
Two areas that the Oakland Raiders do not need to fill with prospects in next week’s draft are quarterback and running back.
JaMarcus Russell will either make or break the organization with his development or lack thereof, Jeff Garcia signed this off-season, giving the Raiders a reliable veteran presence behind their most expensive commodity and Bruce Gradkowski, Andrew Walter and Marques Tuiasosopo bring up the rear for the battle at the bottom of the depth chart.
Garcia knows that Russell has been chosen to lead this team in the near future. And he also knows that he is in Oakland to support and push him in any way to get the best out of his massive potential. The Raiders are in good hands with Garcia if any injuries keep Russell out of the line-up; really the only way the former 49er, Eagle, Brown, Lion and Buccaneer will see action on the field in 2009.
There is no need for the Raiders to even glance at any passers in this draft with the mix of veterans and youth in their crowded quarterback corps.
The same can be said at running back.
Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden and Michael Bush can all stake their claim to getting the majority of the carries on any given Sunday.
Fargas’ durability is always a concern, especially with his reckless style of running. His body takes a pounding every year, and because of this, the Raiders can make the case that keep all three in rotation will be imperative.
McFadden needs to be utilized more as a rusher, and not just a gimmick player. You don’t draft a rusher number four overall and just use him as a change of pace ball carrier.
As for Bush, his performance late in the season versus Tampa Bay opened up eyes and demonstrated what he can do at this level. His size and skill set adds another dimension to this offense.
Fullback may be the only position in the backfield the Raiders will try to improve next week.
Last year, Oakland lost Oren O’Neal for the season with a knee injury, but Tom Cable has stated that he expects him to be ready at the start of camp. With Marcel Reece and Luke Lawton being the only two other fullbacks on the roster, the Raiders may have to add some competition to this unit.
Justin Griffith, released in the off-season, was a steady veteran who understood the zone-blocking scheme and was an outlet for the quarterback on short dump offs. O’Neal is more of bulldozing blocker, so if they do fill the fullback spot in the draft, expect a player with similar attributes to what Griffith had.
PROSPECTS TO WATCH
Will Ta’ufo’ou, FB, California
Big blocker, great work ethic and a leader type. Just the type of player Tom Cable likes. And if they feel O’Neal won’t be ready at the start of camp, this California prospect could be surprise addition to the roster.
Eddie Williams, FB, Idaho
More of the Griffith type with soft hands, good route running and ‘tweener’ skills.
Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist