Oakland Raiders 2008 NFL Draft Needs

April 15, 2008

The Raiders weren’t much to watch in 2007 as they joined the Chiefs and Broncos as part of dismal AFC West. The Raiders finished up the season at 4-12 and landed the 4th pick in this year’s draft. The team has been pretty busy this offseason bringing in players like CB DeAngelo Hall, WR Javon Walker, FS Gibril Wilson, and T Kwame Harris. So its looks like the Raiders want to win now rather than later. The team did part ways with veteran DT Warren Sapp and WR Jerry Porter. The team seems ready to hand over the reigns to last year’s #1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell, after letting Daunte Culpepper fill in while Russell spent time learning the league and the playbook. There are still some needs that the Raiders will need to address in this years draft. Here is a look at our top 5 needs for the Raiders when they are on the clock.

1. Defensive End

The team is really looking to energize its front 4 on defense end this season. The team is currently sitting on the likes of Tommy Kelly and Derrick Burgess as the starters right now. While Burgess was solid in 2007, they could use an upgrade for Kelly on the left side. With the 4th pick there is a chance the team could land Virginia stud Chris Long or maybe even Ohio State’s Vernon Gholston who continues to climb up draft boards.

2. Defensive Tackle

The need on the d-line doesn’t stop with the ends, as the team was killed up the middle by the run. This is a much-needed upgrade if the team wants to improve on their 4-win season. While the picked up William Joseph in free agency from the Giants, the team could find a Pro Bowler in LSU’s Glenn Dorsey or USC’s Sedrick Ellis

3. Safety

The team definitely upgraded with the signing of Gibril Wilson, but they still could use a solid backup here. The team is still hoping that former first round pick Michael Huff can become the star they were hoping, but he has lacked in making the big plays when given a chance. The team could go after a guy like Iowa’s Charles Godfrey or TCU’s David Roach.

4. Quarterback

With Russell set to take over, and Culpepper still remaining unsigned the team is in great need of a solid backup here. Its not 100% that Russell will be the guy, but he will get every chance to show that he is. With a draft seemingly loaded full of solid future NFL backups, the team could grab a guy like Tennessee Erik Ainge or Miami’s Kyle Wright late in the draft.

5. Wide Receiver/Running Back

Ok we added the running back need only because we know some of you Raider fans are dying to see the team take Darren McFadden with the 4th overall pick, but the truth is the team is loaded at running back and could benefit more from taking a defensive lineman early, and then worrying about receiver than running back later in the draft.

Be sure to continue to check back as we will continue to be bringing you team-by-team draft articles. Also, be sure to check out our first round Mock Draft. Feel free to leave any comments you might have on the draft and each team’s draft needs in our comment box.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Oakland Raiders 2008 NFL Draft Needs

Related Articles

Latest Headlines

Comments

Handicappers

Odds

Sections

Archives

Related Sites

Admin