FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Sure the Raiders over spent but they had too. There were 3 games last season that they lost by a combined 7 points. If they pulled those out they would be 7-9. But they should be glad that they didn't. There are some questions to answer still, but Denver and the Chiefs really didn't get any better.

Free Agency was a period in which they over spent but they got quite a bit better.

DT/DE Tommy Kelly- I have been high on this former Bulldog for a long time. The Raiders signed him to a 7yr-50 Million deal. He got hurt for most of the season but has shown the ability to play DT and DE at a very high level. He is very fluid and versatile for his size. Which makes him a very rich man. A-

FS Gibril Wilson- Fresh off of a Super Bowl win, Wilson cashed in as one of the highest paid safetys ever. Everyone says that the Raiders over spent as well here. That is not the case. The Raiders have struggled finding a Good FS. They have a solid, young secondary but needed a veteran guy to step in and make plays. This guy is still young and still able to bust out a 4.40. He can tackle like a SS and cover like a FS. The constant force in a Giants poor secondary that kept them together. A+

CB NNamdi Asomugha- Al Davis knows how import NA is to the defense. He doesn't get the most Ints but he makes it hard for the other teams No. 1 do get the ball. He is a lock down corner with great speed and great size. Al Davis will try to lock this guy up for the future as they continue to build a winning franchise. A++

RB Justin Fargas/Dominic Rhoades- Fargas re-signed and Rhoades just re-worked his contract. Both are decent RB options who provide quality depth. Look for the Raiders to make a splash in the Draft at RB. B

WR Javon Walker- He could emerge as the player that he was in '04 and '06. He will have some help with WR Renaldo Curry and TE Zach Miller who are both good pieces on this offense. Hopefully he gets back to his good days and helps out with the Raiders. The Raiders did pay him way too much but they kept him from getting away and could possibly have one of the best WR's in the AFC West. C+/A-

OT Kwame Harris- The Raiders had to get younger at Tackle. I like Barry Sims but he is getting really old. Kwame Harris lost his job with the 49ers quite a bit. There is no doubt he is talented at 6-7 322lbs and very athletic. Sometimes players only need a fresh start. B-/B+

The Raiders are starting to put quality pieces around QB Jamarcus Russell to succeed. They still need to upgrade that offensive line but, should have enough weapons to make some noise. The Other spot that needs to be filled is Strong Side LB or LOLB. The Raiders have two of the brightest, young Linebackers in Morrison and Howard. There are some good OLB's that could be very helpful to the Raiders.

I think there is no way that Al Davis will let Darren McFadden go past 4. With Run DMC, the Raiders would excel Jamarcus Russell's growth as an NFL QB. This team could be looking at .500 next season.