How Signing Mike Jenkins Clears Up the Oakland Raiders’ Plans for NFL Draft

The Oakland Raiders had many needs to fill on the roster coming into the 2013 offseason.  Most of the needs were on the defensive side of the ball, but the offense wasn't looking too good either.

Early in the offseason with the release of Rolando McClain expected, the Raiders would need a new middle linebacker so Manti Te'o was an option to draft.

Cornerback was also a need with Phillip Adams as the team's best CB on the roster, so there was talk of drafting Dee Milliner.  The pass-rush also was in dire need of help as the Raiders defense had only 25 sacks last year.  The run defense has also been a thorn in Oakland's side for quite some time so defensive linemen such as Star Lotulelei and Sharrif Floyd are possibilities.

There were also questions at quarterback such as what to do with Carson Palmer and whether or not Terrelle Pryor was ready to lead the team.  There was even talk of taking Geno Smith with the No.3 pick in the draft.  

Also on offense, the Raiders are in need of a running back to complement Darren McFadden and an offensive tackle on the right side of the line to upgrade over Khalif Barnes.

With that long list of needs, GM Reggie McKenzie got busy in bringing free agents in for visits and was able to sign many of them.

The latest free-agent signing for Oakland is CB Mike Jenkins after the Raiders recently added Tracy Porter as well.  With those two signings, the Raiders can check CB off their long list of needs for 2013. The Raiders should still look to get some younger CBs in the draft, but the need isn't as dire as other positions.



The Raiders also addressed the QB issue by ridding themselves of Palmer and acquiring Matt Flynn to compete with Pryor.  

The Raiders have also patched up the defensive line with Vance Walker, Pat Sims and Jason Hunter through free agency. The linebacking corps has been rounded ...

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