Allen’s exit a plus
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008 at 4:43 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Less than a week after receiving one of the most favorable schedules in the NFL, the Raiders received even more good news Wednesday when defensive end Jared Allen was traded out of the division to the Minnesota Vikings.
That means when the Raiders visit Arrowhead Stadium in Week 2, Allen won’t be on hand to terrorize the Raiders as he has in virtually every game except last season’s game in Kansas City.
That game, in which Barry Sims effectively controlled Allen, was the exception rather than the rule.
At present, Kwame Harris is penciled in as the Raiders left tackle. Harris was considered a poor pass blocker but a solid run blocker with the 49ers. The hope is the zone blocking system employed by the Raiders will enable Harris to reach the potential which made him a first-round draft pick out of Stanford.
Allen has six sacks in eight career games against Oakland and has applied near constant pressure.
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:55 pm
first
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:57 pm
One less chef in the kitchen.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:58 pm
2nd, BTW
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:58 pm
now what KC
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:58 pm
next?
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:59 pm
does/did the niners use a zone blocking scheme?
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:00 pm
KC has 13 picks in the draft. 6 in the first 82. They can do what ever they want. Including jump the Raiders for Long, Dorsey, DMC……lets just hope Herm keeps the flops coming in the draft.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Heard on ESPN radio that Herm wants to draft 6 starters this weekend.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:01 pm
the chiefs can get all the picks they want, they’ll need to find one of the best DEs in the NFL with one of those picks just to break even, and they’ve been terrible in the draft so i wouldn’t bet on it, allen being gone only makes russell’s job easier and helps to assure the chiefs will finish last in the acf west
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:01 pm
*afc
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Herd that as well. With 13 picks, maybe he will. I just hope they are Div II no name school starters, not NFL starters.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:02 pm
I think the Donks will give the one hell of a run for the cellar.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:05 pm
I’m hoping Cable can really use Kwame properly …
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:05 pm
one in the hand for two in the bush way to go chefs
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:06 pm
I say good riddance to bad rubbish. he had almost as many DUI’s as sacks. 1 More and he’s out a year. Way to do your research sucking’s. Thats what you get for screwing the Raiders with the deal for Moss.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:06 pm
ESPN is reporting that the league is going to take away the number seven pick from the Patriots because of spygate. They are going to give the pick to the Raiders to make up for the tuck rule. Also, Andrew Walter has just been traded to Baltimore for the number eight pick.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Thec Says:
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Jerry Your next 4 articles should be:
1. Why J. Long isnt the pick.
2. Why G. Dorsey Isnt the pick.
3. Why V. Gholston isnt the pick.
4. Why M. Ryan isnt the pick.
Since your schedule for new stories is once a day you will need to double up on thurs, and friday.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:07 pm
zone blocking doesnt help when merriman is rushing him off of the edge
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Plus, now the LT turnstile will be less stressed in the film room before wk 2 and 13.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:09 pm
cooks giving away allen could turn into a plus for both teams. I hope it turns way bad for the cooks though. herm is doing a great job. hope he in norvelle stay a while.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Imamg…post 6
No, the 49ers did not use a zone blocking scheme while Harris was there, he has been coached by Dennis Erickson and Mike Nolan as a Pro. Just trading those guys for Kiffin, Knapp and Cable should make him a better player.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Rams are ready to take Long or Dorsey.
Falcons HOLD THE KEY TO THE WHOLE DRAFT;
~they may take Long then trade back into the round for Brohm, Louisville.
That case with no LONG or Dorsey then RAIDERS take MC FADDEN
OR Falcons may take RYAN if Dorsey is not available. Then Raiders take C.LONG
I feel Mc FADDEN is the pick and sorry JERRY, Gholston is way over hyped.. light DE’s get run on all day..
Dont you want Russel throwing 7 yd passes to MCFADDEN that trun into TDS!?
thats the Future, Russel Mc Fadden and Zach
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Good news: Allen is not on our schedule
Bad news: The Chiefs now have mutiple draft picks, including 2 first round draft picks. Expected them to select a DE with their first pick and a OT in their second.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Merriman will be suspended for 8 games because of yet another possitive “substance” test. The only edge he will be rushing off of is from speed.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:10 pm
They better put a roof on Dallas stadium because Pac-Man is going to make it rain a lot.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:10 pm
J. Russ should call both, K.C. & Minn. To thank them, Allen would be blowin up the Turnstile. And Russ would be running for his life twice a year.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Well, if Sims handled Allen well (Sims being no Art Shell, himself), I don’t see what the big deal is. Seems to me we had an answer for Allen’s constant pressure… Also seems to me that I’m not the only one who’s noticed…as KC deemed him expendable. Maybe he was traded for cap room, I dunno. But teams don’t often trade their best players, they usually lose them to free agency (I said usually, Moss crowd…)
Slow news day. Let me when the draft starts. I really don’t care who we take, because this year’s crop is quite stale. But I do sense a duty to be in here Saturday as a suicide interventionist in the event we don’t take McFadden.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Thanks B Marley… I didn’t think they did but was unsure… and I agree… subtraction is addition for Harris… hopefully if he is the starter…he and Gallery both can be reborn…
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:13 pm
I can see it now…..JR rolls right…..pitches to DMC……he’s at the 30….40…50…40…30…20…FUMBLE!!!!! Chokers pick it up and return it 80 yards for a TD…..No thanks.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:13 pm
once upon a time the raiders had multiple draft picks for Gruden, ….that went well
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Does this mean the chiefs can possibly draft mcfadden with their first 1st round draft pick and use their second 1st round for a need, such as OT? man that’s scary.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:14 pm
They can give KC 20 pix. It doesn’t matter.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Chiefs already have a developing back in their stable… they could get Mcfad… I’d be surprised..
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:16 pm
With Byron Leftwich and Joey Harrington on the roster, can the Falcons pass on Matt Ryan, is he anygood? If they don’t, we get Dorsey or Long.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Gallery took HUGE steps in the right direction last year. Lets hope he can continue with a stable coaching staff and scheme. I would love for him to stuff that “bust” tag down the dorks at BSPN necks……Then we would have to listen to big hair talk about how he called it when he said he was a great prospect coming out.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:17 pm
i still have Joe Askas rookie card
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:18 pm
WE have several developing backs in our stable and WE don’t need him either!
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:20 pm
So Jared Allen’s gone. SO WHAT!!! Didnt we beat em the last time we met with him there? They’ll find another player to replace him, and we’ll find another way to beat em again. As a matter of fact we’ll sweep em. So lets get the brooms out clean house and take out the trash (SD,KC,DEN) YA KNOW!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:20 pm
ok, new trade…..Walter, Rhodes, Washington, Rout, and Stu to ATL for # 3……..Much better then # 8….Then we get both Dorsey and Long…..D = Done. IF they get a SAM.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:21 pm
What a dumb trade for Minnesota.
Can you say Hershel Walker?
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Get them on the phone AL!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Isn’t karma a biotch…..Miney-suckda just got punked by KC like they did us for Moss…..ahhhhhh.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:22 pm
this might be the best draft of all time …the one in my hand that is
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:23 pm
he will always be a bust you dont draft guards number 2 overall,
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:25 pm
RaiderNation951 Says:
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:20 pm
ok, new trade…..Walter, Rhodes, Washington, Rout, and Stu to ATL for # 3……..Much better then # 8….Then we get both Dorsey and Long…..D = Done. IF they get a SAM.
this is a joke right?
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Herad a rumor today that the dischargers were looking at Shaun aleander. Any truth to this NATION. alexander looked shot.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:27 pm
He restructured his contract, he is playing gaurd, but how much of that is his fault? If he couldn’t understand one of the 6 different coaches he had in the two years before Kiff took over is that really his fault? Not sold on him, just want to give him a chance.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Ohio, Running joke for the last several days…
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:29 pm
But wouldn’t that be one hell of a deal for ATL???? Even Baltimore should want to jump on that deal…..
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Talk about the Madden jinx, Alexander probably wishes he could run against the Raider d again.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Why would you want to get only 1 player with your draft pick when you could get 4 or 5. Sanford and Nambi would be starters for SEVERAL teams in the league.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:31 pm
I think the D is going to be improved. With Stu not missing tackles the run D will be better. Now, IF the front 4 can actually keep the RB’s from getting in to the secondary, that would be great.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:33 pm
R8R, At this point I think Alexander would just like to run, period. At this point he looks like he is running to the unemployment line.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:33 pm
he just wasnt athletic enough for tackle, not his fault its our fault for not seeing it, i believe hes still a bit overpaid for and average guard
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Hope the chokers do pick him up. That would fill a roster slot for a talented player.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:34 pm
951
hes done put a fork in him
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:35 pm
He had bad feet coming out of college. I hoped he could improve, but a servicable gaurd for 10 years is better then still looking for someone to fill the hole. I think he will turn out better this year than last.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Too bad Gallery didn’t turn out to be the player expected but if he can become a pro-bowl guard at least we will have gotten some decent worth out of him. I think Kwame Harris will be a solid run blocker but I am very concerned about his pass blocking. I hope we turn out to be solid at right tackle because we can at least give help to Harris on the left side, but if both tackles are weak spots it is hard to give help to both of them.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Captian Hair thinks its between Ellis and Long at 4. Lets hope the DMC crap dies down.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:38 pm
On Gallery every one thought with the hair and tatoos he was a natural fit for the Raiders but, It takes more than looking like a biker to play in this league.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:39 pm
R8R….I agree completely. that is why the chokers need to pick him up. He would still see playing time when LT goes down again this year.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:39 pm
You a Browns fan Ohio??? or just a brown sucka
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:39 pm
true, i think if the first round pick isnt oline then we have to aquire one in the fourth or get an extra pick to get one.someone like kirk barton from osu would be a good 4th round tackle, ive watched him play for 4 years and the man can be a good nfl rt
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:39 pm
The thing gives me hope about Kwame Harris is that he just turned 26 last month, he´s 2 full years younger than Robert Gallery. I think he can become a player here, we´ll see.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:40 pm
im a raiders fan or i wouldnt be here i hate the cleveland clowns, but i did see what a top rate LT did for their offense
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:41 pm
tracker on BSPN is saying that Tenn could get an additional pick in 2009 if AJ sees “significant playing time in 2008:. Did they screw the cowgirls or what. The patsies got the whiney one for a 4th. Tenn is getting a 4th and maybe a plus one???? What the hell?
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Is Alexander there answer to Turner departing? Puleese
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:42 pm
we need to sign my roommate…lol…no joke tho the guy started guard at kent for two years before he got kicked out and the browns want to pfa or maybe 7th round him as well as several other teams..i keep telling him go to the raiders they need plenty of oline help
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Thomas is what Gallery was ment to be.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Package up Rhodes, Rout, Washington, Gallery and Stu, ship them to Cleveland for Thomas…..OL set.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:48 pm
951
you forgot to add the Travis Buck bobble head to the deal
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:49 pm
I hope alexander is the answer for turner leaving for the dirtybirds. Hey, they could use DMC. Turner the burner and DMC…….Sounds good to me……that would let Dorsey drop with Long……as long as StL takes Gholston.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Hopefully Gallery will be what he was supposed to be… a pro bowl player for years ahead… He’s obviously never going to play LT in the league… may as well be dominant where he is… ~fingers crossed~
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:50 pm
damn, I knew I forgot something…….I will ship them my Garner Jersey if it helps.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Right there with you on that one Imamg……5 or 6 pro bowls in the next 7 years (only if he stays in S&B though).
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Watsup Nation! I’ve been watchin but not bloggin! I’m saving all my energy for Fri & Sat when the crescendo hits! I’ll blog ya on Fri. BTW, be careful out there Dakota!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:52 pm
The Raiders are not going to trade both Washington and Routt. Who would be the number 3 CB.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Ok, I won’t be greedy, ship Stu and our #4 for Thomas.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Gallery’s the ultimate reclamation project that Al loves… only this time… he’s doing it from his own house… normally … we’re pulling someone else’s crap off the floor and shining it up… this time it’s our own…
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Culpepper to the pack ?
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Charlie Casserly on the Draft a few minutes ago:
“Draft the best player available, you may not need him in year one, but a Draft is judged after 3 years, if you select the best players available, 3 years from now it´s gonna end up a good Draft”.
“The biggest mistakes in the Draft come when you talk yourself into a player at a need position, many times that player is not as good as you´d like him to be, but you talk yourself into him”.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Cole,
Starks, Bowie, johnson……they have the players to ship both out. Plus, they could pick up another in 4th or 7th.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Casserly did a great job with the redskins and texans didn’t he………..oh wait, no he didn’t.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Cole
were going to draft a cb at no.4
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Just saying, there is a reason he is on tv and not planning a draft.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:00 pm
IF we draft a CB with the 4th overall pick I will burn my season tickets!
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:01 pm
sorry for the scare there
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Raider selections from ESPN’s top 50 draft busts of all time.
31. Todd Marinovich, Raiders (1991)At one point, I thought he was the savior.
37. Patrick Bates, Raiders (1993)forgot all about him
45. John Clay, Raiders (1987) Chargers were stupid enough to trade Lachey for him. Then Davis was stupid enough to trade Lachey for Schroeder.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:02 pm
ohio, it’d be great if we were able to get joe into camp, he’s a great fit for our system and could add some camp competition, maybe even make the roster
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:02 pm
this post has obviously been taken over by teenagers..Its the culture now with myspace etc…
Dakota about 17 yo
851 about 16 yo…
so much AL hating and comments with no intelligence…get a life, get a g/f or better yet get a job and root for another team.
real sad..Dakota is constantly disrespectful to Jerry and your a dolt (look it up kids!) if you have to say ” first” second….lamest shit I ever seen period
grow up you juvenile punks
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Speaking of the O-line. I hope that Cable can figure a way, to get the them to reduce all the goldurn false start penalties they get.
Seamed like at least twice a game last year,they would get 1 or 2. A possession and just kill a drive.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Eric, do you want to be my friend on MySpace.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:05 pm
I just hope Cable can get them to pass block enough for Russell to set his feet.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Great job with Washington, bad job with Houston except for the last Draft where they got Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans and Owen Daniels.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Its the jerseys. That why the Raiders get so many false start penalties. Just part of the conspiracy.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:07 pm
eric….were you trying to type 951? I realize that old farts like you have a hard time navigating a keypad but damn man……keep you chubby cheetoes covered fingers off the computer. Didn’t your momma teach you respect. Are you related to DMC?
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:09 pm
3 picks out of 28? not a stellar record. Not impressed with washington’s drafts either. How much of that was Gibbs?
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Casserly always sounds like a smart mofo.
He was responsible for the Houston Boots taking Mario over Reggie.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:14 pm
well casserly was the guy who had the balls to draft williams over bush….
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:14 pm
williams broke out this year.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:16 pm
so far that is the right pick. Mario has had a better carreer then reggie. Hope Reggie has a break out year. Its nice to see the USC guys do good.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:21 pm
DRAFT MCFUMBLES!
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:21 pm
The Raiders have pick #4, their next pick is #104. KC has 7 picks between those two. Not a good sign. The Raiders need more pics.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:22 pm
gholston!
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:22 pm
69 hours 20 minutes or so until we hear the words…….With the 4th pick in the 2008 NFL draft the Oakland Raiders Select…………….to trade the pick with………
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:23 pm
he had 14 sacks last year at O state
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:24 pm
The chefs select gholston (long), clady, trade up for a QB, WR, and ………………still suck.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:25 pm
he had 14 sacks last year at O state
and played behind Jay richardson for 2 yrs and couldnt beat him out and we already have Jay enough said!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Big Ten is a BIG FRAUD….Let the Ghost slide on by to the patsies
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:26 pm
we don’t need anyone for THE Ohwechoke State University.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:27 pm
damn, that means that drew carter is going to suck too.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:30 pm
The raiders actually have more players on the roster from Cal and Fresno State then any other school. Sad day to be a trojan fan.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:34 pm
RN 951!!
Maybe thats why we SUCK???
Go TROJANS!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:36 pm
I hope we get Chris Long…..
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:37 pm
That is the first time I remember seeing the roster when it wasn’t dominated with USC guys. At least we got the coach from the best school available.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:43 pm
C’mon you guys Ohio State has produced tons of great top pix like Craig Powell, Maurice Clarett, and Art Schlichter.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:44 pm
the only thing that scares me about C. Long is his interview on BSPN where he said D’Brick schooled him last year. Last time I checked he wasn’t an elite NFL player. That is what C. Long is projected to be. Without the competiton at school, how was he supposed to improve? Can he magically take him now? I doubt it.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:45 pm
your talking about chain gang players now holy?
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Im expecting kelly and huff to have breakout years and im looking for sands to bounce back….all this is key to a great season
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Maybe Cable can pull off a counter-Gallery and draft a guard to plug in at LT. Kwame Harris still makes me nervous.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Great pedigree, good motor, great senior year but does that justify #4 overall? For that high of a pick I want dominance at the position, will he dominate? Seriously, if his last name was smith would some of you still be clamoring for him? I am just asking, not trying to start an argument. Personally I hope we can trade down and get more picks.
Kman
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:59 pm
I cut off part of my post, I am referring to C.Long
Kman
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:02 pm
I just go for what mel says I should. He knows all.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:03 pm
That is why I DO NOT want DMC. Mel is sold on him…..jk. I don’t advocate drug use, there for I can’t see giving DMC millions.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:05 pm
I have heard of some of DMC’s off field problems, such as a night club fight and paternity suits, but I have not heard anything about drug use.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:06 pm
All I want is better production from the Raiders. I don’t think they are super bowl contenders, but they can’t continue to live in the AFC Worst cellar either. They are right now, IMO, better then KC, Den, and closing the gap on SD.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:08 pm
not with him, as of yet, but others in his family have the problem, so if the apple didn’t fall far from the tree, he could be shrot lived in the NFL like Ricky Williams was.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:08 pm
“Half [of mock drafts] are put together by NFL writers who watched two Notre Dame games at the airport bar and the second half of the Sugar Bowl.”
Dan Patrick, in last week’s Sports Illustrated.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Great pedigree, good motor, great senior year but does that justify #4 overall? For that high of a pick I want dominance at the position, will he dominate? Seriously, if his last name was smith would some of you still be clamoring for him? I am just asking, not trying to start an argument.
I totally agree thats what scares me about him,I think 2 many poeple want him cause he is Howie’s son and hope he will be just as good
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:12 pm
That is like saying jordans son or Barry’s son will be just as good as their fathers. I wouldn’t put that much stock in the gene pool.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:13 pm
I hope for his sake he is close to his father in production. As long as KC doesn’t jump us for him, if so, sorry howie, I hope he is a bust.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Do u really think KC would jump up to get him if Dorsey goes to the Rams,I think they could still get him at 5 if the want or take Ryan if the falcons pass on him but who cares JUST WIN BABY!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:18 pm
I think The Raiders will be better in every aspect of the game this year. The run D will be better just by the subtraction of Sapp, plus Wilson will help cut down on the long runs. The pass D will be better with the addition of Hall. The run game will be better with a power back like Bush, who I think will be real good. If we do add McFadden then it will be incredable. The passing game will be better with a better recieving corp plus JaMarcuss starting will be much better than the platoon of McCown and Culpepper. I am still hoping for some more help on the D line, which will make the run D and the pass rush that much better. I think the team is poised to make a big jump, and if SD slips just a little we will be right there.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Ok, new crack head trade…..
# 4 pick swapped with # 7. We get pats LT Light. OL set.
We Package Rhodes, Washington, and Rout for additional picks.
@ 7 we pick Rivers, LB from USC.
with the 2nd from the package we get DE Jackson from USC.
With the 3rd from the package, we get a WR.
Patsies get V. Gholston who is bounced from the league for failing multiple sterioids tests.
ahhhh the dream..
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:31 pm
1 thing that poeple forget is the last couple yr team have known we have no offense so if the get up 10 points on the us they run run run to control the clock because they know we will have a hard time coming back,if R-DMC is the pic and we can score at anytime and know teams are down 10 points that cant just run run run,they have to pass and with 1 of the best db’s and saftey’s in the nfl,the sky is the limit,just think we could have Hayes-Haines again at db’s as well as Weatly-Garner at rb’s How sweet does that sound all on the same team!
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Midwest
After they duped the yikes into the allen deal they might need a new DE. with 13 picks in the draft it would be easy to do. I just don’t think Herm has a clue so I’m not too worried about it.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Name: Chris Long
College: Virginia Number: 91
Height: 6-3 Weight: 272
Position: DE Pos2: OLB
Class/Draft Year: Sr/2008
40 Time: 4.75 40 Low: 4.68 40 High: 4.84
Projected Round: 1 Stock: High: Top 3 Low: 5-8
Rated number 1 out of 162 DE’s 1 / 2546 TOTAL
Combine Results
Pro Day Results
Combine Invite: Yes
Height: 6030
Weight: 272
40 Yrd Dash: 4.75
20 Yrd Dash: 2.70
10 Yrd Dash: 1.53 225 Lb. Bench Reps:
Vertical Jump: 34
Broad Jump: 10′04″
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.21
3-Cone Drill: 7.02
No bench/thumb
Dates: 03/18/08
Height: 6030
Weight: 272
40 Yrd Dash:
20 Yrd Dash:
10 Yrd Dash: 225 Lb. Bench Reps:
Vertical Jump:
Broad Jump:
20 Yrd Shuttle:
3-Cone Drill:
Before Combine: Hgt: 6034, Wgt: 275, 40YD: 4.74-4.79-4.87
Draft Scout Snapshot: DS Rating on 08/12/07: #1 DE, #2/750 Overall, Projected: Rnd 1
2008 Postseason update (04/04/08): Stock: Up. It’s hard for a top five pick to increase his stock after the season, but Long’s managed it this year. He put up big numbers at the Combine, some better than the hyped Vernon Gholston: 4.75 40, 1.53 10 yd split, 34″ vertical, 10′4″ broad, 4.21 short shuttle, 7.02 three cone at 272 pounds. He looked at home at linebacker drills both in Indy and his pro day, and teams have already seen what he can do at end…he’s virtually assured of being selected in the top two slots.
2007: Ranked tied for third in the nation with fourteen sacks for minus 122 yards, as the team captain started all thirteen games at right defensive end…Also ranked tied for 14th nationally with 19 stops for losses totaling 122 yards…Added 23 quarterback pressures while leading a team that ranked 213th in the nation in run defense (106.92 ypg), 16th in scoring defense (19.69 ppg) and 23rd in total defense (332.46 ypg)…Caused two fumbles, returned an interception 25 yards, blocked one kick and deflected nine passes…Saw action in 898 defensive plays. 12 GP; 12 GS; 57 TT, 9.5 TFL, 4.5 SK, 1 PBU, 7 QBH, 1 FF; Second-team All-ACC in ‘06. 12 GP; 12 GS; 46 TT, 10 TFL, 2 SK, 7 PBU, 26 QBH in ‘05. 6 GP; 0 GS; 5 TT, 2 TFL, 1 SK in ‘04. Father, Howie, was an All-American defensive end at Villanova and was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1981, played in the NFL for 13 seasons and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame following seven Pro Bowl appearances, two defensive player of the year awards, and a Super Bowl ring.
Overview
Regarded by many as one of the most dominant defensive players in college football entering his senior season, Long more than lived up to those expectations, terrorizing opposing quarterbacks to the tune of 14 sacks, 23 pressures, nine pass break-ups and an interception in 2007. He also caused a pair of fumbles on sacks that Virginia recovered, leading to Cavaliers scores.
Named the Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year and the recipient of the Ted Hendricks Award (nation’s top defensive end), Long has certainly emerged from the shadows of his father, former Oakland Raiders defensive end and Hall of Famer, Howie Long. “You want to talk about a chip off the old block? This is a young man that plays absolutely lights-out football,” North Carolina head coach Butch Davis said. “Chris Long has to be one of the premier defensive linemen in the country.”
Virginia head coach Al Groh also had nothing but rave reviews on Long, stating, “It’s hard to imagine there being a better player at any position than Chris Long. A guy would have to be one of the Transformers to be better than Chris. When you’ve got one of the best players the school’s ever had and he’s only interested in helping the team win, it puts an exclamation point on what you’re trying to do.” Groh was amazed that Chris did not receive more Heisman Trophy consideration: “If they’re ever going to invite a defensive player to New York in December for the Heisman Trophy presentation, you’d have to think it was Chris Long.”
Long was well-known to college recruiters, especially after a stellar career at St. Anne’s-Belfield School, where competed on both lines for the state champion squad. The Super Prep and Prep Star All-American received a four-star prospect rating from Rivals.com, a service that rated him the sixth-best defensive end in the prep ranks. Tom Lemming ranked him eighth in the country at defensive end and College Football News placed him 11th at that position.
Long was a member of Rival.com’s Atlantic East Amazing-80 team and he was an honorable mention All-South choice by the Orlando Sentinel. He was named 2003 Gatorade Player of the Year in Virginia and rated as the second-best player in Virginia by the Charlottesville Daily Progress “Gold List,” third by the Roanoke Times and fourth by Super Prep and Rivals.com. He was also a three-time first-team All-State selection on offense and defense.
The Central Virginia Defensive Player of the Year by the Daily Progress as a senior, Long was a three-time first-team All-Central Virginia defensive lineman by the Charlottesville Daily Progress and earned first-team All-Central Virginia honors his senior season as an offensive lineman as well. He was selected Conference Defensive Player of the Year his final two seasons and was selected Student Sports Junior All-American in 2002.
Long registered 91 tackles (44 solos) as a senior to help lead his team to an undefeated season and the state championship, as he had 23 tackles for loss and 15 sacks that season. He also recorded 72 pancake blocks on offense. As a junior, he posted 85 tackles with 12 sacks and more than 20 tackles for loss. The three-time first-team All-Conference choice finished his career with 43 sacks and 66 tackles for loss. He also played basketball, lacrosse, and baseball during his high school career, winning the 2003 YMCA Slam Dunk Contest for high school students.
Long would hold the rare distinction of having his jersey retired at St. Anne’s Belfield School and also at the University of Virginia, where he played in six games during his freshman year in 2004. He posted five tackles with an 8-yard sack before being sidelined due to a bout of mononucleosis.
As a sophomore, Long took over right defensive end duties, starting all 12 games. He totaled 46 tackles (22 solos) with 1.5 sacks and had 7.5 stops for losses, along with 26 pressures and seven pass deflections in 752 plays. In 2006, he earned All-State honors, helping the team rank 17th in the nation, allowing just 289.5 yards per game in total offense. He collected 57 tackles (32 solos) with 4.5 sacks, adding 9.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage to go with 21 pressures in 715 defensive snaps.
As a senior, Long received countless postseason honors, including consensus first-team All-American and unanimous All-Atlantic Coast Conference first-team accolades. He ranked second on the team with 79 tackles (36 solos). The defensive captain tied for third in the nation with 14 sacks and was 14th nationally with 19 stops for losses. He had 23 pressures with an interception and nine pass deflections while blocking one kick and causing two fumbles.
In 43 games at Virginia, Long started 37 times. He recorded 187 tackles (93 solos) with 70 quarterback pressures, three forced fumbles, a 25-yard interception return and 17 pass deflections. He ranks tied for seventh in school history with 21 sacks for minus-171 yards and is sixth all-time in Virginia annals with 38 stops for losses totaling 211 yards. He also blocked one kick while participating in 2,432 defensive plays.
Analysis
Positives: Has long arms and large hands, with good upper body muscle tone, tight waist and hips and shows good lower body thickness…Uses his long reach well to keep blockers away from his body, also utilizing it, along with good timing and leaping ability to bat down a fair share of passes at the line of scrimmage…What sets him apart from most young defensive ends is his keen knowledge of the game and his uncanny ability to read block pressure and quickly locate the ball…Quick-twitch athlete who shows good quickness, agility and flexibility, showing good knee bend…Builds to top acceleration nicely in long pursuit and shows good redirection skills in his pass rush off the edge…Lacks an explosive burst, but has good leverage and reach to separate from blocks and close on the quarterback…Shows solid football instincts and is able to learn and retain information easily, showing the quick instincts to locate the ball through trash…Plays and practices hard and with a purpose, showing good effort and toughness throughout the play…Leads by example, as well as with his voice, as the coaches encourage the younger players to emulate his great work ethic…Can handle tough coaching and is harder on himself than the staff is when he fails to make a play or blows an assignment…Has active hands and feet, showing outstanding quickness off the ball and natural movement ability to close…Comes off the snap with good pad level, getting into the blocker quickly with a solid hand jolt to rock the opponent back on his heels (needs to do a better job of staying on the lead blocker to clog the rush lane, though)…Has very crisp plant-and-drive agility to make quick change of direction moves working down the line…One of his better assets is his lateral agility…Has a good feel for blocks and knows what to do to avoid in pursuit…Defends the run well, using his hands and extending at the point-of-attack, as he has the hand punch to quickly shed blockers and has developed into an efficient, physical, hip-roll tackler working in-line… When he extends his arms (and keeps them active), he plays with good leverage and can hold ground at the point of attack vs. the isolated blocker (struggles some vs. double-teams)…Has better leverage than strength to anchor, knowing how to use his lower body…Has enough size and strength to hold up at the point-of-attack and the flexibility to sit in the crease and hold his ground or get off blocks…When he keeps his hands inside the framework, he can keep separation from the blocker (exposes his chest when his hands get too wide)…Moves very well laterally and displays good effort in pursuit, as he has the knee bend to slip by blockers in-line…High energy type who had better success disengaging in 2007 than he did in the past, thanks to clearing his feet and chasing hard to run down plays in pursuit…Shows adequate flexibility to fight off cut blocks (needs to protect feet better still, but has improved), as he takes good angles when pursuing downfield…Physical tackler who can bend, roll his hips and drive through the ballcarrier…Might not generate explosive hits, but he has the strength to push the pocket…Makes a good effort to arm tackle…His above average lateral quickness is utilized well in his back-side pursuit…Does a good job when asked to wrap up and drag down the ballcarrier in space and he has the functional strength to generate inside pressure vs. offensive line-man’s outside shoulder…Shows good body lean coming off the snap and has developed a solid inside counter move to generate pressure…Has the upfield speed, along with swim and rip moves to go with the inside counter and bull rush (asset needed for a potential move to defensive tackle)…Uses flexibility and a good burst to collapse the pocket and displays the quick hands and feet, along with good hip-flex to turn the corner on edge rushes…Can keep separation vs. the run when he uses his hands to control, and when he takes dead aim on the quarterback he shows good intent to get there…With his leverage, he can beat the blocker in and out to close on the passer, as he demonstrates good hand placement and the ability to separate from blockers.
Negatives: Lacks suddenness off the snap to surprise a lethargic blocker…Best when taking angles to the quarterback, as he does not have the foot speed to take the wide loop in pursuit…Needs to be more active with his hands, especially when executing counter moves, as he struggles to shed when a blocker locks on to his jersey…Susceptible to the low block and needs to do a better job of slipping off double teams (must execute his spin move more)…Might be a better fit as a defensive tackle in a 4-3 alignment, so as not to expose his adequate closing burst…Does not use his reach or counter moves with consistency and can be engulfed by the larger blockers…Plays better on the move (can get stuck on the bigger blockers at the X’s).
Compares To: AARON KAMPMAN-Green Bay…Like Kampman, Long is not the fastest, nor is he the strongest defensive end you will find. He lacks the blazing speed you look for in an edge rusher and will struggle to shed blocks at times, but like the Packers standout, he has great field savvy, vision and determination. He knows when he needs to avoid blockers rather than try to overpower them, as he really doesn’t have that blow-up strength (good, not great) to dominate, anyway. What he does is take good angles in pursuit and display excellent lateral range working down the line. In a scheme that will let him press the outside shoulder of an offensive tackle, he will have good success. With his pad level and in-line instincts, he could also earn quality minutes as a defensive tackle in a 4-3 alignment, but is more ideally suited to play defensive end in a 3-4 formation.
Career Notes
Long’s 21 quarterback sacks tied Sean Scott (1984-87) for seventh on the school’s career-record list, topped by Chris Slade (40, 1989-92), Darryl Blackstock (27, 2002-04), Mike Frederick (26, 1991-94), Patrick Kerney (24, 1995-98), Stuart Anderson (23, 1978-81) and Duane Ashman (23, 1993-96)…His 14 sacks in 2007 tied Chris Slade (1991) for third on Virginia’s season-record list behind Slade’s 15 in 1992 and Patrick Kerney’s 15 in 1998…His 38 tackles behind the line of scrimmage placed him sixth on the school’s career-record chart, surpassed by Chris Slade (56, 1989-92), Mike Frederick (50, 1991-94), Darryl Blackstock (45, 2002-04), Stuart Anderson (42, 1978-81) and Jamie Sharper (41, 1993-96)…Long’s 19 stops for losses in 2007 rank fifth on Virginia’s season-record list behind Chris Slade (21 in 1991 and 20 in 1992), Mike Frederick (21 in 1993) and Patrick Kerney (21 in 1998).
2007 Season
Unanimous All-American and All-Atlantic Coast Conference first-team selection…Named ACC Defensive Player of the Year and recipient of the Ted Hendricks Award, given to the nation’s top defensive end…Finished tenth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, as he received one first-place vote…Was the Dudley Award winner as the top collegiate player in the state of Virginia…Named Richmond Touchdown Club Defensive Lineman of the Year…
Finalist for the Vince Lombardi Award, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Ronnie Lott Trophy…Had his jersey retired prior to his final home game…Two-time ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week…Named the coaches’ defensive player of the week in six contests…
Ranked tied for third in the nation with fourteen sacks for minus 122 yards, as the team captain started all thirteen games at right defensive end…Also ranked tied for 14th nationally with 19 stops for losses totaling 122 yards…Added 23 quarterback pressures while leading a team that ranked 213th in the nation in run defense (106.92 ypg), 16th in scoring defense (19.69 ppg) and 23rd in total defense (332.46 ypg)…Caused two fumbles, returned an interception 25 yards, blocked one kick and deflected nine passes…Saw action in 898 defensive plays.
2007 Game Analysis
2006 Season
The team captain earned second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors…He was also a first-team All-State choice by the Virginia Sports Information Directors and the Roanoke Times and a finalist for the Dudley Award, presented to top player in the state of Virginia…
Received three awards at the team’s annual awards banquet-Ned McDonald Award as UVa’s top defensive player, the Colonel F.C. McCue Award as team’s outstanding interior lineman and the Joe Palumbo Award honoring UVa player for self-sacrifice, dedication and enthusiasm…Started all twelve games at right defensive end, recording 57 tackles (32 solos) with 4.5 sacks for minus 29 yards, 9.5 stops for losses of 43 yards and 21 quarter-back pressures…Caused one fumble and deflected a pass while participating in 715 plays.
2006 Game Analysis
2005 Season
Moved into the starting lineup at right defensive end, participating in 752 plays…Posted 46 tackles (22 solos) with 1.5 sacks for minus 12 yards, 7.5 stops for losses of 27 yards and 26 quarterback pressures…Tied for the team lead with seven pass deflections.
2005 Game Analysis
2004 Season
Played in six games, missing five midseason games due to a bout with mononucleosis… Finished with five tackles (3 solos), a sack for an 8-yard loss and two stops for minus 9 yards…Made his first career tackle in the North Carolina game…Had another the next week vs. Akron before being sidelined for five games…Recorded his first tackle for loss in his return game vs. Miami…Made two tackles, including his first sack, in a road win over Georgia Tech.
Injury Report
2004: Sat out the Syracuse (9/25), Clemson (10/07), Florida State (10/16), Duke (10/23) and Maryland (11/06) games due to mononucleosis.
Agility Tests
Campus: 4.78 in the 40-yard dash…370-pound bench press…640-pound squat…374-pound power clean…32 1/2-inch arm length…10 1/8-inch hands…Right-handed…34/45 Wonderlic score.
High School
Attended St. Anne’s-Belfield (Charlottesville, Va.) School, playing football for head coach John Blake…Competed on both lines for the state champion squad…Super Prep and Prep Star All-American choice…Received a four-star prospect rating from Rivals.com., a service that rated him the sixth-best defensive end in the prep ranks…Tom Lemming ranked him eighth in the country at defensive end and College Football News placed him 11th at that position…Member of Rival.com’s Atlantic East Amazing-80 team…Honorable mention All-South choice by the Orlando Sentinel…Named 2003 Gatorade Player of the Year in Virginia and rated as the second-best player in Virginia by the Charlottesville Daily Progress “Gold List,” third by the Roanoke Times and fourth by Super Prep…Three-time first-team All-State selection on offense and defense…Central Virginia Defensive Player of the Year by the Daily Progress as a senior…Three-time first-team All-Central Virginia defensive lineman by the Charlottesville Daily Progress and earned first-team All-Central Virginia honors his senior season as an offensive lineman as well…Selected Conference Defensive Player of the Year his final two seasons and was selected Student Sports Junior All-American in 2002…Registered 91 tackles (44 solos) as a senior to help lead his team to an undefeated season and the state championship, as he had 23 tackles for loss and 15 sacks that season…Also recorded 72 pancake blocks on offense…As a junior, he posted 85 tackles with 12 sacks and more than 20 tackles for loss. The three-time first-team All-Conference choice finished his career with 43 sacks and 66 tackles for loss…Also played basketball, lacrosse and baseball during his high school career, winning the 2003 YMCA Slam Dunk Contest for high school students.
Personal
Sociology major…Son of Diane and Howie Long…Father was an All-American defensive end at Villanova and was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1981. He played in the NFL for thirteen seasons and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame following seven Pro Bowl appearances, two defensive player of the year awards and a Super Bowl ring…Born Christopher Howard Long on 3/28/85 in Santa Monica, California…Resides in Ivy, Virginia.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:40 pm
*Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
Name: *Vernon Gholston
College: Ohio State Number: 50
Height: 6-3 Weight: 266
Position: DE Pos2: OLB
Class/Draft Year: rJr/2008
40 Time: 4.65 40 Low: 4.50 40 High: 4.76
Projected Round: 1 Stock: High: Top 5 Low: 8-10
Rated number 2 out of 162 DE’s 5 / 2546 TOTAL
Combine Results
Pro Day Results
Combine Invite: Yes
Height: 6030
Weight: 266
40 Yrd Dash: 4.65
20 Yrd Dash: 2.65
10 Yrd Dash: 1.53 225 Lb. Bench Reps: 37
Vertical Jump: 35 1/2
Broad Jump: 10′05″
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.40
3-Cone Drill: 7.12
Dates: 03/07/08
Height: 6030
Weight: 266
40 Yrd Dash: 4.58
20 Yrd Dash: 2.63
10 Yrd Dash: 1.59 225 Lb. Bench Reps:
Vertical Jump: 42
Broad Jump:
20 Yrd Shuttle:
3-Cone Drill:
Before Combine: Hgt: 6037, Wgt: 258, 40YD: 4.56-4.67-4.76
Draft Scout Snapshot: 2008 Postseason update (04/04/08): Stock: Up. Went from a top ten pick to top five with an outstanding Combine: 4.65 40, 1.53 10 yd split, 37 reps, 35.5″ vertical, 10′5″ broad, 4.40 short shuttle, 7.12 three cone. Then he worked out again at his pro day, putting up a 4.58 40 and pumping 42 reps. Could be the first overall selection if the Dolphins like his upside as a 3-4 stand-up rusher.
2007: Finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award, given to the nation’s premier defensive end…All-Big Ten Conference first-team choice by the league’s coaches and media…Started twelve games at the “Leo” (rush end) position, coming off the bench vs. Purdue…Guided a unit that led the nation in total defense (233.0 ypg), scoring defense (12.77 ppg), pass defense (150.15 ypg) and finished third in rushing defense (82.85 ypg)…Gholston ranked tied for third in the nation, as he set ther school season-record with fourteen sacks for minus 111 yards…His 15.5 stops for losses of 113 yards led the team and ranked eighth in the conference…Also had one fumble recovery that he advanced 25 yards for a touchdown…Made just three plays vs. the pass, but on 35 running plays directed at him, the opposition was held to minus 41 yards (-1.17 ypc)…Four of his tackles came on third-down plays, adding two stops on goal-line plays…The opposition managed just four first downs in his territory, including three on the ground. 13 GP; 13 GS; 49 TT, 15 TFL, 8.5 SK, 1 INT, 2 PBU, 1 QBH; Second-team All-Big Ten in ‘06. 2 GP; 0 GS; 1 TT; Suffered a broken left hand in the ‘05 season opener, was not ready to return until mid October and was redshirted. Recruited as a linebacker, but was switched to defensive end.
Overview
Vernon Gholston is a remarkable talent, but he’s only just begun realizing his vast potential.
He never picked up a football until his sophomore year in high school and had just one season of defensive experience as a linebacker before being converted to defensive end when he arrived at Ohio State.
Blessed with incredible speed (clocked at 4.56 in the 40-yard dash), long limbs and superb strength, Gholston is the prototype pass rusher that professional teams look for — big, fast, strong and explosive. An avid performer in the weight room, he boasted the best bench press on the team at 455 pounds. He also put on an impressive performance for teammates, squatting 405 pounds 20 times.
How Gholston was lured into football will one day make a nice story, if he becomes the legendary pass rusher many personnel experts are predicting. Walking in the halls of Cass Technical High School, football coach Thomas Wilcher spotted the 14-year-old strapping youngster, who stood 6-3, 240 pounds at the time. He convinced the player to join the football team.
Gholston was too big to play in Detroit’s Police Athletic League and the elementary public schools did not offer an organized football program. From the first time he ever stepped on the field, the coaching staff knew they had a natural talent.
As a sophomore at Cass Tech, Gholston was first tried at linebacker, but he was overwhelmed by the plays he needed to know to play that position. One of the offensive coaches “stole” the youngster away from the defensive squad and had him play offensive guard as a sophomore. His junior campaign was limited by ankle sprains, which forced him to stay on the offensive line and scrap plans to also play linebacker.
By his senior season, he had already earned All-State honors as an offensive lineman and gained experience playing linebacker for the first time in his career. In just one season on defense, he was regarded as one of the best linebackers in the Midwest region. He would go on to record 75 tackles with six sacks in his final season, as Rivals.com rated him the 11th-best defensive end prospect in the nation and the 12th-best overall prospect in the state of Michigan.
Gholston enrolled at Ohio State, becoming the only player from Michigan on the squad. He turned down scholarship offers from Michigan, Michigan State and Iowa to join the Buckeyes. The coaching staff immediately began giving him a crash course in playing the “Leo” position, which incorporates dropping into pass coverage and rushing the passer from either side of the field.
He mentored under Mike Kudla his first year with the team, appearing in six games as a true freshman in 2004, but did not record a tackle. In 2005, a broken hand suffered in the second game vs. Texas earned Gholston a medical hardship. He had one tackle in that game and spent the rest of the year on the sideline.
Gholston used that time wisely in the weight room, bulking up from 238 to 264 pounds, as he took over “Leo” duties in 2006. He garnered All-Big Ten Conference second-team honors, as he ranked fourth in the league with 15 stops for losses of 86 yards and was fifth in the Big Ten with 8.5 sacks. He added a quarterback pressure with two pass breakups and an interception. He also finished sixth on the squad with 49 tackles (21 solo).
In 2007, Gholston earned All-American recognition and was a finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award, given to the nation’s top defensive end. He posted 37 tackles (25 solo) and was a terror in the backfield, ranking eighth in the nation with 15.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage and second nationally with 14 sacks. He also scooped up a fumble and returned it for a 25-yard touchdown.
In 34 games at Ohio State, Gholston started 25 times. He registered 87 tackles (47 solo) with 22.5 sacks for minus-184 yards and 30.5 stops for losses of 199 yards. He had two pass deflections and an eight-yard interception return, as he also recovered a fumble that he returned 25 yards for a touchdown.
Analysis
Positives: Has a well-built frame with a wide back, broad shoulders, V-shaped torso, large hands, long limbs, defined muscles throughout and thick thighs and calves…Excellent speed rusher who needs to be accounted for on every play and has good field presence, locating the ball quickly to fly to it and contain the run…Has the ability to consistently disrupt the backfield, as he has the speed to escape and the strength to overpower offensive tackles off the edge…Plays with the type of effort and emotion that makes a coach comfortable knowing that he will make plays all over the field…Has great flexibility and balance working down the line and changing direction…Has a low center of gravity and strong anchor, making it very rare to see him on the ground…When he is taken off of his feet, he is quick to recover and get back into the action…Has loose hips, good knee bend and balance in his running stride when chasing long distances…Has rare ability to run the field for a player his size and can be sudden in his initial movement…Shows the in-line range and low pad level to shoot the gaps, playing with leverage when competing at the point of attack…Shows the effort to impact the play even if he doesn’t make the tackle…Plays with a high motor and shows a natural feel for the game, as he continues to improve his ability to anticipate and jump the play…Self-starter with a great passion for the game and is a hard worker in the training room…While very confident in his ability, he is also a humble character with no off-field issues…Rare to see him talk trash and just goes about his business…Has a sudden first step to defeat an offensive tackle coming off the edge and the uncanny ability to anticipate the snap cadence and time his jumps…His low center of gravity lets him consistently shoot the gaps…Has that good blend of quickness and strength to hold ground at the point of attack…Has the quickness to penetrate when working inside and is very disruptive coming off the snap, as he is quick and active with his hand punch to rock the bigger blockers back on their heels…Could punch and shed blockers sooner but he can get upfield and collide with the ballcarrier with good pop on contact…Has the lower-body flexibility to drop his weight and leverage at the point, displaying the body control needed to split double teams…Generally uses his hands effectively to shed and separate, as he battles until the whistle…Can close in a hurry in the short area and takes good angles in pursuit to make plays outside the box…Has the speed to flatten and chase from the backside or the outside…Strong wrap-up tackler who can adjust in space and finish plays on his own…Consistently plays on his feet and is very quick coming off the edge, as he can turn the corner, showing the flexibility and counter moves (must be more consistent with the counter) to come under and also has the strength to bull rush or push the pocket…Is starting to develop a good feel for his pass-rush package (still needs to rely on those moves more) and knows how to keep his hands off and get free…Also capable of maintaining inside position when he sinks his pads…Has the second gear to close on the pocket and, while he gets most of his sacks off backside pursuit, he is also able to take an in-line gap to impact the backfield.
Negatives: Has loose hips to drop back in pass coverage, but when he gets too tall in his backpedal, he fails to get a clean turn coming out of his breaks…Instinctive player, but is still a relatively new to the game and needs more reps to help him gain experience, as he relies on his athletic ability…Has improved his technique, but can’t be considered a technician using his hands or displaying an array of pass rush moves…Must develop a better feel for blocking schemes, as he doesn’t always protect his body from cut blocks and is not yet consistent at splitting double teams…Can be fooled by misdirection and while he gives total effort, he sometimes can’t find the ball until it is past him.
Compares To: JOHN ABRAHAM-Atlanta…Both players rely on a perfect blend of strength and suddenness off the snap to wreak havoc in the backfield. Gholston has a relentless motor in pursuit. If he had more on-field experience, he could be an outstanding linebacker at the next level. However, with teams looking for hybrid Cover-2 pass rushers, he is perfectly capable of impacting the backfield coming off the edge or dropping back into the zone to cover vs. the pass. He is still a raw talent that gets by on his athletic ability, but in a few years, with patient coaching and more experience, he has the potential to change the game, much like Abraham, Dwight Freeney (Indianapolis) and Jason Taylor (Miami) have done playing in that role.
Career Notes
Gholston’s 22.5 quarterback sacks rank fifth in school history behind Mike Vrabel (36, 1993-96), Jason Simmons (27.5, 1990-93), Matt Finkes (25, 1993-96) and Eric Kumerow (25, 1984-87)…His 184 yards in losses on those 23 sacks are topped only by Mike Vrabel (minus-245 yards) and Jason Simmons (210)…His 8.5 sacks in 2006 tied Darrion Scott (2002) for 12th on OSU’s season-record list while his 14 sacks in 2007 broke the old school record of 13 by Mike Vrabel in 1995…Those 14 sacks resulted in losses of 111 yards, topping Vrabel’s previous school record of minus-101 yards in 1995…His four sacks vs. Wisconsin in 2007 tied the school record first set by Jason Simmons vs. Washington State in 1991 and matched by Bobby Carpenter vs. Michigan State in 2005…His 32 yards in losses on those four sacks vs. Wisconsin tied the OSU game-record that was first set by Byron Lee vs. Indiana in 1984…Gholston’s 15 stops behind the line of scrimmage in 2006 tied Matt Wilhelm (2000), Brent Johnson (2000), Na’il Diggs (1999) and Eric Kumerow (1987) for 14th on the school’s single-season record list, while his 15.5 stops for losses in 2007 rank 13th…His 113 lost yards on his 15.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage in 2007 rank second on the Buckeyes’ annual record list behind Mike Vrabel’s 133 yards in 1995…His career total of minus-199 yards on 30.5 stops behind the line rank fifth in school history, topped by Mike Vrabel (349 yards, 1993-96), Jason Simmons (308, 1990-93), Matt Finkes (265, 1993-96) and Eric Kumerow (211, 1984-87)…His four stops for losses vs. both Wisconsin and Michigan in 2007 rank fourth on the school game-record list behind Andy Katzenmoyer (5 vs. Arizona State in 1996), Jayson Gwinn (5 vs. Indiana in 1993) and Judah Herman (5 vs. Iowa in 1991).
2007 Season
All-American first-team selection by The NFL Draft Report, earning second-team honors from the Walter Camp Football Foundation and Associated Press…Finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award, given to the nation’s premier defensive end…All-Big Ten Conference first-team choice by the league’s coaches and media…Started 12 games at the “Leo” (rush end) position, coming off the bench vs. Purdue…Guided a unit that led the nation in total defense (233.0 yards per game), scoring defense (12.77 points per game), pass defense (150.15 yards per game) and finished third in rushing defense (82.85 yards per game)…Gholston ranked tied for third in the nation, as he set the school record with 14 sacks for minus-111 yards…His 15.5 stops for losses of 113 yards led the team and ranked eighth in the conference…Also had one fumble recovery that he advanced 25 yards for a touchdown…Made just three plays vs. the pass, but on 35 running plays directed at him, the opposition was held to minus-41 yards (minus-1.17 yards per carry)…Four of his tackles came on third-down plays, adding two stops on goal-line plays…The opposition managed just four first downs in his territory, including three on the ground.
2007 Game Analysis
2006 Season
Second-team All-Big Ten Conference selection by the league’s coaches and media…Took over “Leo” (rush end) duties, starting all 13 games…Recorded 49 tackles (21 solo) and ranked second on the team with 8.5 sacks for minus-73 yards…Finished second on the squad and fifth in the conference with 15 stops for losses totaling 86 yards…Batted away two passes and intercepted another for an eight-yard return…Helped the team rank fifth in the nation in scoring defense (12.77 points per game) and 12th in total defense (280.46 yards per game).
2006 Game Analysis
2005 Season
Saw brief action in the team’s first two games vs. Miami (Ohio) and Texas, recording a solo tackle vs. the Longhorns, but suffered a broken bone in his left hand and was granted a medical hardship.
2004 Season
Enrolled at Ohio State as a linebacker, but was shifted to defensive end in fall camp…Saw brief action in the Cincinnati, North Carolina State, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan State and Oklahoma State contests, but did not record any tackles.
Injury Report
2002: Limited to offensive line duties as a junior in high school, as he played most of the season with multiple ankle sprains.
2005: Suffered a broken bone in his left hand vs. Texas (9/09), missing the final 10 games.
Agility Tests
Campus: 4.56 in the 40-yard dash (wind-aided)…4.64 in the 40-yard dash (against the wind)…455-pound bench press…580-pound squat…Squats 405 pounds 20 times…33-inch vertical jump…33 1/8-inch arm length…10-inch hands.
High School
Attended Cass Technical (Detroit, Mich.) High School, playing football for head coach Thomas Wilcher…As a sophomore, Gholston was first tried at linebacker, but was later moved to offensive guard…Limited to offensive line duties as a junior, as he was hampered by a pair of ankle sprains…Earned All-State honors as an offensive lineman and also got to experience playing linebacker for the first time in his career as a senior…In just one season on defense, he was regarded as one of the best linebackers in the Midwest region….Recorded 75 tackles with six sacks in his final season, as Rivals.com rated him the 11th-best defensive end prospect in the nation and the 12th-best overall prospect in the state of Michigan.
Personal
Consumer Affairs major…Son of Cheryl Gholston…Born 6/05/86…Resides in Detroit, Michigan.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:42 pm
it’s slow, so in preparation for the ensuing debates over the next few days, these may come in handy(best scouting agency on the internet, and a reliable source of draft info), cut and paste as you wish………..and let the argumants begin……….
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:43 pm
okay, stop saying we got punked by Minn. on the trade for moss. that was an amazing trade! we gave up nothing for him. but one player wasn’t gonna give us a championship, we had mass coaching probs. and all sorts of dysfunction. we didn’t have what it took to make moss happy. he made an joke of himself and we got rid of him. it sucks, but it didn’t pan out. Minn. didn’t screw us over…
and i got to say it dude No. 17, pull your head from your bum. J. Long was signed yesterday, and why on earth would ryan be the pick? Jerry wrote the piece on Dmac cuz everyone keeps saying why he should be the pick. but he shouldn’t.
If for some reason Indy or SD had a high pick and dmac fell in front of them, they wouldn’t bite. why? cuz they’re set at RB and they don’t need him. they’d go for their needs. WE ARE SET AT RUNNING BACK! M. Bush is going to be amazing and with JF and DR behind him it’s going to be a phenomenal and dangerous combo. Dmac is not what we need, C. Long, Dorsey or more picks is what we need!
-WR
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:44 pm
*Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Name: *Darren McFadden
College: Arkansas Number: 5
Height: 6-1 Weight: 211
Position: RB Pos2: KR
Class/Draft Year: Jr/2008
40 Time: 4.33 40 Low: 4.27 40 High: 4.42
Projected Round: 1 Stock: High: Top 5 Low: 8-10
Rated number 1 out of 187 RB’s 3 / 2546 TOTAL
Combine Results
Pro Day Results
Combine Invite: Yes
Height: 6012
Weight: 211
40 Yrd Dash: 4.33
20 Yrd Dash: 2.53
10 Yrd Dash: 1.50 225 Lb. Bench Reps:
Vertical Jump: 33
Broad Jump: 10′08″
20 Yrd Shuttle:
3-Cone Drill:
Dates: 03/25/08
Height: 6012
Weight: 211
40 Yrd Dash:
20 Yrd Dash:
10 Yrd Dash: 225 Lb. Bench Reps: 13
Vertical Jump: 35 1/2
Broad Jump:
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.10
3-Cone Drill: 6.86
Before Combine: Hgt: 6020, Wgt: 210, 40YD: 4.36-4.42-4.49
Draft Scout Snapshot: 2008 Postseason update (04/04/08): Stock: Steady. Yes, he put up a great 4.33 40, 1.50 10 yd split, 10′8″ broad at 6′1.25″, 211 pounds. And at his pro day, he ran a 4.1 short shuttle and 6.86 three cone (but only 13 reps). But teams already knew about that speed, and still probably won’t pick him as high as he should go because of some off-field issues and a general belief that running backs are so exposed to injury that they are not worth the #1 contract money.
2007: Led the SEC and ranked fourth in the nation in rushing, averaging 140.77 yards per game…Set a school season-record with 1,830 yards and sixteen touchdowns on 325 carries (5.63 avg), breaking his old UA mark of 1,647 yards in 2006…Caught 21 passes for 164 yards (7.8 avg) and a score, as he also hit on 6-of-11 passes (54.5%) for 123 yards and four touchdowns…Returned sixteen kickoffs for 316 yards (19.8 avg), scored 102 points, made one solo tackle and also recovered a fumble… Led the conference and placed 12th nationally with 362 touches for a school and SEC season-record 2,310 all-purpose yards (177.69 ypg)…90 of his 325 carries produced first downs, as he converted 20-of-38 third-down runs and 2-of-3 fourth-down attempts… 107 of his 309 non-touchdown rushing attempts saw more than one defender being needed to take him down…Was tackled for a loss on 24 rushes and had 16 other carries stopped at the line of scrimmage…Produced 31 runs inside the red zone, including 23 on goal-line plays…Turned the ball over five times on fifteen fumbles…Had big runs that helped set up 30 touchdown drives and nine other series that ended with field goals…Ran for over 100 yards in ten contests. 14 GP; 14 GS; Rush: 284-1647-5.8-14; Pass: 9-7-77.8-69-3-1; Rec: 11-149-13.5-1; KR: 10-262-26.2-1; All-American RB/RS, 1st team All-SEC in ‘06. Missed time w/broken toe suffered in bar fight before just season began. 11 GP; 11 GS; Rush: 176-1113-6.3-11; Pass: 2-1-50.0-13-0-0; Rec: 14-52-3.7-0; KR: 12-348-29-0 in ‘05; most spectacular season by a Razorback freshman running back in school history.
Overview
Darren McFadden, a two-time Heisman runner-up, is regarded as one of the finest players in college football in recent years and one of the best to come out of the University of Arkansas.
The two-time Doak Walker Award winner shattered numerous school and Southeastern Conference records during his three seasons at Arkansas, establishing himself as one of the league’s elite all-time backs — Herschel Walker of Georgia, Bo Jackson of Auburn and Emmitt Smith of Florida.
McFadden was often utilized as the quarterback in the “Wildcat” formation, dominating defenses with his running and passing. He shared the backfield with another 1,000-yard rusher and first-team All-American kick returner Felix Jones, as the duo formed the most potent running back tandem in the nation, helping the Razorbacks average 286.54 yards per game on the ground in 2007.
In 38 games as a Razorback, McFadden rushed for over 100 yards 22 times. By winning the Doak Walker Award in both 2006 and ‘07, he became just the third Arkansas player to ever garner national award recognition in the 112 years of the program, joining Bud Brooks (1954 Outland Trophy) and Loyd Phillips (1966 Outland Trophy).
By gaining 1,113 yards rushing in 2005, 1,647 in ‘06 and a school-record 1,830 yards in ‘07, McFadden joined Georgia’s Herschel Walker (1980-82) as the only players in Southeastern Conference history to rush for over 1,000 yards as a freshman, sophomore and junior. He is also the second UA player to rush for 1,000 yards three times, joining Ben
Cowins (1976-78). McFadden is the first to do it in his first three seasons.
At Pulaski Oak Grove High School, McFadden became the only player from the state of Arkansas to be named to the Parade All-American team in 2004. The two-time All-State, All-Area and All-South choice was chosen the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s Offensive Player of the Year as a senior and was also selected to that newspaper’s All-Arkansas squad.
McFadden was ranked as the No. 23 prospect in the nation and the top prospect in Arkansas by Rivals.com. The organization also rated him as a five-star prospect and the third-best athlete in the country. Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report rated him as the eighth-best running back in the nation. He was ranked 21st on the Mobile Register’s Super Southeast 120 listing. He was also listed 21st in The Dallas Morning News Top 100. He was among the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 and participated in the 2005 Arkansas High School All-Star Game.
McFadden was tabbed as the Class 4A-Southeast Conference’s Outstanding Back, as he racked up 1,965 yards and 27 touchdowns on 184 carries as a senior. He averaged 10.7 yards per carry and scored three or more rushing touchdowns in six games during his final campaign. He made three receptions for 67 yards and one score. He completed 6-of-15 passes for 75 yards and two touchdowns as a quarterback. He also returned nine punts for 370 yards and three touchdowns.
As a junior, McFadden rushed for a school-record 2,027 yards and 19 touchdowns on 204 carries. He averaged 9.9 yards per attempt, leading his squad to an 8-4 record and second-place finish in the Class 5-AAA Conference. He hauled in nine passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns as a junior. He also earned 103 yards on 12 punt returns. In his sophomore campaign, he rushed for 859 yards and 13 touchdowns on 109 carries. He hauled in 12 receptions for 333 yards and five scores. He also returned 10 punts for 82 yards and 14 kickoffs for 372 yards.
McFadden totaled 4,871 yards rushing on 497 attempts in his prep career and averaged 9.8 yards per carry. In addition to football, he was a standout in baseball and track and field in high school. He was also recruited by a host of other schools including Tennessee, Alabama, Nebraska, Auburn and Iowa, but decided to enroll at Arkansas after attending Houston Nutt’s Football Camp as a junior.
McFadden’s arrival at Arkansas was met with much fanfare and he certainly did not disappoint, setting school freshman rushing records with 1,113 yards and 11 scores on 176 carries (6.3-yard average) in 2005. He caught 14 passes for 52 yards, returned 12 kickoffs for 348 yards (29-yard avg) and averaged 137.5 all-purpose yards per game.
He earned All-American honorable mention from Pro Football Weekly and first-team fresh-man All-American accolades from the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), College Football News, ESPN.com, Rivals.com, Scout.com and The Sporting News. He was also named the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year by the Associated Press and the league’s coaches.
As a sophomore, McFadden’s rushing yardage total of 1,647 on 284 attempts (5.8-yard average) was more than that of 54 of the 119 Division I-A teams (45.4%), while his 14 rushing touchdowns were better than 43 teams nationally (36.1%). The consensus All-American was the recipient of the Doak Walker Award and finished second in the voting for the Heisman Trophy. He also had 11 receptions for 149 yards (13.5-yard average) and a score while completing 7-of-9 passes (77.8%) for 69 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 26.2 yards with a score on ten kickoff returns and 147 all-purpose yards, scoring 98 points. He also rushed for over 100 yards eight times.
McFadden had an up-and-down junior campaign, but still garnered consensus All-American honors while again winning the Doak Walker Award and finishing second in the Heisman Trophy race. He gained over 100 yards rushing 10 times, as he broke his own school record with 1,830 yards and 16 touchdowns on 325 rushes (5.6-yard average). However, he did fumble the ball 15 times, with the opposition recovering five of them. He had 21 catches for 164 yards (7.8-yard average) and a score, hit on 6-of-11 throws (54.5%) for 123 yards and four touchdowns, scoring 102 points. He finished the season with 102 points scored and gained 2,310 all-purpose yards, an average of 177.69 yards per game.
In 38 games at Arkansas, McFadden carried 785 times for 4,590 yards (5.85-yard average) and 41 touchdowns. He grabbed 46 passes for 365 yards (7.9 avg) and two scores, as he also returned 38 kickoffs for 926 yards (24.4 avg) and a touchdown. He completed 14-of-22 passes (63.6%) for 205 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception while recording five solo tackles with a fumble recovery.
McFadden totaled 268 points with 44 overall touchdowns and amassed 5,881 all-purpose yards (154.76 yards per game). He ran for 100 or more yards in 22 games, but had 23 fumbles, losing nine.
Analysis
Positives: Has a solid, thick build with tapered thighs and calves, athletic physique with a tight waist and hips, low body fat and defined upper body…Has the quick feet and balance to pick his way through trash, doing a nice job of staying upright to power through the initial tackle…Has the pick-and-slide agility to make defenders miss, showing outstanding acceleration and flexibility when changing direction…He has that rare speed and explosive second gear to be very elusive getting through traffic, thanks to sharp lateral cuts…Plays with good toughness, lowering his head and driving hard with his legs after contact…Can bounce off tackles and gives good second effort when his initial move fails…Willing blocker who shows the ability to pick up blitzes and will chip defenders with good intent and purpose…Has the field vision and awareness to find the open crease and excels at anticipating cutback lanes…Looks natural with the ball in his hands, as he is a threat running, throwing or catching the ball, but did have ball-security issues as a junior…Understands blocking schemes but will out-run his protection at times…Highly respected by the staff and teammates, demonstrating a solid work ethic…Might not be able to always push the pile, but has the functional lower-body strength to stay up, bounce off and execute his lateral range with good quickness…Has that initial step needed to accelerate and get to top speed quickly and clear the holes…Gets a quick start, as seen in the way he demonstrates crisp cutting ability and is the type that doesn’t need to gear down when changing direction…When he shows patience running with the ball, he has the extra burst to get through trash…He gets off the snap smoothly, thanks to his suddenness coming out of his stance…Has natural running instincts, showing a very nice feel for the rush lanes, as he anticipates openings and has made marked improvement in using his vision to set up his blocks…His vision allows him to see threats well and play the hand that he is dealt (see 2007 Alabama, Kentucky, South Carolina and Louisiana State games)…Has the feet to sidestep trash and the body control to slide through holes, doing a nice job of bursting through tight seams…With his superb balance, he is very smooth when changing direction, showing a sudden burst out of his cuts…Lowers his head and squares his shoulders to compete for extra yards after contact…Has the speed to get outside, make the cut and turn it up the field, as he uses quick footsteps when running in-line…Maintains acceleration bursting past the line of scrimmage and is more than just a one-cut runner…His acceleration allows him to separate and his body controls allows him to maintain balance throughout his runs…Makes quick decisions, especially on the jump-cut…Has outstanding lateral range to slip off tackles in the open…Has the speed to get downfield in a hurry on pass routes and is fluid and quick getting into his patterns…Understands coverage and where he fits catching underneath throws…Does a good job of reaching and plucking the ball, especially on screens…Natural hands catcher who can snatch the ball outside his frame work…Will take on the blitz and has developed good cut-blocking skills…Will not hesitate to face up and stone the opponent blocking in-line…Very easy for him to change direction with his balance and plant-and-drive agility.
Negatives: Has very good field vision, but needs to show more patience waiting for his blocks to develop (will out-run his protection, at times)…Strong open-field runner, but needs to develop better ball security and protect the ball closer to his body, as fumble issues posed a big problem in 2007 (15 fumbles, five turnovers, see Chattanooga, Troy, Florida International and Louisiana State games)…Has good inside running skills, but must improve his lower-body strength…Will sometimes get upright in his stance, allowing defenders to clog the rush lanes (see 2007 Chattanooga, Auburn, Mississippi State and Louisiana State games)…Protects the ball well in traffic, but most of his turnovers come on improper ball distribution in the open…Also has a high amount of fumbles fielding the kickoff, as he tends to run before securing the ball…Was hurt in an off-field fight in July, 2006, undergoing surgery to repair a left toe fracture…Has natural hands as a receiver, but needs to improve extending for the pass away from his frame…Sometimes drifts in his routes and needs to show better cutting ability on his breaks.
Compares To: MARSHALL FAULK-ex-St. Louis…McFadden is a stronger runner than Faulk, but both are blessed with exception vision, using pitter-patter feet to get through trash and the “home run” acceleration to separate from defenders past the line of scrimmage. He is an efficient receiver out of the backfield, running precise routes and could even be split wide. He has the arm strength to throw the option pass and can also earn playing time as a kickoff returner, but needs to work on ball-security issues after he had 15 fumbles in 2007, many of them on special teams. He is certainly the best athlete eligible for the 2008 draft and has an array of weapons that will make any offensive coordinator drool. In an imaginative offense, he could be a regular participant in the Pro Bowl.
Career Notes
McFadden’s 785 rushing attempts set a school record, topping the previous mark of 635 by Ben Cowins (1975-78)…Only Herschel Walker of Georgia (994, 1980-82), Dalton Hilliard of Louisiana State (882, 1982-85), Errict Rhett of Florida (873, 1990-93), Kevin Faulk of Louisiana State (856, 1995-98) and Charles Alexander of Louisiana State (855, 1975-78) had more carries than McFadden in Southeastern Conference history…His 325 runs in 2007 set the school’s single-season record, topping the old mark of 307 by Madre Hill in 1995…McFadden’s 4,590 yards rushing shattered Ben Cowins’ (1975-78) previous school all-time record of 3,570 yards and rank second in conference annals behind Herschel Walker of Georgia (5,259 in 33 games, 1980-82)…His average of 120.79 yards per game rushing placed him third on the SEC’s career-record list behind Walker (159.36 yards per game) and Emmitt Smith of Florida (126.71 ypg, 1987-89)…His 1,830 yards in 2007 and 1,647 yards in 2006 both broke the previous Arkansas season record of 1,387 yards by Madre Hill in 1995… His 2007 total of 1,830 yards on the ground are surpassed only by Walker’s 1,891 yards (1981) on the SEC single-season list…Ran for 41 touchdowns during his career, second in school history behind Bill Burnett’s 46 scoring runs (1968-70)…Joined Herschel Walker (49, 1980-82), Kevin Faulk (46, 1995-98), Carnell Williams of Auburn (45, 2001-04), Dalton Hilliard (44, 1982-85), Bo Jackson of Auburn (43, 1982-85), Shaun Alexander of Alabama (41, 1996-99) and Charles Alexander (40, 1975-78) as the only players in SEC history to run for 40 or more touchdowns in a career…His 16 touchdown runs in 2007 tied Bobby Burnett (1965) for third on the school’s single-season list, topped only by Bill Burnett (19 in 1969) and James Rouse (17 in 1987)…His 14 rushing touchdowns tied for seventh on the Arkansas annual record list…McFadden’s four touchdowns rushing vs. Florida International in 2007 were the most by an Arkansas player in a game since Madre Hill scored six times vs. South Carolina in 1995…His 22 100-yard rushing performances broke the previous school record of 16 by Ben Cowins (1975-78)…McFadden’s 5,881 all-purpose yards shattered the old school all-time record of 4,535 yards by Gary Anderson (1979-82) and rank second in Southeastern Conference history behind Kevin Faulk of Louisiana State (6,883 yards, 1995-98)…His 2,310 all-purpose yards in 2007 broke his own school season-record of 2,058 in 2006 (previous record before 2006 was 1,604 yards by Dickey Morton in 1973)…His 2007 total of 2,310 all-purpose yards surpassed the old conference record of 2,120 yards by Domanick Davis of Louisiana State in 2002…His 355 all-purpose yards vs. South Carolina in 2007 set a school record, breaking his own previous mark of 315 yards vs. South Carolina in 2006 (record before his 2006 performance was 293 yards by Harry Jones vs. Oklahoma State in 1965)…Both McFadden and Felix Jones combined for 487 yards rushing in the 2007 South Carolina clash, breaking the old NCAA record of 476 yards by Kansas’ Tony Sands (396) and Chip Hilleary (80) vs. Missouri in 1991…His 355 all-purpose yards vs. South Carolina in 2007 rank fourth on the SEC’s list behind Moe Williams of Kentucky (429 vs. South Carolina in 1995), Kevin Faulk of Louisiana State (376 vs. Houston in 1996) and Rafael Little of Kentucky (372 vs. Vanderbilt in 2005)…McFadden’s 321 yards rushing vs. South Carolina in 2007 topped the old school record of 271 by Dickey Morton vs. Baylor in 1973 and tied the conference mark that was first set by Frank Mordica of Vanderbilt vs. Air Force in 1978…He is the first sophomore to win the Doak Walker Award (nation’s top running back) and, by winning in 2006 and in ‘07, he joined Ricky Williams of Texas (1997-98) as the only player to win that honor twice… Was the first player to twice finish second in the voting for the Heisman Trophy (2006-07)…McFadden (1,647 yards in 2006 and 1,830 in 2007) and Felix Jones (1,168 in 2006 and 1,162 in ‘07) became the first teammates in SEC history to run for over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons and the third tandem to accomplish that feat in one campaign, joining Auburn’s James Brooks and Joe Cribbs (1979), and Tennessee’s Gerald Riggs Jr. and Cedric Houston (2004)…The only other NCAA tandem to have back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons was Minnesota’s Marion Barber III and Laurence Maroney (2003-04).
2007 Season
Consensus All-American and unanimous All-Southeastern Conference first-team choice…Finished second in the voting for the Heisman Trophy and won the Doak Walker Award (nation’s top running back) for the second straight year…Earned National Player of the Year honors from the Walter Camp Foundation and The Sporting News…Chosen SEC Offensive Player of the Year by the league’s coaches…His 80-yard touchdown run vs. South Carolina was a finalist for ESPN’s Play of the Year…Finalist for the Maxwell Award…Named Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week (South Carolina), AT&T National Player of the Week (South Carolina), SEC Offensive Player of the Week (South Carolina and Louisiana State) and Hogwired.com Offensive Player of the Week (Alabama, South Carolina and LSU)…Led the SEC and ranked fourth in the nation in rushing, averaging 140.77 yards per game…Set a school record with 1,830 yards and 16 touchdowns on 325 carries (5.63-yard average), breaking his old UA mark of 1,647 yards in 2006…Caught 21 passes for 164 yards (7.8 avg) and a score, as he also hit on 6-of-11 passes (54.5%) for 123 yards and four touchdowns…Returned 16 kickoffs for 316 yards (19.8 avg), scored 102 points, made one solo tackle and also recovered a fumble… Led the conference and placed 12th nationally with 362 touches for a school and SEC single-season record 2,310 all-purpose yards (177.69 ypg)…90 of his 325 carries produced first downs, as he converted 20-of-38 third-down runs and 2-of-3 fourth-down attempts…On 107 of his 309 non-touchdown rushing attempts, more than one defender was needed to take down McFadden…Was tackled for a loss on 24 rushes and had 16 other carries stopped at the line of scrimmage…Produced 31 runs inside the red zone, including 23 on goal-line plays…Turned the ball over five times on 15 fumbles…Had big runs that helped set up 30 touchdown drives and nine other series that ended with field goals…Ran for over 100 yards in 10 games…His five consecutive 100-yard rushing efforts to start the season tied the school record that was first set by Jerry Eckwood in 1975.
2007 Game Analysis
2006 Season
Earned All-American first-team honors as an all-purpose runner from The NFL Draft Report and the American Football Coaches Association…Also garnered first-team national honors from CBS SportsLine, Associated Press, Pro Football Weekly, Scout.com and Rivals.com…All-Southeastern Conference first-team choice and named SEC Offensive Player of the Year by the league’s coaches and Associated Press…Winner of the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s top running back and finished second in the voting for the Heisman Trophy…Finalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award and was named Little Rock Touchdown Club National Player of the Year, SEC Player of the Year and SEC Offensive Player of the Year…Chosen USA Today National Player of the Week vs. Auburn and Tennessee…Named Cingular All-American Player of the Week vs. South Carolina and Tennessee…Named The Sporting News radio college football Player of the Week vs. Tennessee and SEC Co-Offensive Player of the Week vs. Louisiana State…Earned Hogwired.com Offensive Player of the Week vs. Utah State, Auburn, South Carolina, Mississippi State and Louisiana State…Started all 14 games, lining up at tailback in 12 contests and at flanker vs. Troy and Florida…Led the SEC and ranked 10th in the nation in rushing, averaging 117.64 yards per game…Finished third in the league with an average of seven points scored per game and paced the conference while ranking sixth nationally with an average of 147.0 all-purpose yards per game…Set a then-school record (McFadden re-wrote the record in 2007) with 1,647 yards on 284 carries (5.8-yard average) with 14 touchdowns…Caught 11 passes for 149 yards (13.5 avg) and a score, adding 262 yards and a touchdown on 10 kickoff returns (26.2 avg)…Scored 98 points and recorded three solo tackles…Set a single-season record with 2,058 all-purpose yards, the sixth-best season total in SEC annals…Ran for over 100 yards in eight contests…Turned the ball over twice on four fumbles…Became just the third player in school history to rush for over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons.
2006 Game Analysis
2005 Season
Honorable mention All-American by Pro Football Weekly…Earned first-team freshman All-American honors from The NFL Draft Report, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), College Football News, ESPN.com, Rivals.com, Scout.com and The Sporting News….Named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year by the Associated Press, the league’s coaches and College Football News.com…Consensus All-SEC first-team choice…Named by ESPN.com as the SEC’s Newcomer of the Year…Voted UA’s MVP by the Little Rock Touchdown Club…Won the SEC Freshman of the Week award twice and the Rivals.com National Freshman of the Week once…Named the Hogwired.com Offensive Player of the Week six times on the season…Became just the seventh freshman in league history to eclipse the 1,000-yard rushing mark in his first season, joining Herschel Walker (Georgia), Emmitt Smith (Florida), Reggie Cobb (Tennessee), Chuck Webb (Tennessee), Jamal Lewis (Tennessee) and Justin Vincent (Louisiana State)…His 1,113 yards on 176 carries (6.3-yard average) with 11 touchdowns was the sixth-best freshman rushing total in SEC history…Ranked fourth in the conference with an average of 101.18 yards per game on the ground…Caught 14 passes for 52 yards (3.7-yard average) and completed 1-of-2 throws for 13 yards…Returned 12 kickoffs for 348 yards (29.0 avg) and recorded one solo tackle… Ranked second in the SEC with an average of 137.55 all-purpose yards per game…Ran for over 100 yards vs. Louisiana-Monroe, Auburn, Georgia, South Carolina and Mississippi State…Turned the ball over twice on four fumbles.
2005 Game Analysis
Injury Report
2006: Suffered a dislocated left toe that required surgery on July 30 to have a pin inserted. He received the injury as an outcome from a fight he was involved in outside a Little Rock, Arkansas, night club. A day after having a pin removed from the big toe on his left foot, the sophomore said the pain is worse than he expected. “I’m always going to say that I can (play), but realistically I don’t know,” McFadden said. Before the pin was removed, McFadden had tried to stay positive about the possibility of him playing against USC on national TV. But he admits it has only been a few days since the severity of his toe injury started to “sink in.”…Played vs. Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl (1/01/07) with a left ankle and Achilles tendon sprain.
2007: Left the Alabama game (9/15) in the fourth quarter after he suffered a slight concussion…Played throughout the Kentucky clash (9/22) while battling with a stomach virus…Suffered rib and chest bruises on his final carry in the Chattanooga game (10/22). A CT scan after the game revealed only bruises and no rib fractures.
Agility Tests
Campus: 4.41 in the 40-yard dash…330-pound bench press…325-pound power clean…33-inch vertical jump…10′0″ broad jump…32 1/4-inch arm length…9 3/8-inch hands.
High School
Attended Pulaski Oak Grove (Little Rock, Ark.) High School, playing football for head coach John Mayes…Became the only player from the state of Arkansas to be named to the Parade All-American team in 2004…Two-time All-State, All-Area and All-South choice…Was named the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s Offensive Player of the Year as a senior and was selected to that newspaper’s All-Arkansas squad…Ranked as the No. 23 prospect in the nation and the top prospect in Arkansas by Rivals.com (Rivals also rated him as a five-star prospect and the third-best athlete in the country)…Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report rated him as the eighth-best running back in the nation…Ranked 21st on the Mobile Register’s Super Southeast 120 listing…Listed 21st in The Dallas Morning News Top 100…Among the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 and participated in the 2005 Arkansas High School All-Star Game…Tabbed as the Class 4A-Southeast Conference’s Outstanding Back, as he racked up 1,965 yards and 27 touchdowns on 184 carries as a senior…Averaged 10.7 yards per carry and scored three or more rushing touchdowns in six games during his final campaign…Also made three receptions for 67 yards and one score, completed 6-of-15 passes for 75 yards and two touchdowns as a quarterback and returned nine punts for 370 yards and three touchdowns…As a junior, he rushed for a school-record 2,027 yards and 19 touchdowns on 204 carries…Averaged 9.9 yards per attempt, leading his squad to an 8-4 record and second-place finish in the Class 5-AAA Conference…Hauled in nine passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns as a junior and also earned 103 yards on 12 punt returns…In his sophomore campaign, he rushed for 859 yards and 13 touchdowns on 109 carries…Hauled in 12 receptions for 333 yards and five scores, returned 10 punts for 82 yards and 14 kickoffs for 372 yards…Totaled 4,871 yards rushing on 497 attempts in his prep career and averaged 9.8 yards per carry…In addition to football, he was a standout in baseball and track and field.
Personal
Kinesiology major, with an emphasis on teaching, and is enrolled in the College of Education and Health Professions…Named to the Lon Farrell Academic Honor Roll for Fall 2006 and was also named a Hard Working Hog for the 2005-06 academic year…Attended Houston Nutt’s Football Camp during his high school days…Son of Mini Muhammad and Graylon McFadden…Born 8/27/87…Resides in Little Rock, Arkansas.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:44 pm
I want to see book ends with Burgess and Long…draft Chris Long…
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Tommy-T
So your thoughts are both these guys overrated,Golston played behind Jay-rich. and not sure about Chris L think more poeple want him cause he is Howie’s son
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:52 pm
c long isnt over rated
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:57 pm
I hope that we can sign Nnamdi soon to a long term deal..draft Chris Long.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:58 pm
they’re both great players, i think long’s ability is overrated because of his dad, he has potential to be that good but people expect him to be as good as his dad from day 1, he has near flawless technique, one of the most polished players at any position to ever come out of high school, he’s a good athlete but not a great one, and because there’s only so much more a coach can teach him and his intangibles are already what you’re looking for, he’s coachable but frankly doesn’t need it, he is guarranteed to be a good starter, a great locker room guy, and a leader for your team, his improvement will be based on how much more athletic he can become, gholston is different, he is a physical freak, he could be the next lawrence taylor, he really could, he is simply a freak, with full effort, and noone is questioning his ability to give ful effort but merely his consistency, he could beat just about any offensive lineman in the NFL to the QB and is one of the most underrated run stoppers(he is great against the run) in the draft, the problem? he has only played DE for a few years, his pass rush move are underdeveloped and needs do refine his technique, properly coached he could be the best DE in the NFL, of course his dominance in college despite his deficiencies in technique and disinterest against inferior opponents(he destroyed “superior” competition) suggest nearly unlimited ability as a pro………..the gholston v. long argument comes down to whether you want the player with the lowest floor or the highest ceiling, the safest pick or the highest potential………….of course that’s assuming you want a DE……..
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:59 pm
*,,,,,ever come out of college…..
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Good post Tommy, 146.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Tommy-T I still stick by post 135,your thoughts as well,this whole think is a crap shoot,just dont want another 5 yrs of the last 5
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:05 pm
now, with everyone’s scouting report, people can make or dispute arguments using exact facts and analysis other then our own, since people are reluctant to trust that anyone here may know something they don’t, now there’s no excuse not to know at least the baics of these guys before formulating arguments……and i don’t want to hear “you should have posted the link”, i C/Ped it so everyone here can use them without the link getting lost in the clutter…….hope these help
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:09 pm
hell, here’s dorsey and ellis as well…..
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Name: Glenn Dorsey (+) Coming off injuries
College: LSU Number: 72
Height: 6-2 Weight: 297
Position: DT Pos2:
Class/Draft Year: Sr/2008
40 Time: 5.12 40 Low: 5.04 40 High: 5.24
Projected Round: 1 Stock: High: Top 3 Low: 6-10
Rated number 1 out of 149 DT’s 2 / 2546 TOTAL
Combine Results
Pro Day Results
Combine Invite: Yes
Height: 6014
Weight: 297
40 Yrd Dash:
20 Yrd Dash:
10 Yrd Dash: 225 Lb. Bench Reps:
Vertical Jump:
Broad Jump:
20 Yrd Shuttle:
3-Cone Drill:
No Combine workout/choice
Dates: 03/26/08
Height: 6014
Weight: 297
40 Yrd Dash: 5.12
20 Yrd Dash: 2.98
10 Yrd Dash: 1.74 225 Lb. Bench Reps: 27
Vertical Jump: 25 1/2
Broad Jump: 08′04″
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.80
3-Cone Drill: 7.52
Before Combine: Hgt: 6015, Wgt: 316, 40YD: 4.98-5.09-5.24
Draft Scout Snapshot: DS Rating on 08/12/07: #1 DT, #1/750 Overall, Projected: 1
2008 Postseason update (04/04/08): Stock: Steady. Took a bit of a fall after not working out at the Combine. The reason he states is that he was not prepared after his grandmother passed on earlier in the week, but reports about a fracture in his right leg (suffered during a 2006 game) dogged him. That is, until his pro day when doctors gave him a clean bill of health. He didn’t put up great test results at the pro day (5.14 40, 7.63 three cone, 27 reps) but the health issue was all teams really needed to hear about.
2007: Started 13-of-14 games, lining up at left tackle mostly, but also started at right tackle vs. Kentucky, Auburn, Alabama, Louisiana Tech and Arkansas…Battled early in the season with a sore hamstring suffered in fall camp…Suffered a right knee sprain as the result of an illegal chop block in the Auburn clash that would see him be limited in practices throughout the final six games of the season and had to wear a huge brace for several contests as a result…Also missed most of the Mississippi clash with a sore back…Still managed to record 69 tackles (39 solos), with a career-high seven sacks for minus 45 yards and 12.5 stops for losses of 53 yards…Credited with four quarterback pressures, a forced fumble and three pass deflections…Led a unit that ranked 12th in the nation in run defense (106.07 ypg), 17th in scoring defense (19.93 ppg) and third in total defense (288.79 ypg), as the Tigers marched to the national championship. 13 GP; 13 GS; 64 TT, 8.5 TFL, 3 SK, 1 QBH; All-American, 1st team All-SEC in ‘06. 13 GP; 1 GS; 28 TT, 4 TFL, 3 SK, 1 QBH in ‘05. 12 GP; 3 GS; 18 TT, 2 TFL, 1 PBU, 1 QBH; Made an immediate impact in ‘04 for the Tigers, Played in all 12 games with three starts.
Overview
The most decorated player in the history of the school, Dorsey continued a recent tradition of Tigers defensive linemen earning first-team All-American honors, as at least one LSU player has received that honor since the 2000 season. The defensive tackle’s mantelpiece was certainly filled to capacity after the 2007 season, as the consensus All-American and Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year earned several prestigious awards.
Despite constant double- and triple-team coverage, along with late season knee and back problems, Dorsey continued to dominate. He extended his string of at least one tackle made in his last 30 games, and walked away with the 2007 Nagurski Award, Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy and Lott Award, becoming the first player in school history to earn any of those postseason honors.
Dorsey attended East Ascension High School, where he was rated among the nation’s top defensive linemen and one of the top three prospects in Louisiana. He was named a Parade All-American and rated the second-best prospect in Louisiana by Rivals.com. The Fox Sports Network South’s Countdown to Signing Day “All-South” first-team choice was also a member of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100, Baton Rouge Advocate Super Dozen and New Orleans Times-Picayune’s Top 20 Blue-Chip lists.
The senior defensive lineman was also named Louisiana’s Class 4A Defensive Player of the Year and was a first-team Class 4A All-State pick. Despite being sidelined for three games with an ankle injury, Dorsey registered 43 tackles (16 for losses), two sacks and a forced fumble as a senior. He had a stellar junior year, making more than 100 tackles (12 for losses) and a dozen sacks.
Dorsey enrolled at Louisiana State in 2004, appearing in 11 games, starting three times at left defensive tackle. He posted 18 tackles (6 solos) with two stops for losses and also recovered a fumble. He was listed second on the depth chart behind Claude Wroten at left tackle in 2005, starting vs. North Texas. He finished that campaign with 28 tackles (16 solos), three sacks and four stops behind the line of scrimmage.
Dorsey took over the middle of the field for the Tigers, earning first-team All-American and All-Southeastern Conference honors in 2006. He started all 13 games, lining up at left tackle for four contests and had nine other starts on the right side. He totaled 64 tackles (22 solos) with three sacks and 8.5 stops for losses.
The junior seriously considered entering the 2007 NFL Draft, but decided to return to the university for his senior year, citing “unfinished business.”
Even with the injuries in 2007, which began in fall camp with a sore hamstring, Dorsey was a battler throughout his final season. He ranked third on the team with 69 tackles (39 solos) and finished second on the squad with seven sacks and 12.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He also caused a fumble and deflected three passes.
In 51 games at Louisiana State, Dorsey started 30 times (21 at left tackle, nine at right tackle). He collected 179 tackles (83 solos) with 13.0 sacks for minus 93 yards, 27 stops for losses of 123 yards and seven quarterback pressures. He caused and recovered a fumble and also deflected four passes.
Analysis
Positives: Has a thick upper body build that might lack ideal muscle tone, but he does compensate with good initial explosion and raw, natural power…When he stays low in his pads and keeps his hands inside the framework, he generates a good surge off the snap and into the blocker, doing a stellar job of clogging the rush lanes and collapsing the pocket…Shows good ability to redirect and make tackles in the backfield and has the initial burst that allows him to make plays to the outside…Shows good feet and body control working in space and plays with a high motor…Understands blocking schemes and has no trouble retaining plays, picking things up quickly…Has long, functionally strong arms and large hands to grab and drag the ball carriers down…Plays through pain, evident in 2006 when he competed with a stress fracture in his leg, and in 2007 when he refused to sit out any games despite a knee injury and a sore back…Always seems to be in the right position to make the play, showing a good flow to the ball in the short area (lacks timed speed to give chase in long pursuit)…Has a great work ethic and takes well to hard coaching…Good team leader who works hard in the training room…Has the change of direction agility to make plays moving down the line…His acceleration is evident with his short burst and he displays very good stamina (rare to see him run out of gas)…Has a good concept for taking pursuit angles, showing quickness and explosiveness off the snap…Has the ability to create a new line of scrimmage with his initial step and is quick to gain advantage and shoot the gaps…Displays very quick hands and feet coming out of his stance, plus the body control to recover when he out-runs the play…Has become a physically dominant player who demands double-teams, as he does a good job in using his strength and explosiveness to close gaps and play with good leverage…Doesn’t give up much ground to double-teams and creates good separation with his long arms…Reacts well to block pressure and locates the ball quickly…Strong inside run defender who consistently keeps his motor running, as he can make plays up and down the line of scrimmage (just lacks long speed on the chase)…Does a nice job of using his quickness and change-of-direction to spin out…Rarely gives up ground vs. double teams (usually only when he gets too high in his stance and leaves his chest exposed)…Has the brute strength in his hands to neutralize…Splits and redirects with leverage, flashing good strength to penetrate…Does an outstanding job of making plays outside the box and down field, as he uses his long arms effectively to create separation…Will chase and make plays in short pursuit, showing aggressiveness and urgency working down the line…Has the power to make explosive tackles and generates good pressure through a combo pass block, destroying fullbacks who get in his path…Possesses good club and rip moves, as well as a good bull rush… Has the ability to create separation from his opponent with an initial strike…Shows a quick burst to close on the quarterback or halfback from inside the box…Separates in the open with good surge and has very good hand technique to control blocks and disengage.
Negatives: Has a thick frame and while not sloppy, he does lack solid muscle tone, but does compensate with outstanding initial quickness and lower body strength…While he explodes off the snap, he has just marginal speed to make plays in long pursuit (best when shooting the inside gaps rather than try to make plays on the outside)…Has a strong lower body, but he needs to improve his base (gets narrow in his stance), as blockers have had success getting underneath his pads to lock on and wash him out of the play (see 2007 Tulane, Kentucky and Tennessee, and 2006 Tulane and Mississippi State games)…Must do a better job of planting his foot and anchoring vs. double teams (has good hand placement, but needs to counter better at times)…Best when taking angles or shooting gaps (gets too caught up in the battle when taking on isolated blockers at the point of attack)…Lack of ideal size might limit him to one-gap schemes…Generates good penetration, but for some reason, he fails to seal the deal on the quarterback (has only seven pressures in 51 games)…Does not display an array of pass rush moves, but shows good burst on the bull rush…Good complimentary type, but by declining postseason all-star invites it leaves one to wonder if he can dominate at the next level or is a player who was covered up by the LSU gang-tackling scheme (Tiger defensive linemen in the past have not lived up to their college billing in the NFL).
Compares To: WARREN SAPP-Oakland…While both have made a nice living off their explosive initial step, Dorsey does not have the same game-changing ability Sapp displayed during the prime of his career. Let’s face it, Dorsey is a good sanitation man (takes out the trash by handling multiple blockers, thus freeing a teammate up to make the play), but if statistics tell the true story, he had just 13 sacks, 27 stops for losses and seven quarterback pressures in 51 collegiate games. While we will follow the party line that he could develop into another Sapp, he also could be a clone of a former LSU Tiger, Anthony McFarland.
Career Notes
First player in school history to win the Nagurski Award, Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy and Lott Award, accomplishing that feat all in one season (2007)…Continued the school tradition of at least one defensive lineman earning first-team All-American honors since the 2000 season…Ranks 11th in school history with 27 tackles behind the line of scrimmage…His seven sacks in 2007 rank 10th on the school’s season-record list.
2007 Season
Earned All-American first-team honors from The NFL Draft Report, Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, Walter Camp Foundation, ESPN, The Sporting News, CBSSports.com, SI.com and Rivals.com…Recipient of the Nagurski Award, Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy and Lott Award, and was a finalist for the Bednarik Award…All-Southeastern Conference first-team choice and named SEC Defensive Player of the Year by the league’s coaches…Earned SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors vs. South Carolina and Defensive Player of the Week accolades vs. Alabama…Started 13-of-14 games, lining up at left tackle mostly, but also started at right tackle vs. Kentucky, Auburn, Alabama, Louisiana Tech and Arkansas…Battled early in the season with a sore hamstring suffered in fall camp…Suffered a right knee sprain as the result of an illegal chop block in the Auburn clash that would see him be limited in practices throughout the final six games of the season and had to wear a huge brace for several contests as a result…Also missed most of the Mississippi clash with a sore back…Still managed to record 69 tackles (39 solos), with a career-high seven sacks for minus 45 yards and 12.5 stops for losses of 53 yards…Credited with four quarterback pressures, a forced fumble and three pass deflections…Led a unit that ranked 12th in the nation in run defense (106.07 ypg), 17th in scoring defense (19.93 ppg) and third in total defense (288.79 ypg), as the Tigers marched to the national championship.
2007 Game Analysis
2006 Season
Earned first-team All-American recognition from The NFL Draft Report, Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, Sports Illustrated and CBSSportsline.com…All-SEC first-team choice by the league’s coaches and Associated Press…Named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week vs. Arizona and Auburn…Started all thirteen games, lining up at left tackle vs. Louisiana-Lafayette, Arizona, Tulane and Mississippi State while playing right tackle the rest of the year…Finished with 64 tackles (22 solos), three sacks for minus 25 yards, 8.5 stops for losses of 42 yards and one pressure…Part of a squad that ranked third in the nation in total defense (242.77 ypg) and fourth in scoring defense (12.62 ppg).
2006 Game Analysis
2005 Season
Spent the season second on the depth chart behind Claude Wroten at left defensive tackle, starting the North Texas clash…Registered 28 tackles (16 solos) with three sacks for minus 23 yards, four stops for losses of 24 yards and a quarterback pressure.
2005 Game Analysis
2004 Season
Appeared in eleven games, starting vs. Mississippi State, Georgia and Florida at left defensive tackle…Recorded 18 tackles (6 solos) with two stops for losses of 4 yards and a pressure…Recovered a fumble and deflected a pass.
2004 Game Analysis
Injury Report
2003: Sat out three games as a senior in high school with an ankle sprain.
2006: Played most of the season with a stress fracture in his right leg, as he was forced to receive a painkiller injection prior to each game. Also had to wear a bone stimulator 18 hours per day until he was cleared to practice in 2007 spring drills.
2007: Limited in fall camp with a sore hamstring…Suffered a right knee sprain after an illegal chop block, missing most of the second half vs. Auburn (10/20)…Had to wear a huge brace on his right knee and left the Alabama game (11/03) briefly in the second quarter when he re-injured his knee…Sat out most of the Mississippi clash (11/17) with a sore lower back.
Agility Tests
Campus: 5.09 in the 40-yard dash…425-pound bench press…600-pound squat…308-pound power clean…33 1/4-inch arm length…9 7/8-inch hands…Right-handed…21/26 Wonderlic score.
High School
Attended East Ascension (Gonzalez, La.) High School, playing football for head coach Billy Beasley…Rated among the nation’s top defensive linemen and one of the top three prospects in Louisiana…Named a Parade All-American and rated the second-best prospect in Louisiana by Rivals.com…The Fox Sports Network South’s Countdown to Signing Day “All-South” first-team choice was also a member of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100, Baton Rouge Advocate Super Dozen and New Orleans Times-Picayune’s Top 20 Blue-Chip lists…The senior defensive lineman was also named Louisiana’s Class 4A Defensive Player of the Year and was a first-team Class 4A All-State pick…Despite being sidelined for three games with an ankle injury, Dorsey registered 43 tackles (16 for losses), two sacks and a forced fumble as a senior…Had a stellar junior year, making more than 100 tackles (12 for losses) and a dozen sacks.
Personal
General Studies major…Dorsey is a player who also gives back to the community as he spends time speaking to youngsters in the Baton Rouge area and his hometown of Gonzales about the importance of staying in school… Son of Sandra and Glenn Dorsey…Nicknamed “Putt”…Born Glenn Jamon Dorsey on 8/01/85 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana…Resides in Gonzales, Louisiana, called the Jambalaya (type of Cajun food) Capital of the World.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Sedrick Ellis, DT, Southern Cal
Name: Sedrick Ellis
College: Southern Cal Number: 49
Height: 6-1 Weight: 309
Position: DT Pos2:
Class/Draft Year: rSr/2008
40 Time: 5.26 40 Low: 5.14 40 High: 5.38
Projected Round: 1 Stock: High: Top 5 Low: 8-12
Rated number 2 out of 149 DT’s 6 / 2546 TOTAL
Combine Results
Pro Day Results
Combine Invite: Yes
Height: 6004
Weight: 309
40 Yrd Dash: 5.26
20 Yrd Dash: 3.03
10 Yrd Dash: 1.75 225 Lb. Bench Reps: 34
Vertical Jump: 26 1/2
Broad Jump: 08′09″
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.73
3-Cone Drill: 7.78
Dates: 04/02/08
Height: 6004
Weight: 309
40 Yrd Dash: 5.05
20 Yrd Dash: 2.91
10 Yrd Dash: 1.69 225 Lb. Bench Reps: 36
Vertical Jump: 30
Broad Jump:
20 Yrd Shuttle:
3-Cone Drill:
Before Combine: Hgt: 6007, Wgt: 308, 40YD: 4.89-4.96-5.09
Draft Scout Snapshot: DS Rating on 08/12/07: #2 DT, #4/750 Overall, Projected: 1
2008 Postseason update (04/04/08): Stock: Steady. Utterly dominant during Senior Bowl practices and the game, pressuring the quarterback and otherwise causing havoc on the line of scrimmage. Fell back to mere top ten consideration after achieving pedestrian Combine test results (relative to other top players): 5.26 40, 4.73 short shuttle, 7.78 three cone. Got back on track with 5.02 40, 36 reps at his pro day.
2007: Started all thirteen games at nose guard, leading a unit that ranked fourth in the nation vs. the run (84.15 ypg), second in total defense (273.15 ypg) and second in scoring defense (16.0 ppg)…Recorded a career-high 58 tackles (29 solos), the fifth-best total on the team…Also registered career-highs while ranking second on the squad with 8.5 sacks for minus 67 yards and 12.5 stops for losses totaling 75 yards…Added one quarterback pressure and two fumble recoveries…Also deflected seven passes. 10 GP; 10 GS; 34 TT, 8 TFL, 4.5 SK, 3 PBU, 1 QBH, 1 FF, 1 BLK; Tore cartilage in his right knee prior to the Nebraska game and had arthroscopic surgery, sidelining him for 3 games in ‘06. 13 GP; 13 GS; 50 TT, 8 TFL, 4.5 SK, 3 PBU, 1 QBH, 1 FF in ‘05. 11 GP; 0 GS; 2 TT in ‘04. Redshirted as a freshman defensive tackle in ‘03.
Overview
The Trojans’ three-year starter at nose guard, Ellis was regarded as one of the top interior linemen in the country entering his senior season, and only continued to build his reputation in 2007. The winner of the Pat Tillman Pac-10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year Award, Ellis was also the recipient of the Morris Trophy, given to the league’s premier lineman.
Many had expected Ellis to be playing in the National Football League rather than for the Trojans in 2007. He seriously contemplated applying after his junior season, but because he missed a portion of 2006 while recovering from early season arthroscopic knee surgery, he decided to return for his final campaign. “I think I can mature more as a football player and a person,” Ellis said last summer. “It’s only one more year. How bad can one more year be?”
Southern California’s gain resulted in significant losses for their opposition, as no offensive lineman could contain Ellis, who registered a career-high 8.5 sacks to go along with 8.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage and seven pass deflections as a senior. After manhandling the Notre Dame offensive line in their 2007 encounter, the Irish head coach Charlie Weis told reporters, “Ellis is on about every (award) list known to mankind. He locates the ball, uses his hands, plays with good balance. He’s a tough player.”
At Chino High School, Ellis earned Super Prep and Prep Star All-American honors, in addition to garnering Super Prep Elite 50, Prep Star Top 100 Dream Team, The Sporting News Hot 100, Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-West, Tom Lemming All-West, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West first-team and Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 honors.
Ellis was also named to the Orange County Register Fab 15, Cal-Hi Sports All-State, All-CIF Southern Section, All-CIF Division II first-teams and was chosen Los Angeles Times All-Star Lineman MVP. The Los Angeles Times All-Inland Empire Lineman MVP selection as a senior offensive and defensive lineman, he recorded 122 tackles (35 solo), including 19 for losses (with 6.5 sacks), plus a blocked punt, a forced fumble and a pair of fumble recoveries in 2002.
As a junior in 2001, he made the Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass, All-CIF Southern Section, All-CIF Division II and Los Angeles Times All-Inland Empire first-teams. He posted 108 tackles, including 16 for losses (with 10 sacks), in 2001. As a sophomore, he picked up Cal-Hi Sports All-State first-team recognition. He also competed on the school’s track team in the weights.
Ellis enrolled at Southern California in 2003, but during fall drills he suffered a left ankle fracture and was granted a medical hardship. He played in 11 games behind All-American Mike Patterson at nose guard in 2004, but saw just limited action, making two assisted tackles.
With Patterson graduating, Ellis took over nose guard chores in 2005, starting all 13 games. He received All-Pac 10 Conference honorable mention, as he collected 50 tackles (28 solos) and ranked third on the squad with 4.5 sacks and eight stops for losses. He also deflected three passes and caused a fumble.
In 2006, Ellis earned Collegefootballnews.com All-American first-team honors, in addition to being a consensus All-Pac 10 Conference first-team choice, despite missing three games after he suffered torn cartilage in his right knee in practice prior to the Nebraska clash. He still managed to win the Pac-10 Morris Trophy (for the league’s top defensive lineman, as voted by the league’s offensive linemen).
Ellis went on to register 34 tackles (17 solos), 4.5 sacks and 8.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage in 10 contests. He also had a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, three pass deflections and blocked a kick. USC center, Ryan Kalil, who battled vs. Ellis in practices for three years and was the offensive recipient of the 2006 Morris Trophy, raved about his former teammate, stating, “He’s an unbelievable football player. He made me so much better because I had to block him every day. He’s so strong, so man-strong. He’s just a good player.”
Ellis was a unanimous All-American and All-Pac 10 Conference first-team choice as a senior. He was a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award (top defensive player) and Lott Trophy, in addition to being named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year and winning the Morris Trophy for the second consecutive season. In 13 starts, he totaled 58 tackles (29 solos) and ranked second on the squad with 8.5 sacks and 12.5 stops for losses. He also batted away seven passes and recovered two fumbles.
In 48 games at Southern California, Ellis started 36 contests. He registered 144 tackles (74 solos), 17.5 sacks for minus-130 yards and 28.5 stops for losses of 158 yards. He was credited with three quarterback pressures, 13 pass deflections and a blocked kick. He also caused two fumbles and recovered four others.
Analysis
Positives: Has a shorter than ideal frame and lacks great bulk for a two-gap system, but is very effective playing the three-technique…Has good bone structure and while he might be at maximum growth potential he has thick thighs and calves and long arms with good muscle tone…Runs with a normal stride and shows the ability to quickly accelerate off the snap…Demonstrates the foot quickness, balance and agility to make plays on the move, showing above average change of direction agility and valid speed to pursue long distances…Possesses very good body control on the move and has the speed to make plays on the far side of the field…Adequate student in the class room, but does a good job taking plays from the chalkboard to the playing field…Has valid instincts to locate the ball and plays with good alertness (very aware of blocking schemes)…His suddenness and aggressiveness off the snap will generally surprise a lethargic blocker…Likes to train and does everything the coaches ask…Will play through pain and does so with good intensity…Locates the ball and reacts to pressure quickly, doing a nice job of adjusting to the action on the move…Has the sudden burst to gain advantage off the snap and with his keen feel for the snap cadence, he is not the type than can be fooled and drawn off side…Is a disruptive sort who can explode into an offensive lineman when he keeps his pad level down…Has the strength to create a new line of scrimmage vs. the running game, and when he generates good hand placement he can hold ground at the point of attack and win one-on-one battles (will struggle when his base narrows or his hands are outside the framework)…Shows the foot quickness and the lateral quickness to redirect and accelerate to the ball…Has the ability to disengage from blocks with his strength and quickness…Uses his hands, along with quickness and leverage, to redirect and is very good in attempts to stack (when he sinks his weight he can split the double-teams)…Has the valid upper body strength to separate, disengage and shed…Will usually play low with leverage…Reacts to pressure with good body control and is quick to recover when he out-runs the play…Has a variety of counter moves and uses his hands with good effectiveness to shed…Has the ability to grab and rip, whether as a pass rusher or vs. run blockers…Shows good agility in pursuit, accelerating quickly to the ball…More of a hit-and-wrap tackler, as he has the strength to take down the ballcarrier and will generally stay in control while on the move, especially when shooting the gaps…Shows good explosion and strike ability behind his wrap tackles…Burst to close, but is more relentless than sudden in long pursuit…Does a very nice job of getting under the ballcarrier, as he is quick to uncoil…Shows good strength in his bull rush, using his hands well…Alert to the location of the ball when rushing the quarterback and has the strong, quick hands to control and shed blockers with authority…Shows intensity and desire to get the ball in space, closing on the passer with good acceleration…Can defeat pass schemes on the way to the quarterback, demonstrating that solid extra burst to close on the QB with good surge, desire and second effort.
Negatives: Lacks the ideal size you look for in a two-gap defender and might be a better fit to play under-tackle at the next level, which will limit the teams that will put a high priority on his services (teams like Tampa Bay, Indianapolis, Philadelphia and the New York Jets play the system best suited for Ellis)…Has good upper body power, but he fails to anchor strongly vs. plays directed right at him…Needs to maintain a lower pad level (showed marked improvement here in 2007), as when he gets too tall in his stance he narrows his base, which allows the physical blockers to push him off the snap…Better tackler on the move than in tight areas, but he does show good angle concept when closing on the ball…Has had some leg injuries (left ankle fracture in 2003, right knee torn cartilage in 2006) that robbed him of some of the explosiveness he showed as a prep player…Has a compact frame, but he can’t add any more bulk without having it impact his overall quickness…Field smart player, but his adequate academics might indicate he would need time to digest a complicated playbook.
Compares To: LA’ROI GLOVER-St. Louis…Ellis is a little bit bigger and heavier than Glover, but not by much. Ellis probably could not carry the bulk to play a classic two-gap, but as an under-tackle he could be a clone of what Glover has done. Both rely on their quickness and ability to neutralize double teams. Both take good angles in pursuit and are move oriented types who get better penetration on the slant rather than with a blocker right over their heads. Ellis is quick to locate the ball in a crowd and uses his hands and quickness to leverage and redirect. Shooting the gaps is a specialty for him, but he is also equally effective as a wrap-up tackler. With his lateral agility and quickness, he will make a nice living creating a new line of scrimmage vs. the running game at the next level.
Career Notes
Ellis became the 11th player in school history to win the coveted Morris Trophy, an award presented since 1980 to the Pac-10’s outstanding offensive and defensive linemen. The offensive winner is selected by vote of the Pac-10’s defensive linemen and vice versa…He is only the second player in USC annals to earn that trophy twice in a career, joining offensive guard Roy Foster (1980-81)…Only two other Trojan defensive players have won the Morris Trophy — nose guard George Achica in 1982 and defensive tackle Darrell Russell in 1996…In 2007, he became USC’s fifth defensive player to earn Pac-10 Player of the Year honors.
2007 Season
Earned All-American first-team honors from The NFL Draft Report, Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, Football Writers Association, Walter Camp Football Foundation, The Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, Collegefootballnews.com and Pro Football Weekly…Semi-finalist for the Bednarik Award and Lott Trophy…Recipient of the Pat Tillman Pac-10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year Award…Won the Morris Trophy for the second consecutive year…Started all thirteen games at nose guard, leading a unit that ranked fourth in the nation vs. the run (84.15 ypg), second in total defense (273.15 ypg) and second in scoring defense (16.0 ppg)…Recorded a career-high 58 tackles (29 solos), the fifth-best total on the team…Also registered career-highs while ranking second on the squad with 8.5 sacks for minus 67 yards and 12.5 stops for losses totaling 75 yards…Added one quarterback pressure and two fumble recoveries…Also deflected seven passes.
2007 Game Analysis
2006 Season
All-American first-team choice by College Football News and The NFL Draft Report…All-Pac 10 Conference first-team choice and recipient of the coveted Morris Trophy…Sat out the Nebraska, Arizona and Washington State games after he suffered torn cartilage in his right knee, undergoing arthroscopic surgery…Still managed to record 34 tackles (17 solos) with 4.5 sacks for minus 37 yards and eight stops for losses of 47 yards…Had one quarterback pressure and blocked a kick…Recovered two fumbles and caused another… Also deflected three passes, as he led a team that ranked tied for ninth in the nation in run defense (91.08 ypg) and eleventh in scoring defense (15.15 ppg).
2006 Game Analysis
2005 Season
All-Pac 10 Conference honorable mention, starting all thirteen games at nose guard… Made 50 tackles (28 solos) with 4.5 sacks for minus 26 yards, eight stops for losses of 36 yards and a quarterback pressure…Caused one fumble and deflected three passes.
2005 Game Analysis
2004 Season
Played in eleven games behind Mike Patterson at nose guard, recording two assisted tackles…Had one stop in each of the Arizona State and Oregon State contests.
2003 Season
Granted a medical hardship after he suffered a left ankle fracture in fall practice, played briefly vs. Brigham Young and then had midseason surgery, forcing him to miss the rest of the season.
Injury Report
2003: Suffered a left ankle fracture in fall camp, but played briefly vs. Brigham Young (9/06) before accepting a medical redshirt.
2006: Suffered torn cartilage in his right knee in practice after the Arkansas game (9/10) and underwent arthroscopic surgery on Sept. 12 that forced him to sit out the Nebraska (9/16), Arizona (9/23) and Washington State (9/30) games.
2007: Had fluid drained from his right knee after the California clash (11/10) and had to sit out several practices leading up to the Arizona State contest (11/22).
Agility Tests
Campus: 4.89 in the 40-yard dash…440-pound bench press…560-pound squat…355-pound hang clean…32.5-inch vertical jump…33 1/2-inch arm length…9 5/8-inch hands…Left-handed… Wears contacts.
High School
Attended Chino (Calif.) High School, playing football for head coach John Mesner…Earned Super Prep and Prep Star All-American honors, in addition to garnering Super Prep Elite 50, Prep Star Top 100 Dream Team, The Sporting News Hot 100, Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-West, Tom Lemming All-West, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West first-team and Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 honors…Also named to the Orange County Register Fab 15, Cal-Hi Sports All-State, All-CIF Southern Section, All-CIF Division II first-teams and was chosen Los Angeles Times All-Star Lineman MVP…The Los Angeles Times All-Inland Empire Lineman MVP selection as a senior offensive and defensive lineman, he recorded 122 tackles (35 solo), including 19 for losses (with 6.5 sacks), plus a blocked punt, a forced fumble and a pair of fumble recoveries in 2002…As a junior in 2001, he made the Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass, All-CIF Southern Section, All-CIF Division II and Los Angeles Times All-Inland Empire first-teams…Posted 108 tackles, including 16 for losses (with 10 sacks), in 2001…As a sophomore, he picked up Cal-Hi Sports All-State first-team recognition…Also competed on the school’s track team in the weights.
Personal
Sociology major…Born 7/09/85…Resides in Chino, California.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Chris Long has always been my top choice, I would love to have him, but I do wonder sometimes if his career will resemble Grant Wistrom or Justin Smith, two very similar players as far as size, speed, motor and athletic ability.
Both Wistrom and Smith were once the 4th overall pick, Wistrom in 98 and Smith in 01. Wistrom averaged below 6 sacks a year in 9 seasons, Smith barely tops 6 a year. Very decent players, left everthing on the field but far from what you would expect from the 4th pick in the Draft.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:24 pm
I agree with Marley on post #146 TT…good one.
If that’s the case for Long vs Gholston my pick would be Gholston. I’d want to have the guy with the highest ceiling. You don’t play to make the playoffs, you play to win the Super Bowl. I didn’t watch too much of either of them so I can’t make a concrete decision, but I did see Gholston dominate Long in one match-up this year and he was just the #1 pick in the NFL Draft.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:25 pm
For those of you who forgot exactly what Moss cost the Raiders:
Vikings would get linebacker Napoleon Harris, along with the seventh overall pick and a late-round pick in the upcoming draft.
With the 7th overal pick the raiders could have had:
(Maybe you have heard of a couple of these guys)
8 Antrel Rolle DB
11 DeMarcus Ware OLB
12 Shawne Merriman OLB
17 David Pollack LB
Call me crazy, but the Moss deal screwed the Raiders. Nap was a servicable LB. If the team had no faith in him, obviously, there were a couple of others in the draft that would have more than made up for his short comings.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:25 pm
TT 146 – So Gholston=Russell (High cealing/bust) and C.Long=Quinn (safe)
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:35 pm
i don’t believe quinn was safe at all but that was the perception and it is basically the same deal with gholston and long…….long will never be as good as gholston could be and will never be as bad as gholston could be, quinn could easily be out of the league as quick as russell, but quinn will ulmost certainly not be a HOFer, russell has the highest ceiling of any QB in nfl history, quinn is your typical 1st rnd QB, he’s smart, he’s accurate, he’s good, he’s brian brohm but went ot ND rather than louisville, that gets him a trip to NY as opposed to a projection as a late-first-to-early-second round pick, gholston and long are both great players, gholston will at worst be a situational pass rusher and at best be the nex LT, long will at worst be tyler brayton with decent sack #s and at best be close to what his dad was, at worst mcfadden will be a change of pace back and at best he;ll be the next OJ/Barry; most likely they’ll all end up somewhere in between, but closer to their worst or closer to their best? hopefully that gives you some perspective on these prospects’ potential
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Long or McFadden? No matter which one we get I am going to feel bad about the one that got away.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:42 pm
DRAFT MCFADDEN
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Draft anyone BUT McFadden.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:46 pm
i think it’s gonna come down to Run DMC or gholston. Then again Lambs might take Gholston ahead of C Long.
Regardless in the end it will tough for the old man to pass up an explosive player like D-Mac. I won’t be mad at all if we get D-Mac. Not one bit….
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Of all the write ups I just read the only one that scared me was Dorsey’s. Gholston’s made me feel better about him and it’s pretty much what I’ve thought and seen of Long, Ellis and McFadden.
Pick any of the five regardless of need. Just pick the BEST player available. Like Casserly said the draft will judged 3 years from now not in the summer after. Do your homework Al!
One Nation Baby…
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:48 pm
i don’t get why some media types are saying that Dmac is not AP? Who said that he was?….Of course he is not…..He is RUN DMC!
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Gholston vs Long is a tough one.
I would definitely go with Long because we can´t afford to have the 4th pick fail to contribute consitently over the next few years.
Long might or might not reach all-pro status, but at the very least he will show up, work hard and take great care of one of the DE spots for the next decade.
Gholston might become the next Bruce Smith, he might become John Abraham (still good) or he might be out of the league in 5 years. He would be a great pick too, a player with such potential will never be a bad pick.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:51 pm
The best overall player available will be DMac!
Once again…..if the Fins didn’t have big money tied up to R Brown….and if the Lambs didn’t have big money on Jackson …..if the Falcons didn’t fall in love with Turner and give him big dough…..then they would be targeting Dmac. He will be the best player available for the Raiders at #4 if he is there. That is a fact…..
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:01 pm
of those choices only antrel rolle was a thought.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:03 pm
This is never a fact…”He is the best player in the draft.”
You hear it every single year and it’s complete bull. No one ever really knows who the best player will end up being…ever.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:05 pm
jjvill, this can be a fact……..”He is the best prospect in the draft.”
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Tommy Trojan #153
Thanks for the detailed update. Ellis has been my pick all along. I personally think he will end up being the pick of the litter. I can only hope Kiffin can influence AD to the point of taking Ellis as tghe surprise #4 pick of the 2008 NFL Draft. Ellis will have a far more reaching impact with the S&B than will C. Long. With Kelley & Ellis in the middle teams will not be able to rush the gut; DE’s will get more sacks because the opposing QB will NOT be able top step up into the pocket; and, our CB will get more INT’s because the QB will have to throw early lest they be sacked. Ellis is one of the two missing pieces we have on D. DRAFT ELLIS!
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:19 pm
If we draft ellis, can he play nose? or is he just a 3?
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Early in the year I was watching a USC game and noticed that USC D tackle seemed to be dominating everybody. Just on the games that I watched and the three or four LSU games I watched I was more impressed by Ellis than Dorsey.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:25 pm
He can play 3-4 and 4-3. That’s something that Dorsey can’t. One of the main reasons that Terdell Sands is not successful is that he plays way too tall. OL can get under his pads too asily and then he’s dead meat. Ellis plays low and has superior upper body strength. He lifts 190# free weights on each arm. He has a very stable center of gravity, plays low and always draws double & triple blocking and still gets through. This guy is unblockable. And if they are able to stop him the rest of the DL is one on one and gets to where they are going. He’s the plug in the middle that we direly need. He & Kelley together will be a real pair to draw to.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:36 pm
TT… you are about to lose your cut and paste privileges.
Warning! Will Robinson, The 49ers sent “Turnstile” Harris packing because he could not pass block and ya don’t think the rest of the NFL doesn’t know this. I repeat, the ZBS does not work for the passing game as effectively as it does for the running game. There is no one out there when the LT is uncovered to help take on the better DEs in the league. Harris is big and quick but not athletic enough to pass block well consistently. The same is true for Gallery that’s why he was moved to guard. I fear the other problem with Gallery unlike Harris is he is not very smart. You have to be smart in the ZBS to really be effective.
Having said that, Harris was a pretty good run blocker and shoulder be even better in the ZBS.
Bottom line is the Raiders need better “O” linemen in the future if they are to get to the playoffs.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:40 pm
go lakers
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Here’s who’s on-board already.
Cornell Green T 6-6 315 31 9 Central Florida
Kwame Harris T 6-7 325 26 6 Stanford Wilmington, DE
Mario Henderson T 6-7 300 23 2 Florida State
Paul McQuistan T 6-6 315 24 3 Weber State
Jonathan Palmer T 6-5 335 24 2 Auburn
Seth Wand T 6-7 330 28 6 N.W. Missouri State
Mark Wilson T 6-7 320 27 3 California
One would think that Tom Cable should be able to find two good OT’s out of the bunch. Green will probably be a ORT back-up with McQuistan starting until someone else steps up. Hendersen is still young and will probably be groomed as the eventual OLT. None of these guys are undersized. Have faith in Tom Cable. He worked wonders in year 1. Year 2 should be that much better, I hope.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:14 pm
TT- I was for Gholston up to this point but now I’m starting to lean towards Ellis myself. Stupid confusion!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Grim
Welcome aboard. You just broke the code. Ellis is as close to a sure thing as you are ever going to find.
DRAFT ELLIS!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Ellis is going top 15!!
That would be a silly pick!!
DMAC,Dorsey,Gholston or Long….Any one of them…much better picks than Ellis…Too short,cant block the QB’s view or slap the ball down with those short alligator arms of his!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:20 pm
JB…I do have faith in Tom Cable but I just hope he is around long enough to finish the job. This “O” line is a work in progress and it is very important to the health of JR to focus on the “O” line and then worry about the skill positions later.
My first choice in this draft is to trade down and get two ZBS type tackles that will be good enough to at least see JR through his career. The war is won in the trenches not at the skill positions. John Madden just recently stated this very obvious principle
I will be happy with any of the draft picks at #4 but lets go get a real ZBS line with the rest of the picks.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:22 pm
If the Raiders plan on moving Kelly to the DT position……Why would they pick another DT……..The pick wil be either Long, Dmac or Gholston……..
Guaranteed!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:25 pm
I like Ellis, but not at #4……Too high of a pick for him…….If they want Ellis…they should trade down 5 spots!!
I dont think Ellis is the pick either way!!IMO!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Rumor has it Al will probably take Gholston if Dorsey and Long are gone…..just to stick it to the Chiefs!!!
This sounds very much like Al……prefers to screw his arch enemies instead of looking out for his own teams well being!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:30 pm
We need a DT before we need DE’s. Otherwise the DE’s will be out on the edge holding on to their Johnson while the opposing running back head upfield through the gut.
As far as Dorsey goes it could be a toss-up between Ellis & Dorsey. As far as short arms go I’ve see nothing that says he has Gallery arms and besides, that won’t be that important when he’s on top of the QB.
We don’t need DMac. I don;’t see him as a full time player – much like Reggie Bush. He has his moments but without the Duece, he left much to be desired. We have plenty of RB’s already and I’d rather spend our #1 pick on someone who’ll be here for more than 4-5 years.
We’ll just have to agree to disagree. The DE’s come after the DT.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:34 pm
JB,
Your’e reaching for Ellis at #4……WAKE THE HELL UP!!
I will prefer Gholston, any day instead of Ellis…..The entire NFL crowd will be laughing at the Raiders if they take Ellis with the 4th pick!!
No way that happens!!
I’m positive!!
Maybe if they trade down??
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Ellis will be a much better player than Gholston. Gholston is a classic combine sensation that disappears the moment he puts pads on.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:38 pm
That might be so…That’s the reason I would take Dorsey,Long or DMAC ahead of any of those cats!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Thats a very good point Glory. How many interior lineman do we have on the roster and how many exterior lineman we have will play a crucial factor in this draft.IMO.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Jerry Jones just might swoop in and trade with us…..Take DMAC and win 3 more super bowls…..And in 10yrs no one will remember what 2 players we got later on in the 1st round…….
Remember the Emmit Smith/H. Walker trade!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Glory
They are two different players serving two different purposes. Gholston at best would be a pass rusher in a 3-4 alignment. Same goes for C. Long. They are both in the Merriman mold. In a 4-3 they are going to get man-handled by NFL level OT’s. We need to stop the run up the middle before we do anything else. If we don’t, having fast E’s will mean nothing. How often do you see Burgess stuffing the run? NOT! I don’t care what other people think. Ellis preferably, or Dorsey is the smart pick. If you want to say it’s a reach then REACH. Get the right guy in the right position and then you’ve got something. I just don’t feel that C. Long or Gholston are going to have the same impact on the S&B as the right DT will. Say what you will, that’s what this forum is all about. My pick is Ellis or Dorsey.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:42 pm
I know Jerry Jones is trying to do whatever possible to get DMAC!!
Rest assured!! He just traded for Pac Man Jones….Now he has the Cross Hairs on DMAC!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:45 pm
JB,
I agree with you with Dorsey…Thats fine!! But picking Ellis at #4 is idiotic!! We can trade down with New Orleans and get Ellis and n ot have to pay him all the loot that will come with being the 4th pick!! Cant you see that??
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Unless we trade down……..Picking Ellis w/ the #4 pick has got to be the DUMBEST thing Iv’e heard here today!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Glory
I don’t worry about what he’s paid and neither should you. That is unless it’s your checkbook. If the guy can do the job then play him first and worry about his pay grade later.
I’m curious. Why do you feel as positive about Dorsey but not Ellis? Dorsey had more BSPN press but when you look at both player’s results, Ellis takes a back seat to nobody – Dorsey included. What is it you see ion Dorsey that you don’t see in Ellis?
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:50 pm
I trust Al wont make that blunder!!
Dorsey,Long or DMAC!!! Any one of those would be a good pick for us!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Jb,
Your’e wrong guy!!
You are dead wrong!!
In case you did’nt know….There is only a certain amount of cash that every team can use on team salaries….This means losin g out on future F/A……Thats football 101 dude!!
You should know that!! Why get strapped up with no wiggle room in the future???
C’mon!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Glory
In order to trade down you need to have someone to trade with on terms that both teams agree to. It cracks me up when I read about all this trading down like it’s just a phone call and the deal s done. There will be much less trading at/during the draft as the decision time is now down to 10 minutes – Less for the later rounds.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Glory,
It’s been proven that nobody works the salary cap better than Uncle Al. Besides, aren’t they talking about significantly changing the cap or eliminating it year after next?
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Ellis is just a smaller player than Dorsey…..
Dorsey is bigger and stonger….Sure Ellis has the leverage……But the Raiders have never been wowed by shorter stature guys!! Dorsey has a stonger MOTOR!! I’m worried about his his knee but I would much rather pick him or Long over Ellis!! The best thing Ellis has going for him with Al Davis is that he played at USC!! Al loves Trojans!! But not this high!! Not with #4 pick!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:59 pm
I’ve been watching Uncle Al play salary cap games for the last 43-44 years. I’m confident he knows how to play the game. Besides, what’s the difference if he pays Ellis or DMac at the #4 slot? It’s going to basically be the same anyway.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:59 pm
JB,
Thats correct….They do plan on changing it….But we are not sure exactly when!!
If the Raiders trade down….They can get your guy Ellis and a possible 2nd and 3rd round pick, Thats FINE! But dont pick him #4 ….Thats just crazy!! Especially knowing that you could have traded down with someone and accumulated picks!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:59 pm
A nice development….
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:02 pm
JB,
No one has even mentioned Ellis for quite some time here!!
It’s all been about Dorsey,Long, Dmac and Gholston!!!
Where did all the Ellis LOVE come from???
Every one expects him to go to Cincy w/ the 9th pick!!
Mel Kiper..Casserly…..Mayock…All say he will be the 9th player picked!! Why reach???
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Well I guess in 3 days this will all be a mute point!!
Who ever we pick…..I will be on board!!
Go RaiderS!!!
G’nite All!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Glory
He’s got an inch on Ellis and is 10 lbs lighter. As far as stronger, not in this lifetime. Bench press Dorsey 27, Ellis 37. Further, Ellis can and has played both the 3-4 and 4-3. Dorsey is limited to the 4-3 slot that Kelley is set for. I agree that Dorsey’s past injury is a possible concern. Not so for Ellis. Ellis has better hand action and was ranked by Maycock as the same as Dorsey – top 5 pick. The intangibles include that he is from USC, an AD favorite. Additionally, Kiffin probably knows this guy inside out and probably was the one that recruited him to USC.
I don’t feel that Ellis is as much a stretch as you do. Just my opinion.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:09 pm
I’ve been an Ellis fan ever since the Senior bowl. The practices showed a lot in his favor. I just feel he’s going to be the right guy for us.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:11 pm
JB,,
Must admit…VERY GOOD POINTS!!!
I guess only time will tell!!
It’s going to be interesting!!!
Your’e points are well taken!
We’ll see!!
G’nit man! You really got me thinking NOW!!!
DAMN YOU!!
Just kidding!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Mute point? try moot point
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:21 pm
The best possible thing that could happen from this draft is the number 4 pick straight for C.Johnson, trust me
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Good discussion Glory. I gotta run but will return and will still be waving the Ellis flag. Us old dogs don’t learn new tricks all that well. I’ll stick with the sure thing or IMO the best choice sure thing for the S&B – ELLIS.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:28 pm
JB if you’re still there, Glory is clueless, Ellis is every bit as good as Dorsey but they’re somewhat different players Dorsey is strickly a 3tech and Ellis is capable of playing the nose especially in our defense. Ellis has it all.
People have overstudied C Long and lost interest with Gholston’s extraordinary athleticsm CLong will go to a few pro bowls if he’s in the right situation which is what we have.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Ellis is arguably a better player then Dorsey. Even Without Dorsey’s injury history.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Al Davis is gonna take C Long or Mcfadden. Davis is all about about tradition, history, and Raider lore. Chris Long fits in with all of that. Not to mention he or Mcfadden will create a frenzy in regards to tickets and Raider merchandise. Football is a business, just as much as it is a sport. Even more so. C Long or Mcfadden will be the pick, regardless of what any of us may think or say. Period.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:51 pm
you know I don’t know what everyone is talking about, Davis has a real tendency to draft practical extreme need. Going way back. Last year we desperately needed a QB, the year before, desperately needed a safety, the year before corners, the year before a LT. We still need a LT. But Davis has the tendency to draft need. Hate to tell everyone. In later rounds he’ll take flyers on guys but early, he has the tendency to draft extreme need. I don’t know if running back is an extreme need.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:52 pm
I see that Cincy is wearing the ear plugs and the blinders in response to offers for Chad. So much for #4 for #9 + 85! Oh well, they can prove a point while we move on.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:54 pm
I agree Oak. I still think we might make a deal to move down and take pass-blocking LT Chris Williams.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:55 pm
As Antispy3 suggested previously, we might package a deal with the Lions to get Roy Williams.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:03 am
I don’t think we are as needy on DL as everyone thinks, the issue WAS at safety, Wilson is the real deal and along with Hall, that will swing the defense to reach their potential. I see no problem with Dmac, C Long. I just would not want to be the team that passed on a Peterson type player.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:11 am
Dictionary I agree with you. Yes we have a need on defense, but I think it’s more of a need for a competent defensive coordinator than it is for better players.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:02 am
I would be very surprised if we don’t end up with C Long or Gholston. But I’m telling ya’ Ellis is one hell of a talent. If we draft him by mid season everyone will agree with that assessment.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:04 am
Adios Fellas, here’s to a great post draft cellabration.
April 24th, 2008 at 4:46 am
Question folks. Does the KC sudden pressing need to grab a DE actually put more pressure on the Gholston side of the scales (as opposed to Dmac side) with pick #4? Al Davis has to be thinking that if the Raider don’t pick Gholston (assuming Chris Long is already gone), then KC would grab him at pick #5. Does that in any way change the question of Gholston v Dmac, it those are the two best available players at 4?
April 24th, 2008 at 5:32 am
Thec Says:
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Thec Says:
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Jerry Your next 4 articles should be:
1. Why J. Long isnt the pick.
2. Why G. Dorsey Isnt the pick.
3. Why V. Gholston isnt the pick.
4. Why M. Ryan isnt the pick.
Since your schedule for new stories is once a day you will need to double up on thurs, and friday.
April 24th, 2008 at 5:33 am
Jerry, Allens departure means one thing to me, and that is Chris Long to the Chiefs…..
April 24th, 2008 at 5:34 am
I dont know if long goes to the cooks. All indications the lambs will take him 2nd.
April 24th, 2008 at 5:35 am
Ghoulston will be on the board. KC does not have allen will take the ghost.
April 24th, 2008 at 5:38 am
Bill, what does your mock draft look like?
April 24th, 2008 at 5:45 am
52 hrs 12 mins
April 24th, 2008 at 5:55 am
This will change the draft dynamic
http://fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/47750
April 24th, 2008 at 6:21 am
i disagree that this is a good move. this puts the chiefs in a position to trade with the rams for the 2 spot, and pick up chris long.
April 24th, 2008 at 6:35 am
http://www.insidebayarea.com/raiders/ci_9037569
Raiders cornerback Fabian Washington learned Tuesday that he will avoid prosecution for his February arrest on a domestic battery charge as long as he completes a program for first-time offenders.
Washington, 24, was arrested at his home in East Manatee County, Fla., after the responding police officer noticed a red mark on the neck of Washington’s 21-year-old girlfriend.
Washington pleaded not guilty to the charge. He added that the fight between him and his live-in girlfriend didn’t get physical.
The police responded to a 911 call from Washington’s girlfriend. She later told the Herald-Tribune (Sarasota, Fla.) that she did not want Washington prosecuted for the misdemeanor.
——Then why call the cops?? Watch yourself when dating crazy chicks. Now he’s free to trade.
April 24th, 2008 at 7:05 am
I believe the Raiders will trade down (if Chris Long is not available), @ the least, four to six picks. They then will select Ryan Clady @ a spot commensurate with his deserved draft slot/salary.
This, along with a much speculated trade of Fabian Washington will allow the Raiders to reclaim @ least two of their picks previously dealt for Deangelo Hall (good move) & Mario Henderson (jury still out & presumed AOL).
I can’t possibly see how the zone blocking scheme will benefit Kwame Harris’ transformation into an adequate, @ best, pass blocker. LOT’s generally face the best pass rusher the opposition has (exception: Raiders & Derrick Burgess, lefty uncomfortable lining up @ RDE, usually the home of “speed pass rushers”)& no amount of “schooling” in said scheme will alleviate this rather one-sided matchup.
DRuss, the Raiders long-term big time investment in the future success of the Raiders deserves nothing less (visions of sieve-like Barry Sims keeping me, not to mention the aforementioned JRuss awake @ night. Please relieve my insomnia!) !
Join the committee to preserve & protect JRuss; just a couple of big time Shawne merriman strikes from the endangered species list.
This message approved by the (SPECA) Society to Prevent Cruelty to Athletes).
The future is around the corner! Time to contact Lloyd’s of London (as the Clash used to say, “London Calling!)!
Late (in the A.M.)
antispy3
April 24th, 2008 at 7:08 am
One other thing. I believe the Lambs bid to trade out of the second pick will prove successful. Just don’t think the Chefs will be the beneficiary.
1) Carl Peterson is too cheap to pony up in the form of 27-28 mil in guaranteed money & 2) New Orleans will be hard pressed not to trade ahead of Atl to pick Glenn Dorsey.
Just an observation (sans requisite sleep to back up).
Late(r)
antispy3
April 24th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Oh, & GRaider, thanks for the props. I had another epiphany last night @ work but will require @ least four hrs. sleep to resurect.
Peace, late & out (cold!)
antispy3
(although I quite fancy Roy williams donning the S & B with Chris Williams sufficiently suited to protect JRuss’ considerable backside).
April 24th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Jets trade to Rams position & pick McFaddy, sorry guys the dream is dead. Atl gets Dorsey, we get the player of Raider Destiny, Chris Long. Whoever said he’s overrated is blind & dumb. Most experts had him going #1 overall…sound overrated???? McFaddy, now that’s a plyer overrated. NO has him going in the top 5 except to the Raiders. That’s because the slanted NFL press thinks Al is batty. But then I think the Jets will trade up because they are batty as cat $#!+.
April 24th, 2008 at 7:50 am
RaiderTW and Raider Buck…
I have been saying that for several days now. Thec told me no way the Jets trade up.
Apparently, I am not the only thinking that way.
April 24th, 2008 at 7:54 am
Chris Long at 4??
———————————
SIGNS POINT TO DORSEY NO. 2
Posted by Michael David Smith on April 24, 2008, 8:33 a.m.
The St. Louis Rams are not on the clock, but as the owners of the second pick in a draft with no suspense surrounding No. 1, the Rams are the team everyone is watching.
And with the usual caveats that everything coming out of every team’s camp right now could be a smoke screen, all signs point to LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey being taken with the second pick.
One team official told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “It’s not a clear-cut choice,” but most reports indicate that team president John Shaw, General Manager Jay Zygmunt, coach Scott Linehan and executive vice president of player personnel Billy Devaney are close to a consensus on Dorsey, with Virginia defensive end Chris Long second on the team’s board and Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston third.
The Rams no doubt wish they could open contract negotiations with one or all of those players, but the league has told them they can’t.
The one wild card is whether another team will make the Rams a big offer to move up. The team most likely to trade up is New Orleans, and the Saints are also believed to be targeting Dorsey.
April 24th, 2008 at 7:58 am
The Raiders are mentioned in moving up to the Rams spot too.
April 24th, 2008 at 8:06 am
There are a bunch of smart people on this blog!
<-A grown man using smiley faces, I know, I know.
April 24th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Yeah, I heard that too but I think it’s unlikely. What do we have to offer (that we are willing to part with)that would warrant a move up to two? Maybe Burgess? If so, we’ve just weakened our DL. We don’t have enough picks to move and I don’t see us sending future picks this year without getting picks in return. Also, moving up implies an additional outflow of guaranteed money, which is seemingly unaffordable.
April 24th, 2008 at 8:12 am
whats up w the fake holyroller on the blog find a new name homie b origianl
April 24th, 2008 at 8:13 am
I read some stuff on Gallery in this blog and I would like to add my 2 cents…He was a great prospect coming out of college and a no brainer at #2. Every other team in the Raiders position would have taken him. The Raiders screwed up by not making him their starting left tackle the day they drafted him. Norv wanted to adjust him in a right. That is where it all went wrong. This is a guy that was a total stud LT in college and constently being told how good he was at that position. Then the Raiders come in and kill his mojo and confidence by saying that he is not better than an undrafted, burnt by speed rushers Barry Simms. That is where it all started, then he gets Shell’s regime which totally screwed him up. I heard sculpted hairdo guy say this week that when you draft a LT in the first round you expect him to start right away. Gallery was lumped with Ogden, Pace, and Boselli, all starters at LT right away. Furthermore, as for Gallery being a bust, that is not quite true yet. Miami’s reasoning for taking Jake Long was that he is the least risk of being a bust because if he did not pan out at LT, he could maybe be a RT, or even a guard. Look at other another #2 pick in Charles Rogers, he is a bust, gone from the NFL. Gallery is still playing and hopefully can be a pretty good guard. Lineman are versatile and can provide good service, shoot even if you are Barry Simms. With all that being said, I hope the nation gets C.Long…My two cents, go Raiders.
April 24th, 2008 at 8:14 am
the Raiders never move down only up so take that idea out of the war room cuz it aint happening
April 24th, 2008 at 8:25 am
It’s quiet in here this morning. Is it possible we’ve went over every possible draft senerio?
Could be, rabbit, could be.
April 24th, 2008 at 8:26 am
Sactown Says:
April 24th, 2008 at 8:13 am
I read some stuff on Gallery in this blog and I would like to add my 2 cents…He was a great prospect coming out of college and a no brainer at #2. Every other team in the Raiders position would have taken him. The Raiders screwed up by not making him their starting left tackle the day they drafted him. Norv wanted to adjust him in a right (tackle)
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
100% agree…
C. Long !!!!
now that’s raidering, baby…
April 24th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Good morning Nation…To Kiffin and AD, round three last year should be a lesson learned. Go with the safe picks. C. Long or Dorsey. Or if C. Long gone then trade down to Patriots pick at #7, pick up Ellis and then get a LT in round two.
April 24th, 2008 at 8:49 am
BART’s Sleeper Pick of the Day:
Haruki Nakamura, FS Cincinnati
5′-10″ 190lbs 4.58secs
This guy can replace Chris Carr as a utilty defensive back, and as a kick returner.
His coaches described him as a ferocious hitter and said he often knew the playbook as well or better than they did. An extremely smart player who was an on-field leader for a great bearcat defense. Is able to recognize and diagnose plays before and after the snap, and would often position his teamates. This would be a fantastic UDFA acquisition for the Raiders, maybe he can make up for some of Rob Ryan’s horrible coaching.
April 24th, 2008 at 8:50 am
Mike Lombardi writes today about what he would do if he were calling the shots for some teams, he mentioned the Raiders:
“If I worked for the Raiders I would……
Draft Darren McFadden.
The alternative, likely Ohio State LB/DE Vernon Gholston, has too many questions marks. Gholston might work out like a demon, but his physical play is very inconsistent. Once he arrives in the NFL, the pass protection schemes he will face won’t have him dealing with smaller running backs; he will have to defeat big offensive lineman to get to the quarterback. That will cause some adjustments in his style of play.
The Raiders may have been the slowest offensive team in football last year. They finished 29th in the NFL in plays over 20 yards. They have no one on their offensive team that their opponents would worry about defending. McFadden’s running style fits the style of the Raiders running game. It’s a zone scheme with very little decision making involved, which would clearly highlight McFadden’s big-play ability.
Drafting McFadden allows the Raiders to take the burden off their young quarterback as they try to slowly find an offense that best suits the talents of JaMarcus Russell.
Beyond the draft, the Raiders greatest challenge will be trying to find the right system of offense that can utilize the skill set of Russell. The Raiders will have to go through the same process that Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid went through with a young Donovan McNabb. Reid attempted to work the west coast offense around McNabb, but as he learned more about the skill set of his quarterback, he was forced to modify and change to what McNabb did best. What Reid learned about McNabb was that he was clearly more accurate throwing the ball up the field than he was throwing short passes. So the Eagle offense stayed with its basic concepts of the west coast offense, but added dimensions that would showcase McNabb’s tremendous talents.
It will take more than 20 games for the Raiders to get the right feel of what Russell does best. In the meantime, drafting McFadden allows them to have a home run threat in the back field and some much needed speed for their offense.”
April 24th, 2008 at 8:53 am
Good morning all. This was posted on SI.com by our former Personnel Guy turned Donkey turned apparent reporter now Mike Lombardi..
“If I worked for the Raiders, I would …
Draft Darren McFadden. The alternative, likely Ohio State LB/DE Vernon Gholston, has too many questions marks. Gholston might work out like a demon, but his physical play is very inconsistent. Once he arrives in the NFL, the pass protection schemes he will face won’t have him dealing with smaller running backs; he will have to defeat big offensive lineman to get to the quarterback. That will cause some adjustments in his style of play.
The Raiders may have been the slowest offensive team in football last year. They finished 29th in the NFL in plays over 20 yards. They have no one on their offensive team that their opponents would worry about defending. McFadden’s running style fits the style of the Raiders running game. It’s a zone scheme with very little decision making involved, which would clearly highlight McFadden’s big-play ability. Drafting McFadden allows the Raiders to take the burden off their young quarterback as they try to slowly find an offense that best suits the talents of JaMarcus Russell.
Beyond the draft, the Raiders greatest challenge will be trying to find the right system of offense that can utilize the skill set of Russell. The Raiders will have to go through the same process that Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid went through with a young Donovan McNabb. Reid attempted to work the west coast offense around McNabb, but as he learned more about the skill set of his quarterback, he was forced to modify and change to what McNabb did best. What Reid learned about McNabb was that he was clearly more accurate throwing the ball up the field than he was throwing short passes. So the Eagle offense stayed with its basic concepts of the west coast offense, but added dimensions that would showcase McNabb’s tremendous talents.
It will take more than 20 games for the Raiders to get the right feel of what Russell does best. In the meantime, drafting McFadden allows them to have a home run threat in the back field and some much needed speed for their offense.”
Now there is no way AD is going with McFadden since Lombardi said he should..
April 24th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Damnit Marley, you beat me..
April 24th, 2008 at 8:54 am
And if we draft DMc then here is a little advise via
Bo Jackson:
If my mother put on a helmet and shoulder pads and a uniform that wasn’t the same as the one I was wearing, I’d run over her if she was in my way. And I love my mother.
April 24th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Wow, that Mike Lombardi guy is pretty astute, we should hire him to be our general manager.
April 24th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Lombardi can slurp my CR^+&*k. He stabbed the Raiders in the back now the fat midget is outta the loop & thinks he knows what Al will do.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:00 am
TW
No, Lombardi did not say that´s what Davis would do, it was not a prediction, he said that´s what HE would do. That´s how you have to look at it.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:01 am
how long was lombarfski our GM and how long???
April 24th, 2008 at 9:01 am
Sac Raider…interesting insight.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:01 am
03 or something??
April 24th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Lombardi was never our GM, he was in charge of the personnel department for 8 years, up until last season.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:04 am
I read that Lombardi crap and really thats what it is. He flip-flopped big time from his previous mock having us taking Gholston.
He says our team was the slowest last campaign. Duh. But he completely ignores the additions at wideout where the big yardage comes from not the RB position which would beyond outta this world if it averaged 5ypc. Walker, Carter, JLH – year 2 …all would make this team faster and gain bigger yardage. RB is not the position to “stretch the field”
April 24th, 2008 at 9:05 am
and bruce allen before him same ?
April 24th, 2008 at 9:06 am
who was the GM then marley
April 24th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Terrapin, again…this was not his mock draft and it was not a prediction, it´s what he would do. Take it for what it´s worth.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Lombardi is letting the media, whom he works for now, permeate his objectivity and clarity (if he ever had any). Now he’s on the McFadden bandwagon just like all these other media airheads. Peer pressure is a btch.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Holyroller..261, are you serious?. You know who the GM was and still is. Lombardi worked for Bruce Allen who was close to a GM but not quite, you know who made the decisions back then and who makes the decisions right now.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Hey, as anyone else heard that Kiffin is giving a press conference at noon today? That should be interesting if true.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Marley – I know thats not his mock draft but still he says he would pick Darren McFadden. That doesn’t change anything. His logic for the pick is seriously flawed. Thats what I’m pointing out.
You don’t pick a RB to stretch the field. If a RB can stretch the field then than RB is bad ass man …really bad ass. But McFadden is no Bo Jackson.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Terrapin,
I really like the idea of taking Dre Moore in the 3rd(trade) or if we are lucky the 4th. As a Terp fan, you think he would be a good pick up? I watched him play Oregon State live in the Emerald Bowl here in SF, and he was impressive although they completely avoided him for the whole game.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:13 am
And even Bo Jackson would be hard pressed to increase the number of plays over 20 yards!
“The Raiders may have been the slowest offensive team in football last year. They finished 29th in the NFL in plays over 20 yards. They have no one on their offensive team that their opponents would worry about defending. ”
You don’t pick RB for this. You pick QB/WR.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:14 am
as long as we get some o line help 4 JAM then i dont care who they take at #4
April 24th, 2008 at 9:16 am
it was all a joke meaning it dosent matter what lombarfski says its always in Mr. davis hands
April 24th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Chris Long is the pick if available, if not Lombardi is right I have a feeling.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:22 am
How can you have such a great name and be such a loser. Although there is some truth to what Lombardi said, the Raiders were a slow team but the trenches have to be rebuilt to playoff calibre soon. After all the goal has to be the Superbowl and can you see the likes of Harris, Gallery and Green holding off the Giants “D” line.
If Kiffin and Co. draft DMc with the intention of utilizing his talents other than just using him as a cloud of dust and hit the hole then things will take a favorable turn. Use him as a RB that screens allot, as a wide WR at times and certainly as a QB when we get close to the end zone. I would love to see DMc throw a TD to Bush against the Bolts. For that matter the option to throw the ball every time he sweeps makes him that more dangerous.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:22 am
Mcfumble sucks give me anyone else in the draft
April 24th, 2008 at 9:23 am
PFT is reporting the Rams have Dorsey #1 on their board and the only other option is a possible trade with NO who want Dorsey as well.
That would make me 2-for-2. Now if the Falcons take Ryan we can get C Long!
April 24th, 2008 at 9:28 am
BBB – Moore is an athletic beast for his size. You can’t hold down his bull rush. He has unworldly potential. My boy believes he will eventually be one of the best – not the best but almost.
The problem with Moore is his rawness. He’s definitely not polished and started football later than others. I think it was like his junior year in high school (I could be wrong).
I don’t think he’ll last that long though cuase of his potential to dominate the game. Maybe he goes mid to late 2nd …high 3rd at worst, but he will go early.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:31 am
BART
Yeah, according to Jason Jones Kiffin will hold his pre-draft conference at noon today. First time meeting the local media since december, should be fun.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:33 am
If I am atl I pass on ryan pickup flaco, brohm, woodson in the second IMHO.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Woodson is not getting the credit he deserves. I am a UK fan and have lived in KY all my life. Woodson is a great quarterback with an extremly strong arm. I agree that would be a great pick in the second round.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Anyone know if it’s possible to watch the Kiff presser later today via the net? If so, which site?
April 24th, 2008 at 9:42 am
During the Senior Bowl Dre Moore was putting everyone on skates. They couldn’t hold him back. But you need the right coaching to help him reach his potential and he must be dedicated to perfecting the craft and not relying on the physical. If so, you’ve got a beast and a dominant fixture on the defense for years.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Las Vegas sports consultants has woodson rated second behind brohm. ryan is rated 3 I think.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:47 am
I gotta side with your boy Terrapin.
I had no rooting interest in the Emerald Bowl when I went so I was mostly watching Moore, and he was dominating that line. I found out later that the guy he was mostly up against was Roy Scheuning, who is one of the highest rated gaurds in this draft.
Moore doesn’t look human, because all of his limbs are so extremely thick, and yet he is not fat at all. I think he would fit well on our line because he can both hold the point of attack, and penetrate.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:51 am
hey Guys!
April 24th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Mjalllo testing, 1, 2 ,3, 4?
April 24th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Terp,
yeah, sadly if we draft him he would probably have two different d-line coaches in two years which will stunt his development. I still think he is our best bet for a realistic D-tackle acquistion after the first round.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:03 am
OK…if C. Long is not there then trade down to get a LT and Moore in the late 2nd, or Laws.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Dre Moore’s numbers:
Year – GP – TKL – TFL – Sack
2003 – DNP – – -
2004 – 8 – 12 – 1.5 – 1.0
2005 – 10 – 18 – 0.0 – 0.0
2006 – 13 – 47 – 7.5 – 3.5
2007 – 13 – 63 – 8.5 – 6.0
Those 2007 stats are huge imo for a RAW DT/NT. I mean 8.5 tackles for a loss and 6 sacks for a NT …that’s really damn good, freakin’ exceptional for a RAW NT. (It would not be unreasonable to question his competition level)
April 24th, 2008 at 10:18 am
SI.com projects Dre Moore to go early second round. He may be out of reach for us unfortunately. They actually have him graded above Balmer, but behind Dorsey/Ellis of course.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:25 am
He had decent games against Rutgers, West Virginia, Boston College, that is pretty legit competition.
I think he will be drafted after Dorsey, Ellis, Laws, Sims and Red Bryant, and could possibly fall to the end of the 2nd or early 3rd. I just hope Fabian or Burgess or Stu/Jordan has enough trade value to get us back into the 2nd.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Will the Falcons take Ryan??????
April 24th, 2008 at 11:01 am
no
April 24th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Reports on ESPN state the Rams are going to pick Dorsey or Chris Long , if they pick Dorsey Atlanta would be stupid to pick another 1st round DE this year so it looks like we have a good shot of drafting Howie’s kid!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Ok, Jerry McDonald´s pick is Gholston and Steve Corkran´s pick is McFadden.
Says Corkran today on cnnsi.com´s beat writers mock draft:
Oakland Raiders select Darren McFadden.
“Raiders managing general partner Al Davis bucks conventional wisdom by drafting the best player available and not the best player at the position of greatest need. Davis, as usual, just can’t get past the speed and wow factors.
Adding McFadden gives the Raiders, perhaps, the most-talented player from this year’s draft class.
However, it also gives coach Lane Kiffin a crowded backfield and, therefore, a major problem to resolve. McFadden joins a backfield that includes Justin Fargas, Dominic Rhodes, LaMont Jordan and Michael Bush — the team’s fourth-round pick last season. Something has to give.
The Raiders just became a more exciting team, though not necessarily a better one.”
This after the beat writer from STL went Long and ATL´s Dorsey.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:06 am
When do u guys think Washington will be traded or serious chat about us trading for draft picks will begin. If we trade Washington for a 3rd then its very unlikely that we will pick up a player as good as him.
I wanna draft Long but McFadden will be coming to Oakland. Im no complaining.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Domonic Rhodes might attract some attention for a trade. The Raiders have plenty of trade bait for a 3rd or 4th rounder
April 24th, 2008 at 11:12 am
The only tradition the Raiders have been able to maintain is keeping good corners.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Did you guys see that article on PFT about Jack Tatum’s nephew. Bobby Tatum, 22 y.o. 5′-11″ 200 lbs, 4.33 40 yard dash. He is available in this draft, would be an UDFA, we have got to get him. Bobby Tatum and Chris Long together would be unbelievable.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Who is going to be the return guy. Rhodes is cheap and has good hands. I say we keep him to run back Punts, and Kicks. He also serves as an insurance policy against DMAC or MBUSH getting hurt. J fargass is A@@out.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Adding McFadden gives the Raiders, perhaps, the most-talented player from this year’s draft class.
The Raiders just became a more exciting team, though not necessarily a better one.”
I think that’s what makes the rest of us nonMcFaddy Raiders cringe.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:20 am
I don’t think you would need a Rhodes, Fargas, Dmac & M Bush
April 24th, 2008 at 11:29 am
That my opinion, sticking with it.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:31 am
who is going to run back kicks, and punts?
JL higgins?
Chris Carr?
D Hall?
Jerry Poter?
April 24th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Busch Rhoades Fargus & McFadden. The new Raiders legal team.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:31 am
BART
Do me a favor, copy and paste that Bobby Tatum article for me please, I have trouble accesing pft.com today, don´t know why.
Gotta run, later.
Bring the assassin´s kid to Oakland!.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:32 am
The Raiders were a very slow team. But that was the WR’s not necessarily the RB’s. We talked about that all last year from training camp on, that the Raider WR’s got NO SEPERATION. NONE. Now, some posters here saw our WR’s running down the field with no one around them, but I go to the games both home and away and I rarely ever saw that.
I think that’s one of the biggest jokes on the planet is that Al is going to draft BPA, regardless of need. Shows you what everyone knows. Last year we desperately needed a QB. We picked one. The best one. Year before, we needed a safety. Desperately. We picked what we thought was the best one. The year before that we needed corners cause we lost Woodson, Buchanon and Buchanon (phil and Ray). The year before that we took Gallery and Grove because we desperately needed to rebuild the offensive line. We STILL need to rebuild the offensive line. You guys want me to keep going??
Davis WILL take flyers on guys in later rounds, but early rounds he takes needs. If we have needs. RB right now is not a need.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:35 am
On Saturday, the sale of Kleenex will increase ten fold nationally due to the fact that the Raiders did not select McFadden with the fourth pick in the draft.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Thec, the only candidates you mentioned that will be able to return kicks for the Raiders this season are JL Higgins or DeAngelo Hall. Jerry Porter is now with the Jags and Chris Carr is now a Titan.
Hall may return punts, but I don’t see a front-line player returning kick-offs. After Tim Brown hurt his knee in his rookie season, VERY few starters have returned kick-offs for the Raiders.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:36 am
gimme Long or Gholston and/or a trade for more picks!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Bobby Tatum.
Won’t let me paste the link for some reason
Good find BBB
http://www.star-telegraph.com/332/story/600112.html
April 24th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Bob,
I am unable to copy and paste any links on this blog lately, but the article is at star-telegram.com, titled “a chance to undo mistake”
April 24th, 2008 at 11:38 am
You’re not going to get rid of Dominick Rhodes. Rhodes is a veteran RB, which even if you draft D Mac Daddy, you STILL need a vet in there in case Fargas goes down, (a virtual certainty) because of the blitz assignments. You can’t have a guy back there with no NFL experience and virtually no blitz assignment experience if you don’t want Jam killed. I’d rather have Kwame Harris clones across the entire offensive line than have a rookie, who has NO COLLEGE BLITZ PACKAGE EXPERIENCE (I’m talking Dmac here!!!) being the last line of defense against NFL blitzers!! You have to have a Vet. 2 in fact.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:38 am
BSPN….not ESPN….
April 24th, 2008 at 11:38 am
The Falcons have Byron Leftwich and Joey Harrington. Can they pass on Matt Ryan????
April 24th, 2008 at 11:38 am
OK,
That’s weird. I could’nt paste the link so I typed it out. But now it shows as a link. what the hell??
April 24th, 2008 at 11:39 am
dose anybody know if yhe press conf. can be heard on the radio?? please help I need my raider fix
April 24th, 2008 at 11:41 am
thanks saint, I tried it like 3 times, then just gave up.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Don’t worry….Jerry will print the transcript of the conference here and call it an article.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Rhodes would be a good choice to return kick-offs as he’s got good hands, is solid choice with ball-security (a must for returners), and he’s got good open-field running skills. The Raiders’ crowded backfield will be minus at least one in the near future.
I think Davis just wants to make sure Jordan doesn’t end up with a division rival. Denver and San Diego need help in the backfield and there’s no need to indirectly help either team address that need. Trading him to an NFC team for a 6th or 7th round pick in this year’s or next year’s draft should be a viable option.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:43 am
317 LoL but true!!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:44 am
KoolKell, Atl has neither Leftwich or Harrington. They released them both. Word is they would rather get a later QB with their multiple 2nd rounders tho..
April 24th, 2008 at 11:44 am
or the internet need my RAIDER FIX
April 24th, 2008 at 11:45 am
silvernblack,
i have heard through my Dolt contact that they may look to pick up Alexander or Jordan.
Most likely Jordan because he is familar with Norvall Turner.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Looks like Dallas wants to find out what taking a year off does to a player (Jerry Porter)
April 24th, 2008 at 11:45 am
I would think Rhodes has more trade value since he can do more things than Jordan.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:45 am
And having Jordan land with another AFC West team is a bad thing?! Should that happen, already advantage Raiders!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Bart,
I have also noticed you cannot paste links to any yahoo columns as well.
What is freaky is that I typed it out and it automatically turned into a link. I didn’t even include the Http:// part.
Man, a 4.27 AND a weight room junkie. He’s got some impressive arms, I wonder if he can tackle? Bring him in as UDFA and give him a shot. Say bye-bye to Washington if the kid can cover and tackle.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:48 am
NOBODY and I repeat, NOBODY, will trade with us for Jordan when they know we will be cutting him to free up cap space.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:48 am
I cant find any info on the press conf. stupid google
April 24th, 2008 at 11:49 am
So Atl has no QB’s, good. They’ve got to take Ryan.
I checked their depth chart it says Leftwich & Harrington. I guess it hasn’t been updated.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:49 am
My bet is that Chris Long goes to the Rams. They can’t ask Carriker to lose the 35lbs they asked him to gain last year to move inside…just to move back outside again so that they can draft Dorsey.
They will leave Carriker inside and draft Long for the DE position.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Darkknight01, I certainly see why Norvell would want to pick up Jordan on the cheap. That’s why I think Davis has kept Jordan on the roster, so he can keep him away from either the Rat in Denver or the Norvinator in SD.
Jordan has NO future with the Raiders, but there’s trade value for him somewhere. Trade him to Chucky and the Bucs, to go with their 15 QBS! They actually do need help at RB. At least that would keep Jordan away from the Ponies and the SD Steroid Abusers…
April 24th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Davis will cut Jordan after June 1 due to the fact that the Raiders would take a larger cap hit if they cut him before June 1
April 24th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Nobody is going to trade for Jordan and take on his contract. who would pay him $4.7m and give up a draft pick?
April 24th, 2008 at 11:55 am
yeah Lil Tatum actually has really impressive numbers. It sounds like he could have been a starter at Texas, but was behind Huff and Griffin on the depth chart as a freshman and transfered to Abilene Christian out of frustration.
Man he has been working at Walmart to make ends meet, I’ll bet that pisses him off, he would be giving 110% if we brought him into camp. Somebody needs to forward that link to Al.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Harrington is back with ATL
April 24th, 2008 at 11:57 am
IowaRaiderFan, there may be a team that will trade a late-round pick for Jordan rather than take a chance he’ll still be there on waivers. If the Raiders cut him, he’ll have to clear waivers in order for any team to sign him. I guarantee that if he’s cut, SD or Denver will claim him before he clears waivers.
If a team has a need at running back, trading a late-round pick for a serviceable running back like Jordan makes perfect sense. Chances are, Jordan will contribute a lot more to a team than a 6th or 7th-round pick (most of which won’t even make an NFL team).
The only way he’s not worth a late-round pick is if his back is seriously injured. He was running pretty well for the Raiders last year in Cable’s zone-blocking scheme before his back went out in the Dolphins game.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:57 am
ATL resigned Harrington. They are not high on Matt Ryan at the number 3 slot. They feel Brian Brohm would be a good fit, or even Eric Ainge in the 3rd or 4th, to try to steal some Tennessee fans to their side!!
You have to understand something here. Dimitroff and Smith are going to build Atlanta like they built Jokesonville and New England. With a tough tough defense. Tommy Trojan and I disagee slightly here that he thinks we’re trying to build a smaller faster defense ala Indy. I think we are trying to build a physical defense ala Jokesonville. All that being said, expect Atlanta to draft a defensive lineman here. Actually, Atlanta would be in perfect position to trade up one spot and take Dorsey.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:58 am
who cares where jordan goes he cant make thru a season anyway! Where the ufck can I hear the press conf
April 24th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
if lambs take Dorsey…then we may have more flexibility to trade down. Because it may mean that Atlanta will have to focus on Ryan. That means we can try and work with the Jets on a deal IF they REALLY want D-MAC. We just tell them…hey we are gonna take dmac but we are willing to make a deal if you guys want him. If they can offer us there 2nd rounder and a player…(maybe Dewayne Robertson?) to switch spots…then we get another DT to add to the rotation and compete….then with the #6 pick with the Lambs taking Dorsey and Atlanta most likely taking Ryan…then one of the two DE/OLB’s Long or Gholston will be there at #6. With the Jets 2nd round pick we can get the best OT in round 2. Duane Brown or Sam Baker. Or with the #6 they can get the best OT prospect between Clady, or Albert….then go with someone like Laurence Jackson with the 2nd round pick. This deal would ONLY work really if Dorsey goes to Rams and if Atlanta gets Ryan.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Sac Raider, contracts are re-negotiated all the time to get deals done. Jordan will likely be happy to re-negotiate his deal if he’ll get with a team where he isn’t 6th on the depth chart.
Again, Davis will do anything possible to keep Jordan away from the Chargers and Broncos.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
SilverNBlack,
I agree with your reasoning, but no team is going to want to inherit his contract. The team that is willing to trade form him would have to have a restructured contract alreay agreed to with Jordan.
I am skeptical that anyone would pick him up as anything other than a 3rd stringer due to age and injury considerations. Even if Norvo took him, I can’t see him being the #2 guy behind LT.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
SilverNBlack,
I agree with your reasoning, but no team is going to want to inherit his contract. The team that is willing to trade form him would have to have a restructured contract alreay agreed to with Jordan.
I am skeptical that anyone would pick him up as anything other than a 3rd stringer due to age and injury considerations. Even if Norvo took him, I can’t see him being the #2 guy behind LT.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Soory for the double post
April 24th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Rams take Dorsey, Falcons take Long, Raiders Take McFadden then.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
I can’t see why Al would be afraid of the Bolts or the Donkeys getting Jordan. There is no way he will revert back to his Jets form as a sub
April 24th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Of course Ellis would still be there, but he’s Kiffin’s recruit. That may work against him with Al Davis.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Jason Jones said yesterday that Kiffin was having a press conference today at noon. Is anyone hearing or watching it?
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/raiders/
April 24th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Rams won’t draft Dorsey….Carriker can’t move back outside.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Whoever we pick at 4 here is the projected cost, per NFL.com
No. 4: 5 years, $51 million with $27 million guaranteed
April 24th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
SilverNBlack Says:
April 24th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Thec, the only candidates you mentioned that will be able to return kicks for the Raiders this season are JL Higgins or DeAngelo Hall. Jerry Porter is now with the Jags and Chris Carr is now a Titan.
I knew those two were gone. I was just trying to add a little humor to my post.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
den her side sutter da max
April 24th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I doubt we let hall return kicks. Rhodes would be a nice candidate for this as he wont see the field next year and makes for a great insurance policy. trade Fargass as he is A@@out.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
If the Rams don’t take Dorsey, look for them to take Chris Long and then Atlanta to take Dorsey. If that happens, the Raiders may be able to swing a deal with the Jets for McFadden.
Ellis to the Raiders at the Jets former #6 spot, plus a 2nd or 3rd round pick in this year’s draft from the Jets for McFadden would get the Raiders a D-lineman they need to stuff the run and an additional high-round pick they need for a wideout.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Trade jordan for a udfa in other words cut him. Trade Fargass A$$out. We have 2 FB’s do we nee them both?
April 24th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
like the idea dark, but i would hate to see long go to the queefs to replace allen
April 24th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
no way the raiders trade fargas…that guy has been loyal from the start and maybe to a fault.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Afternoon Nation,
been out in the wilderness for a couple of weeks. Only two more days (I hope) to read about Arkansas RB’s on this site.
Keep Rhodes. No prob.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
silver and black I like the idea of getting more picks. I wish we would do that. I also like ellis. Per the bench press number he is stronger than dorsey. I dont like the Ghos.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Jets-Raiders deal sounds good.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
lorte side!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Yeah where the heck is the press conference? We can shoulda coulda woulda all day ( and have ) I need some meat to go with all the fluff.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Loyalty does not translate to SB wins. I like fargas for 2 reasons:
1. He is a member of the NATION.
2. He played for USC.
Its not personal its business. I would trade him in less than a heart beat.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Thec they aren’t aren’t going to trade him, they just re signed him! the deal would have to be pretty sweet for a so-so RB. I like him to, and think he should stay, he’s finally earned it!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
AD is all about loyalty. If it wasn’t about loyalty then why did they re-sign him?
April 24th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Draft McFad & he’ll return kicks…oh yeah….that’s right…..all of his 23 fumbles in college were from kick/punt returns. At least that’s what proMcFaddy supporters would have us believe.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I like Jason Jones, but I think he’s on mushrooms. Would’nt we have heard about this Kiffin PC from Jerry if it were actually happening?
April 24th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Not a fan of Gholston either, Thec, he looks like another product of the combine. If Long and Dorsey are gone at #4, the Raiders could move back a couple spots and still get Ellis.
McFadden could be a stud in the NFL, but with Bush, Fargas and Rhodes, it’s a position Kiffin has already said is pretty-well set on a team that desperately needs to STOP the run. The Jets are said to be high on McFadden, so hopefully the Raiders can make that deal happen.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
If Fragas is “sos-so” as you put it then why do we keep him? Why do we need “so-so”. I say get what we can for him, cause if bnush is 100%, and they annouce us taking MAC then fargass is A$$out. Fargas will hardle see the field.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Hey Thec, I bet you weren’t talking out your neck when he was racking up 100-yard games last year.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
For additional info on the press conference;
http://www.raiderlatest.com/draft549ersrule/raiders896suck8
Draft Mcfadden!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
RaiderTW Says:
April 24th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Draft McFad & he’ll return kicks…oh yeah….that’s right…..all of his 23 fumbles in college were from kick/punt returns. At least that’s what proMcFaddy supporters would have us believe.
Who said DMAC would run back kicks?
TW you should be getting ready to order my authentic. Long is going to the lambs we are drafting DMAC. I require a XXXL. Leave enough room for my yokes.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
I don’t prtend to know the mind of Davis, but it’s bad business to trade some one you just signed. The money never works out.
And it may be he never sees the field again in a Raider jersey, but he deserves one more year after the last one.*
*disclaimer – My opinion and 3 bucks will get you a cup of coffee.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
That was a fake address Troll get off our blog
Check this one out; http://49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4158§ion=PR%20News
April 24th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Quagmire’d Says:
April 24th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Hey Thec, I bet you weren’t talking out your neck when he was racking up 100-yard games last year.
??????
what are you his agent? read my post genie, i like fargass. We will have 2 too many backs once we draft DMAC. the NFL rosters are 53.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Yeah Scottish, isn’t Dakota gone until tomorrow?
April 24th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
At the #2 spot, every site I have looked at has said that the Rams need help at defensive end more than anything. I fully expect them to take Chris Long.
At #3, that leaves the Falcons deciding between DT and QB. With tons of picks in early round 2, look for Atlanta to bet that they can get a QB later, and take Glenn Dorsey.
At #4, the Raiders will be deciding between Ellis, Gholston, and McFadden. The latter two are the kind of freak athletes Mr. Davis loves. I believe Jerry is right when it comes to Davis’ practicality re: need positions. Plus, the quarterback must go down, and he must go down hard, so we take Vernon Gholston.
At #5, the Chiefs are dismayed to not have JLong, CLong, or Gholston available. With overwhelming need at offensive line, I think they will take the best OL left, G/T Branden Albert.
At #6, the Jets ignore the hype-driven suggestions to take Ryan or McFadden. Mangini takes a page out of Belichick’s book by getting himself a studly athletic DT to put as a 3-4 DE, grabbing Sedrick Ellis.
At #7, the Pats would have preferred Ellis or Gholston. With OLB being much less of a need than MLB, they can’t pull the trigger on Rivers. They happily strike a deal with Jerry Jones and send to the Cowboys Darren McFadden.
At #8, the Ravens are feeling lucky. Personally I am not on the Ryan bandwagon, nevertheless, Baltimore wastes no time drafting Matt Ryan here.
At #9, Cincinnati was hoping for Ellis. Instead, they screw over the Saints by taking Keith Rivers.
At #10, New Orleans needs a ton of defensive help, and isn’t crazy about the defensive talent that fell to them. But corner is one of their bigger needs, so they take the best one, Leodis McKelvin.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Dakota has gone out into the Badlands to hunt…with his .45
April 24th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Good Projection Trevjo
April 24th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
and a .45 is quicker than 409, Dakota cleaned house for the very last time – It’s a song from long ago
April 24th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
watch New England come out of this draft with a ton of picks
April 24th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
I don’t think there even was a press conference
April 24th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Mjallo testing?
April 24th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
have you guys heard the news about fabian?
April 24th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
woaw it works!
April 24th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Thec, pleeeeese, the Jets are trading up with the Rams for McFaddy hahahahaha
April 24th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
In your dreams TW, remember XXXL
April 24th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
TW, On saturday you will be sweating bullets. C. Long will be the first pick beacuse the fins allready signed J. Long. You would have lost the bet at the begining of the draft. then you will be hoping and praying that we dont take DMAC. LOL cant wait til Sat.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Haven’t you heard? The Jets are talking with the Rams about taking their pick for McF.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
TW, I heard the same rumors you have heard. Rams want D and they will take C. Long.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
If it is good enough for TT then here is more of my campaign for a better “O” line.
The following is an exerpt from bay Area columnist Monte Poole article before J. Long was signed by the Fins:
Raiders Top 5 Needs
TIME IS NOT on their side. And, after racking up a $250-million offseason shopping bill, neither is money.
With five years of futility, an agitated fan base, an aging owner and at least $31 million invested in their franchise quarterback, the Raiders have never been so in need of getting it right. Of positioning themselves to regain lost dignity, as well as the respect they once took for granted.
Their offseason free-agent grab opened the door to recovery, but this weekend’s draft is their chance to go through it.
After making JaMarcus Russell the first overall pick last year, then financially committing to the quarterback, the priority should be using the fourth overall pick to get him help.
And, no, not Darren McFadden. He’s a wonderful running back, may have a great NFL career, and his name is linked to Oakland in a billion mock drafts.
But he’s not what Russell and the Raiders need.
They need a better offensive line, most importantly a franchise left tackle.
Having seen enough of Robert Gallery to realize he is not the signature left tackle they hoped he’d be, Oakland would be negligent if they don’t look for one onSaturday.
Why? Because the Raiders won’t go any farther than Russell can take them.
That’s what John Madden, America’s Uncle Football, said on his radio show a while back. Madden has never been more right, and Al Davis knows it. The size of Russell’s paycheck suggests, if not confirms, as much.
Al may have forgotten more football than most of us will ever know, but he surely remembers the importance of a superb offensive line, which along with a trustworthy secondary, form the essence of a quality team.
Early evaluation of the draft influenced the Raiders to address their defensive backfield needs in free agency, which led them to sign promising safety Gibril Wilson and talented cornerback DeAngelo Hall.
The offensive line was saved for the draft, because it has plenty of solid candidates. Indeed, the decisions made this weekend could provide the tickets to Oakland’s turnaround.
Doesn’t mean the Raiders will get it right. They haven’t drafted especially well lately, and teams often whiff on linemen, as the Raiders did in 2004. When drafting Gallery and center Jake Grove in 2004, the Raiders thought their line was set for the next decade.
Truth be told, Oakland has not drafted an outstanding lineman since second-rounder Barret Robbins — in 1995.
Yet logic dictates they try again. Getting it right can lead to a dramatic improvement in an offense that over the past two seasons has scored the fewest touchdowns in the NFL. Embarrassing.
Franchise left tackles have a way of ending up in playoffs. Think Baltimore’s Jonathan Ogden, Seattle’s Walter Jones, St. Louis’ Orlando Pace and Dallas’ Flozell Adams. Remember Tarik Glenn in Indy, Gary Zimmerman in Denver, Erik Williams in Dallas.
Once upon a time, Oakland drafted a man named Art Shell.
So, yes, it can be done.
There was no more dramatic turnaround in the NFL last season than that which occurred in Cleveland, where the Browns recovered from a 4-12 record in 2006 to finish 10-6, missing the playoffs by a blink. How did they do it? Mostly by fixing their offense.
The biggest moves were drafting Joe Thomas, who as a rookie looked the part of the franchise left tackle, and finding quarterback Derek Anderson, who came off their bench in the opener and spent the rest of the season finding play-making receivers such as Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow Jr.
Cleveland, which scored 22 touchdowns in 2006, rang up 42 in’07.
Well, the Raiders already have their quarterback, if they guide him properly, on and off the field.
As for the left tackle, we’ve seen enough of Kwame Harris as a 49er to know it’s unwise to count on him, no matter the marvelous work of offensive line coach Tom Cable. And there is no sign whatsoever the Raiders believe Mario Henderson is their man.
If Oakland holds onto the No.4 pick, it might have a chance at Michigan’s Jake Long, considered the top lineman in the draft. Though Miami has talked with Long’s agents, no decision in the NFL is final until it’s made.
That said, Oakland might be better off trading down in the first round — perhaps allowing the Cowboys or Jets to pick McFadden — to add picks in later rounds.
Moving down, the Raiders still could find quality tackles such as Boise State’s Ryan Clady, Vanderbilt’s Chris Williams or Virginia’s Duane Brown. Virginia’s Branden Albert, who played mostly guard, might be as good as anyone in the draft.
Cable undoubtedly wants linemen because that’s how coaches are. Brown and Williams, both relatively quick, would seem to fit his profile.
The final calls, however, will be made by Al. McFadden is the sexy pick but superfluous. Pass rusher Vernon Gholston has potential but doesn’t address the team’s most urgent need.
Which is help for the offense. For JaMarcus. As Uncle Football says, the Raiders will only go as far as JaMarcus can take them.
Sorry for the length.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Rams take Long
Falcons take Dorsey
Raiders must choose between McFadden, Gholston, Ellis
Hopefully the phone rings…Draft picks calling!
April 24th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Al already knows Baltimore and the NYJ are interested in moving up. Baltimore for Ryan, and NYJ for McFadden.
Ellis is the man on the Raiders radar. Ellis will be the man in the middle for the Raiders for the next 5-10 years.
With the pick/s we get when we TRADE DOWN, we’ll then snag a young WR to fill out the stable, and then look for another O-line project.
Ellis is the pick.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Has anyone heard anything about the 12pm conference that Coach Kiffen was supposed to have?
April 24th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
How do we draft Ellis AND trade down?
April 24th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
think that conference was a hoax
April 24th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Mad Road Dog
Ok, but what do you suggest we do if nobody offers a trade?.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
quagmire,
if the queefs get long at #5…i would hate that also….but then the raiders can counter that pick and get draft his former teamate at Virginia OL Albert to play LT. Hey, C Long said it himself that practicing against Albert was difficult. ??? Or they can get Clady. Then with the jets 2nd roudner they can get the best DT or DE.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
If we dont get a trade we Draft DMAC
April 24th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
frank thomas back in oakland yeahhhh
April 24th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
HayesDaze#37 Says:
Al already knows Baltimore and the NYJ are interested in moving up. Baltimore for Ryan, and NYJ for McFadden.
Raiders take Chris Long & I get a jersey!!!
April 24th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Rams are taking Chris Long
April 24th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
TW, Put down the c pipe its impacting your logical reasoning.
1. Rams will take long
2. atl will take dorsey
3. NATION takes DMAC.
4. You Buy my Authentic XXXL DMAC Jersey in BLack.
5. YOu ship it to my home.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Random — trade down 2-4 spots, get an extra pick or two, and grab Ellis.
Just like Ellis is perfect for this defense, Clady would be perfect for the offense. If Ellis is gone, Clady can be had around the 10th pick.
We could actually trade down more than once, and stay in the top-10 to grab the highest-rated players at positions we need.
We need at least one more starting-quality WR, and that could be grabbed anywhere from late Round-1 to Round-3.
We need players…we need picks.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Jets will gamble that we are not taking McFadden and let him fall to them at #6
April 24th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
I guess Jerry is in the middle of finishing up his article about the conference, because the mods just killed two of my posts about the article on another source. I will just commenting now.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Big AL will draft C. Long, count on it. We will either move up or stay at #4 and draft C. Long. Ellis? LOL! Yet another complete USC joke. No-one wants Ellis that high. Ellis will most likely be one of the biggest “busts” of the draft, if he goes that high. Later rounds sure why not pick-up an Ellis, but at #4 overall, no-way. Ellis is younger, smaller version of a Dana Stubblefield type player.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
We draft Howie’s son in round 1 and Jack Tatum’s nephew in one of our late rounds.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
April 24, 2008
Trading places
For all you conspiracy theorists out there, you’ll be glad to know Lane Kiffin wore a red (eerily close to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers colors) shirt at today’s press conference.
That’s right, he’s clearly letting the world know he’ll join Jon Gruden and his father, Monte Kiffin, in Tampa by the end of the year.
But onto more serious matters, like the 2008 NFL Draft.
Kiffin discussed the very real possibility of the Raiders trading down because they only have five picks in the draft, none in the second or third rounds.
When a trade might happen isn’t certain.
“Something can happen any minute here. If that happens it’s more that we’re looking at it and saying there’s not someone there we just feel great about. Or the other way is if our guy is not there at that point we’ll go ahead and deal with that on Saturday, but we’ve got to wait until we’re on the clock to make sure our guy’s not there.”
He added a late first and a late second wouldn’t be enough to make a deal. So a team in the middle of the first round that might really want Darren McFadden could be a partner (Chicago?)
There will be more on that in tomorrow’s paper, since I still have to write a story. But here are some noteworthy things from Kiffin.
*He reiterated defensive line is where the biggest need is. He believes Chris Long’s strength would be a boost against the run. He said Vernon Gholston might be a better fit in a 3-4, but he can definitely play defensive end in the 4-3.
*For those that don’t know, Al Davis has the final say on draft picks.
“He’s the owner. At the end, if there’s a disagreement on something, it’s going to be expressed why and the reason why I feel we should go a certain way. He owns the team, just like 31 other teams, in the end, that’s who’s going to have the final say.”
*Kiffin talked about the need for a “dynamic” player a lot last season. That’s the word he used to describe McFadden more than once.
*On drafting offensive linemen in the zone-blocking scheme:
“I think if you saw our board on offensive linemen you’d be shocked because it wouldn’t go anywhere near any of the mock drafts or any of the people that you see where you go. We’d have people at the top of our offensive line board that you’d think are fourth or fifth round picks. It’s a different way to evaluate people. Some people can really play in this system really well.”
*On JaMarcus Russell:
“He came back 10, 11 days before we even started. So he was with our coaches and with our strength staff before everybody else got back here five weeks ago and he hasn’t missed a thing since. Most the guys are really here 3-4 hours a day. He’s here about 5 1/2, 6 hours a day. He’s here first thing in the morning, he has position meetings in the morning, he goes in and lifts and he goes in and runs. He comes in and changes and goes back out and throws with the guys. By far he’s in the best shape since I’ve seen him, even if you go back to his pro day at college. So I know he’s real excited about the upcoming season as well.”
*Kiffin said the decision of whether to draft a defensive end or tackle also depends on what the team can expect from Terdell Sands. After emerging as run stuffer in 2006 and signing a four-year, $17 million deal, he tailed off noticeably in 2007.
“Last offseason he went through a lot of tough things. Lost a number of very close people in his family, and as you look back, that affected him, and I know he’d be the first to tell you, he didn’t go through the offseason the way he should have, and he let that affect his football instead of dealing with it otherwise, and did not have a productive offseason, and ended up having to play catch up the whole time. Training camp isn’t the time here to catch up and to get in shape. Training camp, come in shape, and we’ll improve you and get you better. Instead, he came in to get in shape in training camp and never caught up.”
Kiffin said Sands has been present a lot this offseason after not being around much at all last year.
*Michael Bush is looking good at running back and just needs an opportunity.
And finally, Kiffin on the running back the fans love to hate, LaMont Jordan, when asked if he expected him to be on the team this season.
“I don’t know that. LaMont does have a very high contract, and a big number coming into this. So we have to look at what happens in the draft, look at what else is going on and make a decision.”
Kwame Harris and DeAngelo Hall also spoke today and I’ll have more on them later. But I need to get to writing a story before my editor thinks I’m busy on Myspace, Facebook, or just watching YouTube highlights of Kobe Bryant.
–Jason Jones
April 24th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
my post above is from today’s presser
April 24th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
373. You are a fake. Stop stealing other peoples names.
Have the courage and decency to post under your real name.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Thanks BART Bridge Balla
April 24th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Interesting comment about the O-line, looks like they might be grabbing a Left Tackle in the 4th round.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Bob Marley…If we cannot trade down, I will be happy with any of the top athletes on the board. But lets focus on the “O” line where it is reasonable to do so.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
jason jones has some quotes up for lanes press conference. im looking forward to seeing what Jerry brings in because jason did say he was withholding some stuff because he has to write it in the paper
April 24th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Balla, that was some excellent info Brethren!!!!
I like the info about JRUSS the best.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Balla what site?
April 24th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
No McFaddy for Thec & Dakota!!
April 24th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Wow, Jerry and Jones have way diff styles of writting. Jerry tends to give a little more information vs just nuggets. Can’t wait to see what Jerry writes.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
TW, lol.
Tw i would perfer we trade down and stockpile. MBUSH is the S#!t make zero mistake about it.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
And finally, Kiffin on the running back the fans love to hate, LaMont Jordan, when asked if he expected him to be on the team this season.
I don’t know that. LaMont does have a very high contract, and a big number coming into this. So we have to look at what happens in the draft, look at what else is going on and make a decision.”
Yeah like if when we take DMAC we package him up in a trade, or cut him.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
It now looks like…
1. Jake Long
2. Dorsey(according to the St. Louis papers)
3. Ryan
4. Chris Long, Gholston, or McFadden
April 24th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
The city of Oakland and the Oakland police department are bracing themselves for the possibility of the Raiders winning a 3rd straight game in 2008. They’re surveying space perimeters along International avenue and asking the federal government for more riot gear, in case the Raiders do reach a 3rd straight victory this coming season. Developing…
April 24th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
thec…
you figured it out! you get a gold star!
April 24th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
So, based on what Kiff just said let’s review:
The Raiders are NOT going to trade down, as I discussed yesterday, e.g., the overall #4 to Dallas for #’s 22 and 28. As I said, would you trade a potential pro bowl player for a couple of servicable starters??? The answer is NO. Thank You Kiff.
As I said yesterday there are deals on the table for a variety of different players. Until we know who is available when we are on the clock, it makes no difference what those deals are. We’re not going to trade our guys to have picks for players we don’t want.
Defensive line is our biggest need. Thank God someone understands this!!!!!!!!! Notice how he said defensive LINE!!! In other words both end AND tackle!!!!!!!!!! As I have reiterated over and over here on this site, all the teams in the playoffs last year had multiple high draft choices on their dlines. We didn’t. Neither did KC. Those teams were in the playoffs. KC and us sucked ASS!!! Is there a connection??? People keep telling me we can find excellent defensive linemen in the 6th round. Yeah, 6′6″ 310 lb guys that run 4.8 forty’s just fall out the sky every three seconds. Sure.
And I haven’t even gotten to Jam and Mike Bush yet…
April 24th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
How about our #1 rated LT in the 4th? That sounds real good to me.
April 24th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Some juicy nuggets today, but we have to remember; Kiffin’s not in charge.
April 24th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Thus speaketh weblog enforcer X
April 24th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Breuce Davis Jr. has more sacks than Gholston over their careers.
Gholston had one season where he got over half his sacks, produced barely any turnovers.
Davis Jr. had 29 sacks in 28 games and forced many more fumbles.
April 24th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Who has heard anything truely that Al wants C. Long? Rumor has it that ATL is going to trade with STL so they can get Dorsey (ATL run oriented off doesn’t need a high caliber QB to be effective) and STL will take C. Long to line up next to Carriker. Al gets McFadden and now we get some TD’s… Dallas is going to give us one of their 2nd round picks for Washington as an insurance policy for Jones. Then all can package multiple players for single picks, that’s how you get rid of Jordan and not have to cut him. Throw Routt and Jordan for one pick, etc. Al needs to get a better off on the field! Having Russell and McFadden and Bush on the field will put you NOCAL residents in the seats to make up for all the $$$ he spent in F/A. Besides, 06/01, Al can p/u another DT/DE in F/A…
May 11th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
[...] Allens exit a plus – Inside The Oakland Raiders – A look inside the … reddit_url=’http://www.baby-parenting.com/baby/babyname/Darrion’ reddit_title=’Baby name meaning and origin for Darrion’ [...]
March 29th, 2012 at 3:02 pm
FVOdontologos …
[...]Allen’s exit a plus – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders from the writers of Bay Area News Group[...]…