Oakland Raiders: Wide Receivers Please Stand Up

It is no secret that the Oakland Raiders have struggled over the past 5-7 years offensively. A big reason is due to the lack of production from the Wide Reciever position. The Raiders are going to need to make huge strides with their young corps if they want to be a playoff team that they claim they can be.

As fans, we have been pleading for the presence of a veteran receiver to bring mentorship to our high-potential group of wideouts. A Derrick Mason or even Amani Toomer from last years free agency class would have been great additions to our roster. It is vital to bring a savy experienced receiver to truly complete our WR corps, but not the biggest need as far as that position is concerned. My question is, Who on the current roster will "take the bull by the horns" and become a leader of his position and transfer that energy on the feild consistently?

Louis Murphy: The fan favorite is probably Louis Murphy. The rookie from florida came on the NFL scene and shined on Monday Night Football no less. 4 catches for 40 yards and what should have been two touchdowns, was Murphy's stats against the Division rival San Diego Chargers. Murphy would go on and show tremendous effort all season, and make big plays in time of dire need for the Raiders to win over superior opponents such as the Cincinatti Bengals and Pitsburgh Steelers. 

Darrius Heyward-Bey: 9 catches, 124 receiveing yards, 1 TD. No, those are not the numbers of one great game, but one less than stellar rookie season. Already being dubbed Darrius Heyward-Bust, Heyward-Bey averaged 13.8 yards per catch, but the fact is, they were to little catches and even more noticeable drops. A lot of pressure comes with being the first receiver off the board. But even more so when the critics around you expect you not only to fail, but fail miserably. Though I dont expect Heyward-Bey to have a Pro-Bowl season, I do see him having a productive year in 2010.

Chaz Schilens: My personal pick to take over the leading Wide Receiver role is Chaz Schilens. Already considered the best WR in Training Camp, Schilens made sure the Dallas Cowboys knew his name in the first pre-season game. Unfortunatley Schilens would get injured the next week in practice and would'nt see the feild until late in the season. Schilens however would still rank second on the team in recieving and have a game winning TD of his own against the Denver Broncos.

Schilens keeps working hard and coaches continue to praise him. A game that went unrecognized is Schilens game against the Baltimore Ravens in week 17. He put up career highs in receptions and yards in a game with 8 rec, and 99 rec yards, with a 12.4 average. Not only were they good catches but in clutch situations, particularly Third Down.

QUESTION MARKS: Receivers like Johnnie Lee Higgins and Todd Watkins are big question marks coming into 2010. Watkins who is always a threat to be cut, has the physical tools, but lacks consistency in routte running and separtion. Higgins comming off a disappointing 2009 season, in my opinion is at risk of being cut as well. Why?

Coming into 2009 Higgins was just coming off of productive games in 2008, but still the Raiders drafted not one, but two recievers in the draft. Both of which Tom Cable stated he believed would be the future of the receiving corps along with Schilens. Also, Higgins was below average in punt returning which was his bread and butter, as the Raiders may have found a gem in Nick Miller(also keep in mind is coming off of injury).

THE DRAFT: With needs at OT,DT,MLB, and even FB, I dont think any fan wants the Raiders to waste a draft pick on a WR. But I do feel like we will draft one. With uncertainty with players such as Higgins, Watkins, and Miller, and the realease of Javon Walker, WR is still shaky. The Raiders are not looking for starters at WR, but depth is no doubt a concern. Whether it is WR Jacoby Ford in the third or fourth round. Or a physical specimen like David Gettis between the fifth and seventh round. Expect the Raiders to bring yet another young wideout come april.

It's time now the receivers get it together and become a formidable corps for the NFL to recon with. Who will be man to prove the Raiders are legit.