After spending two days watching ESPN’s coverage of the 2008 NFL draft, I have a question, does anybody believe a word Mel Kiper spews out of his pie hole?
Anybody that looks like a cross between Count Chocula and Joey Buttafuoco cannot be taken seriously.

Count Kiper is the same guy that took Merrill Hoge to task when Merrill stated that he didn't believe WR Mike Williams was worth being a 1st rounder due to his inability to get separation and Mel went nuts because he thought Williams might be the best player in the 2005 draft. Memo to Mel, Mike Williams SUCKS!!!!!!!

Okay, Mel, I know you have been doing this draft since 1770 when England drafted George Washington and traded him to the Colonist in America for Benedict Arnold and a third round pick in 1771, but you are still an idiot and I am not certain what the suits at ESPN see in you.

Now with that off my chest plate how about I discuss what I thought of our draft?

Since our 2nd & 3rd round picks were traded away, I still think we did okay.

The Raiders traded their second round pick to Atlanta for CB DeAngelo Hall, who was drafted 8th overall in the 2004 draft. I doubt a “can’t miss “player of Hall’s caliber could have been with the 34th player so I will call this a good trade for now. 

The Raiders sent their 3rd rounder to New England last year in order to move up and select Mario Henderson in 2007.
We have not seen much from Mario so the jury is still out on that trade.

Unless you have been living on Hoth, you no doubt heard that the Raiders took Running Back Darren McFadden with the fourth pick.

I really believe the Raiders would have selected Howie’s kid Chris with this pick but the Lambs snatched him with the their second pick.

For the past few months as all the mock drafts were making my eyes water I was thinking that we did not need another Running Back. But, the more thought I put into it the more I have started to love the McFadden pick.

My reasoning is simple, not to say that the other positions on offense are not important but in my opinion the three most important positions are the Quarterback, the featured Running Back and the tackle that protects your quarterback’s blind side.

Not many teams get to the Super Bowl with lackluster quarterbacks. There are a few exceptions, like the 2000 Baltimore Ravens with Trent Dilfer. And likewise, not many teams reach the big dance without a good running game. Why do you think Dallas owner Jerry Jones was salivating and begging for a chance to trade up and get McFadden?

So, at such a critical position where the players take a pounding and often get injured, an NFL team can never have too many good running backs. And let’s face facts the Raiders have not exactly worn out scoreboard operators the past few years.

On another positive note, first year running backs can sometimes make an immediate impact on an offense unlike most of the other positions that require more NFL experience.

Still not convinced and still screaming at your television set that Al has lost it?

Well, just take a look at what happened around the league last year:

In Minnesota, Viking Rookie sensation Adrian Peterson missed a month with an injured LCL.

In Pittsburgh, the Steelers’ Willie Parker broke his right fibula on December 20th.

In KC the Chiefs lost Larry Johnson in week 9 with a foot injury.

In St Louis the Rams’ Steven Jackson missed weeks 4-7 and was not the same all year.

In Tampa Bay, Chucky lost Cadillac Williams, Mike Alstott and Michael Pittman for most if not all of the season

In our back yard, the Raiders LaMont Jordan was relegated to nursing an ailing back all year and even Justin Fargas went down in week 15 with a sprained MCL.

The Super Bowl Champs in New York were not immune either. Brandon Jacobs was hurt off and on for most of the season.

In New Orleans the Saints lost Deuce McAllister in week 3 and Reggie Bush in week 12.

Getting the picture, so now with the release of Rhodes the Raiders hope to have a healthy Justin Fargas, Michael Bush off of the PUP list and ready to compete for playing time, rookie Darren McFadden and possibly LaMont Jordan (although I believe he is being shopped around and may be released before the season opener).

As far as our other picks:

Corner Back Tyvon Branch Connecticut

Branch should contribute right away on special teams, may be able to help out in dime packages and he can even play safety in certain situations. With some work I think he will be an improvement over the traded Fabian Washington.

Wide Receiver Arman Shields Richmond

I believe we needed some depth at receiver and Shields has great upside.

He does not hesitate going over the middle and has enough speed to stretch the field.

Defensive End Trevor Scott Buffalo

Scott is an interesting player.

He played Tight End his first three years with the Bulls and was moved to DE his senior season. He did pretty well there considering he was still learning the position.

Wide Receiver Chaz Schilens San Diego State

Schilens will be a long shot to make the team.

He has good speed but needs to learn how to run routes better.

If somebody does not pick him up off waivers, he will probably make the practice squad.

Of the undrafted rookie free agents the Raiders signed, I think only four have a real shot at making the team:

DE Greyson Gunheim Washington

He is very strong and excels against the run.

LB Malik Jackson Louisville

Will be solid on Special Teams and was a one-man wrecking crew his junior year but had a lackluster senior year. If he has a good camp Sam Williams may end up being cut for him.

OL Brandon Rodd Arizona State

Rodd is versatile and has started at LT, RT & G for the Sun Devils. He may be a bit too slow for tackle but at guard he fits the zone blocking schemes well.

C Adam Spieker Missouri

Spieker has short arms for the position and was not drafted because he is not expected to do much on the next level. But, he is big and smart and the Raiders will give him a long look.

The others getting banged up in training camp so a starter does not have to are:
CB Derrick Brown Southern Utah

DL Derrick Gray Texas Southern

FB Matt Hahn Penn State

RB Louis Rankin Washington

LB Shane Simmons Western Washington

TE Darrell Strong Pittsburgh

TE Chris Wagner South Dakota State

Is it August yet?

Darth