The Raiders’ wheeling and dealing left them with just five picks in the draft, but they only needed one to generate perhaps the most-discussed decision of the weekend. Owner Al Davis passed on defensive line studs Vernon Gholston and Glenn Dorsey to take the two-time runner-up in Heisman Trophy balloting, Arkansas RB Darren McFadden. Of course, Oakland already had a fairly strong stable of running backs, including Justin Fargas, who rushed for 1,009 yards in ’07. Davis, however, couldn’t resist adding McFadden’s rare combination of speed, strength and breakaway ability. McFadden may be the best player in the draft because of his potential to become a once-in-a-lifetime performer, but some questionable off-field decisions and fumbling problems could make him the riskiest prospect taken early in Round One. One of the few guarantees McFadden provides is that he automatically will take some pressure off QB JaMarcus Russell in his first year as the full-time starter. The Raiders traded into the Dolphins’ spot at the top of the fourth round to take Connecticut CB Tyvon Branch, who will make an immediate impact as a gunner on special teams. He, like McFadden, was one of the most impressive athletic specimens in the draft, with size, speed, burst and smarts. WR Arman Shields had his senior season cut short by a knee injury, but he’s aggressive and could be a deep threat. Buffalo DE Trevor Scott is a converted tight end with a lot of upside. San Diego State WR Chaz Schilens has good size at 6-foot-4, but needs to become a better route runner.
