The Raiders have three glaring needs which have to be addressed come draft day later this month.
The first of which is wide receiver. Last year Johnnie Lee Higgins led all receivers with 22 receptions during the 2008 season. It doesn't get much more abysmal than that. The Raiders are predicted to take either Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree or Missouri's Jeremy Maclin with their 7th overall pick. Darrius Heyward-Bey, who's projected as a late first rounder or possibly early second-rounder, may also be in the runnings. Heyward-Bey ran the fastest 40 of any receiver at the scouting combine, and anyone who's followed the Raiders' trend of drafting speedy receivers knows how important that is to Mr. Davis.
Secondly, the Raiders need some help on their offensive line. Oakland has sorely needed some capable blocking at tackle since they drafted Robert Gallery back in 2003. So far gallery hasn't demonstrated first-round quality for the Raiders, so their need for talent at the tackle position has yet to be fulfilled.
Right now it's looking like Baylor's Jason Smith, Virginia's Eugene Monroe, and Alabama's Andre Smith are the top prospects. By the time the Raiders are on the clock, Jason Smith will most likely have already been picked up. Andre Smith is a controversial choice, and could likely be a detriment to an already troubled and dysfunctional locker room. If the raiders are to move on an offensive tackle at number 7, then Monroe would probably be their guy.
Lastly, after ranking 31st against the run in 2008, it's certain that the Raiders need a big run stuffer on the defensive line. Boston College's B.J. Raji should still be around at number 7 and could step in right away and make an impact for the Raiders.
Another scenario has the Raiders doing the unthinkable, which would be trading down. The Raiders have never traded down in the first round, but this year would be a good time to break that rule. If the Raiders were to trade their 1st round pick to a team like Philly who is looking to trade up, they could almost assuredly pick up a great receiver like Heyward-Bey and a solid DT. Chances are that won't happen, but you never know. This offseason has been very promising and fairly unpredictable where Oakland is concerned.
