It is only preseason so don’t get too excited but the Raiders came back to beat Dallas 17-9. Rolando McClain looked decent he moves well in coverage and was in on the runs.

Lamaar Houston looked good going against the Dallas first string line and posted 2 sacks for the game. He is going to help us tremendously against the run and creating pressure in passing situations.

I like the starting defensive line the came out with and if John Henderson can stay healthy that is one beast of a man to have in the D-line rotation. We are starting to get a roster together than can play a 4-3 and a 3-4 front both and therefore play some hybrid defense and mix it up.

We have some potentially nice additions that were cast offs elsewhere in the league, Quentin Groves looked okay while on the field and could play rush linebacker or end depending on the front being used at the time.

I am starting to like what I see.

Well the 2010 NFL Draft starts tomorrow at 7:30PM EDT. The Raiders have so many needs QB, OL, CB, ILB, DT. They have the 8th pick in the first round, the 7th (39) pick in the second, 5th (69) pick in the third, 8th (106) in the fourth, 7th (138) and 27th (158) picks in the fifth round, no picks in the sixth round and the 8th (215) and 44th (251) (compensatory pick) in the seventh round.

Since the Raiders didn’t win the Donovan McNabb sweepstakes, QB is still an area of need, but short of trading for Ben Roethlisberger and moving JaMarcus Russell in the exchange, I hope the Raiders do not reach for a QB with the 8th pick in the draft. A trade for Roethlisberger would be very questionable based on Ben’s current issues and contract numbers, but the Raiders will not have a 1st round pick in the 2011 draft so they may be forced to make a move this year and either trade for or draft a QB.

I would love to see Oakland make a movie for Jake Locker in next year’s draft but that will be near impossible. Personally, I feel the team should shore up either the offensive line, defensive line or the secondary in the first round.

Round 1 – In the first round I would like to see Oakland pick which ever player is available between these 4 or 5 players: Eric Berry – S – Tennessee, Trent Williams – OT – Oklahoma, Earl Thomas – FS – Texas, Charles Brown – OT – USC, Anthony Davis – OT – Rutgers.

Round 2 – In the second round depending on who is there they might have to grab, Jimmy Clausen – QB – Notre dame (doubt he’ll be there) or Colt McCoy – QB – Texas (likely to be there).

Round 3 - In the third round they need to address either DL, ILB or OL. So I think they need to grab first a DT, either Brian Price, Linval Joseph or Cam Thomas. If they are not there then Oakland should go for an ILB with either Brandon Spikes, Jamar Chaney or Donald Butler. If none of these players are around then I think they need to grab an interior offensive lineman, either Jon Asamoah – G – Illinois, John Jerry – G – Ole Miss, Matt Tennant – C – Boston College or Zane Beadles – G/T – Utah.

Round 4 – They need to build some DB depth or grab the best available RB.

Round 5 – With two picks in round five need to add depth at either OL, DL or CB depending on which areas have not been addressed as of yet.

Round 7 – I think you have to look for players that help out on special teams in the return game or as a gunner. So that basically means you are looking at WR, CB or RB. Also maybe a TE or LB.

ESPN reports that the Oakland Raiders have emerged as the top contender to land Donovan McNabb in a trade.

This would be an interesting move, a trade for McNabb would definitely indicate that the Raiders are serious about putting together a winning team. Though the move would open up a number of other questions. Like what do you do with JaMarcus Russell, do you draft another young QB in the next year or two to become the heir apparent?

Supposedly the trade would be for Oakland’s 2nd round pick (39th) overall. Philadelphia has made it clear they want a top 42 pick for McNabb. In my opinion I like the move, it adds a proven leader and play maker at the most important position on the team. If this move does occur, it along with the trade for Richard Seymour last year and Kamerion Wimbley this off-season, could really vault the Raiders back into playoff contention.

The Raiders cut some dead money this off-season by releasing Gerard Warren, Javon Walker and Greg Ellis and Justin Fargas.

The Raiders still have some work to do, they need to shore up their offensive and defensive lines, find a corner to pair with Asomugha. The need to see who emerges as the starting running back Michael Bush or the oft injured Darren McFadden. The also need to find a run stuffing MLB and move Kirk Morrison outside or move him all together in a trade.

After weeks of speculation and deliberation, Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis has decided to retain Tom Cable as head coach for the 2010 season, a source close to the situation told ESPN on Saturday.

Cable will fulfill the final year of his contract with the Raiders, the source said. The Raiders denied the report on Saturday, saying the evaluation process is still ongoing.

When contacted, Raiders spokesman John Herrera did not confirm that Cable would remain coach for the 2010 season, saying only that, despite meetings into the night the past two days, no decision has been reached.

Cable had one year remaining on his contract. But after meeting with Cable again this week, Davis made a decision that will be popular among players by keeping his head coach in place, the source said.

Cable had widespread support throughout the players in the Raiders locker room.

But his return does not mean changes will not be made. Oakland will tinker with its assistant coaches. It did so Friday when it brought back defensive line coach Mike Waufle.

Cable’s return continues what has been an offseaon of stability for head coaches. Many thought Cleveland could dismiss Eric Mangini, Jacksonville could dismiss Jack Del Rio, Dallas could dismiss Wade Phillips and Oakland could dismiss Cable.

Part of this is due to the financial uncertainty surrounding 2011, a year in which players said they are preparing to be locked out. With so much uncertainty, NFL owners are opting for stability with their coaches.