Rookie Huff key to Raiders

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Their secondary is a perfect example of this philosophy. The Raiders have a bunch of gifted athletes who look great in shorts, but when they put the pads on they don't make enough plays. In 2005 Oakland's defense intercepted a paltry five passes, an all-time NFL low for a 16-game season. Even though the secondary features a lot of speed and youth, it simply doesn't produce enough. With Charles Woodson headed to Green Bay and Derrick Gibson a disappointment, the Raiders will have a young secondary that needs to grow up fast.

The key to this unit will be rookie free safety Michael Huff, who the Raiders selected with the No. 7 overall pick. For all of their past mistakes drafting defensive backs, the Raiders may have gotten this one right. Huff is a great athlete, with speed and size, but he's also a football player. He has good instincts and reactions versus the pass along with the aggressiveness and toughness to play the run. Huff is already signed and in camp and he could be an impact player.

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Gary Horton

Scouts Inc.

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Gary Horton spent 10 years in the NFL as a scout and another 10 years at the college level as an assistant coach and recruiter. He is the founder and most seasoned member of the Scouts Inc. staff, and his extensive experience at all levels of football make him an excellent talent evaluator.