Higgins and Schilens could both be fantasy sleepers in ‘09.

I stayed away from saying much about the running backs simply because there is not too much work done with the running game in OTAs w/o pads on.

I’ll be all over the running game in the coming weeks as we get ready for the start of training camp.

The trenches will be the biggest focus as well with the arrivals of Ellis on “D” and Barnes and Satele on “O”.

Also the signing of DE Ellis, DE Scott making a big impression, resigning key players in Asumougha and Shane Lechtler. Sands actually losing some weight. (Hopefully he can move this year, and fill some gaps.) F. Joseph could be an interesting signing, and could contribute down the road, in both special team’s and coverage.

DHB should be fine. He probably won’t put up big numbers, but he should serve his purpose of stretching the field for the shorter routes, and creating holes for the running game. Crabtree may have been the best reciever (time will tell), but DHB did fit the Raiders system better. Also I don’t think Crabtree wanted to be in Oakland anyway, and the Raiders knew that. They had their reason’s for picking DHB. Also, DHB is good at blocking something Crabtree doesn’t excel in.

Mitchell, I think will become a beast, eventually. As you mentioned, he missed time because of college rules not allowing him to play until school was done, June 12th. He missed the vast majority of Raider OTA’s because of this. He’s a little behind on playing time, but he should see some time on the field this year, and it will certainatly be interesting to see.

As for Walker, the Raiders are really stuck with him this year. They basically would take such a large hit on the salary cap, that it’s better to have him around as a backup if needed. So if they cut him, they gain no salary cap room, and have to use additional salary cap room for a new reciever to replace him. That pretty much rules out a veteran reciever such as Armani Toomer. And really can an ultra cheap released/undrafed WR be better than Walker? OK……. I may be wrong on that one, but I think you get the drift.

And to Russell, he’ll be a good QB this year. He probably won’t put up stellar numbers, but they should be improved with this being his third year, essentially his second as a starter. And in his first 16 start’s he actually had respecatable stats, despite everyone’s rush to label him a “Bust”. New additions to the OL should help, and atleast create some competition, not to mention much needed depth.

The Raiders have most of the pieces to put it together this year. A decent QB, A dangerous trio of RB’s, a better WR core, an impressive LB/CB group. Hopefully a better OL, and a DL Ellis, Burgess (If he isn’t traded), a few draft picks, and solid play from Scott and Richardson. The defense could improve. I can’t wait for Sept.

I can’t get that Jets game out of my head.

5 catches for 75 yards and 1 TD.

If we can get that from him for more than one game, it would be nice.

Russell looked like he was becoming more solid towards the end of the season, and a few times earlier. For his age and experience, he actually was not the turn over machine he could have been. They kept him under wraps, with good reason, for most of the season, but when JRuss got his chance he held his own. Stats were neg effected cuz we ran and we had no WR’s or O-line. We need QB protection, and added to the O-line, and FB positions He and Higgins have a ‘thang, and with Miller already there, look for JRuss to take off this year. Fingers crossed.