RAIDERS FIRST ROUND DRAFT POLL

Alright, in my previous post the comments had very mixed results based on who the Raiders should draft. I figured a poll can solve our problems.

Here are most of the choices:

Brian Orakpo, DE - he is the best DE in the draft, and is a pure pass rusher. He has great speed and decent strength, so he won't be much of a factor against the run, but can be a Jared Allen type DE.  Derrick Burgess is constantly getting doubled (hence, less sacks), and maybe Orakpo can let defenses play a little more honest.

B.J. Raji, DT/NT - B.J. Raji can play nose tackle in the 3-4 or be an imposing presence in a 4-3 as well. He is in the mold of Vince Wilfork, but is also a better pass rusher. The Raiders rush defense has consistently been among the league worst since the Super Bowl year. We've had good passing years (Collins-Moss), good rushing years (last 2 years), and years with great pass defense (past few years), but never a year with good run defense. Raji can be an instant help and he and Kelly would be a formidable middle.

Michael Crabtree, WR - He is the best offensive prospect in the draft. He is listed as 6-1, but watching him play, you'd be certain he was 6-3 like Larry Fitzgerald. His playing style is near identical to Fitzgerald's. They both have amazing hands, and Crabtree has an uncanny ability (like Fitzgerald) to go up and make catches over defenders time and time again. Neither have blazing speed like Moss. Crabtree has the same potential. The Raiders could really use an offensive weapon other than Zach Miller. Higgins and Schilenz showed promise, and a healthy Walker should be alrite, but a clear cut number 1 receiver would be great.

Andre Smith, OT - In all likelihood, Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe will be gone, but Andre Smith is not far off. While Monroe is the best pass blocker, Andre Smith is by far the best run blocker (Jason Smith has more balance), and with the longest armlength, could probably develop into a top tier pass blocker. A power running team could always use a great run blocking beast like Andre. This would allow us to shift Khalif Barnes to RT, and allow Mario Henderson to back up EITHER side of a line, always a great tool to have. Protecting Russell is always important, and opening holes for McFadden and Bush would make this offense that much better.

Well, unless something crazy happens, these are our top 4 choices (in no order).

In my opinion, I would take Raji, Crabtree, Smith, Orakpo in that order.