8 picks
#8, 39, 69, 106, 138, 158dal/ne/den, 215, 251comp
Offensive Tackle
Season after season the Raiders keep trying temporary solutions at the tackle position and it never works out. At his best, Henderson is average on the blind side. If a top prospect is not added with the #8 overall pick in this draft head coach Tom Cable, a former line coach, might go on a punching spree. No scrawny assistant will be safe. On the right side Cornell "penalty" Green (Bills) was lost in free agency. It's strange how Buffalo's brass made fun of the Raiders yet they think this guy is going to bolster their awful line in a starting role. Speaking of which, Langston Walker returned from the Bills with his wallet fattened considerably and now that Green is gone might compete at right tackle after being used at guard this past season. Khalif Barnes, who broke his ankle during camp, will try again on a one year deal. This unit is to thin two additions during the draft is a distinct possibility.
Quarterback
JaMarcus Russell's weight has been scrutinized more than Jessica Simpson while she was dating Tony Romo. Is he 271? 290? Someone call Jillian Michaels from The Biggest Loser and get him on that huge scale. His biggest problem is not his weight. It is the fact that a team drafted him a world away from his comfort zone in Louisiana. The proverbial light bulb has never gone on for him and if the McNabb trade rumors were true it shows the team has run out of patience. They were reportedly set to cut him if #5 had been acquired. Instead, the starting job probably will fall on Bruce Gradkowski's shoulders. Or should I say his torn up knees? He signed his restricted free agent tender to return, but is not a franchise quarterback in anyone's opinion. Then he tore his pectoral muscle lifting weights, prompting the team to sign free agent Kyle Boller (Rams) for insurance. He had surgery to repair it, and in my imaginary world I envision Russell saying "see, that's why I don't lift weights!" Frye also autographed his tender and is likewise not starter material on a team going anywhere. If the Raiders have an opportunity to draft Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen at #8 they would be wise to do it and hope to shore up the offensive line later. It's not often a player his caliber is regarded so lightly by so many ill-informed evaluators.
Defensive Tackle
Warren was released as an alternative to paying him a significant bonus. It frees up Desmond Bryant, a promising rookie free agent, to take on a larger role. William Joseph was retained, and out of nowhere Chris Cooper was signed. You might remember him as one of the implicated parties in the BALCO scandal a few years back. He was last seen playing in the UFL and has not seen NFL action since 2007 with Arizona. Anyway, their run defense has been horrible for years. Oddly, throwing huge sums of money at Sands (long since cut) and Tommy Kelly has not solved this problem. They aren't in position to draft Suh or McCoy, but this is a deep class so if they want help it is available.
Middle Linebacker
Kirk Morrison loves being a Raider, but the feeling might not be so mutual. He was given an alarmingly low tender (third round) for an impact starter yet no one took the bait which speaks volumes and he wound up signing it. Some of the blame for a poor run defense falls at his feet for obvious reasons. It appears Alabama's Rolando McClain will be available at #8 overall and should be given strong consideration even if he does not run a 4.3 in the 40.
Interior Offensive Line
At center Morris signed his restricted free agent tender, but it is a one year deal and with Satele entering his contract year they have to figure out a plan for 2011. Either these guys will both be locked up, or someone needs to be brought in. The question at guard is the health of Robert Gallery. His rehab from a back injury could leave them thin unless the tackle position is addressed to the point Walker can be utilized at guard again.
Cornerback
If you know anything about Al Davis he loves to collect corners. Chris Johnson really bailed them out when DeAngelo Hall proved to be a free agent bust in 2008, but is only starting because there is no one better to unseat him. Many were shocked to see Routt given the highest tender as a restricted free agent. Was it any more surprising than when he was taken with an early second round pick in 2005 out of the clear blue sky? They covet speed, and he has it. Having shored up the safety position assuming the young players on the roster develop, finding a reliable player to line up opposite of Asomugha becomes the priority. Florida's Joe Haden could fit the bill at #8 overall, but if not it is almost a certainty the Raiders will make an addition early on.
Defensive End / Outside Linebacker
The Raiders have taken five defensive ends in the past three drafts if you include "conversion" types at linebacker. It's almost as if they think their primary defense is the 3-4. Four of those players are still on the roster with Shaughnessy and Richardson listed at end while Scott and Norris are utilized at linebacker. In my view, they are going to let these players grow as opposed to adding another rookie. They have enough options in different looks, and at least for this season have Richard Seymour under the franchise tag. At outside linebacker Howard was given a restricted free agent tender which he finally signed, and Wimbley (Browns) was acquired via trade to offset the loss of Ellis (cut). Alston (Bucs) was also lost in free agency, while Brown was retained. Sam Williams, always a pet of owner Al Davis and a solid special teams contributor, was retained as an unrestricted free agent. I have put these spots together because I really don't see them making a significant move on the outside positions in their front seven. Cable recently announced Scott and Wimbley will be starting outside, and I would assume Howard fits in as the primary backup.
Wide Receiver
Having taken six players over the past three drafts it makes no sense for them to add another rookie, but a veteran presence to pass on a few tricks of the trade should be sought at some point. There is talent and with a little guidance this group can get the job done for years to come. Is it any wonder they signed journeyman Yamon Figurs? Al Davis no doubt still remembers him running a 4.3 at the combine.
