This is traditionally a position of importance to the Raiders but the last 10 years or so have been pretty sub par. Ricky Dudley was terrible, as was Doug Jolley. Teyo Johnson never panned out and Courtney Anderson just never learned how to catch. They spent their second round pick on Zach Miller out of Arizona State. The first 6 weeks or so he was non existent in the passing game on account of being used as an extra blocker due to poor O-line play. Once the line started to jell he became a factor in the air attack and put up some pretty good numbers. He has good hands and knows how to get open. I don't think he'll ever be Jason Witten or Antonio Gates, but I do think he'll be a really good tight end for a long time. Of the Raiders first day selections he was the only one who did anything of note.
John Madsen and Tony Stewart are the back ups, and if Miller were to get injured the Raiders would be seriously fucked with either of these two in there for an extended period of time. Madsen shows some potential, but pretty much played WR in college and regularly whiffs on his blocking assignments. Tony Stewart is a decent blocker with hands carved from granite. May God keep a watchful eye on Zach Miller next year.
Final Grade: B-
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