Argument for an Oakland Raiders offensive first round draft pick

April 17, 2:15 AMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

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The Raiders may get help for Russell's success
Photo by Patrick A. Patterson/TFDSsports.com

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Yesterday, it was time to talk about why the Oakland Raiders will be going defensive, specifically defensive line with their top pick. Today, it is time to look at the other side fo the coin and look at the rationale would be behind the Raiders going offensive with that same number seven pick.

JaMarcus Rusell also known as the Future of the Franchise is entering his third year, and that is considered the year of truth for young quarterbacks. If he isn't making strides this coming season, the whispers of "bust" will become a shouting chorus. With this in mind, the Raiders will use their top pick to help ensure that Russell has the best chance of success. No quarterback can have success without the correct pieces around him.

The Raiders do have a talented young core on offense surrounding Russell, but the Raiders could easily decide that they need to add another piece to that puzzle. That could be in the form of a wide receiver such as Jeremy Maclin or Micahel Crabtree, or it could be one of the Tom Cable's "Cadillac" offensive tackles such as Michael Oher or the risky Andre Smith.

Both Johnnie Lee Higgins and Chaz Schilens emerged late in the season to show that they had the potential to be important targets for Russell. Javon Walker's restructured contract guarantees that he will be in the Silver and Black for the next two years. Arman Shields is waiting in the wings to show what he can do after missing his rookie season with injury. However, the potential for injury to Walker as well as uncertainty about how well Higgins and Schilens would be over the long haul, could lead the Raiders to go for that stud receiver that they feel is the sure thing.

In 2008, the Raiders had Justin Fargas, Michael Bush, LaMont Jordan, and Dominic Rhodes on the roster, but they still went ahead and drafted Darren McFadden with the fourth pick, because they wanted to add that dynamic playmaker to turn up the octane of the offense. It would stand to reason that if the Raiders see Crabtree or Maclin in the same light as McFadden, that they would pull the trigger.

The other choice the Raiders could make would be to grab the best offensive tackle on the board at the time of the pick. Mario Henderson was solid after taking over for the benched Kwame Harris, but he was slow to blossom, and there are questions on how he would be able to handle himself as the full time starter. They also brought in Khalif Barnes to challenge Henderson, with the loser probably going over to the right side. However, Barnes was only brought in on a one year deal, which means that the Raiders did not likely see a long term answer with him.

This means that it would not be surprising to see Oher become a Raider if he is on the board. Despite Coach Tom Cable praising Andre Smith's play, his off-field problems show that he may not fit with the attitude that Cable is trhying to instill in the team. But, that does not mean that Al Davis won't take a chance on him.