Fantasy Sports Outlook

For those in the Raider Nation that wanted Darren McFadden I’m positive they can’t be any happier than right now. Visions of a return to glory for the Raiders. I hope they are right. Here are the 2008 Oakland Raiders draft picks.

Here is what the draft world is saying about who the Raiders should pick with the number 4 selection.

Football’s Future Darren McFadden RB Arkansas

The Raiders have added some talent on the defensive side of the ball, but still lack a stud playmaker on offense. Justin Fargas came on strong last year but does not bring the playmaking ability McFadden does.

Shawn Zobel’s Draft Headquarters Darren McFadden Running Back Arkansas

The Raiders offense could really use a playmaker, which is what makes this pick seem like a perfect fit. There’s been talk that McFadden’s stock could drop because of his off the field issues. While this is true, I think that Al Davis would still jump at the chance to take McFadden. He’s never been afraid of taking a chance on a player with bad character, and he also loves talented, exciting players; which is exactly what McFadden is. I think that Oakland could also take a look at Glenn Dorsey, as they really need to upgrade their defensive line.

Great Blue North Draft Report Darren McFadden RB Arkansas

Fantasy Insider Online Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State

The Raiders really did not improve too much on 2006’s terrible season, and with this 1st Round selection, you really can argue that they could go a number of places. The popular pick here is still RB Darren McFadden, but after resigning RB Justin Fargas, reworking RB Dominic Rhodes’ contract and with RB Michael Bush still on the roster, you have to believe that they are set in the backfield. It makes more sense that the Raiders would address the front 7 on defense. With Nnamdi Asomugha and DeAngelo Hall locking things down on the outside, Oakland needs to create a real pass rush threat. If Gholston is still around, he’s the guy. His athleticism will be hard to turn down in Rob Ryan’s scheme.

TheFootballExpert.com Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

Defensive tackle may be more of a pressing need and with Sedrick Ellis still available it would make sense, but Al Davis’ moves don’t always make sense. Plus, Davis gave starting DT Tommy Kelly an outrageous salary already. Davis loves speed and McFadden certainly has it. Even though, they resigned Justin Fargas, Davis is not shy of drafting the BPA. McFadden and JaMarcus Russell would create a nice offensive backfield. When you are picking #4, you are far more than just one player than the playoffs, and Al Davis knows that, so why not invest in a guy that will bring fans to the game and make for an exciting offense.

WalterFootball.com Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

I’m glad the coin flip is over with. I was getting tired of predicting the result for people. In case you missed it, I actually received an e-mail where a reader asked, “Hey, who do you think is going to win the coin toss between Oakland and Atlanta?”

I’m aware the Raiders just re-signed Justin Fargas, but we all know what Al Davis loves to do (besides drink goat blood, sleep during the day to avoid sunlight, and sign crappy free agents coming off ACL injuries.) He drafts speed and the flashiest player available. Darren McFadden seems to fit both categories. I’m pretty confident in predicting that Al Davis called in Lane Kiffin to change his adult diaper in the wake of seeing McFadden blow everyone away with his 4.27 at the combine.

I’m not sure if adding another running back - albeit a very talented one - to the roster is the greatest idea in the world, but I’m predicting what the Raiders are going to do; not what’ll be best for them. And if you think about it, why would Oakland snag Glenn Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis when it has a lot of its cap room invested in Tommy Kelly and Terdell Sands?

DraftAce.com Darren McFadden RB Arkansas

The Raiders have poured money into improving already decent defense this offseason, so you have to assume they’ll addresses their offensive needs here. Well, you shouldn’t assume anything with Al Davis, but he does have a weak spot for taking the best pure athlete available. Fortunately for him, that strategy is probably the smartest strategy with McFadden on the board.

NFL Draft Countdown Vernon Gholston DE Ohio St.

It will be hard for Al Davis to pass on Darren McFadden because we all know how much he loves those rare athletes but Vernon Gholston is no slouch in his own right and he fills a bigger need in Oakland. Tommy Kelly is moving inside to help replace Warren Sapp which means there is a huge hole opposite Derrick Burgess at end so Gholston would be a perfect fit. As an added bonus he could also move to outside linebacker when they go to a 3-4 look and that versatility can’t be underestimated. With that said McFadden is still very much in the picture (even though they re-signed Justin Fargas) and they could also take Glenn Dorsey and keep Kelly outside at end.

DraftBoardInsider.com Darren McFadden RB Arkansas

Draft King Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas *

The Raiders tend to gravitate toward players with eye-popping numbers, and McFadden certainly fits the bill with the 4.33 40 he ran at the combine. But there’s much more to McFadden — he works hard on every play, he blocks well, he is a good receiver out of the backfield, and he doesn’t show frustration if he isn’t getting the ball. He would be a great addition to the Raiders, and the idea of him in the same backfield with JaMarcus Russell should be exciting to the Oakland fan base. It looked like a lock for Oakland to take a defensive tackle at this spot until the team surprisingly signed DL Tommy Kelly to a massive contract on the eve of free agency, with the announced play on him playing the DT spot vacated by Warren Sapp’s retirement. And while the Raiders signed RB Justin Fargas to a new contract earlier this year, McFadden could easily land the starting running back job by the end of training camp or perhaps by mid-season.

Consensus Draft Services Draft Jake Long OT, Michigan

It’s hard to envision Al Davis passing on Darren McFadden here, but with such a well-rounded prospect in Jake Long still on the board, I think it’s possible. Long could step in right away and start at either LT or RT and has everything you look for in a potential franchise bookend tackle for JaMarcus Russell. It is no secret that the Raiders need help on the OL, so if Long is there at 4, he’d definitely be considered.

NFLDraftDog.com Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU

Comments: Dorsey provides not only a replacement for recent retiree Warren Sapp, but also provides a much needed run stopper on an up and coming defense. A lot of people are thinking the Raiders will grab McFadden here, but with the re-signing of RB’s Justin Fargas and Dominic Rhodes I doubt it. Don’t forget that Michael Bush, if he re-gains his Louisville running ways, is a terror at 6’3”, 250 lbs.

FFToolbox Writer, Dustin Claussen Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

McFadden is an explosive runner who can do it all. He runs with great power and speed. He has all of the tools to turn into the next Ladanian Tomlinson. He has thrived in college without consistent play at the quarterback position. McFadden has rushed for 1,100 or yards in each of his three seasons at Arkansas. Al Davis loves speed and will ‘reach’ for a player if he loves his speed. Luckily for Davis, he is getting a player with tremendous speed, and is rated as the top prospect by many draft analysts. The Raiders could also look at Vernon Gholston and Sedrick Ellis, but with Davis’ draft history, any pick for the Raiders is a guess.

Pro Football Weekly DE Vernon Gholston*, Ohio State

The Raiders’ ground game was not the problem last year, when they ranked sixth in the league in rushing. With Tyler Brayton (free agency) and Warren Sapp (retirement) gone, Tommy Kelly returning from a serious injury and a disgruntled Derrick Burgess having outplayed his contract, Gholston will provide the most help.

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