NFL:Oakland Raiders: Why Trading For Donovan McNabb Should Not Happen.

(Rochester, NY) - I want to prefrance this whole artical by saying if the Oakland Raiders had a solid offensive line it would be the trade of the century.Donovan McNabb is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He is a 6 time pro bowl selection and has been one of the best quarterbacks over the last 12 years. He consistently produces wins in arguably the toughest division in football, the NFC East. 

With that said, it has been reported by Yahoo sports the the Oakland Raiders have been in pursuit of McNabb. The Associate Press has reported that the Eagles are requesting a Pick within the first 42 Picks in the draft. Oakland Has a pick in that range, 39. 

I will not even begin to assume which player Oakland would get with that pick. The draft could unfold in many different ways. Regardless that pick has no guarantee. Taking McNabb would only guarantee his service for one more year. His contract ends after the season. 

Beyond that Oakland's offensive line has not exactly provided stellar protection over the last few seasons. Bruce Gradkowski provided a major spark to the offense but eventually relented to the constant onslaught of opposing pass rushers. 

McNabb has been affected by injuries at points in his career. I have always attributed his injuries to his fearless nature. He plays the game with such a passion. In recent seasons McNabb has developed into a solid drop back passer and has done less running. 

In Oakland, McNabb would be on the run and getting hit more frequently. A pours offensive line and a veteran quarterback that has been bitten by the injury bug is a recipe for disaster. 

If Oakland had a line such as the NY Jets or Indianapolis Colts this move would solidify the young receiving core and take a lot of pressure off of the running game. This would be a a trade that pushed the Raiders to the next level aka the playoffs. Oakland has yet to get to the level.