2008 Oakland Raiders NFL Draft Needs

The last five drafts have been a mess for the Oakland Raiders as they have had four different head coaches have made the picks, all looking to go a different direction with the team. Oakland's defense performed well in 2006-07, so the Raiders spent seven of their 11 draft picks on offensive players last year. Of those 11 picks, the Raiders only saw extensive playing time from three guys. They need to be more successful with pegging players who can step right in and play right away this season to get the ball rolling on this rebuilding project. Jimmy Boyd highlights the 2008 Oakland Raiders NFL Draft needs in this article.

#1 Defensive Tackle

The retirement of Warren Sapp along with a disappointing showing by Terdell Sands, and a serious knee injury to Tommy Kelly, makes this spot a glaring need. LSU's Glenn Dorsey and USC's Sedrick Ellis could be available when the Raiders pick with the fourth overall selection.

#2 Strong Safety

Michael Huff may make the switch from strong safety to free safety in 2008, leaving the Raiders with a hole to fill. It shouldn't be too difficult for the Black and Silver to nab a potential starter in the second round given that team are usually reluctant to choose safeties in the first round, unless they are as talented as Pittsburgh's Troy Polamalu for example. Oklahoma's Reggie Smith could be worth targeting.

#3 Wide Receiver

With top wideout Jerry Porter voiding the remainder of his contract to sign with the Jacksonville Jags, the Raiders need to bring in a speed guy, especially since throwing the deep ball is QB JaMarcus Russell's strength. Oklahoma State's Adarius Bowman, Oklahoma's Malcolm Kelly, Florida's Andre Caldwell, and Cal's DeSean Jackson are the top prospects.

#4 Offensive Tackle

Head coach Lane Kiffin is not content with who he has waiting in the wings here. Starters Barry Sims and Cornell Green are both in the twilight of their careers. If the right player is still left on the board, don't be surprised if Kiffin pounces.

#5 Running Back

The Raiders re-signed Justin Fargas to a multi-year deal after a breakout season. Oakland also has Michael Bush on board. But don't be surprised if the Raiders, a franchise which often looks at the best available player over the need, goes with Darren McFadden with their first round pick if he is still on the board - especially after the success Adrian Peterson enjoyed last year with the Vikes.

Make sure you check out all of Jimmy Boyd's 2008 NFL Draft previews to see what direction your favorite NFL team might be headed in. Also check out our 2008 NFL Mock Draft to see how Jimmy sees the first round shaping up.

April 8th, 2008