NFL Draft 2011: Will the Oakland Raiders Draft a Bully?

With the possibility of losing cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and safety Michael Huff to free agency, the likelihood of the Oakland Raiders using their second round pick—No. 48 overall—on a cornerback seems to be the trendy pick among mockers and experts. Names such as Colorado’s Jimmy Smith and Miami’s Brandon Harris have been mentioned as possibilities.

Of course, the fan favorite around the Bay Area has been Penn State guard Stefen Wisniewski. The nephew of former Raiders offensive lineman Steve Wisniewski would fill an obvious need on the O-line.

Still, the Raiders are the only team in league without a first-round pick, which means there’s a distinct possibility of Al Davis moving up into the first round—perhaps with Seattle, a team that sits at No. 25 and is rumored to be interested in moving down. TCU guard Marcus Cannon might be a nice fit here, or Florida center Mike Pouncey.

But here’s the biggest question for Oakland: How can this team become a playoff contender if it can’t stop the run? North Carolina’s defensive tackle Marvin Austin would be the answer.

The athletic run-stuffing tackle was ineligible last season due to violating NCAA rules, but his upside is huge and the main reason why he’s still considered a late first rounder. Austin has the ability to collapse the pocket and stop the run, but character issues have kept him from being considered alongside Alabama’s Marcell Dareus.

Then there’s the rumor floating around the AFC West, suggesting one team in the division has already targeted Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick.

Denver, Kansas City and Oakland have all worked out the Wolf Pack signal-caller and, according to Wes Bunting of the National Football Post, the Raiders are fond of the 6’5” quarterback and might be willing trade up to get him. It would make sense, since starter Jason Campbell is...