Can Al Davis Influence the Numbers Game Once Again?

Love him, hate him, or wonder what he's doing, Al Davis is probably one of the most recognizable owners in the NFL today.

Known either for foolish draft picks, winning Super Bowls, or irritating NFL executives, Al Davis made a lot of heads shake last year, first for picking Darrius Heyward-Bey and then for indirectly affecting contract negotiations for first round pick Michael Crabtree.

Could a similar plan be in the works for other teams?

Oakland right now only has two picks left to sign, first round selection Rolando McClain and second round pick Lamarr Houston. Only four players out of first 64 draftees are signed, with training camp looming on the horizon for many clubs. As it is, Dez Bryant, drafted by the Cowboys remains the lone first round selection.

How could Al's signing upset the salaries coming up for the top of the draft?

First and foremost, it seems a lot of clubs are waiting to see what sort of package Sam Bradford lands in St. Louis. This deal is also going to be a litmus test for the team, who is going through a change of ownership. If the new owners go cheap, their first round pick may not sign until late.

Secondly, if Oakland drops a contract on Rolando McClain around the $34 million range, for, say, five years and $12 million up front, other clubs that drafted before or after could use it as an anchor number...or may cause agents to tell other clubs, "well, those numbers are only for defensive players...this here's a star!"

In the long run, there are three issues affecting the signing of draft picks this year. First, there is the issue of secured money for rookies. This has come under more scrutiny after JaMarcus Russell turned out to be a bust. Teams are not willing to invest millions, to see their product perform badly and act worse.

Secondly, both players and teams have to wonder if a lockout will kill next season. Sure, neither group wants it to happen, but until one side flinches, teams may not want anything to do with paying players who are not going to be playing. Could teams be seeking a clause to have that single season refunded if games are not played?

Lastly, there is still some time for clubs to make a deal. Oakland doesn't report until the July 28, while teams like the Cowboys, who did sign their first round pick have their first practice scheduled for today.

It's time for some football...the Raider Nation has been waiting for it since January.