Safety-challenged
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Sunday, February 24th, 2008 at 9:40 am in Oakland Raiders.
Will this be the year the Raiders either sign or discover a playmaker or a big-hitter to play safety?
The safety class is not considered particularly strong. When the first round is complete, Miami’s Kenny Phillips could be the only named called, and it’s possible no safeties at all will be taken. Alabama’s Simeon Castille was an intriguing playmaker for Nick Saban at Alabama who played cornerback but seemed to do his best work inside as a nickel corner and safety.
Other than one last great year out of Rod Woodson in 2002, safety play has been a problem for the Raiders since they came back to Oakland in 1995. One of their more remarkable accomplisments was making it all the way to the AFC championship game in 2000 with Marquez Pope and Anthony Dorsett manning the last line of defense.
Stuart Schweigert was displaced by Hiram Eugene as the starter last season, and it wasn’t much of an upgrade. Eugene missed tackles at roughly the same rate as Schweigert. Michael Huff has one interception in 32 games at strong safety.
At the season-ending press conference, Lane Kiffin hinted that Huff, slightly built for a strong safety and more of a form tackler than a big hitter, might be on the move to free safety. Since then, it remains to be seen just how much input Kiffin will have with regard to Huff or anyone else, and two league sources said during the week that it is no secret in league circles that Huff is available by trade.
I’m skeptical about pulling that off, because the Raiders, the justifiable Randy Moss giveaway aside, usually ask for way more than teams are willing to give and Huff, while decent in coverage against tight ends, has not been a playmaker or much of a help in the box stopping the run.
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February 24th, 2008 at 9:43 am
FIRST HAHAHA YEAH BABY
FIRST FIRST FIRST FIRST FIRST FIRST FIRST
February 24th, 2008 at 9:48 am
They couldn’t give Huff away, he flat out sucks.
February 24th, 2008 at 9:48 am
No FA’s worth a damn and few prospects in the draft, where we gonna find a safety?
February 24th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Huff reminds me of Najee Mustafa or Elvis Patterson. He sucks, how he even receives and NFL check is beyond me. And to think this waste of roster spot was a first round pick. What a complete bust. He is probably one of the biggest busts the Raiders have ever drafted.
February 24th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Trading Huff makes sense – as he would be an excellent fit in a Tampa 2 scheme – which we should play but don’t.
February 24th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Huff was a strange pick – especially as we asked him to do a role (marking out TEs) that didn’t suit his talents.
At least Al can’t blame Kiff for Huff. Art Shell took the fall…because Al never takes the blame for anything. Just like Castro.
February 24th, 2008 at 9:54 am
I was hopeful that Huff’s lack of playmaking was just due to fact team asked him to focus on covering tight ends. Everyone knew he was too small at draft time, that’s why he played corner and safety in College.
Huge disappointment so far, but I can’t give up on him yet. Maybe he pulls a nmandi and turns it around in year 3. Recall we all thought nmandi was a bust until he shocked the nation two years ago.
February 24th, 2008 at 9:56 am
DeCoud of Cal and Haffney of Tennessee would be good middle round picks…but we absolutely need at least one decent vet FA if we let Huff go. And the FA market for safeties is very thin.
Unless they want to player-exchange for Huff?
February 24th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Dan,
Good point. I am curious why Kiff didn’t at least try Huff at FS and/or CB towards the end of last season.
But then, Kiff never seemed to have any say over the defense.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Hopefully Ryan figures out best way to use Huff this year. Huff and Ryan must realize need to make changes. Recall Ryan thought last year that Huff would be his breakout player. Let’s hope he’s just 12 months late.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:05 am
I still have nightmares of Shannon Sharpe scoring that long touchdown in the 2000 AFC Championship game. I still can not believe no one caught him.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:08 am
before considering to trade huff, we should start finding the right spot for him. All here, heck, everybody can see he would be best at FS, but if he wasn’t good there I would try him out at CB2 before trading him.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Well, someone must be making decisions on personnel in Alameda. Rumours are now circulating that Sebastian Janikowski is going to be cut or traded this offseason.
Ridding the roster of two ex-first round picks is serious surgery. Almost Kiffinesque. Perhaps we are all misreading the Alameda tea leaves?
February 24th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Darnell Bing…
too small to be a linebacker…
what??? too big to be a safety???
Mario Henderson…
to small to be a defensive tackle???
what??? to big to be a defensive end???
this list could go on, but i’m going to stop…
no…
one more item…
cause it’s what we do…
Michael Bush…
too big to be a halfback???
too fast to be a fullback???
oh, did we fail to draft a person of absolutely perfect size, shape and color again???
what’s wrong with this???
February 24th, 2008 at 10:18 am
too much stuff up in the air. crazy drama being relayed to us fans by who knows. all this soap opera bull shit belongs on daytime tv.
Gotta respect Jerry for finding material when there isn’t much to report but all of this speculation is gettin annoying. I understand sources want to stay anonymous but how credible is this information.
I mean how “in the dark” could Kiffin have possibly been with his dad working directly with Jon Gruden? I can’t imagine that Gruden couldn’t or didn’t provide oceans of information regarding the job. Especially since they couldn’t co exist. Seems like bull to me. There has to be something else.
And what value could mike huff possibly have?? I can’t imagine they’d pull the plug on him this early. And if they did deal him, who would take his place? Are they gonna start Stu and some middle round rookie?? Maybe I’m missing the logic and the sense but if you read this Jerry or anyone, please offer a frustrated Raiders fan some sort of LOGICAL FOOTBALL insight.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Pete,
We used to blame the evil Lombardi for all the drafting mistakes – especially the fascination with white midwest tweener farmboys – but perhaps we should be looking to reapportion blame.
And hold Al Davis accountable.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Play Huff at FS or CB before we do anything with him. I prefer FS for he has excellent range and can catch the ball rather than knocking it down and he can tackle which is what we definitely need. Hell,he is too wrapped up covering these 250+ TE’s and weighs less than 200 so how can you make plays? Place him in position TO MAKE PLAYS and the Committment to Excellence will be in full effect.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Scottish, you saying “Kiff never seemed to have any say over the defense” is as absurd as Adam Schefter saying Kiffin didnt interview Lofton.
How do you know Lane didnt pull the plug on Stu or Fabian ? You are as irresponsible as the media for that assertion.
Dan post #10. When has RR ever figured out what to do with a player on defense ?
February 24th, 2008 at 10:22 am
2sense,
Its called ‘clearing the decks’ or ‘emptying the trash’ or ‘lets start again’.
The odd thing is that neither Davis nor Ryan have ever been fans of the big clear-out. As that would involve admitting mistakes.
Could this actually mean that Kiff has finally got his hands on the defense?
Did Al Davis do a deal with Kiff. You must keep Ryan but you can do what you like with the roster.
We live and hope.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:25 am
sctottish raider, who is your source? Because that is a flat out lie.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:26 am
I should read your comment more carefully. You said rumor. So let me rephrase that. Where did you hear that rumor?
February 24th, 2008 at 10:26 am
no…
it is ridiculous to draft people with serious talent and then pop them into a situation where they do not do well…
since when do college safeties try to convert to linebacker???
and when the experiment fails, cut him and say he was no good???
all we succeed in doing when we do such things is steal away some of the talent the young man had…
when you don’t hone your craft, you start to lose that skill…
this is upsetting to me…
cause i just know M Bush is gonna get cut… and it will be the Raiders that ruined what could have been an amazing career…
February 24th, 2008 at 10:31 am
I think huff is a decent safety. To call him a bust is crazy. There are very few safeties in the NFL that are great. but there are pelenty of good ones.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Cho Be..I’m with you on that one. Move Huff to FS and he’ll be fine!
February 24th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Huff did a very good job against TEs.. he didnt make alot of plays and get alot of Ints.. but he held Gonzo and Gates in check.. Gonzo moreso then Gates.. his role on this defense was to cover TEs.. but he would be much better suited as a FS and bring in a real SS even tho i dont know of any in the draft or FA that would make the impact needed…
February 24th, 2008 at 10:42 am
exactly or rely on our new strength coach to bulk huff up and lets see if he could transform to the safety everyone wants him to be.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Huff is a play maker, not a SS, he should be a CB or FS. Saying he sucks is ridiculous.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:48 am
I’m offended that after attending every home game in the late nineties that none of you give any props to the best player on the Raiders at the time- Eric Turner. Far better than Woodson was in ‘02. Do you guys watch the games? or just talk nonsense about team issues you can’t possibly know anything about? Oh..and worst safety Raiders had- Dorksett.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Breaking news!…
NFLN cameras just caught Tony Dungy, Jeff Fisher and Sean Payton in the stands watching the WR drills, they are NOT wearing any team gear.
Dumb, I know, but last night I recall some people seriously wondering why would Kiffin not wear Raider gear.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Scottish Raider Says:
February 24th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Well, someone must be making decisions on personnel in Alameda. Rumours are now circulating that Sebastian Janikowski is going to be cut or traded this offseason.
—
And how does that make any sense?
Seabass is a top 10 kicker and arguably in the top 5. His high percentage within 40 makes him a reliable weapon and hs potential on freakishly long attempts gives another option in the right situations. His kickoffs the last two seasons have been finding the end zone more often.
The only knock on him is that he was a 1st round pick, and that’s not his fault. Possibly that has him being paid too much?
Regardless of where he was picked and what the expectations are, if he’s performing why cut him unless his contract is extravagant? What’s the better option if they do get rid of him? Is Cole Ford out of jail yet?
February 24th, 2008 at 10:50 am
The deal with Mike Huff is once again, he was one of those “bridesmaid” players we always some how end up with. The Raiders had Vince Young targeted. That was the guy they wanted after his performance in the national championship game. It was kind of a surprise Tennnessee took him, so we took Huff after HIS performance in the national championhsip game. If anyone remembers Mike Huff had a great game, and his run support against Lyndale White was superb.
Huff has done an EXCELLENT job covering the TE’s in the division. That was what he was drafted to do. Don’t you guys remember Gonzales, Gates, even those Denver scrubs like Jeb Putzier just killing us? Well, at least THAT doesn’t happen anymore. Our only hope is as someone above wrote, the light goes off, and Mike becomes a pro bowl type safety in year 3.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:51 am
I dont know about CB. Too much mam on man coverage against great receivers
February 24th, 2008 at 10:54 am
But seriously…
Andre Caldwell ran a 4.31 and showed his skills at the Senior Bowl.
Mayock likens Early Doucett to a poor man´s Anquan Boldin.
James Hardy ran a 4.48, Devin Thomas a 4.36, DeSean Jackson a 4.31….
That´s what I recall right now for the guys who are interested in a WR.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:58 am
First of all lets be realistic, it is a total mess in Oakland right now. First thing we need to do to clear up all this coaching madness is either Al or Lane come out and say something about this huge distraction. If Lane isnt gonna be the man, then fire him now and let Rob Ryan take over the head job. I believe the players would rather have him anyways, as was apparent when Art was fired. Get the coaching mess settled first, then worry about player movement. Oh by the way, Huff should definitely stay, no questions about it. Get him to FS where he belongs Rob!
February 24th, 2008 at 11:02 am
maddenraider=ignorant troll
February 24th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Yup, we have to fix the coaching situation, no one wants to play for a dysfunctional team.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Finally watched No Country For Old Men last night, if Kiffin and the team move along and nothing happens I´m gonna track down Anton Chigurh and sent him after some people….
February 24th, 2008 at 11:05 am
send him
February 24th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Nancy Gay wrote an article on SFGATE about the combine with her usual negative, baseless and nebulous information. She even said JOSH Booty’s hands were measured and were considered small. She’s got her Booty’s mixed up. John is at the combine not Josh.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:14 am
she sucks….so does Ostler and Ratto
February 24th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Wow…a Najee Mustafa reference, you don´t hear those often, my compliments to you Einstein.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:15 am
I hear you all on Huff doing a good job vs TE. I agree. My problem is he hasn’t had the big impact you would hope from a #7 pick. When you draft a guy 7th, or 2nd (Gallery) or 1st (JRuss), you can realistically hope they turn out to be stud players. I’m hopeful JRuss becomes a stud, but we have precious little to show for our last four high draft pics:
2004: Gallery – decent to good guard. Should have had consistent probowler at #2 (joe thomas)
2005: traded for Randy – Josh Bowie to show for it
2006: Huff – decent safety with jury still out. Should have consistent probowler for that pick
2007: JRuss – glimpses of bright future – need #1 pick to be franchise turnaround type player.
Not saying their haven’t been many busts across the league drafted highly, just that its reasonable to hope that you would have two cornerstones from those high draft picks.
As for RR. Not sure what he’s done, just expect he realizes he needs more production out of Huff – and finds a way to do it. If we view FS as obvious, I can’t believe RR hasn’t considered it.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:18 am
FloridaPete…
Enlighten me please!!! Mario Henderson, is a OT right?? Do you say he played DT or DE in college???
I cant believe that.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:20 am
post 18 Mistabrown- Ryan thinks every one of his players is a pro-bowler.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:20 am
While also being frustrated over this continuing coach/owner cloud of rumors … I’m also hoping the Huff on the block rumor is false. Agree with all above who want to see him move to his more appropriate FS pro position, even if he did play more SS in college. It’s only his 3rd year. Asumugha was worth waiting for (and as Jerry noted sometime ago, the Giants were close to firing Coughlin and fans were hostile to Eli Manning … and now?). Keeping Huff, and adding a hard hitting strong safety to supplement him, would be key, and given the potential draftees, I am still hoping that’s a key FA move. Oh, and let’s take Ellis with the 4th pick …
February 24th, 2008 at 11:36 am
McFadden
4.27 in the dash
let’s see Al Davis pass that up (assuming McFadden’s there at #4)
February 24th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Newsflash:
Mcfadden just ran a 4.27 at the combine!
Put those Chris Long, Dorsey, Ellis comments to rest
February 24th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Question to the Raider Nation: regarding the Davis/Kiffin rumor … does anybody know of a coach ever getting fired so late in the year, after the combine, etc? I really have no idea. Anybody know?
February 24th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Guys you can go on Fox Sports or CBS sportsline and look at potential free agents for yourself. There are several decent prospects out there including one that really played well for the Giants down the strectch. FA is really strong on WR and saftey this year and not bad for OTs either. Unfortunately Fox is not keeping up with the tags so you kind of have to look at both because CBS does not rank them but I am not getting the FA ranks are “thin at Safety this year.” But I guess I am an idiot because I just look at the names and recollect how they played vs. letting some talking head tell me what to think.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:45 am
La Milicia Negra Says:
February 24th, 2008 at 11:18 am
FloridaPete…
Enlighten me please!!! Mario Henderson, is a OT right?? Do you say he played DT or DE in college???
I cant believe that.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
i’m horrible with names sometimes… (ask my employees)…
i was thinking of Quentin Moses… got confused…
February 24th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Mcfadden will be the first player picked running that fast. The Raiders will never have a chance at him.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Going to watch Nascar so I can stay withing realm of confusion going around @ nearly 200 mi an hr. Just like the Raiders at this point.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:47 am
NC Raider
I think Shotenhiemer (sp) for San Diego got fired late the year before but generally if they are going to make a move it is usually before the SB and usually much sooner than that (i.e. first week after season). They are not going to fire someone in the middle of FA and in prepping for the draft although a few times AD has taken his time in hiring someone into this period.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Marley, I appreciate the combine updates.
Why on Earth would Michael Huff be traded? After two years? I guess IMpatience is a virtue around here.
4.27 for Dmac. I’ve never watched him run. Has he ever broken a tackle? I don’t know. Has he ever picked up a blitz? I don’t know. Has he ever gotten the tough yards when he needed to? I don’t know. Lot more to being an NFL running back than nifty cllege crap, ask R. Bush about that.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:51 am
“Michael Huff has one interception in 32 games at strong safety.”
Asomugha had ZERO interceptions in his first 47 games. Zero.
I remember the days clearly. Asomugha the bust, why is he even on the team, revoke his scholarship, Al Davis is a senile old fool.
People should take a step back and remember that it takes a few years for players to develop. Huff will develop and become a great player, as will Fab. Washington.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:51 am
BHP
But who would take him? Will Maimi choose to rebuild on McFadden? Will St Lois take him when they already have Jackson? Will Atlanta when they really do not have a QB yet? Will someone really trade up into one of the first three slots for him? I mean if the Texans would pass on Bush why whould someone come in hard for McFadden?
Just a question… I am not trying to be retorical here…
February 24th, 2008 at 11:52 am
AutumnWind, which exact FA safety is there? I saw Doss’ name, other than that I am unfamiliar with others who have been any good.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Man, you´ve read DMC´s time already…
4.27 at 6′1 211, looked awesome.
Mendenhall at 225 ran a 4.43
Looking at both, it´s hard not to be impressed by DMC´s sheer speed, there´s something about him too, he acts like he´s better tah everyone but in a good way.
Mendenhall´s body is just something else, he looks like the strongest guy out there and 4.43 is great for a RB too.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Let me sub for Dakota
Draft McFadden!.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Does he hold onto the ball?
February 24th, 2008 at 11:58 am
When you have a talent like his with that kind of game breaking speed all bets are off. There will be teams from all corners of the earth trying to get this guy. That’s unheard of speed at the halfback position. That’s almost as fast as Bo. He just lacks the toughness that I like but he does have size. If you can use this kid the right way and that wont be hard. He can be a fantastic weapon that you must account for.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:58 am
all you guys who say Huff sucks really don’t know what you’re talking about.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
d mac second run wow 4.33
February 24th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Just read on BSPN Dorsey has a stress fracture in his tibia and has had this since ‘06.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/hashmarks/0-5-544/Report–Dorsey-s-stress-fracture-still-a-concern.html
February 24th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
huff dosent suck try it
February 24th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
The Raiders scouting department needs an overhaul,they have missed on more than they have hit.Look at the winning teams draft history and you will seldom see a safety drafted so high.Now the team is stuck with this player that is over paid due his high draft position.No team is likely to pay more than a bargain price for a player
in this salary category if he’s not an outstanding contributor.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
mendenhall 2nd run 4.37
February 24th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Mayock was impressed, but that doesn´t take away from his very valid points on fumbling and contact concerns.
4.33 in DMC´s second dash.
Damn, Mendenhall just ran a 4.37 in his second try.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Mendenhall and Stewart ran extremely well. I would draft Stewart in a heartbeat, 235 running a 4.44 40 that’s flat out crazy. With his ability to cutback and carry the ball 30 times a game man I’m re-evaluating the talent at RB this is good stuff.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Oh yeah, now people become convinced, lol…it just took a 4.27 for you people to realize McFadden would look good in Silver and Black? He had me at hello!
Not having the #3 pick probably keeps McFadden out of the S&B unfortunately.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
To put those numbers in perspective…
DeSean Jackson ran a 4.31 at 5′9 169….
February 24th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
now everyone wants mcfadden!
February 24th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
did d mac bench ?
February 24th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I agree Pirate #55…Huff has been a good player for the Raiders…just not highlight reel stuff. Aso, had more trouble but still showed coverage ability in his first few years.
With the T.E.s the Raiders face in the AFC West, Huff has done what was needed…keep Gonzo and Gates from entering the endzone with the ball (on a regular basis).
Since when is the primary responsibility of a SS to stop the run at the line…and interceptions do not come as often to the SS as other db positions. George Atkinson was ferocious especially for his size, but he did not get interceptions on a regular basis. Separate the ball from the receiver…that is what Atkinson and Tatum did…
Huff has done a good job.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Dakota- Nice to have someone who had my back with DMac.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
mcfaddenwagons
February 24th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
i dont want him rb come a plenty espically w/zone blocking scheme i say ellis or long
February 24th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Never on the wagon Cho-Be, been talking about DMac for months.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
DSM,
Hey, I took two months worth of insults for wanting McFadden, but he who laughs last laughs loudest my man.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
judge judys
February 24th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
I think I like he big guy at 4.3 more than McFadden at 4.27.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
but some are
February 24th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
We could pick up Mike Hart in the 7th round with those numbers, lol.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
game won in the trenches go long or easy ellis
February 24th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
we dont need a running back with that high of a pick.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
we
don’t
need
a
freaking
running
back
!!!
February 24th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I sure hope we don’t get distracted from upgrading the Dline. We just HAVE to use that #4 pick on the D line.
Just have to.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
BHP, I agree, whoever gets J. Stewart is going to be very pleased.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
john stewart 2nd run 4.49 vert 36 inch bench 28
February 24th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
The good thing about McFadden running so well is that it pretty much guarantees that he will go in the top 3. If Matt Ryan goes in the top three as well we will be able to choose from at least 2 of the 3 top d-lineman…Man, I hope we can find a decent DT in free agency so that we could draft Chris Long if available.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Dakota,
I know and to think about how we discussed taking the best available player and people laughed.
“No, no, we have Bush & Fargas and the zone blocking scheme. Anyone can run in this scheme so why take DMac? We need Ellis or C Long before we focus on RB”
I never understood taking C Long over DMac because the same rationale they used was hypocritical because we’re set at DE as well? Obviously no studs on both sides but definitely adequate, but our weakness on D is obviously with our DT’s.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
D-LINE
February 24th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
M
Here are some ideas:
I think these are still available…
Pos Pos
Rank Rating Name Type Yr Ht/Wt College 2007 Team
S Sammy Knight UFA 8 6-1/215 USC Jacksonville
S Oshiomogho Atogwe RFA 3 5-11/210 Stanford S. Lou.
S Deke Cooper UFA 5 6-2/210 Notre Dame Carolina
S Mike Doss UFA 5 5-10/207 Ohio State Minnesota
S Tank Williams UFA 6 6-2/223 Stanford Minnesota
S Eugene Wilson UFA 5 5-10/195 Illinois New England
S Gibril Wilson UFA xxxx xxx xxxx NY Giants
The one who intriques me is Atogwe although he is restricted. I think with a restricted you make an offer and the other team can top it (or not). Anyways all these guys are larger safeties that can play the run. There are other guys as well just not sure if they are suited to SS. Sammy Knight is experienced and would probably be an upgrade. Eugene Wilson is probably a FS if we trade Huff. Did you know that G. Wilson of the Giants actually led his team in tackles in two of the playoff games!
February 24th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Dakota Says:
February 24th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
The good thing about McFadden running so well is that it pretty much guarantees that he will go in the top 3. If Matt Ryan goes in the top three as well we will be able to choose from at least 2 of the 3 top d-lineman…Man, I hope we can find a decent DT in free agency so that we could draft Chris Long if available.
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now that’s the best plan!!!
too bad my boy Corey Williams got locked up…
February 24th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
running back dont matter if you cant stop the other teams rb
February 24th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
C long! b/c im bias
February 24th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
ditto DSM 91
February 24th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
lets see dmac catch
February 24th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
C Long makes sense if you bring Kelly back at DT alongside Warren, or if we switch to a 3-4 with big boy sands in the middle.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
AutumnWind, thank you very much for the posted list of safeties.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
coming up
February 24th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Jhill, just in case you did not notice, Kelly and Warren both missed significant time last year. Having more than two good DT’s is a good idea.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Everyone has been talking about DMC, there´s a reason he´s been sitting atop draft boards for months.
There are still very valid questions on him, 23 fumbles on 3 years, drops the ball in traffic, lower body strenght and what Mayock keeps saying, his legs stop at contact.
Faulk says he can´t carry a team and needs someone else to share with.
But even with all of that, it´s just hard not to be impressed when you watch him sprint like that.
Even if he´s not gonna be a 320 carry guy, you just won´t find people who can do what he does.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
If we don’t somehow draft McFadden in the first round, I don’t see why we need to draft a RB in the draft at all. The point in drafting McFadden is that you are picking an elite player that can change games…one you shouldn’t pass up for a NEED position, even if you have players already in place. If we don’t get him, we have no need at RB and the other RBs in the draft do not live up to elite status, so you pass them up to pick players that fill a need…just my opinion.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I wasn’t aware that Gibril Wilson was on the market.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Agreed, but Sands is still on the squad. If Kelly comes back, I think he’d be a better fit at DT than DE. Warren and Kelly would surely start, so Long at DE would be an upgrade over Richardson.
I actually think we should move Richardson to Burgess’ spot, and trade that dude for a 2nd or 3rd round pick, draft Ellis or Long, and resign Clemmons and Kelly.
I could live with Kelly at DT with Long at DE, or Kelly at DE with Ellis at DT.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
the burgess trade talk is killing me!
February 24th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Don’t get crazy I’m still not sure He will be an every down back. I know that Mendenhall and Stewart will be the times they ran are flat out crazy at that size I probably would still take one of them over McFadden. That kid Mendenhall is very impressive we’re talking potential dominance here. Backs with that kind of size speed ratio are extremely rare.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Why?
February 24th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
For those pining for Dmac … since Miami has Ronnie Brown, and STL has Steven Jackson, seems like the question is ATL. And there the character Q and lack of QB might really matter to Arthur Blank … after the Mike Vick affair. There is at least a chance that he’d be there at 4 for the Raiders. Still doesn’t help the D-line. Or O-line for that matter. But they would still have a high pick in round 2, maybe #35 overall (?) and get best DT there. I’m still leaning Dline with first pick … but I have to admit: Russell, McFadden, Miller, an improved O line, and some stud WR to be named later … sounds good.
Autumn Wind; thanks for response on the coach firing Q. I don’t think I will feel like it’s finally put to rest until July training camp starts, at this point.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
LoanAdvisor Says:
February 24th, 2008 at 11:14 am
she sucks….so does Ostler and Ratto
—
I read Ostler because of his humor. He tries to be funny and tends to get a snicker or two out of me.
I read Gay because of her humor too. Not that she intends to be, but because she’s so clueless that in itself is a good laugh.
I rarely read Ratto, but when I want a different angle to laugh at I watch him consistently apologize for the Whiners poor play and then inject blind optimism into his perennial prediction that they’ll be the most improved team in the league while the Raiders will fall from worst to worst minus one.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
????
February 24th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Burgess’s run defense doesn’t concern you? Even the most non critical Ryan said Burgess needs to get bigger and do more. Unless we are going to switch to the 3-4 and use him like a Merriman, then something has to give. That RDE position needs to be addressed from a run defense perspective just as bad as SS needs to be addressed. At the very least, why not at least switch Kelly or Richardson to RDE as they are a lot better against the run.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
chris johnson ran a 4.24
February 24th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Whew!!! Dexter Jackson the kid from ASU who smoked Michigan ran a 4.27 forty at the combine today!! Can I say deep threat we need!!
February 24th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Thank you McF!!
Now that you have solidified yourself as a top 3 pick we don’t have to worry about that old koot selecting you over Ellis, Dorsey or Long. I don’t know if Long will be there but if he is he’s the #1 pick for us. I will let the scouts determine if Dorsey or Ellis will be the pick for us. Better yet I better do that as well, let’s trade down and get Ellis and get a 3rd rdr. WE can get a WR like a Devin Thomas or Deucet in the second.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
`
February 24th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
It is the sole province of the reader to determine the credibility of the poster.That being said , perhaps there is much being said about nothing , to misdirect the shallow thinkers , and instead of being in a state of confusion we are forging the future behind the scenes.I have a dream…..
February 24th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Either one we could take but Jackson showed his stuff against big time competition all year long, he’s no workout wonder.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
2
February 24th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
I got distracted if Chris Johnson ran that time. He in my mind is an extraordinary player. He’s much more impressive to me I’ve been singing this kids praises to everyone that wants to listen he’s is IMO the most electric player in this draft. He is so elusive and agile he was a WR for 2 years and made the change to RB his JR year I’m telling you this kid is majical.
Mayock keeps knocking him and I’ve disagreed from the start and I’ve been vindicated, because I tjhink the world of his talent I compared him to Marshall Faulk and they thought I was crazy. He is the untimate scat back.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Dakota, should we draft Chris Johnson? He’s faster than DMac.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I’m sorry I meant magical.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
If McFadden fell to #4, and if AD could suck it up and pass on him, would it be reasonable to think that the Jets might trade their #6 overall pick and their 3rd rounder this year as well as a 3rd next year to trade up and pick McFadden? We would then hope that Ellis fell to us at #6 or Vernon G. or settle for Jake Long??? Jets might be afraid that KC will select McFadden.
Of course it would be an unprecedented move for Al Davis to 1) Pass on a talent like McFadden, and 2) trade down from a high first round draft pick.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
I’m know I shouldn’t glat but you have no idea who I had to argue with for this kid.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
I meant gloat.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
BHP, if the kid runs a 4.24 and his name begins with a J, majical is just fine.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Official results to combine events are at the link below, the NFL network has been incorrect in some of their broadcast results.
http://www.nfl.com/combine/top-performers
February 24th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Brother few will believe this but Chris Johnson is more talented and a better football player than McFadden.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
They had Johnson running listed at 4.25 before the combine.
Not quite sure what round he was projected to go in though.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
ChargersChoked, do they list their Wunderlic scores?
February 24th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
i think we should try to get rogers from detroit and jenkins from atlanta. if we succedd in that, by all means, draft mcfadden, but if we cant stop the run of the other team 1st, there is no point taking mcfadden because he will never see the ball.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
I’m not watching the combine right now (because the Sharks vs Penguins is more interesting to me) but it from what I’m reading here it sounds like everyone is putting up great numbers in he 40. Which means that it’s a real fast track so the numbers should be viewed accordingly.
DMac’s sub 4.3 was impresive until I heard about Mendenhall’s sub 4.4. I can’t wait to see what Felix Jones puts up.
As far as this impacting Dmac’s draft value, remember that in his pro day workout that Michael Bennett ran a 4.13 40 at 5′ 9″ – 207 lbs. That’s better speed with body better suited to an every down back. All that speed and potential earned him the 27th overall pick. He did manage to break 1000 yards in his rookie season, but then things like injuries, trouble holding on the ball, adn limitations in the passing game ultimatly relegated him to backup / change of pace. I see DMac have a similar career when all is said and done due to his build and reliance almost exclusively on pure speed.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Chris Johnson had a great year and racked up big yardage against “Powerhouse” teams like Boise State, Tulane, Memphis and Houston, and he only produced last year, whereas McFadden did his thing in the SEC and did it for four years…I don’t know that I think Johnson is better than McFadden, but he looks like a solid back.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Simms needs to go too, i dont think we really need a top pick to replace him though, he is washed up, anyone would be better than him.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
M, I’ll take it he really is special but he didn’t play in the SEC so scouts will doubt him but I’m telling you he reminds me of Terry Metcalf, not Eric but his father Terry. They are virtually the same player. Great hands can flat out juke you out of your shoes, lots of wiggle and a willing blocker to boot.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Dont try to change the subject so fast Jerry. What you typed before in the previous blog entry was completely irresponsible.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Did they ever announce Felix Jones’ official height and weight? Ark has him listed at 6′ 200lbs, but somehow I think they might be stretching the numbers on him.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Remember people, those times are hand times. Track meets and the Olymoics use electronic times.
I wonder why they use electronic times?? Hmmmmmmmm
Let me see.
Maybe because they are accurate. That makes sense.
Hand times are fraudulent at best. If there are 10 people with stop watches, guest what, there will be 10 different times.
Anybody out there feel me???
February 24th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I meant McFadden did his thing for 3 years in the SEC (post #134)
February 24th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
who agrees with post #132?
February 24th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Unknown — hand times are just fine. I mean, if you’re only measuring to the degree of accuracy of hundredths of a second, surely that’s easily within the reaction time of the highly skilled individuals working the combine — and yes, that is intended to be dripping with sarcasm
Speaking of phenomenal times, here’s the latest sleeper for Al to reach for in the 2nd due his time:
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/tyler-schmitt?id=2702
A long snapper that ran a sub 5.0 40! Just imagine his ability to get downfield on punt coverage. He’s a potential game breaker I tell ya! Forget the team needs at DL, OL, S, WR. A player of this caliber only comes around once a decade. His ability to impact Lechler’s history making net punting average by up to possibly an extra 0.5 yards could be all the difference in field position and thus wins and losses.
Al just can’t pass up on that kind of talent . . .
February 24th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I for one, have a very positive outlook for the Raider’s upcoming season. I’m counting down to the opening day kickoff already. The reason for my excitement is simple;I honestly believe the Raiders are only a few moves away from returning to “Greatness.”
Now bear with me and try to contain your laughter if possible. One of the main reason for my optimism is what I percieve to be a weak AFC west. I also think the remainder of Raider’s schedule (AFC East and NFC South) will prove to be favorable.
Of course the offseason will be crucial but I believe if the Raiders play their cards right, they can challenge the Chargers for the AFC west–NEXT YEAR.
#1.Defense- In my opinion the defense is one good defensive tackle and a decent safety away from being an elite group. Throw in a strong side linebacker for good measure and then we will have a defense to contend with. If the Super bowl proved anything, it proved once and for all what many in the nation have been saying all along…There is nothing wrong with the Raiders defensive scheme. They simply didn’t have the horses to get it done.
#2.Offense- As far as the offense goes, I fully expect Mr. Davis to bring in some playmaking recievers to compliment Russell’s formidable skill set. As we all know—Al is addicted to speed. The Raider’s are in a desperate need a fix immediately. In addition, hope they find a way to hold on to Mr. Rhodes and find ways to better utilize his specific skills. I thought when called upon, he stepped up and displayed what this team is severely lacking—veteran leadership and professionalism.
#3.Special teams- The Raiders need to aquire a serious return threat once and for all. Look no further than what Hester has meant to the Bears if you don’t think ONE man on a football team can’t make an immediate and considerable impact.
P.S. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, most importantly…. FIRE KIFFIN.
Just Win Baby.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Anyone watching the Suns/Pistons game on ABC? LOL, I think Steve Kerr might be second guessing the Shaq trade!
February 24th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
He did his thing at the WR position and stepped in and ran away with the RB position. He’s just a very talented football player. One I would love to have on the Raiders and they could use him all over the place same a Reggie Bush.
If we somehow get this kid let me tell ya’ he will ignite this offense with JLH. It will all be over with Russell arm and those two kids catching it.
GooooooRRRRaaaiiiiidddeeerrrrss!!!!!!!!!
February 24th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Huff completely sucks. He’s not a playmaker at all. He’s a bust. How do you spell T-E-X-A-S in the NFL?
S-O-F-T.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
BHP,
What round do you think Chris Johnson will go in?
February 24th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Here are the 40 times for those interested.
Johnson, Chris 4.24
McFadden, Darren 4.33
Alridge, Anthony 4.36
Charles, Jamaal 4.38
Simpson, Chad 4.42
Mendenhall, Rashard 4.45
Forte, Matt 4.46
Jones, Felix 4.47
Parmele, Jalen 4.47
Stewart, Jonathan 4.48
February 24th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Mendenhall is definitely a beast, he´ll likely end up with a better carrer, but DMC will bring something else to the table.
If you need one guy at RB you take Mendenhall, but if you have a system in place and proven backs who can contribute, take McFadden.
I´m also wondering how far was DMC pushed in college, he was a superstar and was probably asked only to show up and do his thing.
In the pros he´s gonna be pushed to reach his full potential, we may have seen only his natural talent so far, with the proper training and motivation he could get better.
We´re still 2 months away from the Draft but I have to say I might just climb on the DMC bandwagon.
Dakota, move your butt, I might be jumping in….
February 24th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
murge
You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. Its hard for olympic sprinters to run sub 4.3s.
There are no such thing as highly skilled timers.
If the gun sounds and I’m .5tenths of a second late on the watch, well I just dramatically affected someones time.
If I stop the watch before someone crosses the finish line, I just screwed-up again.
That good-ole human element fails everytime.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
I thought he was a late 1st or high 2nd then Mayock came in with his opinion and I understand it. But let me tell you Walter Payton played in a weaker conference than Chris Johnson. This kid will probabaly last until we pick in the 2nd rnd because he’s only played the position for really one year so he could still be there if he is we MUST take him. He’s just too talented.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
NFL.com doesn’t list the Wonderlic scores but nfldraftscout.com does list unofficial wonderlic scores, ther’s not any scores there now but should be in a few days.
http://www.nfldraftscout.com
February 24th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Observations from the Combine
Marshall Faulk was going nuts about D-Macs time
D Sanders said Jerry Jones would be “Nuts” if he gave up his 2 No 1s and Barber for McFadden
Jamie Dukes said D_Mac has moved up draft boards and is a “Home Run Hitter”
MIke Mayock sounded like he was starting to re-avaluate picking D-Mac as the no 2 back on his board.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
I’ll tell you I wouldn’t shoot the TV if we drafted McFadden but the rest of the HB’s in the draft just doesn’t let me totally support it, and with what we already have at the position I just don’t want a HB that high unless he is Bo Jackson. JMHO
February 24th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Whoa! I didn’t know that Dorsey was damaged goods , he was sent from the combine to the hospital for further analysis of his previously hurt leg by a NFL doctor.
http://www.mysportspage.com/news/home/index.html?article_id=114194
February 24th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
A 4.27 is extraordinarily impressive and even made me give McFadden a second thought. But wait till you guys see Dorsey/Ellis/and Long. You’ll forget all about McFadden. Right now you all are in the euphoria of the momement. Let if marinate a bit before jumping on any bandwagons.
Then I take a look at the highlights they showed of McFadden in traffic and the guy goes down too easy.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Unknown….Olympic sprinters are timed in different manner aside from no hand held timers…reaction time plays into it etc. ….here is a link to wikipedia on the 40 times…they have as good an explanation as anyone…http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/40-yard_dash
February 24th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
If Dorsey is failing physicals at the combine then I see us taking Ellis.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
That’s my point about him Terrapin it’s the football player in him that I’m concerned about. He just wasn’t as dominant as he should’ve been. You watch Reggis Bush’s film and he just flat made your jaw drop. McFadden will WOW you on the perimeter but he just doesn’t dominate consistently. Micheal Bush was flat out awesome I don’t think McFadden was any better than Stewart or Mendenhall in fact I was more impressed with them
February 24th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
We needed a QB in the 2006 draft and we take a safety! WTF????? What do all you Leinhart haters have to say now? It just further proves that the old man has lost it. Oh, I forgot Davis blames shell for taking Huff. I cannot even count the wasted draft picks over the past five years. We are doomed until Al moves on.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Terrapin,
The reason Mike Mayock has D-Mac #2 on his board is the same reason as you stated.
Marshall Faulk did bring up a good point. He stated maybe the reason D-Mac went down on contact was he knew he was going pro and wanted to avoid injury.
One other interesting thing D Sanders said when asked is there any big difference between a 4.0 and a 4.4 guy. He said that it is huge Its like when you say if he only had that one more step to get by a guy or if he only had that one step on a pass. That good a time is that one step.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
If I were to even attempt to predict McFadden’s future I’ll venture to say he’ll have a damn good 1st year equivalent to Reggie Bush’s until defenses figure him out. Figure out how the team is using him and game plan against him better. Then he’ll go into the same slump as Reggie Bush. But there’s no tellin’ what they’ll do long term but it looks like they won’t live up to the hype from my eyes. Reggie Bush needs a starting RB at this point in his career and so may McFadden.
I’ll also give this caveat: If McFadden were to improve his lower body strenth there’s no tellin’ how good he can become. But he must get some meat on those bones to do it.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Matt Lienart impressed you? The only player that has really lived up to the billing in that draft is the MLBer from OSU, VY has along way to go, Bush has been in consistent and the other two QB’s are struggling. Maybe they will be great but I’m not impressed yet.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Chappy – I like Huff. Give him time.
Leinhart Sucks.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
The good news about Dmac is he has an excellent understanding of sophisticated defenses. No one really talks about that, but that’s what I like about Dmac even more than his athletic ability. Bad news is Luigs and Felton who both Jones and DMac ran behind are tremendous O linemen. Who gets the cred there?
The numbers that jump out at me early in the combine:
check out my boy, Josh Johnson’s 40 time. The QB from U of San Diego, is an absolutely stellar player. Honestly, even with our QB situation, and there is not a bigger Jam fan on the planet than me, I would LOVE to have this guy. + he’s a local guy!!! Get him, get him get him!!!! He’s a perfect fit for what Kiff is trying to run.
Andre Caldwell has Oakland Raiders 2nd round selection written all over him.
Duane Brown the LT from Va Tech will probably be there in the early 4th round. Nice 40 time!! Very athletic guy would be a nice fit at LT in the ZBS.
But the number that jumps out at me more than any other is 169!!!! Desean Jacksons weight. What did I say two days ago about him being another Tedd Ginn Jr. or JL Higgins?? Devin Thomas is a much better prospect.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
ChargersChoke, if Dorsey is failing his physical whats you think Ellis will be there for us? If we should pass on Dorsey I imagine the 3 picks in front of us will do the same and take Ellis.
Terrapin, did you want Fargas back? JF doesn’t exactly carry linebackers with him down down the field.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
BHP, are you talking about AJ Hawk ?
#163
February 24th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Yes sir!
February 24th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Com’on Brown …as I remember Fargas is a punisher – whether he punishes himself or the defender thats another story lol – but nonetheless he runs damn hard, averaged over 4.6ypc as I remember against PRO defenses. He wasn’t going down all the time on 1st contact. He can get better with breaking tackles but he DID break tackles. That statement was uncalled for and I expect more from u.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
I’m sorta outta here gents …playing the dating game and gotta interview these chicks
February 24th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Fargas runs hard yes but he goes down faster than a tiajuana hooker. He punishes himself more than anybody else on the field at least DMAC can run around somebody. Im not a Fargas fan Terr..
Dont expect more from me lower your expectations!
February 24th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
McFadden will be a great player you just have to use him right. He just doesn’t fill our needs especially when you have the type of talent that’s in this draft you can’t play games, you have to biuld a football team. Ellis and C. Long are going to be stars in this league and our RB situation doesn’t warrant him. there are some very talented RB’s that will be available later. It just doesn’t make good sense IMO
February 24th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
my criticism is not just about huff vs leinhart it is about Al no longer having a clue. He has allowed our team to become one of the LEAST TALENTED in the league.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
q
February 24th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
LOL
February 24th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Chappy buy a clue. We need some pieces but that’s way off. Anyway I’ve had enough. here comes the Al Davis talk ………..boring.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I don’t know whats going on with Kiffin. He should be wearing Raider gear. Those things seem kind of odd.
All this question about whether Kiffin will be the Head Coach or not is just plain boring and tiring and makes the Raiders uninteresting. I hate following something with so much unrest.
In all honesty, not having stability at the Head Coach position makes the Combine, Draft and any added players irrelevant at this point because that is not above having the proper leadership to lead this team. Many will feel that players will make this team better and not coaching but I am of the opposite thought.
This information needs to be clarified and revealed otherwise…nothing that happens with the Raiders currently even matters. Its pointless. Its action without reasoning and without goals or destination.
Whatever.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Mistabrown, in terms of need Ellis should be there for us, Miami needs a DE to replace Jason Taylor who hasn’t lost step but can’t play forever so they’ll likely take Chris Long. The Rams need defensive help also and DE Vernon Goulston is ranked higher on all boards than Ellis, Atlanta would be crazy not take a QB and Ryan looks like he’ll be going them. So it’s our pick next if Al doesn’t trade down and we can take McFadden or Ellis or whomever the football gods decide to give us.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Unknown — you might want to re-read my post #142 on the accuracy of hand timing. There’s a word that I put in there explicitly to preempt the type of response that you came back with.
For your edification: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sarcasm
For extra clarity on the intent I even added one of these
I’m not sure what else I can do to help the humor impaired, but I’ll keep it as my life mission to increase the levity degree in the world by whatever small amount that I can.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Oakglenn, Duane Brown is very athletic but he needs a ton of work on technigue. I’m not sure if he’ll get drafted, maybe in the 6th or 7th.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
There is no need for Al Davis talk.
Al is god. Enough said.
I’m sure the decision has already been made but just for conversation’s sake:
Who would you rather have as the Head Coach next year; Ryan, Lofton, or Knapp?
February 24th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Some earlier posts were talking about WR Dexter Jackson and his speed. I work at Appalachian State U. and go to all home games and can tell you the guy didn’t just smoke against Michigan. He has for several years been a really talented receiver, fast, and the go to guy for three different QB’s. Jerry may be right in comparing him to Carlos Francis, and that would be worrisome, but he’s also the kind of guy who could be a steal for somebody. Worth gambling on in my opinion …
February 24th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Im not sold on Ellis he looks too small NFL guards can nuetralize him I think. As the draft gets closer im leaning towards Jake Long. Barry Sims replacement finally has to come to fruition this year. If Henderson is the answer fine but SOMEBODY please protect Russells blind side who doesn’t get flagged or pancaked repeatedly.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
boring is winning 4 games a season like we have over the past 5 seasons! priest-take your head out of Al’s rear for a minute and look at our team for what it really is (weak OL, DL, WR and secondary). You have to agree that we need more than a “few pieces”. I have not even mentioned the Kiffin fiasco so far. Any bashing Davis gets is well deserved. I hope next year when Lofton leads us to 3/4 wins you are equally “excited”.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Trade Mike Huff that’s malpractice at this time. He will come around, it takes time to develop certain players/positions in the N.F.L. I think they are to laid back with him covering tight ends all the time. Some of you Raider fans are so smart but others need to relax and take a deep breath. The one thing about Kiffin he made the worst mistake you can ever make with Mr. Al Davis and that is look for another job while your in his employ.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Raiderforlife if its true Kiffin looked at Arkansas or any where Al should put his jimmy in a meat grinder but we dont know if the rumors are true do we ?
I tend to think if he did look elsewhere Al would have showed him the door the second the season ended.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
I hope no one in our divison takes Chris Johnson, we don’t need another LT to torment us for years.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Im with you Huff-
one of the two of them need to step up to the mic and make a statement for the fans. They say nothing’s going on. Well someone go public! I hope…..HOPE…..Kiffin is sneakin around to avoid distraction or negative press but this isnt college and it isn’t recruiting. Players don’t have a choice at this level as to who they play for. So why??
he’s going to have to address the press at some time. I won’t speculate like the rest of the world but if he’s sneakin around Indy and not addressing it now it can’t be good. at least from my point of view. If they are rumors and theres no jeopardy of him gettin axed come out and set the record straight.
WE DESERVE THE TRUTH!!!!
February 24th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
I know it might look like we dont need a running back now but Darren Mcfadden is a no brainer. Hey you can fix the defense with the offense, the kid can take it to the house bag 6 points. The Raiders need to be more exploseive and have the type of back that can score anytime he has the ball. If you watched some of the runs Fargus made if its Macfadden those are touchdowns. We will not have to worry about teams running the ball on us when where up 21 points early. You have a young
February 24th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Right on Zsense! I am tired of this nonsense. Our team is a soap opera right now.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
[i]test[/i]
February 24th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
being we are bringing up najee mustafa lol what was him name before he changed it to that?
February 24th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Reposted from last thread:
Shadowing Terrapin and BHP, – I want to go on the record to say that the dysfunction within the Raider organization is 99.87% media created.
I have not seen the Raider organization do anything to suggest that any personnel upheavals or changes are in play. In fact, most of what has been reported as info received from those darn ‘inside sources’ or shadowy ‘individuals in and out of the organization’ has been proven over and over to be false. When the whole Kiffin In UA Gear Instead Of Raider Gear @ The Senior Bowl fiasco broke, we were promised by ‘those close to the situation’ that more would come of the status of Kiffin as head coach within the next week or so…
Then Coach Kiffin interviews but somehow didn’t know that Coach Lofton had been hired. We were then told that we would know more of his status as head coach by the Combine. Well, the combine is here, and the only thing we get is that Kiffin’s shirt again lacked the Raider’s shield, supposedly placing him (again) in direct opposition with the rest of the Raiders personnel.
Now the Day of Truth has been pushed to sometime in March. From what I know, it seems as if there was to be a new coach, he would already be on board setting priorities for his staff at the Combine. But then again what do I know, I’m not the one posted up outside of the elevators hoping to get some smidgen of a story from the most elusive ex-HC in NFL history.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Raiderforlife, if we have a nice offense and get into shoot outs you know whats going to happen?
Ryans defense will take the field at the end of a game with a lead and fold up like lawn chair. We have so many holes I just dont know where to start no wonder Kiffin is hunkered down going into this draft.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
More on the Combine results:
Dorsey damaged goods not looking good.
We need a dominant player at DT that can go day one.
we’ve not had much of an interior presence since D.Russell.
DMac looks good, damn damn good with a 4.27. But with a pourous DLine, we will be in the same position a last year, making third stringers with their first start ever looking like ProBowl material.
That is all for now.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
where there is smoke there is fire. I am sick of the “everybody is out to get us” excuse offered by many fellow Raider fans. Al or kiffin needs to step up and end this
February 24th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
RAIDERS SHOPPING MICHAEL HUFF by Michael David Smith
The Oakland Raiders are sniffing around to gauge interest in a potential trade involving safety Michael Huff, a source with knowledge of the situation tells PFT.
Huff, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, has started all 32 games of his NFL career and would be a solid addition to any team that needs help at safety. Like all Top 10 picks, however, Huff has a hefty contract that would be a factor in any trade.
As Jay Glazer of Fox reported early in the 2007 season (and as PFT noted at the time), the Raiders were calling teams in September and saying most of their defensive players, including Huff, were available via trade. After taking defensive backs in the first round of five of the last seven NFL drafts, the Raiders may feel that they’ve invested too many resources at that position.
The Raiders also reportedly believe Huff hasn’t tapped his potential, so if there’s a team out there that thinks it can tap Huff’s potential, this is a trade that could make sense.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
I have my opinion you have yours bash him all you want I couldn’t care less because I’ll just go to another site. I want to talk football…………period
February 24th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Where there is smoke there is someone smoking something
It cannot be denied that most of us are being led around by our noses looking for some closure. I was hoping that the ‘Catching up with Kiffin’ thread would yield some info.
I’m getting tired of speculative reports yanking my chain.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
We have a young QB give him one of the best backs in the N.F.L. and a decent receiver and hey will see. Al Davis cant get rid of Kiffin or he will have to pay him that’s why he wanted him to sign a letter of resignation. I want Raider fans to take a look at one thing Mr. Davis has a great vision of picking young head coaches, did Lane Kiffin think I have it made now I can write my ticket anywhere now thanks to Al Davis. He was an assistant coach no one in the world new who he was. Is this taking one job to get another? I am a Lane Kiffin guy I think he puts us in the super bowl in 3 years if he stays. If Lane Kiffin doesn’t want to coach the Raiders he should just leave Baby.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
at least RR has the balls to go on record and speak about it.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Dorsey played most of his senior year with various injuries. Actually showed his toughness. His was a top rated pick going into the year and could’ve just sat it out. There is really nothing major there.
Priest you’re right about Brown being a (God I hate to say this) project. With all the projects we’ve drafted over the years, most of which have NOT panned out, why take another one?? He’ll definitely get drafted probably 4th or 5th round, just because extremely athletic 6′5″ 300 lb guys don’t fall out the sky every few seconds.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
You’re right Oak this kid plays more like a DE than an OL he is nasty. But if he ever gets coached up he will be something to watch. So we’ll see.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Chappy we’ve heard that “where there’s smoke” statement a million times. Most recently with RR getting axed. With regards to the Raiders most of the smoke is coming out of Adam Shefter or Peter Kings ASS.
Think about it all of you: If the entire organization with the Godfather front row center, sat down at the convention centre RIGHT NOW to hold a presser to refute all the rumours you know what would happen??? It would legitimize all the rumours!! The Raiders do the right thing by not even addressing it. Kiff is doing the right thing by avoiding the press because the more you address, the more it legitimizes it, and the more it takes on a life.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
If you think about it we have a better chance of having the top offense potentially than having this defense in the top 15. The draft is loaded with good defensive tackles, you cant get “great” running backs that easily. We could have the best QB RB tandem in the afc west. The defense needs help but you can fix it with the offense and help out our young QB.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Priest, he’s a converted tight end who played well as a TE in the ACC. He’s exaclty what Cable is looking for: gifted, bigger, athletic guys you can get down in the draft a bit. Personally, I REALLY like this kid.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
murge
I’ll repeat. You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
don’t know glenn. stress fractures are freaky injuries. ones that can make you disappear into obscurity. dare i say it is probably better to break a bone assuring a 100% recovery. stress fractures seem to linger and reappear and hamper performance cuz your not hurt enough to sit and not sitting enough to heal.
and a stress fracture on a 300# man using leg drive every play. very risky. especially in a top 5 with all that guaranteed money.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
sneakin around fuels the rumors oak-
all that one of them has to do is say, “Lane Kiffin (I) will remain the raiders coach through the 2008 season no ifs ands or buts. The rumors are just that and we are all working together to improve our organization for the up coming season.”
Rumors become rumors when there is a lack of the truth. the press is handling the situation irresponsibly but they have to because we, the fans, want to know and no one credible will say ANYTHING. Take the 30 seconds on the record to issue a statement. That’s all. Not for the meandering idiots reporting but for the fans who are concerned with the well being of the organization.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
guy’s calm down. There is a minicamp coming in March. We’ll see where we are as far as HB’s are concerned and if Bush is anything like I think he will be, there is no way we draft DMC, Now my interest in Chris Johnson on the other is based on price tag. You get a top flight HB/WR for cheap and the best DT or DE in the draft. It’s a win win situation, come back add more defensive talent and a LT prospect.
IMO we will get a FA LT and WR B4 the draft in order to give us more flexibility in the draft. We will fill as many position of need in FA that way we can be more aggressive in the draft. And that my friends is what our HC is focused on, we cannot miss in FAcy we simply cannot.
So all cries for a press conference will go on deaf ears until after the job gets done. Combine, minicamp, and the draft.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Raiderforlife, I would disagree with that. The old expression “defenses win championships, offenses entertain” is absolute. Our defense really isn’t that far off, only in the fact that our pass defense, where we’ve put a TON of $$$ and high pix, has played fairly well. It’s the pass rush and run defense (read Defensive line) that has really disappointed. If it were me, I would spend our first two pix (#4 + #35) on defensive players, the fourth rounder on someone like Duane Brown the LT from Va Tech or Jordy Nelson the WR from Kansas State and then see what I can get down in the draft.
On offense, we have a future Hall of Fame QB, a potentially good stable of RB’s, an offensive line that seems to be jelling, a Pro Bowl calibre Tight End, and a very weak receiving corp. The good news is the receiving corp is probably the easiest position to fix.
I really look at this as a two year process. I think if we try to fix everything at once, we won’t fix anything. Let’s fix the D and then go O next year. JMHO.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
2sense you’re right about stress fractures. I didn’t hear that. I thought it was hammy strain. My bad.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Oak, I know I like him to, and so do they but he’s just too raw. If they get him they wont reach for him. So we’ll see.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Priest most scouts have him going mid rounds 4-5. I think he would be a bargain there. You’re right about the rawness. I’m so tired of projects, to tell you the truth.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Oakglenn, I can tell you know the game and yes defense win championships is correct, but with a young quarterback and a running back like McFadden he helps the receivers he helps the defense. If we draft a defensive tackle he is not going to help the offense and defense as mush as McFadden will. Its not easy and we have no room for error we need to make this pick the correct pick. The best QB/RB combo in our division is not to bad. Fargus runs hard McFadden runs to the house. I appreciate your comments and look forward to hearing form you more.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
We drafted a guy a lot like him last year. His name is Mario Henderson.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Unknown…
I’ll try to step in and help Zymurge! Sarcasm means its a joke or something you should take lightly…
February 24th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Life, not that you’re wrong, you might be right, just difference of opinion. You see Rivers and LT, Elway and Terrel Davis, so I can’t say I would be bummed to have Jam and Dmac. I stick by 2 DT’s tho. And I mean nasty, ass whooping DT’s. Not Warren “QB killa” Sapp, who is a pass rushing DT, Gerard “creamy filling” Warren or Terdell “worlds biggest invisible man” Sands.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Hey Huff24,
They finally wrote an article about your boy!!! He’s on the trading block, eh??
Well, I don’t think we should trade him unless we can get a 2nd rounder for him. But before we even do that, we need to try him at either FS or CB. I think he’d be a nice compliment to Nnamdi on the other side. But then all we’d have is Cooper and Eugene back there. I think we should’ve kept Darius and Bing. We SHOULD have started Darius at SS w/ Huff at FS. But NO, Ryan thought Schweigert was “great, a heckuva guy who plays with heart”…
February 24th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
lmn
You need to read more. Your comprehension isn’t up-to-par. lol
February 24th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Cho-Be
The Janikowski cut/trade rumour comes from a very reliable source. The Denver Post.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
The difference Priest is there is NO WAY I would EVER draft projects in the first three rounds. NO EFFING WAY. Rounds 4 on, hey you can take a flyer sometimes. You should be getting Pro Bowl players in the first three rounds. Joe Montana, Terrel Owens, John Lynch all 3rd rounders. We take projects high that never develop. That’s crazy.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
With Huff it’s money paid for little production that’s why they want to unload him but I say it would be a mistake.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
lmn
Are you saying murge is a little incompetent? He can’t explain himself?
February 24th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Unknown…
No i’m not! read post 142 and tell me that its serious.
it’s pure fun, nothing more…
when I said i rather have Gary Coleman be our DT than Rod Coleman – did you think I was serious then too? no it was a joke, it was sarcasm, okay?
February 24th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Raiderforlife,
You ever heard of Micheal Bush get his highlight and tell me what you think. I think already have a dominant QB/HB situation now we can take overkill approach to one position or we can biuld a football team. McFadden is the sexy pick. But we have a chance to start biulding a dominant defense to go with the offense. There are some very good HB’s in this draft that can be had as late as the 4th rnd. You don’t need the best one you need a good one.
The Giants won the SB with a 4th rnd pick and a 5th rnd pick at HB and a dominant defense and that’s what we’re trying to get done. AP didn’t make the playoffs we have the most important position filled with Russell we just need capable weapons around him. But this defense MUST be addressed……….period
February 24th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
dischargers signed Derek Smith. I know a lot of you salivated over him right.?
February 24th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I know were all past the bad reporting and rumor filled media who have nothing better to say.
Look at the rumor as Bill Williamson suggests that the Raiders are trying to trade Jerry Porter, (one second please), “my yelling caps on”
BILL JERRY PORTER IS A FREE AGENT!!!! AND DOESN’T HAVE TO BE TRADED BY THE RAIDERS YOU MORON.
Free agent can agree with any of the 32 TEAMS, COMPRENDE.
These guys just can’t have any credibility, or do they.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Yea there’s going to be a big market for Jano,new rumor!
Bill Williamson, of the Denver Post, reports some in the league expect the Oakland Raiders to part ways with PK Sebastian Janikowski this offseason.
Bill Williamson, of the Denver Post, reports the Washington Redskins may try to trade for Oakland Raiders WR Jerry Porter.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
February 24th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Blackholepriest, I feel the same about Bush as you do but we would be hoping a leg with a rod inserted in it would be ok, McFadden ran a 4.2 40 time today I like his leg better. And if they are both great backs where on top of the world. I know we need to fix the defense, but scoring would help us win games. I guess I am of the position we can fix the defense later in this draft by taking defensive players but help fix it with an offensive one with the fist pick. I am not even sure he wll be on the board I have him rated top player as do others.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
I think you have to take allot of thses rumors for what they are rumors. I want to hear frome the great Raiders fans’s whats “our” best approach this offseason.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Daaaaaang!! I had hoped he would start returning kicks, well i have to hope Fabian can take that gig away from NFL’s worst player, Carr…
—”49ers agreed to terms with CB/PR Allen Rossum, formerly of the Steelers.
He gives the Niners a return option if Maurice Hicks leaves in free agency, which appears likely. Rossum no longer is a capable defensive player.
Feb. 24 – 6:36 p.m. ET”—
February 24th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Oak I have to disagre. If you extpect probowlers after the first half of the first rnd is a little unrealistic. There somevery talented players that never make a pro bowl. That doesn’t concern me what I want are quality starters that help you win games. The pro bowl is for the elite or should be. What you want after the 20th overall pick is a QUALITY starter. If he makes the pro bowl so be it. It’s just a popularity contest. If your team wins your players go to the pro bowl which is wrong. No one can tell me that there is a better corner than Nnamdi, I don’t care who it is.
So I don’t think we do that bad of a job. Because the draft is much more difficult than people realize. I could give you stats but I hate stats. What I want is to get this defense back to the top of the league. With our QB and a running game the rest is sure to come. McFadden would be great but he doesn’t play defense.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Justin Fargas had the same injury, rod and everything. I can understand wanting DMC’s speed I want it to, but we can get it elsewhere as well.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
RAIDER FOR LIFE POST 230 -I for one, have a very positive outlook for the Raider’s upcoming season. I’m counting down to the opening day kickoff already. The reason for my excitement is simple;I honestly believe the Raiders are only a few moves away from returning to “Greatness.”
Now bear with me and try to contain your laughter if possible. One of the main reason for my optimism is what I percieve to be a weak AFC west. I also think the remainder of Raider’s schedule (AFC East and NFC South) will prove to be favorable.
Of course the offseason will be crucial but I believe if the Raiders play their cards right, they can challenge the Chargers for the AFC west–NEXT YEAR.
#1.Defense- In my opinion the defense is one good defensive tackle and a decent safety away from being an elite group. Throw in a strong side linebacker for good measure and then we will have a defense to contend with. If the Super bowl proved anything, it proved once and for all what many in the nation have been saying all along…There is nothing wrong with the Raiders defensive scheme. They simply didn’t have the horses to get it done.
#2.Offense- As far as the offense goes, I fully expect Mr. Davis to bring in some playmaking recievers to compliment Russell’s formidable skill set. As we all know—Al is addicted to speed. The Raider’s are in desperate need of a fix. In addition, hope they find a way to hold on to Mr. Rhodes and find ways to better utilize his specific skills. I thought when called upon, he stepped up and displayed what this team is severely lacking—veteran leadership and professionalism.
#3.Special teams- The Raiders need to aquire a serious return threat. Look no further than what Hester has meant to the Bears if you don’t think ONE man can’t make an immediate and considerable impact on a football team.
P.S. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, most importantly…. FIRE KIFFIN.
Just Win Baby.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
wiii franklin wr…..
ran a 4.31 40, tall receiver weighs 215 sound like somebody worth looking at. (i like donnie avery also)
LT. ryan clady and chris williams sounds like sombody worth looking at also. fit what tom cable is looking for in a left tackle. cable made it clear he’s looking for light atheletic linemen for his blocking sheme .
people talking about jake long, he scares me cuz the highlight i saw he’s dominating linebackers,same thing we saw when we looked at robert gallery….hmmm.
yo, can somebodybody give me a web sight to scout players coming out into the draft position by position ?
i’m trying to stir up a rukas….
February 24th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
with dorsey hurt and seems like ellis will be gone i wouldn’t take chris long. he’s a DE. tyler braton too a DE. coming out as a DE. if we can’t get ellis we can get a good tackle later in the draft .seems to me we need to protect jamarcus and gat him and get him a deep threat. our offense needs help!!!! huff is being shopped but i think the kid still has upside. he was a free safety in college. i think we put him there he will excell. he played good against gates and gonzalez he can cover.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Bob Marley Says:
February 24th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Breaking news!…
NFLN cameras just caught Tony Dungy, Jeff Fisher and Sean Payton in the stands watching the WR drills, they are NOT wearing any team gear.
Dumb, I know, but last night I recall some people seriously wondering why would Kiffin not wear Raider gear.
ShawnRaiders81:
marley, Kiffin was not wearing ANY Raiders gear at the senior bowl and would not address the media about the speculation between him and Mr. Davis, still won’t just ask Jerry.
I think some of us would like to paint the rosey picture you might see. But I think reality kicks in and says otherwise.
This is more than just not wearing Raiders gear at the combine it’s a mixed bag of smoke.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
p.s. notice no NFLN cam’s find Lane Kiffin????
February 24th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
sorry to say red bryant only had 20 reps on the bench press.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
trvor laws 35 gholston 37
February 24th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Hey Fire Kiffin,..Iv never been on parole because I never get busted,..only losers who think they are hip get busted,..then they do their little time and come out thinkin they are hard,..bunch of punks…Im tokin some nice pot from Saratoga tonight….f-u all.
Your take is weak.= nice try bro
Just win baby!
February 24th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Repeat after me… ELLIS! ELLIS! ELLIS!
February 24th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
ss. jamar adas out of michigan might be there in a later rd. for us the man can hit and tackle. hey is it feb.29th yet. whatever gonna happen with kiffin oh well! sounds like mr.davis has a plan and is gonna open up the wallet. i think fozell adams would be serviceable too. 33 years old but i think he would hold it down 2 to 3 years in the silver and black !
February 24th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
scheftner just said all rumors about kiffin are unfounded . his source 2 people from within the organizatio to bad FIRE KIFFIN
February 24th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Scheftner just retracted his bad rumors about Kiffin wihin the Raiders organization. He finally is saying that Kiffin was at the Lofton interview, he will be involved in personnel decisions and that as far as the Raiders are concerned, Kiffin coaching the Raiders is a non-issue. Although the punk did have to add only time will tell.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
IT was on NFL Access Kiffin will be the coach next year About time something from the Raiders organization
February 24th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Just so you know. The Raiders just issued a statemenet concerning Lane Kiffin and it was reported on NFLN that there is NOTHING to the story about coach Kiffin regarding his future as HC of the Oakland Raiders.
But I gaurantee you it simply wont matter with some of you.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Jerry your a putz, huff isnt going anywhere. your sources are not named, and league circles, jerry you shouldnt be in those kind of things. maybe your should quit watching hbo’s real sex 999. haha, huff plays good football for the most part, and for being out of position at strong safety, who idea is that, hes a free safety and until he plays free safety you wont see no big interception numbers. he tackles well considering he shouldnt be the guy to have to tackle anyone, but a poor run defense leads to tackles ten yards down the field, and safe passes, gates, gonzo, and whoever denver lines up at tight end dont outclass huff, your all a bunch of morons. get a job.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
It’s hard for and probably you too (if you are honest) to really know which OT will be best for the Tom Cable ZBS. Therefore, I’ll leave that pick up to Tom Cable.
As far as the D goes, I DO know what’s best. It’s Ellis with our 1st pick and Trevor Laws with our 2nd pick. Those two plus what we already have will assure us a D-Line that ranks in the top 3 of the league. We will no no longer be a run sieve. We will also double or triple our number of sacks. That all translates to a D in the top 3. Now isn’t that what we all want and need.
DEFENSES WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS! IT’S THAT SIMPLE!
February 24th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Jerry should be all over this after his last post
February 24th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
that bastard Schefter recanted his statement on NFL Network after Herrera put the fear of AL Davis into him…after being threatened with a law suit !!!
He still implied that Kiffin s future was still uncertain…what a snake !!!
February 24th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
FIRE KIFFIN, Nice job I don’t think there are enough top quality free agent wide receivers and the defense is in need of a little more than what you laid out. I like the fact that the division and schedule are looking better for us nice points. That’s what we need from us Raider fans some insight. I know you guys follow the game and are not without some great ideas and post# 234 shows some of it.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
ellis will be gone ! he’s a 3-4 d.lineman i love him but the reality is unless miami dummies up and take ryan no. 1 ellis is gone…. love the kid but in reality ? the DE. is deep this year. pat simms from auburn might be a good fit in oakland!….hmmm
if ellis is available he’s a raider but he’ll be snatched the kid is not under the radar. i see oakland trading down.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Blackholepriest
I am just happy that the Raiders organization finally put that freaking weasel Schefter in his place…to let him get away with the BS he has been spewing “around the web” is unconscionable !!!
February 24th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Are we over thinking the DT position? Our RUN defense was the problem, correct? So why do we need Ellis/Dorsey? Shouldn’t we be looking for a Gap Stopper in the 2nd?
We’re in a bad spot at #4 the more I think of it. For value, the likely pick should be Ellis/Dorsey/Jake Long, etc. Neither of these guys are actually the best solution when drafting top 5 in the draft.
My early thoughts were to draft McFadden and hold him hostage for the Jets in order to pick up a 3rd round pick, however, all RB’s ran great times today and they could pass on McFadden and draft Mendenhall or Stewart.
Now we are stuck having to draft the highest rated player as a value pick, but it doesn’t necessarily mean we are getting the best piece considering our incompetency.
It seems like there is a ton of talent in this draft but just not at the #4 spot given our needs. I know everyone will just respond with: “well Ellis is a DT and we happen to need one”, but this doesn’t solve the RUN defense issue.
Now what do we do? We have to find a way to trade down. We could still get a DT/OL/WR and not pay through the nose, plus pick up an additional pick. I just don’t think anyone is going to trade up given the overall performances at the combine by position so far.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Why is no one talking about Gholston?
37 reps ????
That was impressive. Especially if we can trade down to 6 and get more picks.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
onlt time will tell….what a freaking rumor slime…I guess Shifty Schefter got some of those “life changing” phone calls I implied may occur when one spreads unfounded rumors and gossip!!!
February 24th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Just saw the Schefter mispronounce Kiffin’s name, then go on to discredit the Raiders’ official response to the rumormill…
I didn’t know Fargas had the same injury.
He seems durable… crash test dummy lol.
Bush is hella sick, if you have images of him riding the pine, check here:
http://youtube.com/results?search_query=michael+bush&search_type=
The kid is patient, decisive, has good hands and runs like a man on fire.
We’re good on O, (free agent WR, or something in later rounds, lot of prospects).
Pick D.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Post 253…that was weird, we are on the same page. Wish I would have read your post prior to posting.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Blackholepriest Says:
February 24th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Just so you know. The Raiders just issued a statemenet concerning Lane Kiffin and it was reported on NFLN that there is NOTHING to the story about coach Kiffin regarding his future as HC of the Oakland Raiders.
But I gaurantee you it simply wont matter with some of you.
Shawnraiders81:
Great news to me…
February 24th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Assasin I agree that trading down and grabbing additional picks is the best solution fo rstopping th erun..we need more than one guy to do that…
I still say Keith Rivers at LB or Kenny Philipps at Saftey as a tandem with Huff and then a 2nd round DT and 3rd round DE get it done…
I hope we trade down…even if only 2 spots and taking Ghoslton off the corner…QB sacks are also a must !!!
February 24th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
They Call Me Assassin Says; That was some good points you made. I think taken McFadden would be the best. The Cowboys want him bad, I would take their 2 picks for DM would you?
February 24th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Agreed Tom Flores…I think we can have a great draft and still accomplish the task at hand, just wish we weren’t drafting at #4 and being forced to make the smart/value pick when it really doesn’t solve much. We’ll get a great player, just not a necessity at this time.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
discredited with his remark that ‘…we have plenty of time to find out (if the raiders are speaking the truth)…”
So yeah, maybe he learned his lesson to stfu next time and stick to the game.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
JB
our D would be vastly improved as would our draft if we could just sign Justim Smith at DE and Lance Briggs at LB rather than let SF whiners score all the Defensive free agents that matter again this year
..WE need to solidify our defense this year esp the D Line …esp with all this uncertainty about who is going to re-up with us this year out of our FAs that performed adequately…like Chris Clemons…and what about Tommy Kelly…we need some insurance policies as back-ups if we draft a DT and DE this year..
February 24th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Raiderforlife – Hell yes I would take Dallas’ two picks. That means we get Kenny Phillips and an OT that can start tomorrow. In my book, this solves more problems than drafting an Ellis or Dorsey.
Only exception would be if Chris Long were available. I liken his play to Jared Allen, we would be hard pressed to not appreciate a guy like that on our roster.
I will say this, if we draft McFadden it might be worth keeping him. It worked when Marcus was here and then Bo was drafted. Major difference, we don’t have a Marcus Allen that could be benched. So why not take McFadden.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Why would Dallas trade with Mia. or Rams to get Mcfadden I dont think either one wants him? So its either Atl. or us. Frikken coin flip
February 24th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
it’s true defense wins championships. we know this but if nobody protecting the franchise, ( remember the charger game … a safety from the blind side a sack late in the game blindsided ) then the franchise will feel like he has to force things. then you get turnovers then some sukas who don’t know football will start booing the franchise # 2 . johnnie lee is not the answer we need to score pts. mr.davis wants to “score points” do i have to remind in 8 of our 12 losses we loss by 7 or less pts. the offense averaged only 14 pts. … or am i the only one who knows this!….hmmm. ” take ellis take ellis yes! but if the kid is gone address the offense and get a tackle later like the 2nd rd. 14pts. a game won’t win @&%!… even with a good defense…. ya heard
February 24th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
This is the greatest, or shold I say most fun part of the offseason …
Look at everyone taking their shot at GM for a day.
A lot of good ideas flowing.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Assassin!
that gap stopper should by my man, Trevor Laws! thats our 2nd round pick! Period!
February 24th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Has anyone know or have watched Patrick Simms DT from Auburn.
I want to know is he a second round DT or later in that round.
Before I look for information on Simms, any info will help.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Phillips isnt what he is cracked up to be. He isn’t even better than Huff.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I know we can still pick up a solid DT in round 2 and a very good DE in round 4 as well as plenty of OT depth in 5 6 and 7…
so if we did take Dmac or a skill position in round 1 I am not going to go into convulsions…
as long as we do something to improve our D line in free agency…
February 24th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
How about the following scenario, it is based on us finally having a QB and some much needed cap space that we haven’t had for years:
DT Problem – Get Shaun Rogers
WR Problem – Get DJ Hackett
LB Problem – Get Demorio Williams
LT Problem – Draft best available in 2nd
Blackout Problem – Draft McFadden
This scenario is a bit naive but it isn’t so far feched. Also, McFadden is probably an upgrade at the RB position.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
FLORES – No need to worry about the Whiners signing any free agents, they have no money this year.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Okay everybody!
who said I didn’t knew anything about Football when I in October said Chris Long Could be OLB in a 3-4???? Steelers thinks so
—”Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert believes that UVA DE Chris Long could “absolutely” play outside linebacker in the NFL.
“There’s not a lot of 3-4 college defenses and the way Chris plays in coach (Al) Groh’s defense,” Colbert said. “He’s as NFL-ready as you can be from a 3-4 standpoint.” Defensive linemen and linebackers run their 40s on Monday.
Feb. 24 – 7:34 p.m. ET”—
February 24th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Our Draft needs will only become narrowed down after FA and any trades we may or may not make.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Unknown…his coach moved him around mid season from FS to SS and he did well…one thing is certain…he wraps up and doesnt rely on diving arm tackles or shoulder stops like Stu !!!
February 24th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Kelly and Clemmons will be back. The Raiders are pretty good at keeping guys they really want.
If Burgess doesn’t get traded, I can’t see us taking a DE at 4 with Richardson, Burgess, and Clemmons on board.
I guess the same could be said if we resign Kelly, as we would have Kelly, Warren, and Sands in the middle. Kelly was arguably our best D lineman before he got hurt.
Have we EVER traded down?
February 24th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
this is great, ive said now since last year when i saw what that FAT P.O.S. RYAN was doing with his boyfriend stuey @ f.s. that if i was huff i would demand a trade now!
& tell my agent the only criteria is it must be a team that needs me at free safety exclusively!!!
2 years 32 games later! and 11+ints 25 pass defnses & 2 probowl , trips and hopefully some post season!!
i can flip everyone in RYANS FAMily THE BIRD!!
when i heard RYAN quoting his wife & bringing her into player decisions! if i was a player i wouldve walked in there and kicked his fat alcoholic ass all over the place!! F’N WHITE TRASH LOOSSER!!!!!
February 24th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
LMN – I like Laws
Unknown – You might be right about Phillips but he seems a lot quicker and prolific than Huff. I didn’t like Huff when he was drafted based on what LenDale did to him in Championship game against Texas. Huff got a lot of TV time on that play, but for all the wrong reasons, he was driven into the endzone much like BJ Ward was this season. Huff used to be able to hit at Texas, not sure what the hell happened to him.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Wow Townsend …
How do you really feel?
February 24th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
If the Cowboys want DM they have to go through the Raiders. The cost of the move with the price tag doesn’t make sense for the Cowboys. They would have to pay him top pick money, and we all know what that cost. Miami is going to find it hard to trade that pick read Bill Polian’s comments on NFLN. Miami doesn’t need him, the Rams don’t need him and the Falcons need a QB. I can see us on the clock with him on the board. The McFadden trade to the Cowboys is one in 100 to happen.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
there is also the possibilty that some have raised here that we take a WR in round 1 after trading down…this is all well and good…again…”IF” we kill it in free agency….and fell confident that we dont “need” a DT like Ellis or Dorsey.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Assassin…
49′ers took Rossum, so some money they obvious got
February 24th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Assassin
I love that you included the obvious…”blackout” problem…hahaha
we might even get a flex game aired nationally if we draft DMac…
February 24th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
TOWNSEND93…
where’s the rest of you? I mean where are DAVIS70 and SOULPATROL2, have you lost them somewhere? =)
February 24th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
The best I can ever remember is we never have ever traided down in the first round. Al usualy takes the pick or drades up, but I am not 100% corret.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Sirius radio says the skill positions have changed the whole dynamic of the draft as of today. So many teams that need RB’s and QB’s are quickly re-adjusting their draft priorities. THIS IS GREAT. We should have no problem getting a DT/OL in the 2nd round. Let’s hope the DL/LB workouts are average.
This also means the Falcons will probably go with Matt Ryan, thus McFadden should be there for us. Now we would have control of the #4, turning a negative into a positive. Al would love to play hardball as everyone knows he loves speed, he could get a blockbuster deal. He and Jerry Jones are compadres, MAKE IT HAPPEN AL. I’ll take Marion Barber, the 22, an additional 2nd, and a 3rd this year! I’m a dreamer, but it could happen.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Al Davis is the most knowlegable owner in football picking Kiffin was brillant
February 24th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Raiderdell
there are so few DTs in thsi years draft compared to OL and DE’s that jsut about everyone of them is gonna get pushed into Round 2…or 3…since we have no pick in round 3…we are going to have to pick at DT in round 2 or…trade down and pick up a 3rd rounder…which may actually be much easier than trading down in round 1…
I see Pat Sims in alot of Mocks going to us…in round 2. He looks like a solid pick there…but the way Trevor Laws has come on at the combine..he may be ok too…I originally like Okam from Texas…but got slammed and told he wasa nother “TURDell Sands”
February 24th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
KK…
KoolKell you’re back!??
February 24th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
LMN – Rossum couldn’t have cost much. They probably saved money on his signing vs Derek Smith’s salary
Tom Flores – The Flex game WILL happen. It will be a divisional game when we play Denver. They will draft Mendenhall or Stewart (Both stud RB’s). The networks will air the game to show the two highest rated RB’s in their rookie season. I’m hoping this doesn’t happen because it means we didn’t trade down.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
LMN — that’s too funny that you, a guy who speaks English as a second language (and that’s a compliment, not a knock!) can read and see clear sarcasm when it’s there but some native English speakers cannot. I guess that means that we need to introduce a new word into the blog vocabulary now: irony.
I may or may not know what I’m talking about when it comes to football. I can only claim to know two things on this blog:
1) English in its written form (aside from keyboard driver dropped typos)
2) How to keep my original name by respecting other’s opinions and hence not getting myself banned :p
February 24th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
tomflores ,
phillips is nice….
but he’s a free safety.we have a free safty named mike huff. adams from michigan would fit well at ss. for oakland. i think we trade down take a lT. tackle then get a wr. the kid from vanderbilt chis williams 1558 snaps , 2 sacks givin up…. hmmm.
will franklin wr. tall 215 lbs. ran a 4.31 40…hmmm,
sounds like a beast to me .
whoever thinks the offense is good , i think you need to take a drug test !
February 24th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
How about the 22nd this year with a 3rd and 1st next year
February 24th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
THE ONLY BUST WE GOT IS our 2 coahces RYAN & KIFFY!!!
IF I WAS HOWARD,MORRISON,HUFF!!! ETC DEMAND A TRADE NOW!! YOURE ONLY GONNA GET HURT PLAYING FOR THESES 2 LOOSERS!!
GO IN TO ALS’ OFFICE & EXPLAIN IT TO HIM!!
I CANNOT PLAY FOR THIS AS”HO”E !!!
ANY LONGER AL!!
HE KILLING MY CAREER!!!!!!!!
AND KILLING YOURS TO!!!
HOWARD SHOULD HAVE 20 SACKS BY NOW!
KIRK SHOULD BE A 155 + TACKLE A YEAR GUY!
HUFF SHOULD BE A 2 TIME PROBOWL FREE SAFETY , SUPERIOR TO REED IN VERY WAY! WITH 12 INST 25 PASS DEFNSE! BY NOW!!!
SAME WITH FABIAN, ROUTT ,
BURGESS! OH BTW RYAN HAS LEAKED THAT BURGESS WANTS TO PLAY S.D.E CAUSE HE IS LEFT HANDED!!
WHAT A F’N LIAR RYAN REALLY IS !!!
I WATCHED RYAN SAY IN 05/& 06 THAT BURGESS @ SDE IS
“A MISMATCH,CAUSE NO ONE EXPECTS A PASS RUSH FROM THERE”" AWW HELL” O.K. FACT !
! NOW HE IS GONNA TRY TO BLAME BURGESS,
FIRST BY LEAKNG OUT THAT BURGESS WANTED TO BE @ SDE , AND NOW LISTEN TO WHAT A SNEAKY LITTLE RAT RYAN IS, HE IS TRING TO SAY BURGESS SHOULD PUT ON A FEW POUNDS CAUSE HE IS WEAK VS RUN!!
SO THIS MUST MEAN RYAN KNOWS THE END IS NEAR , AND HE WILL TRY TO “86″ HIM B4 HE MAKES RYAN LOOK BAD ! BY MOVING BURGES TO WEAK SIDE! & GETTING 20 SACKS LIKE HE WILL DO!!! BUT BURGESS IF MOVED TO BALTIMORE,JETS,PATRIOTS, STEELERS , I’LL CALL IT NOW WILL GET 15+ SACKS! THEN RYAN CAN SAY WHAT THEN!! WELL NOTHING , HE WONT SAY A F’N WORD THAT FAT P.O.S.!!!! HE BETTER HOPE I NEVER BUMP INTO HIM!!!
February 24th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Terdell will be back with a vengance. We’ve seen him play well before. I’m giving him a break last season as Sapp was overused and underweight thus making it harder for Terdell to get single coverage.
I recognize it was Terdell’s job to stop the gap, and he did that when Sapp was heavier. Last season, not many teams feared Sapp as he was pushed around and only required a single, average, guard to block him.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Alot of props being given to Eddy Royal WR
February 24th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Jhill
I thought Kiffin traded down last year to score all those picks we had…I guess I was wrong…it looks like one was allocated and another was from a trade…
February 24th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Derrick Smith signed by Norv !!! Shhheeeiiit ! We coudl have used that guy …
February 24th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Zymurge…
sometimes, and especially tonight i’m appalled by how bad people spell and write. I know I shouldn’t talk, but there are SO many mistakes tonight it makes my tummy turn!
as for the jokes and sarcasm, sometimes people here take the posts way to hard.
one thing though when you dont know smileys in general or smileys like my Scandinavian smiley =) you really have an internet problem. uh btw LOL, my 4 year old nephew (also a Dane) knows what that stands for, some adults here dont know. they could at least gogle it before stating it here that they dont know shit!
February 24th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
sorry if i’m babbling, i’m waiting for the oscars, and I am a bit tired already, Dang!
February 24th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Assassin if what you say is true about Sands then getting another 300 pounder isnt gonna do the trick inside either….we need one of the big boys from round 2 or late round 1 that are 6′6 and 332…to throw some weight into it..
I thought Sapp was just taking plays off…now you tell me his motor could not compensate for the weight loss ???
February 24th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
assassin… sapp was tired too.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
by the way laughing out loud is so …yesterday !!!
hahaha
February 24th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
LMN – My company headquarters is in Copenhagen. I was in Denmark last February and thought your country was very respectable and a great place to visit. So tell me, do you own season tickets to the “Museum of Erotica”? Only great countries recognize the need for such a museum. Also, went by the Queen’s grounds, saw the changing of the gaurds, super cool.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Why on earth would a guy use 3 nicks, but with these nicks talk about the same subject over and over again?
I just don’t get it, the fella is soooo easy to identify it hurts, and i bet he think he is really clever =)
February 24th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
The thing that I don’t get about the trading Huff talk is how it makes sense. It’s not like there’s a backlog of safety talent on the team; quite the opposite actually. Usually teams trade from strength and depth.
Why would the Raiders want to move Huff if these reports are true? Is it a cap issue? Are they thinking about moving someone else to FS that they think is either a better fit and/or a better bang for the buck? I’m not sure who, maybe Washington? Eugene? Carr? McCown? Is there another trade option in the works that has them getting back a FS they think is a better value?
Or maybe thery’re putting a package together with Huff and Jano in order to move up their 2nd rounder and lock up that long snapper . . .
February 24th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
tomflores…..
slimfast will do that to you !
February 24th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Assassin…
Ohh? which company is that? of course we have a museum erotica. Denmark was the first country to legalize porn!
February 24th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Assassin
If Denver drafts a speedster at RB this year…we will be doomed…I dont even want to think about it…without a Chris Long to grab him behind the line of scrimmage or guys will be looking at his back alot…
February 24th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
I can’t question Sapp’s motor, he’s a proven “motor” guy. At some point age becomes an obstacle, hence his dramatic weight loss. Unfortunately, the weight loss gave him a great attitude and motor but it took away from his profile as a 300 pounder that could kill you as a 3-technique. He was GREAT at 300 lbs and in his 20’s, he was AVERAGE at 285 and in his 30’s. The weight loss hurt his play. Probably a good life choice for post football, but not a good football choice.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Oscar Time! finally =)
February 24th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Oakglenn
your guy Johnson from UCSD had really raised eyebrows at the combine…he may not make it to round 4 where you thought we could steal him…
He does look good other than his problems throwing a spiral today….probably stage fright…hahaha
February 24th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
LMN
Starks from Pittsburgh has said to friends he may not sign his tender offer, he is awaiting offers from other teams first when FA starts.
I heard this from a reliable source in Pittsburgh and is not a member of the media.
His fininancial consultant is associated with an associate of mine.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
protect jamarcus and get him a deep threat so we can see the franchise throw 80yrd.bombs for touchdowns…
nuff said !
February 24th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
LMN – Company is called CHR. HANSEN
February 24th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
I just don’t get the Huff critics …
Man to man on the TE 90% of the time people. How sexdy is that going to be as far as STATS go?
And as far as doing his job? We faced some top notched TEs this season and he pretty much handled them.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
RaiderDell…
uhhh, that warms my heart, but I got to see it happen before I believe it – that he signs with Oakland =)
February 24th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Tom Flores – You’re right. We have to get on the FA Defensive Tackles right now.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
LMN
Until we make an offer we can’t sign him, I don’t think he fits Cable’s cut blocking zone system.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Assassin…
ahh yeah up in Hørsholm, I’ve worked with a guy who worked in their storage
February 24th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
don’t call it a come back, i’ll be here for years !
February 24th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Hey LMN – Why on earth are the beds so small in Denmark? Nevermind, just answered my own question. This explains why you guys were the first to legalize porn, with two people on a 2 foot by 6 foot mattress, there’s obviously no room for sleeping =)
February 24th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
RaiderDell…
I believe he would be a STAR in CBZ.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
warren sapp
dude I think you dropping weight was key to you living another decade. What ever may have happened on the field your last year…taking care of your long term health issues are important…Diabetes is no laughing matter…
February 24th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Assassin…
we are small in hight, and waaaaaaay lighter in weight =)
February 24th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Gotta run gang! Have fun.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Zymurge
whats all this talk about a Huff trade??
Is this the board rumbling or is someone out there in commentator land actually suggesting we are putting together a deal including Huff ???
That would be a tragedy…he has done evrything we have asked of him..including shut down 3 of the top 4 TEs in the NFL consistently last year…what else can you ask for??
February 24th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
In my opinion the Raiders should focus on building the team from the inside out. Stock up on the offensive and defensive lines and we will see the rest of the team get better. Huff i/m/o will be a very good free safety if we don’t expect him to make every tackle as opposing running backs are shredding our defensive line. I wouldnt mind going DT, DT, OT with the first 3 picks.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Is Ryan making more excuses for why he could not coach us into the top half of the NFL in run defense this year…???
February 24th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Tom Flores…
Did you read Jerry las article? or see PFT?
February 24th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Tom,
You are joking about Huff right? An interception or tackle might be nice to go along with him holding some TEs in check.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Raider1962
you may have just nailed exactly what we may be forced to do in this draft…anyway we should be drafting Linemen in this “best qualit and dpeth in 10 years” Linemen Draft…
but everyone wants to see at least 1 offensive “playmaker” to fill the seats…
I think a top 10 Defense would pretty much guarantee the same result..agreed?.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
I have said on several occasions that we should move Huff to FS where he can thrive and make more INTs but I remember alot of TEs in our diviision running up their career TD records before Huff got here…
I also said that since we keep cutting every SS we bring into camp we shoudl just draft Kenny Phillips and let him put on some muscles and move to SS and let Huff move to FS …either way…the would make a good tandem…switching up and confusing QBs
Kenny Phillips was a FS but played plenty of SS as well…there are both very athletic and Coker compared Phillips as being football smart like Ed Reed.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Interesting info from Colts GM Bill Polian, one of the best evaluators out there….
”Polian revealed that research of the last 27 drafts showed roughly 50 percent of first-round selections never live up to expectations. For the top 10 picks, it’s closer to 33 percent.
Yet, some of those first 10 picks will receive guaranteed money north of $20 million, especially those in the top five. It’s why a team attempting to trade out of the first few picks has a difficult time finding a team willing to move up.
In the last five years, 33 of the 160 first-round picks have made at least one Pro Bowl, while 16 have departed the team that selected them.”
Foxsports.com
February 24th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
I think you need to look up Huff’s tackling #s …
and if that’s all he’s being asked to do, a la Nmandi manning up on this guy, what else should he do?
Huff is the least of our troubles.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
LMN
I read the dribble…But trading Huff is not the answer…signing Derrick smith was my answer but no one was interested in getting a proven tackler on our team…
February 24th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
William Royal, good 40′ time and good benchpress, could he be available in the 4th?
February 24th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
can someone tell me how am i gonna score points with this offense i couldn’t do jack in the red zone last year. my so called best receiver poter is gone.whatthe heck do i do ?
February 24th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Maybe if Huff, Fabian, Routt etc. had a decent d-coordinator they might be more productive?
February 24th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Tom Flores…
Ahhh, well I thought you asked where we had seen the huff thing
February 24th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
I agree we need some playmakers around J Rock but you cant fix everything at once. Lets stock up on the defense primarily and maybe an offensive lineman as well. Dont forget if the defense improves and the offensive line improves as much as it did last year, then that alone upgrades our offensive talent that much more. We can also find some servicable offensive personnel in FA and next year focus on the offense in the draft. There will always be offensive talent in the draft and we can focus on that at that point.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
tomflores …. maybe we don’t sign smith because of maybe ummm…. lance briggs. thats what i hope anyway !
February 24th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
im a huge broncos fan. trade walker for huff straight up, ye dig!!!
February 24th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
the 49ers are trying to build a young team…but they have Patrick Willis to replace Derrick Smith…who do we have ….oh yeah…Sam Williams and Robert Thomas…
I guess its all Huffs fault that he is out of position…or in coverage expecting our D Line or LBs to make a line of scrimmage tackle…
The problem isnt Huff guys…he is fine as are most of our CBs…although I wouldnt mind seeing Brandon Flowers in Silver and Black…did anyone see tape on him from VA Tech ???
He is a tackling machine and a terror on the corner…
February 24th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
D-line, O-line, O-line, D-line
Don’t care the order.
Thanks gentleman, ladies, for the commentaries.
Eff Shefter and the donkey that he continues to ride.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
I think the defense will be a lot better this year just by virtue of getting healthy, and moving on from Sapp.
If anything, simple upgrades at SS and OLB would put us back to better than respectable.
I’m starting to think that addressing the offense from the 2nd pick on might be the way to go.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
I realize we need to get young at the D line to create the overall harmony on the field…but its painful taking baby steps..we should just slash the roster and do it…
February 24th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
raider1962… al wants to win now we are da radahs,we don’t rebuild, we reload baby. that kind of talking almost cost kiffin a job. the greatness of the radahs is in it’s futcha’…. mr.davis.
‘ just open my wallet baby !
February 24th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Drafting McFadden at 4 would be insane. If we pick him up at 4 then I will be convinced Al Davis is dead and crazy man in wearing his body suit. We need to trade our pick for a wealth of picks. We need bodys not a body.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Linds
I hope to GOD and pray that AL Davis can come to terms with LANCE BRIGGS
I think everyone in the league would suddenly fear that something was happening in Oakland after years of dormant defenses…
February 24th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Are they even talking to Briggs?
And I thought FA didn’t start until next weekend? Is that just the official signings, but “talks” can happen now?
February 24th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Hey Einstein
In order to work a trade down or up, you need someone else who wants to cooperate. It’s easy to say we’ll just trade down but with who? And, at what price?
If someone here suggests a trade of that type please include the name of the trading partner and why they want to do it and what they’re willing to give up in exchange. Without that all you are doing is banging your gums together to get attention.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Good evening M…
how goes? watching the oscars?
February 24th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
my first choice has been to trade down. but since that just isn’t going to happen you have to evaluate whos left.
after learnin about dorsey’s stress fracture i say he’s definitely out. could be media hype. but scary none the less.
Someone else posted the ability of a playmaking running back to change the face of a defensive game plan. i agree. i think it would help the defense. we have no playmakers on offense. no game breakers and none are coming through FA. there were probably at least 5+ runs from last year that dmac would have broken (esp at 4.27). fargas and jordan just didn’t have the speed to take it to the house.
somehow lost in this blog was the atrocity of our offense and their inability to score points.
being able to score will force teams to change their game plan and play to what should be our strength. Richardson will only get better. DBurg will be able to speed rush and i think with the coverage linebackers we have and the development of fabian, you’ll see our TO differential tip to the + side. currently at -11 is the biggest stat that needs to change.
Jruss needs playmakers. don’t forget he’s a thirty million dollar investment that we are building around. take care of one side of the ball first. I think the defense with the addition of a couple FA will hold its own. the defense has playmakers.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Lance briggs. Lol, keep dreaming boys
February 24th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
The biigest improvement to our beloved Raiders would be to name Bud Foster our DC !!! Do you hear that Big Al ???
Top ranked defense in 2005 and 2006 !!!
read and weep boys…
Coach Foster’s defense has ranked overall #1 defense for 2005 and 2006!
Coach Foster’s 2005 Hokie Defense was ranked #1 in the country for overall Defense, #2 in scoring Defense, #2 against the pass, and #8 in rushing Defense.
VT Defense led the Nation in non-Offensive touchdowns.
In 129 games, Coach Foster’s Defense has held opponents to 102.7 yards rushing and 15.6 points per game
February 24th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Einstien
Sorry about directing post 355 at you. I thought I read a trade down post from you and now I can no longer find it. Please consider that post at all these trade down suggesters.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Jhill and Linds
I am only hoping that Al Davis is already talking Briggs’ agent. That would be a good reason not to fret about losing out on Derrick Smith..I mean he was just across the bridge and we didnt even get a word in…before SD jumped on him…even though they are far more solid than us at LB …
February 24th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Good evening LMN,
no, just reading through the comments.
Hope you have a fine evening watching the Oscars.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
lets see … we need a dt (1 or 2 ).
,muscle at MLB. and a strong safety. offense we need a lt.,1 or 2 wrs. could use a center. thats only 7 or 8 players we need to get this thing rolling.we can win this year and knock on the door of getting a wild card !
we beat the broncos twice, beat kc.played s.d tough in the final game. we are not that far from taking our division . but to beat san diego we must be able to put points on the board. the defense kept us in most games in 07. then ” Next year ” dominate and be the ‘rukas in the NFL !
February 24th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
JB
if anyone is intersted in trading up I think it will be the Jets…hoping to get a shot a DMac…
they need a breakaway RB with his speed…and if we dont ask for the moon we can probably pull off something there…
February 24th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
the lone Danish subject just lost :/
February 24th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
I don’t see what the big deal is? first off I am sure all this hype of Kiffin not being the coach in this next season is a load of crap. I seriously doubt anything that has been reported about Kiffin vs Davis is true. I am sure they have a Mentor/Student relationship. I am sure that Kiffin knew what he was getting into when he came here. they probably sit on the phone at night laughing at the media and trying to scheme new ways to mess with them!
And as far as Huff is concerned if he has not been playing his natural style or position AND has just completed his 2nd year? and everyone is saying trade him? WTF? WHY? MOST good DBs don’t come out of their shell for a couple of years…AND I submit that Huff is under a new coach. And yes I do believe Kiffin IS the HEAD COACH! and I do believe he had say if Lofton got hired or not…besides THAT was a no brainer!! he knows SD offense!!
I like Chris Long, I think its destiny for him to be a lagacy player! and be an every down run stopper/pass rusher solid impact player.
And I like Huff to be a break out year this year.
I also like the Raiders O-line to be a dominating top 10 o-line this year
I am still not convinced on J Russell. but then again its still to early right?
I have always like Fargus and I am positive that he has ALWAYS been a dark horse HB. I have felt all along that if we had a solid o-line we could run the ball through him.
I doubt Jordan will make it to Train Camp. I could still see a committee thing again. but freeing up a roster spot would be the smart thing to do. and if some one needs to go I think it should be Jordan.
In closing I say we just got through Kiffins first year! The Raiders made HUGE strides! they did things they had not done in YEARS!! I wish that people would realize that they are going forward!!! NOT back ward!!
I truly believe with all of my being that the Raiders are headed for a break out year! and nothing is going to shake my faith in that. Nothing!
February 24th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Let Tom Cable make the OLT selection. Because of the ZBS and depth of the linemen in this draft, we’ll probably find Tom’s choice in round 4. He flat out already said that 2/3rds of the available pool wouldn’t work in the ZBS that we use.
That leaves pick 1, 2 & possibly 3, if we make a trade for that slot, for defense. Ellis-DT, Laws-DT, and best SS/MLB or WR.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
LMN
why do you have to burst my dream bubble??? Is it that far fetched ?? He is only lookin gto get paid…and we have a solid background in overpaying…why shouldn’t we pay to have the best LB around right now in FA??? For once…we actually have a chance to get someone that could completely change the game for us and force more errant passes…
February 24th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Tom Flores
Thank you for making a good two part suggestion. I can see that trade. If Ellis is already gone then it would make sense to me. If Ellis is still available, I’d pick him & nix the trade. I think our focus needs to be on immediate players who will dramatically improve our defense. If they are available and likely to go, take them while you can. Otherwise make smart trades when and if available.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Tom Flores…
I just dont believe it, I think there is a bigger chance he’ll end up in Miami
February 24th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
tomflores…
i here whatcha saying on smith. i’ve been saying this for a few years but i think this is the year mr.davis freakin stop wanting to be the laughing stalk in the NFL opens his wallet in free agency fill the needs in the draft so we can dominate the league like when you was the coach.
mr. davis says ” we wanna be the best organization ,we want the best players ,we want the best coaches in the NFL ”
i think this is the year we recapture some of that old glory.
don’t mean to be so dramatic ….i just hope
February 24th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
For those who care
Some here may just be part of a site who has a Willis. Well that guy has been posting Kiffin is as good as gone. Of course the owner of this site poses as Willis and charges his members for this BS info because his Willis got fired. Just a buyer be ware
February 24th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Duh
Huh? Please explain the politics again.
What is the ultimate outcome with this willis.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
sorry guys the wife is dragging my ass to the Oscars and the TV…see ya later…
February 24th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
I surely think we will spend some FA dollars as far under the cap as we are.
Just a matter of who wants to take our $.
It’s not like FA don’t want to get paid.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Keep your eye on Eddie Royals-WR. May be a real sleeper in the 4th or 5th round.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
say what now?
February 24th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
LOL … instead of picking Leinart … we picked Huff … thanks Art. Wasting the #1 pick on JaMarcus last year is another bust. We SHOULD have picked Calvin a speedy WR … what Al loves or should I say what Al use to love in the good old days when everyone feared the Raiders.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
LMN
Miami is so far under the Cap now they could sign the top 4 draft picks this year and still have room !!!
So..you may be right..how does Parcells feel about Briggs ?? Is there already a relationship there ???
Jones snapped up Zach Thomas so he probably isnt interested in a bidding war on Briggs…
Who else out there needs a LB as bad as we do right now ???
February 24th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
JB…
se my post 340, I had the stats from Jason Jones, he called him William…not eddie =)
February 24th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
LMN
A nickname perhaps. They referred to him as “Eddie” when I was watching the combine.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
I say lock up Briggs and Justin Smith and when we end up drafting our DT at number 4 overall…we will be done on D for a few years…
Then we can focus on weapons and protection for JRuss !!!
Thats a pretty simple plan…but it really is all we have to do to make the play-offs this year…and if not…we draft 3 top receivers in next years draft.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
You mean the Leinart who is pouting in Az since he can’t beat out Hurt Warner?
You could have at least went with Cutler in that argument.
And you could have also went with Adrian Peterson instead of CJ, who didn’t really do anything. Wouldn’t CJ have been more of an Al like pick than JR since Al doesn’t draft QBs in the first round?
February 24th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
What was Ellis’ bench press stats? Anyone know?
February 24th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
32, I believe …
February 24th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Gholston knocked out 37 and I think Laws did 35.
Will Laws even be around in the 2nd round?
February 24th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
If we could get Smith and Briggs ???
Talk about turning things around quickly.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Gholston may have elevated himself past long. Did Long lift?
February 24th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
ELLIS, SEDRICK SOUTHERN CAL NT 34
February 24th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
alex99
matt linert got benched for kurt warner before he got hurt. to say jamarcus is a bust would tell me you don’t know nothing about football never played football and probably can name 8 or 9 players on the roster . stop smokin trees it messin up your already tiny brain. stick to watching volleyball on espn 4.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
LMN: After researching various DT’s yesterday, every dominant DT is 6′2″ or taller and 320 lbs or more. The DT’s that do well that are 6′ typically are playing cover 2.
Curious if Ellis is going to be too small for a non-cover 2 D?
February 24th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
even if the draft doesnt go exactly this way no matter what we are going to get an extraordinary player at number 4 overall:
Miami takes Chris Long DE whether or not Parcells implements the 3 4 or 4 3 defense. having him lining up with Jason taylor is a dream come true for Miami.
St Loius replaces an aging Orlando Pace with with the other Long
Atlanta takes Dmac or Matt Ryan to establish the future Offensive dominance in their division.
That leaves us with both DTs and Gholston to choose from to seriosuly revamp our D Line with…no matter how it turns out we win. Our D Line will be reborn with Jichardson ready to play up to his potential…Chris Clemons, Gerard Warren and Derrick Burgess soldify the D line and the youngsters give it a mauling style not seen since the ‘85 Bears…
Of course there is one catch…BLITZING !!!
February 24th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Jhill…
No reason, to think about it, – never gonna happen =)
February 24th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Jhill right now he is penciled in at the top of round 2…along with Pat Sims
February 24th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Raider Raul – Huff isn’t necessarily “My guy”. Whoever wears the #24. If it isn’t going to be Huff this year, then it will be…WhoFreakinKnowsThisTime24
I was a big time fan of Charles Woodson. I’m not a huge fan of Huff but I don’t think trading your best safety gives you anything great in return. I honestly think this defense is misused and Huff is only along for the ride. Give Huff a great Defensive Coordinator and you’ll see a Playmaker in my opinion. For the longest time, we all whined about not stopping TE’s. Then we find someone and everyone picks him apart for other reasons. Damned if you do and damned if you don’t. I believe Huff represents the #24 the best way he can. Thats all I can ask for.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Thanks for the number on Ellis …
The draft is going to be really interesting this year. A lot is going to happen over the next few months to determine who goes 1, 2, and 3. And let’s not even talk about who we MIGHT take. We could go in any of 3 or 4 different directions, and none of them would be “bad” picks.
Ellis, McFadden, Long, Gholston.
Could we really be mad at any of these picks?
February 24th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Both Ellis and Dorsey are the same size as Sapp thats why so many boards have us taking either of these guys as the obvious replacement…the thing is…Al Davis never does the “obvious thing” does he now…
February 24th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
LMN
1 outta 2 ???
TF
I don’t see why he is ranked so low. He played well for the domers, had a heck of a senoir bowl, and so far so good at the combine. I think he may rise to the late to middle 1st round.
Plus, I just think we’ll be ok at DT with Warren, Kelly, and Sands. JMHO.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Tom Flores
“That leaves us with both DTs and Gholston to choose from to seriously revamp our D Line with…no matter how it turns out we win. Our D Line will be reborn with JRichardson ready to play up to his potential…Chris Clemons, Gerard Warren and Derrick Burgess solidify the D line and the youngsters give it a mauling style not seen since the ‘85 Bears…”
Let’s not forget Tommy Kelley and just maybe a more motivated and mature Terdell Sands. If not Sands, then pick up a 2nd DT in the draft like Trevor Laws.
DEFENSE! IT’S WHAT MAKES CHAMPIONSHIPS…
February 24th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
DSM Raider…
you got a point somebody here said the same about my favorite, Trevor Laws, same height.
To name a few D-Linemen below 6-1, Kelly Gregg, Mike Patterson and Hollis Thomas – So I dont worry about height.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
I thought Huff was a reach when we took him and I wanted the Whiners TE for that pick…he ended up breaking his leg and missing most of the season..so what the hell do I know…
February 24th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
I have to say that I might have been the lone idiot who wanted Huff. So what the heck do I know? LOL
I just can’t tell you how glad I was that Tenn took Vince so we didn’t have to.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Jhill…
Dont get me wrong, i would welcome briggs, but as i said before I have a feeling that he ends up in Miami. But now that norv took smith we’ll see much more of him, lets hope he flunks =)
I dont care who we’ll take in the 1st, I just wish/hope Trevor Laws ends up in Oakland!
February 24th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
LMN: When you draft a DT in the top 5, he should blow away Kelly Gregg, Mike Patterson, & Hollis Thomas.
If we want a player like the above 3, we land him in the 2nd, like Trevor Laws.
Personally I want Pat Sims: 6′4″, 314 lbs
February 24th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
regarding Eddie Royal. every draft report say he cant block, well he did really good in bench press.
his time is 4.4 so he could be a deep target for Jammy, but his height do i have some problems with
February 24th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
JB
I am with you man…we put together s serious group of DTs and OTs throw in a DE and WR for good measure and call it a draft !!!
I dont care really who coaches the Raiders next year…if we have talented, young, strong, fast guys on D then we will be around in the post season this year…
although…. again I prefer to have Al Davis offer the moon to BUD FOSTER…and get him over to Oaktown next week when we start interviewing FAs !!!
February 24th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
I wanted Matt Leinart. I saw a winner with him and keeping him in California would have been good for him. It could have benefitted us greatly by adding Calvin Johnson or Adrian Peterson to Leinart but thats not the way the cards played out so oh well. I’d be perfectly happy with Huff is there was a Defensive Coordinator who knew how to use him properly. Having Jamarcus Russell and Michael Huff is still a pretty good deal. Imagine us getting our butts kicked not only by the running game but by the passing game to the TE’s as well? We’d really look bad then. At the time, I did want a QB for the future and even though JR wasn’t my first pick this last year…it still makes perfect sense.
The problem? Nothing makes sense when you don’t know who your Head Coach is going to be.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
DSM…
you probably right, but I fell in love with Laws some time in october. Never looked towards other DT’s, if we take a DT with the 1st I hope it will be Ellis
February 24th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Jhill- Honestly I wanted Leinart, but thankfully we didn’t draft him as Art would’ve thrown him to wolves and he would’ve lost his confidence for good.
After the pick, I was happy about it considering Leinart, but knew we had someone special.
He might not have the int’s, but opposing TE’s aren’t raping us anymore. His stats show one thing, but his game shows another.
Once he’s put in at FS his int’s will come in bunches.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
LMN
Eddie Royal is fine…any WR is fine…but we NEED to build our trnches in thsi draft !!! Havent you heard anything the press has been saying this week at the combine ???
This is the best group of Linemen in 10 years !!!
It just happens to coincide with our greatest need when rebuilding our beloved Raiders team.
1DT + 1DT + 1DE = 1 top 10 defense !!!
February 24th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Leinert is a loser. end of story, he keeps getting beat by Warner! I know many here are USC fans, but because a player comes from Cali doesn’t mean he is better than a guy from the East coast. Its foolish romantics.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Tom Flores…
Wake up, dude. you haven’t slept in, what, 30 hours now?
So you suggest only OL’s and DL’s ? with all our picks?
what do you suggest Jammy should pass the ball to?`DT’s and OT’s? or what
Eddie Royal in the 4th or 5th would be a steal!
February 24th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
I wanted A J Hawk badly. Now I want Howie’s boy or Ellis badly. Rnd2 Chris Johnson RB/WR, 4th MLB , 5th WR Dexter Jackson, 5th SS from Arizona St, 7th DT from Fresno ST,
LT in FA, WR in FA, OG in FA, SS in FA…..any ???’s
February 24th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Huff24
Al Davis lets his coaches pick and then goes nuts when thry dont select the guy recommended to them..,it is rumored that Al also wanted Leinart who wouldn’t…
Hell I wanted Al Davis to go balls out trade guys and picks and take Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush and call it a draft…but somehow my demands went unheaded again as always. Imagine that as the face of our organization fo rthe next decade. whew…
well back to Earth now…we are stuck with our missteps of the past and likely we will be saddled with more random senseless picks for as long as we keep changing Coaches and directions every year or two…the only thing one can hope for is that we at least draft 2 to 3 guys that stick around thru all the upheaval every year and eventually form a cohesive core of guys that rise above the politics and…… “Just Win Baby !!!”
February 24th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
BHP…
I could vote for that, but the 2nd round I would change to Trevor Laws…
February 24th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
LMN – Let me clarify. I am a Notre Dame fan, not a USC fan.
To Leinart’s credit…he has had 2 Head Coaches in 2 years with Kurt Warner breathing down his neck. Roethlisberger was adament about not liking Ken Whisenhunt because he was difficult to work with. Leinart had a 74 QB Rating his rookie season behind a suspect offensive line. He had to re learn a new offensive system when Whisenhunt got there and he struggled. Fitzgerald and Boldin were both hurt at different times during the season as well.
Leinart is a good player. He has the misfortune of inconsistency and the pressure of having a veteran QB ready to steel his job and many players don’t perform well when they’re not confident they have the position at hand. He’s young so you’d have to believe hes struggling mentally with that and its important for the Head Coach to let him know hes the man. Just ask Eli Manning about that. It took 4 years to get his act together and win the Superbowl and the disappearances of Tiki Barber and Jeremy Shockey really helped him. QB’s need to be surrounded by positive to be successful.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
no questions …
February 24th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
tomflores……. coach.
i gotta a question serious as cancer….
think about it then ya answer !
we can go on all this time till the draft on who we gonna take but… who are we gonna sign come feb 29th . who ya’ll think we are targeting . personally i like briggs,and flozell adams whacha think?
February 24th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
We won’t land a LT in FA. There’s very slim pickings at this point right now for any good FA. If we sign anyone it’ll be at WR and possibly either line, but no one who is capable of protectng Russell’s blind side is available in FA right now.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Priest,the one difference-LT instead of MLB.while i agree one is needed,i read where RR is happy with our LBs.he liked Thomas’s progress this past year.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Reggie Bush is a loser too. When we look back at the drafts from 2000-2010 he’ll end up as one of the biggest hypes deflating fastest.
As I said a year ago, Maurice Jones-Drew is way better! In all aspects of the game, Sp.Team, Runs thourgh the tackles, around the tackles, catching and so on. He is a fighter, Reggie Bush is a big-name player, a college star, but a dead star in the NFL universe…
February 24th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Huff24…
well i said that a year ago too, Eli over Leinert anytime, uhh and then somebody said I was nuts. I said Eli would win a SB like his Brother. Everybody said Leinert would too, but Leinert and Tim Couch isn’t they the same?
February 24th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
also,C.Johnson would be a project.can we take on a project with that early of a pick?it looks like he’ll be a player but it will take a while.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
LMN
I did grab 4 hours…I fell asleep on the couch watching the combine…from around 11am – 3 pm.
I know you read past posts of mine that included picking up a WR somewere in this draft…just not as long as we have a quality lineman available in the same slot…
believe it or not…I for one think Curry is gonna be fine as a number 2 guy and one or two of our youngsters will step up and play well this season if we have someone protecting Jruss for long enough for one of those burners to get open down the field.
We could use Berrian or another number 2 on our team that’s for sure. We can get by with 3 or 4 average WRs as long as they are quick and don’t drop the ball…while our youngsters develop.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Hotel Adams is waaaaay to old and even expensiver (i guess you cant say that) Max Starks is our MAN!
February 24th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
LMN – Warner is from Iowa which is considered mid west…:)
February 24th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
LMN: When a team learns how to properly use him, you’ll see Reggie being Reggie like we know him.
Remember when the Bears beat the Saints and Bush was making big plays?
Reggie will always need to be in a two back system to succeed as he’s too small to handle the load.
But, once the Saints get a healthy back to complement Bush, he’ll take off.
Show me another player that is capable of completely stopping at full speed, switching direction, and back in full speed immediately?
I would love to have a double Bush backfield with Reggie & Michael.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
PFT.com (HOLY FREAKIN CRAP)
DARREN McFADDEN IS FAST
So much for Darren McFadden’s draft stock falling.
Sure, there will be concerns about off-field issues and other such nonsense. But speed blurs not only the eye but also the mind. And given that McFadden ran the 40-yard dash in 4.27 seconds on Sunday at the Scouting Combine, he’ll be holding a jersey not very long into the draft-day proceedings in April.
It’s an extremely impressive time, and it will only result in more comparisons to guys like Adrian Peterson and other speed-burning backs of the present and the past.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Tom Flores…
We still need 5 receivers when the season starts, now we got 2-3!??
couldn’t the oscars ban all Scientologists? I truly hate all those actors supporting that cult!
February 24th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Al Davis must be watching the combine on his TV while licking his chops. Now THATS how you scout talent baby.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Blackholepreist
now you are the one living in a fantasy !!! Dexter ran a 4.27 40…no way he lasts until 5th round…
February 24th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Nobody is looking to sign Donte Stallworth. We might as well sign the guy for cheap if nobody else will. I’m sure JR wouldn’t mind.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
LMN-one mistake we as fans do,and the media does,is judge players coming out of college too quickly.players,esp. QBs,shouldn’t be judged for at least 4-5 years.a perfect example is V.Young-rookie of the year last year-one of the lowest rated QBs this year.it won’t be known for a few years which is the real V.Young.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
DSM…
All great run systems uses a 3 back system! But if you dear old Reggie doesn’t make a big jump in the ‘08 season he’lll allways be a flop/bust in my book.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
PFT.com (This would be the greatest thing for the NFL)
POLIAN CALLS FOR CHANGE TO ROOKIE PAY SYSTEM
We don’t always see eye to eye with Colts President and G.M. Bill Polian. Okay, we’ve never seen eye to eye with him.
Until now.
Polian is pushing for changes to the way that players in round one are paid. It’s something that we’ve been crowing about for at least a couple of years. “The draft was designed to either allow the weakest teams, based on record, to choose the best players, or if they chose not to take a particular player, to gather a bunch of picks to further accelerate their growth and competitiveness,” Polian said. “That’s now been skewed by the cost of the picks in the first round.
“When that’s skewed and changed because of the agents, that isn’t a good thing for the game.” Indeed, the worst team in the league will get no better by being compelled to spend more than $30 million guaranteed on one unproven player. We’ve long believed that the NFLPA hasn’t pushed for the use of a rookie wage scale because the agents who have influence over the union want to maintain their ability to reel in up to three percent of the full value of those big-dollar contracts.
But why not find a way to redirect those windfalls to guys already in the league? And why not restrict the money that is paid to players who have done nothing at the NFL level? It’s an issue that hopefully will be addressed in the next CBA negotiations — and we’re also hopeful that neither side will view the creation of such a system as a concession. It’s a measure that’s in the best interests of both sides.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
DSM – No doubt that Bush is a phenomenal talent. But even you said he was a specialty player. He is a game changer in very specific situations,like a kick returner as opposed to a dominate running back like Adrian Peterson. Would you draft the best projected kick off returner ever at the #2 overall pick?
February 24th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Lefty12
yeah I know, but Vince young will never be McNair, he is a dud when it comes to the NFL, because ha cant pas from the pocket. Vince young was a qb in the vick mold, a RB that can pass – nothing more. I’m happy he isnt a raider
February 24th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
LMN
Reggie Bush was a rockstar when New Orleans used him as a receiver on the line and as bait…
he racked up the most all around yards of any rookie…and if they woudl have continued to use him in this manner he woudl still be a rockstar…for some reason they are trying to make him into a one dimensional RB…that’s just bad coaching…and I really liked what the Siants did when they took a shot on Drew Brees with his shoulder injury and all…
that was the most screwed up organization in football until this year…we have now taken the mantle away from them…we are right there with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pre Dungy !!!
February 24th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
BTW-Mcfaddens official time was 4.35
February 24th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Lefty12…
If a player doesn’t deliver right from the start, he shouldn’t get paid much in the first year!
If you pay 60mio for a RB, you expect them to deliver from the start. As for QB, the 3rd year in NFL should they be just as good as they are at the end of their career
February 24th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
“Darren McFadden was shown on TV to have run a 4.27. His official time was 4.33″
- Jason Jones
February 24th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Huff 24 I thought Dmac ran 4.31 and Chris Johnson ran 4.27…but I did pass out during the second run…
February 24th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
I know I was putting up something even I don’t believe. What the heck I’m just excited about Chris Johnson and hopng we can get Ellis and a MLB. Until FA I really don’t have a clue. Maybe a week B4 the draft I’ll have an idea. That was king of goofy wasn’t it.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Tom Flores…
yeah but Maurice Jones-Drew still had better stats. In all aspects of the game! He was a 2nd rounder – way cheaper and better results! Furthermore, I claim Jones-Drew will have more seasons in the NFL than tiny reggie bush.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
LMN,i wasn’t talking about paying players,i was talking about judging them.i totally agree none of them should get the money they get without ever playing a down on the NFL.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
kind of goofy. man I’m tired see y’all later
February 24th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
When the day ends, McFaddens official time will be 5.30=)
February 24th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
LMN
while Young has just had a terrible season with so many INTs I dont know howthey made the Play-offs..oh yeah …DEFENSE !!!!!!!!
That said, he had no number one…. or two.. WR to throw the ball to…and we may find ourselves in the same situation only worse. If we dont secure a solid group of Linemen to protect our boy and maul the opposing teams QB…we will be no better than a 6 – 10 team next year.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Chris Johnson ran a 4.24, McFadden ran a 4.33
February 24th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
LMN thanks for the clarification on times…
February 24th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Players Association actually agrees to a rookie salary cap like the NBA.
Veteran players lose out in money to a top 5 rookie who every year keeps getting more & more money.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Lefty12…
judging players you say, and salary isn’t in you consideration.
same results and over a draft round apart, judge that. the best player which also is the cheapest of the two – well I now who I want – so can all you romantic USC fans dream of Reggie – I dream of Michael Bush!
February 24th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Drew also went to a much better teasm than Bush.that being said every year a player drafted lower than another at the same position turns out to be a better pro.that’s why the draft is a crap shoot and not an exact science.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
wow after 5 different posts we have no official time that matches..who is holding this “official” stopwatch hahaha
maybe we should use Rolex next year instead…
February 24th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Flores…
if you gave Vince young, Jerry rice and Tim Brown in their prime, TO and Moss. The O-line Gannon had, Vince young still wouldn’t get the ball to his receiver if he stayed in the pocket.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
If we get a rookie cap does JR have to give back his horrible sweater collection and his bling
February 24th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Tom Flores…
if you want perfect timing only TAG-Heuer does it! The the best in any sport!
February 24th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
i dress in black- No doubt would I still take Reggie with the 2nd pick in any draft.
As tom flores confirmed, he’s not a kick returner type player you’re drafting.
If we had Reggie in our backfield, he would amazing if he was sharing the load.
Reggie’s too fast and too good at all facets of his position to ignore despite his size. If you use him correctly then he’ll flourish and provide an instant spark to any O. Had Houston taken him, he would’ve been used properly in the zone and there would be no talk as to why they took Williams.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
LMN-the way you’re talking you must have known how good T. Brady was going to turn out.shouldn’t he have gotten 1st rd. money when he was drafted?
February 24th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
blackholepriest….
i don’t know about chris long they said the same things about tyler brayton coming out of colorado. i here dorsey hurt his leg at the combine? if we don’t land ellis i say trade down hopefully for dallas 2 firstrounders. then go LT. someone like chris williams from vandy. an atheletic lineman who in 1558 snaps only given up 2 sacks… hmmm or ryan clady. both would fit cable’s blocking scheme .then get a wide-out. WR.will franklin tall 215lbs. who an a 4.31 40. then in the 2nd.rd pat sims athletic DT. who brings a rukas in the backfield. doing that would address three needs inthe first 2 rounds then go after depth at WR. and defense in the later rounds. whacha think…. get on the mic my man !
February 24th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Drew did end up on a team that had a punsihing defense and no passer…which meant that he woudl have more chances than reggie Bush to begin with..
With all that said…Drew is an exciting guy to watch just like Bush and thats what sells season tickets !!!
Notice the Saints went from lowest attendance records to sell out games overnight…Katrina notwithstanding…Fans are vital when it comes to penalties due to noise factor…if you cant fill the seats it makes it a little tougher to when at home…or at the very least have a home field advantage…look at the pathetic Lions too…
February 24th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Tom-i miss printed.it was 4.33 as LMN said.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
another thing I absolutely HATE is having an infield on our playing surface…don’t our guys deserve to at least get a decent field to play on…has anyone noticed how new stadiums and decent fields have improved teams psychologically…
WE need to boot the A’s…so we can make Qualcom Raiders ONLY !!!
hahaha
February 24th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Lefty12…
First. if i was GM/Coach I would NEVER NEVER draft a RB in the 1st round.
Second. I didn’t knew that Brady would have been a good RB =) NO
Third. Well when you draft or choose players, the first thing you should forget is whats all the hype is about!
February 24th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
sorry for getting off topic everyone…just worried when I heard someone say that Al davi ssent his son Mark to chat with San Jose about a new stadium
February 24th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
But lets take this talk again in 5 years time. My money is on Maurice Jones-Drew. My guess is that 5 years from now, Bush should be lucky to be a backup like Michael Bennett
February 24th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Lefty12
one last question…is that the combined or best time ???
February 24th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
All I ever heard about Marc is that he is’n the smartest tool in the shed
February 24th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
sorry Tom i have to disagree with you.maybe in basketball an exciting guy will put people in the seats,but in the NFL it’s more about w’s.let me rephrase that-W’s will fill the joint,while a certain number of people will come to see an exciting player at first.then if they continue to lose they won’t keep coming back to see that player.just my opinion.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
that’s his official listed time.LMN points 1 & 3 on post 463-agree.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
LMN: You can also look at the same draft and take LT Ferguson drafted 4th overall and McNeil drafted 50th. Ferguson was easily the highest rated LT to come out and McNeil (dare I say SEC) has easily outperformed him and been to the Pro Bowl.
Detroit took Ernie Sims 9th and he hasn’t done anything meanwhile DeMeco Ryans has also been to the Pro Bowl and was drafted 33.
It’s a complete crapshoot. I honestly don’t know how he slipped so far. Being a PAC 10 guy I was shocked he didn’t go in the 1st.
My favorite not top 5 back this year is Justin Forsett who is going to surprise everyone. He’s the same size as Westbrook and very similar.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
LMN
what is Tag-Heuer Danish or something ..I didnt realize you were so patriotic..lol
February 24th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
for crying out loud!!!
February 24th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
DSM-did you read that Forsett mentioned that one of the teams that has shown interest is the Raiders.if he lasts he could be a late rd. pickup.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
LMN: Although I do agree MJD is better than Bush, but hindsight’s 20/20. If I were a GM I still would’ve made the pick for Reggie.
5 years from now if Bush is properly used, both will be Pro Bowl game changing RB’s, but MJD will be better.
If you look at MJD’s history, every where he’s been he’s been questioned about his size, but he has the trunks Barry had and this allows him to be a full time runner w/o breaking down.
He’s probably one of my favorite backs in the leage because he’s like a bowling ball.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
LMN
I say we trade LJ to Whiners for Gore and make it a gimpy Gore + Bush backfield with Daunte limping from center to one of the other gimps behind him…every running play !!!
Go Raiders !!!
February 24th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
How can you NOT know Tag-Heuer???
Its german! Like so much else that has to do with precision and quality.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TAG_Heuer
February 24th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
cmon LSM
I am only having fun…
but on a serious note…if the Saints did not pick Reggie Bush they would never have refilled their seast so quickly at the Superdome and selling seats is a very real part of the equation..like it or not.
Reggie Bush will always be a solid playmaker maybe not a bruising back like Bettis but he will have an exciting career nonetheless.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
DSM…
MJD, runs so hard. He looks a bit like Fargas, with Fargas it just don’t look on purpose what he does! MJD is my favorit.
As for 20/20 – yeah, but when that year I said MJD! Its easy for me to say this, but rule number one is never take a RB in the 1st round.
Even if it was superman, a RB usually only lasts 3-5 years in the league. Why wast so much money on a guy you never get 100% from?
February 24th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
i think what filled the seats was a 12-4(?) record,winning their div. and going to the play-offs.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Flores go to bed =)
LSM?? DSM or LMN ???
February 24th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
so who’ll take the RB with the skinny legs?
February 24th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Yeah!
Daniel Day-Lewis! one of this worlds greatest gifts!
February 24th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Lefty12
who are you talking about?
February 24th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Art Shell, sorry they never said the same things about Brayton that they nor I are saying about Long. The only thing they have in common is skin tone.
C. Long is a player trust me. I saw Brayton up close and personal and thought he was a 2nder. C. Long has a chance to be a star.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
LMN: Do you mean the Tag Heuer is German or Swiss? Even your wiki shows Switzerland. Or check out: http://www.hoovers.com/tag-heuer/–ID__52463–/free-co-profile.xhtml
February 24th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
LMN, you wouldn’t take Walter Payton in the 1st rnd?
O J Simpson, Bo Jackson. They dominate games more than anyone else besides QB’s.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
LMN-sorry,old R&R song with a great line”so who’ll take the woman with the skinny legs”.don’t remember the song or the artist just the line.but i meant DM.and was referencing your idea about no RBs in rd. 1.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
LMN
I have heard of Tag Heuer just not a fan…I never wear a watch unless I am scuba diving and then only a special diving watch…I am Native American Sioux and we tell time by the location of the sun or moon in the sky…
February 24th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
DSM…
My bad…I just knew that the first German fighterpilots in 1936 got a Tag-heuer – so I assumed they were German. My Bad. anyhow a arab sheik has bought it now, but I guess it still is swiss
February 24th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Eric Dickerson, LT, Dorsett, Edge, Eddie George, Faulk, Bettis, Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders, Curt Warner, Gerald Riggs, Marcus Allen, Otis Anderson, and the list goes on.
Last year alone Adrian Peterson & Marshawn Lynch will add to the list of why you take a RB in the 1st round.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
BHP…
Nope not in todays NFL
February 24th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Priest i guess one should never say never.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Flores…
I dont wear watches either – who needs them, there clocks, mobiles and so on everywhere.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Blackholepriest
Ideally a team would only want to take someone in the first round that touched the ball as often as possible ie a QB or RB …then comes Linemen…both sides of the ball…next playmakers and game changers on both sides of the ball WRs and CBs then DBs LB etc.
am I right to think this way ???
February 24th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
its always great to pull out a name from the 70′es. But modern NFL, as of 2002. I wouldn’t take a RB in the 1st… if more teams where rational it would ease it self out, implicit everybody would start in the 2nd.
February 24th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
well. Taht was the oscars, thanks for keeping my company
February 24th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Tom Flores…
well I think its wrong to think that way. I understand how you get there but I dont agree. I would judge out from who would be active on my team teh most, during his entire contract
February 24th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Tom Flores, I would stear away from making any judgements on a particular position, You never know where or what position a truely great talent plays. Each year and player are an individual unto themselves so I really never generalize.
LMN I not saying you should but I definitely would your chances of getting a great back diminish greatly after the first rnd. And you’ll never get all teams to agree not to draft a position in the first rnd especially at that position it’s just too important.
We were very lucky to get MB in the 4th the chance of that is really slim. RB’s are the focal position of many offenses they are the engine. Maybe if at all I would say center but even that’s scary. No, No way give me my HB.
February 24th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
LMN
“I would judge out from who would be active on my team teh most, during his entire contract”
Don’t think that’s reasonable in today’s game. Injuries play a much larger part in today’s game. For example, how many more good years did Gannon have until he got crunched by that weird collision? You can forecast a life cycle but there are too many real variables that get factored in to really be accurate.
February 24th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
You go over the RB’s in the HOF very few weren’t drafted in the 1st rnd. Sure you’ll get lucky here and there but the overall majority came from the 1st rnd.
February 24th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
so much for my warped mind…I defintely agree that an RB would be great if we didn’t already have 5 on our roster..each one being perfectly capable of rushing for 1000+ yards this year with our existing O line thanks to Mr Cable and Knapp.
If we were able to add two strong tall and flexible OTs that have experience in the ZBS we may actaully get a 1500+ yard rusher out of Bush this year or even Fargas…
so as much as I would love to see Ray Rice or some other stud take out Jordan and Rhodes as back ups…that is our very last need on our team…we have no depth at LB or SS or G or WR or DT or DE…or OT…
February 24th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
I think if Mcfadden is there Al Davis will take him at #4 weather we as raider fans like it or not. I think he will see him and Russell as a hell of a QB and RB too build a team around, and quite frankly, I must say that it does sound good. But on the other hand, I also aknowledge the fact that no matter how good or bad our offense is, it will never see the ball if we cant stop the run of the other team first. Therefor I personally think that if we want to start winning next year, we should draft at D-line, preferably DT, but i wouldn’t complain about C.Long (DE). Best case senario would be to pick up some quality D-Lineman in FA (i.e. S. Rogers from Det. and Jenkins from Atl.) then draft McFadden. I am also aware that we need a new LT on the O-Line, but Simms is washed up and just about anybody could effectivly replace him with our scheme. That replacement will not require a top pick or a high paid FA. Who agrees or disagrees with this?
February 24th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Tom Flores
AMEN to that…
February 24th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
as of today
BHP
we have :
1 1st round pick
1 2nd round pick
1 4th round pick
1 6th round pick
1 7th round pick
which do you propose to spend on a RB and which RB do you believe you can get with your pick ???
February 24th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
LMN
who won best Picture and best leads…my DVR was full and it ended without those 3 awards…bummer
February 24th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
C4
I along with Tom Cable agree that we don’t need a #1 or #2 pick on the right OLT prospect. If our D-line can’t stop the run and the resultant scoring, our O will have to throw the ball all the time just to keep up. That scenario does not add up to a need for a #1 pick RB does it. Let’s get our D-house in order first then, focus on some other O weapons. Assuming our D does the job right, we have adequate offense to compete and win. Remember, unlike last year where we had no viable QB component, we do have a QB with an arm this year. Let’s hope AD & company deal in FA for some offensive WR’s and possibly OLT and use our draft to build our defense for the next 5-7 years.
DEFENSE WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS! Just ask the NY Giants…
February 24th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
I hope wish and would love to have Chris Johnson with the 2nd rnder. There is not much difference between he and McFadden CJ 6′ 200lbs. McFadden 6′1″ 210lbs.
Cj 4.2 40; DMC 4.3 40 CJ is the single most electrifying HB in the draft. DMC pure speed bigger and stronger but straight linish w/thin pins. Both great hands; CJ can double as WR. Both can play ST’s.
Both will bring years of excitement and scoring punch. One will cost 30 mill and ne will cost 2mill. You make the choice.
February 24th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
BPH
I usually want the best RB out there…but this draft is different than any has or will possibly be in this decade. Its going to either turns this organization around and make us competitive and solid for the next 10 years or we will go on picking guys one position at a time hoping for the best and expecting the worst.
Every other draft this decade can go that way…but not this one. WE really need to take advantage of what GOD or the NCAA hath provided us in the form of and extraordinary collection of big uglies !!!
February 24th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
sorry for my usual typos guys..
February 24th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
its the thought that counts right ???
lol
February 24th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Fellas for each Dickerson, or Barry Sanders, or Marcus Allen, I see 5 Blair Thomas’ or Ki-jana Carters or Curtis Enis’ or Lawrence Phillips’. All those busts were clearly NO MISS prospects.
I have such a hard time believing Ellis/Dorsey/C. Long won’t be excellent pro’s. I have a REAL hard time believing that. Look at Glenn Dorsey. Yeah, he shows up injured today, but that guy NEVER missed a game. EVER. What does THAT tell ya? Would you not want a guy like that on your team?
All that being said, I have the same feeling. That is if Dmac is on the board at #4, he’s a Raider.
Someone in the NY giants organization was saying right now do you think the value for excellent defensive linemen has gone up???? Uhhh, yeah. I want Dline 1st and 2nd pick. JMHO.
February 24th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
JB
I wish more Raiders personnel decision makers were on the same page as you…
February 24th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
What’s wrong with “extraordinary collection of big uglies “!!! Very descriptive and more importantly accurate.
In the past both our O & D line were maulers. We’ve changed for better or worse. Only time will tell. The ZBS makes ordinary RB’s produce exceptional results. We have an adequate supply of ordinary RB’s. Possibly one. Michael Bush may prove to be an exceptional RB – I hope so. Nonetheless, we need to make sure we get more than our share of the “Big Uglies” for the D side of the equation. There is where we really need the big time maulers who demoralize the opposition while taking no prisoners. This year’s draft is RICH. Let’s make sure we get more than our share.
February 24th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
JB
However…JRuss will likely struggle in his first year starting and that si all the more reason why we needa rip roaring defense like Chicago had when Rex Grossman blew leads and threw ints and why Vince Young needed his boys on D to back him…
With that in mind we really need our D to be special this year…to keep our asses in these games we need a D that can get past a few bad play calls by Kiffin or a bad throw by Russell. We are gonna need a takeaway D to keep giving both Kiffin and Russell more chances to succeed.
Success breeds success…if we dont have the pro bowl caliber players in place this year to really be special on D …to make up for our coaching pitfalls and shortcomings…then it’s back to the cellar again….
February 24th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
It’s all about kicking ass and taking names. Think back to when Gannon & company ran into the Ravens D for the AFC championship game. I don’t know about you but tghat was one of the most memorable ass kickings I’ve ever seen. I don’t know about you but I’d rather be the kicker than the kickee.
February 24th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
It’s very hard to say what the team will do at this early date. This is just early window shopping. But we really need one of those 3 Dlineman. Anything after that is fair game at this point. I just don’t want McFadden not that early 4.3 yeah who didn’t know he ran in the 4.3’s. Get the QB killer and go from there.
February 24th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
If we can control the opposition with a top 5 D, JR will be more than successful handing the ball off to our stable of ordinary RB’s who will capitalize on the ZBS. His play action passing should do well also.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
I think we’re all in agreement but if Chris Johnson is there in the 2nd rnd we better get ‘em. That’s all I’ve got to say.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
[...] for Megan’s missive. How does safety Michael Huff sound for Texans? There are reports around Oakland that former Longhorns safety Michael Huff is on the trading block. With the draft full of offensive [...]
February 24th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
JB
I LOVE THE BIG UGLIES !!!
This is their year and we better trade, steal, borrow…whatever…to make sure we get at least 8 picks in the first 5 rounds of this draft…and with that I say 6 better be used on Linemen !!!
I am right there looking down the draft cards and mock drafts and SI..scout.com etc… and we DO have an abundance of these guys at DE…but only maybe 10 special guys at DT….still if we get two DTs out of the ten available this year…WOW.
Also scoring one or two DEs would be great. That said we DO still need a couple OL guys and this one is DEEP…maybe 40 to 50 guys out there and all capable…maybe half can be outted for not being agile enough for the ZBS..but if we were able to pick up at least 2 or 3 guys at OT and G…that would be just fine by me…
hey thats just the beginning…we also have a chance to kiss alot of (frogs) on opening day of traning camp and hope one of those undrafted beasts turns out to be a prince.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Great Raider teams of the past have always had a good passing game with the TE’s. We now have a QB with a strong accurate arm and we have good TE’s with hands that can catch (at last!). No reason to believe that we are not on the correct path to respectability. An offense that can control the ball on the ground and through the air usually fares very well. Connect that with a controlling and swarming defense and you are minimally talking playoffs if not championships.
As long as we don’t do something stupid, we are positioned well to restock a necessary resource – Big Uglies.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
YAWN…Another boring article. Hey Jerry, did you here the report from NFL Network today? Please let this shut you up; The Raiders confirmed Kiffin is in charge of most personell decisions and is under contract long term. Please be more responsible. Your journalism is weaker than circus lemonade.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
are you kidding me???
I thought this whole thing with dallas giving up Barber and their 2 firsts and a second rounder was a dream scenario…now Schefter si trying to get that rumor to turn into reality !!! Anything to try to thwart our shot at taking Dmac….
this is so funny I am crying…Schefter really actaully thinks we are desperate to get this guy !!!
what a knuckle head.
I mean he is a great RB and All…but c’mon…if Dallas offered “us” just their two 1st round picks and a second I would trade DMAC and score 2 top linemen instead and a top WR !!!
February 24th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
It was reported somewhere, sorry I don’t remember the specifics, the Tom Cable stated that 2/3rds of the O-linemen wouldn’t work in his system. That said, that still leaves a third. I agree that we should stock up on linemen. Ellis-#1, Laws-#2. A top flight DE would be nice as well as an OT and backup C – Newberry’s knees won’t last forever and I think Barret Robbins is now unavailable (my injection of humor). The point being that a supply of outstanding linemen can only pay big dividends now & later.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
btw
BHP
2007
RAY RICE rushed for 2000+ yards 5.3 YPC avg. 24 TDs
caught 25 passes for 239 yds for one more TD
and HAS NOT FUMBLED HIS ENTIRE CAREER !!!
originally I thought he would slip to round 3 but now that the cat is out of the bag…Mayock now has him as number 5 RB in the draft…(sigh) I was hoping we were gonna snatch him up in round 3 but thats a pipedream now…
February 24th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Al Davis needs another hobby! As a fan since the early 90s, it’s finally sinking in that he sometimes does more harm than good. Kinda like an older brother who once pulled chicks but now just walks around in tight pants. We no longer have Bo Jackson or Tim Brown; it’s time to start over!
February 24th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Ray Rice ran a 4.4 40…not blazing but he also didnt train hard all month to run like many of the top RB prospects did…
thats what I heard anyway…I did see him stumble out of the block and not really get up to speed that quickly…but when you are already upright and moving …thats the 40 I want to see our WRs and RBs run…
February 24th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
We mised Derek Smith, but Dan MOrgan (Panthers) is still available, or even Briggs (very expensive).
Bring Rogers or Jenkins
Draft Dorsey or Ellis
Swap Richardson and Burgess on the DE Right/Left side
Draft Joshua Barrett from Arizona State (it s been a while i talk about him)
Draft a OL RG or LT if Henderson do not pan out
Draft Nelson (Jordy)
Do whatever you want with the 7th pick. I say Draft a Guy that has good football intelligence from a small school. Maybe not the bigger or the faster but a player.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Here’s the top 10 rated Centers. I wonder which would serve our purposes best?
1. Steve Justice Wake Forest 6-4 284 5.20
2. Mike Pollak Arizona St. 6-4 292 5.00
3. John Sullivan Notre Dame 6-4 303 4.95
4. Cody Wallace Texas A&M 6-4 294 5.25
5. Kory Lichtensteiger Bowling Green6-3 300 5.15
6. Fernando Velasco Georgia 6-4 318 5.15
7. Jamey Richard Buffalo 6-4 301 5.25
8. Matt Spanos USC 6-5 300 5.25
9. Eric Scott Kentucky 6-5 275 4.95
10. Adam Spieker Missouri 6-3 305 5.15
Anybody have any special insight on these guys? Which would work best on our ZBS?
February 24th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Say Tom, would you trade #4 overall to Dallas for #’s 22 and 28? That would most likely be the deal.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Section 247…
Thanks for the info.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
JB
I would rather have Dorsey and Laws…trevor really looked solid today the combine I will give you that one…
I only chose Dorsey over Ellis because JRuss played with him at LSU and there is a camaradarie there with two team captains from the same National Championship program one as a leader on D the other as our QB…you have to admit thats powerful. I realize that Ellis also comes from a National Championship team that has a high caliber program but the same “chemistry” isn’t there…
Then match up your guy Ellis with Trevor Laws…on the same line…yikes..no thanks.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
There are some outstanding HB’s in this draft that will be around in the 4th 5th rnds they may not be HOFers but they will provide quality depth. Also we will come out of FAcy with all the D and O lineman we need, we’re in good cap shape. Not to worry it’s a virtual lock. We normally draft well late on both lines. And I don’t expect anything less this draft.
But let’s get through FAcy first.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Focus on D-Line and O-Line. That’s where games are won or lost. Try to strike gold with other players in later rounds or with proven talent in free agency.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
JB Says: “Don’t think that’s reasonable in today’s game. Injuries play a much larger part in today’s game”
EXACTLY! thats why I wouldn’t take any RB’s in the 1st!
Most RB get an injury in the 1st or 2nd year, most RB’s Career is only 5 years long. I would pick players in potions least likely to receive career diminishing injuries
February 24th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
JB
I say Dorsey and Laws
now we need to draft one DE
and two OTs and one G
one project or otherwise…WR is always must…
fill in the blanks…who do you like in rounds 4, 6 and 7 assuming we dont get any other picks and go home with the glass half full…
February 24th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
As Ross Perot once said: “there’s a huge sucking sound!” That’s our D-Line with Sapp’s retirement and poor overall play last year.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Tom Flores
While Dorsey may have ties to Russell, Ellis no doubt has ties to Kiffin. Kiffin probably recruited Ellis and knows more about him than most. Another plus for Ellis is that he can play either 3-4 or 4-3. Flexibility is always worth a few extra points. Dorsey, while being a great prospect, is a 4-3 player only. Either one will be a great pick for us. Between the two, I favor Ellis.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
I know you guy’s like Laws from ND but there are some others that I think fit better, this kid Balmers is a player but he may not last. We just need a 2gap guy if we get Ellis they will come much cheaper. Run stuffers are easier than athletic 3techs we’ll get a 2gap guy in the 5th or 6th and get an Olineman in the 7th capable of providing some depth. But this is all so premature the first phase of Free Agency hasn’t even been completed
February 24th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Oakglenn nice to hear from you its been a while..
well thats tough because the points dont actually get Dallas there…they would have to give up their second as well to come up with 1800 points…
but I wouldn’t force that and lose the deal…I would take theirtwo 1st rounders and a 3rd round pick…gotta sell them since its gonna be rough…or guess you could take Barber
Personally I would rather have two guys at 22 and 28 and a future 2nd or 3rd rounder than take Dorsey or Ellis at number 4 overall…
we could do alot more with two guys than one and any 1st rounder is gonna be a day starter.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
sorry for the typos..
my point is two 1st rounders and a future 2nd or 3rd rounder makes more since to both parties involved. Cowboys have to believe that they are one break away RB away from the Superbowl…
we, on the other hand have holes and needs in several areas for starters on our roster just to have a shot at a wildcard.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
why did I think Trevor Laws was from UCLA not ND…sorry about that…
February 24th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Don’t forget, we do have some yet untested prospects on the practice squad.
My sense for need on Defense is 2-DT, Safety & LB in that order. On Offense we need OLT, WR#1, WR#2 & C in that order. The kid we picked up from Atlanta, Todd Watkins may fit the #2WR spot. We’ve also have at least 4 OT’s and 2 C’s on the practice squad too. They’ll all have a spring season to work with Kiffin & company and may develop into something worthwhile.
Like others have pointed out, we really need to see what if anything happens in FA to really formulate a meaningful game plan.
February 24th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I just totally contradicted myself there with the Ellis Dorsey comparison and my argument was backwards…I must be suffering from sleep depravation sorry guys…
February 24th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Good discussion tonight. Gotta run. Later.
Think DEFENSE – Think ELLIS & LAWS!
February 24th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
BHP
I only liked the way Laws carries himslef and presents himself..as well as hsi work ethic….I kno wnothing about his body of work and have always thought he would not be around to take in round 2 anyways…now everything is up in the air…
I liked Frank Okam Texas and the big guy from Auburn Pat Sims because I have been thinking round 2…and taking Jake Long at number 4 overall…
but now I am rethinking my draft picks and have to do more homework…
I still think that Jake Long is clearly the best O Lineman and I still wish we would have done like Indy or SF and jumped in late in the 1st round to grab a top OT for Russell…I guess we still can this year…
February 24th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
I’m not a big one on the point system. I don’t quite have it added but it seems like on that system you could trade a first rounder for 10 YEARS of second rounders!! I would do that in a second! So, I’m not a big one on the point system. to me it’s a tough call. Do you trade #4 overall for 22 and 28? tough call. For all our needs, I probably would do it.
JB Don’t forget Rashad Baker the Safety we claimed from Bellicheat right around New Years eve. Captain of the Un of Tennessee’s defense! He’s gonna be given an opportunity here.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Oakglenn
it seems that everytime I try to float the idea of trading down I get my legs cut out from under me…so I have given up on the idea all together…I believe it will be easier in round 2 and we will benefit greatly by moving down and adding 3rd rounders which should all become Line picks. Of course we need a WR and a LB and SS…but the class for LB aint there this year…so I suggested signing Briggs who is there. SS is another messy deal…everyone is hankering fo ra Huff trade but I think we can pair him with Kenny Phillips and move them back and forth to screw with opposing OCs adn QBs….reads. Both Huff and Kenny Phillips have FS and SS experience…neither is a “born” SS but both are athletic enough to get it done. Watch some film on Phillips..he wraps up…
I would take Phillips 22 and Rivers 28 in round 1 !!! Then I woudl trade down all day long in round 2 and pick up our linemen in rounds 2 and 3…after accumulating maybe 2 or 3 third rounders…so you still get a 2nd round DT a 3rd round DT or DE and one OT and a WR. Thats a pretty good 1st day if I do say so myself.
Day two we have a high 4th rounder which we could also trade down a few times and pick up 5th rounders…and use them all on Linemen…then trade back into round 4 with our 6th and 7th rounder and have a very successful day two as well…
February 24th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Oakglenn
They were showing him as a DB as opposed to a safety. I don’t know that much about him but I’m open to giving everybody a shot at safety. Almost anyone would be a necessary upgrade. Too bad we missed out on Smith at MLB. He would have fit in nicely while moving Morrison to SSLB. We are only a couple of bodies from being a dominant defensive squad. It’s all about stopping the run. This is NOT rocket science. It’s simple physics. Stuff anyone attempting to cross the line and place the opposing QB on his fanny at every opportunity. If every play ends in less than 5 seconds, you usually win defensively.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Raiders Nation
I have put alot of “silly” time into this plot to overthrow the NFL teams that have been taking the piss out of us…for the past 5 or 6 years and laughing us off as a team left as “roadkill” and merely a training ground for players before moving on to “championship” caliber teams around the NFL.
based on my confusing last post where I start off the draft by trading the number 4 overall to Dallas for their two 1st round picks this year as well as their 3rd round pick next year. We end up with my draft card looking like this after all the trading down in rounds and then grouping our early 6th and early 7th round picks for a late 5th round pick. at the end of the day we would be the team having the last laugh.
we get the following:
1st round a LB and FS/SS
2nd round a DT
3rd round a DE, OT and WR
4th round a DE
5th round a LB OT G G
I just grabbed 11 solid players in this scenario with half of them being starters, most likely by end of pre-season. The others will play PT and work their way into our now porous O-Line over the course of the year.
Now with my formula… here is the possible outcome if we go all out and make a few player trades for draft picks as well as trade a couple of future picks to further solidify and rebuild our trenches. I could see us literally walking away with another mid 1st rounder for our next years 1st and 2nd. Most teams will think we will end up in the cellar again next year and be thrilled to trade a mid 1st rounder this draft for our perceived high 1st and 2nd rounder next year !!! Imagine their shock when we actually make the playoffs and our pick ends up being around # 20 instead of 3 or 4…hahaha!
There are so many quality linemen and CBs and RBs this year that I would seriously do whatever it takes to get a 3rd shot at a 1st rounder for either a homerun WR or CB or even a top RB (the latter only if we were able to trade either LJ or DRhodes first)
I know this is all WAY too crazy…but it could be done and if it were done…we would blow the minds of the entire NFL and make a deep run into the play-offs for the next decade, just like the Colts and Pats did the past 10 years !!!
After this draft we can slowly pick up skill position players in the draft because our Lines would be set for the most part for many years to come.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Oakglenn
I thought Rashad Baker was already in camp last year…what happened to him ???
February 25th, 2008 at 12:04 am
with all our cap room we could actually pull this weird day of days off…
If I was our personell guy you can be sure I would be scratching my head and making calls everyday until I got some guys on the other teams to consider making some of these trades…
February 25th, 2008 at 12:10 am
JB
I like your enthusiasm and your realistic evaluation of where we are and what we need to turn the corner…the only area I have to object is Center…I feel certain that we will be solid there once Chris Morris or Jake Grove come to life by the season opener…if not, I say throw their asses on the first greyhound outta Oaktown !!!
BTW does anyone know if my guy from VA TECH…DC BUD FOSTER has been offered a HC position before or has coached on an NFL team before ???
February 25th, 2008 at 12:34 am
does anyone know what Michael Bush’ 40 time was before he broke his leg at Louiville…
February 25th, 2008 at 1:10 am
Tom Flores…
they are of course not official, because he didn’t had a pro day or were at the combine. But 4.55…
February 25th, 2008 at 1:15 am
So his speed is like Brandon Jacobs, Whom I compare him to
February 25th, 2008 at 1:31 am
Thanks LMN
I guess you lack of a comment on my mad man trade wars is a loud sort of comment in itself…
yes well I would be happy if Bush had that kind of break out season for us this year as I am sure he will…I have been popping around the web to answer a few of my own questions and I am startng to rethink my posturing on our 1st pick…
February 25th, 2008 at 1:34 am
I see so many great players in round two of most draft mocks and I just start to salivate thinking how we could really cash in this year and be a contender if we played our hand right…
why am I the only one that sees it ???
February 25th, 2008 at 2:17 am
Cuz Dmac ran a 4.33.
And there are some sexy names out there waiting for us to grab at 4.
Mr. flores, you have some great analysis.
On that note, I’m going to bed.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:28 am
To Anyone over at Raiders land in Alameda !!!
Please contact Dwight Smith’s agent asap to discuss a possible one year contract with the Raiders
Mr Smith was released yesterday and had 4 int…in 14 games with 51 tackles.
he has played 15 – 16 games every season inc 4 years with the Tampa Bucs he racked up 424 total tackles 2 sacks and 22 int’s. in his 7 year career and is 29 years old…and looking for a home where the sun shines most of the year !!!
February 25th, 2008 at 2:32 am
I think Dwight Smith FS recently dpearted from the Vikes may be a good temporary solution while Schweigert works on his tackling skills with tackling dummy for hire at NFL Network; Adam Shefter
February 25th, 2008 at 2:56 am
WE DO NEED SAFTY HELP WHICH WE DID WHEN HUFF AS DRATED BUT I ALWAYS EXPECTED THE RAIDERS TO PUT HUFF A FREE AFTER FINDING A PHYSICAL STRONG SAFTY. I THINK HUFF IS DOING FINE. IT’S STU THAT DID NOT COME THROUGH FOR US. THINK ABOUT IT. EVERYONE IS SAYING HUFF IS NOT A PLAY MAKER BUT WHAT HE IS DOING IS KEEPING THOSE TIGHT ENDS IN CHECK. NOW STU HAS TO STEP UP IN THE INTERCEPTION AREA. I SEE CHANGES COMING IN THAT REGARD FOR THE RAIDERS..
- MR. SNAKE
February 25th, 2008 at 3:14 am
Dwight Smith??? No way man!
Mike Doss would I welcome though, Gibril Wilson and Eugene Wilson. Oh and Atari Bigby, but I don’t believe he ‘ll end up here
February 25th, 2008 at 4:21 am
Regarding post#451 – I admire your intent to razzle-dazzle and manipulate the draft day scenario.Several posters have given compelling evidence that high draft picks are dangerous at times.We have suffered from the “sure thing” disease a few times.When you keep losing , you keep drafting high. Too much money for minimal production.I also agree with the posters that state that it is premature to get your heart set on someone coming out in the draft. Because Free-Agency looms…. BTW , MR.SNAKE- QUIT SHOUTING PLEASE
February 25th, 2008 at 4:53 am
Please draft KENNY PHILLIPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 25th, 2008 at 5:40 am
Vilma, Lito Shepard and Gibril Wilson. Draft Long and Laws – Bingo instant DEFENSE! =)
February 25th, 2008 at 6:34 am
Don’t shoot the messenger.
February 25th, 2008 at 6:52 am
Jerry, I want tho thank you for your great articles and a great blog. I get most of my Raider news from raidernews.com of course. I’ve just read “stories” from Calif. sports writers & stories are about all I can give them credit for.
Scott Olster “writes” (if you call this writing): Raiders boss Al Davis hired James Lofton as the new wide receivers coach nearly a month ago, and not only is there no indication as to whether or not Lane Kiffin was consulted on the hire, or whether he approved of the move, there is no indication that Kiffin has been told. Is Kiffin out of the loop? Sort of. It’s not a sure thing that he’ll be allowed to fly on the team plane. Or be given batteries for his sideline headset.
Not only will Kiffin and his assistants not be on the same page, they might not be in the same library.
To many outside observers – and there is really only one inside observer – it looks like insanity, with a touch of chaos.
—Meanwhile creating news like “Kiffin has never been introduced to Lofton much less interviewed him” is the mentallity I keep hearing from such midgets (mental & otherwise) as Adam S#!+bird, Nancy Gay, etc. I’ve read on your blog that Al Davis laughs his a$$ off over fooling the press & watching them jump off the lemming cliff, skewering the Raiders from every direction. After watching the Raiders for 40yrs I’ve found a long time ago that Al plays EVERYONE & no one gets him right. Advise for younger Raider fans: Don’t believe MOST of what you read about Al & believe nothing he says, it’s disinfo for the gullible (Scheiftler’s of the world). Let them all pick the Raiders to win 3-4 games this year & watch them excell under JR who will get most of the credit along with the coaching staff. Al Davis will be laughing at the rest of the NFL when they enter the playoffs dispite the Refs, the League, the cheating coaches, even the coin flips if not this year then soon. I’ve noticed “critics” like to put things down rather than build them up because it’s easier to make fun & shows off how clever they are being negative.
Remember what Mel Brooks says: “With the birth of the artist comes the afterbith, the critic.”
February 25th, 2008 at 6:55 am
How bout I drown the midget?
February 25th, 2008 at 7:09 am
[...] Nation, it could only be a clown car full of Gandhis, so let’s see what nice things they have to say about [...]
February 25th, 2008 at 7:22 am
Your next head coach of the Oakland Raiders…James Lofton
http://www.photofile.info/images/web/AA/DZ/AADZ027.jpg
February 25th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Kiffin is an ingrate.
February 25th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Rob Ryan will be coaching from the Betty Ford clinic! I heard he is going into Rehab this week.
February 25th, 2008 at 7:32 am
*At least one coach believes Warren Sapp can still play at a high level and feels he retired out of frustration with his situation with the Raiders.”
—One coach, huh? Let me guess…. does he have a rat face???? OOORRRR maybe he looks like a famous horror movie star….hhhhuuuuummmm. Who gives a RATS anus what one coach thinks?
Why are the Raiders fans put in the position of defending Al Davis constantly? Ever heard og Birdwell winning a NFC or conference championship? How about the “white jump suit that the “news” is always putting Al down with? Have you ever heard of a Monday Night Football announcer saying anything about Shanahan’s floaty eye? Have they ever said “Mike Shanahan doesn’t have to turn his head to look both ways to cross the street.” or “Just give Andy Reid a cigar & he could tag team with the Bruiser & the Crusher!”
What do you think would happen if this tidbit hit the sports world in a timely fashion?
The Chargers increased their security “several years ago” during weeks in which they played the Broncos because Denver spies were videotaping Chargers practices. “Ever since I was hired as general manager I went into procedures,” Smith said, referring to the fact the Chargers have beefed up security around their facility year-round since 2003. “Why’d I go into those procedures? I won’t go down those roads.”
The Yahoo report said, “The NFL had been aware of it for several years (at least one NFL official had seen one of the tapes), but didn’t step in because it was considered a team issue.”
The issue is respect, a lot of Raider fans will blast me because they don’t care for Al Davis either, but it’s a matter of respect. Mike Shanahan would not be a head coach in the NFL if Al had ignored him. Shanahan was fired for conspiring with elway to script the 1st 20 plays ignoring Dan Reeves’ playbook. He would have been blackballed but find a coaching job probably never a head coach. How about Gruden, actively pursuing the Notre Dame job while under contract? Getting his agent to find a better job before negotiations going into his last year? Does he deserve respect? Only from those who don’t respect Al Davis. Judging by the way Ron Reagan was honored when HE died Al should get a sureal send away being honored like a Saint like never before. Half of the posters on this blog will roast me for this but no respect for Al Davis is NO RESPECT for the Raiders. I for one don’t need the respect from other fans & sports writers, I just like to bitch!
February 25th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Surprised that Mr. McDonald has not posted a follow-up to past innuendo stating that the Raider’s organization has refuted in a concise way all things Shefter.
February 25th, 2008 at 7:36 am
They wanna send Rob to Rehab…he say…NO, NO, NO
February 25th, 2008 at 7:36 am
BTW, Good morning Nation.
February 25th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Wow, the writers keep crappin on the Raiders. Check out Peter King’s article – twice he rips the team – and says it’s nothing personal…
Based on all the blogs and articles, I have a hard time seeing Raiders grabbing any worthwhile FAs. I think we have to suck it up again in ‘08, somehow have a good season with all this coaching controversy/split locker room bs, and then land some FAs next year.
I’m hoping we draft Dorsey, Long or Elis, but that still leaves us with Barry Sims at left tackle…
February 25th, 2008 at 7:57 am
Adam Schefter, I’m sorry I called you a midget. You are a TROLL.
February 25th, 2008 at 7:59 am
From Silver & Black Pride:
Adam Shefter just reported that he was WRONG when he crapped down the Raider’s throats by reporting that Lane Kiffin did not even interview James Lofton and IS NOT involved in day to day actions of the team that he pretty much called a lame duck organization with Ichabod Crane, for a coach, running from the Headless Horseman, Al Davis.
–Imagine that!
February 25th, 2008 at 8:04 am
Dan, sometime last year Kid Kiffin stated that he did not believe that there was any kind of conspiracy NFL-wise or media-wise against the Silver and Black. He said it with a straight face. Now he can use the same words but say it with an edge and a scowl knowing full well what transpires against the Raiders on any given month of the year.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:08 am
I think Lane Kiffin is as good as gone.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Will the real Adam Shefter please stand up. The Shefter that was a beat writer for the Broncos that continues to spew nothing but controversial or negative tibbits about the Raiders. The same Shefter that was a close confidant to Mike Shanahan and vowed together to get Al Davis or the NFL network reporter and analist that is objective, fair and man enough to name his sources!
February 25th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Someone at the zoo left the troll gate open.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Good line MadRoadDog
February 25th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Adam Schefter, did Shanahan confide in you when he cheated the salary cap by $95 million to win 2 Superbowls? Why didn’t you report it before they won 2 SBs?
February 25th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Morning
Here we go again..
I´ll say one thing, Peter King is giving his opinion and that´s fine, notice he clearly speaks for himself, I won´t call hium a liar or anything, a perrsonal opinion cannot be a lie, it can only be wrong, we will just have to wait and see.
But here´s the thing, if you watched the Senior Bowl and I did, you would have seen Lane Kiffin and Rob Ryan on the sidelines talking to each other, apparently joking around because because they were both giggling afterwards, it must have been late 3rd qurter or 4th quarter.
So much for the ”Lane Kiffin is still not talking to the defensive coordinator” part…
If you have it on video, watch for yourself.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:22 am
Anyways, the truth should come out soon enough….one way or the other.
I for one, won´t fret until I see it.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Al Davis likes to brush RR’s Mullet after said mullet has changed Al’s Diapers
February 25th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Jerry McDonald said over the weekend:
”I’m told Kiffin and Rob Ryan are fine with their relationship, and were fine personally whether Ryan was in or out. That corroborates what I was told earlier _ that their disagreements were philosphical in nature.”
Who should we believe?.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Believe that James Lofton will be head coach in September.
Believe that Al Davis has dementia.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:37 am
Allright, good luck James…
February 25th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Believe that James Lofton will be head coach in September.
Believe that Al Davis has dementia.
Should I also believe you are James Lofton?
Or should we play wack-a-troll?
February 25th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Good morning Mr. Marley, thanks for the combine info over the weekend.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Mr. Marley in reference to your post 588 – I know you are an ambulance chaser but you can’t be serious.
I think you are taking the expression “talking to each other.” a little to literally.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:48 am
What’s wrong with giving Huff a chance at FS and tarading for Roy Williams for our SS? throw Rhodes or Jordan into that mix or maybe even Porter. These guys either need or want out, so their is their ticket out of Oakland.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:49 am
No problem M…
I wonder where´s Jerry with his update…maybe he has some juicy stuff and that´s why it´s taking so long..
February 25th, 2008 at 8:53 am
Mr. Comer
Well, how would you take….”But he’s still not talking to the defensive coordinator he wishes he could have fired after the season”?.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Brian:
Roy Williams is not up for grabs, Marinelli came out and said it..
Jordan is a salsa dancer with a bad back, and the draft is stacked with RBs. A 7th Rounder would probably beat him out in camp. We need Rhodes untill Bush is proven.
PORTER IS A FA. YOU CANT TRADE A FA
Yalls Trippin
February 25th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Not to mention Jodan would account for an ungodly anount of cap space..Everyone konws we don’t want him. Everyone will wait untill we cut him, bottom line
February 25th, 2008 at 9:02 am
HardCore Says:
February 24th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
… Kinda like an older brother who once pulled chicks but now just walks around in tight pants. …
—
HardCore — I literally laughed out loud on that analogy! Good stuff.
In terms of context of the quote, Al is always looking to find the diamond in the rough. We have two big projects on the team right now. Mario Henderson and Michael Bush. If one or both pan out, then maybe we can proclaim that Al hasn’t quite lost it yet.
Bush particularly is similar to the Bo situation, from the standpoint that it’s high first round talent but with a big risk of realizing it in the NFL. Of course with Bo, noone doubted his physical abilities but it was whether he would even play football. With Bush we know he’s willing to lay but can he return to form after a serious injury. End result, if he is able to, then a few years from now we’ll be here blogging about Al still having the abiliy to steal the occassional super star. But you gotta give all these project times at least a few years to pan out before declaring them as failures.
Plus, you realistically have to say that the odds favor the losing side of the gamble; for every Bo picked in the late rounds there’s going to be a lot of Bings that were failed experiments. Then again, if you add up the value of all the late round pick experiments, as long as it is equal to or less than the value of a high first rounder for each that succeeds, you can proclaim that it was worth it.
February 25th, 2008 at 9:05 am
“I think Stuart Schweigert is a fine safety” says Al Davis.
If that doesn’t spell dementia, what does??
February 25th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Yalls Trippin – Brian is trippin, but you’re trippin too.
Brian meant the OTHER Roy Williams.
February 25th, 2008 at 9:12 am
Just remember, interceptions aren’t the only statt. I remember Huff covering the TE @ Strong safety and doing a good job. Gates & Gonzo didn’t do sh#t against us. You say Huff sucks but who else do you want in there. I’ll take Huff wiht the way a coers the tight end.
Now for Schweigert, he basically ruined are defense for the last two years. On third & two the guy lines up 15 yds deep and then back peddles another 5-7 yards @ the snap. Not to mention the guy takes the a worst angle and commits to early on tackleing. A bad free safety will turn a 10 yd. run into a 50 yd run and finally when he does come up near te line he gets burned deep. And Im telling you right now that Washington and Rout arn’t as bad as what they seem. we didn’t have a pass rush all year, with no blitzes all year, just a base 4-3 with Schweigert playing deep. Pretty tough to cover one on one in those conditon.
I love the move with Nambdi going to strong safety
(this guy can hit with a ton of bricks) and he can tackle the running back coming out of the backfield with his long body frame. Then Huff to free safety supporting Ruot and Washington, this would at least be an upgrade. Then draft Elis and move to the 3-4 and mix it up for a change.
February 25th, 2008 at 9:15 am
I’m not one hundred percent behind Huff, but stats don’t lie. Gonzalez and Gates didn’t have 100 yard games against us in four tries. They usually smoke us down the middle for big games.
February 25th, 2008 at 9:18 am
On Jordan, as I said a week or more back, he’s not worthless like so many here make him out to be. Nor is Brayton for that matter. They are both NFL caliber players and I guarantee you each will land on an NFL roster this year.
The only issue with them is that they aren’t producing in accordance with their contracts. That means that they aren’t a good deal in terms of cap space and fiscal responsibility for the teams. Each will ultimately be able to sign a FA cntract deal and that will determine their actual market value. In this game of supply and demand, the reality is that they are going to be perceived as better than the pool of players that miss the NFL cut, which means that they are amongst the best in the world at what they do.
It’s a typical case of fans letting their love for one team skew their views of actual players value. Those that are good, or that even have high potential to be good, are seen as over-valued “I wouldn’t trade JRuss for ANYTHING!” as are those that are journeymen, “OK, so we trade Justin Griffith for a mid-round 1st . . . “. Meanwhile, those in bad graces are considered worthless, “Brayton’s not worth a pair of used pom-poms . . .”
Then there’s the even funnier part about under-valuing anyone from other teams, “So Dallas gives us Barber and their 3rd for Shweigart, Simms and one of Al’s used diapers.”
It’s great to passionate about your team and all, and it’s also good to be able to dream. But reality does have this tendency to show up when trades are evaluated on both sides, which is why so few of them actually happen.
February 25th, 2008 at 9:24 am
To support Huff, as Rick said, INTs are the only stats. They aren’t even the most important. If they were, then why did we just francise Nnamdi and hs oe INT?
Do you think mybe it had something to do with his tight coverage and lack of balls thrown his way? Is it possible that Huff has had the same impact on covering opposing TEs?
Just look at where the teams chose to attack the Raiders defense in the passing game. A lot of underneath dinking that lead to the wracked up INTs for our two athletic LBs, along with going to the WRs covered by the CB opposite Nnamdi and the third WR covered by the nickel backs.
In the coverage game, often times it’s best to not have your name called, and Huff did a good job on that front.
February 25th, 2008 at 9:32 am
The thing with Shweigart is pretty basic. Even in his rookie year I told my bro that he wasn’t going to last in the NFL. It’s not about positioning, bad angles, lack of speed. It’s his tacklin style.
It seems that all he does is dive at the runner’s ankles. It was mostly efective in his first season or two at making the tackle, but even then the runner usually gained an extra yard or two by falling forward. But he rarely ever hits a guy square up in an attempt to stop his momentum.
This is why he looks to be taking poor angles, because he’s angling for their feet and not their hips or upper bodies. And the league has enough tap on him now to where every runnner that plays the Raiders knows that he’s going to be ankle diving on the way in. That’s a pretty simple adjustment to just go an extra step wide, which is what so many did to the Raiders in 2007, turning what should have been short gains into long runs.
If there is one clear fault of the Raiders defensive philosophy (whether the blame lies with RR, Al or Amy Trask we’ll never know), it’s allowing an SS that is afraid to tackle straight up to start for so long. As a CB, it’s marginally acceptable IF you’re a smallish, pure cover guy, but for a safety?
February 25th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Many people are jumping the gun on Huff. No he has not lived up to draft status. But he is solid and has a chance to be very good.
C. Long is a stud, He is just tearing it up at the combine. Which is why I said he is the safest pick in the top ten. Ellis put on too much weight he shuld play at 300. Laws reminds me of Kelly Gregg for the Ravens.
Vernon Gholston will average 10 sacks a year he can flat out get it done. There are some very good lineman in this draft it’s just a matter of getting your guy. Dre Moore is going to be a player at DT from MSU.
There are definitely some Dlineman that will go late that will have great careers.
February 25th, 2008 at 9:41 am
BHP – Would you trade Huff for Dante Hall?
February 25th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Huff is just not an inbox safety no crime. But he can play the game we just need to get a SS. No reason to panic it’s an easy fix.
February 25th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Rome just reported that McFadden has at least 2 maybe 4 little ones from 2 different mothers. Character issue?
February 25th, 2008 at 9:44 am
must be that 4.33
February 25th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Ronnie Lott was drafted as CB couldn’t cut it and was moved to safe ty even though he went to the pro bowl as a corner he really wasn’t that good they had to protect him all the time but they put him at FS and he was dominant.
February 25th, 2008 at 9:51 am
LOL @ #614 — that was clever!
February 25th, 2008 at 9:55 am
I think Huff will be fine once he is moves to free safety..and Schwag is riding pine. Obvious a huge need will be a strong safety.
February 25th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Yeah I think I would, It would give us a real chance to be dominant defensively.
February 25th, 2008 at 9:56 am
In the immortal words of John Madden, “Never mind if the horse is blind, just load the wagon.”
Unfortunately most of you geniuses don’t know which end of the horse to hitch the wagon to.
How in the hell do criticize any player of the secondary without considering the pathetic play of the defensive front four???? It’s a team effort and game!
The porous play of Front four puts to much pressure on the LB’s and secondary. Hanging the secondary out to dry for 4 or 6 seconds on pass plays and the inability to stop the run isn’t the fault of the secondary. So look at all the stats you want on the secondary but if you don’t, at the same time, factor in the stats on the LB’s and Defensive line play you’re being totally unrealistic.
February 25th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Well there is not much out there via FA this year, Yeremiah Bell would be available for a decent price. He is a good hitter but so so in coverage. We need to find someone in rounds 4-5 who can play special teams first and then possibly develop into a starter. Tommy Z from Notre Dame might be available but I have to check him out @ the combine. Mike Doss should also be available again. Huff needs to be moved to FS.
February 25th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Guy’s SS are not that difficult to find it’s probably the easiest position to fill on defense.
February 25th, 2008 at 9:58 am
I’m happy tonight.
The Raiders put Donkey Reporter Geek in his place and dispelled the rumours!
I don’t have much to say because you’re all saying it for me but, I feel that some of you guys are getting too worked up over workout warriors and 40 times etc.
I would rather have Jonathan Stewart than McFadden actually. But we won’t get him.
The rumours about trading Huff don’t make sense to me. If we trade him we have NO safeties instead of 3/4 of a safety.
I also like the idea of trading down but that doesn’t seem too likely either. All of the things I desire are not going to happen so I’ll shut up now.
February 25th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Raiders D laid down in incessantly in the fourth quarter and blew the lead almost every time.
There needs to a be major overhaul.
D line and secondary.
LB’s weren’t too bad.
Kiffin’s a smart man and he knows that not gearing up is raising questions.
But if you’re not going to answer questions, why make a statement with your wardrobe?
Kinda walkin’ the fence there..
February 25th, 2008 at 10:07 am
i don’t think Kiffin’s so smart…
February 25th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Let’s take a look at the World Champion New York Giants, a team that defeated the near perfect Patsies.
Instead of making judgements with meaningless individual statistics on the play of the Raider secondary, why don’t you try and make a player by player comparison with the Giants.
It was the outstanding, consistant play of the front four that made the Giant secondary effective in the Superbowl.
Something the Raiders haven’t had in years,,,,a dominant front four.
February 25th, 2008 at 10:21 am
There are only 3 or 4 teams with dominant front four.
Sometimes you guy’s talk as if this stuff is just like going to the grocery store.
February 25th, 2008 at 10:25 am
i’ll take a Dorsey…
and a Gholston if you still have it…
February 25th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Well Black hole Priestess …you should know the grocery store opens up for 2 days in late April, and hopefully the Raiders read the labels and make the right choices within their budget.(and stay out of the candy isle)
February 25th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Mr.Blackholepriest – Are you smoking crack?
Ronnie Lott couldn’t cut it as a CB???
Bite your toungue.
Ronnie Lott is the single greatest FOOTBALL PLAYER who ever played the game. End of story.
As you know, Ronnie Lott played his first four seasons in the NFL at corner. In his rookie year he had seven interceptions, returning three for touchdowns and was selected to both the Pro bowl and All pro team.
Ronnie Lott made the Probowl all four season he started at corner. Three of the seasons he was selected All Pro….at corner.
He wasn’t that good????
I nomimate this statement as the single dumbest comment ever posted on this site or any other.
Ronnie could have played any position he wanted.
I know your upset about being out of the Raider loop, but silly statements like this will only send your credibility plumetting to dangerously low levels.
Maybe you should stick to commenting on college kids.
Just Win Baby.
February 25th, 2008 at 10:40 am
BHP…maybe not as easy as going to the grocery store but certainly a lot easier if you make the “D” line a priority. We know that the “D” line getting to the QB makes the linebackers and “D” backfield that much better.
I say V. Gholston and then Marcus Howard, DT from Georgia in the 2nd round.
February 25th, 2008 at 10:46 am
The full text of Peter Kings MMQB piece:
3. Lane Kiffin may have been here representing the Raiders as their head coach, but I say it’s no better than 50-50 that he’ll coach Oakland this fall. Trust me on this one, Raider Nation. I’m not trying to stoke the fires or keep beating a dead horse.
If you recall, I said in Week 17 of the regular season that I thought Kiffin was even money to be fired. You’d think if he were still on board almost two months later that everything would be smoothed over. But he’s still not talking to the defensive coordinator he wishes he could have fired after the season, Rob Ryan; owner Al Davis prevented that coaching change. There’s more backbiting inside the coaching staff and front office than in any other front office in football. As ridiculous as it sounds, I think there’s just as much of a chance that James Lofton will be head coach on opening day as Kiffin.
The key point to me is the comment about the extent of the backbiting. Two obvious questions:
1) Why is Davis seemingly powerless to stop this nonsense? He is supposed to have the ultimate authority. Why won’t he use it?
2) Why are we employing Amy Trask, if she is the de-facto CEO, why can’t she control her own staff?
As King concludes:
8. I think I have no idea how you could be optimistic being a Raider fan right now.
I have gone from thinking that Al Davis was a mad, dysfunctional dictator to now believing that he is a weak, dithering and rather pathetic old man. I don’t honestly know which is worse.
February 25th, 2008 at 10:52 am
When has King ever had anything to say good about Al Davis ?? or for any part of the Raider orginization.
That opinion piece isn’t worth the effort it took to read it.
February 25th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Thx for the post Scottish.
Wow! I know I should know better than to read into too much media speculation regarding the Raiders; but come on. Why is this still an issue late in the offseason? If this is all rumors, why won’t anybody from the Raiders Org come out & squash all this ‘nonsense’? This could have a negative impact when it comes to free agency & drafting players
February 25th, 2008 at 11:01 am
I nominate you bro as the most stupid dumbest person here,… Fire Kiffin, ahh just smoked some choice dob man..
Just win baby! what a lame dude you are
February 25th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Mcfadden! Okay, just remember he comes with a lot of personal baggage!i.e. current maternity suit,kids out of wedlock,etc.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:08 am
I suppose that P. King was okay with the flouting of cap rules by DeBartolo and Bowlden to purchase championships. He is apparently fine with ending any hunt for the truth regarding the Belichumps. I doubt that it bothers him that A. Blank owns the rights to the largest commercial tracts of Sequoias yet to be harvested. I suppose that his fawning over R. Kraft and the chemical poisons Kraft feeds daily to the global population is an honorable thing.
I know, he’s just a sportswriter and he does know which side of the bread his velveeta is on. Taking on the Raiders with haterism is an easy way to continued employment in the media. Taking on the other boys and he would soon become Peter Arnett, ostracized and jobless.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:09 am
I know and said he went to the pro bowl. Ronnie was my favorite player at SC. The defense they played Dwight Hicks at FS always protected Ronnie and reall Eric Wright was their best corner. Some of those int’s he got were tipped. He was a tremendous football payer. But he uswed to get geat a lot at corner as well. They had a great defense and George Seifert was his position coach at the time. He benefited from the defense they employed if you really know corners Ronnie was just not as good at it as he was made out to be. But he was I have to admit a great all around football player. But no where near the greatess player I’ve seen even in the secondary. The forty niners had a corner named Jimmy johnson if I remember correctly who was a much better corner than Ronnie.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:11 am
But he used to get beat a lot and crner and didn’t possess the makeup speed once he got beat. Bill had to make him a safety.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Memo, I absolutely agree. Why don’t Davis, Kiffin and Ryan hold a joint news-conference – address the rumours head-on, put the record straight and switch the media attention back on football matters?
If this is nonsense, then it can be sorted out. I know that Davis doesn’t trust the media but if we don’t do something to manage the media the gossip, speculation and disinformation will just continue. The reputation of this franchise can’t get much worse, we are the laughing stock of the NFL.
Davis and Kiffin can stop this madness. Doesn’t anybody in Alameda care about this club, its credibility and its fans?
Stop whispering in corridors. Stop bitching behind people’s backs. Stop planting stories in the press.
Just grow up, baby.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Just get a clue baby. A press conference wont matter the press will just spin it. I think they are doing what’s best and that’s staying focused.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:25 am
BHP – You said “Ronnie Lott couldn’t cut it as a corner.”
In my opinion, this is a absolutely false statement.
He made the Probowl all four years he played corner.
Let me guess, you blame the media.
If you stand by that statement, so be it.
Ronnie Lott is the greatest football player who ever lived. End of story.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Is there any advantage to us projecting an aura of disarray? LOL I know grifters use mis-direction to distract , so they can pull a fast one…Are we pragmatic , or delusional?Which is our Machiavellian prince , the young man or the old one? The plot thickens…
February 25th, 2008 at 11:29 am
Did Jerry fall asleep in that lounge chair in front of four elevator doors at the Indianapolis Hyatt Regency? Where is today’s update? The Nation is hungry for more drama.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:32 am
I love Ronnie Lott…he’s a badass.
Remember that year where the Raiders won a handfull of games in amazing fashion with Ronnie Lott coming up with wacky clutch plays to win games on his last legs? That was incredible!!!!!
February 25th, 2008 at 11:32 am
ScottishRaider,
re: responding to rumor, gossip and lies.
where does the responding stop once begun? People make up crap to sell their by-lines every day. What do you respond to?
February 25th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Perhaps Jerry’s been arrested for accosting young men in hotel corridors?
February 25th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Jerry actually wrote an article which I saw in the Oaktown Trib about the crapshoot of drafting WRs. He’s been working for a few minutes anyway, just not lathering us up.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Scottish you’ve been edgy for the past 2 months buddy HA HA
February 25th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Fire Kiffin
Stop crying and get a hold of yourself.
Ask yourself one question- WHY would BHP lie??/
February 25th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Al Davis…Just Kick the Bucket, Baby!
Even most Raiders fans hate you & want you gone.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:37 am
draft mcfadden first then take DT Trevor Laws out of N.D.
the man is an animal. As far as the huff rumors trade him only if we can get a 1st round pick and grab ot clady
February 25th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Roy Williams (Dallas) has made alot of Pro Bowls as a Safety but now he makes the Pro Bowl because of what he did in the past. Williams was intimidating at FS because he would knock peoples heads off. He struggles badly at SS because hes not a good cover person and he goes for the big hit at the line of scrimmage and misses RB’s completely, way too often. Theres a perfect example of someone who made Pro Bowls not because of talent but because of name. I’d rather have Huff at SS then Roy Williams. Put Williams at FS and you have a different story.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Hey M,,,,can’t you see Scottish salivating every time the media rings the bell? Along with alot of others on this blog.
Actually this blog could probably used as scientific reserch to prove Humans actually evolved from the sea.
AWith as many fish that are on this blog taking the bait every time the media casts a new line it’d gotta be true.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:39 am
M,
What sort of organisation allows its reputation to be shredded like this without doing anything to stop it?
What sort of organisation allows its brand to be so devalued without doing anything to stop it?
What sort of organisation cares so little about its fans that it does nothing to explain, reassure or retain support?
What sort of organisation lies tamely in the gutter and allows any hack journalist free rein to kick and spit without any resistance?
The answer. The Oakland Raiders in 2008.
Doing nothing is no strategy. Just cowardice.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:39 am
I think Mr. McDonald could use a vacation, perhaps a trip to Cozumel with a couple of Raiderettes, he’d come back with an entirely refreshed idea of what it is to be in the Raider Nation.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:39 am
That’s your opinion that’s your opinion I don’t agree sorry. He was a great DB but as a corner he wasn’t the best on his own team. He played a very physical style which would get him beat at times. Maybe saying he couldn’t cut it was too strong but it used to frustrate me because it was obvious he was playing out of position. But technigue wise that secondary was textbook. And he benefited from eventhough he was very instinctive and technigue sound. He was out of position. He went probowls because they were very good defensively and won a lot of games including SB’s. The Dallas Cowboys had a corner named Larry Brown that went to probowls when we signed him and put him on an island he was exposed. Ronnie would’ve been also.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:40 am
I think credit is due to BlackHolePriest for his earlier statements telling us to cool down when the rumours hit.
I blew a gasket and had a meltdown when they hit and I should have kept my composure.
As far as I recall, I called Mr. Davis an Evil Pimp of some sorts. Maybe he is, but I can feel that the Raiders are taking care of business instead of jerking about with the Media garbage and wasting time and energy.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Oakglenn helped out as well with his statements urging the Raider Nation to remain unified.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Fire Kiffin – I’m not disagreeing with you about the corner/safety thing regarding Ronnie Lott but I have to ask you why you think Ronnie Lott is the Greatest Football Player who ever lived?
Did he play offense as well? Did he play on the defensive line? Did he kick the ball? Did he throw like a great QB?
I know he was great but what makes him greater some all the other greats? In my opinion, I don’t think you can call anybody the greatest. There are too many variables that go along with that statement that just don’t add up. Rice has all the stats as a WR but that doesn’t necessarily make him the greatest football player either. You know what I mean?
February 25th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Football Gods, PLEASE HELP THE NATION!
February 25th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Nice analogy, Draft Beer.
Scottish, passivity in the face of violence is a stategy. Frothing over everything said your way is schoolyard stuff. Now, if Lisa Salter were asking me about what was going on I’d answer her. Any of the others, I’d turn on my heel and walk away after giving them nothing.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Wow. That last sentence of mine was butchered. I swear I’m not drunk but I’m Irish so I can’t prove it.
Repeat:
“I know he was great but what makes him greater than all of the other greats?”
Better.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Back to work. Peace.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Ronnie Lott better than “Night Train” Lane? Don’t think so.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:51 am
again i’m trying to follow logic which seems to hold no water in the present situation.
obviously the owner coach relationship is severed. If it wasn’t, somebody’d be talkin and kiffin wouldn’t be tiptoeing around the hallways in Indy like hes tryin to sneak out of his girlfriend’s house at 1 am without her parents sein him. Sorry to say it folks but Kiff’s a lame duck. success or no success. After his contract is up he’s out. Gruden’s success didn’t matter. neither will Kiffin’s.
if all of you think that this is just some master plan to keep quiet to benefit whatever the hell you might think it’ll benefit, i got a question for you. Ahhh…..What? Your angle is that they’re trying to avoid further rumors. I got news for you all. There are no more to conjure up. Losing your head coach is pretty much the pinnacle of all rumors.
The media can’t spin a single sentence statement (see post 209).
That’s all they have to say.
AD and LK are in it for themselves for this season. LK needs to prove he can be a head coach. AD needs someone to coach the team and obviously doesnt want to pay someone for sittin at home and eatin cornpuffs on the couch.
Why not promote RR or Lofton. The answer is simple (see art shell). And AD can’t afford another one of those. If he believed those two could do the job they’d be there already.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Scottish Raider Says:
February 25th, 2008 at 11:39 am
M,
What sort of organization allows its reputation to be shredded like this without doing anything to stop it?
What sort of organisation allows its brand to be so devalued without doing anything to stop it?
…….M have you ever heard the expression that “discretion is the better part of valor”? I’m sure the Raider Orginization will continue to maintain it’s policy of ignoring false and slanderous reports from the media.
Why dignify the trash these media morons report with any kind of response?
I guess it requires a little maturity and self confidence to understand these traits of good character.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:54 am
M,
We’re the Oakland Raiders we’re not supposed to take any cr*p from anybody.
Sound like you want us to be renamed the Oakland Gandhis. Peace, love and please kick us again, Mr King.
I don’t think so.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:55 am
I don’t recall Lott as a great CB either. He was good no doubt, but he was much better suited for safety. Which is why he moved to safety so son in his career, unlike a Ron Woodson who only moved there after many seasons at CB when it appeared that age had stolen a step or two from him.
Lott played on a team that had a Patriot like offense that had the other team usually in pass only mode for at least the last quarter of the game. That generates a lot of opportunities. A lot of passes went his way, which means that his man was more open than others on the field. Numbers wise, that’s going to get you a few picks. Granted he converted on those. He also benefitted by playing against one of the most QB challenged offensive conferences of the time, with those not so powerful Saints, Rams and Falcons to deal with for a convenient 37.5% of his career games at CB.
I’m not saying that he wasn’t a great player, because he absolutely was one of the best ever. Easily in the top 3 best ever safeties. But the table was very well set for his early career at CB.
Pro Bowl accolades, being a popularity contest, aren’t that hard to get when you are on a team that has the national spot light. Vince Young made the Pro Bowl as a rookie, so by that measurement I suppose he’s one of the leagues best ever QBs, right?
February 25th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Sorry M meant to direct that post to Scottish(sheepish) Raider
February 25th, 2008 at 11:57 am
LOL
February 25th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Hey Scottish ever notice how the team that retaliates always seems to get the worst of it when all is said and done?
Maybe the Raiders are learning from their past stupid mistakes….can you claim the same
February 25th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Scottish they already issued a statement declaring that Kiffin was the Head Coach and will be for the foreseeable future. What else do you want? A press conference every time something comes up? THEY DON”T HAVE TIME.
February 25th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Scottish,
MLK Jr. employed the same ideals as Mohandas K.
Could rename to Oakland Kings in honor Martin.
February 25th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
and for the idiots who are saying LK can’t address all the rumors. and he doesn’t want to waste time addressing rumors instead of focusing on football.
Well he doesn’t have to address ALL the rumors. Just the one that’s important……..Is he still going to be the head coach?
Uh his response……”I hope so?” well hell that just clears everything up. And by no way shape or form does that contribute to the whirlwind of rumors that our boy LK is aptly trying to avoid.
February 25th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Draft Beer, I knew what you meant in the post, I knew it was directed elsewhere.
February 25th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
BHP, maybe the news travels slowly in some circles.
ScottishRaider is a good HeadScout.
February 25th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
February 25th, 2008 at 11:11 am
But he used to get beat a lot and crner and didn’t possess the makeup speed once he got beat. Bill had to make him a safety.
BLACKHOLEPREIST -According to you, Bill Walsh decided to move Lott to safety because he was a liability in coverage. This decision would have taken place immediately following Ronnie’s fourth straight Pro bowl, and his third season ALL PRO…at corner.
If he was getting beat so much, how come he was in the Probowl every year and elected All Pro team 3 out of four years in the league at …corner.
He was moved because he was so GOOD, not because of a lack of anything. He was moved to safety because Walsh wanted to get the most out of his incredible skills. Teams no longer had the option of throwing away from him or isolating him on the island.
If you are going to make things up, you might want try to make some sense as well.
Just Win Baby
February 25th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
He has addressed the head coach issue, how many times would you like him to do it. Maybe it’s your ability to comprehend it not the lack of his addressing it.
February 25th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I ask myself “How long have some of these bloggers really been Raiders fans?” This issue with being targeted by the media as the source of every rumor ad the organization’s stance on generally ignoring them has been part of the organization’s DNA for decades.
Why is it suddenly a problem? The stories have always been there. Maybe in the internet era they are able to travel faster and wider, leading to more knee jerk reactions from real time readers. But ultimately, it’s fundamentally the same media BS as always.
The media needs to generate material during both the on season and the offseason. The sad truth is that there’s no requirement on validity in what they generate, so they go after the easy targets. Is it ironic that now that the combine is in full swing and draft talk is heating up that the Raiders coaching rumors are cooling off? No, it’s just means that the void is full enough for the time being to keep the mediots busy.
Just wait until early March when there’s very little football to talk about. I assure you that more tales of the Raiders demise will hit the scenes, that the Raiders will largely ignore them, and that this blog community will flip out of their gourds over-reacting to them. And then the draft will get closer and it’ll all dry up again.
Rinse. Lather. Repeat.
Get used to it already.
February 25th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
McFadden’s Wonderlic score just released. It was 2.
February 25th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Dude if you know anyting about secondary play it is much easier to play safety than it is to play corner.
Ronnie ran about a 4.55 coming out of SC and hit like a Mack truck. He was at corner because Dwight Hicks was already a dominant safety when he got there. Ronnie to his credit made Bill look like a genius when he performed at the corner but Ronnie was a safety at SC with Dennis Smith. Who went to Denver. They also drafted another safety named Carlton Williamson who hit even harder than Ronnie did to play SS. When Dwight left they immediately put Ronnie at FS where Dwight played.
Listen I’m sorry your boxers are in a bunch but it’s my opinion. He was a dominant player to be sure but he was a much better safety than a corner in fact it isn’t even close.
February 25th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Just an unsubstantiated, pulled out of the ether, uncorroborated 2, but a 2 nonetheless.(Note: Repeat as often as necessary to gain credibility.)
February 25th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Artie Gigantino was the Defensive coordinator st SC back then, I used to be a huge fan, of his and John Robinson the head coach. There was also a safety from UCLA named Kenny Easley who went to Seattle that rivaled Ronnie talent wise.
February 25th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Blackholepriest,
perhaps you’ll remember
what was the name of that little old man holed up in an apartment in Brooklyn who crunched numbers about potential draftees and was on everyone’s rolodex if they wanted to know the best inside scoop about any collegiate player. He died a few years back.
February 25th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Joel Buschbaum the founder of Profootball Weekly I read everything he did and some, that’s how I learned to evaluate talent. He was very close to Mr. Davis.
February 25th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
regarding # 627
thats some funny shit man…HOWL…..LOL !!!!
February 25th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
As a matter of fact the first time ESPN televised the NFL draft he was the analyst. But he had a face for radio and he was very geeky. So they eventually found Mel Kiper.
February 25th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
M Says:
February 25th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Just an unsubstantiated, pulled out of the ether, uncorroborated 2, but a 2 nonetheless.(Note: Repeat as often as necessary to gain credibility.)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
i think that was supposed to be verified pregnancies
February 25th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
But to tell you the truth Mel Kiper is still trying to fill his shoes. Joel was incredible. A flat out genius
February 25th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Dakota
Breaking NEWS !!!!
Jerry McDonald
is in the Indy hospital today having his foot removed from his mouth…. and Al Davis’ foot removed from his ASS !!!
February 25th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Blackholepriest, thanks
thought you might remember and I recall as well reading that he and Al were close.
Guess we better get Chris Johnson!
February 25th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
so Davis is what???
a size 10???
ouch…
February 25th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Want to understand the Raiders PR stance? Rent “The Company” & “The Good Sheppard” THEN to understand Al Davis read any 3 biographies of Aleister Crowley & see that Al wears the rumours about him like a cloak, laughing all the way. I don’t know if it’s still this way but the Raiders used to be the ONLY NFL team without a PR person because they didn’t care what the press thought. Al Davis is the NFL’s equivalent of the wickedest man in the world, & probably loving it. If you’ve followed the Raiders more than 20yrs you would know this.
February 25th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
IMHO the two safeties are the most underrated positions in the game in terms of importance. Glad to see our need at safety getting some play. Was excited to see Huff come aboard but he is mis-cast at SS. I understand putting him there, since our next-best safety (safeties) are FS. But if we got a good SS and moved Huff to free, it would go a long way to making us a better team.
February 25th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
RaiderTW, that’s fascinating. Al’s so hard core. But, he hasn’t won a Super Bowl in 25 years, and has never won one without a team the Ron Wolf helped build. So, maybe Davis ought to stop worrying about his public perception and start worrying about winning a Super Bowl, again? Just a thought.
February 25th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
We need to sign an average strong safety. Huff can certainly cover and needs some freedom to roam around. When you run man coverage all the time, it is going to be hard to do. Unless we find a strong safety who can cover, we will never see Huff develop into a Rod Woodson. I don’t remember the strong safeties when he was around making a lot of plays.
February 25th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
“that Ron Wolf helped build”, as opposed to “the run Wolf”. Excuse me.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
BHP -I know all that. Obviously,Ronnie was a better safety(Hall of Fame) than he was a corner (3 out of 4 years ALL PRO). As far as which position is more difficult to play – that all depends on the specific player we are talking about. Like I said, Ronnie could have played any position he wanted.
My point was that your statement that “Ronnie couldn’t cut it as a corner” is completely IGNORANT and has no basis in reality. This is not a matter of opinion. This is a fact. If you had any integrity at all you would recant that statement and be more acountable for your gibberish in the future.
Dude, you just compared Larry Brown to Ronnie Lott.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
FYI- Popularity will not get you voted ALL PRO.
Just Win Baby.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
so what you are all saying is that there is absolutely NO SUBSTANCE to anything that is being circulated in the press. c’mon.
I understand the “been there, done that” mentality. I understand the policies behind the organization. But if the team’s policy is so hush then why is rob ryan answering questions.
And I don’t know what reports you’ve been reading but “i hope so” seems far from a definate response. and oakland sendin out joe bob who’s the assistant to frank the official coliseum grass raker upper to refute statements is also very unassuring.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Cant wait to…
February 25th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
be 700
February 25th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Draft beer
I plead guilty to all charges of being duped and gullable…I am sick of the media casting its lure out in the Silver and Black sea…it all starts with Schefter…and someone needs to cast him out period.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
MaddenRaider, my point was Al doesn’t worry at all about his public perception. Name me the NFL owners that HAVE won 3 Superbowls with or without Wolf’s help.How many SBs has Wolf helped GB?
February 25th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Tom Flores, if you have such contempt for Jerry and his blog, why are you here around the clock? And, that goes for the rest of you that criticize Jerry’s reporting, while practically living here like bums under a bridge.
What Jerry reported is fact. Kiffin did not wear anything representing the Raiders.
True, neither did coaches of other teams. But these coaches and these other teams are not going trough the type of turmoil this franchise is. Their owners aren’t noted as being power grubbing meddlers. Those coaches haven’t been on record expressing their desire for a new defensive scheme.
So the purpose of Jerry’s reporting on Kiffin’s apparel is do demonstrate that Kiffin did not seize an opportunity to squelch all of these “rumors” by showing up to the combine as the biggest Raider fan in the building. If anyone should have worn their team’s gear, it should have been him. Yet, he didn’t. It’s a story. Jerry’s doing his job. If for any reason you guys don’t like it, I’m sure there has to be another Raider site where you guys can spend 23 hours per day.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
So does anyone know if anybody out repped Jake Long or Vernon Gholston on the 225lb bench press? Both of them hit 37. I was honestly surprised that Jake Long was so strong and his footwork looked decent.
I already knew Gholston was a bad ass.
BHP -
I don’t see the similarities between Kelly Gregg and Trevor Laws. Laws plays with a much higher motor, plus he can slide outside and play DE. They seem pretty different to me style wise.
I have always been of the thought process that the DLineman should be able to play both positions on the line, DE & DT, but I think that is pretty rare in this day and age. Tommy Kelly can play both and so can Laws. Just a thought…
February 25th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Damn, MaddenRaider, why not a bit of humor here or there? Your positions are well established. Why not relax and enjoy some banter now and then.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
RaiderTW, you were boasting about Al’s style, which is stupid considering that he has the worst record in the NFL over the course of the last 5 years, and hasn’t won a Super Bowl in 25 years. Al doesn’t care what the press thinks? Big whoop. His team still sucks.
Other teams not winning 3 Super Bowls with or without Ron Wolf’s help does not address my point. My point is that Al Davis has never won a Super Bowl without Ron Wolf’s help. Maybe he should be more concerned about these things than showing up the press.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Cho-Be
how do we get there from here? I hope there is less argument in the Raiders lockeroom than we have on this blog ! It fun and sometimes refreshing to participate but mostly I just enjoy the humor and the sometimes t serious discussion of what the Raiders needs are to become a great team again.
Today is a sad day… where folks in Raiders Nation are actually fighting over who was the best ever…instead of trying to figure out who will be the future best ever to wear Silver and Balck in 2008 !!!
Yes we have had a glorious past…but now is not the time to relive the past…it is time to plan our future and become unified and unwavering in our support for our TEAM.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
M, I don’t think you get it. You have a bunch of people here criticizing a blog while practically living here, like the bums you see under the freeway. Do you not see the irony in that? If not, then it’s you who needs the sense of humor.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
MaddenRaider, if you don’t have ANYTHING good to say about the Raiders why are YOU here around the clock, while practically living here like a bum under a bridge?
February 25th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
sorry about the typos again I will review from now on…the SILVER & BLACK deserve at least that bit of respect !!!
February 25th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I slept right thru the combine this AM after missing a total day of sleep…can anyone give me the news of the day at the combine ???
Who impressed ???
February 25th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Flores, you’ve only come aboard recently. Antagonism is a mainstay for certain contributors here. It is what it is, a diverse Nation.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Is anyone else out there thinking that Vernon Gholston may end up being our guy ???
February 25th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
MaddenRaider, perhaps your web name could be IdeeFixe.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Tom Flores, stick your head in the toilet and flush it, so that maybe you’ll wake up.
The fans can not “plan” the team’s future. Do you honestly believe Al is going to check in with you guys to see what free agents you want or who you want drafted? Get real.
And, for the umpteenth time, this is not a message board. It’s a blog comments section where the only topic of today is our current safety position. EVERYTHING else is off topic, and that includes the constant commiserating over who we should draft or sign. Everyone has the right to discuss whatever they want. If YOU don’t like it, YOU take a hike. This is not your blog. Understand?
February 25th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Vernon Gholston = another 4-12 season.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
RaiderTW, I don’t know if you have ADD or what, but if you are capable of scrolling to the top of the page, you will see that this is a blog by Jerry McDonald. To criticize him while being here around the clock is insane.
And, like your brain deal partner in crime, Tom Flores, I’ll tell you as well that the topic of conversation at this blog is not for you guys to decide. You guys are not moderators. There is no rule here that says anyone has to be “positive” about this team.
You can’t really be this stupid…
February 25th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Madden Raider
I found this blog by pure accident when linking to a story written by Jerry, and I am starved for news about Raider Nation…that doesn’t mean I have to love Jerry or his writing..all the time does it ???
If Jerry writes something without stirring up negativity ..then I love his work. If Jerry writes things that are unsubstantiated…then he is a bad reporter…and deserves critics like he has…
I enjoy the banter here and most of the time I learn…
thats what I am doing here…learning and sharing my opinions…
Jerry is a professional sports writer and admitted not even being a Raiders fan…so..he is supposed to neutral…you know…fair and unbiased.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
MaddenRaider
since you never engage in any discussion of the topic at hand why would you bother to point out that others are negligent in the same manner? Kind of leaves the window of hypocrisy open just a crack doesn’t it?
February 25th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I want to hear what every one would do with the fourth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. One sentence why. Don’t be a smartass, either. Here’s mine.
– Chris Long VA Despite his father’s legacy with the club, I’m personally enamoured by this guys smarts, motor, and dedication.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Drafting Gholston would be a big mistake….and would further prove that Al Davis & Rob Ryan are determined to run this franchise into the ground.
It may be time for the commissioner to step in and reprimand Al Davis for this mess.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
So are we all still on the Ellis bandwagon? The guys on NFL Network said he ran a slow 40, even for a d-lineman, and he only put up 35 reps on the bench after all that crap in the papers about USC having to buy special equipment for him to work out on because he was soooooo strong, lol.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
M, take an adult course in reading comprehension, and see someone about a prescription for Ritalin, as I here it works well for Attention Deficit Disorder.
I made the point about people here being off topic to refute the demand made toward me that I should only be positive about this team, and discuss what everyone else is discussing.
At no point did I contradict myself. But what’s the point of explaining it to you? You obviously have ADD and are therefore incapable of processing what I type, anyway.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Maddenraider
such hostility…I took your advise…and got a cup of coffee with that flush and whew was it ever refreshing !!!
Now…as I recall somewhere in this BLOG..there was mention of trading Huff and the fact that we need Safety help on “our” team…you know Raider Nation..I am a season ticket holder…and have every right to share my opinions as lame as they may be sometimes…and I have emailed and written suggestions when I receive the Raiders season ticket holder questionare…and I like to think of myself as an “active” supporter…
Since draft picks woudl defintely qualify as “Safety help ” I think I am on topic…in fact I have lobbied here for trading down in round 1 and acquiring Kenny Phillips for “saftey help” and thenusing our other picks on DT and DE to further help “our” cause and further help “our” CBs with their coverage.
Dude…chill out !!!
February 25th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
The Raiders have never won, or even made it to a Super Bowl without Al Davis.
I believe that the same can be said for the old equipment guy (was it “Run Run”?) that just passed away recently.
What do those things prove? About as much as the statement about Ron Wolf: very little.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Not saying 35 is bad, just not what I expected from He-man Ellis.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Any respect that I had for Al Davis’ football acumen was flushed when he traded Jon Gruden to Tampa.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Tom Flores, Jerry’s objectivity or lack thereof is beside the point. The point is, why are critics of him and this blog practically living here? Do you feel as if you’re a self deputized ombudsmen of this blog? Do you not see how sad of a life you have?
February 25th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Maddenraider and M
I actauly have ADD…so what??? that doesn’t mean I can’t follow some things…sometimes…I ramble and get off topic…and yes…sometimes I get negative…but at the end ot the day… I am a Raider lover…not a HATER and BTW I am usually overseas not in the USA so this is a rare opportunity for me to discuss my favorite team with other Raiders fans which I can not do overseas because the internet doesnt work regularly due to “brown outs” and its bloody expensive to sit there and read all these great posts.
I have for the most part been very neutral and dont get involved int eh petty bickering that goes on between you and others here…and after this post will crawl back under my rock and stay there while you rip everyone that doesnt follow your line of reasoning.
That doesn’t mean I won’t continue to comment on, make opinions about or follow up on quotes, comments or baisc chats about my beloved RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 25th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
MaddenRaider,
You are a funny guy after all.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Zymurge,
Close, but no cigar.
Here’s the road bump you hit:
Ron Wolf HAS WON a Super Bowl without Al Davis. Davis, on the other hand, HAS NOT won a Super Bowl without Ron Wolf.
So, when you consider that, it’s a legitimate argument that Davis never has built a Super Bowl team.
And, considering this, and the fact that he hasn’t won a Super Bowl with any of Ron Wolf’s replacements since Wolfie left, which is 25 years ago this year, and the fact that Al has the worst record in all of the NFL over the course of the previous FIVE SEASONS, wouldn’t an Al worshiper look pretty stupid at this point in the game trying to boast about Al’s reclusive PR style? I mean, big deal…
I’d rather have an owner who wants to win, as opposed to an owner who’s only goal anymore is to mislead the press.
And, as much as Al misleads the press, make no mistake; He misleads his fans far more than anything. The biggest suckers of Al Davis are not the media or the league officials. In fact, it’s usually the other way around.
Al Davis’s ultimate suckers are the fans who take his word for everything, and shell out their money for one losing season after another.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Flores, I never said you were in error being here. That’s funny ol’ MaddenRaider. It’s what he does. Don’t pay it any mind, it’ll go away.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Maddenraider
yes I have a sad life..its called Disabiltiy hahahaha…so I am stuck here in cyberspace…living vicariously thru the written word…
I am not extraordinary or special or even smart like you. I am certainly not an ombudsman and have never coached a football game…well not unless you count those girls flag football teams…hahaha
I admit being pathetic what else ???
Loser…YES I AM…what else GHETTO YEs I am AM ADD YES I have it…LOVER of all things FOOTBALL…Yes I am ….retard YES I AM…what else Dude…hurl all your negative shit my way… I AM all that !!!
NEXT
February 25th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
MaddenRaider, go find a Ron Wolf blog, we here are Raider fans. My point is clear, YOU are not. You are here to stir crap between the rest of us. This has been your ONLY purpose for being here. This and insulting the rest of us. I am not stupid, you are THAT transparent.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Everybody that made the probowl is then compared to Ronnie Lott. I said Larry went to the probowl and Larry was a very average DB but he went to 3 probowls if I’m not mistaken because the Cowboys always were in the SB. Pro bowls are fantastic but every year there are players there that aren’t as good as some at home. I think Eric Wright was a much better corner than Lott but Eric couldn’t touch Ronnie as a safety.
And I already backed of the statement that he couldn’t cut it anything else?
February 25th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
You silly kids.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
RaiderTW, why find a Ron Wolf blog when I can discuss Ron Wolf right here? When Jerry comes out with a rule against mentioning Ron Wolf, I will abide to it. In the meantime, why should I pay attention to some wannabe mod ombudsmen here who’s crying like a girl because I used Ron Wolf to make a point demonstrating how much of an overrated joke Al Davis is a a general manager?
February 25th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
M
sorry to lump you in with Madderaider…that was accidental….peace.
Tom (ADD) Flores
oh and Maddenraider I would rather had ADD than SUBTRACTION…LOL
February 25th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
BHP, just this past Pro Bowl Dallas had 13 players named. In all the NFC twenty five percent of the best players were on one squad? WTF? Seems pretty damned hard to believe.Pro bowls are odd things.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Tom Flores, I never said anything about you being “ghetto”. Give it up, will ya? You got owned, so you move along.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
what would you guys do?? upgrade at safety or at linebacker? personally, i wouldn’t be too upset to see us go after briggs or even a huff for vilma trade. huff has “average” written all over. a linebacker trio of morrison, howard, and briggs OR vilma would be sensational to say the least. add a DT like ellis or dorsey, let kelly play end exclusively, and we might have something here.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
At least we can all agree on one thing…
LAKERS RULE!
February 25th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
MaddenRaider-you been owned by others, your just a hyprocrite with no purpose. go back to raiders.net.oh i forgot you got booted off for the same dribble you say here day in and day out
February 25th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Dakota
Did you see that McFadden scored a Wonderlic 2?
February 25th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
I tried to post this twice but I guess his last name prevented it. Any way, FSU WR De’Cody was carted off at the combine with a gruesome caree ending knee injury. Projected to be a 2nd Round choice. They say he only had medical nsurance and no loss of future earningd. Bad break
February 25th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
MaddenRaider Says:
February 25th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
RaiderTW, why find a Ron Wolf blog when I can discuss Ron Wolf right here? When Jerry comes out with a rule against mentioning Ron Wolf, I will abide to it. In the meantime, why should I pay attention to some wannabe mod ombudsmen here who’s crying like a girl because I used Ron Wolf to make a point demonstrating how much of an overrated joke Al Davis is a a general manager?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
for the umpteenth time, this is not a message board. It’s a blog comments section where the only topic of today is our current safety position. EVERYTHING else is off topic, and that includes the constant commiserating over who we should draft or sign. Everyone has the right to discuss whatever they want. If YOU don’t like it, YOU take a hike. This is not your blog. Understand?
February 25th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
go back to raiders.net.oh i forgot you got booted off for the same dribble you say here day in and day out
—Is this true? What psychoanalyst do you see?
February 25th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
You want to bet that popularity will get you All Pro it happens every year. Champ Bailey just made All Pro and it was just popularity. He is a great player but I thought Cromartie played better. People don’t even watch film it’s just a given as far as they are concerned. The Pro is just who’s most familiar, and it’s very subjective to opinions such as yours and mine. It’s just that the media is doing it.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
see Maddenraider go !!!
you are “off topic” I am calling the cyber-police on you…na na na na na
Madderaider is off topic… Madderaider is off topic…
see how ridiculous your own hypocrisy is ???
I love that you now have something interesting to discuss with Ron Wolf…which is actually on topic since as you say he was the Raiders point man. So basically as long as it is Raiders related…it not “off topic” that’s what I am getting here in your last entry…OK I won’t ask anyone news about the combine or say hello to someone like Dakota that I was chatting with yesterday..whats up ???
MADDENRAIDER
I will henceforth endeavor to make clear, concise and objective comments on what everyone else is talking about or “dicussing” even if it has nothing to do with SAFETY HELP…got it…thank you for clarifying what needs to be discussed and what is unimportant under your rules.
SIEG HEIL….SEIG HEIL….SEIG HEIL…SEIG HEIL !!!!!
February 25th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HHA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA A HA HA
February 25th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Dakota, the Lakers will never win a championship with their current system. They’ll always have a good team, and their market doesn’t hurt them in this regard, either. If a FA is weighing similar offers between LA and say, Toronto, Hollywood’s obviously going to be the choice.
But you guys don’t have a Jerry West right now in your front office. It’s Kobe’s show. And, it’s not a bad basketball team. But a championship team? Never. Shaq was the engine to that machine.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
M,
I saw that on the NFL Network, I can’t believe McFadden only got a 2 on his Wonderlic test. That is still twice as good as Vince Young!
February 25th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
How can you justify Cliff Branch not being in the HOF and Lynn Swann is. It’s subjective and they play games and that’s far more important than the Pro Bowl.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Dakota Says:
February 25th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
M,
I saw that on the NFL Network, I can’t believe McFadden only got a 2 on his Wonderlic test. That is still twice as good as Vince Young!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
how many fingers did he hold up???
February 25th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Tom Flores, get a Ritalin IV, stat.
I have no problem with anyone being off topic. It’s people telling me I’m off topic that I have a problem with, and that’s the only point I ever made about the topic of this blog. I have never contradicted myself. At this point, you’re just going further to demonstrate your lack of comprehension skills. At first I really didn’t think you could be this stupid, but I think you are. Seriously, take some night school courses. Get a brain. Your life will get better.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
MaddenRaiders,
So are you saying Jerry West is to the Lakers what Ron Wolf was to the Raiders? LOL.
The Lakers are 2-1 in the finals since Jerry West left us…
The Lakers have won 14 NBA Chamopionships, of which Jerry West was the GM of only 6 of them.
Get real my friend.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
2 X 4.33 = whole lotta children
February 25th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
As far as I’m concerned Thomas Howard should’ve at least been an alternate he had a great year. Warren Sapp should’ve been there also, but we lost too many games. Nnamdi not making the Pro Bowl is a joke.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
you’re stupid…
no, you’re stupid…
you’re even stupider…
well, you’re the stupidest…
you make stupid people say you’re stupid…
yeah, well, you’re so stupid…
February 25th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Gannon for president…
why do we have to trade Huff for Vilma? can’t we just trade one of our ineffective RBs or even better just give them back the one the gleefully dumped on us a few years back?
I like any upgrade at LB including Vilma or Brigg…but why do we have to subtract Huff from the equation? WE could just move him to FS as everyone here has been lobbying for…he has done a VG job at controlling the TEs that matter and holding them to far fewer catches than before he was here…
don’t you remember the days when Gates and Gonzales were catching everything thrown in their direction and their teams moving the chains down the field effortlessly while we all sat in our sets groaning ???
February 25th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Jeez, what huppened to me grummer in dat last poast?
February 25th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
I agree Tom,
I think Huff is a bust as a #7 overall draft pick, but he is better than what we have seen in the past, so let’s keep him for a while!
Can I have some of your Ritalin?
February 25th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Pete,
was that a discussion you’ve overheard among your employees?
February 25th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
So does anyone know if anybody out repped Jake Long or Vernon Gholston on the 225lb bench press at the combine? Both of them hit 37 reps. I was honestly surprised that Jake Long was so strong and his footwork looked decent, unlike what I was hearing.
I already knew Gholston was a bad ass.
BHP -
I don’t see the similarities between Kelley Gregg and Trevor Laws. Laws plays with a much higher motor, plus he can slide outside and play DE. They seem pretty different to me style wise.
I have always been of the thought process that the DLineman should be able to play both positions on the line, DE & DT, but I think that is pretty rare in this day and age. Tommy Kelly can play both and so can Laws. Just a thought…
February 25th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
M
thats some commentary dude !!!
LOL
sam ewith you FL Pete I hope you wer laughing at my joke and not me…hahaha
February 25th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
its actually DILAUDID not Ritalin…but the effect is the same…for some reason my body breks down chemicals totally differently than most. It is supposed to kill the pain…instead its killed my brain !!! hahaha
February 25th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Tom -
DILAUDID is no joke and I can’t imagine that you actually take that stuff on the daily. They shot me up a double dose of that stuff in the ER when I shattered my wrist. They did it so they could reset my break, which was unsuccessful by the way. I was on that stuff for maybe 12 hours and when it wore off I felt like I was coming off of years of heroin or something. That shit is rough!
February 25th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
I’ll try anything once Tom.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
After the dust settles from this latest debacle, Al Davis’ legacy will be tainted badly like Art Shell’s legacy was tainted from the ‘06 season.
Nobody respects Al Davis anymore.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault opens this week. Why didn’t anyone from that place ask me for my seed?
February 25th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Raiderdogg and all others suporting Trevors Laws as our number 34 pick.
I must say that it is all making sense to me now ..having seen his performance at the combine…I have only heard about his skill set and never saw him actually play til Senior Bowl and you cannot make opinions based on one performance…so I witheld mine until NOW…anyone that has the ability to move around on the line like Adam Carriker did for the Rams has my vote. the Raiders can always use a high motor guy that can be plugged into multiple positions on the line.
GO Raiders !!!!
February 25th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
RRPL -
The host that you serve clearly respects Al Davis.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
I just see him as an overachiever, He’s not that gifted athletically and he’s more of an undersized NG but his TFL #’s are very good. I disagree that he can go outside in the NFL. He just doesn’t possess the quickness and athleticism but he gets a lot out of what he has. Good player not great.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Hey let’s stick to the topic SAFETYS!!!!
I thought I was on the DR. Laura blog, or even Jerry West blog, or the MERCK BLOG.
Does anyone know or have a strong opinion on Craig Stelz a SAFETY from LSU.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
I respect Al Davis. I won’t throw elders to the wolves no matter how many Wolf citings there are.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
BTW Dakota or M …what is the best possible score on the wunderlic test ???
February 25th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
M
how about we change the Raiders to the Silverwolves !!! that has an AL Davis ring to it…I wonder if I can find a matching ring tone for my cel…hmmm
February 25th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
RaiderDell,
Blackholepriest said that safety is the easiest position to fill on defense so we all just jaunted off in many directions.
How goes the clientele and their purchasing of federal highways?
February 25th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
50 I believe. I think Alex Smith got that. Goes to show…
February 25th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
BHP -
I see where you are coming from. My thought process on Laws at DE is based on his previous experience there. I see him primarily as a DT with the ability to slide to DE on occasion. I’m still not sure if he is worth a 2nd rounder, but considering the Raiders don’t have a 3rd rounder, I would be ok with a little bit of a reach if it meant getting Laws on the Raiders. Especially if the Raiders 1st round pick isn’t DLine.
Thanks for the response.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Raiderdell
I have only seen a few games but no matter what it never hurts to have “winners” in our locker room…from what everyone si saying all safeties other than Phillips will be easy to get in later rounds……so giving up a 5th or later wouldn’t kill our team …we do need safety help and if we dont get any quality FAs we have to spend a draft pick on one at least.
On a related topic….Eric Frampton is still lingering on the Vikings team after their starter at FS was cut…
February 25th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Slob Ryan likes Al Davis just becuase he didn’t fire him…
99% of the owners in the league would have canned the Mullet… but not Al
February 25th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Tom,
50 is a perfect Wonderlic score. If you take a person’s Wonderlic test score, multiply it by two and then add 60 it supposedly equates to your IQ.
So, if you get a 20 on the test your IQ is roughly 100. An IQ score between 90 and 109 is considered average intelligence.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
M
well football IQ may not exactly translate to ” playmaker” thats for sure…but may help when designing plays or memerizing a playbook …somehow Vince Young has managed to play QB albeit not to GREAT as he still mananges to throw twice as many pics as TDs…
does anyone think reading a defensive scheme and calculating what they are most likely to do in their defensive scheme would be easier if there was something under the helmet besides confidence and the ability to run away from tacklers???
hehehe
February 25th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Man, I had such high hopes when Kiffin gave his final press conference at the end of the season.
The whole Rob Ryan/ Kiffin/ Davis mess has taken away any hope I have for this team next year. I would be shocked if the Raiders win more than 4 games.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
M
I’ve learned to be very disciplined in my life, the subject at hand is Safety’s.
I know black hole priest is right, but I still want some opinions on safetys if we decide to chose one.
I know zero of Craig Stulz, LSU just trying to stay on task.
Are there others? late in the draft that would fit our needs.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Let me leave the topic for a bit to address your highway question, I apologize to all that I’m off topic.
I have decided to start a Highway fund, it will be named after Dakota.
Most named highways need federal approval for the naming rights, since Dakota has reluctantly offered to start one it will be named after him.
The fund currently is valued at $256,000 and growing, I will update you when asked. So when I change the topic, If asked by you M again, do I have your permission to go off topic again, if so, I will provide updates.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Here are how some past and present Qbs scored on the Wonderlic test…
Smith, Alex – 40
Campbell, Jason – 28
Anderson, Derek – 23
Manning, Eli – 39
Losman, J.P. – 31
Rivers, Philip – 30
Schaub, Matt – 30
Romo, Tony – 30
Palmer , Carson – 26
Leftwich, Byron – 25
Brees, Drew – 28
Brady, Tom – 33
Bulger, Marc – 29
Culpepper, Daunte – 21
McNabb, Donovan – 16
Aikman, Troy – 29
Marino, Dan – 14
Young, Steve – 33
February 25th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
This draft is pretty good at the DE position, you can get a good player as late as the 4th. Laws IMO is a 3rd or 4th I would want him as depth not as a starter. Names don’t come to mind I would have to look at a list but there some guy’s that can be developed at DE, DT as well that would pay off in 1-2 years.
There is no reason to reach at the line positions they will be there when we pick. There are No monsters at any position other than maybe C. Long for DE. Other than that after say 20th pick overall it’s pretty level throughout to the 3rd. A lot of guy’s that can be developed. The WR’s are very average. Other than J.Long at tackle he has really grown on me. But even he isn’t dominant. You can get a LT as late as the 3rd rnd that can play. But there is no one that makes my jaw drop like Russell and CJ and AP last year, those guy’s made you literally drool.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Dell,
I think once we hit 500 comments we are, by federal law, allowed to go off topic.
Source: The Federal Blog Abuse Act of 1998.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Dakota,
What was Russell’s score??? Do you know?
February 25th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
24
February 25th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Dakota
I stand corrected, thanks for the information.
I have reviewed the Federal Blog Abuse Act of 1998 and see in section 231.34 titled, Blog Abuse comments the number you stated is correct.
On a sour note the federal highway fund has grown again, I will provide updates later.
Question Dakota, Did Jerry West win a title in Memphis?
Just wondering, such a key person, championships seem to follow him.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
RaiderDell
Dakota will be proud and will grant you a waiver to expound upon any damned subject you choose to favor this blog with.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Dakota
btw I think my FS FA Dwight Smith from Minnesota was with Tampa Bay when they beat us down in the SB…just like Sapp.
Although I doubt he saw any playing time…it goes back to my belief that “winning” is infectious…and it’s defintely the disease we need to catch around here. You draft and trade and sign guys with certain skill sets and beliefs…and it doesn’t hurt that they are used to winning and expect it…eventually when you surround yourself with enough “individuals” that have played or coached on championship “teams”… then you raise your expectations as a “team” and in a locker room to play at a championship caliber.
I have noticed this in Al Davis philosophy and I have to agree it makes sense to me.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
I second what M just said. Expound away Dell.
February 25th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Hey if you all dont want Huff, as a Texan fan i would be more than glad to have him
February 25th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Before I even typed it out… done.
February 25th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
More Wonderlic Tidbits I found:
Jeff George, 1997-1998 – Score: 10
Stats with Raiders:
383/690 (55.5%), 5,103 yards, 33 touchdowns and 14 interceptions
Rich Gannon, 1999-2004 – Score: 27
Stats with Raiders:
1,533/2,448 (62.6%), 17,585 yards, 113 touchdowns and 50 interceptions
Rick Mirer, 2003 – Score: 31
Stats with Raiders:
116/221 (52.5%), 1,267 yards, 3 touchdowns and 5 interceptions
Kerry Collins, 2004-2005 – Score: 30
Stats with Raiders:
591/1,078 (54.8%), 7,254 yards, 41 touchdowns and 32 interceptions
Aaron Brooks, 2006 – Score: 17
Stats with Raiders:
110/192 (57.3%), 1,105 yards, 3 touchdowns and 8 interceptions
Andrew Walter, 2006 – Score: 31
Stats with Raiders:
147/276 (53.3%), 1,677 yards, 3 touchdowns and 13 interceptions
February 25th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Dakota
you are awesome…always have the stats for everything thats why I like asking you questions
thanks
February 25th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I’ve taken the wonderlic. It’s a weird test but it kind of gages your ability comprehend questions quickly and assess circumstances. It’s mostly common sense but it’s timed. Most teams want to see it for your ability to react and process info quickly.
February 25th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Tom,
I just use google…you have it too.
February 25th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
H-O-L-Y C-R-A-P
I hate to tell you I told you so pre-matureley but its so funny that I pointed Vernon “the Beast” Gholston way before the combine and everyone and I mean EVERYONE jumped down my back!! I boldly predicted he will be selected with our pick and everyone thought I was CRAZY!
Now..I sign in after the weekend and half the bloggers are on the Vernon Bandwagon!!
Please take note ONCE AGAIN…I will be saying “I told you so” after the Draft.
MARK MY WORDS!!
M.I.A. Raiders = Vernon Gholston
He is a Fuk*&n BEAST!
February 25th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Dakota
the only real shocker there was Dan Marino
but I guess that would explain why he stayed with a losing team like Miami for so long…his football skills were the only thing that kept Miami viable for years. That’s why they have had an impossible task of getting back into the play offs and being consistent winners since he retired.
February 25th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
I’m off to Safety cyberspace, thanks for the information.
Remember stay on topic, prior to 500 comments.
Later
February 25th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
He’s talented MIA but he’s not what I would say he has a chance to be very good. I wouldn’t mind him at all but at 4 it’s a bit to pricie. I compare to Freeney but not quite as quick and explosive. But he is close.
February 25th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Dakota
does your sheet have anything on the O-lines when they played QB ?
poor…Andrew Walter… I really think he has potential..if only we had a top O line when he got his shot…I hope he gets a break somewhere if we do trade him.
February 25th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Tom,
Marino’s score does not surprise me, have you ever looked at the guy? His eyes are only about 1/8th of an inch apart…he looks touched.
http://www.break.com/index/dan_marino_freaks_out.html
February 25th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
MIA Raider
you cant take all the credit for picking Gholston..he was on my draft list too…I just thought we were gonna be able to steal him later…now everyone knows how solid he is…
if anyone would have seen what he did to Michigans Jake Long then they would have all had to put him where he belonged in the top ten conversation there with Jake Long and Chris Long.
February 25th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Dakota
Marino dropped like a rock in the draft because of his rumored drug use in college…that may have had something to do with his wunderlic score too…hahaha.
February 25th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
ROID RAGE !!!!
February 25th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Vernon Gholston wasn’t a secret to anyone except in here
February 25th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
how did you find that outtake…I am surprised his agent didn’t have it burned…that’s pretty embarrassing
February 25th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Tom,
Jake Grove scored a 31, Robert Gallery a 23…they have both been disappointments…
February 25th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
BHP
yes well…I thought this blog was about sharing these tidbits and gathered information…
btw I know you posted your draft choices earlier…who do you like in the later rounds again ???
I heard someone mention Beau Belle…at LB he is in top 5 of Mayocks LBs but Mayock keeps saying the same as the safetys there is no one stand out after Rivers and Phillips…at their respective positions…so now what do we do with these obvious glaring needs???
February 25th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
btw
BPH thank you for remaining a postive influence here on Jerrys blog
February 25th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Dakota
you can’t solely hold players responsible for their performances…coaching had alot to do with it too.
February 25th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
see you later
I am going off for a bit of info gathering although what does it matter really…the Raiders are AL DAVIS and he is going to do whatever he feels like doing…
we can all discuss the draft, free agency and trade all we want in a fantasy league, but at the end of the day..there is only one reality.
Al Davis runs the Raiders not us…and so on that note…here is mud in yer eye !!!
February 25th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Tom,
I am sure that a lot of the players that were drafted by the Raiders and have since flamed out could easily have been good or even great players under different circumstances. There are so many factors in players becoming successful in the NFL, but when it happens it is a wonderful sight. Unfortunately, as of late, it has happened far too few times in Oakland.
February 25th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Thanks BHP and Tom Flores
I really appreciate both of your input as they are always on topic and very insightful. I know he wasnt a secret to everyone..I just felt this gut and still do that he would be a pick unless for some nutty reason Chris Long falls to us at #4 which I deem is almost impossible.
I would definitely stay away from Offense in Round One and I think Gholston is a Merriman game changer player without the roids dependancy (at least i hope so…guy is built like a tank!)
I just hope i get all the accolades and credit when he gets picked at #4…and never have and still dont think it is a reach at that slot.
With round 2 I hope WR is addressed regardless if we pick up a FA. Berrian is on my wish list.
As for coaching controversy…as a Die Hard Raiders fan I am going to support whoever coaches our beloved Raiders..I just wont the controveresy to STOP already as it is making us almost impossible to attract quality FA who are yearning for a Title versus $$$$
February 25th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Lessee . . . if a Wonderlic of 2 translates into an IQ of 64 (where under 70 means retarded) then I can say that the last guy with an IQ as low as DMac’s that ran as fast as he did was Forest Gump. “Run Forest, Run!”
In terms of limited mental acuity translating onto the football field at the RB spot, it certainly won’t help him any. RBs have read and react duties other than not getting themselves tackled. They have to read and pick up blitzes, often times that are disguised specifically to fool the blockers. They have to run pass routes that involve recognizing the defensive scheme after it’s revealed at the snap and know what part of the sit down in as an outlet receiver.
It may turn out that DMac’s true value will ultimately equal Gump’s and he’ll end up being a dangerous kick return threat and not much else.
I’m not surprised to see the high scores for Gallery and Grove. I’m tellin’ ya, OL have to be the smartest guys on the field. But I wouldn’t call eiter busts just yet. They’ve both suffered from the blocking scheme of the year syndromesince being drafted and each has had their share of performance damping injuries. A good mind helps with the former, but doesn’t do a whole lot for the latters unless they’ve advanced their brains so far that they can mentally stimulate rapid tissue regeneration.
February 25th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
I hope we draft Chris Long and Michael Bush can become the RB we all know he can be.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Uhm…I´m stepping in for Jerry…
Rob Ryan got a haircut, he was joined by Rex and Martindale, Mayock had a beer with the Ryans last night. Also, Herm Edwards has been wearing the same outfit since friday.
My source is NFLN´s combine coverage today.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
More Good News:
There is still a chance that Raiders owner Al Davis will fire head coach Lane Kiffin and replace him with James Lofton, who was fired as the receivers coach of the Chargers. How bizarre is that?
It’s also no secret that current Oakland assistans Greg Knapp and Tom Rathman will be on Jim Mora’s 2009 Seattle coaching staff.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
WooHoo…gonna lose our head coach, offensive coordinator and running backs coach. Thanks Al!!
February 25th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Guess who won the “Best Performer” at the Combine today????????
Thats right Vernon Gholston!
Now Im starting to worry he might be drafted in the top 3.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Al Davis is really kool
February 25th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
“Mayock had a beer with the Ryans last night.”
Big Shocker there! The Ryan’s get the Shakes without any booze in there system.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
I think if we start the season 0-4 Kiffin will be let go and Lofton will take his place.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
NFLN is going to show RR getting a haircut on todays show.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Believe me Tom and thanks BTW there are some very good players that didn’t make the combine they can only house so many athletes. There are two guy’s that immediately come to kind that weren’t there and they are very good defensive players from good programs. The combine tries to get a good cross section of the best talent but many aren’t afforded the opportunity to showcase they’re talent at that particular venue. That’s why you always reserve final judgements until pro-days are complete.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Howie’s boy is polished no doubt about it. That boy is a stud. The only negative I can think of is his burst is not elite – it is adequate – better than average – not elite. If the combine were any indication I would say this gonna is gonna be the sht – but the Combine doesnt tell you that so good thing I saw him whip up on my Terps – I know this kid is a legit prospect.
Ellis could’ve lifted a lot more on the bench. He was killin it like nothin up to 30 reps. He messed himself up by pausing for to long. The boy was gettin it big time. That fker is a lot stronger than 33/35 reps. A LOT!
Who impressed me: C.Long, Vernon G, Lawrence Jackson (he’s a grade below Long and Vernon but he’s pretty good – a lil better than JRich) and Laws
Who was still good: Laws, but I don’t understand his promotion on this board in combo w/ Ellis or Dorsey. Thats too damn small. They all may best be fit for Sapps old position under tackle. Why draft the same position? Ellis, Moore. Moore is a stud athelete. Somebody get that boy completely focused on football and inject his mind w/ the knowledge. He’s a lil raw now but he has the ability to be REALLY damn good.
I’m pretty sure I forgot some.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Kentwan Balmer, Has size and size potential. He’s evenly biult thick throughout. Good movement skills appears to be a good athlete. Haven’t seen him play but he’s similar to Tommy Kelly. As I’ve stated there will be some quality D and O lineman well into the 3rd rnd.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
You know what I like the most about C. Long is his love for the game and his competitiveness.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
I couldnt agree more bhp re C.Long. He is on top of my list but cant envision him sliding past St. Louis.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
No doubt ..that boy got the fire in him. And he loves it. – re C.Long
…for some reason my brain is working slow today (lack of sleep), how can I forget Balmer? Balmer is interesting. So I’ve heard his relative lack of production in college mainly stems from lack of coaching. New coach came in and he produced. Interesting prospect but I doubt if he’ll dawn the Silver and Black.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Quote
“Things are going good in Oakland, we got Jamarcus Russell, Justin Fargas, and a great defense”
Rob Ryan
February 25th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Its been 25 years since we won the Superbowl. I can’t wait till we reach the 30 year mark. What an incredible achievement. Our 30 Year Anniversary…YEAH!!! If we’re lucky, we might even reach 35 years of consistency and Commitment to Losing!!!
February 25th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Lane Kiffin = Mike Shanahan #2.
At least we can look forward to 10+ years of torment from another coach who got shafted.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Of course…I’m only being negative. I mean…what can Chris Long do on a team that can’t pull their own heads out of their @$$. At least Long can be franchised. Thats the only way he’ll stick around.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
I am back just to ask those who love and or hate Rob Ryan what they make of hsi statement on Nfl Network whilst having a haircut.
This is not an excat quote mind you…but
what I heard was …”we have Jamarcus Russell, we have Fargas and we have a good defense.”
Is he joking Raider Nation ? WE ranked near the bottom of the NFL on defense and he thinks that GOOD ??? I for one think perhaps Rob Ryan is the problem after all…his perception that we ahave a good D scares me. What does a bad D look like ?
As long as he is our DC we are going to have a hard time winning games folks. I love the Raiders and our guys playing D because I am a supportive FAN. One thing even an amateur like myself can see by looking at our stats and our ranking within our division and the NFL is that we have a “struggling” Defense, not a “good” Defense.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
my point is…how can we improve if our DC thinks we are already have a “good” defense. I think Rob Ryan has extremely low standards and it may be time to let him go afterall.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Maybe some more oxygen can flow to Rob Ryan’s head after cutting his hair? Thats a start.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Zymurge
as usual you are great…always keep me laughing..thanks
one needs cheering up when you see all the negatives we must overcome as Raiders fans…
February 25th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Man O’ man calm down you guy’s just don’t know the guy. He’s always jovial like that he’s not going to knock his own players on the NFLN. Would you? He’s got to get them to play for him. What would expect him to say? my players all stink and they underperformed. We need new players. Come on !! relax he’s doing everyhting he can to get this defense fixed I gaurantee you, but ragging on them on the NFLN would be counter productive.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
I have a question for Dakota the fact and stat finder or BHP the insider…or anyone else that answer me without biting off my head.
what is the difference between a transitional franchise tag and non-exclusive franchise tag when it comes to money and the giving up of draft picks???
February 25th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
But you know all the haters will latch on to this as ammo.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
What if this team goes 9-7 this year with a coach who went 4 – 12 in his first season with a franchise in shambles? Then what? Who will you credit? Many of you seem to forget the huge monkey Kiffin got off our backs by winning some division games. Who gets the credit for that? You doom and gloomers are so negative that you cant see progress because of the healthy dose of B.S. that the media spoon feeds you EVERY DAY. Jerry McDonald included. He spreads the schitt as thick as anybody and some of us regale him as the absolute authority on the Raiders. Bunk…..get real people. If you want facts you should wait and read about what has actually happened with this team rather than give creedence to the speculation of some people who will write virtually anything to keep people reading their drivel.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
He said “great” defense not good defense Tom.
RR was eating dinner with his family and saw on TV (espn I assume) that he was fired. I wonder where this guy takes his family to eat, Hooters ?
“It was a joke to me, but I don’t care who you are, you get a little upset when you see your name flashed across the board that you’ve been fired.”
February 25th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
the Bears resigned Rex Grossman when they had a chance to get Daunte Culpepper or the amazing McCown…who are both FAs this year….go figure…
February 25th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
An exclusive franchise tag gives the original club the ability to match. That’s about as much as I know.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
BHP, no I dont expect him to throw his players under the bus. I expect him to be realistic and say we struggled or we need to improve, not say we have a great defense that is just nonsense..
Why did he even have to say anything about the defense? Nobody forced him he was at supercuts for gawd sakes. If I were him I would have said everything is good we are evaluating players yada yada yada but when you open your mouth and stick your foot in it people like myself are going to jump on him because he flat out sucks & isnt getting the job done.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
period
To borrow a quote from you.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
WHO IS THE BEST PICK FOR THE RAIDERS AT NO 1
February 25th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
I agree with Ryan and actaully think our defense is a lot better than it showed last year, and is not that far away.
Gholston at 4, Briggs at OLB, and adding a SS to play with Huff at FS puts us right back on top.
Kelly and Warren going down hurt big time last year. Of course the defense suffered.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
DID ANYONE SEE MCFADDEN TEAR UP THE COMBINE AND WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS OF TREVOR LAWS
February 25th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
JWB well said. you wonder why they stay with the team when there’s 31 other options.
Hey! the Giants just won the SB anyone interested?
February 25th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Mistabrown
I totally agree that the whole Rob Ryan being fired scandal was totally unacceptable..
I would have been totally shocked and pissed off that my employer didn’t at least call me in for a meeting to discuss it in person.
The whole deal is how do we know he was ever fired in the first place and it wasn’t ESPN of NFL Network running with a mere rumor as always…
sure…I heard also that Kiffin tried to fire him and was overturned by AL Davis…but has anyone actually gone on record to corroborate this?
I heard Kiffin say he was going to correct our problems and get su winning again. I did not hear Kiffin say ” I am firing everyone on the defensive side of the ball and hiring all new coaches because they were the ones that lost the games…this year.”
February 25th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Huff has been a major disappointment for the Raiders. Whether it’s been lack of proper coaching or just plain Huff is hard to tell. Maybe he could blossom on another team, but he’s not doing anything to help the Raiders much except costing them money for nada.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Mista if you knew Rob-O you’d understand that’s all I can say I’m not defending him. I agree but that’s Rob-O what can I say. He’s probably thinking hey! screw you we’ll be back. It’s just his way.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Tom Flores,
The analysts on NFLN also stated that both Rex and Rob are excellent D-Coordinators…so it was also stated by the analysts not just Rob Ryan himself and agree with BHP that his definitely not going to knock his defense. We have the personnel to excel on defense and I strongly believe with the addition of gholston we will propel ourselves quickly. sorry no more vernon comments today..lol.
Also check this out from the Denver Ponies….
BRONCOS REELING IN ROGERS?
Maybe Mike Shanahan thinks that he’s overdue to acquire a veteran defensive lineman who doesn’t turn out to be a complete waste of money. That’s the only reason we can think of to explain the Broncos’ decision to pursue a trade with the Lions for defensive tackle Shaun Rogers.
According to the Rocky Mountain News, the two teams are in “aggressive discussions,” and an agreement could be reached soon.
But a trade can’t go down until Friday, the first day of the 2008 league year.
Over the years, Shanahan has burned cash and/or draft picks on guys like Gerard Warren and Courtney Brown and Daryl Gardener in a perpetual effort to improve the defensive line. It hasn’t happened.
Rogers is signed through 2010, and is due to make $4.25 million in 2008. He was a second-round pick of the Lions in 2001, CEO Matt Millen’s first year with the team.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
BHP, are you suggesting I find another team after 30 years of being a fan & PSL holder since they returned from LA because I think RR is a sack of shit ?
February 25th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Edgy brown, gotta love it.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
BPH
I appreciate what you said about Ron Ryan’s attitude but I really think that when you have a national stage like the NFL Network giving you the microphone to comment on your team, you have to at least point out our past weaknesses and things we wish to address, and admit that we need some help and encourage FAs or draftees to be a part of a great franchise getting ready to become a playoff contender again???
Am I wrong here guys ???
February 25th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Nodody will believe this but I’ve said over and over the issue between Ryan and Kiffin was just phylosophical it wasn’t close to Kiffin firing Ryan.
The riff between Kiffin and Big Al was more serious. Because of the Arkansas thing but even that was Kiffin reassuring Big Al more than anything. Mr. davis wants Kiffin here but he wants to make sure that Kiffin WANTS to be here.
I’ve said it B4 if he has the slightest reason to believe that Kiffin doesn’t love coaching the Raiders he just wont let that happen. It’s just the way he is.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
If I knew Rob-O it wouldn’t make any difference because our defense is just a speedbump between the endzone and opposing offense.
Ive been watching Raider football before he came here, during the time he’s been here and will after. He isn’t getting the job done period.
If he makes those kinds of comments publicly I find it hard to believe in meetings with his defense he is lighting up Tyler Brayton or Stu for their lack of execution.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
JWB
I am hoping for 10 – 6 this year but would be happy to just make it to 500…
If our existing coaches and players get us there I will say, ” good on them!” I think we can all agree that what i said in the media obviosly impacts our ability to sign FAs and even our draft picks.
I heard someone saying…actually gloating…that most top 10 picks are asking their agents to make sure they don’t end up in Oakland !!!
What kind of crap is that ???
How can we turn our cheeks when we have A Holes doing that to us…???
February 25th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
If it were a serious interview I think you would’ve seen that, but it was light hearted affair IMO I seriously don’t think he said what he really feels.
Now if he were interviewing a FA or discussing someone’s interest in coming here. They would address all issues concerned. I just think we’re overreacting here. But that’s just me. it’s no big deal.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Maddenraider is Fire Kiffin is Troll. It is so obvious.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
BHP, you’re a fraud.
period
February 25th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
I think many here are way off on Huff’s play. From what I read, he did excellent against some very good TE’s which saw their production drop big time when they played us. I don’t think he was used much against the run, but more of a cover safety due to his speed. Why all the talk of getting rid of Huff and not Schweigert or Eugene? Huff seems to be better than both of these guys.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Tom
According to the Federal Blog Abuse Act of 1998, you have met the required posts, you are asked to stay on topic after your break.
You will be monitored by a abusive blogger that comes on this sight to address you, and your constant time here.
To file a report on the abusive blogger, you can download the forms at federalblogabusereport.org.
Please save all inquiries for the record and notify us with any questions.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
You might find it hard to believe he would light up a player in a meeting? really! OK I see your concern but let me just say that doesn’t make sense to me. But now I see it does to you. I don’t make that connection at all.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Personally, I believe that the Raiders are not far from having a very good defense. Year after year despite having a pitiful offense giving up the ball, field position and leaving points on the field, the defense has not given up and hung their heads. certainly the boys have not been excellent in their statistics, but give them a few new horses and they’ll hold up their end.
Another belief I have is that the entire team will play that extra ounce better, more focused when they know that every single one of them has the Franchise’s back to make it work.
Raider Up Caballeros!
February 25th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
MIA
I want to hear some news like that from our beloved Raiders…I guess that’s what si driving me crazy like so many others here…no news…wait and see what happens…no word of who we are even eyeing…until we actually strike…at least last year we had guys coming in to talk…I realize that FA isn’t officially starting for another few days…but we haven’t even set up interviews with any of the roster cuts due to Cap room…that’s what I am worried about.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Dell very witty, gotta love it.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
I will tell you one mistake Al Davis is making, keeping Ryan around. I mean this vanilla fronts, no unexpected blitz, same lame game plans has to go. He looks good on the side lines but there is no substance from what I can see. When was the last time he came up with a great game plan. We don’t play disciplined defense ,you cant win doing that.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
RAIDERDELL
what ???
February 25th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Draft Beer Says:
February 25th, 2008 at 9:56 am
In the immortal words of John Madden, “Never mind if the horse is blind, just load the wagon.”
Unfortunately most of you geniuses don’t know which end of the horse to hitch the wagon to.
How in the hell do criticize any player of the secondary without considering the pathetic play of the defensive front four???? It’s a team effort and game!
The poor,uninspired and inconsistant play of the front four puts way too much pressure on the LB’s and the secondary.
Hanging the secondary out to dry for 4 or 6 seconds on pass plays along with the inability to stop the run isn’t the fault of the secondary. So look at all the stats you want on the secondary but if you don’t, at the same time, factor in the stats on the LB’s and Defensive line play you’re being totally unrealistic.
Let’s take a look at the World Champion New York Giants, a team that defeated the near perfect Patsies.
Instead of making judgements with meaningless individual statistics on the play of the Raider secondary, why don’t you try and make a player by player comparison with the Giants.
How would the the Raider LB’s and secondary have fared this last season with New York’s front 4????
It was the outstanding, consistant play of the front four that made the Giant secondary effective in the Superbowl.
Something the Raiders haven’t had in years,,,,a dominant Defensive line.
In Short…. get off of Huff and the rest of the secondary’s back until the Defensive Line’s weaknesses have been properly addressed.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
I think Mike Huff is the least of our problems. He moves well covers well seems to tackle great at times, there is some underlying problem with this defense. I think Rob Ryan is not that great of a defensive coordinator. You can cover some basic problems with good coaching but our defense is getting exposed.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
HEY TOM FLORES , Uthink that is scARY?
let me give u sonme quotes over the last couple of years! preseason 07 intview w/ sporting news
” hell all i rememeber from our run def was 4.0 yds
carry” !!!!
that was his repsonse to your pass def WAS RANKED #3!
cause every team ran over 38 atts per game vs your def!and they all had a lead @ the half !!
after brownS WIN,
he caught hell from media about the prevent def he put in when clev just needed a fg,another blunder! so he told raider.com,
that he asked his wife about the RAIDER DEFENSE & HER RESPONSE WAS ” HELL,I DONT EVEN KNOW FOOTBALL,AND I CAN SEE THESE GUYS DONT KNOW HOW TO TACKLE!,SO TEACH THEM HOW TO TACKLE” so ryan being the forever phony that he is , claims that he personally went thru triple tackling drills all week!!and he played the part of the other team that week! but “i,m tuff ” he said , ” I GOT RITE UP FROM MORRIOSNS HITS” yeah rite , this is such a lie!SO HIS ANSWER TO ,YOUR RUN DEF STINKS,AND YOUR CALLING OF A GAME IN CRITICAL TIME WAS ALSO TERRIBLE!!== WE THINK U STICK ROBRYAN!WAS TO PUT HIS DEFENSE THRU MORE TACKLING DRILLS,WHAT AN ASSH”le!!!!HIM& HIS LOW LIFE FAMILY!!!
then in 2006 HE PUTS THE BEST PASS RUSHER @ SDE!
“WELL BURGESS @ S.D.E.
EVERY DOWN ,IS A MISMATCH ,CAUSE NO ONE EXPECTS A PASS RUSH FROM THERE”!!!!!!!!!!
THEN IN 2005
after he cut , travian smith,dwayne rudd, bobby brooks, 1 week b4 opening game vs patriots!
he claims he has to play brayton & irons ( 6-6-280 def ends) al olbr cause
“we dont have enuff lbrs to field a team, hell i’ll put ted washingTON there if i thouhgt it would help!”
then 2 weeks later, thru media scrutiny,he then claimed that the guys he cut”werent good enuff to play here!”
but def ends are! and 375 lb nose tackles are lbrS, SO THIS RYAN GUY CLAIMS THAT BRAYTON,IRONS,WASHINGTONETC ARE BETETR CANDIDTAES TO PLAY OLBR , THEN ACTUAL LBRS IN THIS NFL!! SO NOT ONLY IS HE INCOMPETENT!!BET HE IS A DELUSIONAL LIAR!!!WITH A MEMEORY & LEARNNG DISORDER!!!!
! this is how SICK THIS FAT P.O.S REALLY IS!!! HE IS A SICK FAT TWISTED PIG P.O.S. , WHO HAS NO PLACE STINKIN UP A PLACE OF HONOR!!!
SO whats he doing now, ruining more careers,
HUFF-SHOULD BE A PROBOWLR,
HOWARD- SHOULD HAVE 20+SACKS,AND PROBOWLS 1ST 2 YEARS, MORRIOSN- 155+ACKLE A YEAR GUY,HE’S NOT,
BURGESS-SINCE 2006 WEEK #7 HE HAS GOTTEN 15 SACKS IN 25 GAMES AS EVERY DWON PLAYER! PRIOR TO THAT HE WAS ‘DESIGNATED PASS RUSHER IN 23 GAMES HE HAD 24 SACKS!!!!! SO THIS AINT WORKING , AND BURGES IS GOING TO WASTE!I THINK HES’ BURNT ALREADY!!
FABIAN-PLAYING @ SCB TRYNG TO OFFER RUNS SUPPORT IN A 185LB BODY IS SICK!!! SAME WITH ROUTT!!,
STUART SCHWEIGERT HAS THE LONGEST KNOWN CASE OF”
RYANITIS” ON THIS TEAM!!!
HE IS SIMPLY THE “WORLDS WORST COACHED PLAYER”
EVER !!IN ANY SPORT!!!! WHAT WAS ONCE A PROMISING CAREER, HAS TURNED INTO A JOKE!AND A CAUSE FOR ALARM!HE MAKES IT LOOK LIKE WE ONLY HAVE 10 GUYS ON FIELD,THIS IS ALL ON RYAN & HIS CRONIES! MARTINGDALE, I KNOW FOR SURE IS A RYAN CRONIE,THEY EVEN LOOK ALIKE!!
SO IN SUMMATION,TOM FLORES YOU ARE RITE! WE CANT WIN MORE THEN 3-5 GAMES WITH THIS MENTAL INVALID!AS A COACH!
WHY CANT HE BE ON KC-DENVER-CHARGERS!!!
WHO IS KEEPING him ?? THE COACHES,OR AL DAVIS!!! IF IT IS AL THIS WILL BE THE FIRST TIME I WILL SAY !
” AL IT IS TIME TO RETIRE BABE” if he cant see this obvious glaring lack of a defense!
then al can no longer run this team! i never thought i’d say that
this i really kiffys’fault for not firing ryan as soon as he came in !! last year!!!!
February 25th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
The Raiders should have hired Dom Capers we would be better with him.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Tom Flores,
I am on the same page as being overly anxious in the Raiders making POSITIVE headlines by working their tales off attempting to make the team better. I have a strong feeling we will make waves in free agency namely in Berrian (although the chances got slimmer with Grossman resigned after Berrian’s plea to do so). I truly believe AD has his eyes on weapons for Jamarcus through FA not the early part of the draft or at least I hope. I am hoping OL and possibly WR is addressed in FA and D addressed in the draft.
On a side note, I havent given up on Rob Ryan yet as I was thouroughly impressed prior to last season with the defense and feel it will repeat in the upcoming year with a new stud in the draft and get this….more blitz packages! why not when you have sack artists in gholston and burress (sorry couldnt help myself) and sorry but Huff will be back and his number will be called more often to send in blitz packages…you’ll see.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
“I will tell you one mistake Al Davis is making, keeping Ryan around. I mean this vanilla fronts, no unexpected blitz, same lame game plans has to go. He looks good on the side lines but there is no substance from what I can see. When was the last time he came up with a great game plan. We don’t play disciplined defense ,you cant win doing that.”
So true raiderfor life. No clever blitzing and poor tackling except for one game where the defense practiced tackling the week before. What a concept! A defense practicing tackling the week before a game!
Maybe they should practice tackling the week before every game! Nah!
Ryan is an idiot.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Brown
are you out there?
February 25th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
what kind of low life , leaves town on buisness! fOr a week then on the 4th day he is there , decides to get a hair cut!!!
u know what!!! he probably bumped into BELLICHECK,OR MANGINI U KNOW HIS HEROES! AND THEY TOLD HIM
” MAYBE U SHOULD GET A HAIRCUT, IF U WANNA TALK TO ME!!! THATS WHY NOONE IS BANGING DOWN YOUR DOOR TO HIRE U ROB!!”
ANY HOW THIS RYAN GUY IS REALLY A “LOW LIFE”
he goes on a buisness trip , and dont get a hair cut!!what a ‘ SHITHEAD” ” LOWLIFE” “TRASH” ” PIG ” ” DEVIL WORSHIPPING LOOSSSEEERRR!!!!!!!!!!
February 25th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Did anyone see the Indy game and the Charger game. Sure they had missing pieces but I thought those gameplans were very effective. I think what happens is something gets popular and everyone repeats it.
No question our defense struggled badly in some games. But no one scored on our defense in the 40’s rarely in the 30’s And I remember us holding other teams scoreless sometimes up to 3 quarters. BUt I read in here that we had the worst defense in the history of the world. The worst scheme in the history od the world and zero talent. Then why couldn’t anyone get 50 on us. And I’m not talking about there defense scoring on our offense I’m talking about our dfense giving up 30 points, if it was sooo horrible.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
OK Raiderdell
I confess I work for a secret agency organized against the Raiders and any bloggers attempting to organize or salvage what appears to be a dying franchise and owner hopelessly bent on self destruction and the implosion of their front office in Alameda California. WE have been monitoring this forum for years as well as your conversations….you are all under arrest. Please proceed in an orderly fashion directly to your local police station and turn yourselves in under the fair bloggers act of 1998. There will be a federal officer there within the hour to asses your fines and collect your computers and all valuable Raider documents.
Please do not resist.
We have all your IP records and you will be arrested in your place of work if you do not comply. save yourselves the embarrassment and do as I have requested.
you may call us upon your arrival to your local precint police station at the following number
1 800 EAT SHIT
February 25th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
TOWNSEND93 Hey relax will be fine I like you passion but I hate to have you blow a valve. If Ryan was a doctor he would be up against some malpractice suits. We need to hire a lawyer and get a class action suit, for gross negligence and man Slater/ Raider Slater.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Tonm
Excellent comeback, now proceed to bash Ryan, thanks.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
In the D the Raiders play Huff is asked to do alot. He is asked to cover the best TE’s in the NFL. Huff does a pretty good job of it considering the lack of a pass rush we have had. The Raiders should move Huff to the other safety position. There he could be used like the Steelers use there Pro Bowl Safety. I remember when I read many like posts about what a bust Asoumgha was. Unless the Raiders receive an offer they cannot refuse I would play him at the other safety position before giving up on him.
February 25th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
OH & P.S TO # 885 , ANY ONE OUT THERE THAT LIKES RYAN , OR DEFENDS RYAN, OR DOESNT WANNA HAVE HIM KILLED!! IS A
F’N ASH”le ! LOOSER !!!
AND IS NOT A RAIDER FAN!!!
BUT A SELF LOATHING JUVENILE ,
MENATLLY CHALLENGED , WHO LIKES RAIDERS
BECAUSE OF UNIFORM COLORS!!! O.K. OVER & OUT!!!!
February 25th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
I will tell you deep in my mind I want McFadden because no matter who we pick on defense, Ryan is a career killer of that guy. Why waste the pick, Kiffin is on to something with Ryan he know he stinks and is not smart.
February 25th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Dell you in rare form, been drinking wine too huh?
February 25th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Listen guys, we need to realize that our team is rebuilding and it takes time for defensive back players to shine. Asmough is considered a shut down corner and it took him awhile to be good. I say we draft DE or DT cut Jordan, Rhodes, Sam Williams, and rebuild our defense and our offensive line. See our problems lies on our lines being weak. We can’t stop the run and we can’t protect our Quarterback. With the blocking scheme we can run but we can’t defend and we can’t pass. I say we start getting rid of players who been in this team for the past 4 yrs and haven’t contributed not recent picks.
February 25th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Dell?
Im here, what ?
BHP has me on my 3rd glass of Cabernet.
February 25th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
I know one thing you cant fix stupid, Ryan is dumb.
February 25th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Brown
I have no reading glasses right now, yes I do have a beer, no workout tonight.
Please decipher post #885 for me, I know there are some good points there, just hard to read.
Can you help out, I’ll gladly pay you back with some Two-Buck Chuck.
February 25th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
sorry Raiderdell I couldn’t resist…
February 25th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
TrueRaider, if your a Raider fan you know we dont rebuild we re-load.
Our defense is not rebuilding we had 11 starters return!
Our offense is building around JR, you want to gut all the players that been here 4 years? You said cut DR hes only been here 1 and hes under contract. This is not Fantasy Football this the NFL (not for long) unless your RR.
February 25th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
One and Two, you have to be able to run the ball, and you have to be able to stop the run. I think we ran the ball effectively, I think this next year we’ll be able to run the ball effectively. Now it’s time to figure out how to stop the run. Ryan said the defense is gonna improve, and personally I believe him. NOT because he’s Rob Ryan, but because Ryan, Davis and Kiffin are ALL gonna be on the same page on this. They’re gonna draft Dline, they’re gonna try to find a run support safety, and they’re gonna clear some dead weight out of here.
February 25th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Dell, thats funny you say 2 buck chuck I dont drink that what I drink is Foxbrook wine its 1.88 @ Food Maxx 2 x better than 2 buck..so I can drink twice as much for the same price.
Anyway #885 says..
The man is on a business trip and decides to get a haircut on company time. The only reason he did so was so Belicheat & Mangenius will talk 2 him about a job.
Somehow associates Devil worshipping and humping farm animals & a person that is very loose.
February 25th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Oh good OakGlenn is here let me find my cork screw.
February 25th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
#899 Mistabrown we need to send a message around the league that we are serious of building a team even though our owner is going mad. We have enough salary cap room to get players like Asante and lance Briggs but do you think they would wanna come to our team knowing that we aren’t serious of getting rid of dumb players who been getting free pay check like Sam Williams. Listen if you read my post clearly you will notice me saying the main focus is rebuilding our lines defensively and offensively, especially with us having Jamarcus who needs time to throw the ball. I hope you know in my heart I believe we can compete with any team in this league if we can stop the run and protect our Quarterback.
February 25th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
TOWNSEND93 Says:
February 25th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
OH & P.S TO # 885 , ANY ONE OUT THERE THAT LIKES RYAN , OR DEFENDS RYAN, OR DOESNT WANNA HAVE HIM KILLED!! IS A
F’N ASH”le ! LOOSER !!!
AND IS NOT A RAIDER FAN!!!
BUT A SELF LOATHING JUVENILE ,
MENATLLY CHALLENGED , WHO LIKES RAIDERS
BECAUSE OF UNIFORM COLORS!!! O.K. OVER & OUT!!!!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
mr townsend, sir???
is simply wishing ill health towards mr ryan sufficient???
i mean, we really shouldn’t want him completely dead…
think of the negative publicity…
February 25th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Brown
Thanks for the wine advice, the other I still don’t get.
February 25th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Brown, no prob, you gotta bust some out with all of us here tho!
February 25th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Dell. thats the best I can do Im not your secretary you can always hire an intern.
February 25th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Shaun Rogers to the Donkeys…damn!
February 25th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
I don’t know Mad Road Dog. Shanarat keeps taking problems and they don’t seem to help him. One after another. Shaun Rogers is just the latest addition.
OK you guys, if the Whiners don’t move to LA are the Dischargers going??? San Diego is out of it’s lease after this year, so they are probably gone, and the Phony Whiners are now angling since Candlestick is the worst facility that HAS EVER BEEN BUILT and their deal in Santa Clara is TOAST. Shoot the Roman Coliseum is in better condition than Candlestick. Who is going to LA first?
February 25th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Brown
Thanks for the intern advice, cheers.
February 25th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
RR haircut!! Hope kiffin isn’t going to shave him although that would prove there wasnt any problems between the 2.
February 25th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Daryl Gardener, Marco Coleman, Luther Ellis, Ellis Johnson, Ebenezer Ekuban, Kenard Lang, Courtney Brown, Sam Adams, Jimmy Kennedy, Simeon Rice….Shaun Rogers?.
All these former 1st rounders have failed in Denver in the last 5 years, I left out Gerard Warren cause he´s a Raider now lol…but he belongs there as well.
Dammit Shaun, the Raiders usually revive careers, Denver does the opposite, at least on DL, you dumbass!.
February 25th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Looks like my Rogers and Jenkins tandem dreams are over, get Jenkins at least.
February 25th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Bob
Looks like a lot of your dreams are being kaboshed lately.
So do we draft McFadden.
February 25th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Dell…
What other dreams of mine have been kaboshed lately?.
Don´t scare me…
February 25th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Jerry must be PO’d about the responces to his last blog.
February 25th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Bob
You were definetly dead set on a DT, until McFadden 40 time and total combine workout.
Unless you were kidding last night I sense a shift in that direction.
Also I asked earlier today and received some comments, regarding Safety’s.
You follow this closely, our there any good players for the 6th round or compensatory picks to lead me to, for information.
February 25th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Mr. Flores,
I KNEW it! With the Patriot act in play it was only a matter of time until the fed spies showed up in here. I suppose that your cover here allows you to listen in on terror cells disguised in Black Hole garb.
In fact, I’ll bet that all the terrorist communication is here in this blog in coded fashion. I’ve even figured out the secret algorithm:
- Everytime that Townsend/Soulpatrol switches to all caps that’s a signal to start reading every fifth word of the subsequent post.
- And then the you read forward until the second time you see Dakota say the keyword “McFadden” and you use the number of words in the previous sentence as your descrambling key.
- Next, count the number of times that someone says either “cut Simms” or “Al Davis must retire” and you remove that many words from the start of the unscrambled sentence.
- After that count how many posts there are between those where M.I.A. says “Gholston”, and take that many words off the end.
- There’s the target that the cell will be after.
- After that, they wait for the last signal that tells them when to attack. Fortunately, the terror cell made a critical error in judgement here, given that their trigger action is based on an extremely improbable act. However, if and when Unknown posts something that actually makes sense, then we know that terror will strike.
February 25th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Are you all having fun talking about nothing?
February 25th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Zymurge
Great! post it’s good to see another Raider fan with some humor.
February 25th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Dell…
You are right, I was dead set on DT, I think we all agree it´s our biggest need right now and Ellis and Dorsey appeared to be special players, seemed like a no brainer.
But after learning of Dorsey´s injury and Ellis 6′0 size, it kind of made me waver. They are sure things, rookie starters who are gonna stay in their spot for 10 years, but as the 4th pick and for a guaranteed 20 million bucks I want a dominant player and I have my doubts about them.
Eeven with DMC´s impressive showing, if there was a Haynesworth, Henderson, Kevin Williams type of talent I would definitely say take the DT.
My point is, choosing between equally talented players at RB and DT, you go DT no doubt. But rigt now, it seems that DMC´s could be special and the DT´s won´t be.
Of course, the risk involved in taking DMC is much higher, Dorsey an Ellis if healthy will not be busts, they will be contributors for a long time, DMC can be a home run or a strikeout.
We still are 2 full months away from the Draft, a lot can still happen and we may be singing a different tune one month from now, and another one 2 months from now.
And if we were to get Jenkins, that changes the picture completely at DT, we´ll just have to wait some more, but for me DMC´s stock is up now and the DT´s not so much.
For the record, I´d take Chris Long over anyone, but I have never considered him a possibility.
February 25th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
WE HAVE SUCKED FOR TOO LONG WE NEED A GAMEBREAKER LIKE CHRIS JOHNSON , THE BEARS SUCK BUT A GAMEBREAKER LIKE HESTER CARRIES HIS TEAM ON HIS BACK
February 25th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
WE CAN THEN HAVE A A WICKED 3 MAN COMBO OF FARGAS WHO BRINGS SHIFTINESS,MICHAL BUSH WHO BRINGS POWER AND CHRIS JOHNSON WHO BRINGS HESTER LIKE SPEED , LINE HIM UP ANYWHERE , HE’LL GET HIT FOR ONE YARD CARRIES A COUPLE OF TIMES BUT WHEN HE BREAKS LOOSE THATS 6 POINTS RIGHT THERE , WHAT A TRIO THAT WOULD BE , I SEE A LOT IN CHRIS JOHNSON , NOT TO MENTION THE FEAR HE WOULD INSTALL IN OPPOSING TEAMS EYES ON KICKOFFS , HOPEFULLY HES IN SILVER AND BLACK AND THERES A GOOD CHANCE AL DAVIS WILL DRAFT HIM BECAUSE OF HIS WONDERFUL GOD GIVEN TALENT
February 25th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
MAN ONE OF U GUYS FUKIN MAIL AL OR SOME SHIT TO GET IT THROUGH HIS THICK SKULL
February 25th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Bob
Thanks for the response.
After watching the combine and hearing and seeing the number of good college players at the positions we need
I am really leaning to trade down.
My real dilemma is, the quality of the first 10 picks is great but there is no number 1 player in my eyes like years past.
I think all have their attributes and great skills but present some issues.
My real concern with my trade down thought is this, we don’t have a third round pick and that has me looking for more quality depth.
Each draft has position strengths and weakness, this year the draft fits the needs of the Raiders.
DT, OT, WR, with plenty of quality guys in the late rounds.
I know FA will clear up many of our draft directions, but I rather have more than less.(picks)
I just think we can pick up a good DT and OL or Wr in the low to mid first round and pick up an additional draft choice(s).
I will change my mind, starting Friday hopefully depending on the signings and how active the Raiders are.
I hope the Jets or Carolina will make a move to us for a possible trade, or others.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Chris Long ran a what 4.71 at the combine?? That is full on INSANE. Basically the difference between McFadden and Chris Long in 40 yards is the time it takes to say the word insane. And Long is 75 pounds heavier.
I can’t say I am sold on McFadden. Did you guys see Ali Highsmith run him down from behind in the Ark LSU game?? Of course I’m a big Highsmith guy.
Based on what I’ve seen in the combine it looks like Chris Long goes 1, Jake Long 2, Matt Ryan 3, and then we would have our choice of Dorsey/Ellis/Mcfadden. I take Dorsey here in the 4 spot.
Did any of you guys catch New England talking to my guy Jamar Adams the safety out of Michigan for a while. Looks like they may mess me up. And how’s about Steve Mariucci raving about Josh Johnson??? That’s gonna TOTALLY mess me up. I don’t care what our needs are, if Josh Johnson is available in the top of the 4th, I’d grab him.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
You can’t say Ellis and Dorsey are locks to be good, there have been many top 5 “cant-miss” DT flops (Wilkinson, Warren, etc.) We have to go BPA Fargas is older and an injury risk, Bush is as big as of a question mark you can get, draft D-Mac.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Glenn
Johnson ran a 4.44 40 which is great it shows his skills as a athlete.
I know what his record was in High School and college combined,130 wins, 13 losses, around there.
My concern is as I watched him throw at the combine was his football velocity, a liitle to much wobble on the ball.
Johnsone may suit a team in the West Coast offense for their movement and short passes, but his deep throws and outs were very lazy and wobbly.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Chris Long may have had an AWESOME combine, but remember guys…stay focused on what we need…unless the kid can also play DT, we NEED a DT, first and foremost.
Sure, it would be great to have Howie’s kid, but unless we’re able to steal someone in FA (which we won’t), we’re going to draft either Dorsey or Ellis.
My man Ellis did bench the weight 34 times…:)
February 25th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Holy smokes…939 posts on a two-day old blog topic, and in February, no less…great to see Raider fans chomping at the bit so early in the year…
I wonder if the Charger blogs have as much traffic…
February 25th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
MAN U FANS ARE IDOTS WITH MENTAL PROBLEMS WE NEED A GAMEBREAKER LIKE CHRIS JOHNSON IN THE 2ND ROUND , HE CAN CARRY A TEAM ON HIS BACK LIKE HESTER
February 25th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
GAMEBREAKER BABY PUT FEAR IN TEAMS
February 25th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Raiders2
I guess no one is a lock, but the difference is that guys like Wilkinson and Warren had all the talent in the world, it´s their lazy ways that never allowed them to be all-pro for several years.
Dorsey and Ellis may have question marks, but they are high character guys, those kind of players tend to make it, they may never be dominant but they will definitely contribute for a long time.
Russell Maryland is probably the best example, was he Cortez Kennedy or Jerome Brown good? no way, but he did play at an above average level for several years.
Bill Polian said yesterday that over the last 27 drafts 50% of first rounders fail to live up to expectations, Ellis and Dorsey lower that risk siginificantly…if we in turn lower our expectations a bit.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
you know… i’m also one of those thinking we should get a top notch DT…
at first i was hoping for Corey Williams… but it isn’t gonna happen…
but, when you look at the pay structure of the linemen in the NFL…
the Defensive ends, the really good ones, get the big money… (not saying the DT shouldn’t, just stating the facts…)
if the cost of a high motor, big skill, QB terrorizer is so high, then that is what we need to think about…
so… i think C. Long if available…
Vernon Gholston if he is not…
we can get DT help in FA or later in the draft…
February 25th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Actually, I think the Charger blog is being moved up to LA.
From what I saw Dell, I was surprised at the deep balls Johnson threw. They were better than I thought. You’re right, Wobbly no doubt, but that can be ironed out. His win total in college was like 130-13, and it was about the same ratio of TD’s to Int’s. This kid just flat out knows how to play the game.
The big question mark right now is the St Louis Lambs. They could go Jake Long or Glenn Dorsey. I have them going Long. Maybe that’s me being wishful.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Right now I feel the need to ask the following question:
Is it that there is NO ONE PERSON responsible or interested in attempting to bring talent in from other teams like Rogers, Williams, etc. or, is it that these athletes have made it known that Oakland should not waste it’s time in calling. I’m beginning to think it is the latter, which really pisses me off.
IMO, the dysfunctional management that is the Raiders has reached new lows. It’s really too bad because I believe other teams would kill for the dedication that the Raider fans base offers. It’s also too bad that Raider management doesn’t place a higher value on its’ fan base.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Just checked out the Chargerblog on the Union-Tribune…no posts today at all, and only two from yesterday…answered my own question…
Florida Pete–that’s an awful big chance you’re taking…do you really think we can pass on getting a solid DT for the next 10+ years in the first round? We have a serious hole up the gut, and if we don’t take the step to plug it up this year, then get used to hearing Greg Papa say “and another run up the gut by LT for another Charger first down…”
February 25th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
I want to hear what every one would do with the fourth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. One sentence why. Don’t be a smartass, either. Here’s mine.
- Chris Long VA Despite his father’s legacy with the club, I’m personally enamoured by this guys smarts, motor, and dedication.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Glenn, Bob, Pete, Desert24
I believe by the end of this weekend we will have a better idea what direction the teams ahead of us are thinking as well as addressing our own needs.
It’s either going to be a busy FA or slow in terms of signings.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Pete, I’m gonna be honest, I NEVER thought GB would tag Corey Williams, not that he wasn’t worth it, obviously he was, but just that they had DT Justin Harrell who they took #16 overall last year. They keep stockpiling exceptional D linemen. Well, they were in the conference championship game last year, while we’re on top in the gossip columns. They have stockpiled stud D linemen, we have castoffs. What does that tell ya?
February 25th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
“It’s either going to be a busy FA or slow in terms of signings.”
such insight! wow. Go out on a limb why don’t ya?
It’s either going to be sunny or rainy tomorrow that much is sure! Mark my words.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Interesting point, JB. I would happen to agree with it…the Raider soap opera that really began when Shanahan was canned in ‘89 and replaced with Shell has now come full circle to bite us in the a**…we’ve become one of the NFL’s biggest open secrets…vets are beginning to understand that if it’s just money you want, then come and sign with us for big bucks, steal the money by coasting or watching the inevitable implosion between Al and the coaching staff, then move on…
Ray Buchanon, Randy Moss, Lamont Jordan, Terdell Sands…who will be next?
February 25th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Yalls Trippin
re:993
Ellis or Dorsey in that order. Because we need DT’s and not DE’s and because the foundation of the D-line begins in the middle. You can have all the C. Long’s you want. If the middle is open for any ordinary RB to run, the DE becomes a waste of roster space. Just look at Burgess and Richardson’s results this last year. How much more effective would they have been if the middle was stuffed from running and the pocket was collapsed from the middle. We need 2 effective DT’s before anything else – whether his father was a Raider on not.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Pete, right on….
I was just thinking something similar about our posibilities at 4th:
RB McFadden, if not him, RB likely won´t be addresed until one the latter pick
OT Jake Long, if not,there will be other OT options at 34th.
DT Dorsey-Ellis, if not,there will be other DT options at 34th.
DE-PASS RUSHERS…Chris Long – Vernon Gholston, there will be no one even close to what these guys bring after they are gone. At least not at 34th.
Just something to think about, no one can deny we need to put a lot more pressure on the QB. One great pass rusher can singlehandedly change the outlook of our pass rush, one single guy cannot solve our run stopping problems.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Yalls Trippin, yalls trippin!! Chris Long (right now, and that may change) is probably one overall!! I would love to have Chris but our choices are probably Dorsey/Ellis/Mcfadden/Golston/Jake Long. I take Dorsey because I think he will fall to 4 overall, he’s an absolute monster player who will transer to the pro level nicely, and he fits a BIG need.
JB, not at all, altho certainly the Raiders stock has gone down in the last few years. Most SOLID free agents will be retained by their own teams. Kiffin has made it CLEAR he does not really want problem guys here. He doesn’t want ‘em. So, Shaun Rogers to me was never an option. Look at Shanahan. He has gone from problem guy to problem guy over there on their D line, his team is fading hard, and he STILL has no solution.
This FA class is really piss poor so I don’t expect us to really jump on guys. Look at us. We have a bunch of free agents on our team. Who do you guys want to retain???? To me it would be, Nnamdi and Fargas 1+2. Then Kelly if he’s physically OK. Other than that…..
February 25th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Salient point, Oakglenn. But then again, they don’t have the drama that we do…they’re just interested in winning games and being competitive…
Yalls Trippin–my position? We spend our #1 pick on a DT, either Dorsey or Ellis. Fill that gaping hole that was supposed to be filled by Sands. That is our biggest NEED, plain and simple.
We also have needs at OT, WR, FS, and MLB. These needs can be filled in the later rounds…or FA.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
that’s what I thought!
what up Jeremy
Who wants some?
February 25th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Oakglenn Says:
February 25th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Pete, I’m gonna be honest, I NEVER thought GB would tag Corey Williams, not that he wasn’t worth it, obviously he was, but just that they had DT Justin Harrell who they took #16 overall last year. They keep stockpiling exceptional D linemen. Well, they were in the conference championship game last year, while we’re on top in the gossip columns. They have stockpiled stud D linemen, we have castoffs. What does that tell ya?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
i denied the possibility right up to the time they tagged him…
i’m not saying don’t take a DT… i’m saying mauling defensive ends are rare enough to command the big bucks…
and if you have to spend big bucks, it ought to be at a position that commands big bucks…
a “tagged” DT (Williams) is gonna get the average of the top five at the position… anpit 5 million…
a “tagged” defensive end would get about 9 million…
February 25th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
don’t let it bother you MP, these guys can’t handle the truth!
February 25th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Well, I was hoping to catch Jerry´s latest report but it looks like it´s not happening tonight.
Have a fine night everyone.
P.S. My draft choice ideas change by the minute, as you can see.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
I agree with both JB and Bob Marley. Shows you how bad our Defensive line REALLY IS. But Bob I give the nod to your logic on this. We could get a solid DT in 2nd and a decent one in the 4th. We can’t get a solid pass rusher past 7th overall. AND EVERYONE NEEDS PASS RUSHERS.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
At WR…do I dare suggest it? Chad Johnson? Anybody know what the Bengals are asking for him? What about his contract–anyone know the numbers that we would have to pick up?
February 25th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
bedtime…
later…
February 25th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Jeremy -
Where’s Unknown?
everybody else -
Who wants some?
February 25th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
My dream picks are Ellis wth the first and Laws with the 2nd. We could build a line to be remembered and talked about for decades. I’m also not adverse to trade Burgess as long as Clemons & Kelley resign. Burgess still has some trade value and this years draft is very deep with the BIG DUDES or Big Uglies as Tom Flores put it last night. Burgess is on the downslope side of his career and we might find another guy of great value at an inexpensive price for the next 5-6 years.
Has anyone thought about Ali Highsmith LB-LSU for our safety needs? He’s played safety before and is a little light, in my mind, for an NFL LB. His stats are:
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 225 | 40-Time: 4.60
Official Bio
Strengths:
A terrific athlete with very good speed…Fantastic sideline-to-sideline range…Very good tackler…Has fluid hips and does a nice job in coverage…Real active and has a non-stop motor…Versatile with experience at every linebacker position…Pretty productive…Good leader…Solid blitzer and pass rusher…Excellent special teamer.
Weaknesses:
Undersized and doesn’t have the bulk that you look for…A little too aggressive at times…Marginal instincts and he is often late to react…Has trouble taking on and shedding blockers…Needs to get stronger…Will not be an ideal fit for every team.
February 25th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Glenn
Glad to see you blogging.
Nite.
February 25th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
I’m out…hope to see a new topic in the morning…maybe I can be 57th!
Nite all…
February 25th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Guess everybody went home. Later…
February 25th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Uh 1000th ?
February 25th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
w
February 25th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
last
February 25th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
I’ve been thinking about stud DTs on solid defenses around the league. How many of the best interior guys in the league were both drafted top 10 and are stil with the team that drafted them? It seems to me that it’s one of those positions where late rounders turn into stars and top picks into mediocre players perhaps more often than any other position. It also seems to be a position where there are a lot of late bloomers, and that usually happens on their second or third teams.
To back that assertion up, here’s the top 5 tackling interior lineman from ‘07:
Name, Team – Tackles / Assists / Sacks
Kelly Gregg, Bal – 56 / 24 / 3 — Cin 6th rd 1999
Jovan Haye, TB – 48 / 20 / 6 — Car 6th rd 2005
Mike Patterson, Phi – 50 / 17 / 4 — Phi 1st 2005 (31st overall)
Haloti Ngata, Bal – 43 / 20 / 3 — Bal 1st 2006 (12th overall)
Pat Williams, Min – 43 / 19 / 2 — Buf undrafted FA 1998
Darnell Dockett, Az – 43 / 15 / 9 — Az 3rd rd 2004
So only two of six were 1st round picks, neither top 10 and one very late in the round. Three 6th or lower rounders and blossomed with a different team than their first.
Looking for a top 10 pick in the last ten years and where they ranked on the 2007 interior DL tackle list we have only one in the top 30:
#7 Dewayne Robertson, NYJ 36 / 21 / 4 — NYJ 1st 2003 (4th overall)
While he’s been pretty consistent since joining the league, this is his best season. After 5 years of development.
So I’m now less convinced that taking a DT at #4 is historically a good pick. It just seems like a place where performing under expectations is possibly even more likely than not. With the draft as deep as it is in DL, maybe it does make sense to go for one of the later guys here.
Which means that I’m now thinking that I’m joining M.I.A. and saying that Gholston is the guy to pick at #4 if Baby Howie is gone. Better yet, trade down two slots with the Jets for a 3rd where they’d probably want a shot at either Ryan or DMac (although I still see his stock falling out of top 10) and then get Gholston for a couple million cheaper over the years. And then parlay that 3rd into a project DT or OT.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Zymurge Jake Long would be a good pick for us, see how Cleveland Browns benefited from Thomas and seem to have a lock in LT. If we can trade the pick and get a player like Roy Williams and Detroit 15th overall pick will work good for us and will help us find the ideal player without giving up a big contract.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
If you look at teams like Colts or even New England, they have a solid defensive and offensive line. We need to help our Quarterback and release these bumbs like Simms, Gallery, Green and Newberry. Just see how many penalties was caused by our lines.
February 26th, 2008 at 3:12 am
[...] Will the Raiders go after a safety in the offseason? [...]
February 26th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
This berkering between Davis and whts his name remind me of my grandchildern. They all need to growup,we have lived with this for to long. I know that Mr Davis is a control freek but. As long as this type of mentalaty runs in this team we will continue to flounder around. We will be lucky if we can bring in any FA and any of the current players will not but there best effort on the field.
February 27th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Huff haters are guys who know nothing about the game and how its played.
Huff is playing out of position and does a good job, especially in pass defense. Huff should be a free safety to be at his best, however he is a serviceable Strong Safety. Excellent SS no ! but adequate yes !
STU, garbage no matter where you put him.
February 27th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
just aired on sportscenter fabian washington trade rumors hope you all met bo jackson in S.F. last weekend
February 27th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
where are we going to find a receiver donte stallworth maybe??
February 28th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Huff is good will be great at Free Safety… Josh Barrett. 225 lb 4.33 40 safety Arizona State. Marcus Griffen out of Texas would be a good match with Huff. We got the cover just need a tackler… lets move a lb out there
February 28th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
My hopes right now are that we sign one of the hometown boys, Wr Berrian or Stallworth. I hope that S Kenny Philips falls to the 2nd round where we can grab him with our 2nd round pick. He ran a rather slow time so he may fall out of the first round, but he’s a great safety prospect. If he doesn’t slip to the second round and say we acquire a 3rd round pick I say we draft S Tom Zbowski from Notre Dame, he’s a tough guy with speed who will knock snot from ur nose.
February 28th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
That’s the problem with some of u so called Raider fans. U think that potential is gonna solve everything. When u don’t have real talent u can’t draft for potential. We can’t afford to reach in the 2nd round for a Josh Barret! He did nothing for Arizona State this year! have u seen him play? I bet not! No thank you, I’ll take Kenny Philips or Tom Zbowski!
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