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?

Dec 30, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders fan Wayne Mabry aka Violator reacts against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Every Raider fan has their share of concerns with their team. Some are worried about our offense, some the defense, and all of Raider Nation are deeply troubled with the result of the 2012 season and how Oakland can improve upon it. So I took to JBB’s Twitter account (follow us @JustBlogBaby) to ask the nation what has them up at night.

Of course since the Raiders have the greatest fans in the world, the feedback was amazing. So, I’ll do my best to answer all of your questions on where the franchise stands.

@justblogbaby Connor Vernon -more Wes Welker or more Tom Waddle?Do you see Vernon, McGuffie, and Butler making team?Who’s odd man out?

— NaughtyBearTed (@DominoDent) May 8, 2013

Conner Vernon is truly an interesting UFA. I always take special interest in players who were able to start as true freshman. That takes tremendous skill, courage, and self-confidence. This kid managed to become the number two freshman in the nation in receptions (55), all after missing three games with a foot injury. I wouldn’t be surprised to see his great routes and sticky hands put him in position to see consistent playing time. However, I don’t see him being the huge game breaker that Welker is. Rather a Rod Streater or Eric Decker.

On a sidenote, I see Brice Butler as another Juron Criner, or in other words not making any impact. Sam McGuffie on the other hand is a wild card. He could be utilized occasionally in the slot or maybe in a wildcat with Pryor. Chances are McGuffie is just a body to add depth to the thin receiving unit. I wouldn’t count on him living up to his famous highlight reel.

@justblogbaby I want to know if Reggie is going to bring in players under 30 only? I see some good FA out there that can help the O.

— Galen Crocker (@G_moneyraiders) May 8, 2013

Brandon Lloyd, Joshua Cribbs, Karlos Dansby, Dwight Freeney, Victor Cruz, Daryl Smith, Casey Hampton, Nick Barnett, Chris Gamble, and more. But in the words of Adam Sandler, “The price is wrong B****.”

@justblogbabyCurrent cap situation?

— Cody Knudtson (@calioso67) May 8, 2013

According to NFLPA the Raiders have about 6.3 million, enough to sign rookies and maybe a couple of low price free agents.

@justblogbaby should the raiders go into a 3-4 defensive scheme with linebacker depth?

— Christopher Mendoza (@Big_Daddy_Ceee) May 8, 2013

Yes! Great question Chris! With the defensive line being thinner than Paris Hilton after a trip to the bathroom, Oakland needs to rely on their newly acquired linebacking unit. With five linebackers who are capable of starting, I see Dennis Allen using multiple fronts. Remember Allen is known as being a defensive guru. Expect to see rookie Sio Moore and maybe Miles Burris lining up at end on occasion. Using three down lineman like Andre Carter, Pat Sims, and Lamarr Houston would work greatly to the Raider’s benefit.

@justblogbaby What positions do you think Reggie Mac will look at once other teams make some cuts. Any specific players they may target?

— William Sigerseth (@wsiger) May 8, 2013

Oakland could use help at receiver, defensive tackle, and guard. If he waits until after teams make cuts it will be for the purpose of filling in depth. I would expect him to act sooner before camp begins. In fact, McKenzie has made Joshua Cribbs an offer according to Ian Rapapport.

Oct 21, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Joshua Cribbs (16) runs for yardage on a punt return against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeats Cleveland 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Keep tweeting and commenting your concerns Raider Nation!