McClain signs, all hands on deck for practice
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, July 29th, 2010 at 12:30 am in Oakland Raiders.
The Raiders announced the signing of their top draft pick Rolando McClain, on their Twitter account at a minute before midnight.
Terms for McClain’s contract, as the No, 8 overall pick from Alabama, were not disclosed.
Oakland also announced the signing on its Web site.
The Raiders gave $23.5 million in guaranteed money to Darrius Heyward-Bey, the No. 7 pick in the 2009 draft.
Having signed a contract, McClain should be available for comment following the Raiders first practice Thursday morning at Napa.
The Raiders will have walk-through style practices at 8:30 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Thursday.
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July 29th, 2010 at 12:36 am
Time to go to work!
July 29th, 2010 at 12:37 am
2nd
July 29th, 2010 at 12:50 am
yeeeaaa boy lets get rolling on 2010 and 3rd
July 29th, 2010 at 1:03 am
Al is having a great offseason.
Time to translate that onto the field.
July 29th, 2010 at 1:04 am
Good news
July 29th, 2010 at 1:17 am
Wow, does J. Veldheer really have 33 inch arms?
How is that going to work?
If it does, the idea O Lineman need long arms is out.
He is working out at Center, and LT. @ 6′8″ with 33″ arms, how well can you reach/snap the ball?
I need some stats on other C, and LT arm lenght.
July 29th, 2010 at 1:29 am
Ummm, J. Ford is 5′9″ and he has 31″ arms.
Average arm length for a 6′3″ OL is 33.5″
What is up with this, How is he to block 6′3″ — 6′7″ DE/DT with way longer arms?
July 29th, 2010 at 1:34 am
Bro arm length is a disadvantage, but it doesn’t mean he isn’t going to be able to block anyone. I would take a wager that he ends up playing another position besides LT in the future though.
July 29th, 2010 at 2:49 am
Jason Cole is the biggest blow hard.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Aj3gCEidIBT._8uZk8fUxdFDubYF?slug=jc-road072810
WTF i’m reading a so called article bout the Raiders, and this is what i get. f-ing f@g. Cole,I bet u cant wait to taste monte’s sour grapes.
July 29th, 2010 at 2:50 am
I get that CK. 6′8″ is pretty tall for Gaurd, and a big leverage disadvantage for a Center.
Looking at all of the starting OL and the recent drafts, Veldheer has the worst height to arm length in the leauge.
If this was Boxing, he wouldn’t stand a chance against average competition.
If he does well, it should put this idea to bed. Maybe.
July 29th, 2010 at 3:06 am
Great another T-Rex OL just like Gallery!
July 29th, 2010 at 3:15 am
Great great news..
July 29th, 2010 at 3:35 am
Um… O line is not boxing. Henry do you box or know anything about boxing? Punch yourself in the face for such a stupid statement. Who the hell would be average competition? Pro or Am? HE DOESNT EVEN BOX!!!! THIS IS FOOTBALL!!!! just to let you know you dont need a long reach to be a great boxer.
July 29th, 2010 at 3:55 am
I can see us going 9-7 & sneaking into the playoffs,,,10-6 would be exceptional, but 9-7 is more reallistic,,wich is still good. Im ready.
July 29th, 2010 at 4:22 am
i can understnad the skepticism about anointing this team this year as contenders…
but…
considering the lack of depth and talent on both lines last year…
considering the lack of size of our linebackers last year…
considering the lack of depth on our o-line last year…
considering the replacement of one of the greatest busts of all time with a vetera, competent QB…
and considering the running back group that we now have…
how can you not be enthusiastic about this new year…
this team has some honest talent…
we had a great draft and a great off-season…
i am stoked about this new season…
no caveats… no ifs or ands…
this is going to be a good season…
the best season we have had in a long time…
July 29th, 2010 at 4:59 am
Given Robert Gallery’s injury history, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Veldheer taking snaps at LG at some point in the season. I still think they’re going to try him out at LT, too, especially if Mario Henderson struggles. At least he and Campbell give the offensive line more depth than the Raiders had last year.
July 29th, 2010 at 5:15 am
Seeing I’ve coached O-line for about the past 10 years, I like to think I’m somewhat knowledgeable on the subject. Although arm-length is nice and gives the player an advantage, quick feet and knee-bend are much more important. In short, as long as his feet are good enough, he’ll be fine.
July 29th, 2010 at 5:29 am
Veldheer will eventually be a full-time Guard.
Campbell eventually a full-time Tackle.
imo.
July 29th, 2010 at 5:31 am
Bowz is right: in the run game, in particular, if you are quick off the ball, quick to lock up (and properly leverage your opponenet), then keep the feet driving, you’re in good shape. If you’ve got trap blocking schemes, you just have to make sure no unblocked lineman (or backer) shoots the gap and blows up a play. In pass blocking, you have to be quick enough to avoid the outside rush (more critical for tackles). With all this being said, you have to have a QB who can shift and move and be able to “feel” the pass rush. I think the only thing Ja-Drank-us felt last year was the extra weight on his frame and the Sizzurp buzz going on in his brain!
July 29th, 2010 at 5:35 am
Satele – Center
Gallery – Guard
Campbell – Guard
Henderson – Tackle
Walker – Tackle
(possible starting lineup)
Carlisle is still in the mix at Campbell’s spot, but then I think you move Campbell in as quickly as possible. I do see Campbell eventually sliding over to tackle and then throwing Veldheer in, but two rookies at once – not likely.
July 29th, 2010 at 5:36 am
I got it the opposite GG.
Campbell a guard, Jared the tackle.
July 29th, 2010 at 5:41 am
Give us your reasoning why you think Veldheer = long-term tackle and Campbell = long-term guard?
July 29th, 2010 at 5:43 am
Why i think what i did…
Veldheer has incredible strength, and yes shorter arms. He’ll be a beast inside, working in a booth.
Campbell is far more athletic, agile, but also has great strength. Campbell’s “off the charts” combine grades indicates that once he acclimates to pro-football he’ll be a no-brainer stalwart star pro-bowl tackle for the Raiders.
July 29th, 2010 at 5:51 am
I agree with GG. The only reason I think you insert Campbell in at guard is to give him on-field work early and get him acclimated. I think he will be a really good tackle, in the long run. Now whether you end up pairing him next to Veldheer or not remains to be seen. I think we still need another tackle and a center, after this year (I really liked Pouncey, but I like even more what we ended up with).
July 29th, 2010 at 5:52 am
Good Morning Nation!!!
GG…good to see you in here this morning!
Tbine, JFB…Top of the morning to ya!
July 29th, 2010 at 5:58 am
Nice to see McClain is signed. Let’s get this camp rolling, I want to see how he holds up in pass coverage. Go Raiders!
July 29th, 2010 at 6:02 am
Time to shock the Bolts, saddle the Donkeys and serve it up to the “Chefs”!!
July 29th, 2010 at 6:02 am
Anyone see numbers on McClains deal yet?
July 29th, 2010 at 6:04 am
Great Job “Other forces”…
July 29th, 2010 at 6:05 am
Sorry…just noticed it…Tbone
McClain in…lets get this season started!!!
July 29th, 2010 at 6:05 am
raidertbone Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 6:02 am
Time to shock the Bolts, saddle the Donkeys and serve it up to the “Chefs”!!
++++++++++++
Amen Brethren…
July 29th, 2010 at 6:07 am
“I just think, how can you do it any different?,’’ Cable said. “He just hasn’t done anything for three months.”
***
in Fire Baby & Gradkowski’s defense … neither did JaMarcus and he got 25 starts!
July 29th, 2010 at 6:10 am
Cable isn’t getting too slap-happy regarding Henderson, who will need to prove over the next month he can still be a top-quality run-stuffer.
“I think John Henderson will come here and we’ll see what he’s got,” Cable said. “I expect a lot of big things out of him. Whether that makes him the starter or not or he gets to that point, he’ll determine that.’’
***
if Desmond Bryant starts over John Henderson, Titans RB Chris Johnson will run for 150+ in Week 1
Print That
July 29th, 2010 at 6:13 am
My rationale…..
Tom Cable knows more than I do. He has Campbell at guard and Jared at T.
6′8, 310 is pretty slight by NFL O-line standards. I am afraid he will be a LT or not much else.
Campbell is a guy who is freakishly athletic, but didn’t dominate at LT in college. Cable immediately put him at G, and that is where he will probably play, if he plays at all, his rookie year. If he succeeds, that’s where he will be.
Just my opinion. I could be way-off, lol.
July 29th, 2010 at 6:14 am
John Henderson aint gonna contain CJ on the perimeter…
July 29th, 2010 at 6:19 am
Well, hopefully someone contains him in week 1!!! If we can win that game…big things are to come!
And we all can print that!
July 29th, 2010 at 6:21 am
CJ ran wild all year last year, but the Titans started 0-6.
He can go for 180 yards, but if we hold VY to very little rushing and an inefficient passing day, 24 points should win it for us.
July 29th, 2010 at 6:23 am
I’d take 24 points in Week 1, REGARDLESS of the outcome!
July 29th, 2010 at 6:26 am
John Henderson aint gonna contain CJ on the perimeter…
***
CJ can run between the tackles too man
the LB trio should be able to manage the perimeter, along with Seymour, Shaughnessy, Houston, etc.
July 29th, 2010 at 6:27 am
think about the mentality of where we’re trying to go defensively. You got to stop the damn run. – Tom Cable
July 29th, 2010 at 6:28 am
Fair enough assessment, just like hearing different povs. It’s not a “told ya so” thing with me ever.
July 29th, 2010 at 6:29 am
Dam…if we can stop the run and then let Nnamdi and Co have a field day kind of year…shouldn’t we at least be Wild Card with potential danger?
July 29th, 2010 at 6:30 am
I agree with GG…
Always had his own opinion and never socked it to anyone! BTW: Does anyone still go on Raiderfans?
July 29th, 2010 at 6:31 am
And yeah, Campbell and Veldheer (and Henderson before them) is only step one. We need more OL, annually, for a couple more drafts.
July 29th, 2010 at 6:31 am
“if Desmond Bryant starts over John Henderson, Titans RB Chris Johnson will run for 150+ in Week 1″
>>>>
nothing like a true test (again) for our team on opening day. Almost did it last year. This year is different with a run-specific test. Got me at least a little bit concerned…
July 29th, 2010 at 6:32 am
I dont go to RF, i only go to RaiderOutlawz but i havent been posting there for a few months.
Off-season.
I also like here too. Hate that there are so many places to talk Raiders with RaiderNation. Always still wish there was just one site for all message boarding and every article/blog.
July 29th, 2010 at 6:36 am
Yeah, I haven’t been on RF for over a year now. In fact, I don’t think I even got all of the issues of the magazine…haha! That’s ok though…I agree, I wish there were a one place stop to message/blog…but here, especially in the AM is a great place to be!
July 29th, 2010 at 6:37 am
Need more bodies around camp, covering the insides and outsides. If we had had that back in 2007, we might have all been more aware of some of the problems/pitfalls of Ja-Drank-us (aside from his long holdout).
July 29th, 2010 at 6:40 am
This place has been pretty good all day for at least the last few days since RMR, Rico, and SeyOak have all disappeared.
July 29th, 2010 at 6:40 am
I find that our bloggers actually make fewer spelling errors than Wagaman at S&BI — and he supposedly does that (professionally) for a living. In this past issue, he kept consistently referring to the Denver HC as “Josh Daniels”
July 29th, 2010 at 6:42 am
Bcz24:
You’re absolutely right! When the “element” arrives, the whole tune of the blog changes. It’s the same way in the parking lot at the stadium!
July 29th, 2010 at 6:43 am
RF is a distant memory now. I associate all the bad Raiders years of recent times, including the Jamarcus Russell era, with RF itself.
The witches are all dead now. Time to move on back up.
July 29th, 2010 at 6:43 am
There were so many of us that would just log out once we saw the ahole parade arrive
July 29th, 2010 at 6:44 am
The Season is finally here, let’s savor it! Jerry’s gonna keep us posted, no need to go anywhere else. The wait is over, the Raiders are gonna rock this season!!
July 29th, 2010 at 6:44 am
GG:
I’ll drink to that (a regular beer that is — no purple stuff!)
July 29th, 2010 at 6:45 am
I am curious to get an update on Chaz today, if nothing else.
July 29th, 2010 at 6:47 am
raidertbone Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 6:44 am
GG:
I’ll drink to that (a regular beer that is — no purple stuff!)
Hell yeah!!! With a little Hells Bells ringing in the background!
July 29th, 2010 at 6:50 am
“Hell yeah!!! With a little Hells Bells ringing in the background!”
*******************
… the autumn wind is a Raider
That HAS to be first!
July 29th, 2010 at 6:50 am
This place has been pretty good all day for at least the last few days since RMR, Rico, and SeyOak have all disappeared.
***
I’ve never had a problem with Rich or Brown.
MR, Kell and SeyGlenn are the biggest blogturds imo
July 29th, 2010 at 6:51 am
Oh of course Bcz…that is how its listed on my playlist! With Raider Nation by Ice Cube playing immediately after!
July 29th, 2010 at 6:52 am
Haha the purple drank aint no kool aid
July 29th, 2010 at 6:53 am
I’d be a liar if I said that i’m confident we’ll whoop the Titans in Week 1 with Desmond Bryant at NT and Samson Satele at C. that means the anchor of each line is it’s weakest link!
needless to say I’m pulling for John Henderson and a late FA signing of Kevin Mawae … who helped pave the way for CJ to rush for 2000 yards last season
July 29th, 2010 at 6:54 am
I hope we see this season at home games people holding up “no knuckleheads” signs.
There’s a side to Cable that is irresistible.
July 29th, 2010 at 6:57 am
Why the Raiders will do well this season…
1. There’s that new culture brought in.
2. That culture is founded on work ethics, comraderie, but also self-belief of their collective talent and will to get out of the doldrums we’ve been in since 2002
3. Therefore, once we put that into action in pre-season, that self-belief will amplify to a self-belief that it can be done in regular season.
Pre-season is usually discardable, but i think this pre-season isn’t.
July 29th, 2010 at 7:00 am
every year we talk about the losing “culture”, etc etc
the whole thing is crap imo
you gotta have players & coaches that get the job done on a consistant basis to win games
we haven’t done that in 7 years, hence the record …
will this year be different? I think so
July 29th, 2010 at 7:03 am
Coaches in:
Hue Jackson
Mike Waufle
Kevin Ross
Craig Dickenson
Coaches out:
Tom Cable (as play caller & o-line coach)
Dwayne Board
Randy Hanson
Aaron Pelch
July 29th, 2010 at 7:03 am
add Greg Beikert …
sorry!
July 29th, 2010 at 7:03 am
what changes that culture tho is players with work ethics and love the film room. And excellent position coaches, like we have this year—for the most part. Like DL and LB coaches. Feel Rathman was a loss a couple years ago, and our ST coach now has to step up. Not to mention Tollner/Hackett being good at what they do. You give them players like J.Campbell, and players like R.McClain, and you see a marked difference on the field.
July 29th, 2010 at 7:05 am
GG:
You’re right again. The big difference between this and last year was – last year, Seymour came in, but it was kind of begrudgingly (after how the Pats kicked him to the curb). This year, he’s all in from Day One (witness coming in on teh bus with all the rookies). He is going to be an excellent presence throughout training camp. Also, I think we don’t have the media circus around DHB (who was scrutinized by EVERYONE in the media last year) — hopefully, he’ll feel more comfortable, which will equate to more catches and, perhaps, a starting role. RoMac is going to be a force, and Houston a beast on the outside. If we get something out of Henderson, Groves and Wimbley, we’ll be looking good. RRAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIII-DEERRRRRRRRRRRRS!
July 29th, 2010 at 7:06 am
Ready….set…..dance!!!
Poor Jerry has to watch this stuff.
July 29th, 2010 at 7:07 am
Afternoon session at 4:20? Really?
July 29th, 2010 at 7:12 am
if Desmond Bryant starts over John Henderson, Titans RB Chris Johnson will run for 150+ in Week 1
Print That
——————————————————-
Uh, what!?!?!?
If Dez Bryant BEATS OUT Big John, wouldn’t that mean he was the better player?
July 29th, 2010 at 7:23 am
Suit up Biekert — let him and RoMac play alongside each other behind the front wall = lots of lost teeth!
July 29th, 2010 at 7:56 am
HERE ARE THE NUMBERS FOR McCLAIN!!
Adam Schefter Adam_Schefter
Numbers are in: Raiders first-round pick Rolando McClain signed a 5-year, $40 million contract that includes $23 million guaranteed. 25 minutes ago via UberTwitter
July 29th, 2010 at 8:50 am
Were not going to sneak into the playoffs, were going to march in there as AFC West division champs…To hell with the Donkeys, Chokers and Chumps..GO Raiders!
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:15 pm
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