NFL Draft Michael Huff Haloti Ngata Tamba Hali

The NFL offseason centers on the events of April 29. For some teams, their plan is as clear as day. For others, it's as murky as the lyrics of a John Madden rap. For the simple fact that Oakland already possesses two capable quarterbacks and numerous holes on defense, the Raiders' plans should be clear-cut. But if you have learned anything from the past, it should be that Al Davis loves to surprise people in the first round.Let's hope that this year, no bombshells drop after the phrase: "With the seventh pick in the 2006 NFL Draft the select?Instead, the team should focus on their top three defensive needs:1. Linebacker: Given that Oakland will have to meet with LaDainian Tomlinson, Larry Johnson, and, well, the Broncos' offensive line two times each next year, a solid linebacking unit is a necessity in the AFC West. In the last two seasons, the Raiders have won only one divisional meeting. As luck would have it, the lone win came in 2004 at Denver in which the field was completely blanketed with snow-meaning running didn't come as easy for the Broncos. But with the past aside, it's time for the Raiders to start looking ahead to 2006 and to years far beyond. In last year's draft, they made great strides in drafting Kirk Morrison out of San Diego State, who had 116 tackles in 16 full games of action. And with seven-year veteran Danny Clark anchoring the middle of the crew, who in two seasons with Oakland has racked up 242 tackles, the only gap remaining lies at left outside linebacker. In 2004 and 2005, the Raiders tried desperately to make do with the little talent they had, moving Tyler Brayton off the defensive line and a couple steps back into the linebacker position. Well, that didn't work out and another attempt at the stunt shouldn't even be an option in '06.With the seventh pick, Oakland has an outside shot at Ohio State's A.J. Hawk; however, it is improbable that he falls that far. It would be in the Raiders best interest if they did some last-minute wheeling and dealing to put themselves in good position to grab Hawk, who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.42 seconds at the NFL combine. Beyond Hawk, Ernie Sims (4.48 40-yard dash) seems to be the most viable option at linebacker; however, he may not be Oakland's best option at seven.2. Defensive line: Derrick Burgess was simply great in 2005; veteran tackle Warren Sapp should make a full recovery; and Terdell Sands and Tommy Kelly should be solid interchangeable parts at the other defensive tackle position. But the problem lies at the hole on the other end of line.To fill the hole, Oakland has two options: 1. Draft a defensive end and use Tommy Kelly as a defensive tackle; or 2. draft a defensive tackle and move Kelly to end.The first of the options seems to be the most logical. At 6'5", 300 pounds, Kelly is built like a defensive tackle. However, he has shown that he also has the quickness to play closer to the end. In very limited time with the Raiders, Kelly has accrued 8.5 sacks-some coming down the center, some off the end. The second option would require the 300 pounder to commit himself as a permanent defensive end, which he may find hard to physically do season after season. Obviously, Mario Williams is a stud. But he will likely be chosen within the top four picks. Beyond him, however, there isn't much for Oakland to look at with such a high pick. Tamba Hali out of Penn State seems solid, but would be a reach for the Raiders. So, unless Oakland decides to trade up or down from their current position, defensive end might not be a viable option.This is where the second of the two alternatives comes into a play. Unlike defensive end, the defensive tackle position seems much more feasible. Oregon's Haloti Ngata or FSU's Brodrick Bunkley are two commanding lineman who can immediately impact the front four in their first year out of college. Ngata seems to be more of a possibility for Oakland and would fit nicely on their line, measuring 6'4", 338 pounds. Bunkley, on the other hand, still seems to be a reach at seven; however, he should be selected within the top 15 picks.3. Safety: The team just re-signed six-year veteran Derrick Gibson, but the safety position is still a huge weakness in the secondary. Gibson has been plagued with injuries since being selected in the first round of the 2001 draft and has played inconsistently at best. To start alongside Stuart Schweigert, Michael Huff out of Texas would be a great pickup. Listed at 6'1", 198 pounds, the Thorpe Award-winning DB ended his college career with 87 tackles, two sacks, 10 pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions. The durability of Huff could be particularly helpful on the Raiders' youthful defensive unit, which could materialize very nicely in 2006.At this point, only time can tell what the future has in store for the . However, in the best interest of the team, filling in the defense with a playmaker would be much more beneficial than adding a "showstopper" to the offense.-