Gruesome '06, intriguing '07

NAPA - Considering the Raiders have been the worst team in the NFL over the past four seasons, their ability to generate summer sizzle is uncanny. Whether it's the acquisition of marquee players such as Randy Moss or Warren Sapp, or the return of silver-and-black legend Art Shell, Al Davis' team always brings some intrigue to training camp.

This year is no different. Despite finishing a gruesome 2-14 in 2006, there will be much to watch when the Raiders line up for their first practice Friday afternoon.

Lane Kiffin, 32, the youngest head coach in the modern history of the NFL, spent the offseason trying to instill more energy and urgency into a team that has been psychologically wounded. His ability to walk the fine line between motivation and alienation during training camp will go a long way toward determining whether the Raiders can stop the freefall and move toward the glory that Davis is always speaking of.

As camp nears, here are some of the big issues facing the team:

1. Is Kiffin ready for this?

Forgive the cynicism, but Kiffin has zero NFL experience (other than informally sitting in on meetings) and never has been a head coach. He didn't even unilaterally command the offense at USC, sharing duties with Steve Sarkisian. Now Kiffin is being asked to resurrect a moribund franchise, under the watchful gaze of a notoriously hard-to-please owner. His supporters say he is smart and willful; he'll have to be if he wants to avoid the fate that awaited Norv Turner and Shell.

2. Can the Raiders

sign JaMarcus Russell?

Fans can't wait to get a look at the overall No. 1 draft choice in uniform. He is 6-foot-6, 263 pounds, fairly mobile and can throw 20-yard outs like a JUGS machine spits fastballs. But before he takes the field, Russell will have to agree on a contract. He could ask for a signing bonus of nearly $30 million. And because he is expected to join the offense gradually, time would seem to be on his side if his agents (Ethan Lock and Eric Metz) and the Raiders can't come to terms.

3. So when will the big guy play?

Assuming Russell and the Raiders are able to strike a compromise, he'll get his snaps during the exhibition season. But it seems unlikely he'll be ready to step into the huddle when the Lions come to town on Sept. 9. There are a lot of factors involved, including Russell's command of the offense, Josh McCown's effectiveness and the Raiders' overall fortunes. If this team starts 0-5 again, you can bet the Black Hole will be chanting for the rookie.

4. Is Jerry Porter back in the fold?

The occasionally charming, often sullen Porter never has been the easiest guy to get along with -- either for media or coaches. But his beef last season, a cold war that limited him to exactly one catch, seems to have been specifically with Shell (and to a lesser extent then-receivers coach Fred Biletnikoff). With the old-guard coaches gone, Porter should be ready to produce, perhaps even as the Raiders' go-to receiver.

5. Will the O-line be any better?

This is the question most Raiders fans are dying to have answered in 2007. The offensive line was at the root of Oakland's problems a year ago, allowing 72 sacks. But was it a predictable and outdated offensive scheme that doomed the line, or was it the ineptitude of the blockers? The Raiders have chosen to go mostly with the same group of linemen. Hope springs from new position coach Tom Cable and a new blocking scheme that emphasizes quickness and coordination.

6. Where will Robert Gallery line up?

As the line deteriorated last year, it was Gallery who became a lightning rod for criticism. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2004 draft wasn't any better at left tackle than he had been at right tackle in his first two seasons. This offseason, Gallery worked at both tackle positions as well as left guard. The Raiders clearly need him to step up and be a capable blocker; first, they need to find him a regular spot.

7. Can the defense match last year's performance?

While the offense imploded in 2006, Rob Ryan's group ranked third in the NFL in overall defense and first in passing defense. Many point to the challenges faced by the defense (it repeatedly lined up in Oakland territory after turnovers) and call it a command performance. Others note that opponents often spent the second half cautiously running the ball into the line and milking 10-point leads. It's possible this young, athletic unit will actually improve in 2007 while seeing its statistical measures decline a bit.

8. Who is this year's Nnamdi?

Last year, Nnamdi Asomugha made huge strides and emerged as a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback after three up-and-down seasons. Several other Oakland defenders could be on the verge of an upswing, including linebackers Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard, and corner Fabian Washington. The Raiders would love to see second-year safety Michael Huff break out. He started all 16 games and demonstrated a lot of toughness as a rookie, but made few game-changing plays.

9. Can Mike Williams be a big-time player?

Williams joined the Detroit Lions as the No. 10 overall pick in 2005, but caught a mere 37 passes in two seasons. Critics called him lazy and overweight. Now Williams is reunited with Kiffin, one of his coaches at USC, and the Raiders are hoping the new scenery will unleash some of the receiver's potential. The project got off to a slow start, however, when Williams strained his hamstring at his first practice and spent the rest of the offseason on the sidelines.

10. Is this the end for Treu and Crockett?

Long snapper Adam Treu is the longest-tenured Raider at 10 years, and fullback Zack Crockett (along with tackle Barry Sims) is right behind him at eight years. Both are on shaky ground in 2007. The Raiders have been training Chris Morris as a snapper, and the team signed free agent Justin Griffith as a likely started at fullback. Still, don't count out the veterans. Reliable long snappers are rare, and Crockett's versatility and popularity could land him a roster spot.

You can reach Staff Writer Phil Barber at 526-8672 or phil.barber@pressdemocrat.com.