2008 Oakland Raiders NFL Draft Needs

June 9, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

The Raiders only managed to double their two-win total from 2006 up to 4 wins in 2007. Lane Kiffin’s job was suppose to be in jeopardy, but several of the players, most of whom are older than Kiffin, have bought into his system and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. That means his job is secure for at least one more season in an effort to finally get this organization turned around. They have already made some big moves in free agency, and now it’s up to the 2008 NFL Draft to enhance the talent on this roster.

2008 Oakland Raiders NFL Draft Needs:

1.) Defensive Tackle

The Raiders were consistently gutted against the run last season, finishing 31st in the league in rushing yards allowed. Tommy Kelly moved to defensive end before tearing his ACL, and Terdell Sands was a bust after signing a lucrative new deal with the team. Warren Sapp has retired, and Gerald Warren can’t be counted on for the long haul. Oakland loves its young linebackers, but they must be protected up front to better maximize their potential. If the Raiders don’t take a DT with their first pick, it would be a big blow to their run defense in 2008.

2.) Safety

The Raiders haven’t drafted a truly productive safety since Stacey Toran in 1984. Former first-round pick Michael Huff hasn’t made the big players that were expected, and Stuart Schweigert was benched for Hiram Eugene last season.

3.) Offensive Tackle

The Raiders offensive line surrendered 72 sacks in 2006 and the blocking obviously had to improve last year. The Raiders could stand an upgrade at both OT spots, as Barry Simms, Cornell Green and Paul McQuistan are hardly viewed as difference-makers. Former No. 2 overall pick Robert Gallery looks best suited at the guard position where his size and strength would be much more effective.

4.) Wide Receiver

Starters Ronald Curry and Jerry Porter are two of the worst WR’s in the league as far as starters are concerned. Porter has been in the dog house for 2 years now and Curry is not a No. 1 guy. Picking up Javon Walker will definitely help the Raiders here if he can recover from a season-ending injury last year. Adding another option on the outside would be crucial to the Raiders depth at this position. Another playmaker on the outside would only help young QB JaMarcus Russell grow as a play caller.

5.) Cornerback

This position could be a bigger need in Oakland depending on what happens with stud free agent Nnamdi Asomugha. Even if he decides to stay, an infusion of talent to compete with Stanford Routt and Fabian Washington would be a luxury to have.

2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Offensive Scheme:

Lane Kiffin was after the balance he had at USC, but only saw it in small spurts. The team took a zone-blocking expertise of OL coach Tom Cable and quickly committed to a downhill running game that favors a back with one-cut-and-go approach to the game. The Raiders tend to get QB’s out of the pocket and throwing on the run to create mismatches downfield. JaMarcus Russell should be perfect for this role in 2008. Now the Raiders just have to Draft a few other players that will fit their offensive scheme. RB Darren McFadden of Arkansas could be called as the No. 4 overall pick in Oakland if they don’t get a defensive tackle. WR DeSean Jackson of Cal and WR Josh Morgan of Va Tech could help the passing game. OT Oniel Cousins of UTEP, OT Tyler Polumbus of Colorado and OLG Donald Thomas of Uconn would help shore up this shaky offensive line.

2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Defensive Scheme:

Roy Ryan uses many different formations and likes to keep offenses guessing. The Radiers didn’t’ bring pressure in 2007 like they have in the past, preferring to keep their LB’s and secondary more focused on coverage. They run primarily a 4-3 scheme but have been known to use rover safety in 4-2-5 looks. The Raiders will be looking to draft versatile players on Draft Day that can fit the mold of all the formations they like to run. DT Marcus Harrison of Arkansas and DT Pat Simms of Auburn might be around long enough if the Raiders go with McFadden in their first-round pick. CB Charles Godfrey of Iowa, CB Tracy Porter of Indiana, CB Darnell Thomas of Missouri and FS David Roach of TCU could help their secondary in the depth department.

Related Articles You May Be Interested In: