Oakland Raiders Off Season To Do List: Replacing a Legend
By Editorial Staff
Oakland Raiders off Season Check List
2011 Outcome (8-8)
Wow….even without Al David the Raiders organization is allergic to stability. Another coach axed after 1 season. I am not going to say Hue Jackson is the end all of coaches but their next coach needs some time. Raiders did a smart thing by hiring Reggie McKenzie to be their General Manager. He should bring a more stable franchise. The Raiders have talent and now just need to play up to their ability. That being said it is a shame that an NFL legend has passed and it is hard to think of the Oakland Raiders without their leader, Al Davis.
Coach Seat Temperature
Raiders just hired Rick Allen to be their HC. Allen was currently the Broncos DC and a year before that he was the Saints Secondary Coach. This hire is risky. Allen is an up and coming coach but it is unknown if he is ready. The NFL is filled with ex-coaches who were promising but not ready. It is unclear if he will make the Raiders a 3-4 or 4-3 defensive team.
2011 Draft Class Rating (B-)
Year 2 will determine a more accurate grade on this group. Stephen Wisniewski appears to have Pro Bowl talent at either OG or C. Van Dyke and Chekwa appeared lost at CB so year 2 is very important. Joseph Barksdale was basically RS in his rookie season but is an early favorite for the RT spot. Denerius Moore is a major steal at WR and has #1 WR potential. All other players have potential but need more seasoning.
2010 Draft Class Rating (B+)
This class was one of the better drafts in recent memory. McClain is a major talent at MLB. LeMarr Houston should excel once they move to the 3-4 defense. Jared Veldheer is one of the better young Left Tackles in the NFL. Bruce Campbell is expected to be the starting LG next season. Jacoby Ford is a major weapon who needs to stay healthy next season.
2009 Draft Class Rating (C)
Derrius Heyward Bey is starting to turn the corner. He is showing major talent and appears to be mastering the position. Mitchell was a horrible miss in the 2nd Round. Matt Shaugessy is a good DE but does not appear to be a good fit in a 3-4 defense. The rest was classic reaches that will be out of the NFL soon.
Current Needs
Offense: TE, OL
Defense: NT, OLB, CB
Current FA
Michael Bush: Bush is a solid complement to McFadden. Bush has solid hands and is a bruising runner. Problem is his lack of speed exposes him as a full time starter and will probably be over paid by another team.
Marcell Reese: One of the few Full Backs who is a real threat as a runner and receiver. Raiders should make Reese a priority this off season.
Samson Satele: Satele is a solid Center who the Raiders should resign. Wisniewski could slide over but than would leave a hole at an already thin OG group.
Tyvon Branch: Branch is a very solid SS who excels in the box. He is a thumper but has some struggles in pass coverage…still the Raiders need to resign this guy since there is no replacement on this team and the Raiders lack draft picks.
Current Mock
3. Alemeda Ta’Amu (Projected Supp Pick) NT Washington