What’s in store for the pass catchers?

It’s no big secret to anyone that the are a run-first team. And run second. And, if they’re close enough, run third.Head coach Lane Kiffin has three more-than-capable running backs, a young, inexperienced passer behind center and an O-line built to clear rushing lanes.Passing the ball in 2008 will simply be a way to keep defenses honest and to pick up long-yardage first downs. It won’t be the way the silver and black plans on dominating or, for that matter, winning games.That doesn’t mean Oakland’s pass catchers won’t see plenty of 36 Bettis White Jersey
action throughout the season, though. They may not produce consistent fantasy-friendly numbers, but the wideouts and tight ends in Oakland are certainly capable of moving the chains.With preseason half over and the regular season less than three weeks away, let’s take a look at some possible finishing numbers for the Raiders’ pass catchers in ‘08.Javon Walker, WR: It’s been one rough offseason for the ex-Denver Bronco. After the Las Vegas robbery incident, Walker was reportedly contemplating retiring from football all together. Nevertheless, the 29-year-old is still Oakland’s No. 1 wideout this season, and will enter as that heading into the home opener against his former team. As long as he’s guaranteed $16 million, he’ll be guaranteed to make some plays. Expect a quiet season for Walker, but one filled with some memorable big plays, particularly in Week 1.Projection: 40 receptions, 525 yards (13.1 YPC), five TDsRonald Curry, WR: Curry has proven himself time and again to be a reliable target for any quarterback in a silver-and-black jersey. Yet, in that same time, he’s also proven to be more useful as a slot pass catcher than as a primary target. Curry’s never caught over 750 yards worth of balls in his seven-year career, and 2008 doesn’t appear to present any greater of a chance for him to do that. Still, Curry will rack up his share of catches with second-year passer JaMarcus Russell under center. Expect him to lead all Raiders wide receivers in first-down conversions this season.Projection: 36 receptions, 450 yards (12.5 YPC), four TDsDrew Carter, WR: Carter, a former Carolina Panther who signed with Oakland this offseason, is currently in a battle with Curry for the No. 2 wideout spot. He’s been silent thus far this preseason, however, and it appears Curry has the early edge. At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, though, Carter will be a very difficult target for the young Russell to not rely on, particularly in the red zone. Expect some big plays from the fifth-year receiver, but some fairly modest numbers.Projection: 25 receptions, 355 yards (14.6 YPC), four TDsJohnnie Lee Higgins, WR: Higgins has been busy giving both coaches and fans headaches on special teams, so his use on the offensive side of the football is still a bit suspect. Nevertheless, the speedy third-rounder should see some time on the field this year and post career numbers. Keep in mind, Higgins has six catches for 47 yards in his career.Projection: 15 receptions, 205 yards (13.7 YPC), zero TDsZach Miller, TE: If there’s one Raiders pass catcher worth giving a close look on your fantasy draft day, it’s Miller. The second-year tight end set a franchise rookie receiving record last year with 44 grabs for 444 yards, and he’s only looked better with time. Miller has the Raiders’ sole receiving touchdown this preseason and has the most catches of any starter on the team in the two games the Raiders have played. It’s no mistake, as the 22-year-old has already seemingly formed a natural bond with Russell. In Russell’s only start last season, he hooked up with Miller eight times for 84 yards. Expect the youngster to pick up right where he left off and win the numbers game in 2008.Projection: 67 receptions, 720 yards (10.7 YPC), seven TDsJohn Madsen, TE: When Miller needs a rest or the Raiders need another tight end, 25-year-old John Madsen is the other blocker/receiver who can make the big catch. Granted, the 240-pounder has never made more than 11 in a single season, but he’s always good for at least one big play per season. Madsen had a 57-yard reception in ‘06 and a 39-yarder last season. Don’t expect him to just disappear in 2008.Projection: Seven receptions, 75 yards (12.5 YPC), zero TDsRunning backs: Among the halfbacks -- Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden and Michael Bush -- and fullbacks -- Justin Griffith and Oren O’Neal -- Russell will make plenty of new friends this year. All five of these players will see their fair share of opportunities out of the backfield with Russell behind center. Last year, Oakland’s rushers combined for 89 grabs for 671 yards. Expect more catches and yards this year with a new, more explosive brigade of 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
weapons coming out of the backfield.Projection: 98 receptions, 775 yards (7.9 YPC), five TDs2007 TOTALS: 260 receptions, 2,631 yards, 17 TDs (31st in NFL)2008 PROJECTED TALLY: 288 receptions, 3,105 yards, 25 TDs (Would have ranked 22nd in NFL in 2007)Anthony Carroll can be contacted at (18)