The Richest Team in History

They went from punishing teams to the point where they were seen as dirty to losing so badly that the oft-used cliche: «The Laughing Stock Of The League» was theirs from appx 2005 — present. In fact, during the past several years there was a little talk that their performance had gotten so bad that the team wouldn’t be able to support itself and would have to relocate and start over again.

I predicted last year that Oakland was finally on the rise. I saw flashes of promise in the Raiders’ defense last year. They didn’t dominate by any means, but they have good enough players that if they were to come together and play as a team they could be counted amongst the top 10 defenses in the NFL.

I have no clue what the Raiders were thinking when they threw a load of cash at Tommy Kelly. Defensive linemen aren’t known for massive paychecks, and when I heard Tommy Kelly was resigned to a $50 million deal I had to ask myself, «Who is Tommy Kelly…?» This deal was astronomical and it was forked up to a player who, sadly, didn’t deserve it. I can promise you that the Raiders will pay dearly for this in a few years when the production doesn’t come close to the pay this man is claiming, because the money squandered on Kelly could have been used to fortify a position that’s suffering. Instead it was wasted. Who is Tommy Kelly?…the envy of all the the Dwight Freeneys, John Hendersons, and Osi Umenyioras of the league. Aside from this gaffe, the Raiders have given fans reason to look forward to a positive season.

Nnamdi Asomugha may be getting some help this year. The Raiders are working on a deal with the Falcons that will give them Deangalo Hall. Hall ranks among the elite corners throughout the NFL. This move, along with the signing of Gibril Wilson (former safety of the Giants) plus Michael Huff, who’s performed solidly for the Raiders for the last two years, is sure to make the defensive backfield of Oakland a formidable one. Warren Sapp retiring is upsetting, of course, but in the long run it may have been the best thing that could have happened to Oakland’s line. Don’t get me wrong, Warren Sapp is sure to go to the Hall of Fame but he was no longer the Warren Sapp we’ve come to know and love. I do not think Terdell Sands will convince anyone that he deserves the position. Defensive tackle will be addressed in the draft this year.

The offense is, in my opinion, the Raiders’ most pressing concern and the Raiders definitely addressed it by signing Javon Walker and Drew Carter. Jamarcus Russell is still learning and is only going to improve with experience; but signing Javon gives Jamarcus’ arm strength a chance to shine. Javon can go deep. He can be a pro-bowler alongside a quarterback savvy enough to keep giving him the ball consistently. Drew Carter has been living in the shadow of Steve Smith, one of the best in the game today, and unfortunately, he’s lacked a chance to prove himself. I think he has talent, but he won’t be any more than a number two reciever.

The loss of Jerry Porter isn’t a huge loss. Sure, he did a good job last year but he’s getting older. He did not seem to want to be there, reminiscent of Randy Moss in 2007.

Are the Oakland Raiders back to the form they were in the past?

Now on to the running game: Lamont Jordan’s promise never really materialized and Dominic Rhodes was another letdown. Michael Bush isn’t the answer for the team, either. So who do we look to? Most of you would say Justin Fargas. I disagree. I do not think he can be a powerhouse running back. If Darren McFadden is available at the fourth pick, which I think he will be, then he’s a sure pick. Justin could flourish in a two-back system, and Darren would benefit from the occasional rest.

Draft predictions.

Oakland’s guys are: the best player in the draft, DT Glenn Dorsey. As I said, Warren Sapp retired leaving a pretty obvious need at DT. Glenn Dorsey would more than fill the hole left behind by Warren, dominating opposing offenses for years.

If he’s gone, and I think he will be, the runner-up would be RB Darren McFadden. He’s not as good as last year’s miracle worker, Adrian Peterson, but there’s been talk that McFadden reminds owner, Al Davis, of former Oakland RB, Marcus Allen. So, after also considering that running a 4.27 in the 40 is pretty fast, Al Davis will more than likely end up making this pick instead of Lane Kiffin. The last senario I can give you is a possible trade down to either the Jets or Pats. Why? Both of those teams want Vernon Gholston and will fight to get him. They can get him and Oakland can get DT Sedrick Ellis, who in my mind, is just as good if not better than Glenn Dorsey and they can pay him less money being out of the top 5.

So to answer the question, «Will the Raiders do well next year?» the defense is almost set. The offense is on the rise mostly due to the signing of Javon Walker, and if their running game comes around that will only boost the the offense as a whole. The 2008 Raiders are a well rounded team.

They will have a 500 record or perhaps better. They may make it to the playoffs but not too far. This is a year where team chemistry will simmer and meld and be perfected. I can guarantee you though, in 2009 the Oakland Raiders will be Super Bowl contenders.

About Author:

I am Matthew Evans and I want to show people how beautiful and interesting our planet is. I am a coach, spinpalace reviews writer and travel blogger. In addition, I really like to read new information about psychology and sport. I hope that my knowledge will help me to understand people and make their lives better.