After cutting ties with players who were overpaid or underperforming, McKenzie has done well to add pieces to this roster in order to compete.
This offseason, however, the Raiders didn't have many draft choices after the selection of quarterback Terrelle Pryor in last year's supplemental draft and the trading of this year's first-round pick and next year's second to Cincinnati for new franchise quarterback Carson Palmer.
Speaking of Palmer, two weapons emerged for the veteran last season in wide receivers Darrius Heyward-Bey and Denarius Moore. Two wideouts who are meant to stretch the field for the big-armed QB. Jacoby Ford provides a legit slot weapon and gadget player for the Raiders as well.
But one position on offense remains uncertain. Tight end. Of the top three tight ends currently on Oakland's roster, they combined for 19 receptions in 2011. That doesn't bode well for a team with most pieces in place to make a run in a division usually up for grabs.
Don't get me wrong the Raiders, provided their receivers build on last year's production, will have a legit offense with the return of "Run-DMC," but Palmer needs a reliable weapon at the tight end position.
Palmer forced balls into coverage too many times last season, often because his receivers made big plays, but sometimes because he didn't have a legitimate target to check down to, and in offensive coordinator Gregg Knapp's version of the West Coast offense, a tight end is a crucial component.
Enter Visanthe Shiancoe.
As a Viking fan, "Shank" still has plenty left in the tank, which why it's odd he has yet to be signed by a team this offseason. That plays in Oakland's favor, tho...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
