Raiders Draft - Reaction!

Several Mock Drafts had the Raiders taking the former University of Arkansas RB Darren McFadden #4 overall. This didn't surprise me or any other Raider fan one bit. I will go on record now by saying that if the decision was mine I would've drafted LSU DT Glen Dorsey, especially after he fell into the Raiders laps.

It would've filled the teams most pressing need and helped to solidify the defense. It would've also avoided having him in the AFC West and having to watch him develop as an NFL player while having to face him twice a year. The Raiders couldn't go wrong with either Dorsey or McFadden and I don't have a problem with the pick.

Al Davis couldn't pass up on adding the speed, big-play and game changing potential of RB Darren McFadden. I do like the selection and think Darren McFadden will have a very good Raider career when he has a defined role and has the potential to have an immediate impact. This tells us that the Raiders Defensive Tackles will be Tommy Kelly, Gerard Warren, Terdell Sands and William Joseph.

It goes without saying that DT Terdell Sands had a horrible year in 2007. The fact of the matter is that all of us fans thought we knew how bad his year was from watching him play. That couldn't be further from the truth; the guy lost two family members during the same month. Losing a family member is very hard to deal with for everyone and losing more than one is something I wouldn't wish upon anyone.

Perhaps one year removed from this he will play on the field will improve. I was looking to land a SLB that could come in a make an impact but that did not happen.

I love the 4th round selection of CB Tyvon Branch formerly of UConn who gives the Raiders a solid young corner with excellent size and speed that's not afraid to support the run and is also an excellent kick returner he will make an impact on special teams and 4 & 5 receiver sets this year.

I knew from the pre-draft visits and the roster that the Raiders were looking at the WR position. The second 4th round pick WR Arman Shields is a tlented receiver. He did have a better 2006 than 2007 but a talent regardless. He has excellent size 6' 1" 187 lbs. he runs a 4.37 40-time, tall and fast with outstanding hands and runs good routes. Runs hard after the catch. Works well in traffic, going across the middle and battling. Has natural hands and attacks balls. He was worth the pick because of his hands, precise route-running and toughness.

The selection of DE Trevor Scott formerly of the University of Buffalo is an interesting pick. He's 6' 5" 256 lbs. he's a tall DE with speed. He's raw, high-motor converted tight end with upside. He does need to develop his technique to make an impact but he gives the team another player to work with and develop at the DE position.

The selection of WR Chaz Schilens formerly of San Diego State is a big receiver (6'5" 225 lbs. ) with deceptive speed for his size but he doesn't have blazing speed. He could play a H-Back role but needs to become a better blocker.