Gallery has been amazing ever since he has moved to offensive guard. Samson Satele and Mario Henderson have potential, but both are hot and cold players. Cooper Carlise, John Wade, Cornell Green, Erik Pears, and Khalif Barnes have plenty of problems.

Derrick Burgess and Greg Ellis can still be effective, but they will need to be replaced soon. Trevor Scott and Jay Richardson could see more snaps in a rotation with Ellis and Burgess. Scott had a solid rookie year last season. The tackles are rock solid.

Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard ended the season well after struggling early. Ricky Brown has power to stop the run, and Jon Alston has speed to defend the pass. Both are solid in a rotation.

Nnamdi Asomugha is the best corner in the NFL. Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson are average players, who get picked on a lot because teams don't throw to Asomugha. A bunch of players will compete for both saftey spots.

Shane Lechler, Sebastian Janikowski, Johnnie Lee Higgins, and Justin Miller make up the best special teams unit in the NFL.