Raiders Overall Needs:

1. Left Tackle
- It's simple. Russell is the franchise. He is a player who has a rediculous amount of talent but needs time to be able to make the proper reads and use his golden arm to make plays. If Russell has time, he doesn't need big windows to zip passes into tight zones or go over the top to his receivers. Strong pass protection will provide a much better aid to his development than even a strong number one receiver and most easily allow this offense to start to take off. The draft is loaded with top LT's. However, as evidenced by last years strong first round run on tackles, the raiders would be smart to nab one with the first pick instead of hoping one falls to them in the second round.

2. Wide Receiver
- There will be a strong urge to grab Michael Crabtree if he is available in next years draft. I am a strong advocate of going OT first and even I would possibly not be able to pass on Crabtree. However, Russell would have a hard time getting the ball to any number 1 if not given enough time too. The raiders need to resist this urge and do the smart thing and draft a Tackle first. Russell's development could depend on it.

3. Defensive Tackle
- In terms of need, acquiring a massive DT who can stuff the run might be as important as any other position. However, Russell's development trumps every other priority, so shoring up the OT and WR positions become of greater importance than getting that needed difference maker at DT. If the raiders were smart they would have traded a draft pick for one of the available DT's last offseason- Jenkins, Stroud, Rogers. However, similar opportunities will not be available via trade this offseason. If a WR who can come in and make a difference is not available in round 2 the raiders might be smart to draft a player like Peria Jerry in that spot and look to draft a WR such as Derrick Williams in rd. 3.

4. Defensive End
-If the raiders wisely start to incorporate a 3-4 look next year to generate more of a pass-rush- they might be tempted to grab one of the many available difference making rush ends in next years draft. In a 4-3 look, Burgess, their one true pash rushing threat, is on the decline so an air apparent is needed.

5. Outside Linebacker
- Depending on their defensive philosophy, they could fill this void with a true OLB or a converted DE. Regardless, they need to eventually upgrade the position as Ricky Brown is simply not an adequate starting OLB. Rulon Davis out of Cal might represent a good steal in the 3-4 rd. if they do decide to play a 3-4.