The Raiders have a new head coach, Hue Jackson, and until last year, they provided little fantasy football value.
Typically, I try to avoid drafting players on teams with a new head coach or OC changes.
History tells us when the head coach changes the players statistics usually change, too. To make matters worse, last year was Oakland’s first year to produce a couple fantasy studs in Darren McFadden and Zach Miller.
So why are we talking about the Oakland Raiders?
First of all, fantasy football is about getting quality picks in the mid-to-late rounds. Oakland players, because of their history, will drop in the fantasy draft. High-risk high-reward factor—but don’t get all excited just yet!
There is a ton of chatter surrounding changes in Oakland that will effect the players' draft value.
According to ContraCostaTimes' Jerry McDonald, tight end Zach Miller might not be with Oakland in 2011.
"There’s speculation that Zach Miller is now in line for the franchise tag, but I’m not so sure. Once there is a new collective bargaining agreement, there is no guarantee four-year players will be unrestricted free agents," McDonald says.
"The possibility exists that Miller and Michael Bush could be retained through tender offers, depending on the CBA. As good as Miller is, I’m not sure the Raiders are eager to pay him $7.3 million," he added.
Oakland has some big-time players, all due big contracts or else they will test free agency, like Nnamdi Asomugha.
Even though the Raiders hired Rod Woodson as a defensive assistant—a close friend of Asomugha—all bets are off when it comes to money.
I find it hard to see Asomugha in Black and Silver next year, and so does Peter Kin...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
