TEAM BY TEAM NEEDS FOR APRIL'S DRAFT (Oakland & San Diego)
Oakland:
Another year, another turmoil-filled season & off-season. Lane Kiffin was sent packing after Al Davis let him squirm for about 3 months, not knowing if he had a job. Tom Cable was made interim coach & after offering the job to quite a few candidates & having them reject it, owner Al Davis made Cable permanent. Well, as permanent as you can be coaching the Raiders. Oakland released a number of veterans who didn't pan out & chose not to resign center Jake Grove, who signed with Miami & S Gibril Wilson, also signing with the 'Phins. They were able to resign key veterans Ricky Brown, Shane Lechler, Cooper Carlisle & after he was 'franchised', possibly the best cornerback in the AFC, Nnamdi Asomugha(pronounced nom-dee awesome-wah). Three offensive tackles were also signed, Erik Pears from Denver, Khalif Barnes from Jacksonville & Marcus Johnson from Minnesota. I doubt any of them will fill the right tackle hole they've had for 2 seasons. They also acquired center Samson Satele in a trade.
The draft consisted of a 1, two 4's, a 6 & a 7. RB Darren McFadden was the first pick & showed some flashes of things to come, rushing for 499 yards before being injured. Safety Tyron Branch played well on special teams until he required shoulder surgery. Trevor Scott got 5 sacks in part time play at DE & Chaz Schilens caught a pair of TD passes in his rookie season, but not much else. Overall, not much of a draft.
The Raiders were 31st against the run, they need defensive linemen who can stand their ground & a pair of outside linebackers. Cable has said he'd like to move LOT Mario Henderson to the right side & draft a left tackle. TE Zach Miller has better production than any Raider tight end since Todd Christensen but the leading wideout, Johnny Lee Higgins caught only 22 passes. Javon Walker was injured all season & they must find a dependable wide receiver. As much as they need an offensive tackle or a defensive tackle like B.J. Raji, I think they're going receiver with either Michael Crabtree or Jeremy Maclin. I hope the latter doesn't happen, I'm a huge fan of both Crabtree & Maclin & it's in my DNA to hate the Raiders. Sorry, I'm just being honest.
San Diego:
The Chargers never really got going last season. They lost defensive star Shawne Merriman after one week, referee Ed Hochuli stole a game from them in Denver & that was followed by a last-play-of-the-game loss to Carolina. After that they just started mailing it in. Yes they made the playoffs, but the 8-8 record was good enough only because the Broncos totally folded down the stretch. The AFC West isn't what it used to be. Sadly, an 8-8 record could win it again as these teams really don't scare anyone right now. San Diego lost longtime starting guard Mike Goff to Kansas City & 6-year starter, DE Igor Olshansky, to Dallas. Backup RB, Darren Sproles carries the franchise tag & ex-Cowboy, backup LB Kevin Burnett, was signed. End of story regarding free agency.
Their draft was just as unimpressive with one notable exception. First round pick, CB Antoine Cason played all season in the nickel packages & looked like he belonged on this defense. Third round FB, Jacob Hester looked totally overwhelmed every time I saw him play. Their other three draftees never saw the field on Sundays, practice squad, inactive or waived altogether.
LaDainian Tomlinson took less money to stay in San Diego & he might be close to empty. I wonder just how badly he wants to play anymore. They have no one behind Sproles & one wonders if he can stay healthy for 16 games. A replacement for G Mike Goff will have to be found as well as better O-line depth. Another pass rusher wouldn't hurt either. I believe if Chris 'Beanie' Wells is there at #16 when the Chargers go on the clock, they'll take him. They don't have a second round choice & someone like Tyronne Green of Auburn or Keith Urbik from Wisconsin, both guards, who should be there in round three.
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