What Does Oakland Need With This Man?

The whispers have been heard all over the black hole about the possabilities of Terrell Owens being sucked in. Many Raider fans object to the idea saying, "He can't get off of press coverage anymore." and, "He can't run by people anymore." He may struggle with press coverage but that old man can still get deep. He had over 800 yards receiving last year with a bad quarterback, showing he can clearly still play. I have one question about such the move. What do we need with him?

Chaz Schillens was a late round steal in 2008 still playing under his rookie contract. At 6'4 225 lbs, he is a big, physical receiver with great hands and runs good routes. He is also a sub 4.4 forty yard dash man that goes up to get the ball whether if it's over the middle or on the outside. He also runs well after the catch. Does that sound familiar? Should he stay healthy this year, the edition of Jason Campbell will lead him to a breakout year.

Louis Murphy is also due for a breakout year. He is also a late round steal but in 2009. Murphy is also a big play waiting to happen as his speed helps his cause in that area. Robbed of a game winning catch in week one last year against the Chargers, he proved to be "Mr Clutch" again as he came through in the closing seconds in Pittsburg against the Steelers. The 6'2 200 lb Murphy is also one that goes up to get the football like it's his and runs well after the catch. In 2009, Murphy caught 34 balls for 521 yards, 4 TDs and and 15.3 average. Look for that production to go up in his second year as Campbell get's him the ball.

Darrius Heyward-Bey is where all of the receiver money has been spent. The 6'2 210 lb Heyward-Bey wowed Al Davis at the combine by running a 4.27 40 yard dash. That untimately lead to him being the Raiders first round pick in 2009. At this time it's easy to call him a bust and point to the dropped pass against the Kansas City Chiefs that turned a game winning drive into the game losing interception in the red zone. However, he is working overtime on his hands and will be just fine. At worst, he will stretch the field.

Nick Miller is a personal favorite of mine. He was an undrafted free agent that earned his spot on the roster during the 2009 preseason. Miller is the prototypical slot receiver of today's game. At 5'9 180, he's a little guy with great quickness  to   separate. Miller is also a return man. That in itself translates to being a great runner after the catch. All those qualities mixed with the fact that his hands are reliable makes this man quite a bargain.

The Oakland Raiders have every type of receiver they could want. All they need is some one to get them the ball. With the aquisition of Campbell, the Raiders appear to have that now. All that speed, hands, and ability to run after the catch came for the price of one first round pick. It can be argued that "T.O." can be the veteran leader that makes them even better but veteran and leader aren't always the same thing. A case can also be made for T.O. in that he will be on his best behavior because it is his last chance. 

I believe he will behave but one never knows. If things go wrong, Cable vs Hanson will look like an undercard fight compared to Cable vs Owens. Not only is it not worth the money he is asking for but Cable will may be out for at least a month. A broken jaw to a coach is tantamount to a bad knee to a running back. Way to go Al. Continue to leave him alone.