OFFSEASON OPTIONS: Wide Receivers & Tight Ends

Wide Receiver:

Depth Chart:
1. Johnnie Lee Higgins
2. Chaz Schilens
3. Drew Carter
4. Arman Shields
5. Ronald Curry
6. Javon Walker
- It is clear the Raiders need a number 1 receiver. The fact that Higgins and Schilens came on at the end of the year is very promising for the future. However, Russell needs a go-to receiver in the near future in order to reach his pro bowl potential. In regards to the draft, all signs point to Missouri WR Jeremy Maclin- or if Michael Crabtree if he was to slip to No. 7 (doubtful). Everybody knows Al Davis loves speed at the WR position and you can bank on Maclin, in that regard, as he is expected to run a low 4.3 forty at the NFL combine next week. I would not disagree with Mr. Davis if he was to select Maclin with the first pick. Forming a trio of Russell- McFadden-Maclin would, at least in theory, form one of the most dynamic young QB-RB-WR combos in the league. However, if this were to happen, the raiders better have a sound plan to put together a competent line to provide protection for Russell and open up holes for McFadden. Personally, I think the safer bet is to use the first three picks to shore up the lines, both offense and defense. However, If Mario Henderson can continue to establish himself as our future LT and Derrick Burgess and Tommie Keely return to old form- picking Maclin would be a lot more justifiable in my mind. If you were betting on who the Raiders were going to take with the first pick in the draft; bet on Maclin.

Tight Ends:

Depth Chart:
1. Zach Miller
- I don't need to spend much time on this position because if their is one person I trust on this offense it is Zach Miller. He may not have bona-fide pro-bowl upside- though I can certainly see a couple possible pro-bowl selections in Miller's future. However, he is clearly Russell's most reliable target and someone who really helps the offense by controling the middle of the field. The raiders would be well served to acquire a strong blocking tight end in order to utilize two tight ends sets, especially if they fail to shore up the OL, in order to give Russell added protection. However, I think if their is one thing you can thank Kiffin for; it was that he accuratly identified Miller as a difference maker in the draft. I, for one, am anxiously waiting to see just how good of a player Zach Miller develops into.