And the Raiders rejoice....

Do Raiders fans have something to be excited about in Oakland? Are the Raiders a contender in the AFC West?

Raider's fans have some reasons to be excited (Not that they need, as evidenced by the photo above) about the upcoming 2008 season. You have the fourth overall pick in the draft, Al Davis is making moves in the free agent market, and your offense has tremendous potential.

With the fourth overall pick in this years NFL draft the Raiders have quite a few possibilities. More likely than not the Raiders will use the pick. Some mock drafts have them drafting Darren McFadden, others have them drafting Sedric Ellis, Chris Long, or Jake Long. All of which are great choices. Darren McFadden is a workhorse, and is going to improve any teams running game, but the Raiders already have LaMont Jordan, Dominic Rhodes, and Michael Bush. Chris Long is considered to be the best Defensive End in this years draft. He would be a compliment to Derrick Burgess, and the replacement for Chris Clemons. Drafting Jake Long would be a good choice in that he would protect their investment in number 1 pick JaMarcus Russell. They could even go after Glenn Dorsey as the replacement for retired Warren Sapp. If the Raiders do use the pick to draft someone they are going to have to pay them top 5 pick money. Currently the Raiders are approximately 6 million under the cap. I think that the Raiders would be better suited to trade the fourth pick for a lower first round pick, and additional late round picks.

While developing a draft strategy Al Davis has been busy in free agency as well. The Raiders signed recently release Broncos wide receiver Javon Walker. Walker will take the place of Jerry Porter, and provide a veteran impact player. Provided that he stays healthy. They also signed Super Bowl champion safety Gibril Wilson, who gives them experience and depth at the position. The Raiders could be looking to land another top receiver in Cincinnati's Chad Johnson. They could use that fourth overall pick as trade leverage to make such a deal possible.

The Raiders went 2-14 in 2006 because their offense couldn't win a game. Now they are putting the pieces in place to change all of that. The Raiders are putting an end to their quarterback carousel. They got the deal done, he's had a year to learn the play book, and now it's time for JaMarcus Russell to earn his paycheck. The Raiders are building their offense around him. He's got all of the physical attributes to be a big time play maker for them. Javon Walker will give Russell a reliable target to throw to, and big play capability. A good running game is crucial to a young quarterback, and it would seem that the Raiders have are going to have one. Michael Bush did not play last year because of a broken leg, but if his college game can carry over to the NFL he is going to be a great back. Also carrying the load are back Dominic Rhodes, and LaMont Jordan. Both Rhodes and Jordan averaged approximately 4 yards a carry in 2007. With 3 backs the Raiders will have fresh legs late in the game when grinding it out is crucial. If the Raiders can get a deep threat to Stretch the field they will be a formidable opponent for anyone.

By installing an offense, and maintaining a good defense the question is can the Raiders be a contender for the AFC West? The answer is, "No". However they will be a playoff team in the next 2-3 years. Russell is going to experience some growing pains on the field, and the offense needs to develop chemistry with each other. If I were to make a predictions for the Raiders 2008 season I would say 7-9.

Don't ask my why I decided to write about the Raiders. For some reason it just made sense to me.