Three Guys That Must Play Big Role In 2009

The Oakland Raiders have had an awkward offseason compared to other years throughout the franchise's history. The big free agent acquisitions were ignored due to the colossal failures of the past 6 years and rightfully so. Al Davis has always had a flare for the flash and shocked everyone when he selected fleet-footed WR Darrius Heyward-Bey out of Maryland with the 7th overall pick in the 2009 draft. To upstage DHB's selection Mr. Davis picked a ferocious hitting safety out of Ohio by the name Mike Mitchell. Those two selections made media and fans alike shake their heads as to what Al Davis is thinking these days. In my,and many other logical people's opinion, it's a rhetorical question because we know the reasons......SPEED. Yes All has a penchant for speed that is similar to Ray Liotta's penchant for abusing "working girls" in LA and New York. But insightful people can also see the other moves made in the last three drafts that may just make Al look like the genius he once was before this recent debacle. Three guys who aren't talked about, if at all, may have the biggest impact on the upcoming season and they were all draft picks selected by Al himself.

1. Mario Henderson is penciled in as the starting Left Tackle to protect Jamarcus Russell's blindside. The former Florida State standout, who was selected in the 3rd round of the 2007 draft, started 5 games last year while playing part time in two others. He did well enough to receive praise from the boss upstairs since he didn't allow one sack in 2008. well I guess you can count a bogus sack by NFL sack leader Joey Porter but Russell is the one who should shoulder the blame. Facts are he played well regardless of a TE or FB chipping the defensive end, his job was to give Russell enough time to find the open man. If he is able to mirror his 2009 performance look for the offense to take huge strides this season

2. Chaz Schilens stands at 6'4 and is listed at 225 lbs. By any level of standards that equates to great size and a great target in red-zone and 3rd down situations. Playing time was for limited for the 7th round rookie from San Diego State due to certain staff members wanting to rely on the older veterans in 2008. When he got his chance to start he received a minor injury but then started the last few games of the year even scoring back to back touchdowns in consecutives against talented secondaries to end the season. The buzz at recent OTAs in Alameda indicates Chaz is ready to take on the role of a number one target and that news must be music to Jamarcus Russell's ears. Look for Chaz to start and end the year as the Raiders go to receiver.

3. Trevor Scott is as athletic as they come. Being selected out of Buffalo in the 6th round last season many thought he was along shot to make the team. He proved doubters wrong as he racked up 5 sacks to lead all NFL rookies in that category. The quick and speed of Scott is something Al covets but his lack of shedding blocks and making plays in the run game have some concerned. Well Scott must have worked his butt off in the offseason since it was reported of a weight gain of ten pound of muscle. With the rumors of Derrick Burgess being traded and Greg Ellis being recently signed and taking reps as the Left Defensive End in OTAs, can Trevor Scott be relied on to get pressure against a team's best olineman? Only time will tell.

The pressure is on in Oakland for many players but these three guys are highly touted by Al Davis and I'm sure he will be beyond PO'd if he is prven wrong.........again.