OFFSEASON OPTIONS: Quarterback & Runningback

QUARTERBACK:

PROJECTED STARTER: JAMARCUS RUSSELL
- In 2009 Russell needs to start to put it all together and begin to evolve into the pro-bowl caliber QB Al Davis envisioned him to be. It is apparent that JaMarcus possesses one of the best skill sets of any QB in the league. However, some question his intelligence and ability to read defenses. Those questions remain unanswered, but he generally did a good job last year of not turning over the football while not having adequate protection and receiving options. I firmly believe he will take off as a starter once he is given time and receiving options.

DRAFT & FA OPTIONS:
- Andrew Walter, the teams primary backup, has some starting experience. The raiders might be well served to add a veteran in FA. However, the Raiders have too many holes on their team to waste even a late round pick on a QB.

RUNNINGBACK:
PROJECTED STARTER: DARREN MCFADDEN
- In reality, next year will be more of a RB by committee due to the fact that the raiders have three capable RB's; Michael Bush and Justin Fargas are the other two. However, McFadden is the big play man who Al Davis envisioned as the next Bo Jackson. In his rookie season, McFadden was hampered by injuries, so staying healthy will be the first step towards having a big year. The fact is, the Raiders need to become more dynamic and explosive on offense and unleashing a healthy McFadden is the easiest way to accomplish this. I think Michael Bush will begin to assert himself as the number 2 option at runningback next season. His 177 yrd. 2td performance at the end of the year certainly left a strong impression. Fargas can be a starting RB when called upon. However, his running style is such that he only has one or two good more years left until is body begins to completely break down. The Raiders would probably be well served to see if they can trade away him and his contract. At best, they would only receive a 4th round pick for him.

DRAFT & FA OPTIONS:
- If Fargas is traded away, then the raiders would be smart to bring in a cheap FA back because the raiders have seen that their running back depth can quickly deteriorate throughout the course of a season. Again, RB is not a position we should be wasting picks on in the draft.