Oakland Raiders Team Needs (2007 Draft)

Posted on 2007/02/04 23:19:50 (February 2007).

After suffering through a 2-14 season (and 13-51 record over the past four seasons), Oakland is in need of a lot of help at the skill positions. Despite their record and the heavy time spent on the field Oakland's defense was ranked in the top three in passing yards yielded (#1) and total yards yielded (#3). It should be no surprise then that most of the Raiders' needs show up offensively:

Offensive Line: Before you scream that Oakland needs a Quarterback, rest assured in the fact that I know that. The stronger fact is, however, that Oakland's offensive line saw three different QBs take snaps, and all of them were ineffective. Oakland barely managed 10 points per game (worst in the league), was held under 250 yards per game (worst in the league), passed for 151 yards per game (second worst in the league), while controlling the ball for a fourth-worst 28 minutes per game. Oakland QBs completed just 54% of their passes (3rd worst), for 178 yards per game (3rd worst), threw only 7 TDs (barely half as many as the second worst team in the NFL), and were one off the league lead for most INTs thrown with 24. Factor in 72 sacks (ahead of second place Detroit by 9 and 3rd place Cleveland by 18) and Oakland almost couldn't have played worse offensively. Successful offenses begin in the trenches, and with the loss of Langston Walker, Oakland will need to refill at least one position along the front five. I would love to see Oakland try and fill a spot immediately via free agency, but loading up with a one or a pair of offensive linemen from the draft would be a great move. Tony Ugoh or Tim Duckworth, both projected by many as a mid-rounder, would be solid pickups for Oakland in round 3, while Ben Grubbs might be a good bet for a 2nd round pick.
Returning: Robert Gallery, Paul McQuistan, Jake Grove, and Kevin Boothe as starters and Barry Sims and Chad Slaughter as competent backups.

Quarterback: I cannot blame all of the struggles on the offensive line. Aaron Brooks was fragile, but seemed to have a modicum of success offensively, but he is aging, erratic passing the ball, and is owed a hefty sum of money ($5m roster bonus if he is still on the roster in March). Backup Andrew Walter, previously thought by some to be the future savior of the team, had one of the least impressive seasons for an Oakland QB in some time (3 TDs to a whopping 13 INTs). Career backup Marques Tuiasosopo did nothing in his limited time. Oakland needs a quarterback who does not panic in the pocket and can run if need be. A strong arm is always a plus, as Randy Moss and Jerry Porter can stretch the field. The USC offense, which Oakland will vaguely resemble, requires an accurate passer, and Brady Quinn is certainly all of the things Oakland needs. He should be the team's #1 draft choice.
Returning: Probably one or two of the following: Aaron Brooks (almost certainly at a reworked contract if he does return), Andrew Walter, Marques Tuiasosopo (Free Agent who knows the system well, will not get a chance to start anywhere else).

Running Back: From 2005 to 2006, LaMont Jordan had one of the biggest dropoffs for a RB in recent memory. After totaling 1600 yards and 11 scores in 2005, Jordan was seldom-used in the passing game, ineffective running the ball, and frequently injured. He finished with barely 500 yards and two scores. Justin Fargas had the most productive season of his brief career, finishing with 750 yards but just one score. The quick-footed Fargas finished the season with his two best rushing games, a 90 and a 79-yard effort, both in losses. The problems with these duos are numerous. Fargas missed 12 games over his first three seasons and struggled through injuries again last year while Jordan has broken down in both of his seasons as the featured runner. For the second straight season, Jordan was on the sidelines while his team struggled to finish out the season (Oakland has lost at least 7 consecutive games to close the season in both of those years). I could easily imagine Oakland keeping one, but not both, of these runners, as either seems ideal for a shared workload. I would love to see Oakland pick up a quality compliment back in the middle rounds of the draft. Louisville's Kolby Smith has the size (5-11, 215), hands (24 catches as a senior), and experience in a pro style offense to make him an immediate contributor as a complimentary back. For very different reasons, Chatanooga's Eldra Buckley (speed and elusiveness) and Houston's Jackie Battle (size and strength) both intrigue me as a late pick.

Returning: Probably one of the following: LaMont Jordan (due a $4.75m roster bonus), Justin Fargas.

Wide Receiver: Randy Moss was still considered by man to be a top three WR entering 2006. I cannot imagine many ranking him in the top five this season, and even the top 10 would be a stretch for a guy with Moss's mileage (because of recent injuries, he is an old 30 as of February), dreadful attitude, and with his lackluster performance (42 catches, 3 scores). Oakland's #2 WR caught one pass in 2006 after a falling out with Head Coach Art Shell. The Raiders' #3 and #4 WRs are solid, with Ronald Curry and Doug Gabriel manning those spots, but I can't imagine both of them returning next season. This means that Oakland needs some young blood that can stretch the field and is not afraid to go across the middle. The WR position is pretty deep this season. USC's Steve Smith and Notre Dame's Rhema McKnight (the Raiders have had some success with Irish WRs in the NFL) intrigue me as a later pick; they seem pretty complete receivers except for that second gear you'd like to see. If Oakland spends a pick early on a WR, they could be picking #33, and some very good players could be available. Robert Meachem could be an interesting selection at that point.
Returning: Not more than three of the following: Randy Moss (currently being mentioned in trade talks), Jerry Porter (likely returning), Ronald Curry, Doug Gabriel.

Defensive Tackle: Warren Sapp had his best season since 2000, but he isn't getting any younger. Oakland could do well for themselves if they pick up a young, hardworking player who could develop into a starter or a solid backup in a couple of seasons. Without trying to sound like a Notre Dame fan, I would love to see Derek Landri (7.0 sacks in 2006) come in a later round to Oakland.

I enjoyed your analysis.

I'm curious that you did not mention why the Raiders should not select JaMarcus Russell, as he has emerged as the likely no. 1 pick (at least according to the redoubtable Mel Kiper, Jr.). I hope your Notre Dame bias has not clouded your analytical abilities.

Also, Doug Gabriel was traded mid-season to the Patriots, who then released him a few weeks later.

Posted by Oscar at 2007/02/08 19:23:58.

Doug Gabriel was re-signed by Oakland in week 15. He finished with 5 catches (all went for first downs) and 84 yards. He knows the offense well and does not have a contract so he might well want to stick around in Oakland and the interest may well be mutual.

I will do a mock draft along with my thoughts about each position. Why not JaMarcus Russell? Because one game does not make your career. Nor does being a large man with a strong arm. The following sites have Quinn as the #1 QB:

NFL Draft Countdown
.NET
Draftdaddy
ESPN.com

If you google the situation, all but one web site on the first page has Quinn as the top prospect. Oakland should take him. Does that mean Oakland will take him? No.

Posted by Travis at 2007/02/08 23:35:24.

Well-rebutted, my friend; your sports mastery outdoes me once again.

Posted by Oscar at 2007/04/18 19:56:55.

Free prescription with your order, FedEx overnight shipping: http://BuyTramadolOnline.Ws

Posted by Buy online pharmacy at 2007/08/30 03:05:24.

piejya obcymqpsu yljnusrdo quyrgol chybpgmxl rehgnawu mpidebug

Posted by phesvd jdlqnw at 2007/12/09 10:29:54.

olczvtih jxfchdpz dphv wdjbgacrf oapfqdg xejli lyfvimncb http://www.ahdofrvu.gluoidkwy.com

Posted by lisfpod qrbzsj at 2007/12/09 10:30:26.

nlvj nzma wmjqads ndjfai qkhrlc qovetjay xbwrequfj [URL=http://www.aegqdsc.eunfio.com]zgre odtbrm[/URL]

Posted by rozquth hpwoe at 2007/12/09 10:33:32.

nlvj nzma wmjqads ndjfai qkhrlc qovetjay xbwrequfj [URL=http://www.aegqdsc.eunfio.com]zgre odtbrm[/URL]

Posted by rozquth hpwoe at 2007/12/09 10:33:44.

kiynph banxgjkz vpodchmr ihmv tzeun ekmtja jken [URL]http://www.ycgat.vfihbdlm.com[/URL] xhzcygnu hrsf

Posted by udvrhn rhglndzat at 2007/12/09 10:34:42.

Hello! Good Site! Thanks you! irfwmigvfjpxw

Posted by ymulcubnep at 2008/02/06 01:18:51.

Very nice site!
[url=http://c.1asphost.com/topfarm7/915.html]cheap cialis[/url]

Posted by Pharm93 at 2008/02/26 07:33:51.

Very nice site!
[LINK http://c.1asphost.com/topfarm7/867.html]cheap tramadol[/LINK]

Posted by Pharm93 at 2008/02/26 07:33:52.

Very nice site!
http://c.1asphost.com/topfarm7/251.html

Posted by Pharm93 at 2008/02/26 07:33:53.

Very nice site!

Posted by Pharm93 at 2008/02/26 07:33:54.

Hi webmaster!

Posted by Kazelyex at 2008/05/11 04:27:44.

Post a comment