2007 DRAFT NEEDS:

OAKLAND RAIDERS

presented by

by PFT Editor Mike Florio, with Matt Miller of NewEraScouting.com

The 2007 NFL draft will be the first time that the Raiders have had the initial pick in any draft since December 1961, when they selected quarterback Roman Gabriel with the No. 1 overall choice in the 1962 AFL selection process.

The fact that it's been 46 years between No. 1 picks speaks to the proud tradition of the Raiders, who usually aren't at the bottom of the NFL's barrel.

But now they are, and they need to find a way out of it, and fast.

Speaking of fast, we think that the Raiders should draft Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson.

Sure, he's not a guy who will handle the ball 20 times a game (like a tailback), or directly influence the outcome via his decision-making under pressure (like a quarterback).   But Johnson's 4.3-speed and his size and his hands and his unbelievable leaping ability make him the single best prospect in this draft -- and possibly in any draft since John Elway came out of Stanford in 1983.

Even if Johnson only touches the ball five times per game, his presence will command the constant attention of two defenders, opening up the rest of the field for other receivers -- and creating running lanes for the backs.

So, as we see it, it's a no-brainer.  The Raiders take Johnson.

But there's a caveat.  Oakland should not consider adding Johnson unless and until either Randy Moss or Jerry Porter (or both) are long gone.  With Johnson having a great attitude and demeanor, the last thing he needs is to be influenced (and/or resented) by this turdish twosome.

If the first pick isn't used on Johnson, then it most definitely should be spent on a passer.  The quarterback position in Oakland has been in disarray since Rich Gannon won a late-career MVP award.  And the only in-house candidate for the job is Andrew Walter, who had a passer rating of 55.8 in 12 games last year.

If Johnson is the guy at No. 1, then the Raiders should look lower in the draft for another arm.  Maybe Drew Stanton is the choice at the top of round two.

Another area of need for the Raiders is the defensive tackle position, where Warren Sapp is getting toward the end of the line.  N.C. State's Tank Tyler, who benched 225 pounds 42 times at the combine, is a possibility. 

If Calvin Johnson isn't drafted (and if Randy Moss and/or Jerry Porter are traded), the Raiders would be wise to eyeball the available wideouts in rounds two and below.  Dwayne Jarrett, who played for Raiders coach Lane Kiffin at USC, could still be available early in round two, if as we believe Jarrett generates a sssslow time in the 40 at his workout.  (In fact, if Jarrett is still on the board after the first twenty picks are called, we wouldn't be surprised to see the Raiders try to trade back into the bottom of round one in order to get him.)  Another possibility is Steve Smith, another former Trojan wideout.  Or how about Ted Ginn, Jr.?  He's a speed burner whose ankle injury at the start of the National Championship game could contribute to a plunge on draft day.

Generally speaking, the Raiders have drafted well on defense over the past couple of years.  We wouldn't be surprised to see them find another young starter this year.  The biggest need arguably is at outside linebacker, where Sam Williams, a third-round pick in 2003, made only 44 tackles in 2006.

Finally, the Raiders could use some help at tight end, especially if Courtney Anderson ends up being shipped to Green Bay as part of the rumored Randy Moss trade.  Even with the addition of Fred Wakefield and Tony Stewart, the team lacks a real threat at the position. 

And if Calvin Johnson ends up on the team, whoever plays tight end will have a great opportunity to catch passes in the zones that Johnson clears out.