Raiders Position by Position Evaluation: Offense

Quarterback:
1. JaMarcus Russell
2. Andrew Walter
- The future of this franchise greatly hinges on Russell's development. Right now, he is a little bit behind the curb. However, he has shown flashes and more importantly an ability to manage the game. The question with Russell is not skills- he possesses a cannon arm, quick release, 6-6 frame, decent mobility. Rather, the question is does he have the mental capacity to become the pro-bowl player that many tabbed him to be when he was selected number one overall. He has his doubters, but I say you can't make that judgment until he's given receivers who can catch and linemen who can block. In some respects, Russell has done an admirable job of managing the game and limiting his mistakes. One positive about Russell is his ability to stay level-headed when constantly being assaulted by the other team's pass rush. After watching him in college extensively, I hold the opinion that, if provided with good players around him, he can still develop into a pro-bowl talent.

Runningback:
1. Darren McFadden
2. Justin Fargas
3. Michael Bush
- If Russell is Batman, then Darren McFadden is Robin and the Raiders organization is the helpless city of Gotham looking to be saved by these two. Seriously, emotionally and financially Al Davis and the raiders brain trust (basically Al Davis and a bunch of yes men) have put the fate of the franchise solely on these two super-talent's shoulders and said don't mess up. If one or both were to fail the financial hole the raiders would have dug themselves would be drastic. So Al Davis would be well served to invest in blockers who can open up holes for this speedster to burst through. McFadden possesses the kind of all-around talent that gives an offensive coach the flexibility to use him in a variety of different ways. As a runner he has 4.3 speed while carrying a 6'2 215 frame. When given a seam he shows no hesitation and utilizes a North-South running style to quickly get into the second level. A negative in his running style is his upright running style which could leave him susceptible to big hits. It remains to be seen whether he has the kind of power and patience in his game to truly become an elite back. As a receiver, he possesses excellent hands and the ability to run routes- which makes him a receiving option out of the backfield or split out wide. The biggest area of improvement for McFadden is as a blocker- but he is a hard worker and a selfless athlete and that should come with experience.

Wide Receiver:
1. Ashley Lelie
2. Ronald Curry
3. Chaz Schilens
4. Javon Walker
5. Johnnie Lee Higgens
- This is about as underwhelming a group as it can get in the NFL. You've got a wonderful assortment of a first-round bust (lelie), an over-paid over-the-hill Free Agent signing (Walker), an injury-prone receiver (Curry), and a seventh-round pick rookie (Schilens). Can't hate on Johnnie Lee though, he may not ever become much of a receiver, but boy is he dangerous as a returner. There is not much to analyze about this group because you can pretty much sum it up in 2 words- THEY SUCK. The Raiders need an influx of talent at this position in a big way. Michael Crabtree might be a nice start.

Tight End:
1. Zach Miller
- He is our future Mr. Reliable. Unfortunatly, Russell has not been afforded the necessary time to utilize Miller on a consistent basis. However, Russell has shown flashes of developing a great repoirte with Miller and as this offense begins to develop miller will become the man who controls the middle. He possesses good size, good speed, and excellent hands and route running ability for a tight end.

Left Tackle:
1. Kwame Harris
2. Mario Henderson
- Kwame as the LT equals tons of false starts and sacks. We need to have a better player at this position for the offense to work and Kwame's inability to protect Russell's blindside has undone this offense many agame. Maybe Harris could be serviceable at RT, but as a LT it has become clear that if he is there chances are you are losing the game.

Left Guard:
1. Robert Gallery
-Left-side, Bust-side. Gallery and Harris both represent two former high 1st round pick who simply can't cut it at LT. At least, Gallery is providing average to above average play at LG- but he still represents a sad sight when we could have easily had Larry Fitzgerald instead. Regardless, he can hold down the LG position for the next 2-3 years, and honestly the raiders have bigger fish to fry.

Center:
1. Jake Grove
2. John Wade
- at this point Jake Grove and John Wade are serviceable. However, after other areas are patched up, they should look for a long term upgrade. Jake Grove was expected to anchor the line for the next 8-10 years when he was drafted. However, injuries have derailed his career and at this point he is merely a stop gap. John Wade is simply a journeyman.

Right Guard:
1. Cooper Carlisle
- has been generally reliable and fit nicely into the system how he was expected to when he was signed away from denver. However, he is getting old, and has limitations- so he can only be relied upon for another year or two.

Right Tackle:
1. Cornell Green
- Green is old, not very talented, and needs to be replaced soon. Drafting a left tackle could allow Kwame Harris to slide over to the right side- where he would be more effective. Long-term the raiders would be well-served to replace every member of the offensive line. However, there is a peking order in terms of needs- and sliding Harris over would make RT less of a need. But if the raiders want to be successful on offense a stalwart at tackle is of dire need. Phil Loadholt in the second round looks like the ideal road grader at right tackle.

Offensive Needs:
1. LT
2. WR
3. RT
4. OG
5. OC