2008 Oakland Raiders Season Preview

2008 Oakland Raiders preview from MadduxSports.com. Along with our team previews Maddux Sports offers winning nfl picks each and every football season. Start winning today!

2008 Oakland Raiders Predictions
By Adam Barone

Rundown
Once again Al Davis was caught drooling over a flashy skill position player in the draft and neglected to fill the holes he had elsewhere. Oakland added running back Darren McFadden to a crowded backfield that includes LaMont Jordan, Justin Fargas, and Michael Bush.

Jordan is a former free agent signing with a 1,000 yard season under his belt despite missing significant time the past two seasons due to injury. Fargas had a quality campaign in 2007, topping 1,000 yards at 4.5 yards per carry. Bush was a fourth round pick in 2007 despite first round talent because of a broken leg. All three are capable of being feature backs, and Oakland finished ranked sixth in the NFL in rushing in 2007 even though they were 4-12. Adding McFadden makes little sense.

And fat guys are important, but your quarterback should not be one of them. JaMarcus Russell weighs about 270 bones. This raises obvious concerns about his mobility and his dedication.

Owner Al Davis also spent a ton of money on some rather average free agents, including defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, wide receiver Javon Walker, safety Gibril Wilson, and cornerback DeAngelo Hall, whom was traded for prior to being signed.

Other additions include wide receiver Drew Carter, defensive end Kalimba Edwards, offensive tackle Kwame Harris, defensive tackle William Joseph, and center John Wade. Joseph was the Giants’ 2003 first round pick out of Miami, but just never reached his potential.

Key departures include backup quarterback Josh McCown, wide receiver Jerry Porter, running back Dominic Rhodes (why would he leave?) defensive tackle Warren Sapp, and cornerback Fabian Washington.

The Raiders should be able to improve upon their 22nd ranked defense with the changes they made in the off season.

Draft Analysis
Oakland filled all of its glaring needs through free agency, specifically defensive tackle, wide receiver, and safety, leaving them free to go crazy in the draft. Al Davis usually goes crazy simply because he is crazy.

Much-hyped speedy running back Darren McFadden was their first round pick, fourth overall.

The RRRaidas just HAD to have DeAngelo Hall from the Falcons, and gave up a bunch of draft picks to get him. They didn’t have another pick until the fourth round at pick 100, and had just five overall.

It’s difficult to see much improvement over last season’s 4-12 record unless JaMarcus Russell takes a huge step forward.

Now that you read the Oakland Raiders preview check out the rest of the AFC West teams including the Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos.

Related Pages:
Raiders Official Site
NFL Gambling Lines