Status report on Oakland Raiders offense

March 25, 3:39 AMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

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Johnnie Lee Higgins is going to be key to the offense's success
Photo by Patrick A. Patterson/TFDSsports.com

 

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The Oakland Raiders have been making moves to shore up their porous offensive line by acquiring offensive tackles Khalif Barnes and Erik Pears and center Samson Satele. However, there are still many more questions hanging over the Raiders offense. This is a good start, but there are still areas to address on the offense. Here is a look at the positions on the offense and what needs remain.

Quarterback:

JaMarcus Russell is the unquestioned starter at this position. Behind him, the Raiders have Andrew Walter who has been less than stellar in his performances and Bruce Gradkowski that the they signed after the Buccaneers cut him. The Raiders would be wise to add a veteran back up if one should become available at a reasonable cost.

Potential Targets: This hole is best left until after the draft. However, at that time if Byron Leftwitch or Jeff Garcia are available, they would be great guys to have on the bench to work with Russell. They are both solid veterans with starting experience who cold help him hone his craft.

Running Backs:

This is the most stable position group on the Raiders. With the young duo of Darren McFadden and Michael Bush the Raiders are set here for years to come. Fullback Oren O'Neal will pave their way. Veteran Justin Fargas who has been the leading rusher for the Raiders for the past two seasons returns to round out a talented group. The Raiders are high on Louis Rankin who spent 08 on the practice squad and also have Marcel Reece as a fullback who was also on the practice squad last season.

Receivers:

Tight end Zach Miller led the team in both catches and receiving yards, and has emerged as one of the best young tight ends in the game. If it wasn't for a late season emergence of Chaz Schilens and Johnnie Lee Higgins, this position would appear to be a wasteland. Javon Walker was hurt for much of last season, and will be returning and hopefully healthy. Beyond those three, they have Arman Shields who was on the injured reserve for all of 2008, Todd Watkins who did not catch a pass in 08, and Jonathan Holland who spent most of the season on the practice squad. The Raiders definitely need some depth at this position badly.

Potential targets: The Raiders could attack this position through the draft with either Micahel Crabtree or Jeremy Maclin in the first round or Hakeem Nicks, Brian Robiskie, or Darius Hayward-Bey in the second round. On the free agent market they could make a move for a solid veteran like Mike Furrey, Torry Holt, or they could go for the former combine wonder in Matt Jones. Of the vets, Jones would seem to have by far the most left in his tank, but the question is whether or not he could stay out of trouble in Oakland.

Offensive line:

Going into the offseason, this was priority one on the offensive side of the ball. The Raiders lost starting center Jake Grove and cut 2008 free agent mistake Kwame Harris. Underachieving right tackle Cornell Green may have gotten his ticket out of town punched with his recent arrest for domestic battery. The Raiders have Mario Henderson returning who played well late in the season at left tackle in relief of Harris. They have added Khalif Barnes and Erik Pears who at least bring competition to the tackle positions. The Raiders also have James Marten and Mark Wilson who will provide depth and competition at tackle. At guard, the Raiders have Robert Gallery who has emerged as one of the top guards. They have the recently resigned Cooper Carlisle at right guard. Paul McQuistan who played well at right tackle in 07 will also be competing for either the right tackle slot or the right guard position. Samson Satele was brought in from Miami to take over for the departed Jake Grove. John Wade and Chris Morris will be pushing for his spot.

Potential targets: If either Eugene Monroe or Michael Oher fall to the Raiders they may just make that pick. Andre Smith's stock plummeted after his poor combine showing and questions about his work ethic. Also, despite the acquisition of Satele, if one of the top centers, either Max Unger or Alex Mack fall to the Raiders at 40, it would not be surprising to see the Raiders make that pick. After making moves on the free agent market for Pears and Barnes, as well as the trade for Satele it is unlikely the Raiders reach further into free agent along the line.