MINNEAPOLIS – On the way to dinner with some colleagues we ran into none other than Raiders owner Al Davis who was happy to crack a few jokes and discuss music.
He also deflected requests for pictures and autographs with a smile and a couple of one-liners.
Whenever Davis speaks, it’s usually worth a laugh or two, especially in a relaxed setting.
And as one person wished him good luck, Davis let him know the Raiders don’t need luck, they need a win.
Can’t disagree with him on that.
Question: Do you think that the Raiders need to draft a running like Darren McFadden in order to solidify their running position for the next five plus years?
Steve, Pico Rivera
Answer: I don’t think so, but as Lane Kiffin might say, there are a lot of variables that go into that.
What do the Raiders do with LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes? One, if not both could be gone next season.
Will the Raiders resign Justin Fargas?
There’s also the belief the zone-blocking scheme doesn’t put much emphasis on drafting running backs high in the draft.
But to fully answer this question, I have to go into the next question …
Question: Do you think rookie running back Michael Bush will be activated soon or at all this season? If so, how soon can he start playing?
Kevin, Riverside
Answer: The Raiders have to decide next week whether to activate Bush or not play him at all this season.
He’d be eligible to play immediately if activated, but without another back being injured or cut, he probably wouldn’t play right away.
The Raiders need to get Bush on the field because how he does would impact offseason moves.
Bush was a first-round draft pick before he broke his leg last September while playing for Louisville.
If he shows he’s that player now that he’s fully recovered, the Raiders wouldn’t need to use a high pick on a running back and could address receiver and the offensive line.
If the Raiders don’t believe Bush can be an elite back, drafting a player like McFadden becomes a priority.
--Jason Jones
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