Why McFadden isn’t the pick
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008 at 7:23 am in Oakland Raiders.
Al Davis has a reputation of wanting the best available athlete. Give him the biggest, the fastest, the most explosive talent and he is happy, regardless of whether the position is settled.
It is said he won’t be able to bypass Darren McFadden for that reason. He simply won’t be able to resist putting an instant touchdown into an already crowded backfield, joining Justin Fargas, Michael Bush and Dominic Rhodes.
While there is some truth to Davis’ criteria in terms of talent, he is not all that mysterious.
Take place kicker Sebastian Janikowski, for instance.
True, Janikowski was a long-distance marvel and a spectacular talent, but the bottom line is the Raiders desperately needed a kicker. Michael Husted’s troubles had cost the Raiders a chance at a 10-win season the previous year, and Jano was thought to be the final piece of the puzzle.
How about Michael Huff in 2006?
A smallish playmaker for a strong safety, but a safety is exactly what the Raiders needed. Despite the presence of USC quarterback Matt Leinart still on the board, Davis went with Huff. He already had Andrew Walter on the roster, a quarterback who was thought to be the future of the franchise.
When it turned out Walter perhaps wasn’t the franchise after all, JaMarcus Russell was the choice at No. 1 the following season despite the presence of Calvin Johnson. Johnson was only the most remarkable size-speed combination in the history of the draft at his position.
Robert Gallery’s selection in 2004 came at the expense of Roy Williams, a receiver Davis absolutely loved and thought was superior to Larry Fitzgerald, who went higher to Arizona. Gallery was a practical solution to a Raiders line which needed someone to install at left tackle for a decade.
Needs weren’t as clearly defined when the Raiders were winning three straight division titles, and with the Raiders drafting late, it was more of a “best athlete” scenario.
Considering the roster the Raiders already have, and the decisions to re-sign Fargas and coax Dominic Rhodes to take less money to remain on the roster, I don’t see Oakland taking McFadden on Saturday.
There is also the presence of Michael Bush, who hasn’t played in two years but who is seen as a potential difference maker. Or at least that’s the company line. If McFadden is the pick, it means the real thoughts on Bush are that he is too slow and not the long-term answer.
The Raiders were sixth in the NFL in rushing and gave up 100-yard games to 10 different backs. The practical thing to do is work on the defense, not add another back.
I’ll admit I’ve talked to some people who really know Davis who think McFadden will be irresistable. But the bottom line is I think Davis is more practical than you think.
Holding the key to McFadden could have as much value as McFadden himself. The Raiders will use the No. 4 pick to get additional picks or take a defensive player who can make a difference.
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April 23rd, 2008 at 7:27 am
1st !!
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:30 am
If Dakota reads this article its going to break his heart
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:32 am
Nope Memo, this is BS.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:35 am
“I’ll admit I’ve talked to some people who really know Davis who think McFadden will be irresistable.”
Sorry Jerry if I believe them more than you, lol.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:42 am
Dakota,
Is that you?
————–
DRAFT MCFADDEN!
Any posts in my name between now and Friday morning are not me.
Later
————–
It’s not Friday morning yet!
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:42 am
Its all about filling NEEDS at such a high pick…sorry Dakota, TT…it won’t be DMac. Thank God!
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:45 am
Yeah, it is me, I couldn’t resist responding to this crap and we are a little late getting out of here, lol.
Anything posted by me after 10 am MST will not be me, lol.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:46 am
That Jets trade up to #2 rumor for McFadden would be a disaster unless we nabbed Long @4.
NO GHOLSTON, NO ELLIS!
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:46 am
MIA, right, we NEED TDs, lol.
Draft McFadden!
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:47 am
When was the last time our host Jerry MacDonald was right about any inside info? Its April 23rd and Kiffin is still here, Lofton’s not Head Coach. I have as much insight as he does which is none.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:49 am
Today could be a great day for me. Watch the Cubs beat the Rockies and then gloat around Denver after the Lakers take down the Nuggs, lol.
Or, today may really suck.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:49 am
Maybe he should sit outside our draft room with a cup to his ear to get more inside info.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:53 am
This article wasn’t claiming inside info…just stating facts on how Al is misstated about drafting the flashy vs need when we have high picks.
Michael Bush will get the TDs you worried about Dakota
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:54 am
Dakota give Shannahan the bird for me if you see him
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:54 am
I hope so MIA. I just don’t like betting on a one-legged man in an azz kicking contest. He better be 100% healed if we pass on McFadden.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:55 am
If Ratface suffers injuries from a hit and run today…wasn’t me.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:56 am
Not facts, just his opinion.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:57 am
Give him some Sunblock…
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:59 am
I hope we get Chris Long….but seriously, unless we pick someone out of nowhere with the #4 pick….I will be happy with any of the scenarios.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:00 am
Like an effing cornerback….dude, how mad would you be?
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:01 am
J. Mac is right on with this article and AD will not draft DMc. Hopefully, The Raiders will get C. Long or Dorsey. Then trade down to get the LT that we need and the big wide body DT with the next pick.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:02 am
Or Matt Ryan….or the TE from USC…Davis? That would be typical Al Davis…senile old fart.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:03 am
Meant to say…if no C. Long or Dorsey then trade down for the LT and DT.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:04 am
Just say no to Gholston!
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:04 am
Chris Long w/ the Raiders v. Gholston w/ the Chiefs…a battle for the next ten years!
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:06 am
We have too many RBs competing to throw DMC into the mix. RBs come and go through the draft year-by-year. We can find someone next year if the Bush, Fargas, Rhodes, Echimondu stable doesn’t work…
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:08 am
Holy Toledo, Toledo! We cut Jordan. We keep Rhodes through the preseason to see if Bush is really legit. If he is, then we dump Rhodes, if not, we dump Bush.
This is not rocket science!
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:08 am
Taking one of the top FRONT 7 Defensive players could be all the difference in making us formidable next year. I rate: Dorsey, CLADY, C. Long, Ellis, Gholston (I’m not sold on this workout warrior)
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:09 am
Okay, I really am out now. Any posts under my name from now till Friday morning are not me!
Blame Ballbag!
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:11 am
Fred Davis won’t be there past the 2nd rd.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:18 am
I think Jerry nailed it. Instead of dealing with “Al’s reputation” or the general perception, he looked at actual choices made. the national media in NY and the east coast never really do their homework and just glaze over the surface of issues for any team they don’t like or don’t care about.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:20 am
Contrary to popular belief it appears that AD allows his HCs to draft. The 3rd round with 3 picks in 2007 appears to be a bust right now and if it plays out this way then it has set the Raiders back tremendously. We could have been set at LT, DE and WR. That would mean DMc would no longer be a luxury that we cannot afford. I hope it was not Kiffin that pulled the trigger because that would mean he is not the purveyor of talent as advertised. Time will tell.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:23 am
Jerry…great article!
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:29 am
Isn’t this Ghoulston an athletic freak, what about Chris Long? I don’t see McFadden being that much better of an athlete than these other guys.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:31 am
You probably already know this but:
NFL Draft changes for 2008
» Only Rounds 1 and 2 will take place on Saturday. Previously, the first three rounds of the draft were conducted on Saturday.
» The draft will start at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, three hours later than the previous start time.
» The time allocated for each pick in Round 1 will be 10 minutes. Previously, the first round time was 15 minutes.
» The time allocated for each pick in Round 2 will be seven minutes. Previously, it was 10 minutes.
» Round 3 will be moved to Sunday and remain at five minutes per selection. (Rounds 4-7 will also remain at five minutes per pick.)
» Sunday, the draft starts at 10 a.m. ET, rather than 11 a.m. ET.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:38 am
Morning, off topic….
So, KC got an extra 1st and two 3rds for their best player, I envy the amount of picks they have now but….
Considering Carl Peterson´s dubious Draft record from rounds 1 to 3, I would say they should have held on to their best player. Of course, Carl took care of irking him earlier to the point he couldn´t wait to leave.
Here KC´s picks since 99 when Marty left (of course, due to a beef with Carl Peterson).
1999
1-OT John Tait
2-RB Mike Cloud
3-LB Gary Stills
3-LB Larry Atkins
2000
1-WR Sylvester Morris
2-S William Bartee
3-S Greg Wesley
2001
3-DE Eric Downing
3-WR Snoop Minnis
2002
1-DT Ryan Sims
2-DE Eddie Freeman
2003
1-RB Larry Johnson
2-LB Kawika Mitchell
3-S Julian Battle
2004
2-DT Junior Siiavi
2-TE Kris Wilson
3-LB Keyaron Fox
2005
1-LB Derrick Johnson
3-P Dustin Colquitt
Out of 19 players selected in the top 3 rounds from 99 to 05, only 4 players remain with the team, 2 starters, one backup and the Punter.
Conventional wisdom says it takes 3 years to evaluate a Draft so the jury´s still out on the 06 and 07 Drafts:
2006
1-DE Tamba Hali
2-S Bernard Pollard
3-QB Brodie Croyle
2007
1-WR Dwayne Bowe
2-DT Turk McBride
3-DT Tank Tyler
With so many picks this year they are bound to hit on a couple of them, but the odds are not good according to their history. I feel better now.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:38 am
Wow Jerry, this article sounds like the discussion Tommy Trojan and myself had the other day on this blog. Michael Husted….For the life of me I couldn’t think of his name. I remembered the reason we took Jano was because of our terrible kicker, but for the life of me I couldn’t think of his name. Thanks Jerry. The discussion was about need players and luxury players and Tommy Trojan tried to tell me Jano was a luxury pick and I disagreed. My memory isn’t the best, but I does work occasionally…LOL
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:39 am
Man I hope we get this guy, he will set the tone for our “D”. This quote is classic.
Even as he begins to construct his own body of work, Chris Long is more than willing to acknowledge the cloth from which he was cut. In most regards, anyway.
“I’ve decided that I’m going to stick with my hairdo and never rock the flattop,” he posted on a recent ESPN.com chat. “But that’s a good question, because that is a legacy to live up to.”
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:41 am
The biggest knock on Chris Long is that scouts see him as having already reached or nearly reached his athletic potential. They see Gholston and drool because of his measureables and unrealized potential.
IMO, Chris Long is the most ready to play D line prospect in the draft. Some scouts compare him to Aaron Kampman in GB.
I would rather draft a known quantity than have to rely on Rob Ryan to bring out untapped potential.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:43 am
McFadden is not the answer in this crowded backfield, the Raiders still have troubles with the offensive line and McFadden is going to need blocking, furthermore, he’ll be expected to run tough which he struggles to do inside the tackles (like Reggie Bush). McFadden will be good but doesn’t fit the Raiders system.
Gholston is very tempting because he’s a pure athlete with combine numbers that would make a Greek GOD! Blush…more than anything I point to his strength as the biggest asset: 37 reps on the bench! Monstrous! And the same as Jake Long, never mind he ran close to a 4.5 40 as well. He has star written all over him, no character issues neither, I will admit his teammates say he’s quite which could be lacks enthusiasm, teams should gage how motivated he is to be the best because all the physical attributes are present.
In case you were wondering, our Robert Gallery did 24 reps on the bench during his combine performance which translates to having difficulty run blocking and getting eaten alive by quick and powerful D-Ends. The bench press is not the end all be all but in the trenches, strength is VERY important.
The strength of a Lineman is as important as the speed and hands of a receiver.
Chris Long is cool too but showed he can be contained in college, he has a motor. That doesn’t mean SACK master!
Ellis and Dorsey wouldn’t be terrible picks either but the Raiders are already deep at D-Tackle.
Gholston is the guy with Burgess on the other side. Now Rob Ryan can play all that man with his stud corners and quick, playmaking Linebackers.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:45 am
I did not know that MRD, Thanks!
Things are getting REALLY interesting for us at 4. If Matt Ryan and McFadden are still on the board, KC, NY, BALT, and Dallas should all be on the phone with us trying to move up to secure their guy.
KC now has 5 and 17 due to the Allen trade. Are they really happy with their QB situation? Is Matt Ryan back in play for them if he’s still on the board, with Derrick Harvey at 17?
So many possibilities …
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:47 am
Thats all the more reason to Draft DMC… Lets check the draft scoreboard as cited in this blog…
Janikowski..WRONG
Huff…. so-so..(Leinart would have been a better pick)
Gallery and not Roy or Fitzgerald ..nuff said..
History shows Al should not used his football brain, but use his gut feeling..
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:48 am
I’ll be happy with either Long or Gholston.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:49 am
Long is going to be a bust. He can not be taught outside speed. If he is maxed out and McFad is not there, draft someone else. Weak Conference padded sacks. He was eatten up admittedly in practice by 2 players in his soph and jr yrs that went on to the NFL.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:52 am
Former Washington and Houston GM Charlie Casserly predicted yesterday that STL takes C.Long, ATL takes Dorsey and OAK takes McFadden.
He said: “McFadden makes their OL better and he makes their QB better”.
He said, he has McFadden and Gholston rated higher than C. Long.
And that if given the choice he would select McFadden over C. Long because McFadden has a better chance to become a Pro Bowl player, but that he was not sure if Al Davis would let “Howie´s kid not become a Raider”.
He said that, not me.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:52 am
Dorsey should be the pick and they might trade up to get him
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:54 am
Chris Long is the perfect choice. If Michael Bush didn’t get hurt at UL he would be better than Mcfunky. Watch the games from last season and you will see what we need… Defense and to protect the quarterback.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:55 am
New Orleans is looking to trade up and the Jets also, I think Al will trade down for more picks. There is a lot of value in the 2nd and 3rd rounds this year, we’ve spent a lot of cash this off season on vets and we need more picks that won’t cost us more big cash payouts for signing bounus like the first rounders.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:56 am
Ha!
Good point Plaiboy …
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:00 am
RAIDERATHEART
M Bush played a weaker schedule at Louisville and McFad was in the much tougher SEC. The fact is he DID get hurt and we are all hopefull he makes it back. A backfield of McFad and Bush with Russell would cause nightmares for Def Cords.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:04 am
Chris Long has to be the pick if he’s there.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:05 am
Jano was a wasted pick. Michael Husted had been axed, and replaced with Joe Nedney, who has virtually identical career stats as Jano.
Nedney, though, has a knack for making the big kick. He proved this in the last game that season with a game winner in KC to knock the Chefs out of the playoff hunt.
Jano had (well justified, as it turned out) character concerns, and nobody had any way of knowing how he would handle pressure at the NFL level. The most likely scenario is how his career turned out – Average stats, occasionally stellar performance, and narrowly missing from record distances.
A lesser strength leg like Nedney would have caused more caution on 4th down at the 30 to 35 yard line. It’s pure speculation but my impression is Nedney has more accurate under pressure, which could have easily won 2 more games each every year.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:07 am
agreed playboi,
Jerry just pointed out why McFadden should be the pick in this article. Clearly Al Davis is not operating in the same way he has been the last few off-seasons. I think he is fully aware that drafting for need the last few years has been a complete failure, and he is going after the most gifted players available.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:10 am
Not drafting DMC becuz of having Mbush… is like not drafting Leinart becuz we had Andrew W… if the Vikings could draft A.P. even though they Chester Taylor would ran for 1200 the year b4..we should draft dmc…
and to everyone who says bush is better then dmc get a clue… dmc has better stats in pop warner, high school, and college….FACT LOL
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:12 am
I will be happy if either Gholston or Long is off the board (hopefully Gholston to the Rams) when it’s our turn to pick the other DE so KC doesn’t get either one.
Gholston in KC red would haunt me for 10 years.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:12 am
The thing everyone forgets about drafting Janikowski is that the second option would have been worst:
“had they not taken Janikowski, were set to go with Jackson State’s Sylvester Morris. Morris went No. 21 to Kansas City, suffered a serious knee injury, and never made an impact.”
That does not make up for Jano failing to live up to expectations but people should get over it, at least he´s still in the league.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:12 am
raider gordo, you make valid points. but you gotta admit, seabass keeps you from making a fridge run or a bathroom break, during a fg attempt. 3pts or doink.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:14 am
The thing everyone forgets about drafting Janikowski is that the second option would have been worst:
“had they not taken Janikowski, were set to go with Jackson State’s Sylvester Morris. Morris went No. 21 to Kansas City, suffered a serious knee injury, and never made an impact.”
That does not make up for Jano failing to live up to expectations but people should get over it, at least he´s still in the league.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:14 am
This draft is deep in a lot of positions so the obvious solution for the many needs of the Raiders is to trade down. Either way it is a win win situation at the #4 pick.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:14 am
Dang..double posted, sorry about that.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:14 am
But the fact of the matter is we were losing games because of our kicker and thats why we picked Jano. Its simple, if you don’t perform, you get replaced. Whether or not that replacement is any better is not the point.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:16 am
I dont care who they second option was..u dont draft a kicker in the first round..bottmline
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:17 am
But the bottom line is I think Davis is more practical than you think.
Enough said.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:17 am
I think he is going to draft another Kicker. LMAO
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:18 am
I agree with your viewpoint on this one Jerry & figure we’ll end up with either Chris Long or Gholston, unless Dorsey is still on the board (very unlikely). Can’t wait until noon on Saturday.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:19 am
i wish he was as practical as Aj smith is when drafting players… nuff said
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:20 am
The scenario is so perfect, it simply has to come true. The son of Howie Long — one of the greatest players ever to slip into Silver and Black — comes to the Raiders with the fourth draft choice of the first round, teams with Derrick Burgess to form an unholy and unstoppable pass-rush tandem, and helps restore Al Davis’ languishing team to NFL glory.
Thec, you getting worried? Hope you saved your money, that C Long on the back of my jersey will sure look good.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:23 am
Jerry. Use your considerable influence within the organization to convince them to trade down for more picks. You can do it!
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:23 am
playboi..remind me, how many Super Bowls has AJ Smith won?…that´s right and my guess is this SD team, while very talented, will not win one.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:23 am
The sole purpose of the Raiders hitting the FA for defense was the fact they knew they were in the position to take MacDaddy in the draft. They’ll still pick up a D lineman in the draft, but Al will not let a gamebreaker pass by for an average back. No disrespect to Fargas but no D cordinator is losing sleep over him. So go out and get your McFadden jerseys cause Ill have mine. Im guessing he’ll wear # 20, for the number of TDs he ll score this season.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:24 am
Jerry you nailed it. It seems certain members of the media are more “myopic” than they contend Raiders fans are. They buy into the stereotypes regarding Al Davis and run with them even if the facts don’t support their contention. Recent history shows the Raiders pick for need in round one, not simply on size and speed. Sure there are examples where players fall into that category, but saying that’s what the Raiders “always” do, is simply wrong.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:25 am
Chris Long = Tyler Brayton II Does NOTHING to improve the WORST RUN D in the league!!! WAKE UP YOU IDIOTS AND LEARN WINNING FOOTBALL!!! ~FANG KNOWS ALL
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:26 am
i dont understand the Chris Long or Gholston pick, how does that help the 31st rush defense get better, when has a d-end been a force in stopping the run, jtalyor is one of best rush ends in the league doesnt help mia stop the run…???
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:27 am
i agree fang!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:28 am
Did Kawika Mitchell wear number 50 for the Squaws? Whoever wore that number was the WORST LB I have ever seen. If it is Mitchell he got waaaayy better playing for the Giants. Amazing what a great D_line will do for a Linebacker.
The Squaws draft history is worse than ours
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:29 am
sd has won none, but aj hasnt ever lost to us Bob… if had a choice of GMs right now i would pick Aj over Al..do u disagree?
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:30 am
We don’t need another running back. With bush healthy, Rhodes and Fargas we do have a deadly backfield. Lets not forget Rhodes carried the Colts on his back in the superbowl. Fargas showed last season how great he really is. Then you throw in Michael Bush who if is healthy is beyond a solid RB. Go with the next generation of the hall of fame Long DNA. Raiders will be back to the top in no time.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:30 am
There seems to be a couple of loons in here this morning.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:32 am
Playboi – You’re kicking a dead horse, that question has been posed several times and nobody has a good answer for it. The only people that have the right answer is those in favor of McFadden. Simply because McFadden will do more to stop the run than Long or Gholston will.
It’s believed that Gholston has some run stopping ability and perhaps is underrated in this area, however the general consensus is that McFadden is the best option in terms of stopping the run at picks 1 – 4. The run stopping DL’s are in rounds 2 – 7.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:35 am
playboi…give me one more year.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:35 am
Assassin how again does Mcfadden stop the run from the offense?
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:36 am
i got u Assassin
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:36 am
Well at least we know we can get Dorsey, Long, or McFadden. I would not be upset at any of them. I hope DMAC though.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:39 am
1st.- RB McFadden-DE Chris Long
2nd (Trade)-OT Sam Baker
4th DT Frank Okam
6th DE Tommy Blake
6th (trade) WR Adarius Bowman
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:40 am
Raidertheart – I’ll answer that, but let me ask you this, how does C.Long or Gholston help the run defense if their core competency is pass rushing?
McFadden does more for the run defense than Long or Gholston because he makes the overall offense more explosive, thus harder gameplan for, thus we score more points. If we put points on the board the opponent has to catch up via the pass, in which case I like our chances with our LB’s and secondary.
We ran on teams all of last season and how did that work out for us?
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:40 am
Chris Long…
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:41 am
“…..Mcfadden is the best option in terms of stopping the run..”? Wow, thats a lot of talent to be able to play offense and defense!!I knew he was talented but I had no idea! I am just utterly amazed at this point.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:44 am
Bob u dont need another year, i think u already know the answer to my question!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:45 am
Chris Long is by far the hardest worker in this draft. He gives a 110% on every single play. You tell that kid to stop the run and he will stop the run. The reality is that when he was in college his main goal to help the team was pass rush. Watch his games in college and you will see a kid that has the potential to ruin your day with hard work and great DNA.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:46 am
GRIM – You conveniently left out the part of that statement that says…”at picks 1 – 4″. If you want to argue that Long or Gholston should be the pick to allow us more pass rush capability then I couldn’t argue that point. However, many in here claim that we have a full stable of RB’s and that we need to pass on McFadden because stopping the run is more important. My question remains, who will help us do that better than McFadden at picks 1 – 4? If you truly want to improve run defense via the draft from a DL perspective, then we need to accumulate 2nd and 3rd round picks because that’s where the run stuffing DL’s will be. Nobody at 1 – 4 is going to improve our run defense. Dorsey is the closest, but we spent too much on T.K.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:47 am
A running back can’t stop the run from offense… are we even talking about the same guy?
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:47 am
Jerry you cant use matt as an example becaus ehe’s already stated he wanted matt leinart and huff was art shells pic and he regrets its. He didn’t want to let moss go but kffin talked him out of it and he regrets it. He wanted roi williams norv was fresh and felt it was best to take gallery and he regrets it so most of these need/ conservative pics have come from lame duck coaches and people with views like you. And because hes mostly been right lately and keeps losing because of listening to otheres I think he’s gonna do what he wants and if the people in the organization feel he’s a talent al cant pass on trust me he wont. If they can see it al can.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:48 am
I would never argue that C.Long doesn’t give 110%. Nor would I be upset if he was on our team because I think he could provide lethal pass rush ability. I just don’t think he will have as much of an impact for the overall defense as McFadden will to the overall offense.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:48 am
Some of you are wondering how a DE will help the defensive line??? You do know that a DE plays on the D-line, right??….some of the brain-power in here is amazing.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:49 am
Blast. my name came out wrong. Oh the irony.),:
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:50 am
GRIM,
Nedney was hired because Husted blew so many games. My memory is not perfect, but I don’t recall Nedney losing any games for us, and he made the biggest field goal to that point since the move to Oakland. The kicker crisis was over.
Jano was no guaranteed success. There was no way to tell if he would be as good or better than Nedney. It turns out he was almost exactly the same kicker, stat-wise, and IMHO Jano has lost more games than Nedney would have.
Place kicker in pro football is all about handling pressure, and self discipline is a big element. I didn’t see self-discipline in Jano before they drafted him, and only on occasion since.
If someone wants to convince me the Raiders had justification to draft Jano at all (you could never convince me the first round was right), just show me Jano’s college stats vs. Nedney’s college and pro stats before that draft.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:51 am
Bob, thats a very optimistic draft, but I see you are still hooked on getting Tommy Blake. Please no more headcases, he is worse than Barrett Robbins, who at least made it through college without a major episode. Frank Okam could be the second coming of …Gerard Warren.. I think we try for Dre Moore.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:52 am
bartbridge and playboy,
LOL..I agree…Jerry just made great points as to why DMC should be the pick not why he shouldn’t : /
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:52 am
Howie is that you? Aka RAIDERATHEART…
a d-end has nothing to do with stopping the run.. jtalyor cant do it, a rookie isnt goin to do it either,
sorry howie
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:54 am
assasin,
exactly…the run stopping DL’s are in rounds 2-4.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:57 am
You may be right Jerry and you’re certainly correct about recent picks but when Al built the really great teams he always did it by going for the best player and not drafting for need. In recent years he’s also been going for other teams castoffs and back-up players. Somehow they were going to be first rate players when they got here. I’m hoping the old Al is back.
It seemed sometimes in the last four years as if Al Davis was in a coma. The team and the Raider Nation sat around waiting for something positive to happen but things just got worse with each year until the team was a regarded as dysfunctional by the league.
Kiffin’s being hired changed this in two ways:
1. Kiffin changed the team to one we thought might win-although some of us were a little optimistic about those last four games. The attitude of the team changed and Kiffin gave us a team that was going somewhere. Which is not to say he didn’t make mistakes-for example all that going for it on 4th down drove me crazy and cost us at least one game.
2. Then at the end of the year when Kiffin wanted to fire Rob Ryan, Al Davis seemed to come out of his coma.
I mean this really seemed to wake him up. Ever since he’s been making deals and coming up with players. It seemed crazy to pay Kelly $50 million but maybe that’s what he had to do get players like Hall to come over to the Raiders. Aso/Hall/Wilson/Huff sounds good to me.
If Al starts drifting off again into his coma maybe Kiffin could fire someone else.
GO RAIDERS!
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:57 am
Agreed Darkknight01. Red Bryant, Pat Sims, Fran Okam, etc. are not worthy of a top 5 pick.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:58 am
‘Gave up 100-yard games to 10 different backs.’ – Usually translates to losses. Oh BTW we lost 12 games last season 8 of which where close margins. If we can turn that weakness into a strength we start winning more games. Draft either Ellis or Dorsey.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:59 am
Nedney did not do any better, hence the Jano pick.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:59 am
Trevor Laws
Red Bryant
Dre Moore
Pat Sims
Frank Okam
BJ Raji
Marcus Harrison
these are your run-stuffers, and they will be there in rounds 2-4. FYI, McFadden’s worst game last season came against Pat Sim’s Auburn Tigers, NOT Glenn Dorsey’s Bayou Bengals (he torched them). Glenn Dorsey is not gonna help stop the run.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:00 am
Did you even read the article, or did you just skip right through to the discussion part?
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:03 am
EnglandRaider – Post 101 is great!
I knew that happened but never actually put it all together like that!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:03 am
Bayou Bengals?? I always thought LSU was the Tigers.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:03 am
dont hate cuz C.Long is the pick you’ll see!!!!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:04 am
Grim i dont wanna spend a great deal of time coaching you on football, but a d-end doesnt offer much run support….ill give you some homework..you go and check the nfl’s top 10 defenses, and u will see they have great linebacker play, why is that you ask? becuz the big bois in the middle keep the o-line off them, freein them up to make plays…K.M, TT had their problems gettin off blocks last yr…and d-end doesnt help that!!!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:09 am
Bengals are tigers lol, but i get ur point lol
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:09 am
BART
Yeah, I´m hooked on Blake´s potential, maybe we take better care of him than we did with Robbins, you know, since we already have experience…haha.
And, I have no problem with Dre Moore over Okam, I just think Okam will be there and Moore may not, Athyba Rubin is another DT option at 4th.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:09 am
Kiffen never said he was going to fire Ryan. Kiffen and Ryan had an end of the year meeting to discuss how the the season went, Ryan offered to step down and Al said no way. Al told him (Ryan), he was going to fulfill his contractual obligations.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:10 am
This came straight from Kiffens mouth.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:11 am
Hey lets just fill the whole team with running backs. 15-20 of them and we have a superbowl season right? I promise you Fargas and Bush will tear it up this season and if one gets hurt we have Rhodes to back them up. Mcfunky won’t have a thousand yard season this year I would stake my life on it.
Also Mcfadden had a terrible game against U of Kentucky. Guess they just had an amazing run stopping defense right?
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:13 am
LSU’s unofficial nickname is the Bayou Bengals, look it up.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:13 am
OH! THATS RIGHT!! I forgot, defenses dont run to the outside, they only run inside!! My bad plaiboi.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:13 am
BART
And I don´t think post 84 is overly optimistic, all those players will likely be there due to a variety of concerns. Risky? hell yes, but not that optimistic imo.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:14 am
Sorry BART, that I actually didn’t know.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:17 am
M bush had a terrible game vs North Carolina so whats ur pt.? Guess they just had an amazing run stopping defense right?
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:17 am
Bob,
other than Sam Baker, your draft is totally realistic, I guess I am just not that optimistic that Al Davis will do the right thing. I would be astounded if the Raiders pulled of a draft that reasonable.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:18 am
Mcfadden fumbled 23 times in 3 years. More than any other running back in the nation. So what happens when we draft him and he fumbles? Who are we going to rely on to stop the other team? Thats right, our defense. Or are we going to put Mcfadden on the defensive line to stop their running game?
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:20 am
My point is simple…. Listen close….. Here it comes…. WE DO NOT NEED ANOTHER FREAKING RUNNING BACK WHEN WE ARE SO WEAK IN OTHER SPOTS!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:20 am
GRIM
You are right, Kiffin also said he and Davis went over some different scenarios and that in the end Davis decided to let Ryan coach out his contract, but it´s evident from his words that different options were discussed, it was not a blatant “no” from Davis. We´ll see after next season what those options were, once Ryan is fired.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:21 am
its 2008 not 1968 what teams are running power sweep left and right, Vince Lombardi died some years ago!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:24 am
i get it we need a d-end!! so when LT comes to town C. long is goin to shut him down from his d-end position…ok i get it…my bad
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:26 am
B.B.B – Who do you suggest we draft at #4 assuming we can’t trade down?
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:29 am
hell yeah c.Long will break LT’s face and the NATION will be happy as hell
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:29 am
Up the middle our line has to do their job. LT runs to the outside and he is going to get his bell rung by what I think is the best rookie out there.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:30 am
Playboi, you bet your life he will shut 1:31:46 PM down if he has the balls to bounce it outside eliminating that part of the field. Your logic with ANY) in round one over ANY DLine proispect is feakin ridiculous!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:30 am
exactly, your bad.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:31 am
Playboi, you bet your life he will shutladanian down if he has the balls to bounce it outside eliminating that part of the field. Your logic with ANY
RB in round one over ANY DLine prospect is feakin ridiculous!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:32 am
1A. Chris Long
1B. Darren McFadden
2. Sedrick Ellis
we are garunteed one of them
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:35 am
M.I.A – How is drafting the most explosive offensive player in the draft a ridiculous scenario? At present day, which is worse, our Offense or Defense? We couldn’t score points last season which is why we lost close games. We kept games close even with poor run support but we couldn’t put a TD on the board to give us a chance. Just because we rush the ball well doesn’t mean we can score points. Why not score quickly and use our running game to keep the other team off the field late in games. This is exactly what happened to us.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:35 am
GRIM
In 3 games, Nedney was 4-4 inside 40 yrds, and made a 52 yarder.
His two misses were from 44 and 52 yards, with a holder he had never worked with before. Both misses came in a loss to San Diego that the Raiders blew on multiple levels.
He had a chance to tie the game with 3:04 left and missed the 44 yarder, but the defense gave up 10 points in the fourth quarter while the offense couldn’t get inside the 27 yard line during that same quarter. It was a team loss.
The next week was the season finale at Arrowhead. The Chiefs were trying to make the final playoff slot, while the Raiders were already eliminated.
Nedney tied the game, a 36 yarder with 0:45 to go. He then connected from 33 yards in OT to win. This was the biggest clutch kicking performance since Jeff Jaeger was let go.
All of the lifelong Raider fans I talked to at the time thought Nedney was just fine. His career stats from inside 40 yards were almost perfect to that point, and he showed he could make pressure kicks on the road.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:37 am
It’s the 3rd and 19, 3rd and 10, 3rd and 12 plays that killed the Raiders D last year. Even if they didn’t get the first down, they would get all but a half yard and pick it up on 4th and less than 1. Unfortunately the majority of the 4th and 1 plays would go for 20, 30 or 40 yards. Killing the Raiders run D stats. I think Kelly in the middle and Sapp not around is going to help the run D.
With a pass rusher to bookend Burgess, and the huge help in the secondary, the 3rd and forever plays should not turn into first downs.
More like 4th and Longs.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:37 am
bbb,
you can add ahytiba rubin as another run stuffer who will be there in round 3 or 4.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:37 am
playboi
Dont get sad cuz everyones haten on you they were haten on me yesterday and I want us 2 get cLong. Thats what makes this the best RAIDER blog ever
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:37 am
Fair enough BBB. It seems you value Long slightly more than McFadden. I’m just asking, what do you feel Long brings that gives him the slight edge over McFadden?
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:37 am
Assassin “how is drafting the most explosive offensive person ridiculous”..answer:we already have one. Mr. Michael Bush.
NewsFlash: we can’t stop the freakin run!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:38 am
If he runs through center and guard then no, Long wont tackle him. But if he runs through guard and tackle then yes. Am I the only one who see’s this?
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:38 am
Assassin- We ran the ball fine last year and with a real quarterback we would have won most of those games. If you think our running game is the problem you are delusional.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:39 am
I love Glenn D…he would be my choice, however if u think a d-end is goin to a have impact in my making us go from 31st to lets say 15th, u dont have a clue, we pick a dt or trade down i have no problem with that, but a d-end come on man, we already have a probowl d-end it doesnt help with the run
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:41 am
With you Grimm…don’t understand why DMac Lovers don’t understand this simple logical reasoning!?
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:41 am
Wow Gordo, he only played in 3 games?
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:41 am
C.Long is the pick! Learn it! Live it! Love it!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:42 am
BART
Off the top of my head an alternate, safer Draft:
1st RB McFadden-DE Long
2nd OT Sam Baker
4th DE-OLB Bruce Davis
6th DT Derek Lokey
Won´t try to predict 7th rounders.
But I still prefer the risky version haha.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:42 am
Newsflash; We can’t score points!
Raidertheart – You should read my post again, I’m not saying our running game is the problem. I’m saying our inability to score points is the problem.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:42 am
I think Rubin is purely a 34 nose tackle, he doesn’t have enough mobility to play the pass in a 43. That being said I wouldn’t mind drafting him just for the 34 sets that we usually mix in to our gameplan. If the Raiders are serious about stuffing the run in our regular 43 alignment I believe we should target Trevor Laws, Pat Sims, Red Bryant or Dre Moore.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:46 am
Yes we do have a pro bowl DE, but unless I’m mistaken, I dont think he can play both positions at the same time. I could be wrong though. Well we could get a really sharp axe and chop him right down the middle so he can play both DE positions.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:47 am
assassin,
I think McFadden is a better player, but I rate King CLong higher because he is a DE, which we need; he is Howie Long’s kid; and if we draft McFadden over him, the Chiefs will get him, and that just cannot happen.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:47 am
well said jerry. i agree with you 100%. My question to you all is what happens if dorsey is gone. i don’t see al going DE in the first and ellis seemed to have fallen from all the hype.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:47 am
NEWSFLASH ASSASSIN: we couldn’t score point with rotating 2nd string QB and New OL system!! Do you really think we can’t find paydirt with a true QB #1 draft choice full time, 2nd year OL system, Javon Walker, Drew Carter and Curry…oh…almost forgot TD machine in what was going to be a 1st round) in Michael Bush!!
Its no secret we need DLine help! Remeber Ron Dayne, Sproles, Chester Taylor…2nd stringers racking up 100plus yards!!
You DMAC advocates (no offense) have little or NO logic
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:49 am
Logic? You “Pro-DE” guys suffer with logic. How on earth is Long or Gholston going to help the run? Just because they play on the DL doesn’t mean they are good at stopping the run.
The debate is whether or not we should draft McFadden or a DE (Long or Gholston). However, the justification on your behalf is to take a DE to resolve run defense issues. Teams don’t draft a top 5 DE to stop the run. They draft them to sack the QB. I’ve said before, if you want to make your case for taking Long/Gholston to improve QB sacks then I’m for it. This would assume that you feel our QB pressures are a bigger problem than our ability to score points. Which I can’t totally disagree with. My justification for drafting McFadden is to obtain a player that helps us score points. Scoring points and taking a lead in the game forces teams to have to score points. Our secondary is solid and teams won’t need to run the ball if we are ahead late in games.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:50 am
Ellis has fallen from what hype? The media-created hype that is not based on any factual information from the teams. Ellis is a better fit for the Raiders, if they were gonna get a DT in the first, but wisely they are keeping there mouths shut about it, so that the Saints or Bengals might trade up with them.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:50 am
http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&brand=foxsports&vid=bdfd2f3e-eac1-45ad-866b-2c61e8038628&from=Fox%20Sports
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:51 am
mia,
michael bush hasn’t played football in 2 years and is coming back from a serious injury.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:53 am
Assassin please don’t tell me that you believe the DEs don’t hmmm let’s see TACKLE RUNNINGBACKS!
The only time they won’t be blasting Runninbacks is when the run is thru a and b gap or when its in opposite direction in which I still would count out CLong chasing down ladanian on the other side with his non stop motor.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:53 am
Post 151 – BBB – I would hate to see Long go to the Chiefs too. Seeing as how Jared Allen is a QB killer. I like C.Long and wouldn’t be upset with the pick because I think he’s a lethal pass rusher. I just don’t understand the argument for how he translates to better run defense. Moreso, how does he provide more overall value than McFadden when we clearly need help scoring points.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:53 am
Nobody drafts for a position in the top 5 picks, you have to evaluate the players as individuals. The debate at Raiders headquarters is not McFadden vs. D-Line, it is McFadden vs. Chris Long vs. Sedrick Ellis vs. Glenn Dorsey vs. Vernon Gholston vs. Ryan Clady.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:57 am
M.I.A – The RB’s you mentioned racked up yards because we were behind and they had no need to pass. Thanks for proving my point.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:59 am
Do you think tkelly, tsand, and gwarren, can hold down the middle/ prolly not!! so ur telling me clong, tkelly, tsands, pb are going to get the job done…lol….comon man
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:00 am
My draft list:
1. Ellis
2. Dorsey
In that order. One of the two will be available. These two are the surest things of the 2008 draft. Once installed, running on the S&B will be a thing of the past. Either will be an impact starter from the get-go and WILL make a BIG DIFFERENCE.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:00 am
assassin,
I agree with you, the offense last year was ranked worse than the defense overall, and our defense is built to match up against passing offenses, therefore it is essential for the Raiders to score a lot of points. However if Chris Long is available, considering the Chiefs situation, Al Davis will probably take him.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:03 am
Later.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:03 am
JB i can live with that but ellis @ 4 is a bit of a reach, but better then drafting a d-end
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:05 am
Dorsey is not gonna stuff the run against NFL lineman in my opinion. He is touted as Warren Sapp Jr. However Warren Sapp himself thinks that Tommy Kelly is destined to be better than he was. So someone please explain to me why would we draft Glenn Dorsey??
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:06 am
No team in the league is going to continuously stop the run when they are on the field down after down. Let’s assume our run defense is as bad as last year’s (which it isn’t) and a team comes out running the ball. We have a secondary that allows for 8 to 9 in the box, plus a SS that can tackle in run support. The other team has to pass at some point to keep our defense honest, in which case I like our chances.
So let’s assume we have C.Long and he’s a great pass rusher. We stack the box, the other team passes, and Long gets a sack, or assists in a sack and we get the ball back. The defense did a great job but now we have to play offense. J.R. is raw thus he will get blitzed, he has no choice but to get rid of the ball early. This translates into INT’s or incompletions. If we choose to run the ball to take pressure off of J.R. then the other team stacks the box just like we did and the game goes nowhere…until someone breaks off a big play. Who’s going to brake that big play for us? The only player capable is Walker and he’s going to receive extended coverage. We need someone to make those big plays and McFadden is that player.
Again, I like C.Long for all the pass rush ability but at the end of the day our run D will be better based on an improved secondary that allows us to stack the box and play WR’s one on one. Not to mention Sapp is gone which already improves our run D. We need to score points and force teams to throw. I don’t think we have enough playmakers to do so.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:08 am
Post 164 – BBB – From a gamesmanship perspective I totally agree.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:08 am
I couldn’t agree more… i like this blog. plus a lot of the reason that people fail to mention is that running backs are way more injury prone then a DE or a DT.. what happens when mcfadden takes a nasty hit from merriman in the knee?! WHAT THEN? we’re out a 4th overall pick.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:09 am
Considering the bad feelings between AD and Howie Long, why would AD factor in whether Chris Long went to K.C. in his evaluation of the draft? AD will take who he feels is the best player on the board. Rationalizing the K.C. factor is a non-issue.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:11 am
C Long is a disciplined football player, who uses solid technique and knows how to play the run. He played in a 3-4 defense as an end and was forced to focus more on filling gaps and containing the outside run. He had no choice but to learn how to play against the run. He has the athletic ability to stand up and play a 4-3 DE and can get to the QB. He may not be quicker or stronger than Gholston but he can play all four downs….he can be moved around if necessary…is well coached and he uses his hands well and is probably a better technician than Gholston.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:11 am
Glenn D 69 tackles, a total that includes seven sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss after being doubled teamed every game..in best conf in college football, this after having allamerican jr. yr…
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:11 am
Clady or defensive line, please.
Games are won in the trenches.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:13 am
Draft Chris Long!!
He will help the entire defense. I do not know if he will play D-end or linebacker, but he will have an impact, and we need help at both positions.
Brian Urlacher 6′4″ 258
Chris Long 6’4” 275
He could be the real deal. The guy is a raw athlete, good size, great lineage, gives 110% a TRUE RAIDER!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:16 am
IMO Ellis is NOT a reach at #4. He’s been rated as equal to Dorsey. In some people mind’s he’s rated higher because he can/has played both the 4-3 & 3-4. He’s a very powerful individual. The USC training group had to purchase new 200# free hand weights because the 180# they had weren’t enough for him. His use of hands was rated as outstanding by the Senior Bowl staff where he was virtually unblockable. He was voted as the top lineman in the Pac 10. Like I said he’s NOT a reach at #4.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:17 am
What about drafting McFadden then trying to trade him for value? Think that’s a possibility?
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:18 am
My brother in law was the d line coach for louisville before the exodus to the Falcons.We watched every Louisville game for 6 years.Michael Bush is the real deal.If healed he is better all around than Ladainian Tomlinson.I dont know if DMC is as good as LT but Bush was a very successful High school Quarterback,maybe better than Brian Brohm.He never got a chance at QB because of petrinos commitment to Brohm.With that said Half back option plays take on a whole new meaning.He was split out as a reciever often and has great hands.Before Kentucky deliberately broke his leg,He was on his way to scoring 3 touchdowns in the first quarter.Bush can be whatever we need him to be,halfback,fullback,reciever,quarterback and with his size and smarts he can help with quarterback protection blitz pick ups.Dmac would be an unnecessary luxury if drafted as a need,instead of keeping him off someone elses team.I say trade our spot to someone we dont play that often because there will be some talent at that spot.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:19 am
Most experts say C Long will be gone in the 1st 3 picks. NO ONE says that about McFaddy. So WHO’S the better player? no logic using Futher muckers.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:20 am
He’s a first-round-caliber athlete,” said Rob Rang, senior analyst for NFLDraftScout.com. “Even if he had zero instincts and zero technique, he’d still be worthy of the first round. Because he’s so instinctive and so technically refined, people want to knock his athleticism. That’s just not the case.”
Perhaps most important to NFL scouts, Long is adaptable. He played defensive end in the 3-4 at Virginia. And while he’s probably not big enough at 6-foot-3, 272 pounds to do that at the pro level, most feel he could transition smoothly enough either to 3-4 outside linebacker or 4-3 defensive end.
“He’s the most versatile player in the draft,” Rang said. “He can play 3-4, 4-3, inside, outside. You just have to figure out where you’re going to get the most value out of him.”
http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/article/20080423/SPORTS/804230374/1010/SPORT01
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:22 am
i think C Long is a mix between Jared Allen as a DE with a Brian Urlacher style of play.
However I think St Louis is gonna get him ahead of Dorsey. The Lambs need a DE more than DT. Carriker doesn’t project well as DE in a 4-3 (which the Rams run)…because he is too big. 6′5 305.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:22 am
I hope you’re right, Jerry.
#179, great point.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:23 am
Thank you very much TdizzlefoShizzle.
Bush will be back, he’ll be fresh and he’ll be hungry. He’s still a rookie so I don’t see him getting 15+ carries unless necessary, he needs to get out there and feel the speed of the game, take some shots and get his legs under him.
With his absence last year it’s like having an extra 1st round pick this year, if that makes any sense.
Go Raiders, Go Defense!
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:23 am
I think the dynamics of the draft changed with KC trading Allen and getting the #17 pick to go with the #5. Most had expected the chefs to pick OT, but now if C. Long were to still be on the board, I think they would almost certainly pick him, and then go for their OT at 17. I can’t see letting this happen, so if it comes down to McFadden and C. Long both being on the board I think Long will be the pick. Of corse if either are already gone before we pick then it make the decision easy. Will the lambs pick Long or Dorsey?
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:23 am
being the best dt or 2nd best, doesnt make u 4sure lottery pick, i havent seen him picked @ 4 in ANY mock drafts….so ur on ur own with that..ellis with 4th shyt…
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:26 am
Raider TW,
the reason why DMC is not going in the top 3 is because Miami, St Louis and Atl….have big money invested at the RB position along with solid young talented RB’s. It’s not because the others are so much better than him
The Raiders don’t have big time money at the RB position and if have the flexiblity to trade one or two or release one or two to make room for DMC if necessary.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:27 am
no one in the top 3 needs a running backs, rwilliams, rbrown, mturner, sjaskson, all proven backs, no mbushes
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:27 am
i agree
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:28 am
sjackson***
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:31 am
I’d have to agree with Ellis at 4. Or should I say I would not be mad with Ellis at 4. Ellis is a MAN, and alongside Kelly would give us one of the top interior lines in the league. With Warren and Sands coming off the bench? Our line would be dominant!
DT is more of a need (stop the run, right?) along the Dline than DE. If Dline is the pick, it should be Dorsey or Ellis.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:31 am
Didn’t we sign Edwards and Joseph to stop the run and rush the pass????? DRAFT MCFADDEN Everyone says we have so much depth at running back but do we really??? Every back we have is injury prone. MCFADDEN would run for 1800 yards in our system.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:31 am
PLEASE PLease Please….let CHRIS LONG fall to #4 and give us enough sense to draft him
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:33 am
JB:
Ellis would be a nice pick-up…But the Raiders really NEED A LT! Now that Jake Long is off the board, the question becomes is Brendan Albert or Ryan Clady worth the 4th overall pick?
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:33 am
i agree jhill
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:36 am
Dowling:
Agree Long would be nice, but he may be going to the Rams at #2.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:36 am
808,
In a word, NO
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:36 am
fargas gets hurts he hasnt played a full season Jordan is a fat a$s Rhodes is not a everyday down player. Bush will not be the same player he was in college if fargas gets hurts were stuck with Rhodes and bush in my opinion draft mcfadden he’s explosive will he will be better then Peterson. if not I’m koo with chris long. No dorsey or ellis or gholston
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:38 am
That’s the real rub JHill. DE or DT?
We only have 3 DE’s on the roster, which of course could change any day. I believe Dorsey is the best player in the draft but we also already have 5 DT, which of course could change any day. Sands and Kelly have stolen everybody’s lunch money so there will have to be some serious moves to make room for Dorsey or Ellis.
I would also be happy with Ellis because he is a better pass rusher than Dorsey, which could help with our lack of DE’s, which, of course, could change at any minute!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:39 am
Ryan Clady is only a junior, playing in the WAC, he is a less refined prospect than Mario Henderson.
Branden Albert was not even the best player on his team, Chris Long was.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:40 am
but after signing tkelly for 50million, why not finish killing ur self by signing clong, that way we could have 75 million dollars in dee-line, and still cant stop the run, we will be the freaking new york knicks of football..!!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:40 am
On another note,
If Allen could fetch a 1 and two 3s, I wonder what we could get for Burgess?
Now if we end up trading Burgess, DE may be back in play. Other than that, Burgess and Richardson will be the starters.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:44 am
If we get King CLong, we should absolutely trade Burgess imediately. Long should be on the left side, so that he can match up with slow Right Tackles, and Richardson/Edwards can man the right side. Burgess is gone after this season anyway, we should leverage him for the future while we still have a chance.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:45 am
BART:
Levi Brown was the #5 pick last year to the Cardinals. I think Brendan Albert is bigger with more upside.
Who do we start at LT to protect Russell? Not Kwame Harris! And definately NOT Mario Henderson!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:47 am
I REALLY hope we keep Burgess for 1 more season.
Just for continuity sakes, but I see your point. I am of the belief that if we can get C Long and he can get into camp and immerse himself into learning the defense and he and Richardson can hold it down Burgess should be set to have a monster contract year. Then we trade him at a higher value?
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:48 am
I am a speed freak.
The pick is McFadden.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:48 am
well sorry 808, but it isn’t gonna be two rookies either. No matter who we draft someone already on our roster will start the season, so why panic and take the 2nd or 3rd best LT, when the BEST OVERALL PLAYER is still available.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:50 am
BART:
Clady is 1st round material and will be drafted in the top half of the draft. Can you say that about Mario Henderson? Henderson was shocked when the Raiders drafted him in the third round!
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:50 am
If Cable says Harris and Henderson, then that’s what’s up!
Cable has earned the benefit of the doubt as to who he wants on his line. He’s the last unit that I’m questioning. Remember that stretch of 3 straight games w/o a sack given up towards the end of the year? And that was WITH Barry Sims.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:51 am
BART:
Yes, Long was the best player at Virginia and Albert had to go against him at practice every day…Think about that.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:51 am
At #4, we’ll have at least two of the following available: Dorsey, Ellis, Long, Gholston, & Clady. I’d be happy with any of them. What I’d LOVE to see is us trade down to #8, letting Baltimore take Matt Ryan, we take Clady, then use that second or third-rounder we just picked up to take the best run-stuffer on the board. Don’t know if that’s a trade that would actually happen, though.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:52 am
I definately think there’s an age gap in Raider fans on this blog. Given i’ve only been on this blog for a couple of months now, well for any blog for that matter.
The way I see it IMO, the non-DMC fans as the older more classic, defense wins championships. VS the possibly younger pro-DMC fans who think there are more ways to win a championship. IE scoring more points thus making other teams TRY and pass on our secondary. Such is life, older people are more set in their ways, very knowledgable though. Young people more likely to think “out of the box,” I can’t believe I just used that but it applies none the less. Of course there are exceptions but in general that’s the way I see it.
Obviously I could be grossly misinterpreting all of this as our names don’t come along with an age.
Let it be known that I am a waffler. I’ve gone all different ways in which I would like to see the Raiders go in this draft. At this point all I’m gonna do is sit back, enjoy the Draft and root for whomever we end up getting. I will also be heavily intoxicated while celebrating.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:52 am
I am talking about skills 808, not potential. Ryan Clady cannot play succesful NFL football 5 months from now.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:53 am
Mike Says:
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:31 am
Didn’t we sign Edwards and Joseph to stop the run and rush the pass????? DRAFT MCFADDEN Everyone says we have so much depth at running back but do we really??? Every back we have is injury prone. MCFADDEN would run for 1800 yards in our system.
Edwards was an underachieving castoff from a bad team and William Joseph is the single most vilified guy in the entire NY metropolitan area right now. So yes, we did sign them but what would make you think they are going to turn into Lawrence Taylor and Leonard Marshall overnite?????
We’re stocked at RB. Fargas had a 1000 yd season in his first real action as a pro. He may be late 20’s but he does not have a lot of mileage on him. Bush is a flat out stud, and Rhodes is actually a very, very good running back. Why do I say that?? Well, he was the Super Bowl MVP against a good Chicago run D, and in what little game action he saw last year had a 100 yd game against a very good Joke-sonville Run D. The better option is selecting Dline at 4, and then trading Washington/Routt/Walter for more picks.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:55 am
BART:
We need to protect Russell if he is going to develop into a the player that we all hope he will be. I just don’t want to see him go through a season like Walter did two season ago. We invested a lot in Russell…Now we need to protect him.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:57 am
I dont know much about Branden Albert truthfully, because he has been listed as a gaurd for the most part. But your argument doesn’t make sense if Chris Long himself is available. We are picking 4th, we should get the best available player, not an over-hyped interior lineman.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:02 pm
808,
I completely agree that Russell needs protecting, but that is Tom Cable’s job and I roll with whatever he thinks is best. The fact that they already cut Barry Sims tells me that he is comfortable with someone already on the roster, and a rookie is not gonna come in and change that.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Fellas there is normally pretty good drop off in talent after the first 10-12 picks. The first 10-12 half of which should turn into pro bowl players. After that it drops off pretty good. So trading a pro bowler for 2 serviceable starters, doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:03 pm
You know what OG?
I’d rather see Rhodes as the complimentary back to Bush instead of Fargas. That’s of course if we don’t end up with McFadden.
If McFadden is not the choice, it better be 1) because he was not available, or 2) Bush IS ready and WILL be the man. If Bush is not seen as THE GUY, then McFadden should/will be the pick.
I expect to see Bush start and get the majority of the carries if no DMac.
Fargas better not be the reason we do not draft DMac.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:07 pm
You guys are crazy,absolutely trade Burgess? Are you kidding? We would finnally have our bookends & not have to blitz. Imagine sacking the QB.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:08 pm
What’s up Nation.
Trade down for more picks, don’t go below 10, pick up Elis or Albert or Clady.
Three more days.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Trade down and draft Pat Sims.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:11 pm
I expect to see Al have a trade prior to the draft. And since hes signed so many fa already I wouldn’t be suprised if he trades down. He never traded down in the past but he also nerve was so active with fa as he has been this year. This is going to be a very changed team and I look forward to seeing a very tough d.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Oakglenn
Stop making sense, regarding Burgess.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:13 pm
RaiderTW,
Ryan still will NEED to blitz more and way more effectively than he did last year. The LB, and corner blitzes were pretty much non existent last year….and that pissed me off from game to game.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Burgess is done after next year, so your wonderful bookend pass rush duo will last all of one season.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Bridge Balla
Burgess has two more years on his contract, counting this upcoming season, so I don’t get your point.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:30 pm
I was under the impression that this upcoming season was his last contract year, but it doesn’t matter. You are talking about keeping a player who has two years left at the maximum, who’s production has declined every year for the last three years, who plays out of position as a pass-rushing end, who’s presence will delay the growth of Richardson, Long, etc., in order to have a great pass rush unit while JRuss is still developing.
OR
we leverage him for players that will be in their prime when JRuss (and thus the Raiders) becomes a legitimate playoff contender.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Jerry I can tell you really don’t want McFadden.. But anyways I agree that they will probably go with a d-lineman.. hopefully it’s chris long instead of Gholston.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Best Article written by Jerry this month.
TRADE DOWN, take Ellis…if he’s gone,
TRADE DOWN just a little further, take Clady
Either one of those guys makes an instant impact where they’re needed right now.
First priority = PLUG THAT DEFENSIVE BLACK HOLE. If one of the top D-line prospects isn’t available, Clady should be the pick (he fits the system perfectly) — and address that D-line with the next pick.
If we deal creatively, the team will end up with 3 picks in the first 3-rounds. With those picks, we should end up with at least 2, and hopefully 3, starters…
D-line, WR, and O-line.
TRADE DOWN
D-Line
Ellis…or TRADE Down AGAN
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Does Al Davis read this blog? He should, it’s certainly the best one around. If you read it Al, you’ve got something to prove in this draft. You know in your heart you want C.Long but he won’t be there for 4th pick. You also know the NFL screwed us on that toss. Right Al? How about showing the NFL you’ve still got it and maneuver around to get C.Long AND McFadden? Come on Al, you can do it. I’d keep my fingers crossed but it’s too hard to go to the toilet.
GO RAIDERS!
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Good Job Jerry. Keep Up The good work.
I think we should go with defense but any of those players at the top will help us immediately. If AD trades out of the 4th pick. I will be happy with more picks and less money to the top picks.
GO RAIDERS-
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Great article Jerry! Thanks for keeping it real, there is only so much draft talk that can be talked without turning into a “Britney” debacle! I do believe they will go with Ellis and surprise all the SO called experts! Raidernation you heard it here first Sedrick Ellis is the pick @ # 4! (Thanks for the inside source Jerry. j/k)!
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:43 pm
C. Long to the Jets @ #6!
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Sorry Native, Dell already called it.
I’m in.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I can’t see C. Long getting past KC at #5 if he were to get that far.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Funny you guys, because 2 out of the potential top 5 picks are pass rushers, the VERY TOP GUY is signed to PROTECT AGAINST TOP PASS RUSHERS, and some of you guys want to Ship out OUR TOP PASS RUSHER!!! HUH???
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Hey Midwest fan,
I must be an old fart then. An old ragged dog that can’t be taught new tricks. Defense DOES win championships!
There is a contingent here that have somehow caught on to the rambling of a guy who is a self professed draft GOD, and he believes that McFadden will be the greatest RB in the history of the league. No, serious. Since then we have been subjected to things like “McFadden will get 1800 yards in offense” jibberish.
Any ways, raise a toast cause come Saturday I’ll be good and liquored right there with ya!
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:51 pm
There is no guarantee that any of the FA d-line pickups that we have on board will be on the roster as of the regular season.I would put money on the fact that 3-4 running backs will be there(Huggy,Rhoads,Bush)I still think that we need a d-lineman that is strong against the run and the pass rush will take care of itself.The opposing QBs will have to hold the ball longer with the shutdown corners we have now.The linebackers will clamp down the middle of the field and the safeties will be the safety valve in case someone blows coverage.Our rush defense has to be the strenth of our D.We cant allow teams to dominate the time of possession and turnover ratio,either-or wouldnt be a disaster.We can get our fair share of turnovers this year but if we cant stop the run then the clock will be our worst enemy.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Here is one scenario that may play out during the first 15 minutes of the draft.
Supposedly the Jets are looking trade DeWayne Robertson. I don’t know how much he is making. IF the Lambs take Dorsey….the Raiders may be able to work a deal with the Jets to switch spots….IF they covet DMC…because our guys we tell the Jets guys that we are going to take DMC unless they really want him like reports says they do…then perhaps they can give us there #6, Robertson, and either there 2nd rounder for our #4 overall so they can take DMC. In this scenario…with Dorsey going #2 to Lambs…the Raiders will have a chance to get whoever slips to #6 between DE/OLB pass rushers C Long or Gholston or pick the best available LT in there eyes between Clady or Albert. They get another DT in Robertson…which would allow Kelley to rotate between DT or DE….get the elephant DE/OLB in C Long or Gholston. Then they can use the Jets 2nd rounder on a LT (if they choose Long or Gholston with the #6 pick.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:55 pm
yeah right
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Once again, the Raiders have taken a running back TWICE in 45 years with their first pick. Marcus Allen was the highest (#10). Al does not normally take linebackers (once in 45 years) or running backs with high draft picks. And there is certainly no need to take one this time around, with three viable backs on the roster. So why is there even any suggestion that he might?? I don’t understand the logic behind the guess. He obviously will either go DE, DT, or trade down (not likely).
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I know DeWayne Robertson was a high draft choice, but hasn’t he been pretty much a flop with the Jets?
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:58 pm
nice logic Oakglenn, I believe that is called an associative fallacy: because Chris Long and Jake Long are top draft picks, therefore Derrick Burgess must be a stud and worth keeping.
Sure, DBurg still has value, because he is a pass-rusher, but if we draft Chris Long we are in a situation to trade Burgess for draft picks that will improve this team in the future. Or we can give him a big raise and watch his production continue to drop every year.
We dont need this ungrateful POS on our team any longer.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:00 pm
The only reason Al would take DMC at this point is to keep him off of a division rivals roster and hope he is good enough to out perform 2 out of 3 backs that are currently under contract.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Bart Bridge Balla
Well I guess you and I will have to disagree to disagree.
Here are Burgess stats, but before I give them, you said his productivity has gone down three straight years.
Burgess has signed a five year contract, this season will be his fourth, I’ trying to understand your logic of decling productivity for the last three.
Burgess stats:
2005 16 games 16 sacks
2006 16 games 11 sacks
2007 14 games 8 sacks
The 2007 season he injured his thigh and really affected his productivity, his quick burst was gone and did not play that well compared to the prior two seasons.
I can’t trade him, he will be turning 30 in August and is in the prime of his career.
I know he won’t be traded, but you can believe what you think is best for the Raiders.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:01 pm
If Chris Long is there @ #4, Al will almost cetainly grab him. The constant movement, pressure, and tenacity is right out of Howie’s book.
25-years ago, there was a time when Howie — plugged-in with anybody else — would dominate offensive lines. He jumped off-sides a lot, but man, did he have a motor. Even when someone else made the play, he was “quietly” a factor. Other teams didn’t change plays because of Howie — like all great players, they changed gameplans because of him.
C. Long has that kind of play in him. Maybe.
He definitely has what it takes to be incredibly successful as a pitchman (more wholesome image than Leinart!). This guy is a marketing machine.
If C. Long is there @ #4, I believe Al snags him and laughs all the way to the bank — something he may need to do desperately.
Ellis is my pick, but I think C. Long is ours if he’s there.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:02 pm
The Raiders should trade the 2009 number 1, Derrick Burgess, and Fabian Washington to the Rams for their pick. Then the Raiders could get both Long and McFadden.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:02 pm
YES Robertson is another of the many DT’s that were picked high that underwhelmed.
Raiders need PLAYMAKERS!
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Cole Ford
What have you been drinking?
Wow >>I’m depressed.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:05 pm
dell,
I have no idea what you were trying to say in the above post, but 16 to 11 to 8 is considered declining. Also Burgess announced in March that he wants a big raise for his last two seasons, or he is missing camp again, which is the reason he wasn’t in shape for last season. So far Al has not given him one red cent, and until he does I am gonna keep thinking that he is on the trade block if we draft Chris Long.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Al Davis has a reputation of wanting the best available athlete. Give him the biggest, the fastest, the most explosive talent and he is happy, regardless of whether the position is settled.
It is said he won’t be able to bypass Darren McFadden for that reason. He simply won’t be able to resist putting an instant touchdown into an already crowded backfield, joining Justin Fargas, Michael Bush and Dominic Rhodes.
While there is some truth to Davis’ criteria in terms of talent, he is not all that mysterious.
Take place kicker Sebastian Janikowski, for instance.
True, Janikowski was a long-distance marvel and a spectacular talent, but the bottom line is the Raiders desperately needed a kicker. Michael Husted’s troubles had cost the Raiders a chance at a 10-win season the previous year, and Jano was thought to be the final piece of the puzzle.
How about Michael Huff in 2006?
A smallish playmaker for a strong safety, but a safety is exactly what the Raiders needed. Despite the presence of USC quarterback Matt Leinart still on the board, Davis went with Huff. He already had Andrew Walter on the roster, a quarterback who was thought to be the future of the franchise.
When it turned out Walter perhaps wasn’t the franchise after all, JaMarcus Russell was the choice at No. 1 the following season despite the presence of Calvin Johnson. Johnson was only the most remarkable size-speed combination in the history of the draft at his position.
Robert Gallery’s selection in 2004 came at the expense of Roy Williams, a receiver Davis absolutely loved and thought was superior to Larry Fitzgerald, who went higher to Arizona. Gallery was a practical solution to a Raiders line which needed someone to install at left tackle for a decade.
Needs weren’t as clearly defined when the Raiders were winning three straight division titles, and with the Raiders drafting late, it was more of a “best athlete” scenario.
Considering the roster the Raiders already have, and the decisions to re-sign Fargas and coax Dominic Rhodes to take less money to remain on the roster, I don’t see Oakland taking McFadden on Saturday.
There is also the presence of Michael Bush, who hasn’t played in two years but who is seen as a potential difference maker. Or at least that’s the company line. If McFadden is the pick, it means the real thoughts on Bush are that he is too slow and not the long-term answer.
The Raiders were sixth in the NFL in rushing and gave up 100-yard games to 10 different backs. The practical thing to do is work on the defense, not add another back.
I’ll admit I’ve talked to some people who really know Davis who think McFadden will be irresistable. But the bottom line is I think Davis is more practical than you think.
Holding the key to McFadden could have as much value as McFadden himself. The Raiders will use the No. 4 pick to get additional picks or take a defensive player who can make a difference.
Jerry,
Al Davis does have a reputation for wanting the best available “athlete”, but as many of us have learned over the years, the best “athlete” isn’t always the best “football player” (further reading: JETT, James).
Don’t understand your point on Jano. We had Joe Nedney, who’d just nailed a big game winner against the Chiefs at the end of the ‘99 season, in a game that arguably kicked off our winning era in the earlier part of this decade. All we had to do was give the guy a contract. Anybody who painfully watched Anthony Dorsett Jr. get pump faked by Trent Dilfer (you read that correctly, TRENT DILFER), to the tune of a 90 yard TD gallop by Shannon Sharpe the following January, knows that Free Safety was a bigger need for us. I also would have rather had Shawn Alexander in Chucky’s “committee” of running backs, although it would have been tough to keep Wheatley in that scenario, who was at his peak at that time (also, the ‘99 season closer vs. KC..”Wheatley won’t go down!!”). But a kicker? As the victory vs. the Chiefs could have been the beginning of that winning era, the drafting of Jano could have been the beginning of the end, as I’m sure Gruden wasn’t on board for it. We’ll see if he ever takes a kicker or punter in the first round at Tampa or elsewhere.
I understand a safety is what we needed when we drafted Huff, but is Huff the safety we needed? I need a car, and even though a Lexus isn’t in the cards, I don’t have to settle for a ‘78 Festiva hatch back, either (Sorry if anyone here drives one. Just put a large Raider decal on the back window, and since it’s a ’70s car, you’d get away with the dice on the rear view mirror, as well.)
Same analogy applies for Gallery (we’re back to football, here…). I believe in taking the best football player available, and then from there work toward your needs. I don’t believe in taking a bum just because we needed someone at that position.
That being said, Jerry, I agree, or, hope, I should say, that your final prognosis comes to light. I don’t like anyone other than Dorsey in this first round, so trading down would be the best option if he’s not available.
But, god, your explanation of Al’s drafting this decade is really unnecessary. We can navigate to Raiders.com. While I don’t want you making fun of Al’s age like some of the bastards in the press, I do expect YOU of all people to be critical of Al’s drafting. It’s the primary reason we’re in the hole that we’re in.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Get rid of Burgess, he’s overated, old, and unhappy.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Please omit post 251. I accidentally copied Jerry’s entire blog entry and pasted it to review it while responding, and forgot to cut it before submitting it. Ignore it. It’s not there. It’s just a bunch of words. THIS is my post.
Jerry,
Al Davis does have a reputation for wanting the best available “athlete”, but as many of us have learned over the years, the best “athlete” isn’t always the best “football player” (further reading: JETT, James).
Don’t understand your point on Jano. We had Joe Nedney, who’d just nailed a big game winner against the Chiefs at the end of the ‘99 season, in a game that arguably kicked off our winning era in the earlier part of this decade. All we had to do was give the guy a contract. Anybody who painfully watched Anthony Dorsett Jr. get pump faked by Trent Dilfer (you read that correctly, TRENT DILFER), to the tune of a 90 yard TD gallop by Shannon Sharpe the following January, knows that Free Safety was a bigger need for us. I also would have rather had Shawn Alexander in Chucky’s “committee” of running backs, although it would have been tough to keep Wheatley in that scenario, who was at his peak at that time (also, the ‘99 season closer vs. KC..”Wheatley won’t go down!!”). But a kicker? As the victory vs. the Chiefs could have been the beginning of that winning era, the drafting of Jano could have been the beginning of the end, as I’m sure Gruden wasn’t on board for it. We’ll see if he ever takes a kicker or punter in the first round at Tampa or elsewhere.
I understand a safety is what we needed when we drafted Huff, but is Huff the safety we needed? I need a car, and even though a Lexus isn’t in the cards, I don’t have to settle for a ‘78 Festiva hatch back, either (Sorry if anyone here drives one. Just put a large Raider decal on the back window, and since it’s a ’70s car, you’d get away with the dice on the rear view mirror, as well.)
Same analogy applies for Gallery (we’re back to football, here…). I believe in taking the best football player available, and then from there work toward your needs. I don’t believe in taking a bum just because we needed someone at that position.
That being said, Jerry, I agree, or, hope, I should say, that your final prognosis comes to light. I don’t like anyone other than Dorsey in this first round, so trading down would be the best option if he’s not available.
But, god, your explanation of Al’s drafting this decade is really unnecessary. We can navigate to Raiders.com. While I don’t want you making fun of Al’s age like some of the bastards in the press, I do expect YOU of all people to be critical of Al’s drafting. It’s the primary reason we’re in the hole that we’re in.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:08 pm
A lot depends on the first 3 picks.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Everyone forgets that there will be more quality F/A’s available after 06/01. Who says Al is as enamored with C.Long as the Nation is? We had the 6th best rush off on a last place schedule. Where did we finish on off TD’s? Fargas can’t catch the ball and that is a redzone issue besides he’s injury prone. I like def as much as anyone, but I like so see Oak score TD’s! If Al makes some trades for additional picks and drafts McFadden all the better and hopefully the Rams will pick C.Long to close this topic.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Burgess is a liability against the run….he seriously needs to step it up against the run this year.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:11 pm
man i wish it was saturday already
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:11 pm
DMC can catch the rock….unlike Fargas…Fargas scares me when he tries to catch a pass.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Burgess shouls be traded simply for that stupid “arms folded across the chest” stance after a sack
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:12 pm
#244 Tdizzle — You’re right on it with that eval…
Trading with the Jets or Ravens, or… anybody else outside our division is exactly what Al’s looking at doing.
Keep that potentially great RB out of our division if he’s not on our team.
No more soap opera-like payback stories about guys who coulda been/were Raiders — but haunt us forever within the division. We always find a way to make those guys look like they belong in the Hall Of Fame.
If we don’t take McFadden, Al will make sure he doesn’t go directly to a division foe.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:13 pm
you beat me to it Fabian. This has been the slowest week at work since the offseason started.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:14 pm
If the Raiders draft a D-lineman they won’t need to score that many touchdowns. With a awesome defense and a ball control running game, the Raiders are going to win games 18-10 next year. Janikowski will finally have is pro bowl year as he makes 50 field goals.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:15 pm
If Chris Long is there @ #4, Al will almost cetainly grab him. The constant movement, pressure, and tenacity is right out of Howie’s book.
25-years ago, there was a time when Howie — plugged-in with anybody else — would dominate offensive lines. He jumped off-sides a lot, but man, did he have a motor. Even when someone else made the play, he was “quietly” a factor. Other teams didn’t change plays because of Howie — like all great players, they changed gameplans because of him.
C. Long has that kind of play in him. Maybe.
He definitely has what it takes to be incredibly successful as a pitchman (more wholesome image than Leinart!). This guy is a marketing machine.
If C. Long is there @ #4, I believe Al snags him and laughs all the way to the bank — something he may need to do desperately.
Ellis is my pick, but I think C. Long is ours if he’s there.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:15 pm
hahaha….oh man after reading Jerrys take (again) it’s so funny how much his point says basically that the raiders need to take DMC…as to not taking him? haha
His point goes to show that DMC needs to be the pick! LOL
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Coming up after the commercial, NFL live is going to have a story about the Jets possibly trading up for McFadden. Thats if you live in the central time zone.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:17 pm
it looks like assassin has already made alot of my points for me, thanks for that……it’s a pain in the ass isn’t it, either people don’t understand what you’re saying, do and refuse to accept that there are more realities than just there own, or misinterpret you entirely…..and then run with it………
but i digress…..
mcfadde is the favorite to be an oakland raider unless someone trades up and takes him(jets), whether we agree on this or believe that he should be the favorite is a moot point, is he a lock to be a raider? no, is he likely a raider? yes; other things may happen, i will be happy with long, it’s a possibility, i have said both these things a thousand times, but mcfadden is the most likely scenario, every tem claims the player they chose was #1 on their board, but who you choose is not purely based on your board, you don’t just pick the BPA or a need, you attempt to find a balance between the two based on what’s available, ATL will not pick long, that’s a near cartainty, they will take dorsey or ryan if they stay put, steven jackson is the 2nd(or at worst 3rd) best RB in the NFL, THEY have no need at RB, we don’t have a single RB in the top 15 at his position, we have many guys, all(except bush) whom are closer to the end of their very average careers than to the begining, all who have troubles with consistency and durability, we have bush and a few average guys, we do not have a “loaded” stable of RBs, and discounting mcfadden as a mere RB is the problem, he brings explosiveness, unpredictability, and most importantly points to our offense, points are not a luxury, and chris long being on the board does not mean we will pass on mcfadden, does it mean we may? sure, does it mean we will? no will he be there? most likely not certainly not? no, but likely not, DL is a greater need than RB, you’re right, but the DL is neither as terrible as you suppose nor the backfield as great as you suppose, we’ve already had extensive argumants on these issues so i’ll refrain from going into them now…….you have cleary not been paying attention to me; these are the things i have said:
-trading down is the best possible option
-chris long is a great option, he would help our D alot(and team), i would be happy to have him, he is a possibility(however unlikely)
-vernon gholston is a great option, he would help our D alot(and team), i would be very happy to have him, he is very possible
-sedrick ellis is a great player, he would help our Dalot(and team), i would be very happy with him, he is not very likely but is a possibility, and i feel DE is a greater need than DT, but that’s not the point; mcfadden and gholston are far more likely than ellis
-darren mcfadden is the best player in the draft, he would help our team alot, if we are unable to trade down he would help our team more than any single player in the draft, he is the most likely possibility
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Bart Bridge
I guess your hard to please, he sacks the QB 16 times in 2005, and what defensive coordinators are not going to double team him or chip him with backs to slow him down as they did in 2006, and 2007.
The Raiders currently have only three DE’s on the roster currently, who do they draft to replace his productivity, so they draft Chris Long, they still have only three DE’s if Burgess is gone.
I guess his contract status upset you, he is under contract and must play to receive his pay, he has yet to threaten to hold out, so why worry .
Camp starts in July, he will be there.
And finally his productivity has not declined the last three years, maybe in your eyes the last two.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:20 pm
You McFaddy guys are DELUSIONAL!!!
X Says:
Al Davis has a reputation of wanting the best available athlete.
Why isn’t McFaddy in the top 4 picks on ANYONE’S board if he’s a better athlete?
Case closed. Grow up.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Ha. Everybody’s watching NFL Live.
ZZZZZzzzzzz
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:22 pm
It is tough to hand off when Chris Long is already in the backfield sacking your ass!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:23 pm
raidertw, that makes no sense……….why isn’t OJ in prison if he did it?…..see how arguments like that work? there’s no logic in that statement, it’s a fact that mcfadden is #1 on most team’s boards, and he should be, he’s the best player
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:26 pm
This article makes great points. Its obvious McFadden won’t be the pick.
.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:26 pm
2. Rams – C Long
3. Falcons – Dorsey
4. Raiders – Trade pick to Baltimore so they can get Ryan who they desperatly want/need.
5. KC – Albert
6. Jets – DMC
7. NE – Leodis M. / Gholston
8. Oak – Gholston or maybe Rivers.
Get 2nd in the deal and or package picks to get to the top of the second round to get Sam Baker. Can use Washington to maybe get a good DT, Maybe Laws would be a reach to get. Maybe get Red Bryant who I think he is predicted to the 2nd or 3rd.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Tommy,
We have been paying attention to you. How can we not, you have 1 out of every 15 posts on here the past 2 months!
We hear you, we just DO NOT agree with you! Get it? Are you that arrogant to think that we should all bow and get in line with your thinking?? What is your F’ing problem?? Please tell me you do not have children!!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:28 pm
What I dont understand is why some people have anointed M. Bush as the next GREAT rb. Truth is none of us knows. There’s a reason he slid all the way to the 4th rnd. Remember McGahee was snatched in the 1st rnd. despite a serious knee injury. See here’s the thing, NFL scouts know more about these players than we do, so the injury may not be the only reason he fell to the 4th. The media said Bush was 1st rnd talent but that doesnt mean NFL evaluators had the same view about him, afterall we passed on him 3 times as well. Most of these opinions about Bush is nothing more than wishful thinking. So with that said, I still think we’re taking McFadden, you know,,, the skinny guy? Oh yeah, Marcus Allen was skinny too but umm,,,, he was pretty good! Lol
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:28 pm
it’s a fact that mcfadden is #1 on most team’s boards
ZDelusional! You’ve seen most teams boards? how about the experts? where is he there compared to C Long?
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:28 pm
TT — I’ve been meaning to ask you…
Just what is it that makes you THE draft expert? Are you in your own war-room (i.e., your upstairs bathroom, with TV and phone cables running under the door?
Your arrogance is amazing, considering you’ve probably never even met an NFL player or coach.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Oh boy, here we go…..
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:30 pm
SaintK — On the same page here…Arrogance was the perfect word.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:31 pm
saintkaufman,Huff24,RAIDERATHEART,Oakglenn, what we need to do is make them put up or shut up. Bet them a Raider jersey if the Raiders don’t draft McFaddy.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:31 pm
glen dorsey would be ideal please drop
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:31 pm
What inspires me about M. Bush is what Kirk Morrison said about him. He said something like MB will be our secret weapon because nobody has seen what he can do.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:32 pm
I see where Jard Allen was traded to Minn.
Wow, $30 million guaranteed dollars for a DE.
Minn gave up it’s number 17, pick and 2others, plus swapped the sixth round pick with KC.
What Minn gets is a DE with sack totals that are equal or almost to Burgess.
Allen 2007 sacks 15.5 Burgess 2007 8 sacks
Allen 2006 sacks 7.5 Burgess 2006 11 sacks
Allen 2005 sacks 11 Burgess 2005 16 sacks
—————— ——————
Sacks 34 total Sacks 35 Total
I guess we should trade Burgess.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:34 pm
McFadden not #1 on anyone’s board?
NFL.com’s Adam Schefter reports Arkansas RB Darren McFadden is the top-rated player on the Rams’ draft board.
Bears GM Jerry Angelo said Tuesday that he believes Arkansas RB Darren McFadden is the best player in the draft.
Charlie Casserly talked about McFadden today on NFLN, this is the guy who passed on Reggie Bush for Mario Williams.
He said back in January he asked 21 teams who was the top rated player on their board and 21 out of 21 said McFadden, and that he does note believe that to have changed.
He said McFadden is a game breaker who can score from anywhere on the field and that he will run with agresiveness, that he´s not gonna knock defenders on their back but that he will run inside.
Previously, he had said a defense playing against him would hold their breath every time he got the football.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:34 pm
theres a difference, allen is 26 and healthy…burgess is 29 and injured
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Thank you. I will sleep better knowing I’m not the only one who thinks McFaddin would be the wrong choice. Any lineman, offense or defense, will be welcome. I’d really love to get Dorsey but that’s a long shot, no pun intended. Trade down to 8 with Baltimore and get a 2nd or 3rd to boot. Ellis will be there.
Rick Wascher
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Jets may trade up to get Arkansas RB Darren McFadden
The Jets have done an inordinate amount of homework on McFadden, even calling former high school coaches and teachers from his home in Little Rock, Ark. Tannenbaum, in a news conference last week, refused to characterize the organization’s feelings about McFadden’s character.
In a good-will gesture, McFadden came to New York a day ahead of the five other draft invitees and spent an hour at a downtown recreation center, where he addressed about 20 kids on the importance of physical fitness. It also was a promotion for the soon-to-be released movie “Iron Man.” He heard a lot of Jets chatter from the group.
McFadden said he would “love to come here and play,” mentioning the rebuilt offensive line as one of the most attractive things about the Jets. They have a proven runner in Thomas Jones, entering the second year of a four-year, $20 million contract, but he broke only two runs longer than 20 yards last season. The offense needs electricity.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:35 pm
plus burgess is in the last year of a contract
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:36 pm
I heard on the radio this morning that there was a one time feud between Howie Long and Al Davis but even still, Howie talks highly of the Raiders when hes on TV. There was some talk that Howie would not want Chris Long to end up with the Raiders because of that strained relationship. Anybody know of this to be true at all? I know KNBR is a bunch of Raider haters so they could have just been throwin jabs.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:36 pm
fabian 2yrs.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:36 pm
did anyone see the mcfadden special today. his mommys a crackhead, brothers are gang bangers, and he is in bar fights and having all kinds of kids…sounds like someone i wanna invest 15-20 millions in
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:38 pm
raiders TW, cause rams dont need him and atlanta just spent 35 million on a Running back
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:38 pm
and he is #1 in terms of the best player in the draft in most peoples boards
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:38 pm
huff, al davis wanted howie to come back and play when he was 40, naturally, howie refused, but that likely wont affect the draft, chris long is one of the elite players in this year’s draft and we would be lucky to have him, it’s possible but not the most likely scenario
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:39 pm
HatesD#37
You’re right on the money with stuff about Howie. He was a factor in every play and was a dominating force. I hope Al gets to pick C. Long. I just don’t buy that stuff about Howie and Al. C. Long would be a durable force for a long time just like his dad. I want to see C. Long wreak a little revenge on Philip Rivers.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:39 pm
i wonder how many times darren toked it up with mom
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:39 pm
TT — Casserly’s good, but he’s not the end-all of all GM/analysts.
What 21 teams told an outsider/media figure in January may or may not have been true, and their positions most certainly have been modified a bit by now.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:40 pm
D. Hall talked football for 5and a half hours with AD before his deal and Mcfadden talked with AD for 10 mins. What does that tell you?
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Fellas!
It will be a great day in the Raider Nation when we draft McFadden this year. Some of you people don’t watch much football.
I’ve read McFadded cant run inside..goes down on first contact. The people who say that are probably on the West Coast and have not seen alot of SEC football. Mcfadden is a beast…is probably the 3rd best running back to come out of the SEC (Hershel Walker and Bo jackson being the top two). I think Bush and Mcfadden will be a tandem feared for years to come.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Pleasssssssse don’t pick McFadden AL…high pad level, does not run well between the tackles!
Where did the RB’s get their yards last year? between the tackles. Wake up everybody, he does not fit!
Plus our defense was ranked 30th against the run!
Dorsey/Ellis is the way to go.
if not available then Gholston or Long, Gholston before Long though.
I still dont understand how being a workout warrior on the bench (37 reps) and 40 (4.6) yard dash makes you a risk? I could see if he played at Alcorn State or some small school but Gholston is BIG TIME!
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:41 pm
maybe al davis told dmac not to give any more details about his visit lol
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:41 pm
thanks raidertw but yeah all this draft talk is crazy we wont know forsure what the 2 teams ahead of us are doing so its all goes from there no lock picks this year
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:41 pm
The one thing I like about Jared Allen is his physical presence. He’s 6′6 270lbs but he looks really big and hes comparable to Chris Long in a way. Allen is effective at getting to the QB while also stopping the run. I like Burgess but Burgess looks small and plays small. Hes great at gettin to the QB but I don’t think he holds his own well in the run. Don’t get me wrong, I think he tries and works hard so I like him for that but he lacks that ideal run support. What makes me nervous is the idea of KC jumping ahead to draft Chris Long after trading away Allen but I don’t think that would make much sense for them since they need draft picks.
I just kind of see the Chiefs wanting to piss off the Raiders by having a “Long” on their side. Kind of putting history against the Raiders. Maybe thats childish, I dont know. I’m just happy our new LT won’t have to deal with Allen any longer. Thats a big plus for us.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:42 pm
very tru hayes, the point i was making is that it’s ridiculous to say “no team in the NFL has mcfadden #1 on their board”? when in actuality, mcfadden is closer to being the consensus BPA than any player in the draft
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Huff24 Says:
I heard on the radio this morning that there was a one time feud between Howie Long and Al Davis but even still, Howie talks highly of the Raiders when hes on TV.
He’s the only player I saw hold out & Al gave him everything he wanted. NFL network showed Howie talking that he owes Al everthing for taking a chance on him from a small school. There was some talk that Howie would not want Chris Long to end up with the Raiders because of that strained relationship.” I’ve only heard that on this blog & we know how skewed some are here.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Wow, did I hear that correctly? DMC is on top of everyones boards but they won’t draft him because they don’t need him? Wow, that sounds a lot like….us.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:42 pm
I like dudes.
-Draft McFadd
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:43 pm
raiderboihoy, Apeterson also runs high, playing football is a risk, all the players are injury risks
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Some scouts wonder about his fumbling (23 in three years) and his relatively skinny legs, which could lead to a durability issue. Mike Mayock, a draft analyst for the NFL Network, said, “He goes down way too easily on contact.”
hahahaha
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Agree. McFadden isn’t what we need this year.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:43 pm
tiki barber also suffered from fumbleitis before correcting the problem, ah he turned out to be a great RB
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Truthfully, I cannot see a scenario where on Saturday I will be upset with our draft. IF we get Dorsey..COOL! Gholsten….I can dig that. Long? To me he’s another Tyler Brayton…just a high motor guy. But I would not be mad if we took him.
But McFadden has to be the pick.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:45 pm
yeah, i agree with chris long = tyler brayton with a better last name
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Back in the day, bad blood between Al and Howie did come into play — at least on two occasions when dealing with contract issues.
There were times when even Howie would say things that made me think he was gone.
But — Al knew what he had, and Howie knew where his legacy was to be made.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:47 pm
JR+DMC=SB,
you’re right about long being another brayton, but add 8-12 sacks/year to that
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Ohio Raider, you are a scumbag. Or I guess that goes without mentioning, given the fact that you are from Ohio.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Burgess wants a raise this year, and so far he hasn’t gotten squat. That alone tells me Al is considering trading him. Look at the trade value of DE’s around the league right now, Al is licking his chops thinking of how much value he can get for a guy that he picked off the Eagles and gave a last chance to. I think Burgess has burned to many bridges by blowing off training camp 3 years before his contract ends in an attempt to get a raise.
Burgess is over-rated, over the hill, and would be getting in the way of developing younger DE’s.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Fumbles and he’s a “one hit wonder”…one hit and he goes down.
If the Jets tradeup for him, that is better for us cause that would leave either Dorsey or C Long.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:48 pm
AD wanted Howie to come back to Oakland the 1st year back to ease the transition but Hollywood beckoned. There were some words and the feud started.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Trade down with Lions take Roy Williams off them. They want Ryan cause their fed up with Kitna.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:49 pm
if dorseys dere his the pick if longs there he’s the pick if neithers there mcfaddens the pick
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Think about it…it took Mario Williams…the top pick two years ago, a full year to start making an impact. No one on this blog should say Long is better than Williams. I don’t think Long would beat out Richardson truthfully (Alot of the Raider nation is sleeping on Richardson, he’s gonna be good).
Mcfadden would instantly make us a better team on day one…could end up being rookie of the year.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:50 pm
bart, if we can get a 1st for burgess, then do it, if we can get a 2nd, that’s justifiable, anything less than a 2nd would be a bad deal, there’s a chance he will be traded, but if it happens we will not get a deal anywhere close to what allen brought, but hopefully if we trade him we can come away with at least a high 2nd, preferably a mid-1st
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:51 pm
#307 is not me. I guess the McFadden haters are now going to post as me. Madden Raider, go to he–
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:51 pm
HayesDaze#37, not HatesDaze! I ain’t got nothin’ against daze!
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:51 pm
RaiderTW Says:
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:20 am
The scenario is so perfect, it simply has to come true. The son of Howie Long — one of the greatest players ever to slip into Silver and Black — comes to the Raiders with the fourth draft choice of the first round, teams with Derrick Burgess to form an unholy and unstoppable pass-rush tandem, and helps restore Al Davis’ languishing team to NFL glory.
Thec, you getting worried? Hope you saved your money, that C Long on the back of my jersey will sure look good.
Not getting worried at all. this article is further proff that we are taking DMAC. Jets getting no 2 is a smoke screen. DMAC is the pick. Clong will go to the rams.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:51 pm
the raiders have talent on defense but no leadership that’s why my pick is glen dorsey.He would command double teams which would open up sacks for burgess and edwards.He’s a relentless presence and carries that ray lewis persona.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:52 pm
I bet Rams take C Long.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Rick the hunter…….Michael Bush is that good.When the Raiders line him up to play and he gets his confidence back about his bionically repaired leg.By the way,the leg was broken as bad as joe theismans leg was but the technology has improved enough to repair that amount of damage these days.If he can cut and run on it with no pain and take a few shots and survive. He will be the starting running back by the start of regular season.None of running backs we have now are near the type of back that Bush is.They say that if his leg didnt break he wouldve been a lock for the heisman, maybe the best back in the country.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Tyler Brayton
In 47 games at the University of Colorado, he recorded 152 tackles with 12.5 sacks, 25 stops for losses, 34 quarterback pressures, 17 third-down hits, three fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and six pass deflections.
Chris Long
Total 187 tackles, 43 for a loss, 22 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 17 passes broken up and 1 interception.
Tackles
Brayton 152 – Long 187
Sacks
Brayton 12.5 – Long 22
To me..theres a HUGE difference between the 2.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:53 pm
About # 273.
Anyone like / think that scenario could play out. I should also throw Ellis in that scenario of taking him with Baltimore’s pick. By trading back & getting Bal’s 2nd and getting Sam Baker. Use a combo of players like Washington to get into the 2nd round to get a good DT. Maybe a young receiver if Ellis was the pick at #8. I just think that would be an interesting scenario that isn’t too far of a stretch.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Post 318
Another example of a guy who has not watched Mcfadden in college. You can’t be serious. Everyone compares Mcfadden to Bush but he is much bigger and stronger. No one rushed for that many yards and finishes 2nd in the Hiesman two years in a row by goiong down on the first hit….lets get real peoples.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:53 pm
JR+DMC=SB, that’s ridiculus, richardson is a starter caliber DE, long is a potential pro bowler, there’s a big difference, i prefer mcfadden, but long’s a hell of a player
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:53 pm
ExLaRaiders said he was gone ’til Friday…
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Chris Long is not just a high motor guy, his technique now is on-par with All-Pros. All of these football players are athletic freaks, what separates the men from the boys at the NFL level is technique. Chris Long is a master of hand placement, leverage and play recognition. Those are the things that Brayton has always lacked, which went unmentioned when we drafted him in the first round. Why do so many “potential” greats never pan out? They never develop the great technique to go with their athletic gifts.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Hang in there TT. Any posts after this are not me.
Good night Raider Nation.
With the 4th pick of the 2008 NFL Draft, the Raiders select………
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Tackles for Loss
Brayton 25 – Long 43
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Midwest fan u r a mug Gholston will never fall that low. R u high
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:56 pm
HayesDaze#37
Dakota is gone until Friday moron.
I’m out!
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Maybe you all are right about Long. I will admit I did not watch many Virginia games. I lived in Tallahassee a couple of years ago and saw Florida State and Virginia play…I can’t remember Long dominating that game at all (Wish I had the film because Long probably went up against Mario henderson). But how much of an impact would Long have his rookie seaon. He can have all of the college technique in the world but in the NFL, it will take more than technique. Like I said, if Long is the choice, Im not mad at all. But Mcfadden would be rookie of the year and give us a dream backfield of Ruussell/McFadden/Bush for years!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:01 pm
In 2003, there were 5 DE’s chosen in the 1st round ahead of the Raiders with Brayton being chosen at #32.
#9 Kevin Williams
#13 Ty Warren
#14 Michael Haynes
#15 Jerome McDougle
#18 Calvin Pace
Chris Long is either going to be the #1 or #2 DE selecting in the 2008 draft within the Top 5. There is no comparison between Long and Brayton.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Can someone give me a rundown on Jay Richardson, I dont live in California so I don’t get constant Raider coverage or ability to watch all the games on TV.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Those who argue against taking DMac because we already have a stable of good backs are engaging in bizarre logic – try to visualize the likely scenario for the backs in question over the next five years, based on their history. Fargas will be out of the league and will have played well off and on, despite nagging injuries. Rhodes is a third down back and will migrate from team to team because those backs are easier to find. Bush hopefully will be a player, but its a crapshoot, and even so – doesn’t necessarily mean he can’t function with another great back on the team. From expert accounts (i.e. not members of this board) McFadden is a special, explosive player who will redefine the team he joins -when was the last time a back received such high praise and was available to the Raiders? Minnesota when faced with an even more difficult roster situation (they had a proven Chester Taylor) went for the brass ring and took AP – do you think they regret it? It’s an unbelievable opportunity to pair two great atheletes like JR and DM for the next 7-10 years. And yet some would rather take a project DE who looks good in his underwear because “we have a need”. That’s is how bad teams stay bad.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:02 pm
McFadden and Bush are completely different types of backs.
If McFadden’s a Ferrari, Bush is a Hummer — and not that little Hummer MILF’s roll-over shopping carts with.
Michael Bush is a go-anywhere, go-anytime kind of back. Just like McFadden, Bush has the potential to be a great back for 7-10 years.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:04 pm
ExLa — I was trying to help you out. Brother.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:04 pm
“and not that little Hummer MILF’s roll-over shopping carts with”.
LMFAO!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Project DE? Dude, you are mad.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Full Name: Jay Richardson
Born: January 27, 1984
Dublin, OH
Height: 6-6
Weight: 280 lbs. Age: 24
Pos: DE
Experience: 0 years
College: Ohio State
ESPN doesn’t seem to have a scouting report on Jay Richardson. Sorry.
YEAR TEAM G TOT SOLO AST PD SACK FF REC INT YDS TD
2007 OAK 16 33 25 8 1 1.0 0 0 0 0 0
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:06 pm
albert i know you would love to smoke crack with mcdaddy and his mom,you still can just whiles hes in a jets jersey
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Grim – I saw your post that you live in Las Vegas? Sorry I missed you dude. I was at The Orleans.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:06 pm
You can’t really go by where a guy is drafted when comparing them. Peterson went 7th last year…does that mean that the 6 players picked ahead of them are better? I can go on and on with that..Mo Jone Drew vs Reggiw Bush…Tom Brady vs any QB you want to name. Teams make mistakes in the draft.
But I do remember when we picked Brayton, all people talked about were his work ethic and high motor. Same thing Im hearing about Long except Long has a daddy thats a Hall of Famer and foemer Raider.
Honestly, can anyone name a college game that Long played and and said “Damn, Long is killing this team”? Maybe when they played Duke or North Carolina. If we do pick Long, I hope Im wrong about him.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Mad Stork,
“when was the last time a back received such high praise and was available to the Raiders?”
Uh, last year. Only Peterson was being regarded as a HOF player by x-NFL RB’s!
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:07 pm
hes was nothing better than average at OSU i watch every game
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Jay Rich Scouting Report
Overview: 4 year player who may just be scratching the potential of what he can do. A player who can line up anywhere on the defensive line, he shows a lot of upside.
Strengths: Experienced starter on an elite program. Has lined up at many positions. Has a great frame with room to improve. Very versed in coverage, pass rushing, and run stopping. Good interviewer.
Weaknesses: Might not transition well into the NFL. Has never been the focus of a defense. Only had 1 really solid year. Has had some injury concerns in the past that will have to be checked out.
Projection: Looks to be a late developmental project, but teams will be enamored with this prospect who can play all over the line and who still has some upsdie.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Well…McFadden is really fast. We should just keep Fabian Washington and let him run with the ball.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Jay Richardson is 6-6 285lbs with 4.85 speed, 34 1/2in vertical, and 25 bench reps, he is very good against the run, he is solid against the pass, he is smart, he has a great “football IQ”, he works hard and is athletic, he has potential, is underdeveloped in term of pass rushing technique, right now he’s a cpable starter, he good develope into a very good player, would i bet the farm on it? probably not, but at worst he’s a great rotational player against the run and at best is a very good player, he is disciplined and a “team guy”, he has potential to be good and right now is a decent player at DE
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Chris Johnson is fast as well…but I wonder why he didn’t finish second in the Hiesman two years in a row???
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Hey Huff, how long were you here? Did you catch any beads at the Orleans?
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Again…Marcus Allen in 1982 and Napolean Kaufman in 1995. AD doesn’t pick RB’s in the 1st round but once and a blue moon. Here is a cookie I’ll give you McFadden lovers. The difference between the Allen and Kaufman picks is 13 years. Well…its been 13 years since we drafted Kaufman. If AD keeps up with the 13 year tradition. Maybe you get what you want? Maybe we have some sort of eclipse at the start of our turn in the draft?
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:12 pm
The problem with banking on a pass rush is the way you slow down a pass rush is run by them with a delay or screens that are thrown behind them.make them account for the runners.Stopping the run has to be a priority.Burgess hasnt been a great run stopper and C Long isnt big enough to be a great run stopper.We havent had a good run stopper for awhile.A big body who eats up blockers letting our backers penetrate and stop them for a loss.Or we run blitz which goes against the grain of Rob Ryans philosophy.Dorsey,Ellis,anyone who takes up space and is durable.That story of dorseys lingering injury is a bit concerning.Anyway the bottom line is that champions Run the ball well and stop the run.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Grim – Thursday night at my cousins in Vegas and then Friday and Saturday night at The Orleans. No beads for me but a weekend with my lady made up for it. lol. We had a business function at the Hotel so we spent most of the time there.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:13 pm
The key word is……second.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:13 pm
BBB, sorry I didn’t get the fact that if you draft Long, Burgess is expendable. You’re right he is. TT is also right in that if you could get high rounds for Burgess do it. You probably would be offered only a 3rd or 4th tho.
You guys we are NOT (N-O-T) not, going to get someone’s 2nd and/or 3rd round pick this year to move down a couple of slots. Chicago is NOT going to give us there 2nd two 3rds, and Urlacher, to move up 8 spots. It ain’t gonna happen. Look at last year. The Whiners only got a 4th rounder for swapping lsts with NE. A 4TH ROUNDER!!!! And that was for next years lst!!! Miami who wanted to trade down, drafted and signed Jake Long because no one would offer them squat for the overall number one!!!! I told you all yesterday the reason they signed Long was the best offer on the table for their overall number one was an open box of Triscuit crackers. Everyone wants to trade down, lessening the value. Smart teams would move up, or in our case, stay put!!!
Now, we need extra pix cause this is a deep draft!! Ship out some of the players who are no going to start for us: Walter/Washington/ guys like that.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Tiger says, “2nd sucks”!
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:14 pm
It will be between McFadden and Gholston, and we go McFadden, I’m pretty sure the Rams will pick C. Long.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I look for Jay Richardson to have a same type of improvment his secong year as Thomas Howard had his second year. The guy showed flashes last year. He’s going to be a good one.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I wonder why McFadden didn’t win the Heisman at all. You’d think a once and a lifetime back could pull it off in his 3 years but the 1st sophmore to win the award took it from him. Hmmmm.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Is this guy on crack? If Long and Dorsey are gone McFadden is the pick.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:17 pm
grim, stork was talking about gholston, not that i agree he’s a project, i just wanted to clarify
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Huff your exactly right, we should probably question his pro potential because he never won a Heisman, one of the most important indicators of NFL success.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:18 pm
If you finally get a quality RDE and you trade away your stud LDE, you defeat the whole purpose. The idea is to have 2 very good DE’s so they can get to the QB and give the secondary a chance to make plays off poorly thrown passes due to the pressure. If you replace one guy with another, you lose that opportunity. It takes 4 good guys to make a solid line, not 2 or 3. FOUR. We need to put the finshing touches and Richardson is a good 2nd string player, not a 1st.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Oakglenn, I agree with the trade concept, but I disagree about teams wanting to move up.
They just didn’t want to move up to pay somebody $60 million dollars when there are so many guys who could really be the #1 pick — and they can be had for less than half that price.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:19 pm
If McFadden’s a Ferrari, Bush is a Hummer — and not that little Hummer MILF’s roll-over shopping carts with.
And they can’t get on the field because the defense is giving up long drives, smart.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Raiders2 – I’m not saying McFadden had to win the Heisman to be great but if people are going to say he “almost” won the Heisman or he was “second” in the race, then I’m going to use that as ammunition against their arguement. Nothing more, nothing less.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:21 pm
not so fast OakG,
jared Allen cost a first and two thirds
and jason taylor is supposedly getting shopped for a late first rounder.
I think we can definitely ask for an early 2nd rounder for Burgess, and depending on where in the 2nd round we could get a great potential lineman: Sam Baker to protect JRuss, or Pat Sims to stuff the run. Maybe Anthony Collins or Red Bryant.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Well people think that Tebow is the second coming of Jesus Christ..especially here in the South. I think Mcfadden deserved it.
He is my thing with Mcfadden. If anyone knows anything about the Razorbacks, they had absolutely “zero” passing game…Ziltch! COuld not throw at all. So every team the razorbacks played (Including National Champs LSU) stacked the box against them….and Mcfadden still couldn’t be stopped. That’s why I laugh at people who say McFadden can’t run between the tackles…again you didn’t watch many SEC games if you beleive that.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:22 pm
huff, the first sophmore took it beacuse he had 20 QB sneaks, and his great athleticism took pressure off his passing skills allowing him to put up solid TD #s passing as well, he was the first 20-20 guy, and he barely beat DMC, troy smith was a good QB on a team that was #1 all year, and ron dayne won a heisman, mcfadden was merely the runner up twice in a row, does that mean dayne is even on mcfadden’s level? not even close, huff, you make many good points on a consistent basis but that is definitely not one of them
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:23 pm
TW — that’s a funny line. At least give me credit for it!
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:23 pm
People…we controlled the clock with a #6 rushing attack and we ended up 4-12. Thats whats going to happen with McFadden. Maybe we have another #3 rushing attack but if we don’t stop the run, its not going to make a difference.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Huff, thats cool, people shouldn’t use it in their arguments for him, thats pretty stupid.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:25 pm
The Raiders didn’t have a passing game last year either..in the NFL, not college and we still managed to have a #6 rushing attack. Thats more impressive then what McFadden did with a great offensive line against college talent on the defensive side.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:27 pm
“Chris Long = Tyler Brayton II Does NOTHING to improve the WORST RUN D in the league!!! WAKE UP YOU IDIOTS AND LEARN WINNING FOOTBALL!!! ~FANG KNOWS ALL”
Actually Chris Long is considered above average in the area of containing the run by most league scouts. Contrary to popular belief on this board a DE has a huge role in stopping the run. It’s called “outside containment.” Now what is a RB’s role in stopping the run again….can’t seem to remember that one.
McFadden is a special, explosive player who will redefine the team he joins -when was the last time a back received such high praise
Ummmm Reggie Bush ringin any bells? We all know how that one played out. I think a better comparison is Darren McFadden = Reggie Bush II.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:28 pm
As much as I would like to see CL in S&B I don’t see it happening. Here’s why:
KC has 6 picks in the top 82 picks.
KC traded a drunk, 2 time DUI busted DE for # 17,73 &82.
KC is looking for starters on BOTH lines. They will jump us with either STL or ATL
Both STL and ATL are actively shopping their picks.
Anyway you look at it, CL will not make it to 4.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:28 pm
great offensive line? one of those guys will be a 2nd or 3rd round pick next year and another a 4th or 5th this year…..
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:28 pm
My point about using Mcfadden and the Heisman was Huff said since McFadden is fast, we midas well but Fabian in the backfield and let him carry the rock, implying DMC is all speed!
So my counter is Chris Johnson is hella fast too but I didn’t see him on any heisman ballot..all american teams..etc.
Either way , you all are right…shouldn’t use teh Heisman to project how good a player will be..point taken.
Still…I want DMC!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:29 pm
TT – It wasn’t a great point as much as it was sarcasm.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:30 pm
HayesDaze#37
If McFadden’s a Ferrari, Bush is a Hummer — and not that little Hummer MILF’s roll-over shopping carts with.
Funny but false.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:32 pm
I like your thinking Jerry.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Remember BBB, it’s also the contract. The Minn Jokings might have been able to work out a deal for jared that was sweet and defered some cap hence the additional pix. + Burgess, while good, is not of the calibre of Jared Allen. + if Jason Taylor goes for a first rounder, I’ll eat this post.
But it actually proves my point completely!!!! Notice what Parcells is doing. Parcells is doing everything I said we should do, and Bill does know something about building quality teams. First off, he stayed put, and took someone the team needed!! Then, he’s taking guys that don’t fit the system, and trying to deal them for more picks. He’s smoking rock with Dmac’s mom tho if he thinks he’s gonna get a first for Jason Taylor.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:33 pm
I have a great idea. Why don’t we just win? McFadden or Long or anybody else for that matter. Lets just freakin win already because 5 years of this crap is depressing.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Word out of Oakland is owner Al Davis will pass on Hall of Famer Howie Long’s son, Chris, and go with the explosive McFadden. From McShay
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:34 pm
The latest news on Dorsey from the St. Louis media 2 days ago….
“A healthy Glenn Dorsey would top just about every draft board in the NFL, or be second behind Arkansas running back Darren McFadden. But is he healthy?.
That’s the multimillion-dollar question for the Rams should Dorsey — the defensive tackle from Louisiana State — be available at No. 2 overall in next weekend’s draft.
“There’s 32 (team) doctors; they have 32 different opinions,” said Tom Marino, a longtime NFL scout who’s now an analyst for Scout.com. “You’re talking about a guy that’s the No. 2 pick in the draft. It’s going to be $5.5 million, $6 million per year for the next five years. That’s hard to swallow if the guy’s going to be on the IR.”
Some league sources say X-rays show there is a dark spot, or small line in the area on Dorsey’s leg. Is that a sign of healing? Is there a chance it can fracture again?.
Publicly, the Rams have consistently said they are not concerned about Dorsey’s health, particularly the stress fracture Dorsey suffered in his right leg in 2006. Billy Devaney, executive vice president of player personnel, said any medical questions the team may have had on Dorsey have been answered satisfactorily.”
If they do think he´s OK, they´ll have a chance to prove it on saturday.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:35 pm
What do you guys think of Nicks (Nebraska) at LT in later rounds?
C.Long or Dorsey at #4 or he must trade down.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:35 pm
thank you TT,
I tried to make that point but awhile back and nobody wanted to listen. They insist that either the Arkansas line was All-Pro, or the defenses where not able to tackle him at all, because apparently he goes down on first contact. Instead they want Glenn Dorsey, who’s team gave up like 200 rushing yards to Daddy Mac. Can’t have it both ways.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:35 pm
The other thing to note about the Dolphins is that their new Head Coach is the offensive line coach from the Cowboys so its safe to say that the HC has a priority in line and he values his prized possessions. He knows he can coach up Jake Long and the offense needs it so Parcells can agree with that logic.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Just gettin’ back in here. I see there are some of you that still expect our run D to be the same as last year. Sad. Our run D is improved, and our offense lacks big play ability. Draft McFadden. One thing we all agree on is that we lost several close games last year. What we can’t agree on is that it came as a result of not being able to score, not so much the run defense. All those 3rd and long situations that are being referred to are less likely to happen with the new secondary.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:37 pm
huff, we had an average running game but had alot of carries because our offense was otherwise inept, mcfadden adds SCORING, EXPLOSIVENESS, UNPREDICTABILITY!!! you’re putting a cap on our run O saying it can’t improve, and that mcfadden will not help the pass, he is the best pass blocker among RBs this year and also the best reciever among RBs this year, he helps in the running AND passing game, last year our great stable of RBs averaged 4.1yds/att(league average) and had 8 TDs(25th w/o Culpepper’s 3), that is a very average running game whose stats were aided by the fact that they averaged 31.8att/game(4th), our running game was not great, and even if we had the #1 running game, could it not improve? we averaged 130yds/game rushing, would increasing that to 160 not help our offense and team as a whole, that is not my real point, my real poit is that you’re underestimating mcfadden’s impact o our team as a whole
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Tdizzlfoshizzle; I agree with you about M. Bush being good. What I disagree about is him being labeled great. Fact is we dont know. There are many Hiesman hopefuls at the START every college season, but that doesnt hold much weight or guarantee anything. He could’ve soared, but he also could’ve sunk. Like I said I believe he’s good, but if Peterson, Bush, and McFadden were coming out the same year (all healthy) I think Bush would be the 3rd back chosen behind AD then DMAC. I just think Bush has been pumped up a lil too too much, but hey me being a USC fan D-MAC and Bush would give me nice flashbacks of Lindale White and… BUSH!
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:38 pm
McFumbles can Stumbles his crack addicted family all the way to the JETS. There is no way you are going to have 2 gang banging kids (in different gangs), a crack addict mom, missing dad? a third sibling shot and killed in a drive by, and have DMC not have character issues. Does anyone know where B. Robbins is right now? Thats right, prision. Other then being bipollar, he didn’t have the baggage the DMC has. Keep the DMC off your wish list.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:38 pm
And so here we are again.
You know, this whole thing started back when the discussion was what are we gonna do with our #4. Some folks said, “maybe we go after this McFadden kid and some WR’s so that Kiffin/Russell has a set offense with some players”, while others said, “I will puke on my plasma if we give up 150yrds/game on the ground again, let’s go DLine”.
We went back and forth a little, most were pretty reserved about their wishes and all was sane.
Then came the ridiculous suggestions that if we take McFadden he will get 2000+ yards, 20+ TD’s, x-number of SB’s and will be a first ballot HOFer.
It has gone downhill ever since, with more and more insane predictions about McFadden, while those who believe defense is the way to go have rarely made such ludicrous assumptions about any of the defensive stars in this draft.
You see, the vast majority of those that want to go dline think McFadden is a great prospect, a guy who has produced for years at the college level. They are just more inclined to fixing what’s broke by fixing what’s broke, not by putting a band-aid on it and hoping the offense is miraculously a juggernaut.
All of that said, The Raiders will take the fastest CB with the #4 pick. It is the right pick. You are all stupid.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:38 pm
TW, I’m trying to understand your point.
My point was, I think we’re just fine at RB, and maybe even great there already.
Is that what you say is false?
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Todd McShay just wrote in his 7 rd mock draft that word out of Oakland is that we will pick McFadden over C. Long. He also has us getting Kendall Langford in the fourth rd, Gary Guyton in the sixth.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Oak,
Burgess is making $2 Million next year, whoever signs him could sign him to a new contract for half the cost of Allen’s deal, and Burgess would be thrilled.
Jason Taylor will not get a first round pick, but the fact that Miami would even think that suggests the market for DE’s is a little skewed in favor of sellers right now.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Huff..I agree with you on winning my dude! The last 5 years have been sickening!!
Even though I say this every frickin year, I really beleive that this is the year we get over the hump. We have some good young talent on the team and I prey that it all comes together this year.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:41 pm
TT – If we draft McFadden, I hope you’re right.
As of today…I will play neutral becuase I will support any Raider drafted by the Raiders and look at it with a positive outlook because thats what a true fan does. I’m In. I drink the Silver & Black Koolaid and I’m just hoping the team puts all the pieces together. Period.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:43 pm
I think it will be interesting to see which General Manager does better this year in turning around the fortunes of their respective Franchises, Al Davis, or Bill Parcells
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:44 pm
jerry says:
Needs weren’t as clearly defined when the Raiders were winning three straight division titles, and with the Raiders drafting late, it was more of a “best athlete” scenario.
exactly!! eureka!!!
these are the little “nuances” of the game that seem to have passed mr.davis by. i’m talking about coaching here. this franchise has been unstable for too long because there is no consistancy or unity through the coaching staff. plus it hurts when the guy signing the checks is, well, (maybe literally) crazy.
i understand this is a very unpopular opinion round these parts, but al flushed ten years down the crapper when he gave gruden his walking papers. now it appears he’s burning the same bridges with kiffin that he torched with gruden. and, yet some of us still praise the man.
trust me, the man has recieved all the praise he deserves.
rich gannon in ‘08…(write-in vote)
join “Operation Raider Nation Freedom” today!!!
liberate youself from this oppressive regime…
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:44 pm
You McFadden dick riders will be saying the same shit about the next great RB prospect next year. Every year I hear this guy is “special” or “we simply can’t pass this guy up”. Most of the time it just doesn’t work out. Now with the recent success of AP everyone is comparing him to DMac. Sorry, but they are not even close to being the same. Like I said before a better comparison would be Reggie Bush.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:45 pm
just to stoke the fires a little more:
I read on Bush’s scouting report last year that he is a very below average blocker, hopefully Kiffin and Rathman are coaching him up, but it is something to consider given than McFad is a very good pass and run blocker.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:45 pm
He should change his name to Darren Mcfumbleitis. Like I said earlier in this post, who are we going to rely on when he gets in there and fumbles? He had the MOST fumbles in the NATION!! No college player had more fumbles than Darren Mcfumbleitis.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:45 pm
BBB, you’re right, I forgot about how much KC got for Allen, but again DE’s are worth it. Do we want to give up a good one??
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:46 pm
RussellPlusMcFadden – I think its obvious that this team is much different than the Callahan (Dumbest Team in America), Turner (I’m just a scared scared man, who likes to destroy teams), and Shell (I’ll do anything for you AD, ANYTHING!!! with Tom the Bed & Breakfast Walsh) era’s. It was hard to have any kind of faith in those guys and Kiffin brins a different aura and a breath of fresh air to this team. I just hope it works. It NEEDS to work or we’ll see another coach benefitting from all the work Kiffin put together.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:49 pm
If Al is so good at picking the best available athlete why have almost all the draft choices been so bad this decade? (Gibson, Brayton,Buchannon, Gallery et all) Is is eyesight fading with the rest on his body?
I agree–do not take McFadden. If we do, he will look great in practice because he will be runnning against a really bad front seven run defense. Take a d lineman.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:49 pm
One more thing because I think this would be funny, though I don’t wish this upon our team.
If we draft McFadden this year and we see a Bush/McFadden combination that doesn’t turn out to be great. Will people be lobbying for the next great running back next year despite the fact that we’ll likely have McFadden, Bush and Fargas?
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:50 pm
agree to disagree OG,
I think Burgess’ stats are padded because he is lined up against slow RT’s who primarily run block and Burgess has a lengthy injury history that made him a bargain initially, but is starting to catch up with him. Now might be the time to cash-in on DBurg, his stock will never be higher.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Of course they will
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:51 pm
MILF?
Is there an age requirement for that word?
All the so called MILF are younger than me now!
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Well Huff, 1 more cant hurt. Or so the concensus seems to be around here.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:53 pm
If we win all will be good, thats all we can hope for.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:53 pm
405, ditto, i won’t call myself neutral, my preferences are:
1.Trade Down
2.Darren McFadden
3.Chris Long
4.Vernon Gholston
5.Sedrick Ellis
6.Glenn Dorsey
7.Ryan Clady
8.Keith Rivers
i will support any player we draft, there are positives to all of these players and i will focus on those of the player we draft, i am near certain the pick will be mcfadden(should he be there, which could be a “?” as it stands now, considering the jets), that is why i choose to focus on him, that, and he is the best player in the draft and i believe the best approach is to take the player who will have the greatest impact on your team, i believe mcfadden is that player, and i believe mcfadden will be the pick(not because i want him bu because AD does, i merely happen to agree with the decision), if it’s long great, if it’s gholston great, if it’s ellis great, if it’s trade down GREAT!!!!!! i’ll be happy on saturday………
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:53 pm
although it was per ESPN, some talking head actually stated, ” …the raiders would take Dmac over chris long..”
huh???
if that happened, my brain would explode.
the chance alone to sell #75 jerseys would be exponential. talk about a “franchise” player…
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:53 pm
A MILF is any good lookin woman with a kid, No age requirements. MILF stands for Mom I’d Like to F$%&.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:53 pm
If we go 5-11, people will say we need another RB to line up with Bush and McFadden in the backfield and that we need offense and we need to score points and that we can wait ANOTHER
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:54 pm
ooops…wait ANOTHER year to fix the defensive line.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Huff,
No joke, this kid Chris “Beanie Wells” coming out next year is the next Bo Jackson, he is a once in lifetime running back.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:54 pm
3 days to go…
I think Al will choose a D lineman because that is what we need. Which brings up a thought….
What if a team always chose a defensive or offensive lineman in the first round to the draft? How could a team lose if their O line and their D line was good? It is interesting to me that Parcells chose an offensive left tackle #1, and Coach Madden said that the Raiders should choose a left tackle. Two great coaches think that left offensive tackle is the most important position.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:55 pm
If shes hot and single…LOL
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Saintkaufman – Nice recap of how this all started. Let me just clarify that most of the McFadden supporters understand that there are several needs on this team. I think the true conflict comes as a result of us “pro-McFadden” guys not willing to believe that a DE is going to help the run D all that much, nor will Dorsey or Ellis. I’m one of those that doesn’t believe there is a DL in the top 5 that can help the run D as much as McFadden can by making the offense more explosive and/or efficient.
I don’t disagree that we need run support, I just think we can get it at DT with a later pick and use the #4 pick to take a player that has the ability to change games.
I struggle with the opinion that our run D is going to be the same as last year, as many have suggested. I understand that the counter argument is that we’ve signed Walker and Carter to help out J.R. but neither of those two guys will have the same impact that Wilson and Hall will on Defense. Plus Sapp is gone and T.K. is healthy.
We are in dire need of points and I think McFadden gives us the best option at #4. I would also say that us “pro-McFadden” guys would definitely prefer to trade down if possible but understand that it is not likely, thus we argue on behalf of McFadden given our draft position at #4.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Don’t put the “BUST” tag on Gallery just yet. If ANY OL-men tried to learn 3 different systems in 3 years, had 6 different OL coaches (3 in 1 season) all teaching different techniques, he would be coufused as hell. He is in his 2nd year with stability, lets give him a chance to pull his head out of his rectum and stop the stupid penalities on 3rd and 1!
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:56 pm
I have been reading a lot of this stuff and say it is quiet entertaining. thats one good thing about the NATION allways up for a good laugh. I notice this article has brought out a lot of “overexuberance” from the fan base not wanting DMAC. This article does nothing to support that AL will not pick DMAC. It is to the contrary. With all due respect to jerry, this latest article is great for further discussing the idea of who we draft. It is nothing more than that.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:56 pm
JHill – Its not a matter wanting to bang you friends G/F, its a matter of meeting a younger person, getting them to be your friend and THEN banging THEIR mother.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
huff, 414, of course not, but jokes are fun………
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Since when did being single have anything to do with it GRIM?
When I was way younger and really using the word with meaning, most Moms I wanted to bang were part of a happy family. Same with Mrs Ray, the history teacher.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Long or McFadden, either pick should be good, but not sure where people get this info that Al wants Long in the first place. If he’s that good, why do a lot of mock drafts have the Rams going with Gholston?
Why don’t some of you guys realize we had the 6th best rushing off on a last place schedule, very few TD’s and Fargas can’t catch the ball (crutial in redzone)… Fargas doesn’t scare anyone (ran for crap against good defenses) and he’s injury prone. This is a business (Just Win Baby!) and loyalty to players is a joke (keeping them around to keep them around). Trade Fargas/Rhodes draft McFadden and keep Bush, with Lee as a back up and our rush off may be #1 by end of ‘08. Doesn’t anyone remember Terrell Davis in Denver? He was a stud RB running behind the same blocking scheme. He’ll take a lot of pressure off Russell. Al will trade off some of our extras to land a couple early to mid round picks to get us by for ‘08 then in the ‘09 draft p/u a stud DL/DE. Plus, 06/01 cuts are just around the corner.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
RAMS WON’T BE ON THE CLOCK
Posted by Mike Florio on April 23, 2008, 3:55 p.m.
Though as of a day ago it appeared that the league might eventually allow the St. Louis Rams to begin negotiating with one or more players at the No. 2 overall spot in the draft, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello tells us that the Rams will not be permitted to do so.
“That has been our policy,” Aiello said. “Only the team with the first pick can negotiate and sign the player.”
Aiello also said that, after this year’s draft, the league will re-evaluate the policy.
Multiple league insiders have told us that the reason for the rule is simple — the league doesn’t want to undermine the television coverage of the draft by permitting multiple teams to exercise their picks in advance via reaching contract agreements with players. In theory, four or five or six players could be under contract by the time the draft starts, which would be almost as annoying as Chris Berman disclosing picks while the Commissioner walks to the podium with the card.
If that’s the case, however, why not prohibit all pre-draft negotiation? Though we think it’s fascinating to follow the rumors (and the conflicts of interest) when a team is in a position to talk to multiple players, the only fair solution would be to stop the practice altogether, if the next team up doesn’t get a chance to negotiate before the draft after the first pick is signed.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
A great runner doesn’t need to look like, or lope like Marcus Allen.
Emmitt Smith is a short little fireplug. Bo Jackson was a tree trunk with unbelievable leg strength and speed, and so on…
Michael Bush is a natural, and if he’s really healthy he can carry the rock 20+ times a game just as easily as McFadden can. At less than 1/4 the cost for McFadden to join this crowded backfield.
Anybody remember when we really pounded that ball? Pounded it, pounded it, then went over the top. Bush is built for just that, and JaMarcus will be the beneficiary.
TRADE DOWN, plug a hole or two, and find JaMarcus another receiver to light it up with.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
man…some of you are lunatics when it comes to hating on DMC. I think your either blind or just plain dumb if you can’t see what a player like DMC’s talents and ability would bring to the offense.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:59 pm
PACKERS LOOKING AT CULPEPPER
Posted by Michael David Smith on April 23, 2008, 3:09 p.m.
The Green Bay Packers are exploring the possibility of signing free agent quarterback Daunte Culpepper, the Green Bay Press-Gazette is reporting.
Culpepper reportedly arrived in Green Bay Tuesday and is visiting the Packers today. The Packers are considering signing Culpepper as a backup to Aaron Rodgers, who became the starting quarterback when Brett Favre retired.
Last season Culpepper played in seven games for the Oakland Raiders, starting six, and completed 58.1 percent of his passes for 1,331 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions.
Culpepper had one of the best passing seasons in NFL history in 2004, but as a result of injuries and ineffectiveness since then, he has played just 18 games for three teams.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Huff,
right …
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:00 pm
the lambs should be on the clock PERIOD!
Aiello is a tool….and that rule or policy is just plain stupid.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:00 pm
The quarterback must go down, and he must go down hard!
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:02 pm
HAHAHA!! Damn Huff, spoken like a true RAIDER. Kinda brings a new meaning to “IM IN”. You almost made me spit out my beer.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:08 pm
With McFadden, you get a RB, WR and Kick Returner for the price of one. With McFadden and Hall returning kicks, maybe we can get one or more in the endzone. Maybe Bush is 100% and maybe he breaks his leg again in the first game of the season… You can’t predict it, but the offense has been horrible since Gannon left!
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:08 pm
No matter who we draft, this year could just be great. I might actually have to take a weekend off and drive all the way to Oakland and see a game in person.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:10 pm
JETS LOOKING TO TRADE UP FOR MCFADDEN?
Posted by Michael David Smith on April 23, 2008, 9:24 a.m.
Citing an unnamed league source, Rich Cimini of the New York Daily News reports that the Jets are so enamored with Arkansas running back Darrren McFadden that they could trade up to draft him.
McFadden, who has visited New York twice in the last week and will be at Radio City Music Hall on draft day, is convinced that the Jets like him.
“I feel like if I’m there at No. 6, they’re going to take me,” McFadden said, adding of some of the character concerns surrounding his time at Arkansas, “I feel like they’re pretty convinced I’m a great guy who just made mistakes.”
But will McFadden be there at No. 6? He might not be, which is why the Jets could try to work out a deal with the Rams, who own the second pick. With the Dolphins having signed Jake Long as the first pick, trade talk surrounding the Rams’ pick is likely to intensify this week. The Saints may also try to trade up with the Rams.
Although NFL teams in recent years have shied away from trading up near the top of the draft to avoid the big contracts that top players receive, the Jets this off-season have shown a willingness to spend freely. Last year the Jets targeted a specific player they liked, cornerback Darrelle Revis, and traded up in the first round to take him. This year they seem to be considering the same approach.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Jerry, thanks for the “misdirection” or smoke screen. Jerry want to ask you a question are you going to do an article about one of the other potential draftee’s. very curious as to why you singled out DMAC. I doubt this very serously but do you have some info we dont?
This smoke screen has got all the DMAC haters up in arms. This article is much ado about nothing, and should serve as such.
Your next article should be why C. Long isnt the Pick
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Jared Allen traded to Vikings…good news for JR!
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Let Gholston and DMC go 2 and 3. trade the 4 to Baltimore then Ryan is off the board. IF KC jumps us to get to 2 or 3 that would put STL or ATL at 5. They could take Dorsey or Long. Jets at 6 could take which ever is left. Punk Cheaters could take an OL-men. That leaves the Raiders sitting at 8 with Ellis or Rivers on the D-side, or OT’s Clady or Williams. All would improve the Raiders NOW.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:16 pm
HatesDaze – Absolutely right. I would love to have Ellis but if C.Long is there ….
Like you’ve said, teams did not just change plays they made entire gameplans around Howie Long. Chris Long is no different. Almost throughout his college career and definitely in his senior year every opponent specifically gameplanned with him in mind. And yet he STILL produced big numbers playing DE in a 3-4 nonetheless. This guy is golden man – Golden.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Huh?
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:16 pm
HAHAHAHAHA
Cowgirls just gave up a 4th rounder for Adam Jones.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:18 pm
What?
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Raiders agreed to terms with Cincy to send disgruntled WR Johnson to Oakland for the 4th pick in the 08 draft and next years # 1 pick.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:21 pm
That would be the only way the draft could get worse then taking DMC.
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 duoble up on thurs, and friday.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Once again Jerry is clueless compared to my info,…the only way Oakland doesnt draft DMAC is if the Jets trade up,…but Im hearing that will not happen,..the Jets are going to sit and hope Davis passes on the Hog…my prediction is the Raiders take DMAC,…one thing Jerry eluded to that is correct, Bush is slow,…bring on all SEC players.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Post 454 what ?????
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Post 454 & 452 WHAT!!!!!!?????
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Oh!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:30 pm
I see.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:31 pm
453 and 454 go together
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Mc Fadden is a classic Al Davis pick but I hope some one trades up or knocks the socks off us to get more picks. I myself prefer Dorsey
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:32 pm
RN951,
You BSPNing right???
about POST 453
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:33 pm
oh!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:33 pm
I see!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Now you got it 951!
Born and raised in Riverside myself.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Does anyone know if C.Long visited the Queefs or did V.Gholston? Man, the Queefs are a problem right now. They have way to much ammo.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:34 pm
some moron at real football 365 said the Raiders were in talks with Tenn to get AJ shipped to Oakland. That would have been tragic. Could you see the ego’s in the locker room…….Hall, Walker, Burgess, and Jones…..Yikes. Good luck with that group not imploding. Way to take one for the NFL Jerry. Now, if only Rodger would wait yet another year to reinstate him like they did with Thurman.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Going to RCC currently.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:37 pm
I think the biggest problem is that many people must be under the impression that we are making 1 pick for the entire draft. Maybe they think if we Choose MacDaddy, we wont be able to pick up a D-lineman in the 2nd or 3rd rnd. Believe me we’ll get one of those rounds back through a trade somehow, we seem to do it every year. Lets toss some scenarios out there. Since Seattle has about 8 DTs on their squad, how about we trade Fabian Washington for Marcus Tubbs (throw reverend Scweigert in there too) then grab another diamond in the rough DE like Jay Rich in rnd 4, then all is well we pop bottles (youngstas pop soda bottles) and we get ready to be winners again. Ideas anyone?
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:37 pm
R8r4fer…Dorsey is the best in the draft,..no question,…we wont get him,…he will be a Ram,…Atl will take Ryan,..Davis will have to decide between DMAC or Chris Long,…it will be DMAC,…its a lock.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:37 pm
No way. I went to Central Jr High across the street from there! Been chased many times on my bike or skateboard on that property!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I see KC stepping over us to get either Gholston or Long. 6 picks in the first 82….ouch for us.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Born in OC/Raised in Riverside/attending RCC too
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Cinci won’t trade Johnson, they’re going to see if he’ll sit out the year with no paychecks. Al doesn’t need to lose anymore picks for Shady Johnson. Johnson is mental, the man refers to himself in the 3rd person all the time!
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:42 pm
I though that was a cool move that Cinci coach did. BE A MAN 85 SIT OUT!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:42 pm
i completely agree jerry
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Rick,
Ship Walter, Washington, and either Rhodes or Schwagert to Baltimore for # 8 then take Rivers or Clady @ 8, With 4, Dorsey/Ellis….Lines set.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Saint I went to central jr high what yr did you graduate high school
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Jerry, you dont know Bo Diddley.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Wow, this is weird. ‘86 Anthos.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:44 pm
RaiderNation951, why on earth would Baltimore make that trade?
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:45 pm
BSPN was talking about 85 not showing up in the 4th quarter. 80% of his drops come in the 4 and playoff determining games. We have curry to fill that role. We don’t need 85.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Class of 93′ y’all!! Priest River Spartans
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Not what i wanted to hear A.I. I think that the talent in this draft is on the d side of the ball , at least in the top 10
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:45 pm
951,..typical So-cal idiot talk,…ouch for us?…we now dont have to be humiliated by Allen twice a year anymore?…for what?…some draft picks?…Riverside sucks.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Easy, I’m hitting the crack pipe with DMC’s mom. If it looks good to me, it must be.
lol
Walter is a servicable QB. He never had a line to throw behind, WR’s worth their pay, or stable coaching. The kid set ALL the Pac 10 passing records. Give him a chance to shine somewhere. He isn’t any worse then the top 5 “prospects” in this draft. Plus, BMore needs to get better in the secondary and could use Rhodes more then we could.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:49 pm
“Riverside sucks”
Is that what your inside source tells you Alameda?
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I’m from the Bay, live here for work. Just because Allen is gone from KC doesn’t mean they can’t replace him. Would you want to face Long 2 x’s a year for the next 7-9 years? I sure as hell wouldn’t. Check yourself.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:51 pm
yeah class of 00′ Pittsburg High go Pirates
and Central Eagles
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:51 pm
lol DMC’s mom saw that on BSPN today.
IMO we are getting DMC.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:52 pm
With 6 picks in the first 82 how hard would it be to jump us and take Dorsey, Long, Gholston? Not very. So, yes Alaweeda, that is bad for us.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Bad news fellas…. The “A”s look good this season. that means the freakin’ INFIELD will be around longer that just the first four games of our season. I Hate the infield. So unprofessional…So ugly… The players hate it… Jano has nightmares about it…
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Does anyone think the fact that BSPN is saying that we would pick Darren McFadden over Chris Long if given the choice could possibly be …………….
A SMOKESCREEN!……hopefully (fingers crossed)
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:53 pm
There are some real low class degenerates on this blog. Crack addiction is a serious problem, and I can not condone the mocking tone some of you are directing at Darren McFadden’s mother. The poor women needs help. Of all teams, Raider fans more than any should be sympathetic to drug abuse.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
No Kaufman,..no source needed,..Iv been there,..and it does suck,..so does all of So-Cal.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Rams-Dorsey
KC-Long
OAK-DMC……= 4-12 and new coaching staff yet again.
Ideal senario,
Rams-Long
ATL-Ryan
OAK-Dorsey or trade with NO or Baltimore.
KC-Clady…..bigger disapointment then Gallery = happy Burgess before he gets the big contract.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:57 pm
951,
Al has to keep Walter since he didn’t p/u a servicable replacement for #2 spot. We have 2 picks in the 7th to p/u a #3 QB to groom as a journeyman QB.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Sounds like a slam on all Raider fans to me Big Al,I personally ignore the ignorant posters and have a lot of sympathy for anyones drug addicted mother.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Quit snivlin about the infield you little girl,…I hope the A`s go all the way to the world series,..I like the dirt there,…the Raiders should use it to their advantage,…thank God they dont cry about it like you.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:58 pm
I for one am glad we dont have to face allen anymore. even though he should have been a raider.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:59 pm
ABP,
My bad Crack is WACK!!!
Look CL sounds like the best pick for the us because we need help on the Dfense. But to pass on this RB is crazy. MB & MC will be a killer combination.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Rams – Dorsey
PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:00 pm
All the QBs are still available:
Daunte Culpepper
Byron Leftwich
Trent Dilfer
Tim Rattay
Kelly Holcomb
Jamie Martin
Craig Nall
Marques Tuiasosopo
Tim Hasselbeck
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:00 pm
trade down for Clady befroe the broncos get him or sedrick ellis (USC guy),then go WR (sweed or hardy), NT (Sims or bryant). Long is Brayton II… If we don’t trade down then i think we go McFadden which would not be the best pick for us IMO. We need too much…
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Tui!! Tui!! Tui!!
sory could not resist
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:02 pm
I’m sure glad ESPN broke that huge expose’ on Tejada now i can sleep at night
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:02 pm
wow, you travel alot. SO-Cal is huge. Last time I checked, Alameda was no prize city. But that is just my opinion. Its no Dublin…..hell, for that matter its no SF.
ABP,
Yes we are low class for talking “smack”. It is a cold hard fact of life, his mom is a crack monger. Deal with it. My mom was able to raise 9 kids from 11 different dads too. You don’t see her picking up a crack pipe or sending us off to play with the gang bangers……..maybe if she would have I would be fast enough to play in the NFL.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
I hate the “A” holes. i hate the infield its ugly and it sucks, kind of like you Alameda insider…
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:04 pm
billy joe billy joe
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Wow RaiderNation951, your mom was a whore.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:06 pm
I wouldnt live in Alameda either, or any part of the bay area,..we go to Raider games of course, but dont waste time getting out of Oakland,…the bay area is a disgusting place,…like L.A.,…all of this state is going to Hell.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:07 pm
How would the raiders use the infield to their advantage? Throw a handful in the opposing quarterbacks eyes
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:07 pm
No More,
I agree with the thought train. Would be much better off without McBaggage and his fumblitis. CL did an interview talking about how he couldn’t get past D’Brick in practice. Not a big confidence booster for anyone playing a “top level” O line.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Your all going to fall into the ocean anyways in a couple of years.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Alemeda,
AMEN BROTHER! Couldn’t agree with you more! Bring on the “Big One” and wash the crap away!
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Im outta here,..goin for a walk,..where I live the air is clear and beautiful,..cant say that in the bay area or L.A.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Them A’s have 4 world championships by the way and are just as a part of Oakland legend as the Raiders
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Make the trip to Oakland at least once a year for a game. Every year it gets worse than the last. One of these days a public official will actually do something other than increase taxes and promote gay pride………….not holding my breath though.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:14 pm
The Raiders should trade Walter and Burghess for Urlacher.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:15 pm
The Raiders need their own damn stadium! I hate being 50 feet back because of the baseball curve near the 50 yard line!!!!!!!!!!!! IF the sorry @$$ team across the bay can get one, why the hell can’t the Raiders. Enough is enough already. You would think that in oh, I don’t know, 41 years, they would have already had one.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Oy, the Cali bashers are out in full force today, tell you what 951, if Oakland is such an eyesore to your delicate midwest sensibilities, just stay home and go cow-tipping with your toothless redneck buddies. We wont miss you.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:17 pm
520, that would be a dream trade(emphasis on the “dream” part)
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:17 pm
520, that would be a dream trade(emphasis on the “dream” part
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Urlacher is done. Neck surgery is no joke. I could see Burg for Url, but Walter should be used to get more.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:18 pm
California is a paradise. I live in Chicago, you guys don’t know how good you have it.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Bart,
Look up a few post’s…..951 is in Cali….
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:19 pm
I was joking 951. I can’t believe you wouldn’t trade Walter for Urlacher. I would trade Walter for Rex Grossman.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Never said sheet about oaktown.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Cole, give the crack pipe back to DMC’s mom…..walter is MUCH better then Rex.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Ted Hendricks….Otto
The “U” – Raider Players !!!
Sorry about Philip Buchanon…ran and bought his jersey once he got drafted…hoepfully Joseph will redeem the “U”
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:22 pm
I am still pushing for the Walter to Baltimore for their 8th. Add pretty much whom ever they want in addition to Walter as long as it isn’t JR and take either Ellis, Rivers, Clady or Williams.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:23 pm
How do you know Walter is better. He hasn’t done anything at all. I realize he hasn’t had much of a chance, but at least Grossman has had some success. Even if he may be another Jay Schroeder.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:24 pm
So Sheftner just reported Chiefs being interested in Brandon Albert, VG or Derrick Harvey. Not sure how much he really knows but Long looks safe for now.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:25 pm
If Rams select Dorsey..Atl will work a trade for someone to nab C.Long
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:26 pm
BTW Adam Jones is officially a Cowgirl, uh cowboy.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:26 pm
shit the only player I don’t want is Vernon Gholston. Just got the feeling he’s gonna be a bust. I guess d-line doesn’t seem to be our biggest issue, because with our dbs we can stack the line. And offense we just need a playmaker…hmmm possibly Mcfadden. But I would prefer we trade our pick for cowboys 2 1rst rounders and a 2nd rounder. Then we draft desean and clady. And with 2nd pick up possibly a d-line.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Raiders and the USC Connection…….Ellis, Rivers and if they Get a Second Round pick……Jackson.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Pac-Man is the business.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Are there strip clubs in big D?
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Cole,
That is exactly why I like Walter. He set every passing record in the Pac 10 playing in AZ. Have you heard of anyone from AZ being a big play WR or RB from AZ……….I haven’t……at least not yet. You can look at AZ or AZ State……nothing. Walter didn’t have a chance. trade him and give him that chance to suck or thrive. I bet he would thrive. Rex….He just plain SUCKS.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:34 pm
The U
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:35 pm
We couldn’t get a fourth rounder for Walter. Maybe package him with Fabian and MAYBE get a second-rounder, but than we would only have one QB on the roster..
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Odds on AJ making it back onto the field this year………..7-1.
Odds he stays on the field…………..10000000000-1
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Andrews staying put he’s an Al favorite and he’s insurance, who else is there to back up
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:36 pm
The raiders have 4 QB’s right now. They picked up 2 a few weeks back.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:37 pm
03/25/2008 QB Jeff Otis Signed
03/24/2008 QB Erik Meyer Signed
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:39 pm
I doubt that Walter is going anywhere, I would like to see him get a chance to start SOMEWHERE so he doesn’t turn into Tui.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Exactly
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:40 pm
they will be cut by camp
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Casserly thinks that the Raiders are taking the Ghost from “The oh crap we choked again” University.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Who would have thought Otis or Meyer would have been available??
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Count down 66hrs, 12min before the draft.
Jeryy you working on those other articles?
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Myer is a lot like Walter…..under appreciated. He will make the team unless they draft yet another QB with one of the 7th rounders.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:42 pm
No not the ghost ,Rickey Dudley all over again…loks like tarzan plays like jane
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:43 pm
nation951 your post 532 is unreal and wouldnt happen in a million years
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Baltimore needs to contact big al to set up that walter, rhodes, washington, rout trade for # 8.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:44 pm
We’ll through in “the Butcher” for free.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:57 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 duoble up on thurs, and friday.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:00 pm
If Long & Dorsey are gone, You might as well take McFadden, Old man.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:13 pm
[...] Oakland Tribune’s Jerry McDonald makes a good case (again) for why the team will pass on McFadden and it [...]
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:14 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 5:16 pm
I really don’t hate the “A”s all that much. But it was fun to watch them fold after Gibson hit that miracle homer. An actually the steroid , I mean the bash brothers were kind of fun to watch. I just hate the dirt… Jano can’t kick off of it. Affects him mentally…
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I’ve sat back & listen to U all chime in on ur Raiders theories and most of the time i get a big laugh out of them,but not today.D Mac is our pick period . D MAC IS OUR PICK. the funny part of it all is 6 months from now u all r going to b happy Jerry was way wrong. 4 u alls info the only reason we restructured Rhodes is just incase some 1 jump up and took D Mac our backfield debt chart will b D-Mac Far M Bush. some of u I love others quit being stupid:-( We havent had real might in the back field since Bo we havent had breakaway speed since Napoleon. we R talking about a pure Blue chipper an instant touch down machine from anywhere. Hell he can b on mt Davis and find the endzone y would we pick a D end when we were like what 1st in 06 against the pass and in the top 6 in o7 against the past we’ve been near the bottum in the league in scoring the last 5 years. If u call ur self Raiders then get a Clue (some of u) D-Mac will b a Raider.RAIDERS 4 LIFE
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Sir Rdrs,
i agree…..the hate in here by some over DMac is ridiculous and stupid.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:05 pm
You guys havent got a clue…..I remember cast off charlie garner getting 1500+rushing /and1500+receiving yards when lincoln kennedy was the left tackle and a cast off named rich gannon was at quarterback.The players dont count as much as the system in most cases.There are exceptions to that of course but Dmac isnt so great that the system is irrelevant.By the way Charlie Garner split time with another castoff tyrone wheatley.Players dont make winners,systems make teams that are winners.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Raider Gordo, #52:
Hey, if you’re fat, so what. Just means you like the good food. Have you ever been to King Taco in East Los Angeles? The greatest @ 3rd and Ford off the 710.
Anyway, I totally agree with your Seabass (Jano) comments. He can’t kick under pressure and we have seen this year after year. At first, I would say, OK, he’ll work on his problems and have a good year, next year, and next year turned out to be the same, year after year. He kept losing us games (2 a year at least).
Early in his career, he came out of a bar, late at night, pissed off at something and he went from car to car in the parking lot, kicking off the rear-view mirrors on numerous cars. That’s when he was into the heavy volka drinking. He still might be? Who knows.
Evidently, Seabass kicks good during training camp and pre-season, and he does have distance. Therefore, it’s hard to beat him out of the position. I would rather have a kicker with less range, but someone who can consistently make kicks at 20 to 40 yards that WIN games. Kicking wide on a 65 yarder which would set a record is meaningless. The WIN with a 38 yarder is more important.
The Raiders need to trade the dude.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Bob Marley, #56:
Just because Sylvester Morris suffered a serious knee injury at Kansas City doesn’t mean he would have sufferred the same injury if he had gone to us (Raiders) or else where. Different enviroment, different circumstances, lead to different results. He may have been great with us or someone else, and he may have never gotten injured. Who knows?
Ya, Seabass has survived with us and that’s too bad because in my opinion, he has lost us too many games.
His longivity has only been a negative. Trade him.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:41 pm
All the talk about run stopping and defensive ends not being a substantial part of stopping the run doesn’t make sense to me. Of course, a good defensive end helps stop the run. If nothing else, a good defensive end limits the other teams options. They’ll tend to run away from you, thus giving your line backs better insight to where they (shade, lean, step up, etc.)toward stopping the inside running. Hope that makes sense???
Anyway, some of you old timer may remember the vetran
lover and rookie hater, the great Head-Coach, George Allen, Washington Redskins, originally with the Rams and the great Roman Gabriel, who would (SOMETIMES) use a 5 man line with two or three line backers when playing against running teams, and he did it to some success. Of course, he had good corners who could man to man, so that helped. Is the 5-2 or a 5-3 too outdated now? It must be as no one uses it that I know of?
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Please don’t draft Howies boy. He’s not athletic enough to be top notch in the NFL. Long will be the second coming of Tyler Brayton.
Drafting whites guys at athletic positions is very risky, probably a 30/70 success rate.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:52 pm
This post is still going; ok, (1) the offense is essentially complete. (2) You can plug any running back into the scheme if they know how to run in it (see: Broncos). (3) You really need a second pass rusher to protect the cornerbacks. (4) The defensive tackle position might shore up enough.
The first priority is a DE. That, or a DT will be picked. There is no way McFadden is picked unless a trade is in the works.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Cole Ford Says: #262:
If Seabass kicks 50 field goals that means we can’t score in the RED ZONE and we’re not going anywhere. We’ll be lucky to go 6-10. We don’t need field goals from Seabass, as he’ll miss the critical game winner anyway. Always has and always will. We need scores, touchdowns when we’re in the red-zone, that’s what wins games and that’s what will propell us to 10 and 6 or 11 and 5, playoff bound.
It’s time for Seabass to move on…trade the dude.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:23 pm
C. Long competed in practice against d’brickashaw ferguson every day at virginia. brick is a quality tackle at any level so chris has some good experience against an nfl quality tackle. not saying he should be the pick but i think he’ll be a hell of a lot better than brayton.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Recent rumor has it that ATL is going to trade up with STL to get C. Long and STL is going to take Gholston. So everyone can stop worrying who Al is going to take, McFadden….
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:08 pm
[...] Read more. Posted in Blog, Draft, Oakland Raiders | [...]
April 24th, 2008 at 12:41 am
Derek…who are you? Jimmy The Greek? ha ha
April 24th, 2008 at 3:32 am
what happens if the jets trade up to 2# and take mcfadden and the falcons take chris long at 3#…. we all jump over the bridge..lol
April 24th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Defense Line and Offensive Line may be Another wide.
I dont think Jonnie Lee Is the answer!!!
April 24th, 2008 at 7:57 am
I hope you are right. I like the DT from Hampton at 3 or 4, and a top passs-rushing/run-stopping DE with the #1 pick.
April 24th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Y dont we just cut Jordan and Rhodes and get DMAC, When was the last time we took a position player Beside J Russ… hmmmmmmmm Ricky Dudley#@$*#(*$ It is time to get a player that will make a difference in the game.. Defense will have to account for DMac that would open up the passing game.. look what LT did for the Chargers…
April 24th, 2008 at 9:03 am
McFadden had 29 carries for 173 yards with a 1 TD run of 56 yards and 208 all purpose yards against Kentucky. Whoever said he had a terrible game doesnt know what she’s talking about.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Look Raider Nation, for the last time lets analyze our backs.
Rhodes – Average, finds the whole and takes it, not known for going the distance.
Lamont Jordan – Broke mans Bo Jackson. All side to side action. I weeble Woble that will get hurt in games.
Fargas – Above average, when not hurt on the sideline. Will not make the whole season, which makes him a change up back.
Bush – Has the most upside but we never seen this guy play one snap in the NFL and he has been out the game for two years.
Lastly, if Bush is the real deal I would love to see he and McFadden in the backfield. Nothing helps a QB like a spectacular running back combo. Look where drafting for need has got us.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:28 am
look where “Need” got us.. we drafted Huff, Gallery, instead of Rothlesburger/Roy Williams…. so forget need and talk the best player available.. Who should be DMAC at the 4 spot… Who know what is going to happen after this year… might as well get the that flashy running back for the future!!!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I would take McFadden. I would have resigned Rhodes and let Fargas leave as a free agent (suspecting that he would get an offer). So practically at this point it doesnt make sense for us to draft McFadden at all. However take him anyway. Although I get the point of your article, from the writing of it we could have had ROY WILLIAMS, CALVIN JOHNSON and LIENART (lienart is lame). So im not usre your arguement that AL is more PRactical than we think is valid. And ive been a raider fan since I was 5. He is decidedly (and I hate to say this) off his game.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Good point McRaider on trading Fargas but if someone traded up and took McFadden on draft day we would be @ss out on a starting running back. Because as far as I am concerned the others are average at best. Cable’s zone bloccking definately helped them out last year. Since Fargas is so injury is so injury prone they have to keep the other backs around. Lastly, Bush we don’t know what he can do, why? Because Al Davis did not activate the guy. Who the heck would be scared of Lamont Jordan (a broke man’s Bo Jackson)playing for KC. That was the only reason we did not cut Lamont Jordan and find out what we had in Bush.
April 24th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
[...] there’s the Oakland Raiders at #4. Al Davis loves him some Darren McFadden, but Jerry McDonald doesn’t agree with taking McFadden, looking at some of the Raiders’ past draft mistakes. The Raiders are better off drafting a [...]
April 24th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
im so tired of this d-mac debate ,that ill rather see the raiders pick ANYONE but him.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
I agreed! Raiders need to pass on the drug head DMC! The kid is trouble. Raiders select Chris Long!
April 24th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Chris Long is a solid citizen. Raiders will selct Chris Long with the 4th pick. We’d don’t need DMC excess bagages!
April 24th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
I say we’d trade the pick and get more picks down the line. It’s a viable option. Chris Long reminds me of Tylor Brayton… a tweener. LOL… I say trade the pick!
April 24th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Someone say trade Burgess. The guy got no trade value with his injured prone knee and ankles. No team would give up anything less than a 6th or 7th round for the guy.
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[...]Why McFadden isn’t the pick – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders from the writers of Bay Area News Group[...]…