Baller shows and Biggies
By Charles Ybarra
Tuesday, February 12th, 2008 at 5:29 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Nnamdi a Franchise player? I heard nothing is official yet. I’m sure it will be a done deal in a matter of days. Everyone knows this is a good decision for our team.
I went to the commitment to excellence award ceremony held in Oakland for Asomugha last year and I swear no other man couldn’t have deserved it any more then this warrior could. They showed highlights, told Nnamdi stories, had a raffle, included dancing, served a great dinner and even had some players and Raiderettes in the room you could chop it up and take pictures with.
I heard Justin Fargas has been given the award this year. Makes sense, doesn’t it? The guy ran over 1,000 yards last year and can be easily considered to be a player on the rise in 2008. McFadden who?
If you would like to attend, hit up Raiders.com for details and you can also mingle with the men that you cheer for and yell at on the field. This will REALLY prove your toughness.
Proceeds from the event will go to the Justin Fargas Youth Scholarship Program. It’s a collar/tie affair, so make sure not to bring your favorite cape, mask and lightsaber…
I found out the hard way.
Ahhhhh, I still feel like a million bucks from that glorious Super Bowl, don’t you? Life is STILL good. The Sun is even brighter!!! Maybe it felt a little EXTRA special for me since I visited New Jersey and the big Apple about a year ago. Sure, I saw all of the sights, sounds and smells the big NY has to offer…but it was the people that I remember and loved the most.
They were the people on the street who gave directions to a lost, idiotic tourist… the people who shared their cheerful victory with me as the Knicks won in TRIPLE overtime over my most hated Basketball team; the Detroit Pistons.. The people who gave me sh$% during the Jets game (as I was dressed as DR), but then told me afterwards I took it with heart and also took it like a man. They even said they respected me! The Trophy couldn’t have gone to a cooler city. Screw the Yankees though…(: Sorry…A’s fan writing)
Enough of yesterday’s banter. We need information that’s needed for tomorrow!!
How about information regarding…
Free Agent Offensive Linemen!
Ruben Brown, UFA, Chicago Bears
An aging veteran, Brown has a lot of experience opening holes for backs and allowing time for passers. He’s a solid guard who holds down his position quite well. If he decides to stick around, he may have a couple of good seasons left. Teams won’t line up to sign him, but there should be a handful that show interest.
Alan Faneca, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers
Faneca seems to be the most likely of this group to leave his current team. Rumors suggest that he plans on leaving and contract extension talks have gone nowhere. Faneca is a quality guard who has started in five Pro Bowls and been selected as a first team All-Pro five times as well. He also still has some prime seasons of his career remaining. Faneca will receive the most interest at his position, could be the most coveted offensive linemen after the season, and should also be one of the most coveted players available in all of the NFL.
Flozell Adams, UFA, Dallas Cowboys
A veteran left tackle, Adams should hit the market and receive decent interest. A second-round pick in 1998, Adams has developed into one of the league’s better offensive linemen. His size, experience, and performance will lure teams into making a considerable offer for his services. The Cowboys are developing young talent behind him, and depending on how that youth pans out the rest of the season, the team could allow him to leave in favor of saving some money.
Jordan Gross, UFA, Carolina Panthers
With Gross’ contract voiding at season’s end, the Panthers will need to increase his salary in order to keep him around. The ownership seems to agree that he deserves a pay raise, and the team appears to want to keep him around as their starting right tackle. A former first-round selection who has played well, Gross will be looking for a considerably larger check come next season.
Ryan Lilja, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
A quality guard, Lilja is relatively young and has a Super Bowl ring to call his own. The Colts will do well to sign him to an extension, but there’s a chance that Lilja tests the market. In reality, the system that Lilja plays within is a nice fit, and he gets to protect Peyton Manning, so he could easily stay.
Max Starks, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers
Starks is young and massive, and another Pittsburgh player that may leave the Steel City. He’s 25 and is listed at 6’7” while weighing 337 pounds. His size and age will make him a desired player on many team’s list. A top tier tackle will always garner interest and Starks may lead the free agent class at the spot because of the potential he has shown on the field.
Floyd Womack, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
A big, experienced guard, Womack could get a decent offer from any team missing out on a top tier target like Faneca. If Womack isn’t the outright starter in Seattle this season, look for him to find work elsewhere with an expanded role guaranteed.
Jake Scott, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
Scott is the starting right guard for one of the top offensive line units in the entire NFL, and his ability to help protect Peyton Manning should equate to a nice contract number. Indianapolis has found a way to retain most of their line talent in recent seasons, and it should come as no surprise if Scott is locked into a long-term deal in the near future.
Todd Steussie UFA St. Louis Rams
Steussie has been a solid offensive tackle for several years, but he was placed on injured reserve earlier this season because of a foot injury. He’s approaching forty years of age, but he may still have a good season or two in him. He should receive some attention as a free agent simply because of his experience and the position he plays.
Travelle Wharton UFA Carolina Panthers
A late third-round selection in 2004, Wharton has developed into a solid starting left tackle. He has been a key reason for the successes that the Panthers have had, and his absence in 2006 was a key reason for the team’s struggles. Wharton’s rookie contract will expire at season’s end, and his value on the market should be fairly strong. A quality left tackle is hard to find, and team’s looking to bolster an offensive line will have to consider Wharton. Carolina will likely make every effort to work out an extension.
Other Free Agent Offensive Linemen
OG P.J. Alexander UFA Atlanta Falcons
OT Nat Dorsey UFA Cleveland Browns
OT Trai Essex RFA Pittsburgh Steelers
OG Chris Kemoeatu RFA Pittsburgh Steelers
OT Cory Lekkerkerker RFA Miami Dolphins
OT Sean Locklear UFA Seattle Seahawks
OG Brian Rimpf RFA Baltimore Ravens
OG Keydrick Vincent UFA Baltimore Ravens
OG Fred Weary UFA Houston Texans
I just hope we sign the right biggies starting come August and September.
The force knows JaMarcus and the running backs will appreciate it!!!
Have a great week!
DR
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
February 13th, 2008 at 12:17 am
I am not worried as much about picking up any line man in FA unless it is Faneca. But he wants big money. We need to address our WR problem or SS problem( with Huff likely moving to FS) THis is how i see the draft you let me know what you think?
Rd 1: Ellis/Dorsey DT’s
Rd 2: Cherilus OT or LawsDT
Rd 4: Jordy Nelson K St. WR
Rd 6: Jamie Silva SS
THat would be great. Especially with a big pick up in the FA season. Every year we always do.
February 13th, 2008 at 3:26 am
We dont need a G, we are done with Carlisle and Gallery. We need a LT to replace Sims, and a C who can learn from Newberry while he is still here. I am OK with McQuistan at RT, he did a good job and ended the year strong.
Last year we traded up to pick Henderson, so I hope he can compete with Sims in training camp and beat him.
I wont sign Flozell Adams and Max Starks, big T who dont fit our blocking scheme.
Probably the best two T are the Panthers ones, Wharton and Gross. Jordan Gross (despite being a RT) could be a very good player for us at LT, he is young, former 1st rounder (top-10), and has good speed and agility. But I know he will be re-signed or will be franchise player.
February 13th, 2008 at 5:35 am
wow…
Mr McDonald…
you ignored my boy Wesley Britt…
probably a good thing… rumors are that no GM makes a move before consulting this blog…
here’s why i like Wesley…
he flying under the radar…
he’s been a backup tackle for New England for the past few years…
no compensation!!!!
he’ll be getting his first decent contract, and it probably won’t be a bank buster…
on to other people that i think could be helpful…
Mike Wahle… toward the end of his career, but can be had for not big bucks, and the guy lives in Arrowhead… who doesn’t want to play for the home team???
sadly, there are no FA centers that can be had… we’ll have to find one through the draft…
any suggestions as to the best likely available center coming out of college???
February 13th, 2008 at 5:37 am
I like the way you guys think…need positions.
February 13th, 2008 at 5:54 am
correction….
sadly, there are no …. good….FA centers… that i would want…. that can be had… we’ll have to find one through the draft…
February 13th, 2008 at 7:35 am
Pete this is not Jerry’s blog…lol
Florida Pete Says:
February 13th, 2008 at 5:35 am
wow…
Mr McDonald…
you ignored my boy Wesley Britt…
February 13th, 2008 at 9:01 am
are the raiders going to do anything this offseason? hmmm.
things are strangely silent in alameda.
will nnamdi be franchised, will we sign any free agents? things are too quiet.
since lane has no authority anymore, does mr. davis still remember he has a football team to run? who is making plans and decisions? im afraid this team is going nowhere fast…and im not holding my breath for a turnaround anytime soon.
February 13th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Trust me Al is making moves and everyone knows that Al doesnt talk to the media he hates them.I myself would like to get a list of FA that fit the ZBS after all that is what we’re running & size doesnt matter when you play in that system cuz the line moves as a whole.I dont watch college football can anyone tell me what college’s run the ZBS?
February 13th, 2008 at 9:59 am
HAhaaha..Thanks Florida Pete! I assumed you could tell the difference in the Lord of the Siths and Jerry M’s blog by the graphic, lack of correct grammar and comments.. but apparently not! You make me feel like a REAL, LIVE writer!
Yeah, this list is mostly for Starters.
Tyrant, I also like your picks up to rd 2. I think we need a WR in rd 2 if we don’t get one in FA. Darren (run DMC) in rd 1 would be good too..
but..hard to see, the dark side is. Ask me again come April..
February 13th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
C’mon guys, it’s quiet in a lot of camps and you know Al and Kiff are keeping it close to the vest, Awesome One is a lock and Faneca would be cool, I’d also like to see Lil’ Howey and or Cedric Ellis…
February 13th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Hey DR, don’t sell yourself short, you may not be the literary giant (hak, hak) that Jerry once was, but your blogs come from the heart and sole of a true Raider fan…
February 13th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Thanks Don I appreciate that! It’s hard enough competing with a seasoned veteran Journalist! I always wanted to bring something new and fresh to the Nation that hopefully most will enjoy..
I’m just glad you all are still reading!!
WELCOME 2 THE DARK SIDE!!
February 13th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
1st pick(3/4), as much as I would like to see Chris Long in silver & black, I think Glen Dorsey is the #1 defensive player in this yrs draft. He is a monster and if we get him we are instantly a formidable D once again. Ellis should be the pick if Dorsey is gone as the NT position superceeds DE, RB & OL. With the 2nd(34) pick they should pick up Tom Zbikowski a BIG proven SS which is what we need and move Huff to FS. 3rd pick we’ll just have to watch since we gave that to New England(just great:(). Center, Matt Spanos or Adam Kraus should be picked up if available at the fourth pick(100).5th spot not available. 6th pick(160) they should look at WR I like William Franklin from St. Louis, MI. 7th pick (195) another wide out.
Now let me justify my reason for picking these positions as it all has to do with FA pick ups.
LT-Travelle Wharton Panthers
WR-Bernard Berrian Chicago
LB-Kawika Mitchell Giants
players we let go:
WR-Porter
DL-Braton
RB-Jordan
RB-Rhodes
FS-Schwiegert
Key positions that need to step it up in 2008:
WR-Lee-Higgens
CB-opposite Namdi
OT-Henderson/Mcquistan
CB-Routt
By leting go the 5 above mentioned players and using the current cap reserve we should jockey strongly for quality FA’s, combined with smart drafting should make for some interesting incredients for a solid 2008 campaign.
February 13th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
DR. Thanks.
I like your blog; at least the folks here don’t seem to feel the need to bad mouth others like they do on JMac’s blog. You DR report from a Fan point of view & folks respond about football instead of trash talk. Very refreshing.
I’m glad Fargas has re-signed, he’s a gamer. I always felt he could be good RB & I’m glad for him to get his ..”15 minutes of fame”.
I hope we can acquire the players we need to beef up our Defense.
Go Raiders
February 14th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
I hope jerry reads this, I love giving him crap, and of course I’m just kidding about him he does a great job keeping us informed. Unusual move for our RAIDAHS!!! signing huggy jr. so quick, I just hope he can stay healthy. He’s such a punishing runner that sometimes they get the best of him.
February 15th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Darth, thanks for the plug for the Commitment to Excellence Dinner. Now that this year’s winner - Justin Fargas - has been resigned we’re looking forward to a very joyous event! Anyone who hasn’t made their reservations can do so by calling
650-428-0810. See you there!
April 15th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Give me the best player in the draft McFadden.
Fargas is not a McFadden. He got a 1000 yards in a half of season because he only lasts a half of season each year.