However, there is a difference between a much improved team and a serious playoff contender. The Raiders really aren't that far off from being just that.
Only two more moves will put the Raiders over the top in that department.
The two moves should be made for two offensive lineman. The Raiders look to be as good as they need to be at every other position.
Both Jared Veldheer and Bruce Campbell were drafted as "projects" for the offensive line. I love Campbell's measurables and I think he can be coached up in a year.
Many love Veldheer in the same way. I suggested Flozell Adams as a one year plug-in until Campbell is ready but I have since come off that stance.
Why wait to contend?
The Raiders need guys that are ready now while their weapons are still healthy . They don't know what Adams has left or how fast the young guys will develop anyway. I have especially warmed to the idea of Campbell as a guard.
I have heard many in Raider Nation say, "I trust Tom Cable" in their support of Veldheer. I am not saying I don't trust him but he sure was wrong about Samson Satele.
The Raiders were really set back by that move. Cable wanted Satele because he thought he was the best offensive lineman in the draft in 2007.
He then convinced Al Davis to let Jake Grove walk for nothing and trade for Samson Satele to fill the spot. While Grove is killing it in Miami, Satele is... Satele.
I wonder if Cable had the chance to see Satele live in his own Miami backfield in 2008. The border line of an acceptable point of an attack run-block win percentage is 80 percent.
Satele's win percentage was 79 percent. He also led the NFL in point of attack losses and ba...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
