The Realist's Draft Scenario

By Raiderrealist:

Now that the coin flip is over and we know our draft position, it’s time to go over likely scenarios for the upcoming draft.

Imagine, if you will, that you are Lane Kiffin/Al Davis/The-Man-Behind-the-Silver & Black Curtain who decides whom the Raiders will pick on draft day. Decide what the team needs and prioritize them. Add Darren McFadden to the offensive punch or shore up the porous defense with Chris Long/Glenn Dorsey/Sedrick Ellis? Keep the 4^th pick or try to trade down for more picks? Keep in mind that some of our needs can be met through free agency.

As for the likely draft day scenario, this is what I see happening:

1. MIA: Chris Long/Glenn Dorsey
2. STL: Chris Long/Glenn Dorsey/Jake Long
3. ATL: Matt Ryan/Darren McFadden

Unfortunately I just don't see Chris Long falling to us at Number Four come draft day. This leaves the Raiders with a choice of the best of what's left of Sedrick Ellis/Glenn Dorsey/Darren McFadden/Jake Long. Or, we could try and trade down. You make the call.

As for me, I'm looking at this preliminary list:

RD1. DT Sedrick Ellis

RD2. LT Sam Baker

RD4. C Jamey Richard

RD6. SS Caleb Campbell

RD7. Best of what's left.

Why Ellis over LT Jake Long? Tom Cable's zone blocking scheme. He was able to take virtually the same players from the 2006 "saloon-door" offensive line and have them give up far fewer sacks and open up holes that helped Justin Fargas gain more than 1,000 yards rushing while only starting in seven games.

The defense, however, was just the opposite in making nearly every running back that faced them look like the second coming of Jim Brown. Hence my pick.

As for wide receiver, I'd look at bringing in either Bernard Berrian or Bryant Johnson through free agency.

Note: Thanks to Raiderrealist for sharing this take. This is the second in what promises to be a series of “guest takes,” with the intent of celebrating the different voices and perspectives of the Raider Nation. Stay tuned for PantyRaider's trade take.