Al Davis Will Not Draft an Offensive Tackle With His First Pick
With the NFL Combine behind us and the 2010 NFL Draft fast approaching Raider Nation grows more anxious everyday. We all have our own idea of who's name Roger Goodell should be calling when the Raiders are on the clock. For the most part the Raider Nation think we need to address the offensive line. Although the offensive line was a weak link last season, I don't think Al Davis will select an OT with his first pick. Here's why:
1. Russell Okung and Brian Bulaga should be off the board at #8. These two are the only ones who look like they can come in and be a force from day one. Al would consider them but too bad for us they won't be available. Last year Jason and Andre Smith were the top two heading into the draft. They were both gone so Al passed on Eugene Monroe and Michael Oher.
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2. Al Davis is going to address the defensive side of the ball with his first pick. Our run defense was once again a glaring weakness that was exploited almost every game. I think he is targeting a player that will be a force in our front seven. LB McClain, DTs Brian Price & Dan Williams, or DEs Pierre-Paul, Derrick Morgan, and Carlos Dunlap are all possibilities and would improve our defense.
3. The Tom Cable factor. Our head coach thinks he can turn any lineman with good feet into an excellent blocker. I'm sure Tom is targeting a few lineman in the 3rd and 4th rounds. Besides, Al Davis doesn't say, "your turn Tom," until after the 2nd round.
4. Khaliff Barnes was re-signed. He was the main reason why we didn't go O-line last season with our first pick. He is a solid tackle but needs to stay healthy. Al probably thinks Barnes is the answer to our problems at tackle.
Like most of you, I think we should be drafting the best available tackle with our first pick. I just don't see it happening.
If offensive tackle is out of the question. Who would you select with our first pick? Consider Suh, McCoy, Berry, Okung, Bulaga, Bradford, and Clausen are off the board.
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