2010 NFL Draft: By Act of God, the Oakland Raiders Are Now Contenders in the AFC

In 2005, some sports writers wrote that the addition of Randy Moss made the Oakland Raiders an "instant contender," which of course was far from the ensuing reality.

Since 2005, the NFL draft has been an expose for track stars and raw talent for the Raiders.

By acquiring Moss in 2005, the Raiders in effect passed on quarterback Aaron Rodgers.  That was after a 2004 draft in which the Raiders opted for Robert Gallery instead of Philip Rivers or Ben Roethlisberger (thank goodness). 

In 2006, the Raiders opted for Michael Huff instead of Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler.

In 2007, the Raiders finally bit and used its top pick on quarterback JaMarcus Russell from LSU.  On the same day, the Raiders sent Randy Moss to New England for a fourth-round pick.

I intentionally detailed this draft history to build up to a bold statement.  In 2010, the Oakland Raiders have officially ended the streak of woeful draft days.

 

2010

The Raiders have done so not only with a haul of NFL-ready defensive players and steals on the offensive side, but by swinging a trade for quarterback Jason Campbell from the Redskins.

One of the most common questions about Campbell has been, "why will Campbell turn around the Raiders if he was only average in Washington?"

First, you must consider the circumstances.  New Washington coach Mike Shanahan wants to win now and so Donovan McNabb had more appeal. 

Second, the coaching staff in Washington has turned over several times in Campbell's short career, with a new offensive system being installed each time.  Yet, despite the lack of cohesion, Campbell has improved in each season of his career.

Now in Oakland, Campbell will have a wide array of explosive talent to work with, and he will also have some comfort level with tight end Zach Miller.  Campbell's favorite targets in Wa...

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