If there’s a player with maturity issues projected to go in the 1st round of the draft, it would have to be the Raiders selection, wouldn’t it? Sports Illustrated is predicting that Michael Oher from Ole Miss will be the Raiders 1st pick this year. The big offensive tackle will stuff the pass rush and open up some holes for the run, but he does come with a past checkered with maturity issues. Oher would probably be a top 5 pick if it weren’t for those issues, but the Raiders can get good value out of him from the #7 pick. Here’s a highlight video:

Tags: blocker, draft, football, highlight video, michael oher, mock, nfl, oakland raiders, offensive tackle, pick, raiders

Raiders owner Al Davis seems to be favoring linebacker coach Ron Martindale for the vacant head coach position. Martindale interviewed for the defensive coordinator position, but impressed Davis so much during a 5 hour interview that he’s now considered the front runner for the head coaching spot. The last time Al Davis promoted a linebacker coach to head coach was 1969. John Madden would go on to post a winning percentage above .750 with the Raiders and led them to a Super Bowl victory.

Tags: al davis, football, head coach, john madden, nfl, oakland raiders, ron martindale

Raiders owner Al Davis should hire Tom Cable as the team’s head coach as soon as possible, giving him ample time to hire a decent staff before all available candidates are gone. The Raiders do not have much of a chance at any of the other top head coaches who are looking for jobs because, frankly, they are the Raiders and nobody wants to coach in that madhouse and under Al Davis. Davis’ days may be numbered so he should probably make his choice in writing immediately in case he doesn’t wake up in the morning.

Tags: al davis, football, head coach, nfl, oakland raiders, tom cable