The Oakland Raiders’ first round pick (RB) Darren McFadden has the speed to go the distance on any carry or reception and he should be the starting running back soon for them.  He played in 13 games (5 starts) for the Raiders last season and he carried the ball 113 times for 499 yards (4.4 ypc) with 4 TD runs.  He also caught 29 passes for 285 yards (9.8 avg) and made 5 tackles.  The sky is the limit for McFadden as long as he can stay healthy.  CB Tyvon Branch was one of the 4th round picks of the Raiders last April and he has some potential.  He played in 8 games (0 starts) for the Raiders last season and he made 10 tackles, defensed 1 pass and had a interception.  Branch also returned 6 kickoffs for 89 yards (14.8 avg) last season.  Fellow 4th round pick (WR) Arman Shields missed his rookie season due to a knee injury that caused him be placed on Injured Reserve.  In the 6th round the Raiders found DE Trevor Scott.  Scott played in all 16 games (0 starts) for the Raiders and he made 24 tackles, had 5 sacks and forced a fumble.  He might be a starter for the Raiders down the road.  WR Chaz Schilens also was a find for the Raiders in the 7th round.  He played in all 16 games (6 starts) for the Raiders last season and he caught 15 passes for 226 yards (15.1 avg) with 2 TD grabs.

GRADE FOR THE 2008 SEASON:  C+

GRADE FOR THE FUTURE:  B+