NFL Draft 2011: Oakland Raiders Focus on Depth over Need

Head Coach Hue Jackson has made known that the Oakland Raiders believe that they are close to being in playoff contention. The 2010 draft for this franchise is definitely a big part in that. That draft produced three solid starters, with the potential of six overall heading into 2011.

The general consensus was that the Raiders needed the 2011 draft to be just as successful in order for the Raiders to make their playoff push. The Raiders instead decided to focus primarily on the depth of their football team. The Raiders felt that they did not have many glaring holes on their roster, allowing them to have a few luxury picks and increase the number of speedy athletes already on the roster.

On paper, the 2010 draft seems to have the edge as immediate impact is concerned. However the 2011 draft may be just as successful years down the road.

Let's break down each pick.

Round 7 Compensatory Pick: David Ausberry, WR/TE, USC

The Raiders got their USC guy in round 7. David Ausberry.

6'4 and 243 lbs. Runs in the 4.5 range. When was the last time Davis drafted a 4.5 receiver? No Ausberry is not here to be our next wide out. However 4.5 would be quite a fast tight end. Looks like Brandon Myers is facing an uphill battle.

If the Raiders use so many two tight end sets, than the usage of Ausberry is warranted. Sixth round pick Richard Gordon is a primary blocker. I don't see him being much of a receiving threat despite his Antonio Gates like athleticism.

Ausberry on the other hand is sort of a hybrid type of weapon. A lot like Marcell Reece. Rather than a fullback, Ausberry seems like a gradual transition into the Tight End Position.

It is hard to believe Ausberry is even going to make the team. Most likely on Special teams if he does, but in the long term, I see the Raiders using Ausberry in a similar way the Dallas Cowboys use Martellus Bennett to compliment Jason Witten.

Round 2 #48: Stefan Wisniewski, C, Penn State

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Guard Stefan Wisniewski #61 of the Penn State Nittany Lions leaves the field after play against the Florida Gators January 1, 2010 in the 25th Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Get

I do not want to spend too much time on this pick, mainly because we all saw it coming. Stefan Wisniewski is 6'3 315 lbs, a technician at his position, plays with leverage, and just has Raiders in his blood. How could the Raiders pass him up?

The Raiders are thinking that with this new man blocking scheme they needed to start developing the middle of their offensive line with a center they believe can be their guy for 10+ years. Despite Samson Satele's pay raise, that is an upside that Satele just did not bring.

So why the pay raise?

Simple, if the "Wiz Kid" were to get injured, left tackle Jared Veldheer does not need to make that awkward switch to center like he did in 2010.

The Raiders drafted an immediate impact player while also securing their depth at his position.

Round 3 #81: DeMarcus Van Dyke, CB, Miami

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DURHAM, NC - OCTOBER 18: Receiver Raphael Chestnut #5 of the Duke Blue Devils pulls in this reception against DeMarcus Van Dyke #8 of the Miami Hurricanes during the game at Wallace Wade Stadium on October 18, 2008 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by K

If the Raiders choose an outside linebacker, or even another interior lineman, I think the fan perception of this draft is a lot more positive. Choosing Demarcus Van Dyke gives the media more ammo to attack Owner Al Davis and his love for speed.

The Fact is, the Raiders could have had this guy in the 5th round. But they saw potential and felt they needed to act now. Well, Van Dyke definitely has loads of potential. He is listed at 6'1" but I personally think he is closer to 6'2". Long arms and a 4.2 runner, the fastest at the NFL Combine. Van Dyke's biggest concern is his size. He is now 186lbs, but his playing weight is closer to 175.

He has a physical mentality, but can his body catch up with his mind, because at 186, he has the chance of getting pushed around a bit.

He can cover well however, which is what the Raiders are all about. His ball skills are good and he looks to score when the ball is in his hands. I would have no problem having Van Dyke cover any receiver in this draft, but what about the Larry Fitzgeralds, Andre Johnson, and Vincent Jackson's of the league?

Rod Woodson is going to have a physical specimen to mold. Having a mentor like Nnamdi Asomugha wouldn't hurt either. Do the Raiders have that in mind? Had to sneak that in there.

Round 3 #92: Joseph Barksdale, Tackle, LSU

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GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 11: Offensive lineman Joseph Barksdale #78 of the LSU Tigers sets to block against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 11, 2008 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Joseph Barksdale is in my opinion one of our more solid picks. He is a Left Tackle who projects to the Right side at the NFL level.

He was a former defensive lineman in High School and brings that persona to the offense. 6'5" and  325lbs, Barksdale is a freak of nature to be so big but move so smooth. If the sSeason started today, he would be our right tackle. The biggest reason I say that is because, quite frankly, he just has nobody to compete with. Keep in mind Barksdale is durable as well, starting 39 straight games.

We have so many offensive lineman who are free agents. Mario Henderson was a disappointment and Al Davis should just cut his losses. Khalif Barnes is a good locker room guy, but never really made an impact on the field. Langston Walker is not only a free agent, but rumor has it he is also considering retirement.

The Raiders had to address the position and did so with a solid offensive lineman.

Round 4 #113: Chimdi Chekwa, DB, Ohio

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COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 18: Chimdi Chekwa #5 of the Ohio State Buckeyes defends against the Ohio Bobcats at Ohio Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Remember at the beginning of the NFL Draft season, when everyone was debating who the Raiders should take in the second round, Stefan Wisniewski vs Marcus Cannon?

That fact that the Raiders passed up the opportunity to get both in the fourth round baffles me. But defensive back Chimdi Chekwa was considered to be a solid third round pick, so at least the Raiders found some value.

What this tells me, is that the Raiders made a mistake with either Jeremy Ware or Walter McFadden in 2010 and the two of them are going to need to battle it out, because it is going to be hard to keep Chekwa off the field. Here is the reason why.

Some believe that Chekwa can play safety, and I agree, but hear me out.

When was the last time you saw a nickel cornerback stand 6'0", 191lbs, and run a 4.37? Exactly, me neither. He can be just as physical as the big guys, and just as fast as the small guys.

He does not have great hands, but if he plays nickel, he won't be exposed in that regard on a consistent basis. Chekwa gives us another big corner at a position that typically uses smaller corners. Good luck to Ware and McFadden.

I can see why the Raiders chose Chekwa, but Marcus Cannon is just too good to pass up. I declare a re-do.

Round 4 #125: Taiwan Jones, RB, Eastern Washington

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BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Mychal Kendricks #30 of the California Golden Bears returns a fumble for 45 yards against Taiwan Jones #22 of the Eastern Washington Eagles at Memorial Stadium on September 12, 2009 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Jed Jacob

Here is the luxury pick. Taiwan Jones is probably the fastest running back in this draft. The Raiders did not feel like they had too many glaring holes on the roster, so they drafted a second round talent in the fourth round.

The Raiders are looking at a crowded backfield. Darren McFadden is on the midst of a Pro-Bowl. It is widely assumed the Raiders intend to keep Michael Bush. But what about after that?

Rock Cartwright was resigned, and is a great locker room guy. But his impact is strictly on special teams, as is Michael Bennet.

So this is what the Raiders, a team that has a "Jones" for speed, is thinking.

What if you had Darren McFadden, Michael Bush, and Chris Johnson.

It is hard to compare a fourth round pick to a 2000 yard rusher, but Jones gives us a similar skill set.

How is this for a nickname? The Avengers.

You get the athleticism of Capt. America (DMC), the strength of Iron Man (Bush), and the lightning strike of Thor (Jones).

A hometowm kid from Antioch California will make some plays on the offense and on punt returns, so I say good luck to Nick Miller, freeing up Jacoby Ford to focus on the receiver and kick off returns, instead of all three.

Round 5 #148: Denarius Moore, WR, Tennessee

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 24: Denarius Moore #6 of the Tennessee Volunteers against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 24, 2009 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Yes the Raiders draft yet another rookie receiver. But this is actually one of our more logical picks.

Until Darrius Heyward-Bey produces, I know the fans are going to want him gone. But the Raiders are continuing to have faith in him. Personally I believe he will do well in year three. But the Raiders want DHB, Murphy and Chaz Schilens to be their starting three, and they will let Jacoby Ford to continue to make big plays.

So DHB is safe. But Johnnie Lee Higgins is not.

Since the 2008 season, Higgins has not been the receiver the Raiders expected. 2010 brought an injured Schilens, a struggling DHB, and a regression in Louis Murphy. If there was any opportunity for Higgins to prove his worth, it was is 2010. Higgins did not impress.

The Raiders got a fast running back to replace Nick Miller's special teams production. Now the Raiders drafted the kind of receiver that Higgins was supposed to become.

Moore is bigger than Higgins, does not play scared, and works for every yard.

Moore however is the slowest receiver on the Raider roster. He runs a 4.45....that's crazy right?

Round 6 #181: Richard Gordon, TE, Miami

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TALLAHASSEE, FL - SEPTEMBER 07: Tight end Richard Gordon #84 of the Miami Hurricanes celebrates after a fourth quarter touchdown by running back Graig Cooper #32 against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on September 7, 2009 in Tallaha

The Raiders decide to give Pro Bowl tight end Zach Miller more depth in round six. Tight end Richard Gordon stands 6'3" 265 lbs, and runs in the 4.6 range. Just in Davis' range for a TE.

Other than measurables, I can't give you to much info on Gordon. But I can say that this was a pick that fit Hue Jackson's philosophy on offense. The Raiders are going to run more multiple tight end formations. So we need to keep Zach Miller making plays while having a stout blocker.

Gordon's college and NFL teammate DeMarcus Van Dyke has compared Gordon to Antonio Gates. Both have identical measurables, late round investments (Gates undrafted), and both have a basketball background.