2008 NFL Draft Pick #4 - The Oakland Raiders Select...

DARREN MCFADDEN, RB - Arkansas

Saint from Silver and Black Pride had made this selection in the SBNation Mock Draft and had this to say --

I am taking the back that will make Mike Mayock eat his jockstrap by Week 5, Darren McFadden. Not ONLY does Mayock have Rashard Mendenhall ranked ahead of McFadden, which is possible (but I wouldn’t bet $20 million guaranteed on it), he has McFadden as the #15 player in the draft!!! NUMBER 15!!!

While most see Mendenhall as an every-down back and McFadden as a situational back, the last time I looked, scoring touchdowns is the number one goal of any offense, and Darren McFadden is a threat to score from any offensive position (well, any eligible position) AND special teams. He can line up at tailback or in the slot and can also throw for touchdowns and return kicks.

The Raider offense needs playmakers and there is no greater playmaker in this draft than Darren McFadden. Even though Justin Fargas ran for over 1,000 yards last year, he doesn’t have the break-away speed to go for 6 and I can’t recall the last time the Raiders scored a special teams touchdown. McFadden will be the cure to those two ills.

IF Michael Bush comes back strong, he and D-Mac will be, potentially, the best running back tandem in football. Some on Silver and Black Pride are calling them “Thunder and Lightning” because of D-Mac’s quicks and Bush’s bulk. They will be a one two punch that can put any defense on its heels and tire them out. That will only make it easier for JaMarcus Russell to get the ball downfield to Javon Walker and Zach Miller.

So, with the fourth pick in the draft, the RAIDUZZZZ select Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas - a.k.a. “Razorback Lightning”.