Jan 31, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots defensive back Sterling Moore (29) is interviewed by ESPN reporter Chris Berman during media day in preparation for Super Bowl XLVI against the New York Giants at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders have spent the last decade as a joke. From Chris Berman to Daniel Tosh its all laughs when the silver and black are being talked about. Even so-called NFL experts have bought into the idea that the Raiders are a toilet bowl team. NFL.com’s Elliot Harrison ranks the Oakland Raiders at number 31 on his power ranking’s list. That is right Raider Nation. Only able to out contend the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Of course Oakland has all but asked for the mockery that has become their reputation. Between Jamarcus Russell and Al’s antique projector the Raiders don’t exactly look professional.

But has Oakland earned the number 31 spot? In the middle of a rebuilding season most NFL experts would probably say yes. However, after what seems like (nobody knows until game day) a good draft and a hole filling free agency period can the Raiders breach the top 30?

Its going to be a long time until we figure out if the Raiders are going to be a 4 win team or a playoff contender. So lets look at what we know.

QB – According to Ian Rappaport, Reggie McKenzie has declared Matt Flynn the presumable starter. Of course this should really come to no surprise as the team has repeatedly showed their lack of faith in Pryor. However, if Flynn does not become the next Aaron Rodgers/Matt Schaub, rookie Tyler Wilson will be waiting for his chance. Out of the three upside filled quarterbacks I would expect to see one of them step up and lead the Raiders.

RB – Darren McFadden is in a make or break year. An injury this year would make it his last as a Raider. But with the power scheme back in town, McFadden has all the tools to succeed. Behind McFadden is veteran Rashad Jennings who showed his worth by running for close to 1000 yards while backing up Maurice Jones Drew. Also look for rookie Latavius Murray to make a name for himself.

FB – Maybe the most underrated player in the NFL, Marcel Reese, shows his athleticism more than 2chainzz says his own name. The former Washington receiver can do everything, and when he has the ball in open space its lethal. His thick figure, blazing speed, and sticky hands gives the Raiders a secret weapon.

Nov 25, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Marcel Reese (45) carries the ball during the second quarter of the game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports

WR – Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford are the two studs to look for in 2013. If both stay healthy Oakland’s offense will regain their vertical attack. Not to mention the developing Rod Streater who showed the ability of an undrafted free agent. Speaking of undrafted free agents remember high school phenom Sam McGuffie? He is now a Raider and looks to play a Wes Welker-like role.

OL – This is a weak spot for the offense. But the truth is, it’s not all that weak. If rookie coaches can juice the potential out of Menelik Watson (there is plenty of it) this line will be strong enough to compete. Both Jared Veldheer and Stefan Wisnewski are two of the better lineman in the league. In short, I can’t see this line falling below average in 2013. I will also add that rookie tight end Nick Kasa looks to help with run blocking. His 6’5 275 pound lineman body shouldn’t hurt anyways.

DL – This is the biggest area of concern for Oakland. The interior defensive line is currently relying on players like Pat Sims and Vance Walker. Players who I had never heard of prior to this off-season. Lamarr Houston and Andre Carter are keeping the end spots on lock, but how long before the injury bug bites. The only imaginable answer would be switching to a 3-4 defense. Utilizing the skill residing at the linebacker position.

LB – Reggie McKenzie really scored in this category. Miles Burris will be returning joined by Nick Roach, Kaluka Maiava, Kevin Burnett, and rookie Sio Moore. Personally I am very excited to watch Sio Moore get out on the field. This kid could prove to be a huge draft steal and provide the Raiders with a pass rush that is more needed than a Mark Davis haircut.

DB – Another area of big improvement for the Raiders. McKenzie once again revealed a sneak peek at his grand scheme by adding Tracy Porter and Mike Jenkins. This gives good veteran leadership for rookie D.J. Hayden who looks to be an instant starter. Combined with the additions of Usama Young and the sound play of Tyvon Branch this is shaping up to be a very active defensive backfield.

In summary the Raiders have positive outlooks at running back, receiver, linebacker and defensive back. The questions in Oakland lie within the defensive line, while the quarter back and offensive line positions stand at about average.

Yet power rankings leave the Raiders at 31? At worst I see this as a 20 spot team. There is plenty for Raider fans to be hopeful for. Remember, anything can happen in the AFC West.

Comment where you think Oakland should stand in the NFL’s power rankings.

Top Tier: Players who are most likely and overdue a breakout season.

Everybody knows Denarius Moore can be a deadly deep threat. The 5th round pick out of Tennessee showed everybody what a draft gem looks like. Hampered by injuries, poor coaching, and mediocre quarterbacking fans only saw glimpses of Moore’s prowess as an NFL receiver. If able to avoid injuries, Moore will be heavily prepared for by opposing defensive backs. This will allow the breakout of somebody who has most likely been forgotten by NFL defenses.

Nov 6, 2011; Oakland CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jacoby Ford (12) catches the ball for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at O.co Coliseum. The Denver Broncos defeated the Oakland Raiders 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Jacoby Ford spent most of his 2012 season on the sideline, suffering from a nasty lisfranc injury. Ford was a 4th round draft selection, and another gem who proved his worth. At the NFL scouting combine Ford recorded the second fastest 40 time ever (4.28[Bo Jackson is number one with a 4.12]). Ford’s rookie season was one to be remembered. Specifically a game he won almost single-handedly against the Kansas City Chiefs. His return, paired with Denarius Moore and a handful of capable younger receivers (Rod Streater and Juron Criner), should lead to an impressive receiving unit in Oakland.

If anybody in the NFL is overdue for a breakout season it is the injury handicapped, Darren McFadden. This running back seems to have really pissed off lady luck. Freak injuries and bad coaching have left a team’s star player with so far, a pitiful career. Glimpses of McFadden in a power running scheme show a back who puts games away. Khalif Barnes and injury remains McFadden’s biggest foes in the upcoming 2013 season. Injuries are hard to avoid, but Barnes’s penalties and missed blocks are very avoidable. In a draft that is extremely offensive line heavy something can definitely be done to balance the deficiency that is Oakland’s defense.

“one of the best players in the league, period.”  – Hue Jackson on running back Darren McFadden

Middle tier: Players who are less likely to breakout, but are capable of doing so.

The Raider’s quarterback situation is about as sure as the gender of Lady Gaga. Nobody really knows how its going to turn out. Matt Flynn looks like he has the edge over Pryor going into camp. Flynn has shown glimpses of greatness leading to the potential breakout in 2013. If he can prove that he can effectively and accurately throw the deep ball (threw mostly short passes for Seattle and Green Bay) then Flynn may win the spot.

Terrell Pryor has proved he is capable of handling the offense. If given the reigns, Pryor must be able to be accurate. As unlikely as a starting Pryor is, he will be surrounded with talent in the backfield and receiving corps. He also stands a chance at becoming a breakout player as a wildcat/read option player. I am a strong believer that disregarding a Pryor package would be a huge mistake by Dennis Allen. The Raiders have yet to juice out the benefits this kid can offer.

Vince Young has recently worked out for the Raiders, making things even more unsure in Oakland. In my opinion Young should have been signed a month ago. The ex-Titan showed potential when his head was in the game, and given the tools I believe Young can beat out Flynn and Pryor for the starting spot. Of course he will have to be inked into the organization first.

The starting quarterback may be unknown at the moment, but isn’t that a good thing? Three quarterbacks all capable of leading the team is something most teams don’t have. One could only envision Flynn taking the ball from under center, faking to McFadden up the middle and pitching out to Vince Young who can run multiple pass option plays with Pryor as a pitch back.

Bottom tier: Players who aren’t expected to breakout, but nonetheless have the potential.

The Raider’s offensive line is one piece short of returning to the rush blocking glory they experienced under Hue Jackson. Jared Veldheer leads this group, and has also been seen putting on a ton of muscle in the off-season. The breakout of this group would be huge for the Raiders. It would give McFadden the chance to become the star he is, and give much needed time to the next starting quarterback of the Raiders.

Miles Burris could possibly find himself a sophomore leader on this defense. He was forced into playing last season due to the poor play of Rolando McClain and took advantage of his opportunity. With a year of experience under Dennis Allen, Burris will have an advantage over the new free agent signings who will replace McClain and Phillip Wheeler. Look for this hard worker to play even better in his second year.

Tracy Porter and Mike Jenkins both share some things in common. Both were signed by the Raiders this off-season and both have something to prove. The former pro-bowlers look to return to their glory days as they will most likely be instant starters on this cornerback starved defense. Both would provide this team with a fighting chance if they prove to be capable.

October 21, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne (7) is sacked by Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Miles Burris (56) in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Jaguars 26-23 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Feel free to comment who you believe will breakout in the Raiders 2013 campaign!

Far Fetched?

If you think about it Raider Nation, it’s not that crazy. What can it hurt?  Taiwan is buried under 3 different running backs being 4th on the depth chart.  If you watch how he runs with the ball,   he’s not scaring anybody on defense.  Fact is,  he runs like you should be running with a pair of ballerina slippers on. Worst comes to worst Taiwan will just end up being one of our best special teams players on the team. (Kinda like Rock Cartwright in our 2011 season.) We’ve seen players in the past switch from office to defense like Branch in New England. Taiwan Jones has a nose for the ball and great closing speed. (The 2 things that a cornerback should have.) I know it’s a reach Raider Nation, but really what does Taiwan have to lose.

Gregory Simon

JBB Staff Writer

@simonizr

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