Oh, how the mighty have fallen. What was once considered a very proud organization, finding its energy through Raider Nation, now finds itself on a downward spiral in which they still haven’t been able to recover. Following the 2007 draft in which they drafted highly touted quarterback, JaMarcus Russell, all hopes were high for the silver and black. That soon changed though as Russell held out until almost mid-September, which turned out to be the longest holdout by the top pick in the draft in over two decades! Things didn’t get much better from there for the Oakland Raiders.
In fact, they won only 4 games in 2007. Free agent running back, Dominic Rhodes, bombed, and 2006 holdout wide receiver, Jerry Porter, never got back on track, with his best game being a 5 reception 88 yard effort against the Minnesota Vikings in week 11. 2007 ended on a sour note with the team losing it's last 4 match-ups after a brief two game winning streak in weeks 12 and 13, but with a few roster moves having been made during the off-season, Russell ready to take the helm, and the arrival of another offensive stud, Darren McFadden, through the draft, 2008 looks to have the makings of a season that can produce better results.
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Key Departures
Josh McCown / Daunte Culpepper (QB) - With the team ready to hand the ball over to their quarterback of the future, JaMarcus Russell, there was really no incentive for McCown or Culpepper to stick around. However, with both quarterbacks leaving Oakland, the Raiders now find themselves with very little experience on their roster at the quarterback position with Marques Tuiasosopo and Andrew Walter backing Russell up.
Jerry Porter (WR) – Porter left California for Florida, having signed a 6 year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars this off-season. The impact on the team should be minimal as his role was severely reduced last season after having held out for most of the 2006 season. Although he is a very skilled wide receiver, his departure from the Raiders was two years in the making. Possibly an addition by subtraction.
Warren Sapp (DT) – This is a bit of a stretch here saying that he is a “Key” departure, but just a handful of years ago, he was one of the most, if not the most intimidating defensive player in the game. The Raiders are looking to do a mini-rebuilding plan, and Sapp really was not going to be in the mix anyways. He left with a 50 tackle, 2 sack season; something that is not overly impressive by any means.
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Key Additions
Drew Carter (WR) – Carter has two things going for him, speed and height. He is not much of a physical player and should be more of a role player than anything, but he does bring something to the table for Russell as it gives him a third real threat from the WR position. He also is a possible great value sleeper as Javon Walker can’t seem to stay healthy. It would not surprise me any if Walker were to go down for an extended period and Carter to fill in well. His fantasy value is more of a low-3, high-4 at the best, but, as I said, if Walker goes down, bump those projections up some.
DeAngelo Hall (CB) – This speedy back coupled with Nnamdi Asomugha should form a very good tandem in the backfield. Acquired for two draft picks, one of which was a second rounder this year, the other a fifth in next year's draft, signed for 7 years and 70 million dollars. He will help solidify a defense that has had its ups and downs.
Javon Walker (WR) – Having signed a 6 year contract with the silver and black this off-season, Walker is already making news as a Raider. Unfortunately, it's not the good type as Walker was found bloodied in a Las Vegas street. Not quite the start the Raiders were hoping for for the guy they believe can fill the shoes of recently departed receivers Randy Moss and Jerry Porter, though the Bruno Boys highly doubt that that happens. Apparently, the Raiders medical staff has either a ton of confidence in Walker’s knee, or Al Davis is just that short on wit. I am guessing the latter. Honestly, a team that just let a pair of very talented wide receivers go just gave the bank to a wide receiver that hasn’t been able to stay healthy for a few years and was a welcomed departure to quarterback, Brett Favre, in Green Bay. It is possible that he will have a very solid season, if he remains healthy, as he should become Russell’s first and most favorite option, but that knee is a BIG if!
Gibril Wilson (S) - Wilson was a key part of the New York Giants defense in 2007, racking up 92 tackles and 4 interceptions. If you play like that on a Super Bowl Champion, the money is going to come, and the Raiders gave it to Wilson in the form of a 6 year, $39 million deal. He rounds out what should be one of the league's best secondaries.
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2008 Bruno Boys Crystal Ball
JaMarcus Russell (QB) – I have never been a fan quarterbacks with less than one full year under their belt and Russell really is no exception to this rule! A few things stand out. In the limited time Russell did see in 2007, he did not have many passing attempts, threw for more picks than TD’s, and did not have a 40 yard completion. That tells us one thing. And no, it is not that he sucks. It tells us that the Raiders were being easy on him last year, letting him get his feet wet, and this year could be more of the same. Although he is expected to get the majority of the playing time, a more watered down offense would not surprise me in the least. I would not take him higher than a late #2 QB, more of a #3, with good payoff possibilities if you are in a keeper league!
Justin Fargas / LaMont Jordan / Michael Bush (RB) – We hate to lump the RB’s all in one category, but it's really difficult pin pointing exactly who'll be doing what, assuming rookie, Darren McFadden, gets the nod. In his biggest season of work, Justin Fargas had 222 carries at a 4.5 yard per carry clip and scored 4 TD’s. He also chimed in with 188 receiving yards at an 8.2 clip. Heading into 2008, he'd possibly be a cheaper version of Joseph Addai had he not once again been regulated to back-up duties. Lamont Jordan has a ton of talent, but he can never stay on the field. With this team that is sounding pretty familiar, isn’t it? He very well could step in and take the lead role if injuries plague this position as much as they did last year. He could also be the one getting injured and play just slightly more time than us on the NFL field this season. Rumors abound that Michael Bush is being groomed for short yardage situations, but we really don't see coach Lane Kiffin, bypassing Fargas in this area. All in all, this is a mess best to avoid. Let these guys stay on the waiver wire, until a clearer picture materializes.
Ronald Curry (WR) – In the past two years the Raiders have lost Moss and Porter, though neither one of those talents was the best receiver for Oakland prior to their departure. That spot belonged to Ronald Curry, who with the additions of Carter and Walker this offseason, gives the Raiders potentially a great trio tandem. The problem is Walker and Curry have had injury problems, and Carter is more of a finesse receiver. All three come with questions, but if we had to put our money on it, Curry would be the safest bet in regards to finishing 2008 with the best numbers.
Zach Miller (TE) - Miller finished 2007 with the best game of his rookie campaign, hauling in 8 passes for 84 yards against the San Diego Chargers. Fantasy owners should take note of that outing because Miller could make for a solid fantasy tight end at a bargain basement price. As mentioned above, the Raiders will most likely play things safe with Russell, again letting him get his feet wet. That type of playcalling benefits Miller more than anyone else as the Raiders will utilize him as a safety valve for the young quarterback.
Sebastian Janikowski (K) - If you're looking for an NFL kicker to party with, SeaBass is your man! However, if you're looking for an NFL kicker to round out your fantasy squad, avoid Janikowski, who has topped the 100 point mark, in regards to NFL scoring, just once in the past 5 years.
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Rookies to Watch
Darren McFadden (RB) - McFadden, taken fourth overall by the Raiders brings to Oakland the type of skills that have been lacking in the backfield for a long time. Skilled both as a runner and a receiver, he can also pass the ball if need be. With the Raiders relying on a young QB this year, some trick plays would not surprise me. In 2007, he rushed for over 1800 yards and scored 17 TD’s for Arkansas. Had there not been concerns about his off-the-field problems, McFadden could have possibly gone higher in the draft, which is saying something seeing as he was selected 4th overall. He has all the skills to become one of the best of this generations RB’s, but it is up to him if that happens.
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Other Team Capsules
NFC WEST - ARI I STL I SF I SEA
NFC SOUTH - ATL I CAR I NO I TB
NFC NORTH - CHI I DET I GB I MIN
NFC EAST - DAL I NYG I PHI I WAS
AFC WEST - DEN I KC I OAK I SD
AFC SOUTH - HOU I IND I JAX I TEN
AFC NORTH - BAL I CIN I CLE I PIT
AFC EAST - BUF I MIA I NE I NYJ