ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper says that Davis is the “most naturally gifted” of the offensive linemen in the draft. Davis is projected to be better in pass protection than Bryan Bulaga, for example, and we all know how much Al Davis loves his QB.
Unfortunately, most Raiders fans don’t share that love for JaMarcus Russell, who is simply bad at playing the QB position. Other than that minor flaw, he’s fine.
I know many fans would rather select Sam Bradford with this pick, assuming he is available. But if the Raiders are going to give new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson a year to work with Russell, they might as well help protect him.
And that’s where Davis comes in. Trying to fix an offense that scored just 17 offensive touchdowns in 16 games won’t be easy, but it starts with the line play.
And Davis, who is listed at 6’6”, 325, the junior is the most physically gifted of the OTs.
It is tempting to consider Mike Lupati of Idaho here, as he has been rapidly climbing up the draft board. He’s strong and nasty, which fits the Raiders mold well, but he’s really a guard. Yes, he’s played OT but his future in the NFL projects as a guard.
Both current Raiders starting tackles, Mario Henderson (who was bad down the stretch) and Cornell Green (prone to mental errors) fail to impress, so Davis should be able to step right in and contribute immediately.
Since our Redskins featured columnist team has selected Russell Okung with the fourth pi...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
