NFL Betting Guide

Last year, Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis picked wide receiver Darrius Heward-Bey in the first round while Michael Crabtree, the consensus number one receiver, was still on the board.  Davis has a long history of selecting players much higher than they were projected to go.  The one constant among NFL Draft previews is that the Oakland Raiders will make unconventional draft choices with their early picks.

Oakland’s biggest need is at offensive tackle.  The Raiders gave up 49 sacks last year (third most in the NFL).  With the departures of defensive linemen Gerard Warren and Greg Ellis, the Raiders will also be looking to add a defensive linemen.  The poor play of former number one overall pick JaMarcus Russell has been a big contributor to the Raiders struggles, and they will likely look at selecting a quarterback with one of their early picks.

They will use their first round pick (8^th overall) on an offensive tackle, most likely Bruce Campbell (Maryland).  They will also consider Trent Williams (Oklahoma) and Anthony Davis (Rutgers), but the 6-6, 314 lb Campbell will likely win out due to his impressive height-weight combo.  Campbell also performed very well at the Combine, making him a logical selection for the Raiders.

The Raiders next pick comes in the second round (39^th overall).  The Raiders would love to add DT Geno Atkins to their roster.  The 275 pound defensive lineman had a very impressive senior bowl and ran a 4.75 40 at the combine. Good 40 times are always a way to impress Al Davis.

The Raiders were 31^st in the league in total offense, and poor quarterback play was a major factor in their low productivity.  When the Raiders make their selection in the third round (69^th overall), expect them to draft a quarterback.  Jarrett Brown of West Virginia and John Skelton of Fordham are the likely top-rated signal callers who will be left on the board.  Skelton has a cannon arm, but Brown has the mobility Oakland hasn’t seen from its quarterback in a long time.