Where the Oakland Raiders stand offensively

March 10, 1:31 AMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

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Now that free agency is in full swing, and eyes are starting to turn towards the draft in April, it is a good time to take a look at where the Oakland Raiders' roster stands as of early March. Today's edition focuses on the offensive side of the ball, and tomorrow will focus on the defense.

Quarterbacks:

Condition: Fair

JaMarcus Russell is the obvious starter, and he showed definite progress late in the 2008 campaign. He had his issues through the season, but really seemed to come on late. Behind him, the Raiders have Andrew Walter and Bruce Gradkowski. Walter has never matured into the quarterback the Raiders had hoped when he was drafted in the third round in 2005. Gradkowski had some moments in Tampa Bay, but was never able to establish himself as more than a back-up.

Moves: Signed Bruce Gradkowski who had been released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Needs: The Raiders could bring in a veteran to mentor Russell, as well as establish himself as a backup. Neither Gradkowski, nor Walter has the resume to mentor the big guy.

Running Backs:

Condition: Strong

This is the strongest position on the Raiders roster, bar none. The Raiders have two year starter Justin Fargas, along with last year's top pick Darren McFadden, as well as Michael Bush. At fullback, they have the combination of Luke Lawton and Oren O'Neal, who was hurt for all of 2008. The Raiders were confident enough in O'Neal's recovery to cute ties with Justin Griffith. The Raiders are also high on Louis Rankin who was an undrafted free agent who impressed in preseason and spent most of the season on the practice squad. The Raiders have the backs to have a dominating run game, as long as they use the different pieces to their best talents.

Moves: Cut FB Justin Griffith

Needs: None

Receivers:

Condition: weak

The Raiders best receiver by far is tight end Zach Miller. Beyond that, the production from the Raiders receiving corps was abysmal. The bright side is that Johnnie Lee Higgins and Chaz Schilens both had late surges that showed promise for the future. Javon Walker was injured for much of the year, but restructured his deal and will be around for another year. It has been reported that the Raiders are talking to Drew Carter about a new deal, after he missed all of last year with an injury, but nothing has come of that.

Moves: Cut Ronald Curry and restructured Javon Walker.

Needs: The Raiders have an injury prone Walker, as well as unproven Higgins and Schilens. Whilst the Raiders seem high on the youngsters for the future, the Raiders need a go to receiver. This could be filled on the free agent market with Mike Furry or Torry Holt, or they may be targeting Michael Crabtree with their top pick.

Offensive Line:

Condition: questionable

The Oakland Raiders offensive line was the biggest weakness on the offense. The line improved when Kwame Harris was benched and Mario Henderson took over. Henderson has the inside track on the left tackle position, but he is not set in stone. The right tackle is also in need of an upgrade, as Cornell Green was terrible. The Raiders added Erik Pears and have Paul McQuistan to compete at right tackle, but could use more competition at tackle. The guard situation is much better with Robert Gallery and Cooper Carlisle. The center position must be addressed with John Wade as the only experienced center on the roster.

Moves: Kwame Harris cut. Cooper Carlisle resigned. Erik Pears signed.

Needs: The Raiders need a center. Alex Mack would be a great pickup in the second round to fill that hole. The Raiders also need to bring in more competition for the tackle position. The Raiders were flirting with Khalif Barnes, but that seems to have fallen through.

Tomorrow... the Defense

SEE ALSO:

• Avoiding quick fixes
• Raiders making all the right moves
• Drama free zone cause for optimism
• Raiders have a young promising offensive core
• Raiders need to build a team on offense
• Beyond Russell, quarterback situation shaky
• Russell is the future
• Bust tag whispered for Russell
• Raiders strong in offensive backfield
• Receivers position of concern
• Receivers not catching on
• Youth is served
• Revamping offensive line priority
• Weak line dooms offense
• Highest prioity positions to upgrade
• Redemption of Robert Gallery
• Opening statement on Raiders draft