Can Oakland get back on track?

By Brad Wilbricht  |   Saturday, January 24, 2009  |  Comments( 23 )

Oakland Raiders
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The Oakland Raiders have suffered several setbacks in recent years and have become the laughingstock of the NFL. Given the franchise’s recent problems in the draft and overpaying incoming free agents, will the Raiders ever get back on track?

The Raiders’ front office has focused on acquiring offensive playmakers via the draft in the past two years, selecting quarterback JaMarcus Russell and running back Darren McFadden with the team's last two first-round picks.

While the jury is still out on both players, they boast extreme potential but also must avoid being the next mishaps in a series of mistakes made by the Raiders. Russell has one of the strongest arms in the NFL, but how far will that get him? Oakland owner Al Davis has historically become enamored by unnecessary attributes rather than intangibles that certain players have shown on the playing field.

Last year, Davis was unable to pass up the raw speed and athleticism that McFadden displayed entering the draft. McFadden put forth an excellent showing at the scouting combine and was taken with the fourth pick in the draft despite an already crowded Raiders backfield that included Justin Fargas and Michael Bush.

In 2009, Oakland is picking in the top 10 of the draft for the fourth consecutive year and needs to capitalize on yet another high selection. As it stands, the Raiders could be best suited drafting a wide receiver to complement Russell and McFadden on offense. Missouri's Jeremy Maclin would provide Oakland with an instant game-breaker on the perimeter, something the team has lacked for several years.

Texas Tech wideout Michael Crabtree would be Oakland's first choice of receivers in this year’s draft class, but he’ll almost certainly be off the board at pick No. 7. If Oakland passes on Maclin, Florida's Percy Harvin could be an option; however, he looks to be a stretch that early in the draft.

Regardless of which prospect the Raiders end up with, he'll be expected to provide immediate help to a franchise that has floundered most of the decade.
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About Brad Wilbricht

Brad Wilbricht covers numerous sporting events including the NFL, NFL Draft and college football. His analysis is simulcast through several media outlets across the country. Additionally, Brad is a regular guest on a variety of talk radio shows and can be frequently heard on the airwaves. To...
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