Oakland Raiders 2007 Draft Preview

By Tony Moss Apr 2, 2007, 20:10 GMT

- Draftniks everywhere are sitting on pins and needles waiting to see what the Raiders will do with the No. 1 pick. Conventional wisdom says that offensively-challenged will select strong-armed LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell, though there are schools of thought suggesting that the Silver and Black should draft either Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson or trade down in order to further fortify a thin roster. Whatever happens at No. 1, the Raiders will not have addressed their only need by any stretch. Oakland needs at least two impact offensive linemen, and at least one who can join the mix to start at tackle. A pass-catching tight end would serve new head coach Lane Kiffin's offense quite well also. Defense is perceived to be among the team's strengths, but depth is an issue across the board on that side of the ball and the face of the defense, tackle Warren Sapp, will turn 35 before the 2007 season ends.

2006 Record: 2-14

First Pick: No. 1

Number of Selections: 10 (1, 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7, 7)

RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2006 - Michael Huff (S, Texas); 2005 - Fabian Washington (CB, Nebraska); 2004 - Robert Gallery (T, Iowa); 2003 - Nnamdi Asomugha (CB, California), Tyler Brayton (DE, Colorado); 2002 - Phillip Buchanon (CB, Miami), Napoleon Harris (LB, Northwestern); 2001 - Derrick Gibson (S, Florida State); 2000 - Sebastian Janikowski (K, Florida State); 1999 - Matt Stinchcomb (OT, Georgia); 1998 - Charles Woodson (CB, Michigan), Mo Collins (OL, Florida); 1997 - Darrell Russell (DT, USC); 1996 - Rickey Dudley (TE, Ohio State); 1995 - Napoleon Kaufman (RB, Washington); 1994 - Rob Fredrickson (LB, Michigan State); 1993 - Patrick Bates (DB, Texas A&M); 1992 - Chester McGlockton (DL, Clemson); 1991 - Todd Marinovich (QB, USC); 1990 - Anthony Smith (DE, Arizona).

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