The Oakland Raiders have been one of the surprising busy teams this offseason despite being in a tough financial situation and after cutting a number of veterans the team has signed a decent amount of players, including cornerbacks Mike Jenkins and Tracy Porter as well as linebackers Nick Roach and Kevin Burnett.
According to ESPN.com, those moves will greatly influence the Raiders in the draft, as they debate over a number of players to pick with the third selection, including corner Dee Milliner and lineman Sharrif Floyd. Some other options include Dion Jordan, Jarvis Jones and defensive lineman Star Lotulelei, who has been cleared after dealing with a heart issue at the combine.
The Raiders greatly improved a place of need by signing Porter and Jenkins and it does not stop them from going after Milliner, as he could be brought in and developed without having to start right away. The team also brought in Usama Young after cutting veteran Michael Huff and the team also brought back Andre Carter on the line. The running back position could be a place of need due to Darren McFadden's injuries and the signing of Rashad Jennings could help out.
The Raiders made a big move by acquiring quarterback Matt Flynn from the Seattle Seahawks for draft picks and the team may not be done at the position, as they could draft Ryan Nassib or Geno Smith and they also brought in Vince Young for a workout. The team has Terrelle Pryor on the roster already and after trading Carson Palmer to the Cardinals, the team could be looking for another arm to add to the roster.
The team likely will go defense with the third pick since that was their biggest weakness last year and Todd McShay at ESPN thinks Oakland could go after Florida defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd or Utah defensive lineman Star Lotulelei. Floyd is considered to be the best defensive lineman prospect in the draft and is an athletic freak from the Gators. Lotulelei had a health issue at the combine, but he is quickly moving up draft boards since he was cleared by doctors.
The Raiders ranked 20th in passing and 18th in rushing yards allowed per game and the team is looking to improve on defense heading into 2013.
