SDOGO

An in-depth look at the Raiders needs heading into the 2007 draft:

1. Quarterback. Aaron Brooks and Andrew Walter did not play well in '06, leaving the team to seek an upgrade. The team cut Brooks and sees Walter only as a backup. LSU's JaMarcus Russell fits the mold of what owner/GM Al Davis wants in a quarterback -- big and tall with a strong arm. This likely will be the position the Raiders target with the No. 1 pick -- if they don't trade it. If the team bypasses Russell or trades down, Notre Dame's Brady Quinn or Houston's Kevin Kolb are possible targets.

2. Offensive tackle. Robert Gallery struggled on the left side and has been moved back to right tackle. Barry Sims, a natural guard, will shift back outside to play left tackle, but that's only a stopgap solution. The Raiders could take Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas in the first round. If the team passes on Thomas, Penn State's Levi Brown and Tennessee tackle/guard Arron Sears are possibilities in Round 2.

3. Defensive tackle. The defense ranked third overall in the NFL but struggled against the run and could use help inside. If the team trades down, it could select Michigan's Alan Branch or Louisville's Amobi Okoye in the first round. Nebraska's Adam Carriker is a possibility in the second round, and Miami's Kareem Brown is an option in Round 3 or 4.

4. Wide receiver. Randy Moss and Jerry Porter were disappointing last season, and Davis could trade or release both. If that happens, the Raiders will consider Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson or Ohio State's Ted Ginn with the top pick. If they wait on a receiver, the Raiders could look at Miami's Ryan Moore, who has the tools to develop into a starter, on Day 2.

5. Defensive end. The Raiders have a premier end in Derrick Burgess, but they would like to find a complement capable of producing more than Tyler Brayton and Lance Johnstone, who combined for two sacks in 2006. The Raiders could be interested in Clemson's Gaines Adams in the first round if they trade down. But with so many other needs, the team more likely will look for a project on Day 2 who might be able to help in the rotation.

6. Guard. The Raiders figure to be on the lookout for a prospect who can offer an upgrade at left guard over Paul McQuistan. Right guard Kevin Boothe fared well in his rookie season but is not assured of a starting spot, either. This position won't be a high priority, but don't be surprised if the Raiders use a second-day selection on a guard.

7. Running back. LaMont Jordan and Justin Fargas averaged less than 4 yards per carry in '06. The team recently signed Colts' free agent Domonic Rhodes to bolster the unit, so this is less a priority. Day 2 possibilities include Nebraska's Brandon Jackson, Florida State's Lorenzo Booker and Florida's DeShawn Wynn.

OUTLOOK

With so many needs, Oakland would be wise to trade down from the No. 1 spot and acquire more picks, but will anybody be interested in moving up? The Raiders likely will target a quarterback, an offensive lineman and a defensive tackle in the first three rounds, with a receiver, a running back and another offensive lineman coming after that.

Oakland figures to be active in the free-agent market, so its draft strategy will be shaped by which players it signs. Given there won't be a Drew Brees-caliber free agent, the team likely will be on the prowl for a QB at draft time. If it doesn't trade down, LSU's Russell seems like a good bet because he has the big arm Davis likes.

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