Nick Miller & Louis Rankin - Raiders Keepers

Granted, he's no Fred Biletnikoff, but rookie wide receiver Nick Miller has that something that you find in players who've been told that they couldn't cut it. Think Wayne Chrebet, Wes Welker or Pittsburgh Steeler great Hines Ward. The Raiders rookie has shown he carries that magic inside him that defies the odds and makes him a special player.

(#89 WR Nick Miller)

I hope the Raiders can find a way to keep Miller on the roster. I know we need defensive help but you don't give up a diamond in the rough, and that he is. For those third down plays where we see JaMarcus all to often drop back with no outlet receiver and be forced to take a sack, Miller could be the answer. He gets lost in the mix then appears when and where you need him to be for a pass. He also brings speed and explosiveness to our special teams. We'll need to keep Johnny Lee healthy as a wide receiver, why not have Nick Miller take on those duties?

Another wish-list keeper is running back Louis Rankin. He's quick, he plays smart football and he doesn't go down without a fight. After reading about Rankin in the blog "Loud and Proud" by BlitzChick, I'm convinced the Raiders will find a way to keep him. With our slew of running backs comes a slew of injuries throughout the season. Rankin would be a good fit as a backup.

(#41 RB Louis Rankin)

Well, there's my cut day stays for the Raiders. For the first time in many seasons I'm a bit jittery about the start of the season. Will my Raiders turn out to be what many "thought they were" during the preseason, a team going nowhere? Or will our Silver and Black 2009 team prove themselves worthy of wearing the football colors that once put terror in opposing teams?

For the first time I'm at a loss for words when trying to forsee this season's destiny for the Raiders. Guess I'll end this with the three words that always seem to escape my lips when forecasting the Raiders chances prior to NFL week one:

ITS OUR YEAR!