RealGM

Oh we've got a ton this year...

HB
Darren McFadden* vs. Justin Fargas

The Raiders #1 or the man who got us 1000 last year in a rejuvenated rushing attack? It wouldn't shock me to see Kiffin try and old school it, and keep Fargas as the 'starter' while splitting carries to begin with... McFadden is the main man by week 6.

WR #2
Javon Walker* vs. Drew Carter vs. Johnnie Lee Higgins

Walker was the easy favorite to start, but now he got his face punched in. Carter was a potential deep sleeper before, and might step into the starting role if Walker has to sit out a considerable amount of time. Higgins' speed makes him a longshot and nothing more.

OLine
John Wade* vs. Jake Grove - C
Cornell Green vs. Mario Henderson* - RT

Will be hard to judge, but Grove's been a perennial disappointment and Henderson was a damn good blocker in college, but was injured a lot of last year... I think Wade / Henderson take it down.

DT#2
Gerard Warren vs. Terdell Sands*

I dunno how the Raiders ignore it, but our rushing defense always seems a lot better when Warren is in the game. He's just a wide, strong body that takes away a big chunk of the middle.. Sands is very average and doesn't do any one thing well, or poorly. Warren needs to be on the line.

OLB
Robert Thomas* vs. Sam Williams

Despite his health issues, Sam Williams is the pick here. He just plays better - when he plays. He's soft.. Thomas is terrible in coverage and not even that great a tackler... He should be a backup.


All in all... the Raiders won't be boring, which is the first time I can say that in a while

I agree with you about the RB position. Can't see McFadden starting right away, but he'll for sure see a lot of action, especially out of the backfield as a receiver. As I mentioned a while back, I think we'll see a good number of 2 back sets this season.

Walker should be healthy when the season rolls around, but I'm actually a pretty big fan of Carter. Always liked him in Carolina. I feel like he could eventually emerg as our #2 starter in place of Curry, but we'll see. If JaMarcus can get the ball downfield (which we know he can), then Carter should put up numbers.

Agreed on Warren as well. I think this guy is just a beast in the middle, and I was thrilled when we got him for a mid draft pick from the Broncos. I wanted him playing a lot more last season, and we definitely need him there now.

Is Kelly moving outside to DE or is he the no. 1 DT? And if he is does that mean that we're going to a 3-4 defense?