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The
Raiders are in huge trouble. There
is going to be a major
shake-up, the coaching staff
will be all new and there are too many
holes to properly address
through the draft and free
agency. When was the last time a
team needed a starting
quarterback, running back, wide
receiver and left tackle in the
same offseason?
Quarterback: Andrew Walters
did not play very well. The
Raiders have to determine if he
is salvageable, or if trying to
survive behind that offensive
line and with no wide receivers
is possible for any young
quarterback. Walters threw three
times as many interceptions as
touchdown passes and it may be
safe to say the Raiders need a
new direction. Aaron Brooks has
one year left on his contract,
so that provides a little
insurance in the short term to
bring in the young quarterback
of the future if they determine
Walters is not the answer. Both
Brady Quinn and JaMarcus Russell
are available and it will depend
on the coach as to which style
offense they want to run.
Wide
Receiver: Turmoil and drama
followed the WR corps all season
long in Oakland. Jerry Porter
will almost certainly be gone
and it would not come as a
surprise if Randy Moss is sent
packing as well. If that is the
case, the Raiders will have to
pick up another receiver capable
of being No. 1. Ronald Curry and
Alvin Whitted are coming along
nicely, but will never have the
raw skills to be a primary
target.
Offensive Line: The Raiders
offensive line is one of the
worst units in recent memory.
Despite having some talented
players this group has been
terrible and it might be time to
just blow it up altogether.
Guards
Paul McQuistan and Kevin Boothe
are both rookies, and will be
given time to develop for the
organization. If the line
is not addressed early and in
free agency, it will not matter
who is playing quarterback next
year
RB:
LaMont Jordan has been quoted as
saying his career could be over.
If that is the case, the Raiders
are in a bad way at running
back. Justin Fargas is a back-up
at best, and behind the current
line, he has got no chance. Best
hope for Oakland is a healthy
Jordan in 2007. Contingency
plans may be better off
including free agents than a
high draft pick, as some sort of
veteran leadership is needed on
the offensive side of the ball
DT:
The highlight of Oakland’s
season is the emergence and
success of their young defense.
The only weakness in that
defense is the defensive
tackles. Warren Sapp will be 34
next year and is not the player
he used to be. A late-round find
at DT and a solid veteran to add
to the rotation would go a long
way toward having replacements
when Sapp hangs it up.
Notes: In the end, beggars
can’t be choosers and the
Raiders need to take advantage
of the best players available
when they are on the clock this
April, and fill in the rest in
free agency. If Al Davis can
accept building for the future
instead of mortgaging it to win
now, the Raiders can climb out
of the hole they have dug for
themselves
Oakland Raiders Free Agency
Notes: After
scoring only 12 offensive TDs last season, the Raiders need plenty of help on
offense. Even though they are likely to take a QB with the No. 1 pick in draft,
the Raiders still should target a veteran in free agency; Andrew Walter is the
only QB currently on the roster. The most help will be needed on an offensive
line that allowed 72 sacks last season and also struggled in the running game.
Oakland also could have interest in a RB to share the load with LaMont Jordan
and a WR in case the team trades Randy Moss.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS:
QBs Aaron Brooks and Marques Tuiasosopo; OLs Langston Walker, Corey Hulsey and
Chad Slaughter; DBs Derrick Gibson and Duane Starks; WR Alvis Whitted; LB Grant
Irons.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS:
RBs ReShard Lee and Adimchinobe Echemandu; DL Tommy Kelly
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