June 3, 2008

Mission accomplished: Raiders owner Al Davis dropped some major cash this offseason, hoping to spark a quick turnaround for his recently woeful franchise. Fourth overall pick RB Darren McFadden is expected to make a major impact and should take some of the playmaking pressure off QB JaMarcus Russell in his first year as the starter. Oakland added a No. 1 receiver, when healthy, in Javon Walker, but he reported to workouts out of shape, which disappointed team officials. Davis made major upgrades in the secondary, trading for CB DeAngelo Hall and signing SS Gibril Wilson.

Unfinished business: There is no clear starter at right end, and the Raiders are hoping recent castoffs Kalimba Edwards and Greg Spires can get a push off the edge opposite top-tier DE Derrick Burgess. Oakland lost QB Josh McCown to the Dolphins and did not re-sign Daunte Culpepper, leaving the squad little insurance behind Russell. A relatively unimpressive tandem of Marques Tuiasosopo and Andrew Walter will serve as Russell’s backups.