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Raiders NFL Draft Needs: Lots Of Linebackers Are Needed

Apr 11, 2012; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie at press conference at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE
Apr 11, 2012; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie at press conference at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE
Apr 11, 2012; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie at press conference at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE
The Oakland Raiders have several needs entering the 2012 NFL draft this weekend but they're unlikely to find much impact in the draft considering they don't have first or second round picks. SB Nation's Raiders blog, Silver and Black Pride, talked about the needs the Raiders have entering the NFL draft.
The Raiders top three needs are linebacker, nose tackle, and offensive line. There are only four linebackers on the current roster and with the switch to a 3-4 hybrid scheme there is still a need for as many as four more linebackers both inside and outside. I say offensive line generically because there is a need for competition and depth across the board. Second year tackle Joseph Barksdale is wildcard as the team hopes he can compete for the starting job at right tackle with Khalif Barnes. But there is no guarantee either has the skills necessary in the new zone blocking scheme so right tackle may be in need of an upgrade. Look for the team to add a corner back as well. They have spent much of their time signing corner backs in the offseaon, however, they are all on one year deals. This means they are still looking to bring in some young talent at the position. Other positions in need are tight end, backup quarterback and backup running back.
For more news and notes on the Oakland Raiders, visit Silver and Black Pride and SB Nation Bay Area. Check out our 2012 NFL mock draft as selected by SB Nation NFL bloggers. And make sure to visit SB Nation's draft blog, Mocking The Draft, for more on the NFL draft.
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