Oakland Raiders Draft Preview

Al Davis, new coach Lane Kiffin, and the Oakland Raiders organization find themselves with the first pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, and when the draft officially begins on April 28th, the Raiders will start it off on the clock. Will JaMarcus Russell be the first player whose name is called by Roger Goodell? Or will it be Calvin Johnson?

Raiders Draft Picks

1st round- Pick #1

2nd round- Pick #33

3rd round- Pick #65

3rd round- Pick #99

4th round- Pick #100

5th round- Pick #138

5th round- Pick #165

6th round- Pick #175

7th round- Pick #211

7th round- Pick #254

Raiders Top Draft Needs (with round which it should be addressed)

1. Quarterback- 1st round
The Oakland Raiders won't get too far until they are solid at the quarterback position. Aaron Brooks was horrendous in his 1-year stint in Oakland, and while Andrew Walter is not horrendous, he is not the future of the Oakland Raiders. Walter would be a better quarterback with a better supporting cast, but it still may be a few years until they have that, and when they do, Walter isn't going to be their guy. It's best they get their guy now, and that guy is JaMarcus Russell. It would be a big surprise if the Raiders went a different route with the first pick, unless the Raiders find another way to get a quarterback, although it seems quite unlikely David Carr will come to Oakland. Plus, we all watched David Carr get beat up behind Houston's troubled offensive line as the team is still trying to become a contender, but Oakland wouldn't be much of a step up for Carr. If they are going to get their franchise quarterback, that should be the route of their first pick, and JaMarcus Russell has all the ability to make challenging throws, has the strong arm Al Davis loves, and has enough mobility to make plays even with a troubled offensive line.

2. Wide Receiver- 1st-2nd round
There is still that possibility that the Raiders go with Calvin Johnson with the first pick, but unless they go elsewhere in finding a quarterback, there's no way the Raiders should go Johnson over Russell. Wide receiver must be addressed on day one however, because it is a huge need for the Raiders. Randy Moss' future is in question, Jerry Porter's future is in question, and who do they have behind that? An assortment of third or fourth string receivers at best in Ronald Curry, Doug Gabriel, Johnnie Morant, and Alvis Whitted. With a strong group of receivers, there may be a very worthy guy at the 33rd pick.

3. Offensive Tackle- 2nd-3rd round
Robert Gallery has been a bust, and the Raiders have a big hole at right tackle after the loss of Langston Walker. Joe Thomas isn't an option at the first pick, but in the second and third round, offensive linemen, especially at the tackle position, should be heavy on their mind. They are going to need to put a heavy impact on their offensive line if they want any quarterback to succeed in their offense, because JaMarcus Russell is a great quarterback, but he isn't God.

4. Defensive Tackle- 3rd-4th round
With Warren Sapp's career nearing an end, they need to bring in a big tackle to replace him. They should be able to find a defensive tackle in the third or fourth round to fill the gap.

5. Guard- 3rd-4th round
Offensive tackle is probably their biggest need on the offensive line, but they could use help all along the line, so they should bring in at least three linemen in the draft.

Pick Watch

1st round- Pick #1-

Ideal Pick: JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU- There's no question here. They need a quarterback, and Russell is the premier quarterback in the draft. Calvin Johnson makes you think twice, but this pick comes down to the fact that they lack their franchise quarterback, and Russell has that type of ability.

2nd round- Pick #33-

Ideal Pick: Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU- Bowe would be a steal in the second round, but with all the talent in this year's draft, there is a possibility he could fall to the second round, and if Bowe is there for the Raiders at 33, there should be no hesitation. The best thing to do for JaMarcus Russell would be to hook him up with his favorite target from LSU and Bowe is a definite steal in the 2nd round.
Watch out for: Justin Blalock, G/T, Texas- Blalock is a first-round possibility for sure, but if no one snaps up Blalock in the first, he would be a great selection for the Raiders in the second round. He presents good versatility as he could play either guard position or right tackle, and as quite possibly the third-best lineman in the draft, would be a good value here.

3rd round- Pick #65-

Ideal Pick: James Marten, OT, Boston College- There is a very strong possibility Marten goes in the second round, but if Marten is still available in the third round, he would be a great pickup for the Raiders, as a guy who can play tackle or guard and is a very capable lineman to help rebuild the line. Super Steal: Arron Sears, OT, Tennessee- If by chance Sears falls to the 3rd round, the Raiders shouldn't have any trouble making their selection here. Sears could make an instant impact as a tackle or guard who will likely be gone by the third round, but there is a possibility for a fall.
Watch out for: Craig Davis, WR, LSU- As is the case with Bowe, Russell is familiar with Craig Davis from their days of college ball, and if they can't get Bowe in the second round, Davis may be the best pick if available in the third round.

3rd-4th round- Picks #99-100

Impact Pick: Marcus Thomas, DT, Florida- Thomas was at one point a first-round possibility, but after being suspended and later kicked off the Gators squad due to drug problems, Thomas is not considered a likely first-rounder. But with the last pick of the first day and the first pick of the second day, the Raiders may just go ahead and take their chances on Thomas. There is definitely a big risk with Thomas, but the rewards could be great if he performs up to his ability.
Watch out for:
- Paul Soliai, DT, Utah- Soliai is a giant, but he is very raw and hasn't shown to be much of a pass rusher. Regardless, the Raiders may just take their chances on this gigantic (6-4, 344) run-stuffer, a native of American Samoa.
- Quincy Black, OLB, New Mexico- The Raiders could use an upgrade over Sam Williams at outside linebacker, and Quincy Black is a fantastic athlete and a great value at this point in the draft. Black may just be too good to pass up for the Raiders if he is available here.

Late-Round Guys to Watch For

- Gabe Hall, OT, Texas Tech- Hall could be picked as early as the third or fourth round after his great combine performance, but there's a good chance Hall will still be available in the fifth round and if he is he could be a great selection for the Raiders.
- Yamon Figurs, WR, Kansas State- The Raiders lack an impact kick returner, and in drafting the combine's fastest player, they would undoubtedly end up with a guy with great returner potential and a possibility to contribute at receiver as well.

Raiders fans, what do you think? Respond on the BringTheBlitz community forum.