FanPost

Raiders current off season position by position outlook

Quarterback

What they have: Carson Palmer is the undisputed #1 in Oakland. He should only be better than what we saw last year in a fairly uncomfortable man under center. Terrelle Pryor will likely still be the third string development project whose name fans will call if we get behind Denver and KC in the division.

What's left to do: Obviously they need a backup quarterback not named Kyle Boller. The Raiders should take a look at bringing Vince Young in as the backup. He is most ready to take on a team as a backup and has the best potential of any of them.

Running Back

What they have: Darren McFadden will be the number one back out of camp. He's on of the best in the NFL when healthy. WHEN is the key word. Second year man Taiwan Jones may be ready to return kicks and provide a change of pace for a handful of plays, but is by no means ready to be the primary backup. Marcel Reece is set as the fullback. Michael Bush and Rock Cartwright are both goners.

What's left to do: There are plenty of options, likely needing a #2 and #4 back. For the #2 spot, Cedric Benson makes the most sense, as he is capable of smashing the ball as the feature back if McFadden goes down. He can just serve his annual suspension while McFadden is healthy. Ryan Torain and Jackie Battle also make a little sense. For the #4/ST running back, Kevin Smith could be an option.

Wide Recievers/Tight End

What they have: Denarius Moore, Jacoby Ford, and Darrius Heyward-Bey will be the top 3 receivers if all healthy. Louis Murphy is sticking around in case one gets hurt. The Raiders really are the deepest here of anywhere on the team. Tight end however is thin. David Ausberry will no likely be the number 2 tight end, with Brandon Myers possibly in the mix. They still need a true, cheap #1 tight end, which could have been Joel Dreessen if he hadn't been snatched up by the Donkeys.

What's left to do: A veteran #5 receiver would be the only need left here. Roscoe Parrish fits the mold of the small but fast receiver, will come cheap, and could act as a mentor to the talented young guns. There are a couple of moderately priced guys that make sense as the tight end. My pick is Visanthe Shiancoe. Shiancoe was productive when he had a decent QB and running game, and he should return to that in Oakland.

Offensive Line

What they have: Jared Veldheer and Stefen Wisniewski are staples on the line for years to come. Many project Joseph Barksdale as the new right tackle for 2012, with Khalif Barnes backing him up. New-comer Mike Brisiel will play right guard. All that's left is a guard to challenge Cooper Carlisle, who returned at a discount. Bruce Campbell and Stephon Heyer (if re-signed) could put the heat on him.

What's left to do: Similar to the signings of Seth Wand, Heyer, and Justin Smiley last year, practice squad depth will likely be added, and that's all. Barry Richardson, Deuce Lutui, and King Dunlap are all players to look out for.

Defensive Line

What they have: Richard Seymour, Tommy Kelly, Lamarr Houston, and Matt Shaughnessy return as the staples of the defensive line for a good pass rush. Depth after that is sparse though, as big John Henderson was cut, and Trevor Scott left for New England.

What's left to do: Depth, depth, and more depth. Antonio Garay seems like a no-brainer to me, as he still has plenty left to offer at his age. Amobi Okaye is a value pick up also. Our buddy Jarvis Moss might return to Oakland as well. Kelly Gregg could be another value pickup if they go to a situational 3-4 alignment.

Linebackers

What they have: To be honest, not much. Rolando McClain has tons of pressure on his back to perform this year, and as of now. he only has Aaron Curry to help him out. I don't think Travis Goethel is anywhere near starting, and the depth is gone as Kamerion Wimbley was cut, and Quentin Groves and Darryl Blackstock are free agents who are likely gone as well.

What's Left to Do: Ernie Sims is a former first round pick and might be worth a look as a sleeper. Curtis Lofton is still unsigned and I'm sorry, we cannot, CANNOT let him get away like we did Tracy Porter. Manny Lawson would also be very very nice. David Hawthorne might be a good depth pickup too. Solutions are out there. Vontaze Burfict could very well be the 3rd round pick for us.

Defensive Secondary

What they have: Ron Bartell and Shawntae Spencer look like the corner tandem at the moment. With Pat Lee, Chimdi Chekwa and DeMarcus Van Dyke as the backups. The safeties seems set with Michael Huff and Tyvon Branch as the starters, and Matt Giordano (if he re-signs) and Mike Mitchell as the backups.

What's left to do: This team still needs a number one corner. Tracy Porter was a big slip, as he could have been that guy. The bad news, unlike linebacker, is there is no corner better than Bartell or Spencer out there. The team is almost stuck with what they have, praying a guy like Brandon Boykin or Cliff Harris fall to them in the draft.

Special Teams

What they have: Jacoby Ford, Shane Lechler, Denaruis Moore, Jon Condo and Sebastian Janikowski

What's left to do: Nothing.

Well, there you have it. Oakland still can improve and have a decent season, although everyone flocking to Denver isn't helping matters.

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