If not Crabtree, then Raji by default
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 at 2:52 pm in Oakland Raiders.
As noted in Tuesday’s on-line chat, I’m involved in a mock draft which started this way:
Detroit_QB Matt Stafford, Georgia
St. Louis_LT Jason Smith, Baylor
Kansas City_LT Eugene Monroe, Virginia
Seattle_LB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest
Cleveland_WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
Cincinnati_LT Andre Smith, Alabama
Sounds plausible, since it’s difficult to know at this point exactly what teams are thinking. There are reports the Cleveland Browns have soured on Crabtree because of his attitude, although I can remember hearing similar things about Charles Woodson only to discover he was actually a pretty straight-forward guy and was far from a “diva.”
Let’s assume for a moment Crabtree is gone when the Raiders pick, as are three of the four premeire tackles.
The consensus at that point, if you went through all the mock drafts, would probably be Missouri wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.
My inclination?
First, try and trade down. Easier said than done, if indeed seven of the teams in the top 10 are having similar thoughts, as Scot McCloughan is suggesting.
If the Buffalo Bills saw something they really wanted at No. 7 and were hesitant to give up Nos. 11 and 28 in the first round, then you throw in a player and a second- or third-round pick from next season’s draft to get it done, with the idea of getting those picks back through future deals.
If trading back simply isn’t an option, then I’m reluctantly going with Boston College defensive tackle B.J. Raji.
If the Raiders truly believe he is best front-seven run-stopper in the draft, then you address a six-year weakness and make the pick.
Over the last six years, the Raiders have finished no better than 25th in rushing defense. They’ve been 32nd once and 31st in each of the last two years.
In those 96 games, the Raiders have given up 122 rushing touchdowns. At the other end of the spectrum, the Pittsburgh Steelers have given up 54 rushing touchdowns.
I realize the problems in that area are in part because the Raiders score so few touchdowns. If I didn’t believe that, I wouldn’t be advocating the pick of Crabtree.
But more touchdowns isn’t going to suddenly make the Raiders a good team against the run _ it would only the opponent less persistent.
And if those touchdowns aren’t on the board, you move to stop a six-year land rush against your defense.
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
April 22nd, 2009 at 2:56 pm
Jerry, didn’t you say if not Gholston, then Dorsey by default last year? Or was it if not Dorsey, then Gholston by default, lol.
April 22nd, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Exactly Jerry!
April 22nd, 2009 at 2:59 pm
It’s a great day to be a Raiders fan. Isn’t it?
BrienThePrivate getting schooled by KK! Awesome!
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KoolKell Says:
Brien The General 510 Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Kell, many people talked about Russell not really wanting to play here in 2007. It was in papers, tv shows, all over the media period. How cans omeone who is usually on top of things miss that? You want some punk ass link to be pulled up and I refuse to play the link game. Its weak
———————–
I never heard any such thing, and I keep up with the Raiders pretty close.
No you’re just running your punk-assed mouth, got called, and can’t back it up.
————————–
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Maclin will be the pick.
I prefer a trade down and Maualuga, but Maclin is going to be the guy. Nothing against Maclin, I think he’ll be a good player.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:01 pm
If both Qb’s are gone, why would anyone want to trade up? Maybe from late in the first round, but most of those teams drafting there are winners and value their picks and don’t fall in love with one guy.
Andre Smith might be the only player a team would trade up with us to grab, other than the QB’s.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:02 pm
HayesDaze37 Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 2:59 pm
It’s a great day to be a Raiders fan. Isn’t it?
BrienThePrivate getting schooled by KK! Awesome!
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KoolKell Says:
Brien The General 510 Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Kell, many people talked about Russell not really wanting to play here in 2007. It was in papers, tv shows, all over the media period. How cans omeone who is usually on top of things miss that? You want some punk ass link to be pulled up and I refuse to play the link game. Its weak
———————–
I never heard any such thing, and I keep up with the Raiders pretty close.
No you’re just running your punk-assed mouth, got called, and can’t back it up.
————————–
Hayes I already shut you down 1000 of times so hush boy. You wont say shyt to my face I can tell you that BOY. Raiders games…..I’m always there.
KK has a super love affair with Russell and thinks everyone bashes him because he is black. Ever seen his posts? KK has a big vendetta against me due to my numerous jokes on his age and life. But I have quit doing so and he is quite bitter over it. Bitter like you when I hand you your beatdowns
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Andre Smith reportedly responded to calls from a couple of top ten teams by sending them text messages…hopefully the bungholes were one of the teams and will now pass on him.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:03 pm
My god Hayes, it shows how weak things are when people run to links all day. Do you guys have any memory whatsoever?
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Raji? LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL. And by the way Kell last week did say Raji was a UT now you are exactly Jerry? LOLOLOLOLOLOL
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Where is 408? I haven’t seen him here in a few days?
I hope all is well with him.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Brien the General 510 Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:03 pm
My god Hayes, it shows how weak things are when people run to links all day. Do you guys have any memory whatsoever?
******************************
The purps man calling people out on lack of memory. What’s really going on?
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Raider O…you buy your Black Hills property yet?
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Curry would supplant Kirk Morrison in the middle, and Morrison would become one of the better OLB’s in the NFL. Curry has the potential to be a once-in-a-generation linebacker.
If Curry’s there at #7, we need to seriously (re)think trading-down.
The correct draft day strategy: If Curry’s gone, trade down and get a #1 WR and THEN a MLB. Follow those instant team-improvers with D-Line, O-Line, and then S/DB prospects.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:07 pm
I agree. The trade down with buffalo would be the best option by far. In order for us to get the 11th and 28th pick however we would have to swap our 7th and most likely our 2nd, with our third being a possibility, if Buffalo really wants to move up.
at 11 and 28 we could pick up some guys very worthy of those spots.
11th is one spot ahead of denver and we may even be able to pressure them into a swap at 11 and 12 if we can wing trade pressure for Sanchez at that pick. Then we move down one more spot and get our 3rd rounder back.
If still on the board I consider Maclin worthy of that pick as well as Oher.
All the way down to 28 we could pick up Laurenatis or Ron Brace, or DHB maybe even Maulagua
Either way the trade down would be the best option as I see it. Specifically if OT can be addressed in round 2 with Loadholdt from OU which the Raiders brought in for a visit
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:07 pm
The yanks cover the runline on a walk-off two run homer. Can the A’s ever score in extra innings?
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Detroit_QB Matt Stafford, Georgia
St. Louis_LT Jason Smith, Baylor
Kansas City_LT Eugene Monroe, Virginia
Seattle_LB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest
Cleveland_WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
Cincinnati_LT Andre Smith, Alabama
———————————–
I think that is the worst case if this happens. Except for Stafford, I would take any of the other 5 guys. I don’t like anyone else with the 7th pick.
I hope this mock doesn’t happen.
I wonder if the Raiders would trade up with Seattle if this looked possible and take Curry. Seattle could get Sanchez at #7
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:09 pm
I want one of these players:
Monroe
A Smith
Crab
Maclin
Raji
In that order.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Brien
Do you really think I would get upset by what some fool on the internet who doesn’t know me says about my life?
Naw boye, you’re a big mouth cyber bully, that’s why I don’t like you. Always confront bully’s, been a fault of mine. But I’m able to get away with it.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Why would the Bills trade up to seven when they could get two good players in round 1?
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:09 pm
vegas raider Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Brien the General 510 Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:03 pm
My god Hayes, it shows how weak things are when people run to links all day. Do you guys have any memory whatsoever?
******************************
The purps man calling people out on lack of memory. What’s really going on?
************
An elephant never forgets! And speaking of elephants…….
vegas raider Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:07 pm
The yanks cover the runline on a walk-off two run homer. Can the A’s ever score in extra innings?
No we cant and our pitching sucks right now!
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:10 pm
“I realize the problems in that area are in part because the Raiders score so few touchdowns. If I didn’t believe that, I wouldn’t be advocating the pick of Crabtree.
But more touchdowns isn’t going to suddenly make the Raiders a good team against the run _ it would only the opponent less persistent.
And if those touchdowns aren’t on the board, you move to stop a six-year land rush against your defense.”
———————
This is exactly it.
I’m having a hard time seeing Al reach for Oher, or Andre Smith for that matter, if Crabtree isn’t there. At that point, assuming there’s no trade down, it would HAVE to be Raji. Not the best pick, exactly… but we’ve made worse.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:10 pm
KoolKell Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Brien
Do you really think I would get upset by what some fool on the internet who doesn’t know me says about my life?
Naw boye, you’re a big mouth cyber bully, that’s why I don’t like you. Always confront bully’s, been a fault of mine. But I’m able to get away with it.
And is that why you never showed up that day to so called slap me after cruising up in your red corvette?
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:11 pm
RaiderRockstar Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Sammie Lee Hill is a beast. yet somehow because he’s a projected 2nd or 3rd rounder people think he’s not going to do well in the NFL … I don’t get it
=======================================================
Where is Sammie Lee Hill projected as a 2nd rounder?
I don’t think doing anything at Stillman College qualifies you as a “beast”. A development player for sure….but not a beast.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:12 pm
#16.
If that happens, we should look at:
1- drafting Orakpo, Maclin, or Raji.
2- trade down.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Ohhhhhh yeah, the KK v. Brien Corvette Confrontation is being brought up again, lol.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Does anyone know when the draft starts on Saturday? I’m hearing it doesn’t start until 1pm Pacific.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Cyber bully? No I just put people like you in your place. I remind you of yourself in your late 20s and you just really hate yourself. Its okay Kell. Like I said months ago I wont diss you anymore because I struck a nerve. So if you wanna “school” me as your loser friend Hayes says, please go along. I’ll bow respectfully. But Hayes needs a tampon and stop being a bleeding LA snatch.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Trading down is not going to happen. If there isn’t a player that a 5-11 Raider team doesn’t want at #7, then why would a more successfull team trade up. If there is someone, other than Sanchez, that a team is willing to give up two 1st rounders for….then we should be considering that player for ourselves!
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Dakota Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Ohhhhhh yeah, the KK v. Brien Corvette Confrontation is being brought up again, lol.
He said why would a FOOL make him upset lol. Anyhow the lake is cracking today and I’m about to keep it LIT in the area. Its a beautiful day
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:14 pm
I hope that isn’t how things go down on Saturday, but if so: Michael Oher is the pick!
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:15 pm
LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLES GET READY TO RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMBLE
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Orakpo – another Texas D player at #7 (We all know the Big 12 can’t play Defense, right DMunoz?)
Maclin – Isn’t he already playing for the Raiders? Isn’t he number 15?
Raji – Didn’t he get man handled at the Senior bowl?
I don’t like any of those options. Although if one of them becomes a Raider, I’ll be a fan of him.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:16 pm
This mock draft would be fine with me. Its sad that the Raiders have been so downright awful with its run defense.
Its a bigger shame that the Raiders have to taken “kicking and screaming” to fix the Defensive Line.
If you can’t stop the run you can’t win. Will Raji be the cure-all….no…but he will go a long way towards fixing this mess
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Ryan, I think that is correct. Goodell overreacted after the 2007 draft and cut down the pick times in round 1 and then moved round three to day two, so now they can start the draft later in the day for TV ratings.
They almost ruined the draft.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
BrienThePrivate telling people he “beats down” others in here. On an anonymous blog. Wow, what a macho-man.
BrienThePrivate bragging about others needing to go back to links — uh, BrienThePrivate, they just like to go get your own words to show how you’re full of it. You don’t play the link game BrienThePrivate, because you know it makes you look even worse in reruns.
And, BrienThePrivate, bragging about how many games he goes to — and I guess that means others in here don’t get to share an opinion? BrienThePrivate — if we compared how many games/states/stadiums/PSL’s/owners/coaches/even cheerleaders met, you would lose.
Your bravado and brash “beat-downs,” using your thickheadedness as your only logic, are the ultimate bore in here. The fun comes from when you and your alter-egos and multiple personalities get called out. Your one (and only) response is to call names, and proclaim false victory in un-winnable arguments.
BrienThePrivate, please tell us more about the meaning of life? You could actually learn a lot from KK…now, that’s funny!!
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
I was never as stupid as you, son.
You fantasizing again about being a man. Talk about weak. You bring your weak assz in here everyday pounding your scrawny chest about clowning people on a blog. That Weak!
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
The draft don’t start until 1??? Man I’m a morning person, that kills me.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Dakota,
Not yet bro, still looking.
I’ll be honest with you Dakota, I’m getting tired of looking at the Hills.
Nothing even close to the price you posted. They are all asking for 30k and more.
I’m thinking maybe Oregon is the better option for me due to the prices.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:20 pm
BrienThePrivate?
I think I saw that movie…Saving Private Brien…my favorite part was when the guy in the Corvette tried to run over Private Brien, but it wasn’t the right Private Brien.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Raider O Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Dakota,
Not yet bro, still looking.
I’ll be honest with you Dakota, I’m getting tired of looking at the Hills.
Nothing even close to the price you posted. They are all asking for 30k and more.
I’m thinking maybe Oregon is the better option for me due to the prices.
____________________
Sorry Raider O
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Raider O…they want 30K an acre?
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Dakota,
I like my prices under 20k per acre a lot more than I like any property or it’s view.
I want a farm, not just a house. So I need 8-10 acres. I don’t want to spend 300k or more.I can stay in San Diego if I was going to spend that much.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Im ordering pizza for the draft
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:24 pm
I think the Hawks will draft either draft Sanchez or trade down or trade him or Monroe.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:24 pm
So much for the days of not even getting out of bed until the Raiders make their second round pick so I can recover from the bottle of Crown on Friday night.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Crown and coke….I’m suddenly very thirsty…
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:25 pm
I can actually see the Browns getting sour on Crabtree’s attitude because Eric Mangini is an idiot. He has no patience for anything and hes a control freak. If he smells trouble, he runs away from it. Thats why his teams will never win because nobody can ever have a bigger personality than Mangini himself and Mangini has no personality so his teams play like it.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:28 pm
24 Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:25 pm
I can actually see the Browns getting sour on Crabtree’s attitude because Eric Mangini is an idiot. He has no patience for anything and hes a control freak. If he smells trouble, he runs away from it. Thats why his teams will never win because nobody can ever have a bigger personality than Mangini himself and Mangini has no personality so his teams play like it.
=======================================================
Mangini suffered from poor QB play. Pennington got hurt one year and Favre ran out of gas. I don’t blame him for not taking on head cases. New England doesn’t have head cases. Who has time for that B.S from grown men.
Good on Mangini if he indeed skips out on prima donna athletes. Players who think they are above the team.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Dakota,
At the least.
Don’t be sorry bro. I’m the one who is sorry that I don’t have enough to buy there. I wish I could, but not at 30 and up.
30 if I buy more than 5, and around 40k per acre for smaller lots.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:29 pm
24 Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:25 pm
I can actually see the Browns getting sour on Crabtree’s attitude because Eric Mangini is an idiot. He has no patience for anything and hes a control freak. If he smells trouble, he runs away from it. Thats why his teams will never win because nobody can ever have a bigger personality than Mangini himself and Mangini has no personality so his teams play like it.
^^^^^
What has been supposedly wrong with Crabtrees attitude?
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:29 pm
The best player our team went on nfl live yesterday and said we need to draft a wr in the 1st round…I think Im going to roll with nmandi asomugas opinion yall..
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Pizza…I am suddenly very hungry…Canadian bacon and pineapple….
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:30 pm
#51
Can’t argue with that logic.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
The teams have to stop crying about the cost of top 10 picks. If there are no players worth top 10 money…then why not draft a player who would be willing to play for whatever price you offer.
For example, why don’t the Raiders draft Brian Robiskie at #7 and offer him…say #25 – 30 overall money.
Robiskie would be happy because he gets more than he would in the 2nd round at #40 and the Raiders get a great player at a better price.
The draft price is high because the teams insist on paying. Don’t pay it!
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
I think our defensive players get really hype when the team scores td’s ..we score more tds … the defense plays harder.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Haha…Asomugha thinks we need to draft a WR because he shuts everyone down in practice and nobody looks good enough to him. Thats just the best saying he needs more competition in practice to keep him on his toes.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
That same player said Huff was going to have a breakout year last year too.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
SharkCatcher Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:29 pm
The best player our team went on nfl live yesterday and said we need to draft a wr in the 1st round…I think Im going to roll with nmandi asomugas opinion yall..
_______________
As someone else pointed out yesterday…Nnamdi was also upset when Curry got benched and when D. Hall was given a pink slip…Nnamdi is a great player and all, but I think you probably shouldn’t “roll” with him on personnel decisions, lol.
As a Lakers fan I certainly don’t “roll” with Kobe’s personnel assessments—trade Bynum, are you f!@#ing kidding Kobe?
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
SharkCatcher Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:29 pm
The best player our team went on nfl live yesterday and said we need to draft a wr in the 1st round…I think Im going to roll with nmandi asomugas opinion yall..
=======================================================
He also said he wanted Raji to help with the run defense.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
You have to take those statements out of Cleveland with a grain of salt.
Talking about it right now on ESPN
Said he had a wonderful visit with the Browns
Said he’ll be wearing blue Saturday????????????
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
agents…..public relations…ect
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Best draft for us:
1- Monroe
2- M Johnson, Jarron Gilbert, Paul Kruger, or DHB
3- Alex Magee, Dorell Scott, or Sammie Lee.
4- J Williams, Z Follett, or SSM Mitchell.
Worst:
1- DHB
2- OT
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:36 pm
SnB – I see your point but alot of the Jets players were walking on eggshells with Mangini. He is not a players coach and most of the time, the players and coaches don’t like him because of how stubborn he is. Rex Ryan comes to the Jets and had to literally tell his team to have fun because everyone was mentally abused by Mangini and his control freak status. Its hard to work for an A$$hole with a power trip…I was in the Military so trust me..I know.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:36 pm
SharkCatcher Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
I think our defensive players get really hype when the team scores td’s ..we score more tds … the defense plays harder.
=======================================================Hype doesn’t win football games. Good players and sound strategy consistently wins football games.
The Raiders gave up 159 yds a game. We are not talking about a defense that’s slightly below average or something. This is one of the worst defenses in the NFL. It is what it is.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:37 pm
He also said Huff would have a breakout year this year. It’s like when everyone pick AZ to win the NFC West every year. Maybe some day it will be true.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Its well known now that 7 of the top 10 teams want to trade down so there is a slim chance we will get the opportunity to trade down which would have made a lot of sense.
Now that it looks like Curry is signing with the Lions the trade talks should die down a little.
I still don’t see us Taking a WR if Jerry is right and we do take Bj then I will be happy we addressed the need to stop the run, however I still see us taking one of those Tackles.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:37 pm
DKnight007 – My guess is that he was confident/Cocky in his interview and that led the Browns to believe hes a Diva.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:39 pm
if we draft Raji is he starting next to kelly game 1?
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
SharkCatcher Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
agents…..public relations…ect
======================================================
The agents work for the player, not vice-versa. If the Raiders told Robiskie…”Look we will give you #25 money at #7 if you sign with us” You telling me that Robiskie wouldn’t take it? He’s project at 35 to 50. He would get more money.
As for public relations? Is public relations worth $15million. Shoot…if you want public relations…then discount the price of tickets or something. Or better yet…use the $15m you save on other players.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
666,
Last report I saw was that the Lions were nearing a deal with Stafford…now it is Curry?
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
IS Crabtree our number one receiver game 1..? is smith our starting left tackle game 1??
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:41 pm
One of these players should be available for us:
1- Monroe
2- A Smith
3- Crab
4- Maclin
5- Orakpo
6- Raji
I would be happy with any of the players above at the 7th, so there is a great chance I’ll be happy after the Raiders’ pick.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Nnamdi is right — We DO need a #1 WR before the end of the 1st-round…whether it be by trade, draft, or a combo of the two. We DON’T need to get that WR at #7.
This draft is loaded with talent, from top to bottom (and beyond the draft). To somehow get two picks in Round-1 would be ideal…there are a half-dozen #1 WR candidates that jump out, and we could get one of them AND defensive help (MLB or D-Line) in the 1st-round.
#1 WR is #1 priority.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:42 pm
24
Regarding Eldridge Dickey in 1968. The First African American QB drafed in the first round. Oakland Raiders.
In 1968 Dickey was drafted in the first round by the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders also selected University of Alabama quarterback Ken Stabler in the second round. Despite reports that Dickey outperformed Stabler at training camp, Dickey was moved to wide receiver for the start of the season. It is unknown if this decision was influenced by the predominant stereotype at the time that Blacks weren’t intelligent enough to be capable leaders or if it was solely based on Dickey’s athletic ability. This came as a blow to a player who at one time told his former coach, Joe Gilliam, that if he couldn’t play quarterback he didn’t want to play. But, Dickey accepted the position hoping for an opportunity to play his preferred position.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:42 pm
SharkCatcher Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:39 pm
if we draft Raji is he starting next to kelly game 1?
=======================================================
Yes, he starts next to Kelly on day 1. O-Lines then have to figure out who they double team…Kelly or Raji…DEs get more one-on-ones that hopefully forces the opponent to keep a TE or RB in for protection
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Lions aren’t taking Curry #1, just using him as a pawn.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Doesn’t sound like Curry is a lock just yet:
“Tom Kowalski of MLive.com, who has broken a number of stories regarding the Lions, says that Detroit has a contract agreement with Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry if he ends up being the team’s No. 1 choice in the draft. Here’s a link to the report.
The caveat that’s important is, “if he’s the No. 1 choice in the draft.” So while an agreement is in place, it’s dependent upon Curry being the top choice. The Lions could still end up picking someone else.”
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Theres no guarentee the Lions will draft Curry because they are setting up deals with multiple players. They could pick either one.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I don’t know about Crab, but A Smith can start at LT game one.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I see andre smith likes to text..lol…damn
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:44 pm
KoolKell Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:42 pm
24
Regarding Eldridge Dickey in 1968. The First African American QB drafed in the first round. Oakland Raiders.
In 1968 Dickey was drafted in the first round by the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders also selected University of Alabama quarterback Ken Stabler in the second round. Despite reports that Dickey outperformed Stabler at training camp, Dickey was moved to wide receiver for the start of the season. It is unknown if this decision was influenced by the predominant stereotype at the time that Blacks weren’t intelligent enough to be capable leaders or if it was solely based on Dickey’s athletic ability. This came as a blow to a player who at one time told his former coach, Joe Gilliam, that if he couldn’t play quarterback he didn’t want to play. But, Dickey accepted the position hoping for an opportunity to play his preferred position.
——————————————–
That settles it. The Raiders are going to draft Stafford or Sanchez and move Russell to TE to take preasure off Miller.
Championship!
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:46 pm
SharkCatcher – I don’t think we’d see Raji starting next to Kelly right away. I think we’d see Kelly and Warren starting with Terdell Sands getting released or traded and possibly to the Browns. Raji would rotate in frequently and Joseph would come in alot less. Depending on how Warren played during the year, Raji may come off the bench in his 1st year.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:47 pm
I think I need a starter if we stay at #7
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Dakota
http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/04/22/curry-lions-have-deal-in-place/
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Is he more of a blocking TE or Catcher?
LMAO
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:51 pm
I’m calling it a day, catch everyone tomorrow for another day of “you don’t know what you are taking about” draft bantering.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:51 pm
KoolKell – Thanks for the information. That clears up the reason Dickey was listed as a WR. Thats an interesting story. Too bad the guy didn’t get a fair shake at QB from the sounds of it.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:51 pm
You are going to pay a DT 50 – 60mil just to rotate at 1st??!
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:51 pm
CURRY, LIONS HAVE DEAL IN PLACE
Posted by Mike Florio on April 22, 2009, 5:44 p.m.
Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com reports, and we separately have confirmed, that the Lions have a deal in place with Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry at No. 1 in the draft, if the Lions ultimately decide to make Curry the first overall pick.
We’ve previously heard that the Lions have tentative deals with multiple players, contingent on the Lions choosing to make one of them the No. 1 pick.
(Attention, NFLPA — that’s what you should have done with DeMaurice Smith, David Cornwell, Trace Armstrong, and Troy Vincent.)
Curry recently said that he’d be willing to take less money than the package paid last year to Jake Long by the Dolphins, if Curry were to be the No. 1 overall pick.
And that underscores the conflict of interest that agent Tom Condon currently is experiencing, even though no one seems to care.
As the agent for tackle Jason Smith, Condon should be saying the same thing. But to say such a thing would run counter to the interests of Condon’s other client, Stafford.
Think of it this way — if Condon were representing Curry, would Curry have said he’d take less money than Long?
And Curry’s willing to undercut last year’s top package because he realizes that if he’s not the first overall pick, he’ll at best be the third overall pick. So as long as he’s making more at No. 1 than he’d be making at No. 3, Curry will be ahead of the game financially.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:52 pm
I believe this is our best course of action
Rd1- Michael Crabtree WR
Rd2- Gerald Cadogan OT
Rd3- Lawrence Sidbury Jr. DE
Rd4- Chris Baker DT
Rd4- Mike Mitchell S*
Rd7-Cody Glenn OLB
*will be acquired through a draft day trade
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:52 pm
24,
I don’t think Warren is going to beat out Raji in camp. I really don’t. Just like Crabtree will beat out Walker.
The only way #7 doesn’t start is if Cable continues his poor player evaluation ways and starts the “Do-Right” guy over the taleted play maker.
Wasted the most of the year platooning DMAC behind Fargas
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Raider O – It may sound stupid but Warren and Kelly are also getting paid alot of money and Warren was more effective than Kelly last year. To be honest, putting more millions in the DT position is the wrong thing to do. Putting more money in the Defensive End position makes more sense since we need that more but theres nobody good enough at the #7 which means we should pick Crabtree or an Offensive Tackle.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:53 pm
So they have a deal IF they take him number one…they haven’t yet signed him, so Stafford could still go number one.
Like Vegas said, they are just using Curry to leverage a better deal out of Stafford.
Last LB taken #1…Andre Bruce, lol.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Raider O Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:51 pm
You are going to pay a DT 50 – 60mil just to rotate at 1st??!
=======================================================How much did the Raiders give McFadden to platoon all year?
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:55 pm
KK — Besides how you “beat down” BrienThePrivate a while ago, you shine with some of your links BrienThePrivate hates…Those cut-n-pastes are the only way some of the younger guys learn about long-forgotten Raiders legends.
They’re some of your better posts!
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:55 pm
We need a NT upgrade and a #1 WR. However we can do that let’s do it. DT’s that can fill that need are Raji, Moala, Brace and Ziggy. Wr’s are Crabtree and Britt but Nicks, Robiskie, or Harvin could do. Don’t know anything about the guy for Cal Poly. What you guys know about this guy?
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:57 pm
inonewordraider Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:55 pm
We need a NT upgrade and a #1 WR. However we can do that let’s do it. DT’s that can fill that need are Raji, Moala, Brace and Ziggy. Wr’s are Crabtree and Britt but Nicks, Robiskie, or Harvin could do. Don’t know anything about the guy for Cal Poly. What you guys know about this guy?
=======================================================
You get Raji #7 and Robiskie #40…done deal.
The 2nd round DTs aren’t as dynamic in their positions as the 2nd round WRs are in their positions
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:58 pm
SnB – Personally…I think Walker could come back strong this season and I could see Crabtree starting opposite of Walker but not right away. The Raiders take their time with rookies and with injury players so I think Crabtree would play little in his first 8 games with Walker and Higgins starting. Now…Whoever is playing better between Walker and Higgins and depending on injuries…Crabtree might be starting by mid-season next to whoever is playing the best.
In regards to Fargas starting over McFadden, McFadden was hurt most of the year. If anything, Bush should have been starting ahead of Fargas but McFad needed to heal up.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Curry’s a nice player but that’s like getting Maclin when we already have JLH. Morrison and Howard are comparable. If you want a LB get Rey as he is the better run stopper. But if you go LB still need #1 WR and NT
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:59 pm
RaiderRockstar Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 2:56 pm
The Raiders should trade the #7 overall pick to Dallas in exchange for their 2nd, 3rd, both 4th rounders and Patrick Crayton
That would keep Michael Crabtree in Dallas.
Paired with Roy Williams … WOW
The Raiders need to address MANY areas. 2 picks in the 2nd round, 2 picks in the 3rd round, 3 picks in the 4th round and our 7th rounder would allow us to finish the rebuilding process an really attack the defensive needs. 8 picks in the draft instead of 5 and you eliminate the bust potential of A. Smith or Raji!
You add a vet like Crayton to the WR corps who can contribute on Day 1 and give us some protection in case Walker & Shields can’t get healthy or Higgins & Schilens don’t prove worthy enough targets for Russell
Not having to pay (yet another) Top 10 draft pick would allow us to lock up key players like Howard & Morrison next year …
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I mean sure Rockstar…Cowboys tradin all of their picks for the number 7 sounds a bit steep… i mean how bad could they want crabtree….sorry to say but that is one of the longest shots ive read all offseason long.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:00 pm
WORD JUST GOT OUT THAT SUPPOSADLY CURRY IS THE #1 PICK, CAUSE HE MENTION HE WOULD REECIEVE LESS MONEY THAN LONG LAST YEAR……WITH THAT SAID. HOW DOES IT AFFECT THE RAIDERS? CUZ I GOT NOTHIN. THAT JUST SCREWED EVERYTHING ELSE UP
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Stafford looks close to signing with Curry as the backup if something falls through…..
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Thanks HayesDaze
It’s no all bad being “older”
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:02 pm
I think most of us would like Big Al to trade our first pick but since it has never really happened with our first pick we all see it as a long shot… something that is not “Raider-like” hey…don´t be surprised if big al pulls the trigger on a trade on draft day but also let´s not be surprised if he takes the best cb….lets hope not… OL, DL or WR is the way to go…
I still say best OT with #7 trade up for Alex mack with the 2nd (i dont care bout satele)…. that is one of the best OL for years to come… Wr develop on the long run… high early picks are big gambles.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:03 pm
I honestly think some of you guys are mixed up here about the DT position. We have good players. Our DE’s are not big enough, strong enough or talented enough to help our DT’s stop the run. Does anybody understand this at all? A Defensive Line consists of FOUR lineman in a 4-3 so you need FOUR solid guys, at least THREE if you want to be a good defensive line. Look, Kelly and Warren have been forced to do everything by themselves because Scott, Burgess and Edwards were getting pushed around. Richardson was the better run stopper but he couldn’t rush the passer.
If you fix the Defensive Ends, you take so much pressure off the DT’s. For some reason, nobody seems to understand this.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:03 pm
You get Raji #7 and Robiskie #40…done deal.
——————————————————- I would bet my wifes sister on that draft for us
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Post 100,
People have to keep thing in perspective when you start talking about 3rd, 4th and 5th rounders….Starters are rare from these rounds. Impact players even less so. These are developmental players that take a few years to hit a stride where they can become difference makers.
A 5-11 team can’t place a heckuva lot of hope on those 2nd day guys.
Starters come from the 1st two rounds
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:04 pm
I agree Dakota its probably leverage
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:04 pm
If Curry goes number one (which I doubt) does it really change anything for us?
He wasn’t falling past #3 anyhow, so now you might have Curry #1 with Stafford going #2 to the Rams or #4 seattle, and Jason Smith and Monroe filling in the other spots…the only way I see it affecting the Raiders is if Seattle selects Stafford and passes on Crabtree…it might make it more likely that Crabtree is on the board when we select.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Crabtree is gonna be snatched up by Cleveland, no way Mangini blows it by gettin Orakpo to play OLB when he’s a DE same as he did with Gholston. I like Raji but do you think he is safer than Moala? Moala is Ngata’s cousin and he plays and awful lot like him. We can trade back for Britt who’s 6′3 all muscle and a #1 receiver type, get Moala, AND we would have an extra pick with the trade back….
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:05 pm
CALIRAIDER G. Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:00 pm
WORD JUST GOT OUT THAT SUPPOSADLY CURRY IS THE #1 PICK, CAUSE HE MENTION HE WOULD REECIEVE LESS MONEY THAN LONG LAST YEAR……WITH THAT SAID. HOW DOES IT AFFECT THE RAIDERS? CUZ I GOT NOTHIN. THAT JUST SCREWED EVERYTHING ELSE UP
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Well they say curry is a plan B and that they are trying to get stafford under contract…so the lions in theory should draft stafford.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Jeremy is the guy at 7..
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:07 pm
see ya later
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:07 pm
24,
I am all with you on the need for bigger DEs to stop the run. But there are only TWO DEs that are rated well against the run. Tyson Jackson and Jarron Gilbert. The rest of these DEs are situational pass rushers.
I would be fine grabbing T.Jackson at #7. Probably won’t happen….Gilbert at number 40 would be outstanding.
But also remember that the DTs play a big role too. There is little penetration and they don’t take up double teams. The linebackers aren’t playing well and neither are the DEs. Great DT play impacts others more than the other way around
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Inonewordraider – I’m going to disagree with you about Curry because I thought the same thing and I was shown the light. Curry is just as big as Maualuga, is faster and has better stats in college. I think we’d win with either curry or Maualuga but I can see why Curry is regarded as the better prospect. I wouldn’t say no to either but I’ll give you some scouting reports.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Aaron Curry
Height: 6-13/4 | Weight: 254 | 40-Time: 4.56
Official Bio
Strengths:
Possesses a terrific blend of size and bulk…Exceptional speed, quickness and athleticism…Very physical and tough…Excellent strength and power…Extremely aggressive…Outstanding instincts and awareness…Offers a lot of versatility…Reliable tackler who will deliver the big hit…Really uses his hands well…Does a nice job of taking on and shedding blockers…Superb pass rusher and blitzer…Has sideline-to-sideline range…Will attack and fill against the run…Comfortable in space…Can match up and make plays in coverage…Has a lot of experience…Durable and never missed a game due to injury…Smart…Hard worker…Team leader…Super productive.
Weaknesses:
Can be too aggressive at times and will overpursue…Not quite as tall as you’d prefer…Pass rush repertoire is limited…Marginal change of direction skills…May have some trouble when it comes to recognition in coverage….Is not particularly fluid when he is forced to flip his hips.
Notes:
Won the Butkus Award, which honors the nation’s top linebacker, as a senior…Brother Patrick Pinkney was a quarterback at East Carolina…Was a four-year starter in the ACC…In 2007 he took all four of his interceptions back for touchdowns, with an average return of 56.5 yards…Could play outside or inside in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive scheme…A marvelous all-around player who is effective in every aspect of the game…As good as any linebacker prospect to come along in recent memory…A legitimate Top 10 talent who should be one of the most highly rated players available for the 2009 NFL Draft.
Career Statistics
Year GP TKL TFL SACK PBU INT
2004 RS - - - - -
2005 11 45 7.5 1.0 5 0
2006 14 83 8.5 3.0 3 1
2007 13 99 13.5 3.0 4 4
2008 13 105 16.0 2.5 3 1
Totals 51 332 45.5 9.5 12 6
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Rey Maualuga
Height: 6-13/4 | Weight: 249 | 40-Time: 4.82
Official Bio
Strengths:
Has excellent size and bulk…Extremely aggressive…Tough and physical…A violent, intimidating presence who can really deliver the big hit…Good instincts…Very strong…Explosive…Reads and reacts quickly…Does a nice job of taking on and shedding blockers…Will step up and fill against the run…Solid pass rusher and blitzer…Plays faster than he times and has a burst…Has shown the ability to make big plays in coverage…Productive with a knack for making game-changing plays… Offers schematic versatility…Is still improving and has upside.
Weaknesses:
Does not have elite timed speed…Inconsistent…Can be too aggressive at times…Always looking to deliver the knockout blow and will miss some tackles…Does not always take proper angles…Lacks fluid hips…May struggle to match up in coverage…Average change of direction skills…Range is somewhat limited…Will get caught out of position at times… Still immature…Ran into some trouble off the field.
Notes:
Best fit may be inside in a 3-4 scheme but could also play the middle in a 4-3…A three-year starter for the Trojans…Would have been a Top 15 pick in the 2008 NFL Draft but opted to return to school for his senior season…Was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor battery after allegedly punching a man during a party in 2005…Has faced team disciplinary action on more than one occasion…Was the MVP of the Rose Bowl as a junior when he recorded 3 sacks and an interception…Has star potential if he can keep his head on straight … Impact linebacker who can take over and dominate games.
Career Statistics
Year GP TKL TFL SACK PBU INT
2005 12 37 4.5 1.0 2 1
2006 13 78 5.0 2.0 3 1
2007 13 79 10.5 6.0 3 1
2008 12 79 2.5 0.0 4 2
Totals 50 273 22.5 9.0 12 5
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Dakota: werent you talking up Moala as our #1 pick this year because we took Dmac?????
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State: The former Buckeye has ascended up the charts after surprising scouts with his speed and athleticism during workouts. While the strength of his game is his route-running ability and ball skills, he possesses enough explosiveness to make plays down the field. With a combination of skills that are hallmarks of No. 1-type receivers, Robiskie has moved up and is in consideration at the bottom of the first round.
********************
Who is betterfor us Robski, or DHB?
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:10 pm
orale homes! thanks rodsays, makes more sense
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Robiskie
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Severe — Good post, but I don’t think we’ll see Mitchell last until the 4th-round anymore.
The kid’s secret is now well known — and, contrary to what Jerry Mac suggests above, in large part due to youtube. Once one scout sees it, other scouts see it — and you KNOW agents make sure everybody who needs to know knows who he is. There are fewer and fewer real hidden gems in this era of instant and cheap video.
Can’t teach what the kid’s got. Mike Mitchell is potentially THE steal of the draft, and the draft hasn’t started yet. If his stock skyrockets, he won’t be a steal anymore, he’ll then be a can’t-miss-or-bust because he was chosen so high.
I’d take Mitchell’s talent, attitude, and un-teachable (violent) instincts for the ball in the 3rd. He’s the perfect example of this talent-deep draft.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:11 pm
inonewordraider Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Crabtree is gonna be snatched up by Cleveland, no way Mangini blows it by gettin Orakpo to play OLB when he’s a DE same as he did with Gholston. I like Raji but do you think he is safer than Moala? Moala is Ngata’s cousin and he plays and awful lot like him.
=======================================================
I agree 100% on the Orakpo/Gholston comment. Gholston should have been left as a 4-3 rush DE.
As for Moala…What makes Moala “safer” then Raji? If Moala was a beast then why is he rated where he is? He’s not as big as Raji, not faster and not stronger. What makes him safer other than playing for USC?
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Maualuga played against tougher comp. Pac 10 was 5 and 0 in bowl games. Maualuga has a mean streak that you can’t measure and he is a much different LB than Howard and Morrison whereas Curry is much more similar plus trading back for Maualuga get’s you another pick. If that pick is a #2 we can have a lb core of Howard/Maualuga/Morrison and Dt’s Kelly/Ngata or Brace and pick the best WR left with our 2nd #2 and the Wr class up to round 2 is deep
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:13 pm
RaiderRockstar – That was a bogus trade idea. I’m sorry to say. Look…Jerry Jones is a smart guy, he sets himself up perfectly for the draft and makes smart decisions overall. Jones knows he has alot of depth issues on his team and he knows he needs to fill those holes. Hes not trading the bank to get Crabtree after trading a 1st round for Roy Williams. Crayton is a decent number 2 and they have a great offense surrounding those guys. Seriously…Don’t take Jones for a fool. He needs and wants his draft picks.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Henry Lawrence,
Robiskie would be an outstanding pick. 4yr player…great route running, father is a coach, and played in an offense that wasn’t pass happy. So his opportunities were fewer and he had to make them count.
I wish Maclin or Heyward-Bey had “great route running” in his bio.
I would rather draft Robiskie at number 7…negotiate a lower price #25 pay or so and roll with him over Maclin or Heyward-Bey
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:16 pm
If we get a DT, it would have to be Raji. He’s really the only legitimate pick at that position this year. We’ve done well with late round DEs, but I doubt a third round (or even second round in this draft) DT would make any measurable difference outside of adding depth to a position that doesn’t need depth, it needs a force.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Moala took on double teams and other guys got the stats not like Raji who on clips I’ve seen was single covered and beat his guy with speed while Brace took on double teams. Raji beat guys off the ball to get to the qb or rb behind the line which Kelly can do but we need a guy to clog up the lane like Moala to stop the run. I’ll be happy with Raji @7 and best receiver @2 but we can just as easily get Moala and best receiver at 2nd and get an extra pick
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:19 pm
SnB – Even if we drafted Raji, we’d tie way too much money into a position that already has too much money invested into it, only to find ourselves not fixing another hole somewhere else so its useless because you spend too much money for a position you already have covered. I would rather get one of those OT’s or draft Mack at #7 or Tyson for that matter because they are serious needs while Raji is not.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:20 pm
SnB
Moala is going to be the real deal, as is Maulauga.
The thing with Moala that impresses me is simply all 3 LB who played behind him are going to the NFL. I would think that in itself is a huge flag, in his favor.
He will no doubt be a 1st round pick, and the team that gets him will be better for it.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Oh, and Robiskie is known for good hands as well….What would Robiskie’s draft grade be if he played in an offense that threw the 67% of the time. They had Beanie Wells at RB getting carries. So he probably had to block as well.
Take Robiskie.
He also played in the Big 10…where they play defense and play in inclement weather.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:21 pm
lol
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Also – DT is just as risky of a position in the top 10 as WR or OT.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:21 pm
If we draft Raji, that mean Kelly is going back to DE. No way we draft Raji to rotate with Kelly and Warren. That doesn’t make any sense.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:22 pm
It doesn’t matter how much money is tied into a position, Al wants to win. He could cut or trade Sands if he doesn’t want to restructure and remember Warren and Kelly’s contracts were restructured
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:22 pm
JHill,
Moala is going in the 1st round?
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:22 pm
1st – raji
2nd – robiski or britt
3rd – chung or barwin
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Kelly at UT Raji at NT. Warren can rotate with both of them and getting plenty of playing time just like Kelly/Sands/Warren last year. Sands is the odd man out
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:24 pm
I don’t know that any teams will be willing to draft Mike Mitchell before Uncle Al does. Mitchell was not very productive, for a crappy Ohio defense in the MAC. He is over-hyped by fans because of that highlight reel, bust most GM’s are not drafting players based on highlight reels. Uncle Al however loves speed and is always willing to take a chance on small school players with fantastic measurables, because his job is never on the line. If Al truly wants Mike Mitchell, you can absolutely take it to the bank that he will pull the trigger on him, long before other GM’s would be willing to.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Jerry you think we give a damn what Scott McCloughan says?….maybe YOU do,…Jerry F everything the Niners have to say and keep it out of this blog.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:24 pm
jhill ,
if they draft raji ,sands is gone.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:25 pm
and remember even with Sands/Warren/Kelly we had to resign Joseph for Depth. Depths the name of the game on the OL and DL of course a stud like Raji or Moala could really help
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:25 pm
I happened to catch Crabtree’s interview on ”
Mike & Mike” this morning, on BSPN.
The one thing that really got my attention, was that he kept saying the “three magic words” you need to know, to be a big time WR in the NFL.
And those words are: “ME, MYSELF, and I”.
Did not hear him say TEAM even once.
Dammit Al, get us some MEAN Linemen!
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:25 pm
I think you are missing the boat with Maclin SnB. I think he is going to be just fine, and is not just a slot WR. He can play on the outside, and can learn NFL routes with no problem. He excelled at what he was asked to do in college, and those things translate to the NFL. He’s a top ten talent for a reason, the same way Raji is.
He is not just a JLH.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Draft Maclin and give that 61 million dollar man some options to throw to or he will go down in history as biggest bust ever. I have spoken.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:26 pm
JHill – And I seriously doubt Kelly is going back to DE so I seriously doubt we’re drafting Raji.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:27 pm
———————-
SnB Defense Says:
I would rather draft Robiskie at number 7…negotiate a lower price #25 pay or so and roll with him over Maclin or Heyward-Bey
————————–
SnB — Even if the Raiders think Robiskie’s a great prospect, is he the “best” WR at that spot of the draft?
Most importantly though — taking/paying #25 money at #7 won’t happen, because the machine won’t let it happen. Too many other players (using the same agents) are affected doing something like that.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:28 pm
SnB,
Yes Sir. I see teams at the back of the 1st rnd like Tenn, Miami, Indy, and Pitt looking at DTs. Ngata’s cousin from USC is not slipping to 40.
Just don’t see it.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:28 pm
A stud is a stud forget the position. Tell Calvin Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald WR is a risky position. Tell Jake Long T is a risky position. Tell Adrian Peterson Rb is a risky position. Tell Peyton Manning Qb is a risky position. Tell Julius Peppers or Mario Williams DE is a risky position. Tell Warren Sapp DT is a risky position
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Al Davis has been known to be fond of NFL’rs sons:
Todd Marinovich
Gerald Iron’s kid, Grant
Charlie Smith’s kid, Kevin
George Allen’s Kid, Bruce
Monty Kiffin’s kid, Lane
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:30 pm
I would almost rather draft Everette Brown or Orakpo ahead of Raji simply based on talent and need alone. I’d rather watch a pimp help stop the run on the end or chase down a QB than see another DT crowd our congested middle already.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:31 pm
dumbkell, youre an idiot.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Oh, and he refers to himself in the third person.
“Michael Crabtree works hard” Or some b.s. like that.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:33 pm
It doesn’t matter how much money is tied into a position, Al wants to win. He could cut or trade Sands if he doesn’t want to restructure and remember Warren and Kelly’s contracts were restructured
——————————————————-
Seriously …
There has not been one headscratching move this offseason. Things that haven’t been done in the past are being done this offseason. So much so, that some are insisting that someone else is pulling the strings behind the scenes. Can’t be Al, right? LOL!
So what makes you guys think that Al would spend the #7 pick on a player to rotate with Warren and Kelly? Sands is a backup, so he is not the issue. Or is he? Would Al spend the #7 pick to replace the backup DT? Is that what you guys are telling me?
Cmon!
If Raji is drafted, it would be with the intentions of him starting. Warren or Kelly would have to be cut or traded, and I can’t see that happening. Cable loves Warren, and Al LOVES Kelly.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:34 pm
MADDEN COVER FINALISTS NARROWED TO NINE
For the first time, EA has issued a list of finalists. Per SportsBusiness Daily, there are nine: Steelers S Troy Polamalu, Colts QB Peyton Manning, Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald, Chiefs QB Matt Cassel, Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, Giants RB Brandon Jacobs, Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, and Ravens S Ed Reed.
The “winner” will be announced on April 24.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:35 pm
gaykell, brien told me today hes invited you and some of these other losers to our tailgates this season, make sure and stop by.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:35 pm
909 – Crabtree is welcome to talk to himself all he wants if he’s catching TD’s. haha.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:35 pm
HayesDayz,
The teams can pay whatever they want. Its a free market. The player doesn’t care about the machine. He cares about maximizing his value.
All it takes is a team to take a step back and say..”this pick is not worth $30Million”
Its a market place for the team. Player not so much but for the team it is. There is nothing written down that says the team has to pay $xxx amount of dollars. THey choose to pay it.
If I was a GM, and the talent was as close as some of you say it is…then I would grab a lower rated prospect…pay him a little more than he is projected to get and book the savings.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:36 pm
24,..why isnt Russell on that list?…he makes more money then all of those guys.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Orakpo is always injured. Brown isn’t a run stopper. Raji is an upgrade over Sands or Warren plus Raji has the meanstreak us Raider fans love so much. Only thing is we can trade down with right partner and get an LB like Maualuga in round 1 and a NT like Moala or Brace in round 2 and get a WR like Britt DHB or Robiskie with our 2nd 2. Or we can go Moala with first pick Britt with first round 2 and get Stintim with 2nd pick and our team has every major whole filled
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Ahh — Norco Bob. Nice entrance. No surprise you’re here now, since your partner in bromance BrienThePrivate slipped out with an aching mangina.
Got anything to say, except somebody’s an idiot? Any football talk?
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:38 pm
I bet Garcia starts more games this year then russell,..and next year Mike Vick is starter.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:38 pm
REPORT: EAGLES IN THE LEAD FOR TONY GONZALEZ
Posted by Aaron Wilson on April 22, 2009, 3:38 p.m.
The Philadelphia Eagles rank ahead of the Atlanta Falcons in prospective haggling for Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Tony Gonzalez, according to Don Banks of SI.com.
Per the report, the Eagles have assigned a third-round value via a trade for Gonzalez, who wants out of Kansas City. However, the Chiefs are looking for a second-round draft pick.
And the Chiefs, Banks theorizes, may be sensitive to the predictable fallout of second-guessing if they unload Gonzalez at a discounted price.
We’ve heard separately from a league source that the Eagles and the Falcons are among the potential landing spots for Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew, so both teams’ interest in upgrading at tight end seems fairly apparent.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:38 pm
24 Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:03 pm
I honestly think some of you guys are mixed up here about the DT position. We have good players. Our DE’s are not big enough, strong enough or talented enough to help our DT’s stop the run. Does anybody understand this at all? A Defensive Line consists of FOUR lineman in a 4-3 so you need FOUR solid guys, at least THREE if you want to be a good defensive line. Look, Kelly and Warren have been forced to do everything by themselves because Scott, Burgess and Edwards were getting pushed around. Richardson was the better run stopper but he couldn’t rush the passer.
If you fix the Defensive Ends, you take so much pressure off the DT’s. For some reason, nobody seems to understand this.
^^^^^^^
Agreed! Our DE’s are undersized and that is why Tyson Jackson, Robert Ayers, and Jarron Gilbert would be great picks and great fits for the DE position.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Honestly…If a team is willing to trade a 3rd round pick for Gonzalez…The Chiefs better take it because they’re never going to get anything better then that.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:39 pm
We have 5 DTs on the roster folks, and we just signed Joseph and Boschetti(sp).
Same with LB. Unless we trade Morrison, then we are not drafting Maulauga(SUPER BUMMER!)
We really need to hope for a DE if you want to improve the front 7, and if Orakpo is gone, I think I can wait until round 2.
I think I’m resigning myself to Crabtree or Maclin at 7.
And I think since Maclin was the least talked up out of all the prospects by Cable, then I wouldn’t be surprised at all.
DE in rd 2
LB in rd 3
and I’m cool with WR at 7.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Hayes I would call you an idiot but in your case that would be a compliment.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Norco Bob – Haha. Maybe because Jamarcus needs a WR to throw to before he can be considered.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:40 pm
If they draft Raji, the Raiders may get rid of one of the incumbents. They would have to wait and see what happens Saturday.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:40 pm
24 Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:38 pm
REPORT: EAGLES IN THE LEAD FOR TONY GONZALEZ
Posted by Aaron Wilson on April 22, 2009, 3:38 p.m.
The Philadelphia Eagles rank ahead of the Atlanta Falcons in prospective haggling for Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Tony Gonzalez, according to Don Banks of SI.com.
Per the report, the Eagles have assigned a third-round value via a trade for Gonzalez, who wants out of Kansas City. However, the Chiefs are looking for a second-round draft pick.
And the Chiefs, Banks theorizes, may be sensitive to the predictable fallout of second-guessing if they unload Gonzalez at a discounted price.
We’ve heard separately from a league source that the Eagles and the Falcons are among the potential landing spots for Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew, so both teams’ interest in upgrading at tight end seems fairly apparent.
^^^^^^
In one of my Mocks I have the Eagles selecting Pettigrew. They need a TE badly.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:40 pm
I still think the best idea is to trade out of No. 7 for a couple of lower No. 1’s. Five picks ain’t enough for a team that needs a lot. But what if the Raiders are on the clock and there are no takers? And the Raiders’ first choice of WR or LT is gone? I say take Matt Sanchez and freak some people out. Then we’ll see who wishes they’d have traded up. Then we listen to offers — rights to Sanchez for two No. 1’s (and maybe a fifth rounder too). I’d even be willing to deal with the Donkos.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:40 pm
24 Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:30 pm
I would almost rather draft Everette Brown or Orakpo ahead of Raji simply based on talent and need alone. I’d rather watch a pimp help stop the run on the end or chase down a QB than see another DT crowd our congested middle already.
=======================================================
But when the games actually start on the field, he’s not going to be ripping up veteran left tackles. Trevor Scott already showed an ability to beat some good LTs….”A bird in the hand is better than two in a bush”
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:40 pm
brian robiski-42 rec 535 yards 8 td`s,yea that`s the weopon russell needs.4.5 if lucky speed vs. pro cornerbacks as a number#1 wr.but he does`nt plays in pass happy offense.when is the raiders a pass happy offense?those numbers = 21 rec 235 2td`s on the raiders because he ain`t starting over schilens or higgins. #7 for #25 money you get those numbers.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Well the eagles come to oakland this year,..great,..another hilarious day watching huff try and cover gonzalez,…its so bad its funny.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:41 pm
24….
True, and don’t forget Al likes touchdowns.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Al loves Schilens and JLH does that mean he won’t get a WR? He loves Richardson and Scott does that mean he won’t get M Johnson in the 3rd round? He loves Fargas but does that mean he won’t draft DMAC? Oh wait….
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:43 pm
DKnight007 – Absolutely. Its going to be tough to grab any of those guys because we’re likely going Mack or Unger in the 2nd unless Al Davis screams Michael Johnson.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Ya right, 24,..if its that he has bad wide receivers,..or it will be bad o line,..bad running game,…those are all just excuses to detract from the truth,..russell is a bust and everyone knows it. Garcia will emerge from Napa the starter.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:43 pm
we have 5 DTs on the roster.. but how many of those are starter quality DTs? MAYBE Kelly at best..
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Agree with your DE assessment 24 …
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:43 pm
JHill,
The Raiders also have a bunch of O-Lineman too. THe Raiders will pick the best player available and not worry about the current roster.
If its Raji…two of these guys Sands/Boschetti/Joseph are going to get cut
If its Crabtree…Shields/Watkins/Holland get cut and Schilens goes to #4
If its Andre Smith….Henderson goes to the bench and Green/Pears gets cut
Thats the way it is….
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Yes…Touchdowns…I remember when we used to get alot of those. The good ol’ days.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Warren was in on almost every snap last year, he played the Nose on first downs and obvious passing plays, and he played the undertackle on obvious running plays. The guy was everywhere
Kelly was the only player from Al’s Big Spending Spree that was not cut this off-season, a good indication that Al intends to make him earn that paycheck.
I just don’t see either of these guys being replaced by a rookie this year. They need depth at Nose gaurd to spell Sands, and maybe even replace Sands, which can be had in the form of Sammie Lee Hill or Chris Baker in the 4th round or later.
Defensive End on the other hand is a colossal cluster-fudge. Burgess has one more year, and plays recklessly out of position, Richardson is quietly a solid player against the run, but pitted against Left Tackles is never able to generate a pass-rush, Scott is a situational pass-rusher for now, Gunheim could be a decent find in UDFA, but the fact remains that he is a practice squad scrub and almost anybody would be an upgrade.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:45 pm
SnB — In this financial environment, there will be more contracts with, umm, creative clauses in them to earn guys money. Just like Morrison’s escalators last year — more of even the bigger contracts will be structured that way.
NFL contracts will still be mind-boggling by “normal” standards, but even a softer market will not cause one player (and rogue agent) to change an entire system. The agent that advocates his player take far less money than his peers just to leap-frog other players, is the agent that has only one player to represent. And that won’t be for long, when that player realizes his agent isn’t doing the job he’s paid to do.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Norco Bob Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Koolkell, brien told me today hes invited you and some of these other losers to our tailgates this season, make sure and stop by.
———————–
Do you really want me chasing you and Brien around the parking lot. It’ll be a buzz kill.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:46 pm
If Warren was so good our rush defense wouldn’t be 31st in the NFL. Warren isn’t getting any younger either
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:47 pm
JLH, SChillens, Richardson, Scott, and Fargas aren’t making Tommy Kelly $, so he must not love them the same way.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Stubblebuzz – Yeah…Draft Sanchez and watch us get stuck with him when nobody trades for him. That would work out just great. You’d find the Raiders trading Sanchez for a 2nd round pick just to get him out of your hands. Then you’ve wasted your 1st and you have 2 2nd round picks. Thats not the kind of situation I would want to be in.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:49 pm
I say we move Jamarcus to his true position, LT, and draft Sanchez.
Then move Janokowski to DT and pick up a FA kicker.
Problems solved.
Being a GM is so easy when you use your brain.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Tomycar,
I actually think Warren played better than Kelly. If anything, Kelly needs to go back DE instead of Warren being replaced.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:49 pm
SnB – Well…When Scott is running around the corner to get that QB and the Runningback is passing him with the ball in his hands, you’ll realize that teams only need to run against us if they want to win in the end.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Ahhhh. The good old days, seems soooo long ago.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Kelly got restructured in the offseason, he must have fallen out of love
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Norco Bob – I wouldn’t doubt that Garcia could start honestly. The guy wins.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Lots more potential bidders for the #7 pick than for a QB prospect we pick…
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:52 pm
SnB Defense Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Henry Lawrence,
Robiskie would be an outstanding pick. 4yr player…great route running, father is a coach, and played in an offense that wasn’t pass happy. So his opportunities were fewer and he had to make them count.
I wish Maclin or Heyward-Bey had “great route running” in his bio.
I would rather draft Robiskie at number 7…negotiate a lower price #25 pay or so and roll with him over Maclin or Heyward-Bey
****************
Can we get him at 40? Who will go first DHB, or Robiskie?
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:52 pm
BART – Perfectly said.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:53 pm
SnB
Those positions you mentioned, other than DT, are all clearly open positions. RT and WR could absolutely be the pick at 7, as could RDE.
I disagree about the cuts you predict. If Raji is picked, then Warren or Kelly HAVE to be traded or released. Raji would not be drafted to be the #3DT.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Trade back for a base end wouldn’t be terrible. Guy like Ayers or TJackson but we still should grab Moala and then get best WR avail with 2nd #2
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Garcia is the perfect backup signing at QB — JaMarcus knows he better step-up his game, because the other guy already knows how to be a QB at this level.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Do you really want me chasing you and Brien around the parking lot. It’ll be a buzz kill.
————————————————
LOL!
Too funny!
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Hard to tell about USC QB’s. Their overall roster talent is so high.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:59 pm
# vegas raider Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Hey LMN, ol’ Barack praised you guys in his speech today today, saying Denmark gets almost 20% of your power through wind turbines and the such. Is this true?
____________________________________________________
then it has fallen, because just two years ago, we had 22%…
we started focusing on green energy before it was hip… My hometown had a powerplant heating water so all homes was heated by this plant…80% of the energy was heated by gas, made of liquid manure from pigs, the last 20% was from coal, the gas part could be higher, but to be on the safe side, if the pigs produced less waste we would have a problem, so they made it fixed at 80…. remember we have cold weather from october to march, not minnesota cold, but cold enough… furthermore most houses is made by bricks, so they are well isolated…
Now I live in Greater Copenhagen, and they have the goal within I believe,(not sure about the year) but to be 75% green energy before 2020..
on the wind part, we were the ones who kept developing windmills, kept pushing the capabilities of the engines.. I believe 85% of all windmills in the US are danish produced, we were also the first to make windfarms offshore..
I didnt know Obama had been talking about this, but im sure glad he has his eyes on this…
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Robiskie..Cons: None of his athletic ability would be considered top flight..At 6′3 needs to put on some muscle mass..Has had difficulties getting off the line on the shorter routes..Can disappear from games at times..Only 1 real year of big success
DHB…Cons: Extremely raw…needs a lot of work with route running..needs to learn he wont get by with just speed at he next level..not much of a blocker…needs to work on consistency…needs a ton of reps running the routes and catching the ball…will need to be glued to his wr coach at the next level to reach the play his athletic ability warrants ..
neither
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Mayock was on the Dan Patrick show today and said if he had to pick one can’t miss guy it would be Robert Ayers.
Last year he said it would be Jerrod Mayo and he wound up as Defensive ROY.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Hayez
I see what you are saying about Mitchell but i just find it hard to beleive that he could go from undrafted to 3rd round pick….there are a lot of talented safeties in this years draft and many tweeners like Malcolm Jenkins and the guy from Utah (Smith i believe) so for someone to use a 1st day pick on him would be making quite a statement. I beleive that we would have to use our 1st pick in the fourth to get him and may have to move up to THE first pick in that round.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Classic Oakland Raiders Highlights: 1976, 1980, 1983
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRzNKgECfkg
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:01 pm
For all you JRuss critics, define bust for me?
Shouldn’t be under C at all?
Or you don’t see him as a SB or Pro Bowl QB?
Somewhere in between?
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Obama is a pimp. After all these years, Obama basically walks into Cuba and says to Fidel Castro, “Look, I don’t give a fuk whats happened over the last 50 years. I want some Cuban Cigars without any hassle. I’m trying to legalize marijuana and it would also be nice to throw in a Cuban Cigar once and awhile you know what I mean? Also, you’ve got some hot women here on the island. Why don’t we squash the beef yeah?”
Haha.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Vegas Raider…
I can see we have never been above the 20s… sorry, we are as of now just below, as Obama said…
good read if it interests you… and its not that long of a text =)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power_in_Denmark
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:08 pm
I think Jamarcus Russell had bust written all over him coming out of college. I thought he needed to sit and learn and the Raiders did just that with him so I’m confident he has had enough time to adjust to this game. I haven’t been so sure about the talent around him however. I’m happy with the continuity in regards to Cable but JR has new coaches, unsure WR’s, solid RB’s outside of Fargas and an Offensive Line thats questionable until we see something good. On top of that, is his Defense going to be good enough to get him out of trouble?
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Verdict still out on Obamy. Hope he indicts some of these A holes who put us in this fix.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Vegas Raider…
this was the manure plant I was talking about, hard to find some text on it in english…
the good thing about it the manure would otherwise have been lead out into space, and this way we get energy and heated homes… WIN-WIN i believe its called =)
http://www.nordicbioenergy.dk/index.php?id=37&L=2
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:13 pm
LMN
I would think Holland is big on wind too, no?
Ever been to Amsterdam, and the Bulldog Cafe’s
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:13 pm
211. Not so sure about Russell having “bust written all over him out of College. Had a 68.7% completion percetage.
Sat out cuz he came out a Junior and needed to be brought along slow especially after the 06′ season where we gave up nearly 60 frikkin sacks.
I can see us taking Crab if he’s there. Thats the WR we need for him. A guy who’ll go and get the ball.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:14 pm
KoolKell..
oh they are, on farms, they just dont have the technology, all their farms is danish made as well..
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:16 pm
CRABTREE SAYS HE WASN’T AWARE OF CONCERNS IN CLEVELAND
Posted by Mike Florio on April 22, 2009, 7:41 p.m.
In a Wednesday evening interview with Jay Harris of ESPN’s SportsCenter, Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree responded to a report that the Browns are close to removing him from their draft board after a visit last week during which he allegedly came off as a diva.
“I didn’t hear nothing about that,” Crabtree said. “As far as I know I had a good visit.”
Crabtree doesn’t seem to be upset about the report.
“I choose not to worry about it,” he said. “It don’t make me feel no different than what I felt when I walked in, you know? I’ve been truly blessed to be in the position I’m in right now, and I can’t ask for any more.”
And then he disproved the notion that he’s a diva . . . by explaining that he’s having trouble picking a suit for Saturday.
“I have about five suits, man. I need to choose. That’s the hardest thing for me, man, is choosing what I’m gonna wear, man.”
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:16 pm
KoolKell
yeah I’ve been there, and i really didnt like it… in fact i find all those cafe’s too touristy…
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Nnamdi21 – What fix? The depression? That was going to happen whether we liked it or not. It should happen about every 90 years because thats the way the world turns.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:17 pm
JaMarcus a bust? It should be much rarer than it is, to call a player a “bust” before his contract is up. Robert Gallery’s a good example of that.
Gallery is illogically called a bust by some people, simply because he didn’t pan-out at LT. Good thing the Raiders didn’t give up on the guy, like a lot of people wanted us to — he’s about as good as any guard in the league right now.
JaMarcus gets at least 3-years to prove he’s got the goods — and, thanks to Garcia’s presence, he needs to prove it like right now.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:18 pm
KoolKell…
I would rather be at….
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freetown_Christiania
but it sux too now, before 2004 it was really a unique place
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:23 pm
HayesDaze – More importantly…JR’s 2nd year should be considered his 1st year starting and the 1st out of 3 years to show whether hes a bust or not.
Basically…He has 2 more years to prove it.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:25 pm
91,
Dont forget Kwame Harris over Henderson. That absolutely KILLED us last year. I hope Khalif Barnes aint the ssame player, if so, it will prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that the black QB sabotage is on.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:26 pm
does anybody ever notice how brady quinn with 2 career td`s is not being called a bust.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:26 pm
oh shyt its late, didnt notice the time…dammit…
see ya guys, i will break in my new bed!
take care, Im sure you will hold the fort, until my shift starts!
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:30 pm
———————————
lorenz28 Says:
Dont forget Kwame Harris over Henderson. That absolutely KILLED us last year. I hope Khalif Barnes aint the ssame player, if so, it will prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that the black QB sabotage is on.
—————————————
Where’d that come from? BriThePrivate, then Norco, and now Lorenz. Hmmm, all similar in their vitriol and baiting tactics. Way to start intelligent conversation.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:31 pm
LMN
The Bulldog’s may be touristy, but. We walked in and on the menu over the Bar were Hashish
Pakanstani
Afghani
etc, etc.
I remember ordering some hash. The waiter brought the hash, then I asked for a pipe, he then brought that. I was blown away.
I like Amsterdam.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Leinart is being considered a bust, so don’t get all black and white in here. Quinn just hasn’t had that much of an opportunity because of Derek Anderson’s play and when he got his chance, he got hurt. Now theres a new coaching staff and they are stupid so there ya go.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:34 pm
BD
your right man..
plus a hold-out.. the 3 play-callers in one season.. Kiffingate and weak azz OT`s has nothing to do with it of course..
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:35 pm
kk
did you see the red-lights?
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Like Al Davis is going to pay a guy somewhere between $27-31 million, GUARANTEED, and then oversee the intentional sabotage of his player, and his entire organization along with it? Just a ridiculous line of thinking.
Now, just like in the ’60’s — it doesn’t matter what color you are, if you play for Al, you play where you’re needed and when you’re needed — and Al expects success of his players.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Michael Lombardi of the National Football Post is reporting that the Cleveland Browns have put Brady Quinn on the trade block and that two teams are very interested. Could the New York Jets be one of those teams? The Jets, after failing to acquire Jay Cutler, are clearly in the market for a franchise quarterback. Quinn, the charismatic signal caller from Notre Dame, could be the perfect fit for a Jets team looking for a new face of the franchise.”
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:43 pm
KK says:
I remember ordering some hash. The waiter brought the hash, then I asked for a pipe, he then brought that. I was blown away.
————————-
“I was blown away.”
Hilarious.
I like Amsterdam
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:44 pm
I did see the Red Light district, that was fascinating too. I’ve been in the Navy, and seen a lot of whore districts, but that was surreal. And becuase Holland was a great sea power, you see all kinds of girls there.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:45 pm
909
Thats because they asked the questions in third person and were asking him questions where the answers would almost have to include me, myself or I. If some asked a question that said what is a typical day for severeraider i would answer by saying a typical day for severeraider is….thats not arrogant thats called answering the questions that you are asked.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:48 pm
JaMarcus Russell is not anywhere close to being a bust. If anything, he’s on track as long as he improves next year.
What were you folks expecting out of the youngest starting QB in his 1st year as a starter? A pro-bowl? Playoffs? Seriously.
His stats in his 1st year are better then quite a few star QBs past and present. Plus he played on a very flawed team with multiple coaches, LTs, WRs and an inconsistent running game.
Please….Developing young QBs are frustrating because its not an immediate return. It takes time but the payoff is huge.
Remember that before you start chanting for the most mediocre “Do-Right” guy Jeff GArcia
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:49 pm
here is the 4th round pick for the raiders.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt7F6J14Hbs
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Another thing…Rich Gannon is gone folks. He retired
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:52 pm
KoolKell Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Michael Lombardi of the National Football Post is reporting that the Cleveland Browns have put Brady Quinn on the trade block and that two teams are very interested. Could the New York Jets be one of those teams? The Jets, after failing to acquire Jay Cutler, are clearly in the market for a franchise quarterback. Quinn, the charismatic signal caller from Notre Dame, could be the perfect fit for a Jets team looking for a new face of the franchise.”
=======================================================
If I was the Lions…I would trade #20 for Brady Quinn and go ahead and get Jason Smith.
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:56 pm
kk
thats the truth..you know your sheet
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:00 pm
and more roy miller.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WzV9G8SQS8&feature=related
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Interesting QB rating system
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/blog/?p=1808
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:06 pm
SnB Defense Says:
“JaMarcus Russell is not anywhere close to being a bust. If anything, he’s on track as long as he improves next year.
What were you folks expecting out of the youngest starting QB in his 1st year as a starter? A pro-bowl? Playoffs? Seriously.
His stats in his 1st year are better then quite a few star QBs past and present. Plus he played on a very flawed team with multiple coaches, LTs, WRs and an inconsistent running game.
Please….Developing young QBs are frustrating because its not an immediate return. It takes time but the payoff is huge.”
——————————
While I agree to an extent, his progress is exactly why we need to make sure we have a consistent LT and WR that he knows he can count on. Offensive situations like ours are not conducive to producing star QBs, which is exactly what he’s paid to be.
We still don’t have players who fit Russell’s strengths. We can’t rely on his footwork, especially when he’s had trouble reading defenses and making third-down completions. He has a rocket arm, and frequently overthrows receivers when he’s under pressure. Again, to a certain extent you can expect these things from a guy who just had his first season as the unquestioned starter.
But this means we need to improve these areas so Russell himself can improve. He needs a #1 receiver he can trust, and one who can actually get open, so Russell can make those tough third down and red zone completions. He needs a receiver who makes defensive secondaries pay attention. JLH has proven he has the speed to get down the field, and if defenses have to double team a guy like Crabtree, Nicks, or Barden, that means Russell can unleash that wicked long ball he has.
More than that, it’s going to help him stand in the pocket and take the time to read defenses if the O-line isn’t collapsing constantly.
Developing JaMarcus has to be the priority. If we give him the tools necessary for him to be a star QB, he’s going to do really well. But for the type of QB he is, he has very specific needs we have to address.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Hey Jerry:
How about an article recapping the rookie performances of last year’s picks?
i.e. Ghoulston and Dorsey disappointed… McFadden hampered by turf toe… Clady a find, etc.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Hackett and Garcia will take care of Russell….the best way to help him,is to draft 3 or 4 top quality defensive players
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Hackett could be the best QB coach in the world (he isn’t), and Russell would still need someone to throw to and someone to stop him from being stomped. And Garcia will help, but keep in mind that Garcia can’t help with everything – stylistically, they’re very different quarterbacks.
I’d counter and say the best way to help the defense is by making sure the offense doesn’t go three-and-out every other offensive series, and starts putting touchdowns on the board.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:20 pm
ya know , i hate sayuin who we should draft , but i truly believe crabtree is da fukkin truth. him and rey maualuga are da most talented
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:21 pm
YoungAmerican,
A stout defense and a strong running game also help helps a young quarterback. Look at Baltimore’s Joe Flacco. Sure Derrick Mason is a decent receiver, but their defense kept games manageable so that Baltimore could gradually open up the offense. They leveraged their running game to keep out of 3rd and longs. Same with Matt Ryan. The model even worked for Tennessee. VY was benched because he had a mental breakdown. Not because he wasn’t winning games.
Look at Matt Leinart in Arizona. He had Fitzgerald, Boldin and Breaston but no running game and a marginal defense that gave up a bunch of points. They needed a HOF caliber veteran to make it go.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:23 pm
YoungAmerican,
Jay Cutler in Denver couldn’t save his head coach from getting fired. All his talent and yards. 3rd offense in the NFL. You have to build up both sides of the ball. Not allowing for huge imbalances.
For all of Cutler’s efforts, his team couldn’t win and the coach got fired.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:26 pm
KoolKell,
definitely an interesting rating system you provided the link to.
Young American,
well reasoned post 243. The final line though…but for the type of QB he is, he has very specific needs we have to address. You couldn’t mean O-line protection and open wide receivers could you? Seems to me that any “type” of QB needs basically those two items to be successful.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:27 pm
and why does errbody think that aaron curry is so great ? im not impressed///
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Hackett could be the best QB coach in the world (he isn’t)… who is?
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:31 pm
there is no 1 system to winning . defense wins champs? yeah , sometimes.. u know what wins championships .. ? EXECUTION! put in a system and execute. get da players that can do it — u dont need a great q.b. but it helps . dont need a # 1or # 2 ( ravens) but it helps. play good enuff defense / score enough points … execute when it matters.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:32 pm
SnB,
Derrick Mason also has a counterpart in Mark Clayton. Baltimore’s O-line is still miles ahead of ours.
Part of the inconsistency in the running game? Our O-line has no push. It’s obvious we have talented runners. But it hurt us having Kwame Harris and Mario Henderson being our only tackles. Even with us being sans-Harris, Khalif Barnes’ career has gone in a similar direction thus far. Whether he can overcome that remains to be seen.
That said, a healthy McFadden, a healthy Oren O’Neal, and more touches from Bush should help our running game this season. But presumably, we’ll have that.
I’ve never thought much of Matt Leinart, so to me that doesn’t seem like an apt comparison. But even then, it shows what happens when you get consistent QB play. Even last season, Arizona’s defense wasn’t outstanding, or much different than it was the year before (DRC is definitely one of my favorite players in the league, though). But they were able to make game-changing plays (much like our defense has shown they can) because the offense could put points on the board.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Hackett`s better than Filippino
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:32 pm
i think norv turner best q.b. coach in da world.. worst head coach in world too …
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:34 pm
My point is that we’re two drafts away from “fixing” “all” our problems. But Russell’s progress has to come first. And for our defensive needs, I don’t think this is a particularly strong draft.
The WR and LT positions, on the other hand? Take your pick.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:35 pm
raider fans are so knowledgeable / they say were goons and felons. yeah i got like 3 felonies but dat doesnt define me .. other fans sites just suck. the say stuff like . ” i beieve the chargers should draft somebody who throw the ball far ” morons
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:35 pm
McShay’s draft is not bad at all …
Maclin, Hood, Meredith, AQ Shipley, and a S
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:36 pm
So far as the O-Line “push”. I think a more powerful Center would help. Jerry thinks Mack is now off the table, and I don’t know Satele.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:36 pm
SnB : buddy your killing me everytime i start to think we have to get Russel a #1 wr and an LT in this years draft i read your post and change my mind….. 50 times a day. I no a strong D would take a butt load of presure off of J-roc but i still think he need a “GO TO” wr.Like ive said before have we invested to much into the O to stop now? Do you think Raji is butter then Dorsey or Ellis from last year ?
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:39 pm
M Lonetree Says:
“You couldn’t mean O-line protection and open wide receivers could you? Seems to me that any “type” of QB needs basically those two items to be successful.”
————————–
True, but for Russell it’s especially a problem. He’s not quick, and he’s not that hard to knock down. And we drafted him to throw the deep ball – something he hasn’t really had the time to do comfortably.
That, and we don’t have at least two receivers that demand attention. If we get that, you’ll see JLH burning some corners down the field in single coverage. Giving Russell the opportunity to launch that ball like everyone knows he can will make him a lot more confident.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:39 pm
JHill,
as you know, all drafts are good until the goods are shown on the field, and then…a 50% success rate appears optimum
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:40 pm
whoever our squad drafts( no maclin pleeeezeee!) the offense needs to run screens
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:43 pm
hey , russells pretty elusive when i play madden 09 … i should be da raiders coach ..
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:45 pm
dees folks on espn are dumb. they supposed 2 be experts. keep sayin maclin may be good returner for raiders. uhh, dont we have 2 great returners ?
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:47 pm
i really wanna beat da chokers , but as long as turd sands crushes phillip rivers adamantium jaw and kirk morrison breaks l.t`s fibula — im good
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:48 pm
“maclin may be good returner for raiders. uhh, dont we have 2 great returners ?”
This is the biggest problem with the Maclin argument, I think. I like the guy a whole lot, but I’m not sure how well he fits on our roster.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Russell’s worst sin is hanging his receivers out to dry. I cringe when he throws over the middle, high, and the receiver pays the price.
That’s what I’ll be looking at this year.
We may have to draft a receiver every year if he keeps it up.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Young American,
if you had Kwame as your guardian you might fold also. And, I do not believe that JRuss was drafted solely because he can heave the ball from the Coliseum to Fresno. It is an option unlike most QBs possess yes, a good option, but he is intended to make ALL the throws on the field.
Give the kid some confidence in his protection and he could step up to shed would-bes a la McNair to keep the play alive.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:51 pm
R8rpaver,
I have another question. Is this team a wide receiver away from the playoffs? If the answer is no, then what is preventing a playoff run…besides JaMarcus’ maturing into his position? O-Line? Defense?
Now ask yourself…when did teams like the Giants, Chargers, Titans, Patriots, Eagles, Ravens, Vikings, Saints add their top tier receivers?
Did those teams go wide receiver before building up their lines? Or was it somewhere else?
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:53 pm
KoolKell Says:
So far as the O-Line “push”. I think a more powerful Center would help. Jerry thinks Mack is now off the table, and I don’t know Satele.
———————–
Satele is a good young player, but he’s going to be going up against 3-4 NTs six games out of the season, just like he did in Miami. Probably more, but I don’t feel like looking up the defensive schemes of every non-divisional 2009 opponent right now. At any rate, that’s why Miami wanted Grove. I hope the ZBS helps Satele out.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Twocents Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Russell’s worst sin is hanging his receivers out to dry. I cringe when he throws over the middle, high, and the receiver pays the price.
That’s what I’ll be looking at this year.
======================================================
Russell’s worst sin is not asking for help. Where the hell was his coaches to push him before Cable this offseason? Where was the personell decisions? Kwame Harris, Ronald Curry, Ashley Lelie, Justin Fargas????
When the personell was right, the offense was okay.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:55 pm
real talk. jamarcus russell is a dumb country dude from da louisiana swamp & is too lazy and immature to be a productive n.f.l. quarterback. but i think he can win the m.v.p. this season.. or am i another dillusional fan? hmm.
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:57 pm
GO DOMINATE RAIDERS !! cant wait for this season . got 200 on us against da cowboys
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:59 pm
R8rpaver,
Then you look at teams like Detroit, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Cleveland, Houston, Denver, New Orleans, Miami….all teams that went receiver before the rest of the team was built right. Before the running game was up to snuff, the QB in place, a good O-Line….all those teams were twisting in the wind for years.
Only recently did Atlanta get on track and look what it took for them to get where they are. Still possible they could fall. Detroit????? LOL!!!!
Cleveland drafted Braylon Edwards and had nothing on defense or QB.
Houston wasted the first 5 or 6 years of Andre Johnson’s career. Just like the Lions are doing to Calvin.
Ted Ginn Jr. didn’t do a damn thing to help Miami that first year and he’s under pressure. Think Parcells would trade Ginn if he could get a 1st rounder for him?
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:01 pm
M Lonetree Says:
“if you had Kwame as your guardian you might fold also. And, I do not believe that JRuss was drafted solely because he can heave the ball from the Coliseum to Fresno. It is an option unlike most QBs possess yes, a good option, but he is intended to make ALL the throws on the field.
Give the kid some confidence in his protection and he could step up to shed would-bes a la McNair to keep the play alive.”
If I had Kwame Harris as my guardian, I’d start praying again.
McNair is a decent comparison. Not an exceptionally fast guy, but a big body that with good protection can be hard to knock down. That opportunity is something we should provide for Russell.
But yeah, he shouldn’t be hurling the ball to the end zone on every play. But that was the tremendous upside to Russell that everyone talked up before he became the #1 pick. And it’s also something Big Al loves to see.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:01 pm
doriangray Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:55 pm
real talk. jamarcus russell is a dumb country dude from da louisiana swamp & is too lazy and immature to be a productive n.f.l. quarterback. but i think he can win the m.v.p. this season.. or am i another dillusional fan? hmm.
=======================================================
Yawn….Russell wasn’t going to the pro-bowl or playoffs last year on this team.
He learned more by playing, struggling and having some success then he would have sitting on the bench.
He will be fine
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:05 pm
SnB: no were not just 1 or 2 players on O away from the playoff..But being we only have limited picks in any draft shoundnt we stick to building on one side of the ball first? The last 2 years we get Russel, Miller ,Bush,Dmac,with not much help on the line or wr.
I dont know.. I just feel we need to finish one task before we start another… With that said there is no question we need D-line help bad, that alone would help the O. I just would like to finish one thing before we start another.Who knows Marshal mite work wonders like Cable did with the line when he got here
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:06 pm
ted ginn jr. was miami leading wr last year.and satele has to go up against the 3-4 10 times this year.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Comment From AZ-RAIDER]
Thanks again Jerry. I was watching NFL network last week and one of the guest analysts stated “Jamarcus Russell in my opinion is the biggest bust in his draft class. I’ve never seen a QB miss so many open recievers”. Was this guy watching the same guy or what? Your thoughts on an opinion like this? I think we had the wrong recievers on the field most of the year and inconsistancy at tackle…
=======================================
That guy is the voice of the Chargers or works for them in some capacity.
He WISHES Russell was a bust. Wait till Crab and Russell start connecting for TDs bishes…
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:07 pm
we are 1 – 2 players from playoffs. and those players are PLAXICO BURRESS AND JULIAN PETERSON ..
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:08 pm
OR BART SCOTT AND ANQUAN BOLDIN ..
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:08 pm
OR BRAYLON EDWARDS AND BRIAN DAWKINS ..
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:09 pm
SnB,
Is WR one of weak spots of the Oakland Raiders? Yes or No.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:09 pm
blackdeath29 Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:06 pm
ted ginn jr. was miami leading wr last year.and satele has to go up against the 3-4 10 times this year.
=================================
Do mean now that Sateles in the AFC West or he faced 3-4’s with Miami that many times a year?
I think SD is a 3-4 and thought I heard KC and Denver are leaning that way too.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:09 pm
IMAGINE …
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Dorian,
You do know that Peterson got traded and Dawkins signed with Denver, right?
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:10 pm
doriangray Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:07 pm
we are 1 – 2 players from playoffs. and those players are PLAXICO BURRESS AND JULIAN PETERSON ..
doriangray Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:08 pm
OR BART SCOTT AND ANQUAN BOLDIN ..
doriangray Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:08 pm
OR BRAYLON EDWARDS AND BRIAN DAWKINS ..
=================================
OR…
Krod Mandoon and the Super Devil
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:11 pm
of course denver will be .. da head coach . duugh.. and k.c. likely too . da g.m.? 3/4 defense all season we gotta face
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:12 pm
I think Satele had to face a 3-4 last year something like eight games out of the season (not sure the exact number), and Miami thought they needed to upgrade with someone bigger who could better handle the NT.
This year, KC, SD and Denver will all run 3-4s, and like Blackdeath said, he’ll face a 3-4 defense ten times this season.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:12 pm
i know these things shoulda made moves at the right time . how bout r.brooks and torry holt?
-
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Every QB has errant throws. I’m not giving up on Russell. Some of his most accurate passes occur when he spots his receiver at the last minute and just lets it fly.
This season is going to answer a lot of questions, and not just for Russell. I can’t wait.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:13 pm
r8rpaver Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:05 pm
SnB: no were not just 1 or 2 players on O away from the playoff..But being we only have limited picks in any draft shoundnt we stick to building on one side of the ball first? The last 2 years we get Russel, Miller ,Bush,Dmac,with not much help on the line or wr.
=======================================================
That’s what got Matt Millen and the Lions in trouble. He drafted all those receivers because the thinking was trying to find weapons for Joey Harrington.
I see a team like the Giants, Titans or Ravens. They build the team first…and fill in the skill guys later. That’s why if those three teams pick a receiver….they will get a big boost. That’s why the Eagles, Ravens, Giants are in the Anquan Boldin sweepstakes. They are looking for the player to put them over the top.
The Raiders are just trying to get back to competitive. When your defense gives up 160 yards PER GAME on the ground….your not in the playoff discussion
I still maintain that the offense was okay when the right people were on the field
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:13 pm
super devil kikks ass .. im so glad lil rounds got kicked off idol ..
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:15 pm
rey maualuga and chad johnson ? = playoffs
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:15 pm
SnB,
Is WR a weakness for the Raiders? Yes or No
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:15 pm
SnB – Thats a great trade idea for the Lions in regards to Quinn. I think Quinn is the real deal but the NFL is afraid of him. It would be worth the risk and the money for the Lions to do so.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:15 pm
i wouldnt be surprised if we took one of the top TE instead of another WR
we used alot of double TE in those last few games..with Bush power-running and Dmac split,it created real problems and gave Russell more time..the only problem for the offence right now,is to get Miller a good complimentary TE and maybe a back-up FB….
everything else should be defence starting with 1.Ray Ray 2.Brace
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:16 pm
no SnB da offense was sickly , fukkin pathetic. we havent had decent offense since charlie garner was on the team ..
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Dude Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:09 pm
SnB,
Is WR one of weak spots of the Oakland Raiders? Yes or No.
=======================================================
Depends on who the starting line up is. JLH and Schilens had enough explosiveness to tease the Patriots and put Houston and Tampa Bay in their place.
I like our receivers if they can play full time. Are they elite? No…Are they serviceable? Yes
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:17 pm
SnB: If you could draft only 2 guys in this years draft who would they be ?
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:20 pm
R8rpaver,
Jason Smith and B.J Raji
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Yes or No. Is the WR position a weakness of the Raiders
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Two things; Jeff Garcia doesn’t need to be the same “style” QB to help JRuss. He knows how to work, what to work on, and has been reading and studying NFL defenses for about 15 years. That’s where he will benefit Russell the most.
Hackett will help him more with the mechanics of the position; timing, footwork, touch, ball placement, etc.
It’s a good setup, and it shows that the Raiders are serious about devloping JaMarcus the right way.
Also, I’d love to see Brady Quinn in NY. Watching him throw those flutter balls in the wind at the Meadowlands would be quite entertaining. Especially if we were playing them. Nnamdi would pick him three times in one game.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:21 pm
If the QB is the most important guy on the team, then you need to set him up with players so he can make the team better. While you have the chance, draft Crabtree and give him that #1 WR he desperately needs. Then, next year we can focus on the Defense with all of our picks for all I care.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:21 pm
the raiders should trade russell and 7th pick to lions for `1st pick .. then trade bush and stanford routt to browns for quinn . then draft j.smith from baylor . run a misderection/ playaction offense . then well kick major ass !!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Dude Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Yes or No. Is the WR position a weakness of the Raiders
====================================================
No
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:22 pm
When Payton Manning went 1-15 in his first season was there a lot of fans out there saying he was a bust?
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:23 pm
yes Dude wide reciever is a fukkin weakness on the raiders!!
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:23 pm
1- Monroe/ A Smith/ Crab/ Maclin/ Orakpo/ Or Raji ( in that order)
2- M Johnson/ DHB/ Jarron Gilbert/ Meredith/ or Paul Kruger. In that order.
3- Alex Magee/ Dorell Scott/ or Sammie Lee
4- J Williams/ or Z Follett
5- we trade up to draft: SS Mike Mitchell
That’s the best draft scenario. IMO
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:24 pm
You can’t expect Jamarcus Russell to progress with “serviceable” players. If he doesn’t improve quick in this league, he could be out the door. Considering it usually takes 3 years for a WR to develop into a complete playmaker, you have to take Crabtree now and let your “serviceable” players get you by until that playmaker is ready to shine. If you wait 2 more years, thats 2 more years without an All Star WR and if you get one then, now you have to wait 3 years from that point, making it 5 years from that time which is 5 years too long for JR.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:25 pm
raiderO if u post ur fukkin dumb ass in your opinion draft 1 more time. im gonna print it out and make u eat it wit cocktail sauce
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:27 pm
24… I agree with you; we have five draft choices. No reason at all not to get the franchise QB a legitimate red zone threat.
1. Crabtree
2. M. Johnson
3. Brinkley (or depth for the O-line if you prefer)
4. Mitchell
You get the playmaker you should have, and you fill three other need positions with good players while you’re at it.
Just my .02
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Troy Aikman had Michael Irvin. Brett Favre had Antonio Freeman. Steve Young had Jerry Rice. Ben Roethlisberger had Hines Ward. Jim Kelly had Andre Reed. Give Jamarcus Russell his playmaker.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:28 pm
This is the 1st time I say this to somone here, but you Are an Idiot.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Doriangray – Its going to be interesting watching how you do that on an internet blog.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:29 pm
yeah , trent dilfer had …. uhh . ..
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:29 pm
So let me get this straight. EVERY media outlet that covers the draft lists WR as a need/weakness. EVERY Raider beat writer including the one who runs this blog say WR is a need/weakness. The leading WR on the club had 22 or so catches and you think the recievers are fine. I understand you want to go defensive line, for good reason as anyone who follows the Raiders knows, but to ignore the fact that the Raiders do not have a starting caliber WR on the roster borders on lunacy. How do you pretend to be smarter than the rest of the world? Bottom line_ you dont draft a QB at number 1 and NOT give him a top notch WR to grow with.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Hopefully…we won’t be picking in the Top 10 after this year because hopefully we’ll be good enough to have a much better record. With that being said, how many chances do you get to get a WR like Crabtree in the Top 10? Not many…so while we’re here, lets get him so we don’t have to worry about it later on.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:31 pm
well jeff hostetler had .. ummm …
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:31 pm
1- Monroe/ A Smith/ Crab
2- M Johnson/ DHB/ Gilbert/ Kruger
3- Magee/ Scott/ Sammie
4- OLB or SS
Print it and make me eat it you ignorant SOB.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:31 pm
24 Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:21 pm
If the QB is the most important guy on the team, then you need to set him up with players so he can make the team better. While you have the chance, draft Crabtree and give him that #1 WR he desperately needs. Then, next year we can focus on the Defense with all of our picks for all I care.
=======================================================
I just haven’t seen teams that “wait” until next year for the defense just never seem to get there. I think its a philosophy.
If the Raiders wanted to build the receiver corps…they should go out and get a competent veteran receiver like Torry Holt or Mike Furrey and try to get the defense to AVERAGE.
Go get an Armani Toomer. If you want to help the QB, he needs someone that plays on day 1. A solid veteran that can get open and knows how to play would give Russell a bigger boost.
Tom Brady got it done with forgetable receivers. Donavan McNabb has made 5 NFC Championship gammes with solid, although unspectacular receivers.
Who is Drew Brees’ wide receivers?
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:32 pm
man.. doug williams had … fukk it /..
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:33 pm
SnB : Sorry about the delay watching the BBQ also…If we need so much help on D why would you take a T and not 2 D players…just a side note im not trying to be a pain in the a$$ i really like your insite
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Doriangray – Come on. Think! The Ravens Defense was more special than most defenses. You don’t find that very often. Its not like Jim Harbaugh was the greatest QB for the 85 Bears either. Again…special situations don’t happen regularly.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:34 pm
drew brees has great recievers dude ..
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:35 pm
24 Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Hopefully…we won’t be picking in the Top 10 after this year because hopefully we’ll be good enough to have a much better record. With that being said, how many chances do you get to get a WR like Crabtree in the Top 10? Not many…so while we’re here, lets get him so we don’t have to worry about it later on.
======================================================
Just like Troy Williamson? Braylon Edwards or Mike Williams were CAN’T MISS guys.
There are talented receivers in the draft every single year.
Building a stronger defense gets you wins. And wins will do more for a QBs confidence than anything else
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Dude – Someone mentioned that Asomugha of all people said he thought the Raiders should draft a WR. If anybody knows the weakness of the WR core, it would be him.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I have read on here that wide receivers take two to three years to develop; I don’t think that’s a universal truth, but I’ll play along…
It seems fairly obvious that the Raiders need a number one receiver. Would you rather have Crabtree next year with a years’ worth of NFL experience and working with JaMarcus and the offense, or would you rather draft another #2 receiver this year and have to look for a number one next year as well?
If he’s there, you take him. No hesitation.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Nope. SnB says it aint so, therefor it aint so.
SnB,
Ill bite. Brees has Colston.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:38 pm
doriangray Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:34 pm
drew brees has great recievers dude ..
=======================================================
Devery Henderson = 2nd round pick
Lance Moore = Undrafted Free Agent
Marques Colston = 7th round pick
Drew Brees made those guys good. Good O-Line play and a good running game allowed Brees to use his skills and playmaking to TURN those receivers into “great” receivers
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Asking this Idiot to think is like asking a lizzard to perform tricks.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:40 pm
I would rather see a defense that gives up about 40 to 50 less ypg next year.
Force all those run 1st offenses on the schedule this year to beat us with the pass.
Stop losing games in the 4th QTR.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:40 pm
come on . who givs a flat fukk wut round they were drafted in? tom brady = draftd round 100 .
those guys are ballers . robert meachem too.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:41 pm
SnB,
No response to #319?
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:41 pm
doriangray
Drew Brees – 0 Superbowls
Doug Williams – Art Monk and Gary Clark (Pro Bowler)
Jeff Hostetler didn’t have much, I’ll give you that.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:41 pm
defense plays better when offense is on field more . ball control teams have the best d.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:42 pm
I thought you were going to do something?? Why talk if you can’t do sh!t, just keep your mouth shut. You will be doing the entire world a favor.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:43 pm
I mean, the ideal situation would obviously be a trade with the Bills. But I don’t see the Bills wanting anyone at #7 bad enough to make that happen.
With #11 and #28, you could get a solid DE and Hakeem Nicks – a veritable wet dream of a draft for a team that has far too many holes to fill.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:44 pm
raiderO how dare u insult my superior intelligence ? im lowering myself by even entering this blog room. but i said they are fellow raider fans so , ill honor them with a piece of my mind.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:44 pm
r8rpaver Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:33 pm
SnB : Sorry about the delay watching the BBQ also…If we need so much help on D why would you take a T and not 2 D players…just a side note im not trying to be a pain in the a$$ i really like your insite
======================================================
You asked me what two players I would draft. I would take the best player at the two positions that could help this team win consistently.
Jason Smith is the best O-Lineman in the draft. A great left tackle that can sit for 10-15yrs is huge.
B.J Raji is the best D-Lineman in the draft. A good NT helps the Raiders upgrade 5 postions on defense.
Defenses will have to pick between doubling Kelly or Raji…O-Lineman stay off our athletic linebackers and even the defensive end will face more one-on-one. Gotta put a dent in a run defense that gives up 160 yards. That’s ridiculous!
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:47 pm
with that being said raiderO im about 1 more disrespectful post from u and im coming to yur mother`s basement and putting a lot of pain on u .
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:48 pm
LMAO.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:48 pm
SnB Defense Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:44 pm
r8rpaver Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:33 pm
SnB : Sorry about the delay watching the BBQ also…If we need so much help on D why would you take a T and not 2 D players…just a side note im not trying to be a pain in the a$$ i really like your insite
======================================================
You asked me what two players I would draft. I would take the best player at the two positions that could help this team win consistently.
Jason Smith is the best O-Lineman in the draft. A great left tackle that can sit for 10-15yrs is huge.
B.J Raji is the best D-Lineman in the draft. A good NT helps the Raiders upgrade 5 postions on defense.
Defenses will have to pick between doubling Kelly or Raji…O-Lineman stay off our athletic linebackers and even the defensive end will face more one-on-one. Gotta put a dent in a run defense that gives up 160 yards. That’s ridiculous!
================================================================= Thanks for your insite time to eat
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Snb defense . please stop ! 15 year left tackle? is dat ever goin to be possible? wuts da percentage of dat happening?
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:50 pm
SnB,
Your silence speaks volumes. Thanks for playing.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:50 pm
SnB – There will always be missed, whether you draft in the 1st round or the 5th round but the odds are greater, wouldn’t you agree with that? Seriously, you draft a guy in the 1st Round for a reason, if he doesn’t pan out, he doesn’t pan out. Not everyone will but how many 5th Rounders are going to be great as an example? You get lucky sometimes yes but you go with the surest thing you can.
Now…You’re saying that a great defense gives the QB confidence? To what? Make a mistake and say…Thank God my defense bailed me out again? The Defense is called “Defense” for a reason. The offense needs to run smoothly and effectively and when it doesn’t, you have to put your shields up or your defenses up to prevent the other offense from scoring. You don’t need a Defense to constantly save your QB to give him confidence, you need the QB to be confident regardless that he himself can go and win the game for your team.
The QB gains confidence when he can throw the ball to somebody knowing full well that his WR is going to catch the ball or bail him out if he throws a bad pass. A QB gains confidence when he drops back to pass and his Offensive Line isn’t constantly letting people through to hit him. A QB gains confidence when he turns to hand off and watches his RB constantly get 5 yards per carry.
Now…If a QB drops back and can’t find someone open and he moves around the pocket to buy time and finally gets hit, he loses confidence. When your QB drops back to pass and finds someone open and throws it to the WR and he drops the ball consistently, he loses confidence. When the QB drops back to pass and gets hit right away because his offensive line couldn’t protect him, he loses confidence. When the QB hands the ball off to his RB to see him get 3 yards or less per carry, the QB loses confidence.
When the QB cannot trust the guys around him on offense, he forces things to happen and makes more mistakes. When he throws an interception and his Defense gets the ball back for him, he thinks…”Whew, Thank God.” Thats only relief but the pressure is still on for him to get the job done. I understand that Defense wins Championships but you still have to give your QB as many targets as you possibly can in order for him to feel confident and succeed.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:51 pm
i swear some of u guys should be working at disneyworld . silly dreamers . ” nothing comes to dreamers but dreams ” quote from the great artist – prince
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:53 pm
I do believe The Raiders are two players away from having a great offense. Weather the defense could be serviceable enough to get into the playoffs I don’t know.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:53 pm
but anyway , i met this cute little dark skinned girl , bout 26 . she wants me 2 come over and massage her . problem is i dont know how to . any tips?
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:54 pm
raider nation should help 1 another. and i dont wanna blow it . she has da cutest butt.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Another thing…the reality is that we aren’t winning the Superbowl this year. So…with that in mind, get your offense rolling now so that when you are a team thats worth making it to the Superbowl, you’re already one step ahead. This year should be Offense, next year can be Defense. Lets GUARENTEE Jamarcus Russell success by giving him all the necessary tools he needs to succeed and if he fails, then damn him for being a terrible QB. Then…when you get another QB, at least you already have the necessary tools in place for that guy to succeed.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Dude Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:29 pm
So let me get this straight. EVERY media outlet that covers the draft lists WR as a need/weakness. EVERY Raider beat writer including the one who runs this blog say WR is a need/weakness. The leading WR on the club had 22 or so catches and you think the recievers are fine. I understand you want to go defensive line, for good reason as anyone who follows the Raiders knows, but to ignore the fact that the Raiders do not have a starting caliber WR on the roster borders on lunacy. How do you pretend to be smarter than the rest of the world? Bottom line_ you dont draft a QB at number 1 and NOT give him a top notch WR to grow with.
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I think that JLH only getting 22 catches has more to do with him only starting 3 games? If he started 16 games, then one could say…well JLH is a shoddy receiver. Schilens had 5 starts and averaged about 3 per game or 48 for a year.
The Raiders wasted most of the year with Curry and Lelie getting too much time.
I think the Raider playcalling was unnecessarily conservative and erratic.
Also, the Raiders, when they get everything together, is never going to have a primary 90+ catch receiver. Too many potential weapons in the passing game. The Tight End, 2 Running Backs and three wide receivers are all going to get throws. Plus the Raiders are going to run the ball 30+ times with DMAC and Bush.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Einsteins’ defintion of Insanity:
Doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results.
You are Crazy.
LMAO
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Doriangray – You don’t know how to? Well first…you get in your car or on your bike or you walk if thats all you have and you go to her house. You can figure out the rest when you actually make it there but I suggest you leave now if you have an realistic chance, otherwise you might miss out.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Jeff Hostetler had Tim Brown, Rocket Ismael, Alexander Wright, and Willie Gault. One great WR and three decent ones.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:59 pm
You’re making some really good points 24 …
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:59 pm
thanks 24 . im leavin now .. screw u guys . and i drive a ford mustang . jerk off ..
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:00 pm
bye raider nation buddies . u too O .
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:01 pm
24,
LMAO
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:02 pm
There is no guarentee that Higgins or Schilens were going to put up great stats by starting every game. The more film they have, the more other teams can study it and find their weaknesses so that doesn’t mean they would have gotten better. On top of that, the Raiders went with veteran players, who probably did better than Higgins or Schilens would have done realistically and they failed as well. Having Higgins and Schilens sit back and learn the game some more, really helped them figure the game out and succeed.
The offense was sputtering from the start. The 1st 12 games, JR was completely inaccurate, Curry couldn’t catch anything, Lelie was new and trying to learn our system on the fly, our offensive line was struggling, Walker had gotten beat up in Vegas, Higgins was a bobble head in the beginning of the year, Schilens had more chances to start but got hurt, McFadden was awesome until he lost his toes, Fargas is one dimensional and Bush didn’t want to play fullback. On top of that, we lost our fullbacks…both of them.
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Take care Dorian.
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Raiderkoolaid – I think he was talkin about Hostetler with the Giants but who knows.
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:06 pm
JHill – I sure hope so.
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:10 pm
24 Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:25 pm
I can actually see the Browns getting sour on Crabtree’s attitude because Eric Mangini is an idiot. He has no patience for anything and hes a control freak. If he smells trouble, he runs away from it. Thats why his teams will never win because nobody can ever have a bigger personality than Mangini himself and Mangini has no personality so his teams play like it.
——————————
I agree. Mangini is the anti-Raider. Not that he hates the Raiders, he’s just the antithesis of Al Davis and the typical Raider mentality. Thank God Al never hired Mangini as head coach.
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:11 pm
http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/04/22/salary-cap-space-as-of-april-22/
A Look at the Pre-Draft Cap Room
Raiders at $9.33 Million
Not bad considering their mistakes.
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:11 pm
doriangray Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:59 pm
thanks 24 . im leavin now .. screw u guys . and i drive a ford mustang . jerk off ..
——————-
I drive a Dodge Stratus!! People are afraid of me!!
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Chris in NY – Sad part is…I was high on him at first but I was wrong about him.
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:15 pm
to see the raiders needs look no further than the carolina game
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:18 pm
24,
Its all opinion. I think its about where one places their “hope” strategy.
I believe that the Raiders had good games when the roster was right. Namely a healthy DMAC and Bush, no Kwame, and Schilens and JLH. I also “hope” that Walker can get a year removed from his knee surgery and put in performance like the Jets game more often.
Others place their belief in John Marshall’s teaching ability.
It goes both ways in the end. I am a defense guy 1st. The defense has two players of note that are starters from the draft in the last 5 years. And one of them (Morrison) is still a question mark.
No wonder the defense is among the worst in the league
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Honestly I can’t wait until the draft because no matter who we pick at 7 we’re gonna get a good player. Whether we pick raji, crabtree, orakpo, maclin, smith, or brown we will be getting a grat player. I don’t feel we can lose with either choice because they all fill a need.So no matter who we choose i’m gonna be rooting for them and happy with the pick. At first I was all for orakpo then brown then crabtree then raji, and wouldn’t be upset if we picked maclin either. So i’m not gonna say who I want. I just want the draft to be over.
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Speaking of the draft…did you guys know Bo Jackson ran 4.12 at the combine per wikipedia? Holy Schytt!!!!
Please crazy Al please pick Mike Mitchell….
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:23 pm
i totally agree 372……
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:24 pm
SnB – Yes…and that Defense is obviously an Al Davis Defense. The damn thing hasn’t changed in philosophy and we still have the same weaknesses we’ve always had so I don’t expect that to change. We will pick defensive players and for the most part, they will always be average. So…lets get some offensive firepower yeah? Marshall’s teaching will be what Al Davis wants him to teach. The positive side about Marshall is that he excels in his man to man playcalling unlike Rob Ryan and his 3-4 Zone Defense.
I’m all about the Defense too but Al Davis never gets big and solid DE’s. He doesn’t pay much for his linebackers and doesn’t usually draft high for them and he consistently drafts Defensive Backs and has great success with the corners but usually lacks when drafting safeties but I think that has alot to do with the schemes he wants to enforce which puts way too much pressure on the safeties to cover way too much ground.
I think the Defense will improve because I think Marshall will call a better game plan but improvement may only be #18 Overall Defense. Lets at least have a Top 5 Offense to counter than if anything.
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:25 pm
bo jackson was a very rare person. too bad he got hurt. could you imagine what we could of done.
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:26 pm
JHill,
The Raiders also have a bunch of O-Lineman too. THe Raiders will pick the best player available and not worry about the current roster.
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and 3 of those 5 Olineman who were signed are ugraded at their position. Barnes was a starter and is far better then Green and Harris.. Pears was a starter and far better then Green and Harris.. Satelli was a 2 year starter and is better then Grove..
picking the best player available is the most ridiculous way to draft.. the teams who draft the best are the teams who draft the best players at a needed position.. this could be the exact reason why our drafts have sucked major you know whats..
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:26 pm
I’ve said this before…I’m all for Crabtree but this draft really has me stumped. There definately is alot of talent and if we choose one of the other top guys, I won’t be mad. I have my preferences but I won’t be mad. Unless we draft a Defensive Back…then I’ll be royally pissed off and I’ll actually have to smoke some dank just to calm my nerves.
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:27 pm
I don’t believe our d is that bad. It’s just our O is so horrible the d wears down and we run out of plays. Before the games over we’d shown the opposition our entire hand and they’d have us on our heels. So I do blieve the offense can make the d better. You gotta understand it really and truly is hard to pitch a shutout… and that goes for any D.So you have to put up more than 10 points a game to win. Lack of O lost us the buffalo game, the miami game, the carolina game,the baltimore game, and more.):
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Thats probably why Bo Jackson got hurt. He was too good to be true. Sometimes, life has to balance itself and Bo was far too superior for the rest of the world. Maybe he found a Genie and made 3 wishes but forgot to ask for invincibility. Thats what did him in.
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:28 pm
It sure didn’t help to see Rob Ryan throwing out the Prevent Defense anytime we’d score on Offense. I’d say that Rob Ryan was trying to sabotage this team because he sure didn’t put up a fight when we had a lead.
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Lack of O lost us the buffalo game, the miami game, the carolina game,the baltimore game, and more.):
=======================================================
Uh, Buffalo game the Raiders were up 9 points with 5 minutes left in the game.
Miami, the team had the doggone lead in the 4th QTR and out came the Ryan prevent defense that had Morrison covering Ted Ginn Jr on 4th & 5.
Carolina the Raiders started a backup quarterback.
As for Baltimore, everyone jacked that up. Defense got pounded on the ground, the offense was painfully conservative and the O-Line overwhelmed and the playcalling from the coaches on both sides of the ball was not fit to win anything
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Lol 24 he did I can’t lie. I could name a few times we were playing kansas city and had the lead late and the rob gave it away in the end. But its been more times i’ve seen the o lose a game in comparison to the d for us.
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Yea we were up nine but we chould have been up more. And lane got real conservative towards the end. But knowing lane he was probably doing it to get at al.
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Bad or inexperienced coaching / personnel decision lost a few games last year too. Replacing the following players would have netted the Raiders at least 2 more wins…maybe more:
DeAngelo Hall – the worst cornerback play I have ever seen
Kwame Harris – the worst LT play I have ever seen…
Cornell Green – along with Harris..how many false starts and holding penalities inside the 30?
Michael Huff – was it the scheme or the player… regardless, a liability on the field
Curry/Lelie – Those guys couldn’t catch the ball, couldn’t get open and couldn’t make plays
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:55 pm
this Draft has to be about Jamarcus Russell and that’s why Michael Crabtree has to be the pick, and Gerald Cadogan.
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:55 pm
SnB,
Bro, you really do make some good points when presenting you d-line case. I agree with almost everything you say. There is no debating the fact that d-line is a major weakness on the Raiders and you have laid out you points well. BUT. Your insistence that WR is NOT a weak spot on this team destroys all your credibility. Its too bad because you really are one of the guys on this board who can lay out their opinions without being completely insane and irrational.
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:57 pm
When you’re bad on both sides of the ball where do you start I love Chaz&JLH potential but how many catches did they both have last year and the o-line was the worst in NFL , but good lord If we don’t need help on the D-line,lb,s
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Yea thats why im so amped for the draft because we’ve got rid of those bums, all the players on the team want to be here want to win, and we’re gonna add to that this year. Our run game is great o-line not great but should be improved in comparison to last year. Jamarcus has a mentor at qb who isn’t afraid to scramble.(: And al is onboard. The soap opera is in denver now… I can’t wait.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:05 pm
What up fellas,
I am 100% convinced of who we are taking at #7. It will be Jeremy Maclin. Here’s why:
It all starts and ends with JaMarcus. He needs a target in the worst way. Crabtree will be gone at #5 to Cleveland.
We won’t take Raji because of the tackles we have who will get the benefit of the doubt in regards to their play because of a new DC. We can get one in the 2nd round
We won’t take a LT because as of all reports to date, Henderson and Barnes appear to be in a fight to start on left side with the loser going to the right. Mopstick could also play on the right side again and before anyone claim that Mopstick can’t play the right side, slap yourself because you are the very same who touts Bush as our best back because he had one big game running behind Mopstick’s side.
So mark it down with ink, Maclin is the pick.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Nomorefargas- yes jlh and schilens only had a few catches but they didn’t play the whole year either. Remember chaz was hurt for a while and didn’t get the nod over javon until late late in the season. On top of that lane refused to open the pass game up because jamarcus wasn’t ready, and the plays he had drawn up im sure they weren’t designed for jlh to make plays. Another thing you have to add was jamarcus’s accuracy too. But all in all as the season went on you started to see them get comfortable and gain more confidence. I think rhey will build on that and do even better with a real threat added through the draft to relieve pressure. So if you’re a raiders fan say 09 is min1.(;
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:09 pm
I dont remember Chaz being hurt. If you aint beatn out clowns like Lelie and Walker then you aint that great.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Hey maclin isn’t a bad pick. And it sounds as if he would love to be a raider and sees the same vision of the raiders future as al davis and tom cable. I remember seeing his lil documentary piece on espn a while back ago and his story was interesting, he seems to be a very humbled young man. Crabtree can ball but he seems like he’s an asshole. He sounds like t.o and chad already and hasn’t even stepped on the field yet. I like him but I think down the road he’d believe he was bigger than the team and ask for al’s whole life savings or a trade.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:17 pm
He was. i don’t remeber what he injured exactly but he was injured. And i don’t believe it was a situation where they couldn’t beat out players like walker and lelie, but a situation where they were never given the opportunity under lane because these players weren’t his picks.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Dude
He was hurt, but your point is valid. When healthy he still couldn’t beat out Curry or Lelie who was signed of the street mid-season……pitiful.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Imagine the battles Nnamdi and Maclin will have in camp. If Maclin can win a few of them we are set. I mean JaMarcus is set.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:23 pm
well since Higgens and Schillens started the last 3 games.. id say he beat out Curry and Walker..
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Did you guys hear that Tate from UNC and Harvin flunked piss tests at the Combine. Will be nice 2nd and 3rd round picks for some team now. Harvin in 2nd and Tate in 3rd.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Other than D.Russell don’t remember big al drafting to many dl in the first round and Russell was what like 6′5 320 de with speed and burst, damn don’t know if any Raider broke my heart more than him he had all the talent in the world when he was on he would dominate the line .
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:27 pm
So many different opinions on the draft and rightly so. That’s what make this time of year so great. Something to talk about that fills the gap until August.
When it all comes down to it, it’s Al Davis making the pick. Not Cable or anyone else…period.
Even John Gruden who coached the Raiders for four years says as much. The picks come from Al Davis, period. Gruden did say that Al isn’t afraid to take a chance in the draft, so that leaves many possibilities.
Gruden says we’re basically forced to take a wide receiver. Russell needs the help.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:29 pm
How stupid do you have to be, to not study for your piss test? You know the combine is in late february evey year!
Unbelievable. They would rather get high than cash in on the deal of a lifetime.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Chip Vaughn or Michael Mitchell?
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:45 pm
What is really interesting about this draft is the first 6 picks are where some real talent lies. Stafford/Smith/Monroe/Curry/Crabtree/Smith. Those guys are going to be very good players. We pick 7th. The wild card in all of this is Mark Sanchez. Word going around right now is that Joke-sonville is going to take Sanchez at 8th overall. The question then becomes is Joke-sonville blowing smoke out their asses or are they actually going to take Sanchez?? Jokesonville gave David Garrard a HUGE contract and cut Leftwich. Garrard for the most part, has played well. If Joke-sonville IS ACTUALLY going to take Sanchez at 8, that makes the number 7 overall VERY valuable to Denver, Washington and the jets. If the six guys I mentioned above are all off the board by the time we pick, we are full on fooked. Chances are, that is not going to happen. If any one of those guys IS available when we are on the clock, you grab him. And I include Matt Stafford in that as well. This is just now getting interesting.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:46 pm
# raiderdre Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Chip Vaughn or Michael Mitchell?
———————————————–
Neither. Sean Smith. 2nd round. DB Utah.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:46 pm
raiderdre Says:
Chip Vaughn or Michael Mitchell?
————————
David Bruton.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Chip or mike? thats a hard one. Chip hits hard and doesn’t seem to miss tackles and mike hits like sean taylor… From reading up on chip scouters say he’s strong point is playing in the box and going against the run but is suspect in pass covereage. That right there sounds to me like gibril 2.0. Thats a tough one…
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Michael Mitchell is who I want at SS. He can cover and is a hard hitter.
Also ran a 4.3+. not bad for a 6′0 220 SS.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:49 pm
I was thinking if we don’t go Safety until the later rounds.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:50 pm
On the clock though with time winding down I’d take chip.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:50 pm
I like Bruto a lot too, but mike can hit harder. I would be happy with him or Bruton.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:53 pm
Mitchell looked sick on the youtube clips if we got him we could play him and branch man that is some serious speed at safety . The beauty of the draft is their are major finds in every round.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:53 pm
Yeah, Bruton isn’t the hardest hitter, but he’s quick to the line of scrimmage on run plays, and he’s smart in coverage. Not only that, but the dude is a special teams god. I think he’s the right fit for our defense. Definitely an Al Davis pick, too – big and fast. At a third or fourth round pick, he could be a steal.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:53 pm
If M Johnson and Gilbert are gone at 40, what do you guys think about drafting Paul Kruger, DE from Utah?
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Looks good on paper! Probably will wind up being better than M. Johnson. I think M. Johnson can be a beast but I don’t think his heart will be in it. I wanted Gholston last year and he reminds me of him. I Don’t want to touch that.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Bruton or Mitchell, that’s a hard one for me.
Mitchell’s fav players are Tatum and S Taylor, how can you not like that?
The kid likes to hit, and we haven’t had a guy like that in years.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:02 pm
You know alot of people talk about jamarcus having a big year this year… But I believe Dmac is gonna have the biggest breakout this year. Right now all the focus is on the draft and what the player we bring in is gonna do when its year two and dmac is healthy with a yrs experience under his belt.(: Man… ima raiders fan and 09 is Mine!
Tom cables isn’t excited for no reason… Trust me when we play them sandigeo homos they’re gonna be in for a ruuuude awakening. Because the cabe guy is putting us in everybodys vision and has some tricks up his sleeve. yay boogie.(:
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Kruger would most likely play OLB in a 3/4 in the league. Not really a DE. At least that’s what most of us think. Safety has become INCREDIBLY important in the league. All the conference championship teams had an ALL PRO safety playing. I think Sean Smith the marquee player, the Safety out of an undefeated Utah program, might be the best DB in the nation. Some teams have him slated for Corner, other teams have him slated at safety. That’s how good he is. Nice to see my boy Lawrence Sidbury climbing the draft charts at DE. He has gone from undrafted to a potential 2nd rounder in 2 months. Guess I should stop hyping him.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:05 pm
I’m not giving up on Gholston. Not yet. If Rex can’t do anything with him, then I will give up on him.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:06 pm
The only way Jamarcus is going to have a big year is if we can get the Offensive tackle position solidified. And as much as I hate to say it, it has not happened yet.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Actually it was chip vaughn who said jak tatum was his fav player. Mike was excited to hear from a great like wilie. It seems they both would love to be raiders. And they both can play. I would like to sign both just to be safe honestly. Just trade huff.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:08 pm
I like Sidbury too, but not in the 2nd. 3rd or 4th would be great.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:09 pm
I’m not either. I think he can turn it around but his comments are what bothers me. He says things like try and hopefully he will be better this year. I want to hear I will do better, this is my year, I will shut everybody up! Rex needs to get in that boys head!
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Going in a completely different direction, if Sean Smith is gone, and Percy Harvin is on the board early in the 2nd round, GRAB HIM!!!!
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:10 pm
The reason I go Bruton:
- 6′2, 212 with a 4.3 40
- 55 tackles, 3 INTs, a sack and a punt block in his first year as a starter.
- Comes from the same Notre Dame defensive system as Chinedum Ndukwe (Bengals) and Tom Zbikowski (Ravens)
- all-around class act
As cool as it would be to have a guy who hits like Tatum, we’ve sorely missed good coverage from our safeties. He’s also quick to the line on running plays. Dude’s the real deal.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:10 pm
oak
Well we can’t honestly comment say that because we haven’t seen the line in action. henderson improved towards the end and there will be 2 new starters guranteed. Our line is different, so i’d like to wait and see before I make a statement like that.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:15 pm
I thought it was Mitchell. I can’t wait fir the draft, I don’t think my brain can take more stars or draft info. lol
By the way Oak, I disagree about Kruger.
He has great size and strength for a DE.
He is 6′4 265-270.
Had 24 reps on the bench and ran well. Had a 4.86 40 and 4.79.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Raider O, I am not saying I’m right. Just my opinion. I am not high on Mario Henderson becoming a stellar LT. We should take a page out of the Falcons play book: they grabbed solid Q, solid OT, and their team played well. We have a solid Q, no OT’s. Taking OT castoffs from other teams has never worked in the history of humanity. I think Kruger is going to be a very very good player. I think he would be a very good OLB tho.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:18 pm
I think he lost his confidence, and that’s why he talks like that now.
He was the 5th pick, and he didn’t play. Also, can you imagine the NY media and what they said about him. I like the kid a lot, and I think he can play in the NFL.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:20 pm
What is really funny about the Raiders is they have tried and tried to solve some problems, with some guys who you would think are no miss guys, and they miss. Gallery, Gibson, Huff, these are NEED positions and we thought we had the right guys. I guess we thought wrong.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:22 pm
of all the safeties…Mitchell is da man and Vaugh is 2nd in physicality. the other guys maybe good in cov but real weak in physicality. Rashad Johnson’s own youtube have him bouncing off runners!!!
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Oak,
Its OK Bro. I asked you guys about him, so I do want to hear your opinion Oak.
I respect your opinion sir, but like I stated. I just disagree .
You can disagree with me anytime. lol
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Thanks O. I respect your opinion as well. I’m proud to know Raider fans like you guys in here.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Oak,
What do you about this:
1- A Smith
2- M Johnson or DHB if available
3- Alex Magee, Dorell Scott, or Sammie Lee
4- Bruton/ Mike Mitchell
7- OLB Russell Allen SDSU, or Ty Sales from Penn.
This is your chance to disagree. lol
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:31 pm
What do you THINK about that draft? Sorry.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:34 pm
My saturday predictions….1. Detroit/Stafford…2 Rams/Jason Smith…3. KC/Curry…4. Seahawks/Monroe… 5. Browns/Orakpo…6. Bengals/Andre Smith…7. Raiders/Raji…8. Jags/Crabtree…9. Pack/Jenkins…10. Niners/Oher…..there ya have my top ten….my bold prediction is Sanchez not in top ten,…falls to Jets….personally I would take Maclin over Raji,…my biggest bust in this years draft is Crabtree,..he will once in a while show something but will miss more games then he plays….I have spoken.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Oak,
This Sales kid from Penn, I don’t know!!
You tell me.
He was suppose to be a 2nd to 3rd RD pick, and he is from Penn. ( they have a good history with LBs in the NFL)
He had 2 off the field issues with the police, so his stock droped a lot. He had 2 different issues with the police, but with the 7th do you care?!
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Also,
I don’t have a good reason to tell you, but I think M Johnson OR DHB will be available at 40. I also think we should jump on that pick.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Whos dhb?
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:43 pm
I don’t think we will take Raji.
I also think if Monroe is gone, the bengals will take Raji.
Do you remember how bad they wanted Ellis. Raji is the same size, if not bigger.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Hes fatter thats for sure.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Darius Heyward- Bey : DHB
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:47 pm
ooohhh,..that dude,…experts say he cant catch a football,…mayock and a few others said that,…dont want butterfingers.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Damn boy! it looks like #24 is growing up, made some great points in several posts. He starting to think for himself instead trying to please the masses.
Oak, Raider O, ET and others must be growing on him.
Good job young blood!.
One of the things I like about coming in here is talking to astute football fans. Most in here just regurgitate hype and rhetoric but soem of you really know what the hell you’re talking about and it’s a pleasure to read you and you know who you are.
I’ll just say I’m in heavy anticipation and expectation of what comes on Sat. I would love to see a LT or a DE even a LBer. If Crabtree is there the temptation will be to strong.
If I could have any player in this draft it would be Aaron Curry hands down. But just because we go a certain way in the 1st doesn’t mean other positins wont be addressed and just as often great players come out of the middle rnds as do the 1st.
So to be honest it really doesn’t matter where you get ‘em, just get ‘em.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Hi TJ,…I was on Garys show again today.
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Here is how I see it:
1- stafford
2- J Smith/ Crab
3- Curry
4- J Smith/ Monroe
5- Orakpo
6- Raji/ Monroe
7- A Smith/ Crab or Maclin
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:56 pm
The Bengals and the Browns may also go for the 2 Ohio products:
Jenkins and Wells.
I don’t care how fast you run at the combine, this kid can play CB or FS in the NFL. He is also a top ten pick.
April 22nd, 2009 at 11:05 pm
A Smith is a top ten talent too.
Good night Nation.
April 22nd, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Raider O, we’ll get somebody good. At what position, your guess is as good as mine but we’ll be fine.
The key is getting players in the middle rnds which is what really makes drafts.
So we’ll see…
Norco Bob, good for you man, hopefully he let you talk. He never likes talking sports which is why I rarely listen to him. But keep up the good work and the bad.
April 22nd, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Priesttj Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Damn boy! it looks like #24 is growing up, made some great points in several posts. He starting to think for himself instead trying to please the masses.
Oak, Raider O, ET and others must be growing on him.
Good job young blood!.
One of the things I like about coming in here is talking to astute football fans. Most in here just regurgitate hype and rhetoric but soem of you really know what the hell you’re talking about and it’s a pleasure to read you and you know who you are.
————————–
lmao!!!!
April 22nd, 2009 at 11:20 pm
what’s wrong kk, you have a problem with that too? huh! dude why bother?
Oh! I get it you weren’t included…….
We’ll get cha’ next time. Get some rest old man.
April 22nd, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Oakglenn #429:
You said, in general: “We thought wrong.” No we didn’t. Al Davis made those picks, just as he makes all the picks.
Davis has to take the credit for the good picks but he also has to take the bad as well. Sorry to say but most picks haven’t really panned out. Of course in all fairness, that might apply to most teams as well.
The problem that might be screwing up the DRAFT, is the crazy salaries their paying these dudes. They should have to be able to produce results before earning those types of salaries.
April 22nd, 2009 at 11:33 pm
Norco bob
You think Sanchez will not be picked in the top ten. Maybe not, but that’s an error in the team that takes Stafford
before Sanchez, if that happens.
Sanchez is Pete Carroll trained. USC runs a pro setting and it explains why so many QB out of USC have had success. When you earn a starting position on the USC squad
…you’re earning it against an atmosphere of compete. And, that means compete against the best in the country.
USC is second to none in recruiting. One false step and your back up is in there and your out. Sanchez is a winner. Perhaps a little inexperienced but still a winner with all the right tools. He’ll be an excellent QB for the team that takes him. Any where after pick ten is a gift and the steal of the draft.
April 23rd, 2009 at 12:43 am
Morning…
I was thinking, who is filipino???
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:37 am
Interesting article pointing out 7 players that shouldn’t be overlooked (click on the link to read the other 6 not posted here:
Point No. 5: Jason Williams should send a thank-you note to the organizers of the combine.
The Western Illinois linebacker wasn’t invited to participate back in February, despite his 289 tackles, 13 sacks, 42.5 tackles for a loss and 14 forced fumbles during his career. The snub just made him work even harder, helping him to put on a big-time show at both his school’s pro day and then again at Northwestern’s pro day, where he reportedly posted a 4.44-second and a 4.49-second 40-time on his two attempts.
“I’ve always been the kind of guy who is motivated by a challenge, and I kind of took that as a challenge,” Williams said during a phone interview.
Eleven of the speedy linebacker’s forced fumbles were created over the past two seasons.
“It’s kind of an innate ability that a lot of guys don’t really have. Fortunately for me, it’s become one of my strengths the past few years,” he said. “I’ve had that intangible ability to make big plays when the team really needed them, whether it’s forcing a fumble or getting into the backfield to stop a play before they even get a chance to start.”
Over the past three weeks, Williams has visited 12 teams, including the Oakland Raiders, New York Jets, the Colts, Packers, Dolphins, Buccaneers, Patriots, Titans, Seahawks, Jaguars, Browns and Cowboys. He’s also had a private workout with the Patriots.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9472206/7-Points:-Don‘t-overlook-OSU’s-Laurinaitis?gt1=39002
April 23rd, 2009 at 3:01 am
What up draft day almost here!
GO RAIDERS!!!!!!!
April 23rd, 2009 at 3:05 am
NMF…
I was just thinking that… “one day less to go”… =)
April 23rd, 2009 at 3:13 am
KoolKell…
oh btw, well I understand the fascination, but for us its not that big of a deal…
April 23rd, 2009 at 5:37 am
Good Morning Raider Nation!
Just 32hrs., 22min., until the moans and groans start. LOL
April 23rd, 2009 at 5:38 am
Good Morning Nation!!!
A couple more days to go till draft day. Can’t wait…
AM crew…what’s going on fellas?
LMN…my kids are Filipino. Why, what’s up?
April 23rd, 2009 at 5:42 am
hwnrdr Says:
April 23rd, 2009 at 5:38 am
Good Morning Nation!!!
A couple more days to go till draft day. Can’t wait…
AM crew…what’s going on fellas?
LMN…my kids are Filipino. Why, what’s up?
———————————————–
My ex wife was from Quezon City.
April 23rd, 2009 at 5:59 am
Good Morning Exla…
Mine was born in Layog City, brought up in Illocos Norte.
I was just wondering why LMN asked that question. Just curious…
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:05 am
GOOD MORNING SPORT’S FAN’S HWNDR, L M N , EVERYONE 2 NUMEROUS TO MENTION,
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:11 am
Good Morning Dirt Lot…
If not Crabtree, then Raji by default…what do you think?
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:13 am
OR MACLIN..
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:18 am
Where is Sammie Lee Hill projected as a 2nd rounder?
I don’t think doing anything at Stillman College qualifies you as a “beast”. A development player for sure….but not a beast.
***
Sammie Lee Hill Is Getting Around
Posted by Mike Florio on March 25, 2009, 4:10 p.m. EDT
Little-known Sammie Lee Hill, a defensive tackle from Stillman College, quietly is getting noticed as the draft approaches.
A league source tells us that Hill, who some think could be picked as high as round two, has scheduled visits with the Jets, Eagles, Buccaneers, Chargers, and Steelers.
He also has met with the Patriots, Rams, and Chiefs.
At 6′4″ and 329 pounds, Hill has the size to play tackle in either the 4-3 or the 3-4 defensive alignments.
There ya go S&B !
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:20 am
You think Maclin would be better than Crabtree, or if Crabtree is not there, take Maclin? I don’t know, I try not to get caught up with what they did in college, because look at Andrew Walter….he still may flourish, but…
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:23 am
THE RAIDER’S WILL DRAFT HIM 4 SURE ROCKSTAR, NEED THOSE GUY’S WHO USE ALL THREE NAMES,JLH , SLH, WHERE WILL IT END ? GOOD MORNING BY THE WAY…
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:24 am
03/29/09 – Stillman College Pro day: Four players from Stillman College worked out at the Alabama Pro Day on March 11, with DT Sammie Lee Hill (6-4, 329 pounds) drawing the most interest. Hill stood on most of his numbers from the combine, though he worked out with defensive line coaches from the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as well as Cleveland Browns defensive line coach Bryan Cox. Hill has also worked out for the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers, with Steelers assistant head coach/defensive line coach John Mitchell in attendance. – Gil Brandt, NFL.com
01/13/09 – East-West Shrine Monday practice: Tall, massive Sammie Lee Hill (Stillman College) has raw talent, to be sure, and showed an ability to bull rush. He seemed to take to coaching well as he used a spin move to beat his man later on. – Chad Reuter, The SportsXchange, NFL Draft Scout
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:28 am
Sammie Lee Hill (DT), Stillman College
6′4″, 329
Combine Results
40 Yard Dash: 5.12
20 Yard Split: 2.84
10 Yard Split: 1.69
Bench Press: 27
Vertical Jump: 28
Broad Jump: 9′1″
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.97
3-Cone Drill: 7.89
Despite ideal size for a traditional nose tackle, it’s Hill’s athleticism that turns heads. He’s got excellent quickness and lateral agility for his size and uses his powerful hands very well when fending off blockers. He’s quick off the snap and has a powerful bull rush. He was moved to defensive end as a senior and really excelled on the outside in one-on-one situations.
SLH was a man among boys his senior season and his ability to play multiple positions could add even more value to an intriguing package. His tackles, tackles for loss and sacks increased nearly across the board for every season he was in college and his senior year he turned in an impressive line of 59, 14.5, 7.5 respectively. He’ll have to be able to beat or at least hold his own against double teams at the professional level to be an effective nose tackle but at worse he could be a valuable member of a defensive line rotation capable of playing every position.
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:28 am
CRABTREE-ONE OF THE 2 BEST O-LINEMAN IF THEY FALL-MACLIN, AT #7
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:30 am
Sammie Lee Hill
Outstanding size and bulk…Long arms…Very strong and powerful…A good athlete…Quick and agile…Stout at the point of attack…Can push the pocket…Nice hand use…Occupies multiple blockers…Productive.
Was a four-year starter for the Tigers…Could be a nose tackle or five technique in a 3-4 scheme…Named 1st Team All-SIAC in 2007 and 2008…Ran into a burning house to save a man in 2007…Hails from the same program that produced Brian Witherspoon last year…Small school sleeper who is still awfully raw…Extremely impressive physical specimen and you simply can’t teach the type of rare size he possesses.
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:31 am
Here’s something interesting…although…
Charley Casserly indicated on the NFL Network’s Path to the Draft program that he considers Aaron Curry unlikely to be a top-five pick.
Casserly performed two recent mock drafts and couldn’t find a place for Curry before the Broncos at No. 12. Mike Lombardi, on set with Casserly, agreed that Curry’s lack of blitzing experience makes him less valuable. He’ll be a SAM linebacker in 4-3 defenses and an inside ‘backer in a 3-4.
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:31 am
good morning Dirt Lot, Hwnrdr, exla …
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:35 am
I can’t see Curry slipping past the Brownies …
Cleveland wants Raji or Orakpo right now, but i’m guessing thats because they think Curry will be off the board in the first 4 picks
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:38 am
sorry for hoggin the blog fellas.
S&B (and many others) seem to think that BJ Raji is the only decent DT in this draft
I’m here to say “WRONG!”
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:41 am
ROCKSTAR, WHO DO U THINK WOULD BE THE BETTER PRO THIS YEAR,09, AND WHO WOULD HELP THE RAIDER’S MORE LONG TERM, OR IS THAT THE SAME PLAYER ?
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:41 am
Lot’s of talent. Clubs are saying the draft has few impact players but I think it’s part of the smokescreens.
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:41 am
Good Morning Rockstar,
Raji is going to be a hit or miss. Curry…still up in the air about that one. If he’s there somehow at #7…
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:55 am
MADDEN COVER FINALISTS NARROWED TO NINE
For the first time, EA has issued a list of finalists. Per SportsBusiness Daily, there are nine: Steelers S Troy Polamalu, Colts QB Peyton Manning, Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald, Chiefs QB Matt Cassel, Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, Giants RB Brandon Jacobs, Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, and Ravens S Ed Reed.
The “winner” will be announced on April 24.
***
who wants to bet it won’t be Matt Cassel? Madden never has a donk, chef or dolt on the cover of his video game …
Remember a few years back when Tomlinson dominated? They put Vince Young on the cover. LOL!
I’m pulling for Fitz
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:59 am
WHO DO U THINK WOULD BE THE BETTER PRO THIS YEAR,09, AND WHO WOULD HELP THE RAIDER’S MORE LONG TERM, OR IS THAT THE SAME PLAYER ?
***
Dirt Lot: for immediate results I would draft a OT. If the top 3 are gone in the first 6 picks then I’d take Crabtree. If he’s not there I try to trade down. If I can’t trade down THEN Raji becomes the pick.
I have him rated higher than Oher, Maclin and Malalala
However, these three players wouldn’t upset me. neither would Orakpo
only way we could mess up this #7 pick is by taking DHB or Jenkins imo
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:01 am
Raji is going to be a hit or miss.
***
couldn’t agree more. I think he and Andre Smith are the biggest Boom or Bust picks in the Top 10
Round 1 as a whole I’d say Mark Sanchez & DHB …
Percy Harvin likely dropped out of Round 1. what a moron!
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:04 am
GOOD INFO ROCKSTAR, GOT TO GO ,WORK HAS TO BE DONE, GOOD DAY 2 ALL….
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:05 am
no matter what happens one of these players will be added:
J. Smith, Monroe, A. Smith, Oher, Crabtree or Maclin on offense
or
Curry, Orakpo or Raji on defense
that will make the Raiders a better (more talented) overall football team
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:09 am
r8rpaver Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Dakota: werent you talking up Moala as our #1 pick this year because we took Dmac?????
______________________________________
I did say that right after last season’s draft as he was ranked high on the earliest 2009 draft prospect lists…as you have probably noticed I haven’t uttered his name since, lol.
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:10 am
what about the run defense? The Raiders haven’t stopped a rush attack in years, and that starts up front, and that starts in the middle of the front-four.
The Raiders allowed 159.7 rushing yards per game last season, the worst-ever under Al Davis. The 23 rushing touchdowns allowed were second only to the 2007 team total as far as worst-evers go.
Under former defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, they gave up a league-high 101 rushing touchdowns in 80 games. There’s a new defensive coordinator now, John Marshall, but consider: coach Tom Cable keeps saying the defensive scheme isn’t going to change very much.
If so, then what they need are new and better players who can stop the run. Today, we’ll examine the best option available on the board in that regard.
B.J. RAJI, DT, Boston College
Scouting report: At 6-2, 337 pounds, Raji was the premier interior defensive lineman in college last season. Run defense is his specialty. He is quick off the snap, allowing him to take the fight to the running back at the line of scrimmage, if not behind it. Above-average strength helps make him a sure tackler. Not a household name in college, but his stock soared during an exceptional week at the Senior Bowl.
Pros: Raji is a top-rate nose tackle, a position the Raiders must address in the long-term. Veteran Gerard Warren is more of a pass rusher at the nose and Terdell Sands has disappointed against the run the past two years. He’s on the shorter side, but so was Warren Sapp. Raji could be that run-stuffer and space-eater the Raiders have been missing since Ted Washington left. He is also versatile enough to play the three-technique if Tommy Kelly doesn’t shape up.
Cons: The Raiders already have two nose tackles in Warren and Sands. They could be try to coax a better year out of the duo, then revisit the issue in next year’s draft. Raji is the best defensive tackle in this year’s class, but he’s not as dominant coming out of college as Glenn Dorsey was last year and the Raiders passed on him. If he did indeed flunk a drug test as reported, that’s always a red flag.
Draft impact: This would show Cable is dead serious about shoring up the run defense. It would also force them to focus their next picks on receiver and offensive tackle, potentially leaving the safety position for the second half of the draft. If so, Raji better make every tackle in the middle because there may not be a capable safety behind him to clean up any misses.
End result: The Raiders haven’t drafted a defensive lineman in the first round since Darrell Russell. Raji would certainly improve the run defense, but the holes there are many. He may be big, but he’s not big enough to do it himself. Besides, some in the organization think the key to a better run defense is having a better scoring offense — building a lead and forcing teams to abandon the run. This move would almost certainly bring an end to Sands’ stay, which wouldn’t be the worst thing.
-David White (SF Chronicle)
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:18 am
Since Kelly is firmly entrenched in the UT spot it will be very difficult for us to get better against the run this season unless we A) trade Kelly on draft day and select Raji (they claim he can play NT, but he never did in college so we really don’t know and NTs don’t get $50 million dollar deals to often in the NFL), B) Kelly is now 100% from the knee injury and will be much better than last season at stuffing the running game, or C) Marshall can get more out of the defense.
Seems to me like the Raiders are banking on C.
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:20 am
Dakota,
Maybe with the Laker-Utah game starting an hour earlier, I’ll be able to finish the 2nd half without dozing off. LOL
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:21 am
Dakota: I agree
too bad it took Al Davis 5 years to figure out that Rob Ryan wasn’t a mastermind at run stuffing in the 4-3 defense with man-to-man coverage …
sometimes he’s loyal to a fault. Ryan should have been canned along with Turner or Shell!
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:26 am
Exla, I wish I could sleep through the second half as that is when the Lakers tend to blow their 20 point leads…
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:29 am
Rockstar,
I agree about Rob “Fukin” Ryan of course…although I am interested in watching what he does in Cleveland now that someone is allowing him to coach a 3-4 defense. I don’t think our 2 minute attempt at the 3-4 here in Oakland was a fair window of opportunity for the man. I think he will fall flat on his face in Cleveland, but I am rooting for the guy.
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:30 am
I think Joseph & Boschetti are fighting for a roster spot against eachother. The winner gets to be Kelly’s backup at UT
Warren & Sands will continue to rotate at NT
If Sands was going to be cut we would have cut him before his roster bonus was due like we did Harris, Wilson, Griffith, Curry, etc.
Kelly & Warren both suffered injuries last season. Played despite the injuries in most games. Joseph wasn’t even on the roster for half the season and Wakefield was in the DT rotation.
Ricky Brown, Derrick Burgess, Kalimba Edwards and Tyvon Branch were all injured last season too. No doubt the combination of all these injuries plus Rob Ryan had something to do with our inability to stop the run …
If we add Raji and cut both Joseph & Boschetti we’ll have 4 DT’s making starter money – 2 of them being the highest paid at their positions (Kelly & Raji)
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:30 am
It was easier when I lived in Mpls because 10:30 edt starts sucks.
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:31 am
What do you guys think about Michael Johnson DE, Georgia in the second round? Assuming we pick Crab in the first I dont think they’ll go back to the offence in the second. Course if they pick Raji, all that changes. Maybe they try to get Robiskie then.
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:36 am
Kiper has Michael Johnson slipping into the third round…
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:39 am
Dakota Says:
Kiper has Michael Johnson slipping into the third round…
————————
Assuming he’s right…
1.) Crabtree
2.) Loadholt
3.) Johnson
4.) Bruton
That would be a solid draft…
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:39 am
Braveheartraider -
Raji & Robiskie wouldn’t be a terrible draft.
Neither would Crabs & Johnson.
I would prefer Britt, Nicks or Maclin if we’re not able to get Crabtree, but all would be a reach at #7 and there’s no guarantee we’ll be able to trade down
Ron Brace is a good DT we might be able to snag in Round 2. If he’s not there then we should go after an OT like Meredith or Loadholt
If we miss out (or pass) on Raji and Brace, I think Sammie Lee Hill is the next best thing and might be there in Round 3
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:41 am
Jerry made PFT “Jerry McDonald of the Contra Costa Times writes that if the Raiders can’t trade down or pick Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree, they should take Boston College DT B.J. Raji.”
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:42 am
Ok then. Crabtree, Brace, and Johnson it is. Lets go see Al.
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:42 am
YA,
That would be a solid draft…I could stomach a WR in round 1 as long as we get a tackle in round 2. I think it would be a mistake, but hey, I wouldn’t be kicking my tv screen in, loadholt would take care of RT for a long time….but if we go WR round 1 and S round 2 I may go postal.
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:46 am
As long as I been following the Raiders every couple of years we have a crazy draft. Janikowski, Bates, Gibson, Bob Buckskowski for f**ks sake! Hope this is’nt the year we revert to form.
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:48 am
1. Crabtree
2. Meredith
3. Hill
4. Mitchell
7. best available OLB
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:49 am
I hope Jacksonville keeps talking about taking Sanchez. It means that some teams will be trying hard to trade up, and that just gives us more options.
We don’t necesarily have to trade down, but it would be nice to have the choice.
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:50 am
Take the tackle in round 1…you never know, Percy Harvin may drop to 40….probably not, but maybe! If not, we could still go with Nicks or Robiskie, both of whom would be competing for the number 1 WR spot next fall.
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:51 am
if we go WR round 1 and S round 2 I may go postal
***
DHB in Round 1 at #7 and reaching for Mike Mitchell in Round 2 at #40 and i’m done watching the draft
…even on DVR! haha
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:53 am
Dakota Says:
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:09 am
r8rpaver Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Dakota: werent you talking up Moala as our #1 pick this year because we took Dmac?????
______________________________________
I did say that right after last season’s draft as he was ranked high on the earliest 2009 draft prospect lists…as you have probably noticed I haven’t uttered his name since, lol.
=======================================================That wierd i though you were a big USC guy ( insert laugh track here)… So who do you yhink its going to be at #7 ?
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:54 am
yhink…thats a good one ….think…thats better
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:55 am
ed teach: no way the Jags take Sanchez … they gave David Garrard a fat contract last offseason. the same contract Dallas gave Tony Romo in fact!
who’s gonna trade for Garrard at that cost? they’d have to cut him and take a HUGE cap hit
same could be said for the Skins and Jason Campbell
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:02 am
Rockstar… I agree with you; I don’t think they should or will take him, just that if they keep talking about it somebody might start thinking they mean it and try to move up.
I’m all about the options on Saturday.
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:07 am
I wonder how bad the donkeys want Sanchez..uuuuuummmmm
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:10 am
I wouldn’t put it past the Jets to try. They know as well as everyone else they’re not set at QB and Rex saw in Baltimore what can happen if you draft a good one.
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:14 am
r8rpaver,
I would like a o-tackle at #7. If not a tackle, then Raji. If not Raji then Crabtree.
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:18 am
I can see the Redskins trading a 2nd rounder to move up and select Sanchez. then trading Jason Campbell to the Jets and get that 2nd rounder back essentially
stupid move imo to replace a QB that threw for over 3200 yards last season and had a QB Rating above 84
Heading into his 4th NFL season and had a new system to learn last year. Every year he’s thrown more TD’s than INT’s
23 INT’s in 3 years isn’t that bad. Jay Cutler threw 37!
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:24 am
The Redskins already had Moss, Randle El, Cooley, Portis, Betts & Sellers as a good supporting cast for Campbell.
Then instead of building the o-line or defense they added 2 WR’s and a TE with their first 3 picks. what a waste! those three players combined only netted them 1 TD last year – an end around from Devin Thomas
now they want to start over the the QB position?
you’ve got to be kidding me!
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:28 am
Rockstar… One thing we can count on, and that’s the potential for Dan Snyder to do something strange.
I do think the Jets want to improve their QB situation. I don’t see a new regime taking a chance on a project like Josh Freeman. New Yorkers aren’t that patient.
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:28 am
I myself would like a Tackle at #7 or a DE but would be happy with Raj if we picked him because we do need better run support on defense more than 30 other teams in the NFL.
So whats the point, we have so many holes to fill and all this arguing about who we are going to take at #7 is kind of stupid really.
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:31 am
I have spoken.
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:34 am
Want to hear something funny?…I didnt know there was a city called “Norco”,..guess down by Riverside,…a friend of mine down there says theres a sports blog he hangs in, and theres a Norco Bob thats a regular,…any of you world travelers ever been to a city called Norco?
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:35 am
One thing’s for certain if indeed the Detroiters do choose Stafford as the number 1 overall, the young man will have plenty of opportunities to study the structural marvels of the ceiling at Ford Field. And after a requisite amount of time, his confidence shattered, boos raining down, he will be ingloriously dumped to become a 2nd or 3rd stringer elsewhere if he even remains in football.
Yeah, he’ll be shellshocked young man, but a very rich one. Don’t know how to feel too sorry for him.
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:37 am
Hi all, I am a huge Raider fan and glad to join your message board.
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:41 am
Bo34,
welcome aboard.
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:42 am
Now we have a High School kid dropping out of school to enter the NBA. This is just stupid. Its time the NBA put in the same rules as the NFL as far as age and eligibility.
I have been to Norco.
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:44 am
we have so many holes to fill and all this arguing about who we are going to take at #7 is kind of stupid really.
***
Agreed. well said Silver
good morning happy troll #520 !
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:49 am
The Giants are only offering 2nd & 5th rounders for Braylon Edwards. They are holding the Browns hostage because the draft is fast approaching and the Brownies are deperate to unload him …
I think Al Davis should sneak in and offer our 2nd rounder as well as their choice between Fargas & Walker.
Our 2nd rounder is much higher than NYG’s.
Walker would pair with Cribbs & David Patten and make them a little less desperate at the WR position.
or Jamal Lewis/Justin Fargas might be a good RB duo
***
then i’d be happy to draft Raji or Oher 7th overall
your thoughts Nation?
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:52 am
What’s up Raider Nation, I’m a Raider fan stuck in donkey and seahawk country. Here’s how I’d like to things shake out over the weekend:
1. Raji (or Smith if he’s not there) we need to start dominating the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
2. Johnson yeah, he’s weak against the run, but it would be nice to have someone to put some heat on Rivers, Cassel, Orton
3. Massoquaoi, Barden, Iglesias give Russell a weapon and these guys seem to be pretty solid receivers.
4. Mitchell secondary needs help, hopefully he’ll be there at 4, sounds like he’s starting to get some buzz.
7. Pascoe guy would be a great short yardage weapon
However it works out, I think we’re in a pretty good position with #7. We should be able to get an impact player who can come in and start from day 1. The only way we can screw it up is if we take DHB, then I’ll be pissed.
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:55 am
666,
Arguing is fun. If we all agreed with each other in here this place would be boooooooring.
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:57 am
Thanks M Lonetree- I can’t wait to see who we draft? I am rooting for the best available player at this point or the best scenario if it’s a trade to get further back and more picks I am all for that. Go Raiders
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:58 am
I would be happy with either Crabtree or Raji. I would tend to lean toward the Raji side if you look at the way the team is built.
I shouldn’t be a mystery to anyone that we are going to pound the hell out of all three of our backs, limiting JR’s opportunities to pass which exposes the 2 biggest gaps we have, WR and OT. Much easier to exploit the ZBS that has worked and try to control the clock on the defensive side of the ball with one pick.
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:58 am
Dakota I hate you!!
Just kidding
Yeah I know but the point I was trying to make is that we have so many glaring needs lets hope most of them get addressed in the draft. MLB S O-Line D-Line FB etc.
Screw Europe!!
That was 4 Dakota
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:59 am
welcome to the board Bo34 & 208 …
I’m a Raider fan stuck in chief and ram country.
In the Springfield, MO area
nice mock #528
I’d prefer not to have a project WR in Round 3 though.
If we pass on Crabtree & Maclin we should just see what we got already on the roster. Give Higgins, Schilens, Walker & Shields a full season.
That 3rd round pick could be used on a DT or OT (whichever one we didn’t get in Round 1)
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:00 am
Morning guys!!
the entire crew, im too lazy too say a proper hello…or maybe it has something to do with my buzz,been enjoying the sun and looked at girls and their small dresses =)
(and drinking beers)
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:01 am
Than again i really thought Dorsey was the pick to go after last year and he had zero impact with KC. Partly because they are so bad but are they really that far off from us talent wise?
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:05 am
Rockstar,
add two more to the rounds of coffee you order for the morning crew.
Dakota,
argumentation? here?
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:07 am
Welcome BO34 & 208: 208 what part of Idaho you from?
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:07 am
M,
I read the story about the baby mammoth…amazing.
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:12 am
I wanted Dorsey over McFadden last year too.
Jordan, Fargas, Rhodes, Bush, Echemandu, etc.
DMC didn’t make much sense to me at the time. After one year stints in New England & Indy Jordan & Rhodes were cut loose by better teams than the Raiders showing they really didn’t have much to offer. I doubt either player rips it up in Buffalo or Denver this season either … Fargas wasn’t impressive last year compared to the youngsters D-Mac & Bush
now it seems like a good move, even though the run defense is still in shambles
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:12 am
r8rpaver, just thought those of you who enjoy kissing buttholeprick’s
anal oraphice should know the type of person he really is 
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:12 am
so guys i say
at #7 we take chung and #40 we take M. Mitchell what do you think……. lol… you want to arguee…Man i cant even do that as a joke with als track record it mite happen
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:13 am
Rockstar,
Trading for Edwards wouldn’t be a bad idea, although I doubt they would take Fargas or Walker. Our second and probably a 4th this year might get it done, but we can’t afford to give up all of our picks, so maybe a 2nd this year and a 3rd next year might get it done?
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:14 am
# Moose Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Hackett`s better than Filippino
____________________________________________________
HwnRdr & exLA…
^^^^^^^^it was just me trying to be funny….
I assume he was talking about John felippo……
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:15 am
Rockstar: I could live with that, do you know of any good O linemen that might be around in the 3rd?
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:15 am
paver: boise
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:17 am
Rocker,
I am curious of your definition of ”impressive”. You used the word to describe Bush and McFadden.
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:17 am
Dakota,
is Dr Larry Agenbroad a friend of yours? As he wants to clone woolly mammoths you could get one for a pet. Now that would be cool.
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:18 am
M Lonetree… I don’t know of any NFL cities with patient fans.
I do know that New York fans tend to be a little less patient than others.
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:20 am
Detroit has got to have some patient fans. They haven’t backed a winner in a while.
Don’t you think Teach?
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:21 am
do you know of any good O linemen that might be around in the 3rd?
***
Troy Kropog, Tulane
Jason Watkins, Florida
Gerald Cadogan, Penn State
Xavier Fulton, Illinois
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:22 am
Nation!! Whats good fella’s?? man I cant wait!!! Raji by default huh??? not so bad…default what a word!!!
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:23 am
maybe a 2nd this year and a 3rd next year might get it done?
***
Dakota: I think Braylon Edwards is worth that much, sure
that would allow us to get a high quality tackle in Round 1 and Sammie Lee Hill in Round 3. booyah!
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:25 am
If Davis takes Raji and goes into 09 with the same crew at WR the Raiders will be drafting in the top 10 in ‘10 for what the 8th year in a row? No defense can be succesful when they are on the field 50 minutes a game.
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:25 am
Good Morning.
The draft is so close, and I can’t wait.
I see a lot value at OT,WR, DE, and SS in the 1st 3 RDs. IMO
That’s exactly what we need, and I’m not saying this draft is deep with talent!!
I just think we can get Solid Starters between 2nd and 4th.
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:25 am
Shaun Andrews is on the trade block, lets offer our 3rd for him…. =)
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:26 am
New Thread!!
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:26 am
Bo34… lol. I think they’re just used to it.
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:27 am
I am curious of your definition of ”impressive”. You used the word to describe Bush and McFadden.
***
Dude:
McFadden only got more than 15 carries in one game last year …
in that game he ran for 164 yards and a TD
***
Bush only got more than 15 carries in two games last year …
1st game: 90 yards, TD
2nd game: 177 yards, 2 TD’s
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:29 am
Double R Whats up Brother?
I think Al Davis should sneak in and offer our 2nd rounder as well as their choice between Fargas & Walker.
*************
That would be nice then we address our lines in the first two rounds like you said raji or oher looks good at 7 with Edwards on our roster!!
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:31 am
This is how I see the Draft
1- the chance to get a PB player and the top talent available.
2-4- is to find solid starters that can help your team.
5-7- players that you see talent in that you want to develop. Project players.
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:32 am
24 Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:24 pm
SnB – Yes…and that Defense is obviously an Al Davis Defense. The damn thing hasn’t changed in philosophy and we still have the same weaknesses we’ve always had so I don’t expect that to change. We will pick defensive players and for the most part, they will always be average. So…lets get some offensive firepower yeah? Marshall’s teaching will be what Al Davis wants him to teach. The positive side about Marshall is that he excels in his man to man playcalling unlike Rob Ryan and his 3-4 Zone Defense.
I’m all about the Defense too but Al Davis never gets big and solid DE’s. He doesn’t pay much for his linebackers and doesn’t usually draft high for them and he consistently drafts Defensive Backs and has great success with the corners but usually lacks when drafting safeties but I think that has alot to do with the schemes he wants to enforce which puts way too much pressure on the safeties to cover way too much ground.
I think the Defense will improve because I think Marshall will call a better game plan but improvement may only be #18 Overall Defense. Lets at least have a Top 5 Offense to counter than if anything.
^^^^^^
The Raiders need bigger and stronger DE’s who are athletic and have long arms and can play well against the run.
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:37 am
Think we can get a 3rd or 4th round pick for Fargas? I’m not sure how his contract is structured or even if any teams are looking for a 30 year old rb. It would be nice to try to pick up some extra picks, though.
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:49 am
Norco Bob Says:
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:34 am
Want to hear something funny?…I didnt know there was a city called “Norco”,..guess down by Riverside,…a friend of mine down there says theres a sports blog he hangs in, and theres a Norco Bob thats a regular,…any of you world travelers ever been to a city called Norco?
********
No, but I have been to the Spirt World…..Sometimes on a daily basses.
Cheers
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:49 am
i believe that the raiders will pull the old okie dok….when they dont want to spend money on their first they choose someone with their pick that no one imagined would be picked as a first round pick or a top 10 pick…………….thats probably what they will do this year…… thats what Asomaugh, washington were and their have been others…….thats why its likely to be Maclin or heyward-bey or someone on defense ….like best available tackle, best available, LB, or yes i will say it a safety…….we need multiple picks in the first three rounds …..do some trading do some manuevering…………………….
April 23rd, 2009 at 9:59 am
The other disturbing talk I keep hearing about lately is that the Raiders may pick DHB at #7??
That would be a silly move especially since they may be able trade down opportunity to where they can then get DHB later in the 1st round and pay less money.
A potential trade partner could be Buffalo again.
They may want Oher and the Niners may get him at 10. If the Raiders can get the Bills two first rounders, then the Raiders can pick Ayers or Maualuga at 11 and then at at 28 look at DHB or Phil Loadholt and with their 2nd Rounder they can snatch Jarron Gilbert or Ramses Barden.
April 23rd, 2009 at 10:10 am
I think our only shot at trading down is if Sanchez is still there and the Jets really want him. Other than that scenario, the pick is ours.
April 23rd, 2009 at 10:12 am
Hey 208,
were over here brother….new post up
April 23rd, 2009 at 10:22 am
1st round-Raji…………..2nd-Barden
1st round-Crabtree…………2nd-Gilbert (sleeper of the draft)
April 23rd, 2009 at 10:24 am
I just read that Crabtree does not want to play for the Raiders. That is if you interpret his comment of “no Comment” when ask how he felt about playing for the Raiders.
I will continue to sing the same old sad tune that the war is first won in the trenches and that is where the draft picks should be directed.
My guess is Al drafts WR Maclin but if ya just got to have a WR, then get a lineman at #7 and WR Robiskie in the 2nd.
April 23rd, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Oakglenn Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:06 pm
The only way Jamarcus is going to have a big year is if we can get the Offensive tackle position solidified. And as much as I hate to say it, it has not happened yet.
======================================================
What do you call Henderson and Barnes? both are immediate upgrades.. and have proven a hell of alot more in this league then any Olineman in the draft.. remember Gallery was the closest thing to a sure thing in years.. where is he playing? LG.. id rather stick with the guys who have shown something over hyped up guys in the draft.. like ive said before.. the draft is a gamble.. so we should at least gamble on the biggest position of need.. thats DT.. not OT.. but ESPN says Raiders need a OT.. so everyone thinks we need a OT.. if ESPN says it.. it must be true
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