Oakland Raiders’ Mock Draft: Al Davis Is Still Ahead of the Curve

I shall begin by saying that this mock draft for the Oakland Raiders likely contains elements of wishful thinking. 

Any Raider fan knows that the glaring weaknesses for the Raiders were pass protection, red-zone offense and a lack of interceptions.

The offensive line will be overhauled this offseason. 

The Raiders have hired Bob Wylie and former Raider Steve Wisniewski to coach the line and install the power-blocking scheme, as opposed to the zone-blocking scheme of former coach Tom Cable.

The power-blocking scheme is better suited for second-year players, left-tackle Jared Veldeer and lineman Bruce Campbell.

The ineffectiveness in the red zone could be resolved with better blocking in space as well as the addition of a veteran wideout in the slot and a second tight end. 

My view has been that fullback Marcel Reece should see more time as a pass catcher, rather than a blocker, runner and receiver.  Drafting a blocking specialist would free up Reece to be a bigger factor in the red zone.

The Raiders hired Hall of Fame defensive back Rod Woodson to coach the cornerbacks.  Woodson's experience is expected to increase the interceptions.

I then determined the needs:

Starters:

Center Cornerback Guard Depth:

Quarterback Fullback Right Tackle Linebacker Defensive tackle Wideout (preferably a veteran) I decided to follow that list by reviewing the offseason until now. 

Al Davis clearly is the ultimate contrarian.  When all the other owners are at their worst, he's at his best.

At the current rate, the Raiders could potentially have all their free agents either signed or tendered before a lockout by the owners (if a lockout occurs). 

As of now, the only starters who remain unsigned or tendered are cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, safety Michael Huff, and right tackle Langston Walker.
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders