MVN: Most Valuable Network

One round of cuts down, with the big one left to go. On Saturday, the Raiders will have to drop from their current 75 players down to the regular season limit of 53. Lane Kiffin and Al Davis likely already have a good idea of the identities of the 22 players who will be walking the plank. Of course, injuries or breakout performances against the Seattle Seahawks could alter any close contests.

Quarterbacks:

Despite some speculation that the Raiders will only go with two quarterbacks, this position was cemented with the departure of Jeff Otis.

1. JaMarcus Russell

2. Andrew Walter

3. Marques Tuiasosoppo

Running Backs:

The Raiders three headed monster is locked in for sure. The question is whether or not they will keep an extra half-back out of Louis Rankin and Adimchinobi Echemandu.I am going to call four half backs and one full back, since Oren O'Neal is on the injured reserve. Marcel Reece will be headed to the practice squad.

4. Justin Fargas

5. Darren McFadden

6. Michael Bush

7. Louis Rankin

8. Justin Griffith

Wide Receiver:

The injury to Drew Carter has thrown this position into upheaval. Only Ronald Curry and Javon Walker have any significant playing experience. Look for the Raiders to bring more guys in after cuts to bolster this area, but from the current crop.

9. Javon Walker

10. Ronald Curry

11. Johnnie Lee Higgins

12. Todd Watkins

13. Chaz Schilens

Tight End:

Zach Miller and John Madsen are definitely sticking around. Tony Stewart will likely continue in this position due to his special teams play. Rookie Darrell Strong is making a strong push, and current utilityman Fred Wakefield could also fill in here.

14. Zach Miller

15. John Madsen

16. Darrell Strong

Offensive tackle:

The offensive tackle position has seemed to devolve into a quagmire for the Raiders. They can run block, but pass blocking is another story entirely. The dearth of depth at this position should be a huge red flag flying over Alameda.

17. Kwame Harris

18. Cornell Green

19. Mario Henderson

Offensive guard:

The best right tackle on the team may be reserve guard Paul McQuistan, who for some unknown reason wasn't even tried out at that position this offseason. Robert Gallery has found a home at left guard, and Cooper Carlisle is a returning starter.

20. Robert Gallery

21. Cooper Carlisle

22. Paul McQuistan

 Center:

Jake Grove won the starting position in an upset at that camp battle. Jesse Boone and Chris Morris can back up at guard if needed.

23. Jake Grove

24. Chris Morris

25. Jesse Boone

Defensive Tackle:

Tommy Kelly has looked like he is going to prove his doubters wrong. Gerard Warren and Terdell Sands have both had their moments. Maruicio Lopez is guaranteed to the practice squad.

1. Tommy Kelly

2. Gerard Warren

3. Terdell Sands

4. Josh Shaw

Defensive End:

Derrick Burgess is the leader of this crew. Jay Richardson has played well enough to hold off competition. Kalimba Edwards will be a pass rush specialist. Trevor Scott, Greyson Gunheim and Derrick Grey are fighting it out for the last spot.

5. Derrick Burgess

6. Jay Richardson

7. Kalimba Edwards

8. Greyson Gunheim

9. Trevor Scott

Linebackers:

The starting trio is set with Kirk Morrison, Thomas Howard, and Ricky Brown. Look for Robert Thomas to be gone, with Sam Williams holding on to his scholarship.

10. Kirk Morrison

11. Thomas Howard

12. Ricky Brown

13. Isaiah Ekejuiba

14. Adam Archuleta

15.  Sam Williams

16. Jon Alston

Cornerback:

The Raiders top three cornerback trio of Nnamdi Asomugha, DeAngelo Hall, and Stanford Routt should keep offensive coordinators up nights. The depth behind them is percarious. Chris Johnson, Michael Waddell, and Nick Sanchez are the three that are vying for the fourth corner slot. Johnson gets it on expierence, Sanchez goes to the practice squad as he has shown some flashes, and Michael Waddell goes anywhere else. (The forthcoming United Football League?)

17. Nnamdi Asomugha

18. DeAngelo Hall

19. Stanford Routt

20. Chris Johnson

Safety:

The Raiders have a very good pair of starters in Gibril Wilson and Michael Huff. The loss of Jarrod Cooper hurts their depth, and the question remains as to whether or not Tyvon Branch can fill the bill.

21. Gibril Wilson

22. Michael Huff

23. Tyvon Branch

24.  Rashad Baker

Utility Man:

Fred Wakefield has played tight end, defensive line, and offensive line. This makes him valuable to the team as he can fill in on an emergency basis in multiple positions. He doesn't necessarily play any of them particually great, but makes for a valuable fill in.

Special Teams:

Kicker-Sebastian Janikowski

Punter-Shane Lechler

Long Snapper- Jon Condo