Oakland Raiders: Pay Michael Bush Starter Money or Target a RB in the NFL Draft?

Heading into the 2011 offseason, the Oakland Raiders had a long list of potential free agents. So far the Raiders have re-signed a few of their guys, such as Kamerion Wimbley, John Henderson and Stanford Rout. The Raiders still have to sign guys like Michael Bush, Zach Miller, Michael Huff and Nnamdi Asomugha. 

Obviously, we can't keep everybody. Robert Gallery has already been shown the door. The Raiders offered Gallery $2.5 million for next season, but the veteran guard wouldn't budge on his demands of an $8 million dollar salary. 

If Michael Bush demands a starters pay, he might be the next guy out of town. I want Bush back in Oakland, as he and Darren McFadden can be the best duo in the NFL, but money is tight right now.  

Michael Bush's recent arrest can't sit well with Al Davis either, who hates negative attention. If Bush and Davis can't come to an agreement, then the Raiders may look the April's draft to find a compliment to MacFadden. Here go a few possible candidates the Raiders can target in the later rounds of the NFL Draft.

Roy Helu, Nebraska, 6 ft, 221 lbs

Helu Impressed scouts with a 4.40 forty-yard dash and a 6.67 second three cone drill. His 11 reps of 225 lbs was a little disappointing. He is known as a speed RB, but he does have the frame to bang it inside. He comes in the mold of Justin Fargas and if he runs with the heart that Fargas did he will do good in the NFL.  

He does need to work on his pass protection, which is his biggest weakness at this point. He ran for 1,245 yards, 11 touchdowns, with a 6.6 YPC in his final season with the Cornhuskers. He is from Danville, CA, so you know he would love to play ball close to home.

Mario Fannin, Auburn, 5'10" 231 lbs

He made a lot of heads turn with his 4.37 forty yard dash and 21 reps. He didn't really got an opportunity to prove himself at Auburn, so what he can do on the field is still a mystery. He is projected to go as late as the 7th round, but his 40 yard dash time may get him drafted a few rounds earlier.

Alex Green, Hawaii, 6 ft, 225 lbs

He had a solid combine workout with a 4.45 forty and 20 reps of 225 lbs. He led the country with a 8.3 YPC for the Warriors. He ran for 1,199 yards this season, becoming the first University of Hawaii RB to rush for over 1,000 yards since 1992.  

It is very tough for a RB to excel in the spread offense, but he managed to have an excellent season. He has soft hands and catches the ball away from his body. Green Isn't afraid of contact, and usually lowers his shoulder into defenders. He also is solid in pass protection and doesn't shy away from defensive ends.  

Of the guys I listed, I like Alex Green the most, as he is the most accomplished pass catcher and experienced in the pass protection game.

Well that's all I got for now. What is your take on the situation with Michael Bush? I know he is a beast, but is Al Davis going to pay two backs a great deal of money? He might have his eyes on a late round prospect that he can sign for about $500K. We are talking about the Raiders, so anything is really possible.