2010 NFL Draft Countdown: Oakland Raiders

The NFL Draft Countdown is where we take a closer look at an NFL franchise to see what its transactions have been and what its needs are.

Franchise

• Draft Position: 8
• 2009 Season Result: 5-11 (3^rd in AFC West; Missed Playoffs)
• 2009 Head Coach: Tom Cable
• 2010 Head Coach: Tom Cable (9-19; 0-0)

Key Transactions

• T Cornell Green (to BUF)

Draft Picks

• 1-8
• 2-7
• 3-5
• 4-8
• 5-7
• 5-27
• 7-8
• 7-44

Analysis & Outlook

Is this the worst team ever to still have a 5-11 record? The Oakland Raiders had anemic offense under QB JaMarcus Russell and only briefly enjoyed success under QB Bruce Gradkowski. With their participation in the trade talks for QB Donovan McNabb, it’s clear that the Raiders are unsettled about the position.

On offense, the Raiders definitely need help on the O-Line. In addition, they might want to add another WR, preferably one who’s more NFL-ready than Darius Heyward-Bey.

On defense, they’ll focus on LB and the secondary. The middle is weak and another nickel corner would put them in a better position on third downs.

I would be shocked if the Raiders picked a QB in the first round but you never know with owner Al Davis. I expect them to get either a T or a S. Top candidates are Ts Trent Williams and Anthony Davis, but don’t be shocked if the Raiders end up selecting the super athletic Bruce Campbell. Potential prospects at S are Eric Berry and Earl Thomas. Look for the Raiders to target a LB in the second round, there’s a pretty good crop that’s slated to go in that round. They need to hit in the middle rounds and they’ll look at CBs, WRs and O-Linemen there.

The Raiders have been horrible the last few years and there’s too much fundamentally wrong with this team to make it successful on the short term. They play in a weak division though so some wins might be there for them (hello Kansas City), but don’t expect them to be a factor.