Although it’s still early, I think the Raiders will take Michael Oher from Mississippi. Andre Smith and Michael Crabtree will probably be off of the board.

bout that write up! i love football offseason restock my optimism for next year :)

RAIDERS!!!

All the way. I think he is the youngest of all the big time LT’s and the fastest.

I would like if we had to move, move to Pleasanton or Dublin. Close by, a lot of land to build a new stadium and a good environment.

The Raiders first round draft pick is based on more factors this offseason than any previous offseason I can remember. Al Davis is considering bringing in a new “GM” type person, possibly a new head coach with a different personnel philosophy, and etc. Of course, we all know that Al has the last word, but many interviews and statements from Raiders coaches and personnel of old have stated how his decision can be manipulated (usually through reverse psychology.)

The team’s needs seem apparent enough, with the offensive line needing the most help. Other needs seem to be defensive line, wide receiver, safety, and linebacker(?). Personally I am very much against drafting a WR with the 7th overall pick in the draft. Not only have the Raiders invested too much money on the position already, but all of the available WRs are a reach at the 7th spot, Crabtree included.

I’m all for drafting an OT with the pick, but making sure its the right guy. Andre Smith gets a lot of press, but he’s huge! I’m not sure he’ll make it in the NFL as a tackle, he may end up being a guard. Oher, Monroe, and Jason Smith on the other hand seem to have the size/strength/agility combination suited to our current zone blocking scheme.

If instead the Raiders chose to go for a DE, it would likely mean the end of Derrick Burgess’ tenure as a Raider. Burgess has quietly pouted about his contract for two years now, and due to his health and relative ineffectiveness this year, may just get his wish to get out of Oakland. Orakpo and Johnson are certainly physical specimens, but their numbers are a bit of a mystery. Orakpo can claim injury for his, but Johnson may just disappear from the game *cough*Vernon Gholston*cough*. We should look back in the archives and see who was lobbying for that pick…you all don’t get a vote this year. Haha, like I should talk, I was waffling between McFadden and Dorsey for quite a while, but I came around and lobbied for McFadden in the end. Other DE’s may be 1st round potential, but not top 10 potential.

Of course, Al could really throw us all a curve ball and draft someone like Malcolm Jenkins, having decided that if he’s going to pay a CB $10 million, he’ll do it locking up a 21 year old guy for 6 years rather than a 28 year old guy for 1 year. Of course, we’d all prefer that Nnamdi decide he wants to finish his career as a Raider and sign a nice cap friendly long-term deal, but the franchise tag or the boot seems more likely. The only other curveball would be at the LB position with Maualuga or Laurinaitis. Both are great players, but I’d rather the Raiders find a way to steal Jasper Brinkley early in the 3rd round. Same player as those guys, but half the price.

So, all that being said, I have a message for Al Davis: “EUGENE MONROE SUCKS! YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY NOT DRAFT EUGENE MONROE!” (LOL).

I think Michael Oher I was watching the last bowl game and he was doing good!that Crabtree fella wasnt and there will be more receivers in the second and third rounds plus we still need to figure out whats going to happen to Walker!! I say we get our tackle trade away Huff since he hasnt produced and i blame that on the coaching and try to pick up another safety or move Nnamdi up there just some thoughts