The Perfect Draft: Oakland Raiders

With the draft approaching, we ignore projections and identify the dream scenario for each team in a series we call The Perfect Draft.

The Oakland Raiders are coming off their sixth straight losing season and will be entering 2009 with their fifth different head coach in seven years.

For the second consecutive offseason, the Raiders have spent a gargantuan amount of money on cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha and Chris Johnson, and punter Shane Lechler. The Raiders also find themselves in their customary spot in the top 10 of the NFL draft, and their biggest need is pretty obvious.

The Ideal Pick

Michael Crabtree. Entering his third season in the NFL, it could be a make-or-break year for quarterback, and former No. 1 overall pick, JaMarcus Russell, and it might help if he had a legitimate wide receiver to throw to. In 2008 the Raiders had, without question, the worst collection of wide receivers in the NFL in terms of production, value, and, well, talent. Oakland's receivers combined to catch just 82 passes, while rookie Johnnie Lee Higgins led the group with 22. Ronald Curry and Ashlie Lelie are gone from last season's disappointing group, while Higgins, Chaz Schilens and Javon Walker remain. The Raiders gave Russell one potential weapon last year with the No. 4 overall pick Darren McFadden, and he needs more.

Other Needs

Let's face it, when you haven't qualified for the postseason in six years, losing more than 10 games every season, you have plenty of needs and a number of holes to fill. Assuming the ideal pick, Crabtree, isn't available (and he probably won't be) the Raiders have no shortage of options to look at.

Al Davis loves speed and the vertical passing game, so Missouri wide receiver Jeremy Maclin would certainly be of interest, as would Maryland's Darrius Heyward-Bey -- though, No. 7 would probably too high for him to be selected (not that it would stop Davis from picking his guy).

Speaking of help for Russell and the passing game, it doesn't have to come in the form of a wide receiver. The Raiders could use some help on the offensive line, and Alabama's Andre Smith will be available when the Raiders' pick comes up, as will Mississippi's Michael Oher.

Massive defensive tackle B.J. Raji could also be in play to help solidify, and anchor, a defense that gave up nearly 160 yards per game against the run.