Jones blazes into Raider consciousness
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, April 14th, 2011 at 12:50 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Taiwan Jones doesn’t play at a position of need, but that didn’t stop Raiders running backs coach Kelly Skipper from making sure he got a private moment from the Eastern Washington running back Wednesday following a series of combine-style workouts at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg.
Skipper and Jones talked for a minute or two before the Oakland assistant and member of the team’s personnel staff made their way off the field and headed back to the club facility in Alameda.
Jones, who went to high school locally at Deer Valley High School in Antioch and played at Eastern Washington, had a Pro Day which provided an opportunity for 27 teams to evaluate, with the added bonus of letting a handful of media members access to mix and mingle with the coaches and scouts and not only see the workouts up close, but listen to what was being said.
For what it’s worth, I heard Al Davis’ name mentioned on three different occasions _ every time in reference to the blazing 40-yard dash time Jones clocked during his first full-speed workout since having surgery to repair a fractured fifth metatarsal on his left foot.
Each team brings its own stopwatch, and the times on Jones ranged from a 4.28 to a 4.35 in on his first attempt,, and then from 4.30 to 4.35 when they reversed direction. So, yes, Jones has Raider speed, running the same kind of times Darren McFadden ran before the Raiders picked him No. 4 overall. Jacoby Ford ran a 4.28 a year ago and was the fastest player at the 2009 scouting combine.
He also had a vertical leap of just under 40 inches and broad jumped 11 feet. Jones ran some pass routes and held everything that came his way, although as one coach explained, no one is really sure about his receiving skills since they weren’t explored in college other than the occasional flare and screen.
Jones rushed for 1,742 yards at Eastern Washington despite missing the final two games with the injury, which occurred when he made a hard cut on a wet field in a 230-yard rushing effort.
One NFL assistant coach watched the drills after the 40-yard dash with only a passing interest, saying, “We all came to see him run the 40 and see if he was healthy. That was all I needed to see.”
Jones ended the college season at 178 pounds, but weighed 196 pounds Thursday and said he’s been as high as 201. He still looks sleek, however, and said the weight gain is simply a factor of eating right and lifting weights every day at Athletes Performance Institute in Los Angeles, whose clients also include Chris Johnson and Adrian Peterson. Since training at API, Jones has increased his number of bench press reps from six to 13 at Indianapolis to 17 in his most recent attempt (he did not do the bench press Thursday).
A major college recruit who went to Eastern Washington because of grade issues caused in part by a learning disability, Jones was cheered on by large contingent of friends and family as well as a number of curious onlookers _ a crowd of about 200 in the stands at Los Medanos.
Forty-Niners running backs coach Tom Rathman and Skipper were involved in putting Jones through drills. Skip Peete, the former Raiders running backs coach now serving in that capacity for Dallas, was also in attendance.
The 49ers were also represented by personnel executive Tom Gamble, and speculation is they’ll be looking for a running back to pair with Frank Gore this season.
The Raiders, meanwhile, already have McFadden under contract, have tendered potential free agent Michael Bush, and also re-upped with Rock Cartwright and Michael Bennett.
As for kickoff returns, another Jones’ skill, Oakland already has Ford. Then again, the Raiders can never have too many ultra-fast players.
Asked if he has a visit scheduled with the Raiders, Jones said, “None that I know if, but I’ve talked to them on the phone, I talked to them on the combine, and we’ll see where it goes from there.”
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April 14th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
Vegas,
To be fair though, there aren’t many safeties who can cover as well as Huff. He played corner as a freshman at Texas. The draft guide I have from back then even listed him as a corner. It said his coverage skills were superior to Quenton Jammer who was the #5 pick the previous year.
It called him the safest pick in the draft because if he didn’t make it at CB in the league, he could be moved inside and play a probowl caliber FS.
Which is about where he’s at now, IMO. I’d say he’s at or near probowl level. It even sounds like he wants to stay in Oakland, and I hope he does. But, when AD didn’t even bother to tender him, it made it seem to me that he might be ready to move on.
I get the sinking feeling we’re going to be listening to MNF announcers raving about the play of Probowl FS Michael Huff of the Dallas Cowboys for years to come. Ugh.
The Raiders would defenitely lose some man to man coverage ability with MM34 back at deep safty. The tradeoff is they might have a safety that flies up the field with much more physicality in run support. Recievers also might have their head on a bit of a swivel going across the middle with Mitchell back there. He seems to have the innate ability to explode into his hits.
I wouldn’t discount the possibility. Just my opinion.
April 14th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
Taiwan Jones at #48
Print That
April 14th, 2011 at 1:56 pm
6th round or later Al.
Please.
April 14th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Dakota
How can a 81 year old man, who can’t walk or travel, and calls ALL THE SHOTS, scout & investigate players?
April 14th, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Raider speed and a 70s Kung Fu flick name.
Draft him up Al then convert him another offensive position or even D.
April 14th, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Man these misses with top picks has killed us….McFadden is the only one of the bunch that has promise recently.
Heck, beyond Nnamdi and McFadden the first round has been horrible for Al for a long, long time:
McClain = obviously nothing special
DHB = complete waste
Russell = maybe the biggest draft bust in history
Huff = semi-complete waste
Fabian = junk
Gallery = huge dissapointment
Buchanon = junk
Brayton = worthless
Nap Harris = we cut Beikert for this guy? Really?
Gibson = joke
Jano = never lived up to the hype and no kicker should
ever be picked that high
Stinchcomb = worthless
Woodson = injury prone bad attitude
D. Russ = another addict
Mo Collins = serviceable
Rickey Dudly = hands almost as bad as DHB
Kaufman = Hey, a decent, but short lived career
Patrick Bates = complete waste of a pick
McGlockton = had some decent seasons
Marinovich = nuff said
Anthony Smith = zzzzzzz
Tim Brown in 1988 to find a really good Raider draft pick! wow
before 1989
John Clay = Bust
Bob Buczkowski = Bust
Jessie Hester = who?
Is there any wonder why we have not won a SB since 1983?
April 14th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
22.Dakota Says:
April 14th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
Heck, Kirk Morrison his rookie year had 31 more tackles than Rolando had last year….guess we can hope Rolando is as good as Kirk….which is another way of saying Rolando is NOTHING SPECIAL.
========================
On this, you don’t know what you’re talking about.
April 14th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
2.KoolKell Says:
April 14th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Dakota
How can a 81 year old man, who can’t walk or travel, and calls ALL THE SHOTS, scout & investigate players?
______________________
With the help of John Herrera Al can do ANYTHING!!!!!
SMOKE POTTERS!
April 14th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
2.KoolKell Says:
April 14th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Dakota
How can a 81 year old man, who can’t walk or travel, and calls ALL THE SHOTS, scout & investigate players?
______________________
With the help of John Herrera Al can do ANYTHING!!!!!
SMOKE POTTERS!
April 14th, 2011 at 2:07 pm
So it seems Al has been focusing his minions on the workouts of a super-fast QB, a super-fast RB nobody ever heard of, and a bunch of DB’s.
Business as usual.
April 14th, 2011 at 2:10 pm
Just Fire Baby Says:
April 14th, 2011 at 2:07 pm
So it seems Al has been focusing his minions on the workouts of a super-fast QB, a super-fast RB nobody ever heard of, and a bunch of DB’s.
Business as usual.
………….
LOL. Exactly.
April 14th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
Dakota, try to fix the double posting. We only need one of your well educated, worldly, enlightening views at a time.
April 14th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
I’ll work on it MaddenRaider. You just keep taking your meds okay? You seem less agitated today.
April 14th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
I’ll work on it MaddenRaider. You just keep taking your meds okay? You seem less agitated today.
April 14th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
I’ll work on it MaddenRaider. You just keep taking your meds okay? You seem less agitated today.
April 14th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
“Agitated” is kind of a big word for you, isn’t it Dakota?
April 14th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
Freddy B was on AM 1140 in Sac a couple of years ago taking shots at Al’s system of bringing in athletes as opposed to football players. Good stuff.
April 14th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
McClain = obviously nothing special
****************************
I don’t know how this is “obvious” .
Will he make the HOF? Probably not.
But he will be a 2-3 time Pro Bowl and a mean SOB that our division foes want nothing to do with? You can book that.
April 14th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
MaddenRaider,
How did you like the last Kings’ game last night? Fitting that they lost in such a painful fashion to the Lakers….once again.
Can’t really call it a rivalry though, because a rivalry can’t be that one-sided now can it?
April 14th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
If I had a dollar for every “mean SOB” the Raiders drafted in the past 20 years that turned out to be a chump, I’d own the Raiders.
April 14th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
15.Just Fire Baby Says:
April 14th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
McClain = obviously nothing special
****************************
I don’t know how this is “obvious” .
Will he make the HOF? Probably not.
But he will be a 2-3 time Pro Bowl and a mean SOB that our division foes want nothing to do with? You can book that.
++++++++++++++
lol…yeah, the next block McClain sheds will be his first….and those great instincts that always have him in position to make a play….oh wait, he doesn’t have those either. Wait he is a QB killa….nope, not that either….yeah, I am sure our division foes are quaking in their boots.
April 14th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
15.Just Fire Baby Says:
April 14th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
McClain = obviously nothing special
****************************
I don’t know how this is “obvious” .
Will he make the HOF? Probably not.
But he will be a 2-3 time Pro Bowl and a mean SOB that our division foes want nothing to do with? You can book that.
++++++++++++++
lol…yeah, the next block McClain sheds will be his first….and those great instincts that always have him in position to make a play….oh wait, he doesn’t have those either. Wait he is a QB killa….nope, not that either….yeah, I am sure our division foes are quaking in their boots.
April 14th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
Heck, Kirk Morrison his rookie year had 31 more tackles than Rolando had last year….guess we can hope Rolando is as good as Kirk….which is another way of saying Rolando is NOTHING SPECIAL.
April 14th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
It took 6 quarters of play against San Diego to do something to that pinball Darren Sproles that nobody could do here for 6 years before him.
Knock his little azz off the field.
Was involved in both INT’s against Peyton and completely dominated the season ender against the Chiefs.
He is clearly better than McFadden was as a rookie.
April 14th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
Dakota,
While I certainly agree with the overall tone of your post, there are waaayyyy too many disapointments and outright busts, I think several of your assesments are a lil harsh.
You could do a similar list for alot of franchises, though…in all fairness. The Bengals, Cardinals or say Browns:
Tim Couch…at point guard maybe. A QB from UK?
Coutney Brown…The quiet storm. a lil too quiet.
William Green…who?
Gerard Warren….ahead of LT?
and on and on.
April 14th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
Just Fire Baby Says:
April 14th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
It took 6 quarters of play against San Diego to do something to that pinball Darren Sproles that nobody could do here for 6 years before him.
Knock his little azz off the field.
Was involved in both INT’s against Peyton and completely dominated the season ender against the Chiefs.
+++++++++++
Wow, I can’t believe he didn’t win rookie of the year with that resume.
April 14th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
Dakota, we’re just happy to have given LA a run for a couple of years. It was fun to get out there with the cowbells and raise hell. It’s probably all over with. However, a story just broke that some billionaire is making an offer to the Maloofs, and would keep the team in Sac. It’s not officially over.
April 14th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
The Maloof’s are broke.
They are trying to sell their stake in the Palms, and their beer distibution gig went mostly dry as well.
April 14th, 2011 at 3:00 pm
I don’t see any value in comparing the Raiders success with the Bengals.
Too many fans, particularly Al Davis fans, fall back on that tactic.
April 14th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
Buckeyeraider,
Those teams aren’t trying to lay claim to the mantel of the Team of the Decades are they? Nor do their owners fancy themselves the greatest football minds of their generation….
…face it, Al won some early in his career, maybe or maybe not with some help from Ron Wolf, but since the NFL has become more complicated it is very apparent that his GM skills are more on par with Matt Millen than they are with Bill Walsh.
April 14th, 2011 at 3:10 pm
DRAFT HIM he can take Bennett’s place then hopefully Cartwright’s
April 14th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
Dakota if you can’t see the obvious talent McClain has you should take up knitting……something more your speed.
McClain was very solid last year as a rookie. He also flashed great athleticism in space something I didn’t think he had. When we didn’t have him in the middle it was obvious. I can almost gaurantee a potential probowl selection in the next two years. We haven’t had a MLB play as well as this kid played as a rookie since Beikert. He just has more athleticism than Beikert ever had.
He made big hits picked off a pass and by years end was making plays in the backfield. Maybe you should actually watch the game instead of knocking down 40’s while the game is being played.
April 14th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
4.KoolKell Says:
April 14th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Dakota
How can a 81 year old man, who can’t walk or travel, and calls ALL THE SHOTS, scout & investigate players?
—-
Let me be so bold to answer that one. Mr. Kell, Coach Davis is super human with skills you can’t understand. If he couldn’t do it, he wouldn’t be doing now, would he.
So leave the professional jobs to the professionals, and leave the fan to the fans. You will change your tune when Coach recieves the Lombardi nest SB.
If I’m wrong about Coach, perhaps I’ll join you in some of your anti-Coach sentiments, but not till then. As for all your other left wing and commie propaganda, forget that.
April 14th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
Priesttj
Did you consult with Mr Davis on the McClain pick?
(hehe)
April 14th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
Man, if only I had a dollar for every player Priesttj talked up lol.
April 14th, 2011 at 3:27 pm
The Bengals are in a better position than the Raiders. For one, their ownership and general management is far more sane. They’ll be a playoff team again before the Raiders are. Plus, they were just a playoff team 2 years ago. Raider kool aid drinkers boasting of being better than the Bengals is just more of their common delusional banter.
April 14th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
KK do you really want to start this man?
Dakota, if you can’t see the obvious man, you should ask for help. McClain doesn’t need talking up it’s on film son. Sorry you can’t see it.
April 14th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
1. 37.priesttj Says:
April 14th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
KK do you really want to start this man?
Dakota, if you can’t see the obvious man, you should ask for help. McClain doesn’t need talking up it’s on film son. Sorry you can’t see it.
+++++++++++++++
I said he wouldn’t be anything special….doesn’t mean he won’t be an average player lol.
Often times over the years you have attributed mythical prowess to average players (Fargas) or below average players (Curry, Brayton) or sheety players (Russell). Forgive me if I don’t take your word for it on McClain lol.
April 14th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
The jury is still out on McClain give the guy another year or two then call him average or a bust.
McFadden on the other hand I consider a potential bust because he still cant play a whole season, he seems to get injured every year. Its very important for a RB to be on the field all season which he has yet to do.
April 14th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
Night all….GOOOO LAKERS!
April 14th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
Meanwhile, back in JaBustus land, even John Lucas has had enough of Ol’ Purple Drank:
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/14/life-coach-fires-jamarcus-russell/
I know schadenfreude is unbecoming, but:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
What a chump.
April 14th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
Rule of thumb, priest. If McClain is half as good as you say he is, the Raiders will use him for trade bait anyway. Or they’ll just cut him for no real reason. For some reason, this is what the Raiders do with talented players and coaches.
April 14th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
You’re lying about Fargas, the only player I’ve given superstar atatus is Russell. The rest I give what they normally turn out to be. I still think DHB has a chance to do what I said he would do be a very good deep threat before his career is over.
I’m right a lot more often than you squares want to admit. The onloy ones you ever bring up is when I’m wrong. Which is par for the course. Because you don’t have the ability, you can only hate.
April 14th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
Yeah that’s why Bush, McFadden and Nnamdi and players like them all got cut………MORON!
April 14th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
Russell can throw a football 70 yards on his knees, though.
April 14th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
RaiderRockstar Says:
April 14th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
Taiwan Jones at #48
Print That
+++++++++++++
No way man….
April 14th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
priest, do you really want me to compile a list of great raider coaches and players that just went poof and disappeared, and were only to be replaced by bums? Fold now.
April 14th, 2011 at 4:06 pm
Priest
You still think DHB is the next Jerry Rice, like you predicted after “watching his film in college”?
April 14th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
2.) CB Curtis Brown, Texas
3.) OT/OG Clint Boling, Georgia
4.) NT/DT Ian Williams, Notre Dame
5.) OG/C Brandon Fusco, Slippery Rock
6.) DE/DT Cedric Thornton (Southern Arkansas)
7.) TE Zach Pianalto (North Carolina)
7.) QB Josh Portis (Cal PA)
April 14th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
Koolkell show me where I said DHB is the next Rice you freakin dumbell. You’re so jealous of me KK it literally feels kind of creepy. Anyone that would even hint of such a claim would be flat out stupid.
I said his hands are on par with T.O.’s early in his career and after seeing DHB last year I’ll be glad to recant that statement.
You guys are NUTS!!! the next Jerry Rice you must be a damn fool…..
April 14th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
I’d still rather have DHB than Crabtree. Crabtree’s a better receiver, but he’s also a total headcase.
April 14th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
What a worthless POS Russell is. I wonder how much of his 30 mil he’s got left? Enjoy your Purple Drank you loser.
April 14th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
Wow, my post went an hour back in time!
April 14th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
DHB is the next Mervyn Fernandez.
April 14th, 2011 at 4:26 pm
Just testing.. This is Vegas’ post #69 at bottom of page:
I have full confidence that Raider Debo will find a way
******************************************************
5:28pm
April 14th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
People how say DHB is a bust, have probably never played football nor understand it. DHB has been disappointng, but he’s def not a bust.
Hes one of the youngest Wr’s in the game that has the skill sets to be great, not to mention a great work ethic. ( unlike Jruss= Bust)
April 14th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
People who are calling McClain a bust are just foolish. The kid held his own and some. One player cant change a poor run defense to a great one……A MLB will only be a good as his Dline will take him
April 14th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
Blackholepriest Says:
August 18th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
His father says he’ll play next game. the kid is chomping at the bit. His father and I talked a lot about Davis and the Raiders.
He also said that Tampa was courting Shields as if he was Beyonce’. they were sure he would be there when they picked in the 5th. He meantioned 2 other teams as well but I can’t recall because we talked so long.
We kind of hit it off real cool, going to go to games together. So we’ll see.
——————————-
How’s Armond Sheilds doing these days, talked to his Dad lately?
Jealous of you? seriously?
BHP, you’re a clown!
April 14th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
DHB needs to make a serious jump next year, he has all the ability in the world but on Sundays he is too staisfied with mediocre production. When you’re getting paid what he’s getting paid your stats need to speak to that. At least 3-5 catches per game and so far he’s averaging 1.5 that is unacceptable. Talent isn’t his problem concentration and aggressiveness is.
However as you said he was really green coming in now he needs to make a jump to a legitimate NFL WR. He needs to finish next year with 60+ catches and 800+ yards 6-8 TD’s. Those #’s would solidify him as a comer. He is easily capable of those #’s he just needs to demand the football. In the same way DMC did with his performance.
April 14th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
Are the Raiders now only marketing toward consumers who’ve played football? That’s a daring concept, considering they’re not one of the most solvent teams in the league.
April 14th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
KK you are a complete idiot what’s wrong with anything in that post. Oh! I get it I’m quoting his father….. so that makes me a liar…………what a dumbell.
April 14th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
I think he can and will do as well as Jett and a lot better over the course of his career.
April 14th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
McClain will be a pro bowler next year. DHB will progress. Jamarcus will never return to the NFL.
Guaranteed.
April 14th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
As I’ve said before, I’d be happy to see a James Jett-like level of production from DHB. But he’s still a ways off from even that.
April 14th, 2011 at 4:47 pm
KK grow up man! your inferiority complex is showing. BJ’s a turned out good so did DMC…….so what!! If you prognosticate sometimes you are going to be wrong, it comes with the territory. No big deal!!
April 14th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
If not as WR then as CB…
April 14th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
Priesttj Says:
September 1st, 2009 at 10:19 pm
So far I’m waiting until I see this fat astard make a single play. He’s doing the same thing I saw him do in the senior bowl nothing. Hightower is running right at them BJ is getting handled.
All you wannabe GM’s, tell me exactly what this guy does that makes you drool over him?
——————————-
Still down on BJ Raji, you wannabe GM?
He’s got a Super bowl ring now, you know.
Nah TJ, I always thought you were a wannabe clown, and so did Pete Franklin.
April 14th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
Boy this is funny we got guys in here who don’t know their ass from a hole in the ground pounding their chest because they point out where someone else made an assesment that wasn’t quite right. As IF THEY KNEW ALL THE TIME……if you’re too scared to make assesments don’t et bold when someone else is wrong. Just continue bystanding and shut the hell up coward.
April 14th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
Priest, you bring so much business to the Raiders with your attitude. Seriously.
April 14th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
This is a special report for my friend Debo and Priest on this blog. Too effin funny….
JaMarcus Russell’s Life Coach Tells Him To Get Lost
Corey Nachman | Apr. 14, 2011, 5:49 PM | 1 | comment
JaMarcus Russell has disappointed his life coach for the last time.
John Lucas, the life coach that took on the task of reigniting the fire inside of JaMarcus Russell to finally reach his potential has given up, and has asked the former #1 pick to go home.
After Russell’s July 2010 arrest for possession of codeine, Lucas (the former NBA star) attempted to help the quarterback get his life in order.
The initial reports were that Russell was working hard at getting back into game shape, and that things were going well.
Something clearly went awry between then and November when he showed up to a workout with the Washington Redskins weighing 288 pounds, and then 292 pounds to a Miami Dolphins workout a week later. Whatever happened since has squashed all of Lucas’ desire to help the troubled athlete out.
John Lucas has had an excellent track record with reforming maligned athletes in the past, including Darryl Strawberry, but this is the first time he has given up on somebody.
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/life-coach-jamarcus-russell-2011-4#ixzz1JXu38EvD
April 14th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
Sources: ‘Life coach’ gives up on QB Russell
Nearly four years after JaMarcus Russell(notes) became the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, his playing career may have completely bottomed out after “life coach” John Lucas asked Russell to leave Houston recently, two sources close to the quarterback told Yahoo! Sports.
Russell, 25, and Lucas had been working together since September in hopes of getting Russell into shape for a return to the NFL. The aforementioned sources say Russell, released by the Oakland Raiders last May, initially worked hard, but quickly lost motivation. Recently Lucas tired of trying to get Russell, the top pick in 2007, to respond to instruction and assistance.
Lucas did not return several phone messages left for him, and agents Eric Metz and Ethan Locke did not want to discuss Russell’s condition. However, the sources said Russell’s lack of effort had driven even Lucas, who has made a career of helping athletes and others with drug and addiction problems, to the point of frustration.
In addition to Lucas, TNT analyst and former NBA star Charles Barkley tried to motivate Russell, according to one of the sources. Both Barkley and Russell are from Alabama, prompting the Hall of Famer to take an interest in Russell.
“The title of your article should be, ‘It’s Over,’ ” the same source said. “It’s just amazing that you could say that about somebody who is 25 years old and just got drafted four years ago. But it’s been almost a year since he got cut and there’s no interest. Even before the lockout, nobody wanted to get near the kid.”
The most telling moment may have come in January when, according to the source, Baltimore Ravens president Ozzie Newsome, also an Alabama native, refused a request to meet with Russell. Newsome was in Mobile for the Senior Bowl. Russell grew up in Mobile and was there at the time. The hope of the meeting was to find a way to motivate Russell by meeting Newsome, one of the top executives in the NFL and a Hall of Famer as a player.
Russell, who lost his starting job in Oakland prior to his release and was arrested in July for possession of a controlled substance, cemented his reputation for poor work habits with two unimpressive showings at workouts with the Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins in November. Russell showed up for the Redskins workout on Nov. 2 weighing 288 pounds. Two weeks later, Russell showed up for the workout with the Dolphins weighing 292 pounds.
Lucas became increasingly frustrated with Russell starting in December, when Russell’s work habits continued to deteriorate.
After being the top pick, Russell missed all of training camp as a rookie in a contract dispute before signing a six-year, $62 million contract including $31 million guaranteed money.
“It’s such a waste of talent,” the source said. “It’s hard to believe a guy with that much ability could let it just waste. It’s sad. … It’s like they say, you can’t coach desire.”
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-cole_jamarcus_russell_wastes_another_chance_041411
April 14th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
Pete Franklin was awesome!!!
As far as DHB having all the talent in the world, I don’t see it.
He has the physical stature, size and speed. But he is not a natural pass-catcher, never even dominated a couple of weeks in a row in college, and his days of being a starting NFL WR seem to be in the rearview mirror (he played less and less as the season progressed last year).
April 14th, 2011 at 5:19 pm
Where are all the Jamarcus Russell foamers now? How could anyone possibly defend this slug?
April 14th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
If DBH can’t cut it this upcoming year as a WR, convert him to a CB. He’s got size, speed & should know routes and coverage schemes. He should be good at knocking balls down. They seem to hit the ground just about every time one gets thrown at him.
April 14th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
How could anyone possibly defend this slug?
***************************
I have full confidence that Raider Debo will find a way.
April 14th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
Debo,is your Sunday sucker finally getting stale?
April 14th, 2011 at 6:20 pm
TJ the Clown,
No, it’s just you always calling everybody stupid, in between you consultations with Al Davis and film study, and You’re Always Wrong!
April 14th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
I like DHB. He wants to be good and he works hard. But unfortunately he has no hands.
I like to play the guitar and I play every day. But unfortunately I have bad hands.
There is no one in the music business that would offer to pay me money to play the guitar.
Fortunately for DHB there is Al Davis.
April 14th, 2011 at 6:44 pm
Whatever happened to BSJ?
I always liked that dude, he was pretty damn funny.
April 14th, 2011 at 6:45 pm
as long as we get a top notch O-Lineman Tackle/Guard/or Center that becomes a probowler with our first selection at #48 (2nd round pick); we could draft all DBs and RBs with the rest of our picks.
April 14th, 2011 at 6:55 pm
BSJ is another one who embarrassed himself to death with his constant DMAC tripe.
April 14th, 2011 at 7:00 pm
Jamie Dukes says that Mallet is a “Caucasian Street Guy” and compared him to Vanilla Ice, lol.
I hope Ryan Mallet hires Jim Kelly as a mentor to scream racism.
April 14th, 2011 at 7:08 pm
The Irony.
BHP whining about how he should be able to have an opinion, when he’s always the first to attack someone if their opinion differs from his.
And Kell pointing out posters who embarrass themselves, when Kell is the biggest embarrassment on the board. Man, you don’t work. You are racist. You whine about Al, repeating yourself hundreds of times, using the excuse that because it’s true, it’s ok to repeat yourself. And even more embarrassing is that the only time Kell has a semi-solid take, it’s always copied from someone else, and pasted as if he was the author.
You two are pathetic
April 14th, 2011 at 7:15 pm
Try Cheating is another cross-poster, who embarrassed himself out of a previous handle.
April 14th, 2011 at 7:16 pm
priest is doing a great job of bringing in more season ticket holders. His personality is just so magnetic. Offer any criticism of the team, get cussed out and called a slough of names. No wonder the Raiders just pack ‘em in week after week. Who wouldn’t want to be part of such a great fan base?
April 14th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
So what you are saying is Im right, Kell, regarding you being a racist, unemployed plagiarist, but that I had a previous handle that was banned, and came back a long time ago with this handle?
Weak reply.
Just fire baby had a different name before.
So did Gust.
And Aig-raider.
And a whole bunch more.
So what? This board bans names at the drop of a hat.
doesn’t change my take on you and BHP, because my take was dead on.
April 14th, 2011 at 7:31 pm
My name wasn’t banned though, lol
April 14th, 2011 at 7:34 pm
Try Cheating is the guy who hates cross posting so much, he tried it himself.
April 14th, 2011 at 7:36 pm
Who said your name was banned, JFB?
April 14th, 2011 at 7:50 pm
Richochet, it’s just funny you’re so critical of cross posting and now here you are admitting you do it.
April 14th, 2011 at 7:51 pm
Try to keep up would you
April 14th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
A lot of the Al Davis bootlickers are cross-posters, run out by me, probably.
They all carry a grudge, lol.
April 14th, 2011 at 7:57 pm
By Damali Binta Yael(Senior Writer) on April 13, 2011
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/664114-trouble-on-every-side-for-oakland-and-oakland-raiders-end-the-lockout
Some reports say that more than 150,000 jobs in NFL-related activities and businesses are in jeopardy.
Some towns thrive on the action and activity of NFL football. The Oakland Raiders are a positive factor in the economy of the city of Oakland. Overall, the economy is struggling, and the NFL lockout is another factor that is stimulating something, either positive or negative.
While people in the community may be hurt by the lockout, there are some good things that can come out of the negotiations for NFL teams. The process of negotiating needs to be expedited. If the lockout lasts too long, the negative outcomes will overshadow the anticipated positive ones.
Can’t they all just get along? Do you remember that quote?
Let’s hope for the best. Some of the NFL players planned ahead and set aside money for the lockout which some folks saw coming months earlier.
The benefits of investing money in the fund to help players during the lockout will start being dispursed on April 15th.
What happens to the other players who did not invest in the fund? What about the people whose jobs rely on football being played every Sunday? Let’s hope things don’t get chaotic, not everybody is getting paid during this challenging period.
======================================================
150,000 jobs on the line in nfl and game day related activity? ………Try over 2 million..
But point on how some (I say all) cities thrive on the nfl activity.
Both those greedy parties can squabble over their fortunes, meanwhile the game day dependants and fans will pay for it.
April 14th, 2011 at 7:57 pm
LOL. OK, JFB. It’s kind of hard to keep up with this current blog glitch, to be honest. But I won’t ask again. Sorry. lol
April 14th, 2011 at 8:04 pm
I don’t know how many living wage jobs the NFL provides over all. I’d imagine a lot of their gigs are seasonal and part time. js
April 14th, 2011 at 8:07 pm
92.KoolKell Says:
April 14th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
A lot of the Al Davis bootlickers are cross-posters, run out by me, probably.
They all carry a grudge, lol.
——————————————–
Thats odd. You usually sound ‘gruding’.
Can you honestly say you have never cross-posted? No you can’t.
But all is good. When Coach Davis recieves the Lombardi next SB, you’ll be Happy Kell
April 14th, 2011 at 8:20 pm
95.Gust372 Says:
April 14th, 2011 at 8:04 pm
I don’t know how many living wage jobs the NFL provides over all. I’d imagine a lot of their gigs are seasonal and part time. js
—————————-
’supplimentary’ or extra income. Some more dependant than others.
hotel workers
taxi drivers
street vendors
concession workers
parking lot attendees
street musicians
tavern employees
alchohol distributers
hookers
paper goods manufacturers
rental car employees
extra police duties
extra medic duties
television crew members
the press
stadium maintanence and groud crew
travel agents
food chain
state revenue taxes
fuel
stadium toilet paper manufacturing workers
varius delivery services
And I could keep going. I figure 65,000 peripheral job activities associated with game day and leading up to gameday.
April 14th, 2011 at 8:26 pm
65,000 per city.
April 14th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
If the American worker is relying on “supplementary income”, it sounds to me like there’s a deeper rooted problem.
April 15th, 2011 at 1:03 am
I see JaMoron has hit another speed bump on the road to greatness.
Too bad. I was hoping he’d actually get into great playing shape.
You see, lots of people are going to continue to say ‘what a waste of talent’ and solely attribute JaMoron’s all-time greatest bust status to a lack of ‘desire’.
Some will even still insist it was the Raiders’ fault that JaMoron failed.
Well, the truth is even if JaMoron had tons of desire and got into tip-top shape and had a fantastic organization and a team of all-stars surrounding him, he’d still never cut it in the NFL.
Why ?
Because he’s a moron.
He’s an idiot.
All the physical talent in the world can’t make up for the shortcomings between his ears.
Maybe in another sport, or at another position.
But not as an NFL QB.
End of story.
April 15th, 2011 at 1:04 am
Jones ran the 40 in 4.27 compared to Chris Johnson’s 4.24 and Jamaal Charles’s 4.28.
We all know how much Al would like that pick.
I don’t want it to happen but I won’t be suprised if Al trades Bush to get more picks.
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