Sep 18, 2011; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defense lines up against the Oakland Raiders offense during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Raiders 38 – 35. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The big hog-mollies up front are a vital part of every team. In Oakland, the offensive line is the backbone of a power running game. Without good pulls and substantial blocking, Darren McFadden will never get a chance to display his skill set. So, is the Oakland Raider’s current offensive line up to the task?

Jared Veldheer certainly is. The left tackle is without a doubt the leader of this unit. Veldheer will only continue to get batter as seen by his weight room progress in the off-season.

Stefen Wisnewski looks to reprise his starting role at center. He has proved to be a very capable starter, and alongside Veldheer will be an anchor in Oakland for years to come.

Rookie Menelik Watson will be relied on to start in 2013. His raw potential will be like clay for Dennis Allen to sculpt. The kid shows the potential to one day outplay the number one overall pick, Eric Fisher. His play will determine whether Oakland’s offense will be good or great.

With Watson as an anchor at the right tackle position, the two guard spots remain open for competition. Tony Bergstrom and Lucas Nix look to take over for the older generation of guards. Said generation being Khalif Barnes and Mike Brisiel. Any of these four players could find themselves starting.

One thing is for certain. If the injury bug finds its way to Oakland’s line, the season will be in more Jeopardy than Alex Trebek. So, can Reggie McKenzie cut a deal with a low-priced free agent? It would certainly add depth at the very least.

Sep 8, 2012; East Hartford, CT, USA; Connecticut Huskies linebacker Sio Moore (3) reacts after sacking North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Mike Glennon (8) during the first half at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The Raiders got a steal in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft in Connecticut linebacker Sio Moore. The young pass rusher is more than confident in his abilities. But with the competition at linebacker who exactly will start at the linebacker position for the Oakland Raiders?

Before the draft, Oakland entered free agency with one solid starting linebacker. Miles Burris was a gem himself the year before. The San Diego State alum helped pick up the slack for criminal and former Raider, Rolando McClain. But he needed help from GM Reggie McKenzie in recruiting more talent.

Laying low and flying under the radar McKenzie brought in his classic ‘prove it players’. I say that because they were all signed to one year contracts, and will need to prove their abilities before being re-signed. Kevin Burnett, Nick Roach, and Kaluka Maiava fit the requirements of bottom of the barrel ‘prove it’ players and Reggie wasted no time bringing them aboard. My favorite comparison for them is that they are similar to the 1 dollar movies at gas stations (mostly Nicholas Cage movies).

Looking to take advantage of the new-found strength at linebacker, Dennis Allen will most likely run multiple fronts or a 3-4 defense. This takes pressure off the depleted depth at defensive line. The question is, who will play where and which of the 5 linebackers will ride the pine?

I can definitely see Sio Moore starting right away. The kid looks like a real game changer and may be the biggest impact on the Raider defense (sorry D.J. Hayden, corners don’t see the action linebackers experience). Expect to watch Sio Moore line up on the edge somewhere opposite Miles Burris. This leaves Kaluka Maiava and Kevin Burnett to lock down the inside linebacker spots. I believe Nick Roach will act as a sub who can play anywhere on the field.

This should be a very interesting battle in camp. What does the Nation believe?

Sep 18, 2011; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore (17) celebrates a touchdown reception during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

The Raiders have done a very good job in picking gem receivers. Jacoby Ford, Denarius Moore, and Rod Streater were unheard of before the Raiders implemented them into their offense.

However, none of these receiver have really proven themselves as consistent game changers. Raider Nation has seen glimpses of greatness from all three, but are they considered elite?

I believe Ford and Moore have great potential of one day becoming part of an elite receiving unit. But in order for this to happen the team cannot rely on young unproven talent such as Juron Criner and Rod Streater. The latter of the two played a big role in Oakland’s 2012 offense, but that doesn’t make him a great or even good receiver.

What the Oakland Raiders need is veteran talent. Somebody who has proven themselves to be of great use. Free agents like Brandon Lloyd and Joshua Cribbs remain unsigned. If McKenzie could find enough cap space for even Mike Sims-Walker or Austin Collie it most likely would yield better results than relying on undrafted free agents to fill in the thin depth at receiver. Not saying Streater wont get his catches, but I don’t see him as someone worth relying on (of course I still hope Streater proves me wrong).

Personally I think the speed of Joshua Cribbs would match up well with the burning speed of Jacoby Ford. These two would open up Denarius Moore like a book.

When I look at great receiving corps two squads come to mind. First, the 2012 Atlanta Falcons. Using Roddy White and Julio Jones to draw off defenders, Harry Douglas, found himself wide open. The three player tandem worked so well the Falcons often found themselves able to drive down into field goal position with less than a minute on the clock. This offense won games for this team.

The second team I look at is the Green Bay Packers. The use of Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, and Jordy Nelson won them a Super Bowl. And they helped Matt Flynn set a Packer record against the Detroit Lions.

Of course both of these teams have excellent quarterbacks in Matty Ice and A-Rod. But it surely benefits these throwers to have such great communication between receivers, giving them the ability to open each other up.

Can Rod Streater become a Harry Douglas or would Oakland be better off with a Josh Cribbs? Surely it would help with depth in injury situations. After all Oakland finds themselves in that predicament quite often. If you disagree with me feel free to inform me on your idea of what Oakland should do with their pass catchers. The comment box is right below.