2008 Oakland Raiders Draft Results

The Oakland Raiders came into the 2008 NFL Draft with holes at many positions and a huge need for a major upgrade. At the #4 spot in the 1st round, they were able to plot out many different possibilities for their first pick. The following is a list of each player they picked and how each person will impact the team.

Round 1 - pick #4
Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

While the Raiders certainly could have used more beef on the defensive line, they simply could not pass up the best overall playmaker in this year's draft. McFadden brings game-breaking speed to the plate, and will easily fit in a Raiders' offense that does not have anyone close to his ability. Not only will he be utilized in the backfield, but he can have a field day catching screens as well. Lane Kiffin worked with Reggie Bush at USC, and I'm sure he's salivating at the different ways he can draw up plays for McFadden. Even with plenty of running backs on the roster already, adding a huge threat like him is a plus.

Round 4 - pick #100
Tyvon Branch, CB, Connecticut

The Raiders did not even need to watch the rest of the draft on Day One since they were done until Round 4. Branch has a great body and will most likely be mainly a special teams player early on. With the departure of Fabian Washington to the Baltimore Ravens, he could see time on defense if he proves to be reliable. If he's as good as advertised on special teams, it's a solid pick.

Round 4, pick #125
Armon Shields, WR, Richmond

Acquired in the Washington deal from Baltimore, Shields will have a great opportunity to fit in at WR on a team that lacks a true go-to guy. He sustained a knee injury that cut short his 2007 season, but worked hard to run a 4.38 40-yard dash as the NFL Combine. Described as a fearless player, he has a chance to make a splash.

Round 6, pick #169
Trevor Scott, DE, Buffalo

Much like Shields, Scott fills a major need and will have an immediate chance at significant playing time. The Raiders were one of the worst teams at stopping the run last year, and that was with the now-retired Warren Sapp. Scott's calling card is getting to the quarterback, something only Derrick Burgess has proved he can do. With the cornerback combination of DeAngelo Hall and Nnamdi Asomugha, if he can help the line pressure the QB more, the defense is automatically better.

Round 7, pick #226
Chaz Schilens, WR, San Diego St.

Schilens has good size at 6'3" and runs a 4.34 40. Like many other WR's taken this late, his route-running ability will need to improve. But, he has the necessary tools to make the team with improvement. A good pick this late in the draft.

Final Tally
Offense: 2 WR, 1 RB
Defense: 1 DE, 1 CB

Overall Grade: B+

The grade could have been an A if not for the lack of overall picks and passing up a stud DE like Glen Dorsey or Vernon Gholston. But, drafting McFadden could prove to be the most memorable pick from this draft based on his overall ability alone. The other areas of need were addressed in WR and DE. Shields and Schilens are Al Davis-like guys in that they can run faster than their opponents. Scott is an intriguing pick if he can prove to be a good pass rusher. With more picks, they could have addressed their DE needs even more, but will have to hope that the resigning of Tommy Kelly and more improvement from within is the answer.