2011 Oakland Raiders Draft Needs
Written by Steve Janus
The Oakland Raiders finished the 2010 NFL season third in the AFC West at 8-8, their first season at .500 or better since they went 11-5 in 2002. The Raiders most impressive stat was the fact that they went 6-0 in the division, but their struggles against the rest of the league, made them the first team to miss the postseason after winning all their division games. The Raiders got big contributions from their 2010 draft class, especially from their first round pick of linebacker Rolando McClain. Raiders also found a starting left tackle in Jared Veldheer. starting right guard in Bruce Campbell, and a very solid defensive end in Lamar Houston, who had five sacks as a rookie. One challenge facing the Raiders in 2011, is they don’t have a first round pick, so they are going to have to really make sure they pick wisely. Here is a look at the five positions the Raiders need to address in the 2011 NFL draft. For more on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL Mock draft.
Cornerback: With the likely departure of Pro Bowl cover corner Nnamdi Asomugha, the Raiders have a glaring hole opposite of Stanford Routt. With a ton of talent at the corner position, the Raiders should be able to find some help with either their second or third round pick. One possibility is Virgina’s Rashard Carmichael, who should be available in the second round.
Guard/Center: With Robert Gallery will not be back at left guard, and right guard Cooper Carlisle likely won’t start again. Center Samson Satele also isn’t thought of too highly, leaving the Raiders with some glaring holes in the interior. You can all but guarantee Oakland will be addressing this situation at some point in the draft, and I could easily see them making multiple picks to help sure up what is arguably their biggest weakness heading into the 2011 season.
Wide Receiver: Tight end Zach Miller led the Raiders in receptions, yards and touchdowns with just 60 catches for 685 yards and five touchdowns. Oakland hasn’t had much luck in recent drafts with Darrius Heyward-Bey and Jacoby Ford, so getting help here is a must. Oakland could go after San Diego State’s Vincent Brown or Miami’s Leonard Hankerson with their first pick.
Right Tackle: The Raiders had hoped Campbell would be the answer at one of the tackle spots, but he seems to be much better suited at guard. Veldheer was a big surprise at left tackle, but their is still a big hole at the right tackle spot. Langston Walker was the starting right tackle in 2010, but is getting up their in age, and it wouldn’t take much to find an upgrade who can help this team right away. Oakland could go after a guy like James Carpenter in the fourth round, who started two seasons at left tackle at Alabama.
Quarterback: It appears as though the Raiders are set on bringing back Jason Campbell as their starter, and while they like his strong arm, he is in no way the long-term solution. The quarterback class isn’t all that impressive, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the Raiders decided to not take a quarterback despite the need, and instead add a veteran in free agency and go after help at safety or outside linebacker.
Individual NFL Team Mock Drafts
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