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Previous Pick: Cincinnati Bengals

7. Oakland Raiders

-Michael Oher (LT/Ole Miss)

NFL.com

Al Davis has not used many draft picks on offensive linemen since Robert Gallery (2004).  He tried to get a solid left tackle by signing Kwame Harris away from the 49ers, but that situation just hasn’t been good. The offensive line allowed 39 sacks and recently released LT Kwame Harris allowed 7.5 sacks.

Since the Raiders have used a huge amount of resources on Darren McFadden and JaMarcus Russel, it makes sense to put them behind a solid line. By the 7th pick, I think Eugene Monroe and Jason Smith will be taken, so Michael Oher might be their best bet. After Andre Smith’s fiasco at the combine, Michael Oher moves to being the 3rd best tackle prospect. If Al Davis drafts for need at this pick, Oher would make sense.

Although he has been criticized for lack of intelligence and questionable consistency, he is very good with his feet. Besides the intangibles, Oher is every bit as gifted as the other top tackles. Going into this season, he was in the discussion for the number 1 pick of the draft.

-Michael Crabtree (WR/Texas Tech)

NFL.com

If Seattle passes on Crabtree, Oakland may be their next suitor.  The only reason I don’t think wide receiver is the obvious pick for Oakland is that they seem to be searching for a veteran who can step in immediately and provide Russel with a reliable target that can separate from defenders. I have a feeling that Davis may try to steal a top receiver like Anquan Boldin or Chad Johnson. If that doesn’t happen, then I can see receiver becoming the main target in the draft.

-Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR/Maryland)

NFL.com

Let me say that I don’t advocate picking any receiver this high except Michael Crabtree. But what Al Davis should do and will do often are very different things. With that said, Heyward-bey is hot right now after having an awesome combine. Not many players can run a 4.30 forty yard dash at 6′2. He is not only a straight line receiver, but can move laterally as well. Although not nearly as polished a receiver, Heyward-Bey’s athleticism reminds me of Calvin Johnson.

I’m not too impressed with Jeremy Maclin, and I think it might be too early to grab Hakeem Nicks from North Carolina. So, if Davis decided to make a reach on a wideout, I think he’d gamble on Heyward-Bey.

I thought about B.J Raji too, but the Raiders are paying Tommy Kelly too much to consider that at this point.

Next on the clock: Jacksonville Jaguars

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