Measuring heart as well as speed, size
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Sunday, May 1st, 2011 at 10:47 am in Oakland Raiders.
After letting the three-day draft marinate for several hours, here’s what I come up with concerning the Raiders’ Class of 2011:
The most important adjustment Al Davis has made the past two years is in heeding information about a player’s desire and level of commitment to go along with the physical attributes that will always be a big part of the way he selects players.
Davis still wants the Raiders to look good coming off the bus. It’s just that now he wants them to look good while carrying their playbooks.
The Raiders will still miss on occasion, something that happens to every team in the NFL. But at least they’ll miss on someone who appears to care. Say what you want about 2009 first-round pick Darrius Heyward-Bey and second-round selection Mike Mitchell, but any failure to become a frontline NFL player won’t be because they were lacking in desire.
It seemed to be a common theme among this year’s class, from center Stefen Wisniewski right on through receiver David Ausberry _ the talent to contribute and a willingness to work for it. Cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke, tackle Joe Barksdale and running back Taiwan Jones, as well as Wiz II, all had an appealing humbleness about them that indicated they were taking their team and their sport very seriously. The same goes for cornerback Chimdi Chekwa, available by conference call.
It was a trait that ran through last year’s celebrated draft class as well. Middle linebacker Rolando McClain could be a bit quirky, but there seemed to be no doubting his willingness to learn and grow in the mental part of the game. Lemarr Houston, Jared Veldheer, Jacoby Ford, Bruce Campbell, Walter McFadden, Travis Goethel, Jeremy Ware, Stevie Brown . . . all appeared to have a grasp on the challenge ahead as it pertained to work ethic and attitude.
That hasn’t always been the case. Maybe it was the legendary indifference of JaMarcus Russell that caused this shift in philosophy, but there were plenty of examples preceding Russell.
Fabian Washington, the first-round pick in 2005, admitted after being traded to Baltimore he was immature and didn’t grasp the concept of being a professional in Oakland.
Going back to 2002 and 2003, I can think of three players who weren’t bad guys but came to the Raiders and conducted themselves as if they had everything figured out _ tight end Teyo Johnson (2003), cornerback Phillip Buchanon (2002) and linebacker Napoleon Harris (2002), the latter two first-round draft picks.
Second-overall pick Darrell Russell arrived in 1997 with a reputation of taking plays off and not being entirely serious about his profession. They got a couple of Pro Bowl years out of Russell, but if a Russell-like player came out now, you wonder if the Raiders would take a pass.
The Raiders traded up twice in 1996 to take tight end Rickey Dudley, who caught 29 touchdown passes in five seasons but never achieved the stardom his skill set seemed to warrant. Dudley wasn’t a head case or a slacker. But after doing a profile on him dating back to his days in high school, it was clear Dudley’s first love was basketball and he admitted as much.
Dudley liked football and appreciated the opportunity, but he loved basketball. It was his passion.
I asked Hue Jackson if there were players taken off the board regardless of their skill set based on red flags gathered through an interview or research.
“There’s no question,” Jackson said. “Obviously the measureables are important. We want the guy to be as big as he can be, as agile as he can be, as fast as he can be. But at the end of the day, he’s got to want to play football. And that’s what it comes down to.
“You’ve got to like the toughness, the physical nature of this sport, and if you don’t do that, you can’t be successful in this league.”
Is combine flash Van Dyke a reach in the third round? Perhaps. He’s alarmingly thin as well, with legs that look like pencils. Rod Woodson signed off on him, however, and that should count for something.
Taiwan Jones, the fourth-round pick, also comes off as earnest and sincere. He’ll be fine about his role and isn’t going to be demanding the ball any time soon. Considering Darren McFadden’s injury history and Jackson’s love for running the ball, Jones could come along sooner than expected.
As for physical “freaks” such as tight end Richard Gordon and Ausberry, taking a calculated risk on a superior athlete is simply the Raider way. The difference is now they’re taking a closer look at the heart to go along with the body.
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May 1st, 2011 at 10:48 am
1st
May 1st, 2011 at 10:52 am
We need Glass Schilens to make it through 16 games!!!!!!!!!!!
Later Raiders! Enjoy your day.
May 1st, 2011 at 10:53 am
Raiders Draft Grade: D
All of their first three picks looked like reaches. Perhaps running back Taiwan Jones (fourth round), the Combine’s fastest player, will provide a few big plays. Al Davis drafted like he knows there wont be a football season this year!
May 1st, 2011 at 10:59 am
I would divide our picks into 2 groups:
- Group 1: Stefen Wisniewski, Joe Barksdale, Chimdi Chekwa with Denarius Moore barely making the cut.
They are experienced starters for big-time college programs, they produced at the highest level of competition and are more than just height-weight-speed kids.
All 4 are expected to contribute early at positions of need.
- Group 2: Demarcus Van Dyke and Taiwan Jones.
Fast and loaded with potential.
DVD needs some coaching in order to gain consistency but the U keeps churning out good NFL players year after year and Van Dyke might be the next one.
Just look at Miami’s CB Sam Shields, another speed demon with a slight built who went undrafted last year and turned into key player for GB as a rookie.
Taiwan Jones is different, he produced at a lower level but health is the major question mark here, most people raved about Taiwan’s potential….a nice flyer in the 4th round.
Gordon-Ausberry:
If Gordon blocks as well as they say he could be the 3rd TE and play a role, otherwise he’s headed to the practice-squad alongside Ausberry, a nice developmental project.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:05 am
Lamarr Houston, Jared Veldheer, Jacoby Ford, Bruce Campbell, Walter McFadden, Travis Goethel, Jeremy Ware, Stevie Brown……
Wow…now thats a draft!
May 1st, 2011 at 11:07 am
Mel Kiper just told Tod McShay “I disagree with you about the Raiders, I think they got a steal with Denarius Moore!”
May 1st, 2011 at 11:08 am
David Ausberry is considered a TE by many..
May 1st, 2011 at 11:09 am
The difference between this draft and the last draft is that last draft we picked players. This draft we picked “potential” meaning they are fast and could develop into something, but didn’t show it.
We haven’t had too much success in those types of people in the recent past (our best players last year had good production in college).
May 1st, 2011 at 11:10 am
R8eray and you missed the 1st round pick who happens to be starting for us at Middle linebacker and calling the shots on the defense!
May 1st, 2011 at 11:13 am
Last year at this point people were complaining about:
a) Jared Veldheer, because nobody knew who he was.
b) Jacoby Ford, another speedster who can’t play!.
c) McFadden, Ware and Stevie….DB’s, DB’s, DB’s how many do you need??.
Veldheer and Ford proved to be steals, the DB’s (day 3 picks) all made the team and showed some promise.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:14 am
Jerry says:
It seemed to be a common theme among this year’s class, from center Stefen Wisniewski right on through receiver David Ausberry _ the talent to contribute and a willingness to work for it. Cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke, tackle Joe Barksdale and running back Taiwan Jones, as well as Wiz II, all had an appealing humbleness about them that indicated they were taking their team and their sport very seriously.
================
Draft analysis said pre draft about Taiwna Jones:
“Has been described by scouts as immature and naive.”
May 1st, 2011 at 11:16 am
r8eray Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 11:08 am
David Ausberry is considered a TE by many..
==============
And a fullback by some
http://raidernationstation.com/raider_huddle
May 1st, 2011 at 11:16 am
I hope Wiz works out for us at Center despite all the draft “experts” saying he can get pushed around and would be better on a zone team. He is the opposite of most of our other draft picks. He “Overachieved” based on his stature and “natural physical gifts”
I think Taiwan can be a freak of nature on limited chances. Our WR in the 4th looks descent. Chemdi at least has some track record (no pun intended).
The rest look like under achievers we are hoping will turn into something.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:17 am
4. nice bob!
May 1st, 2011 at 11:17 am
Mel Kiper likes our draft?
That’s pretty amazing.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:18 am
I remember people being happy with the draft because we picked some players and being happy because he wanted till the 4th round to start picking the people based on their 40 times.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:19 am
Raiderzmaverick Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 11:10 am
R8eray and you missed the 1st round pick who happens to be starting for us at Middle linebacker and calling the shots on the defense!
____
I know…haa!
2010 Draft will be compared and should be put on a pedestal for future Drafts!
May 1st, 2011 at 11:19 am
13. Wizzer is supposed be an EXCELLENT technician with a mean streak. I worry about his over power. Seems like he rarely moves anyone out of the hole or twists them out of the way but they sday he simply gets it done.
Hope so. When they Raiders have a really good center, they win.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:19 am
Bob Marley Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 10:59 am
I would divide our picks into 2 groups:
- Group 1: Stefen Wisniewski, Joe Barksdale, Chimdi Chekwa with Denarius Moore barely making the cut.
They are experienced starters for big-time college programs, they produced at the highest level of competition and are more than just height-weight-speed kids.
All 4 are expected to contribute early at positions of need.
- Group 2: Demarcus Van Dyke and Taiwan Jones.
Fast and loaded with potential.
DVD needs some coaching in order to gain consistency but the U keeps churning out good NFL players year after year and Van Dyke might be the next one.
Just look at Miami’s CB Sam Shields, another speed demon with a slight built who went undrafted last year and turned into key player for GB as a rookie.
Taiwan Jones is different, he produced at a lower level but health is the major question mark here, most people raved about Taiwan’s potential….a nice flyer in the 4th round.
Gordon-Ausberry:
If Gordon blocks as well as they say he could be the 3rd TE and play a role, otherwise he’s headed to the practice-squad alongside Ausberry, a nice developmental project.
///////////////////////////////////////////
I actually see Ausberry making the team before Gordon as he is a more refined receiver and has more experience catching the ball, running the ball, and blocking out of the backfield. Ausberry could come in and immediately help in goaline packages both catching and blocking as a TE or a FB.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:20 am
Carl Weathers Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 10:52 am
We need Glass Schilens to make it through 16 games!!!!!!!!!!!
Later Raiders! Enjoy your day.
==============
If he stays healthy and plays 16 games we make the play offs.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:22 am
Nnamdi21 Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 11:14 am
Jerry says:
It seemed to be a common theme among this year’s class, from center Stefen Wisniewski right on through receiver David Ausberry _ the talent to contribute and a willingness to work for it. Cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke, tackle Joe Barksdale and running back Taiwan Jones, as well as Wiz II, all had an appealing humbleness about them that indicated they were taking their team and their sport very seriously.
================
Draft analysis said pre draft about Taiwna Jones:
“Has been described by scouts as immature and naive.”
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Everyone i read said that he was a great kid and really persevered in the classroom and on the field despite having Dyslexia. I heard he was level headed and humble.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:22 am
According to a lot of the DT discussions we’ve had in here, the C should never have to worry about blocking a DT without help.
What we really need from Wiz is for him to not be on skates and simply hold the point of attack.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:25 am
Severeraiderz Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 10:45 am
Aig-Raiders Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 10:39 am
Mayock was deadon about JR. JR had a wonderful out of this world pro day but clearly JR isnt about football.
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No, he was dead wrong. I told people that he had no accuracy, no touch and a poor work ethic. i told people that Buster Davis, Dwayne Bowe, and Early Doucet made him look better than he actually was. My friends that are LSU fans were happy to see the guy leave, that told me all that i needed to know.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:27 am
http://www.draftcountdown.com/ScoutingReports/RB/Taiwan-Jones.php
May 1st, 2011 at 11:28 am
raiderzmaverick Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 11:09 am
The difference between this draft and the last draft is that last draft we picked players. This draft we picked “potential” meaning they are fast and could develop into something, but didn’t show it.
———————————————-
What about Wisniewski, Barksdale, Chekwa and Moore, aren’t they “players”?.
Those guys have been starters for a while at Big 10 and SEC schools, with plenty of tape to analyze and production to match their physical gifts like Barksdale’s massive size, Wiz all-around smarts and technique and the speed of Chekwa and Moore.
Only Taiwan and Van Dyke are “potential” type picks out of rounds 2-5.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:31 am
Bengals impressed me in this years Draft….AJ Green and Dalton….”Sweet Jesus!”
May 1st, 2011 at 11:34 am
Lions too…I would hate to run against them!
May 1st, 2011 at 11:35 am
Not sure what the plans our for Taiwan Jones…
If you wanted a change of pace back then Quizz Rodgers from oregon would have been a good pickup.
I look at the competition that TJ was playing against they look like high schoolers…
May 1st, 2011 at 11:36 am
Anyone else feeling like we got JERKT OFF by the NFL with that whole “Lock out lifted!” Just before the draft and then had it ripped out form uonder once mid way in?
I think they did it cuz they were worried about draft ratings.
Billionaires need to take a dirt nap.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:36 am
Severe,
Bottomline is Mayock said to pass on him and he was right. JR worked hard for his pro day and everyone walking away was wayyy impressed. That meant JR had the ability to be accurate when he wants to be. Problem was he only worked hard for his proday and that’s it.
Mayock will be wrong as well but I think he makes the most sense out of Kiper, McShay and Mayock.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:36 am
Marley, it just seems to me that the majority underachieved. Not all of them. I mentioned later that exact point. Wis played above his hight/speed “potential”. With good technique etc. Moore seems like he did get some good production in last year, and is good for a 4th round pick.
Maybe it just seems that way, but we drafted a fair number of College back-ups who have the height/speed but didn’t take advantage of it in college. I mean the TE from Miami as a starter got 10 receptions!?! and he has good speed/size. Our 3rd round DVD got demoted from starter in his senior year.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:36 am
Thec,
Taiwan Jones had a better 40 time than Quizz. That’s the bottomline.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:37 am
Like the Wiz, Barksdale, Chekwa, Moore, and Jones picks.
Wiz and Barksdale are safe picks, and will be Day 1 starters. Moore and Jones were steals – definitely could argue they were the best players available. Chekwa is a solid player who, while still unpolished, started for three years against very good competition. Fits what the Raiders do, and they didn’t reach for him.
I thought there were better players available for some of the others, but oh well. Would have liked to see Virgil Green in the 6th and Lee Ziemba, Zach Hurd or Ian Williams in the 7th. But the kid from USC could be another Marcel Reece-type player, so who knows.
Van Dyke is the one pick that I’m really not on board with. But hopefully the kid will change my mind soon enough.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:37 am
Good article Jerry. I think this draft is not too bad at all. 2 big Uglies to start aint a bad thing.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:40 am
aig-raiders Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 11:36 am
Thec,
Taiwan Jones had a better 40 time than Quizz. That’s the bottomline.
+++++++++++++
hahahahahaha….
May 1st, 2011 at 11:40 am
NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner says Brady, who recently signed a four-year extension that runs through 2014, when Brady will be 37, told Mallett fans not to hold their breath.
“I did text Tom Brady after this pick and he wanted me to know for sure that he was planning on playing 10 more years,” Warner said Friday.
Count on him being a Raider in a couple?
May 1st, 2011 at 11:42 am
Aig-Raiders Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 11:36 am
Severe,
Bottomline is Mayock said to pass on him and he was right. JR worked hard for his pro day and everyone walking away was wayyy impressed. That meant JR had the ability to be accurate when he wants to be. Problem was he only worked hard for his proday and that’s it.
Mayock will be wrong as well but I think he makes the most sense out of Kiper, McShay and Mayock.
////////////////////////////////
He didnt say pass on him, he said he had concerns taking a player with desire issues that high. He also praised his accuracy and touch. How can you pass on a guy that has the best skill set of any QB that you have seen in your life.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:42 am
I can see moore starting, i like the way he catches the ball, and makes great adjustments…Best pick of our draft from a value/rd in my opinion…
May 1st, 2011 at 11:44 am
With a solid training camp (or whatever will be left of training camp) I could see Moore working himself into the WR rotation quickly. Not sure he’ll start right off the bat, but he’ll definitely get his opportunities.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:45 am
We are going to keep only 6 Wr’s this year…
Some of the blogs fav’s may be history, and this before even we get steve smith….
May 1st, 2011 at 11:47 am
YA, if the org is hell bent on having DHB on the field then that may slow his rise a bit.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:49 am
I guess you have to look for different things in different areas.
In QB especially I wouldn’t look for anything more importnatly than “smarts”. Especially in the QB you need to have someone who can make reads, see the whole field and has a natural feel for the game.
There are some exceptions maybe, but 80% of the top QBs are there because they can read the defense, can predict where the defenders and their teammates will be and react quickly.
Unfortunately it’s not something that I have seen in Jason Campbell. HOpefully it’s just because he wasn’t comfortable yet in the system, and once he gets more used to it he’ll be able to read it better and feel more comfortable.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:50 am
I think DHB’s free ride will be over this year. He won’t be cut, but won’t be starting unless he earns it.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:50 am
YoungAmerican Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 11:44 am
With a solid training camp (or whatever will be left of training camp) I could see Moore working himself into the WR rotation quickly. Not sure he’ll start right off the bat, but he’ll definitely get his opportunities.
—————–
Shoooot….you could pretty much get any receiver (high school included) and have him go through training camp to play with our receiving group!
*Ford not included…he’s a baller!
May 1st, 2011 at 11:53 am
DHB can’t let this be the third consecutive year where he gets outplayed by a late-round pick.
Ford, Murphy, Moore, and an occasionally-healthy Schilens all make DHB look like he doesn’t belong. And at least Miller has special teams value (in theory).
May 1st, 2011 at 11:55 am
Ford, Murphy, Moore….Thats your starting WR corp…
If schallens is healthy then he can fight with murphy…
May 1st, 2011 at 11:56 am
I like the ‘lil Wiz and Barksdale picks, the O-line needed help.
All the fast guys, I’ll wait until ota’s and camp when good ‘ol JerryMacs “expert” eyes get a gander at them..
Obviously, coach and HueJack have a plan for free agents, and udfa’s..
I’ll say one thing, if they ran the 400m. relays in 40yd. splits, we’d kick azz and take names…
May 1st, 2011 at 12:00 pm
Moore is the best pick in this years draft class from a value and round selected perspective…Will be between he and wiz on who wins RON this year….
May 1st, 2011 at 12:01 pm
Maybe because when people evaluate Taiwan Jones, names like Chris Johnson and Jamaal Charles are thrown around.
“Last Thursday, about 50 NFL scouts, coaches and executives (including 18 running backs coaches) were at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, CA., to watch one player’s private workout. And if you don’t follow FCS football closely, you may not even know the name of the player they came to watch.
Eastern Washington running back Taiwan Jones, the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year, finally got to run the 40-yard dash everyone had been expecting and hoping to see.
Jones suffered a broken foot late in the 2010 season, which kept him out of the FCS Championship game (which EWU still won without him) and workouts at the scouting combine.
However, those in the scouting community were well-aware of Jones’ raw speed, and knew that when fully healed, he could put up numbers in the range of those established by current Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (4.24 at the combine) and Kansas City Chiefs back Jamaal Charles (4.28).
After serious work and rehab at Athletes Performance in Carson, CA., Jones flew up to the Bay Area and put on a major show in front of what San Francisco 49ers running backs coach Tom Rathman told one observer was the biggest NFL attendance for a private workout he had ever seen.
API’s Travelle Gaines told Sportspress Northwest that Jones ran one 40 in the range of 4.27 to 4.35 on all stopwatches.
Jones was also timed at 1.45 to 1.50 seconds in his 10-yard split by four different stopwatches, and that would have been the fastest 10-yard split at the 2011 scouting combine.
This could really push Jones up quite a few draft boards.
Seen as a third- to fifth-round prospect by many analysts (some of whom may not have watched too much EWU tape), Jones may jump up a bit higher based on Thursday’s performance.
And how did the training at API help? “For the most part, it just got my confidence up,” said Jones, who just started running again at full speed three weeks ago and hadn’t run an official timed 40 before today since last summer.
Jones is well aware of the Chris Johnson and Jamaal Charles comparisons — he’s heard them for a long time —but this was the first time he was able to show the majority of NFL teams (representative of 27 teams showed up) that he had that kind of speed in person.
Still, Jones knows that it just isn’t about straight-line speed — teams will look at the game tape to see what he’s really all about in a football sense.
What does he have to offer besides that blazing speed? “Just the way I move my body — I’m able to bend my body in ways that most big backs can’t. I feel that this is what separates me from a lot of the backs in this year’s class.”
Jones also put up a 39.5-inch vertical leap (which would have been third among running backs at the combine), and an 11-foot broad jump, which would have been second overall at the combine behind Alabama receiver Julio Jones, who was universally acknowledged as the star of the 2011 event.
There are some concerns about whether Jones will be able to transition to the demands placed on a first-call running back at the NFL level; most likely, he’ll be a very dynamic role-player on outside runs, returns, and passes out of the backfield.
He has struggled with injuries, and there have been fumbling issues, but in the right system, Taiwan Jones could be a huge difference-maker.
Friday’s pro day performance was just the most recent step in Jones’ progression away from “sleeper” status to second-day draft prospect.”
May 1st, 2011 at 12:03 pm
I am happy we picked up 2 trenchmen this adds depth and quality to our oline… We give JC some protection we will have one of the most dynamic Offenses in the NFL…
May 1st, 2011 at 12:06 pm
jones reminds me a little of OJ…
May 1st, 2011 at 12:06 pm
Mark Herzlich (LB) wrote on his Twitter account. “tough times call for perseverance and a tough mind. “I have been told that I can’t play football before. We all know what happened with that. #neverquit.
We should take a look at this guy….who knows they’ll probably make a movie about his life. Good PR….Amy?
Blindside 2?
May 1st, 2011 at 12:07 pm
Marley thanks for the post good read….
May 1st, 2011 at 12:08 pm
Mark could play too…I’m not just sayin!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzZUA5CZ6IQ
May 1st, 2011 at 12:14 pm
Thec07 Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 11:35 am
Not sure what the plans our for Taiwan Jones…
If you wanted a change of pace back then Quizz Rodgers from oregon would have been a good pickup.
I look at the competition that TJ was playing against they look like high schoolers…
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They are more impressive athletes than the guys that Jared Veldheer played against
May 1st, 2011 at 12:15 pm
The most experienced starter on our line, as of right now, is Daniel Loper. The next most experienced is Veldheer, and then we essentially have 3 rookies starting if you include Campbell with Wiz and Bark. That looks like a big concern to me
May 1st, 2011 at 12:23 pm
Isn’t Langston Walker under contract?.
If so, he’ll start at RG or RT.
May 1st, 2011 at 12:23 pm
Would love to see Harvey Dahl come in at RG in free agency.
Veldheer – Campbell/Loper – Wisniewski – Dahl – Barksdale
Would help solidify the right side of the line, which at this point will likely be all first-year starters.
May 1st, 2011 at 12:23 pm
# Bob Marley Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 12:23 pm
Isn’t Langston Walker under contract?.
If so, he’ll start at RG or RT.
———–
Word is he’s looking at retirement.
May 1st, 2011 at 12:25 pm
It’s a great day to be a Raiders fan. Isn’t it?!
So far, so good with the draft…now to see how Al and staff fill in the blanks with undrafted FA’s. You know those phones were buzzing for precious few hours the other day…I’m sure most the Players we’re still interested in got the news to stay in shape, and be ready if called.
An awful lot of undrafted Players this year are good enough to have been drafted any other year…I still think this is going to be one of the strongest-ever draft “classes” to ever hit the League.
There are still some good O- and D-linemen out there to add to the competitions we’re about to have, once camp opens again. But, the Wiz2 pick works for me, as does Barksdale. These boys come to work, and may be ready to…and if BCampbell is ready for primetime, the O-line could be set a lot sooner than even us optimists saw happening.
If any of the WR’s is ready to make an impact, it makes the Schilens/DHB questions a little easier to deal with. Hopefully Moore’s addition is the real steal that a few people think it is…another Jacoby Ford-like surprise would be a huge lift. If DHB has arrived, this WR corps could go from wtf?? to WTF!!
Three things you can never have too much of: Speed, DB’s, and RB’s. No matter what happens w/ Nnamdi, we always need improved DB play. No matter what happens with MBush, we need another capable RB in the stable…ponies break down. Speed, and more speed, baby.
If there was ever a guy who will need to adjust to NFL speed, all the time, from all over the field, it would be Taiwan Jones. He’s got a feel for the game that can’t be taught…and his playing speed is unbelievable…but suddenly, half the guys around him will be +/- 4.5 second runners. There are linebackers here that fly like corners and safeties where he comes from. If he adjusts as well as he should/could, his athleticism is going to astound us. A great “reach.”
This was interesting to watch…and will be great to watch unfold if/when we ever get to camp. A great draft for the Raiders?? Since a few of these guys are going to be plugged-in, with great things demanded of them right away, it should be fairly obvious about halfway through the season. Of course, we’ll know only in the long-haul…but, if even HALF of this year’s picks make an impact like last year’s did, it will be an instant success.
Bob Marley, et al = Excellent reads today!
Gotta run…
It’s a great draft week to be a Raiders fan! Isn’t it?!
May 1st, 2011 at 12:25 pm
I’m sure one of our two Right Tackles will be back. Henderson or Walker at least to compete.
May 1st, 2011 at 12:29 pm
I hope Campbell does work in the O’Line…right now it’s “hype” and “potential”. We haven’t seen him play any quality time at all yet.
He has the potential to be there, but will he play up to that potential?
May 1st, 2011 at 12:29 pm
I’m not concerned about Mr. Wisniewski’s size and strength, one he is strong enough, quick enough, and intelligent enough to be an all-pro; second as it stands now either Mr. B. Campbell or Mr. Barksdale will be playing guard along side him (Mr. Loper on the other). Those two are more than strong enough to team up against any DTs.
Cutler’s, Rogers’, and Ponder’s O-line are the ones that will have to face Suh & Fairly twice this season.
May 1st, 2011 at 12:29 pm
God yeah, it’s funny to say this, but the Lions actually look dangerous.
May 1st, 2011 at 12:32 pm
Raiders need to sign at least three free agents or make three trades for O-Line.
As it stands right now the only players we have under contract or own rights to are:
Vehldeer Loper Wisniewski Campbell Barksdale and Carlisie
Satele & Barnes are FA, I think Walker is also either way he is retiring or the extnded lockout will have him so out of shape he will not be able to produce.
May 1st, 2011 at 12:33 pm
Teams will be one dimensional when they play detroit…
May 1st, 2011 at 12:34 pm
I would hope we keep satele…gallery talked his way out of oakland by siding with cable….
May 1st, 2011 at 12:35 pm
Does anyone watch any LSU games? The Barksdale scouting reports are all so different.
http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2011jbarksdale.php
This one has him as an athletic technician who doesn’t really maul in the run game.
Most of the other ones I read such as the one from nfl.com have him as a mauler that may not be athletic enough to play tackle in the NFL.
May 1st, 2011 at 12:35 pm
I used to enjoy watching the Detroit Lions play, because I did not want to miss out on Sanders big plays, now I will watch them to see quarterbacks get munched.
You know the Lions defense will be a fantasy football favorite.
May 1st, 2011 at 12:37 pm
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/05/01/a-look-at-the-top-prospects-still-available-after-the-draft/
May 1st, 2011 at 12:38 pm
The items that stands out for me about Barksdale, is that he is willing to contribute anywhere for the sake of the team, he wants to play football at any position, he doesn’t allow defenders get to his quarterback, and he has 4 years experience at OT, infact he has more experience playing tackle thatn some of the juniors that came out early last year.
May 1st, 2011 at 12:41 pm
I wonder who the Panthers are going to select for their first pick overall nest season.
I think Newton will be very good quarterback, but next year will be a learning experience like no other, I see them going 2-14 at best.
May 1st, 2011 at 12:43 pm
From what I can see the difference between Ford and Jones is size, with Jones being taller and bigger…I think Jones will be the Pr and Ford will continue to return KO…Jones is elusive and has the same ability of Ford on returns…great pick.
May 1st, 2011 at 12:44 pm
the WR Denarius Moore actually looks really good in tape, catches with his hands, is a deep trheat, has the size and the speed.
May 1st, 2011 at 12:46 pm
Moore is going to challenge for a starting job, would not suprise me if he wins rookie of the nation…
May 1st, 2011 at 12:47 pm
I would hope we keep satele…gallery talked his way out of oakland by siding with cable
#####################
Totally agreed, Raiders need 2 C’s on the roster. We all know what happens when Satele gets hurt….Veldheer to Center.
May 1st, 2011 at 12:49 pm
THANK YOU FOR THE THOUGHTFUL AND WELL-RESEARCHED ARTICLE.
Keep it coming!
May 1st, 2011 at 12:50 pm
Moore will be solid WR, it puts the other WRs on notice; catch the ball or get benched.
There will be competition for the return duties.
I see the Raiders having at least 6 total special teams returns for TDs, and because we will have some on PR, Mr. Cartwright will get 3-4 blocked punts this season.
May 1st, 2011 at 12:51 pm
100PercentRaider Says:”The most experienced starter on our line, as of right now, is Daniel Loper. The next most experienced is Veldheer, and then we essentially have 3 rookies starting if you include Campbell with Wiz and Bark. That looks like a big concern to me”
Agreed….but we will either keep Satele, Barnes and Cooper or replace them with other veterans
May 1st, 2011 at 12:51 pm
Mr. Satele will be Wisniewski’s back up.
May 1st, 2011 at 12:51 pm
Speaking of retirement …NFLN via Lombardi & that other guy was talking about the Bengels and Palmer situation during the draft.
Someone said something about Palmer has $11mm reasons to play football vs retire and other said well Palmer says he has $75MM IN THE BANK!!!!! (…damn tha tmust be nice!)
The these fools made a ridiculous comment about going back for the $11mm is how you get rich….HELLO!!!! Dude’s already rich! He has $75mm reasons why he doesn’t give a sht about coming back lol.
May 1st, 2011 at 12:59 pm
The more I study the players we drafted the more I like this draft.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:04 pm
If you want to judge Barksdale do so yourself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjeaK1TuvDQ
May 1st, 2011 at 1:04 pm
And
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b9owu3f2uE&feature=related
LSU played him at LT last year. He looks like a very good RT in this league. My concerns would be his ability vs the speed rush and secondarily his ability to get to the 2nd level blocking if the play calls for it. Other than that this kid looks solid to me.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:07 pm
After watching Barksdale play a little, he seems to me to be not the most physical or athletic guy in the world. His lateral movement is slow and he doesn’t get a lot of push in the run game.
He seems to get the most out of what he has, though. Uses his long arms very well to keep defenders off of him and positions himself well to wall off in the run game. Seems to get to his spots well when pass protecting, but he can be beaten to the outside by very quick players.
Watched parts of the Alabama game and he matched up pretty well against Darius when they were one-on-one.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:08 pm
Kim Newton will bust. Him and Teabow are the same player. These guys dont know how to play from the pocket yet and their arms are not great by NFL standards
May 1st, 2011 at 1:10 pm
Joseph Barksdale Scouting Report
By Matt McGuire
Strengths:
Solid size and frame to add bulk
# Long arms
# Very light on his feet
# Fluid, smooth athlete
# Outstanding technician
# A natural knee bender and keeps pads low
# Love his balance and body control
# Patient pass protector; sits in his stance, not over-aggressive
# Displays explosiveness
# Nice range and can be isolated 1v1
# Reacts quickly to counter moves; good instincts
# Understands angles
# Comfortable in space
# Starter in SEC since sophomore year
# Terrific hand punch; keeps hands inside
# Fantastic agility
# Gets solid arm extension
# Moves to second level with ease
# Heavy hands
# Highly consistent in pass protection
# Huge upside and potential
# Durable
# Great skill set for an NFL left tackle
Weaknesses:
# Doesn’t always finish his blocks
# Not the most powerful run blocker
# A little finesse; might lack a mean streak
# Could get more push in run game
# Occasionally misses assignments
# Lacks some vision and awareness
Summary: I don’t understand why Barksdale isn’t more well regarded as a 2011 NFL Draft prospect nationally, but I really don’t care. I have watched a lot of tape on the most lauded 2010 NFL Draft tackle prospects, and Barksdale’s games are easily the best. He has a very high upside and has the raw talent to be an elite left tackle in the NFL with the prototype technique to boot. He needs to prove he can man the blind side as a senior at LSU, but I think when it’s all said and done, he will at least go in the first two rounds.
I have questions with Barksdale (pure speculation on my part) because he seems to miss a block or two per game, and I’m slightly concerned about his intelligence. That said, I’m giving Barksdale a first-round grade to start the 2010 season and he’s my No. 1 offensive tackle prospect for the 2011 NFL Draft.
Player Comparison: Joe Staley. Staley and Barksdale both have the raw athleticism and high level of technique you look for in left tackles, but they are both finesse pass protectors who aren’t very powerful in the run game.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:10 pm
This was not a deep draft, after Patrick Peterson & Von Miller it was a crap shoot.
We did not even have a 1st round draft pick.
Raiders had a solid draft this season.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:11 pm
Guy.
You’re right.
Joe Barksdale scouting reports are all over the place.
Going over most of them yesterday it felt like I read about 2 or 3 different players.
Here’s what can be confirmed:
He’s got size at 6′5 325, durability and experience having started 39 straight games.
As a freshman at LSU he made the switch from DL to OL as a backup RT, as sophomore and junior he started every game there and switched to LT for his senior season where was voted second team All-SEC by both the coaches and the AP.
I think that’s an impressive record for a kid who arrived at school as a defensive tackle, not only did he adjust from playing defense to offense in a pinch, he made a smooth transition to the left side as well.
It shows that he’s smart and a quick, eager learner.
Now about his game, I’ve seen a few reports that label him as a “fine technician”….
Think about it, the kid has been playing OL for 4 years and is already regarded as a “technician” a term ususally associated with undersized linemen who need to rely on technique to overcome size-skill disadvantages, but not often on massive 6′5 325 Tackle prospects.
I think that’s a very positive sign for us, so far Barksdale makes the grade as far as size, durability, experience and smarts…and he played in the SEC where the top athletes in America play ball, so I’m guessing his athleticism should not be an issue.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:11 pm
Actually I think Barksdale is the most successful in run blocking. He walls off his man damn near everytime as I recall. That is what you want. Those are wins!
His ability vs the speed rush is what I would question right now.
But run blocking, this guy is golden! He looked technically proficient.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:19 pm
His pass blocking is also good I just worry about the speed rush.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:19 pm
Perception drives much of what people say. If Belichick gets a guy, everyone says it’s a good pick. If Jones had gone to the Pats, people would be saying many good things. What matters is how the players contribute. Belichick has been wrong a lot and has made picks that didn’t pan out. Oakland has been stupid in many drafts, but each draft must be evaluated on it’s own merits.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:21 pm
Post 92, right on.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:30 pm
Like I said J Ford is a 1 man army, we needed to draft WR.
_____
Thec07 Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 12:46 pm
Moore is going to challenge for a starting job, would not suprise me if he wins rookie of the nation…
May 1st, 2011 at 1:33 pm
errapinRaider Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 1:11 pm
Actually I think Barksdale is the most successful in run blocking. He walls off his man damn near everytime as I recall. That is what you want. Those are wins!
His ability vs the speed rush is what I would question right now.
But run blocking, this guy is golden! He looked technically proficient.
////////////////////////////////////////
Started 3 years at OT in the SEC, that speaks very well to his consistency and ability.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:34 pm
Mr. Gordon looks like an old school Raider.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:34 pm
I can see Gordon playing somewhere TE or DE.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:35 pm
Not a peep from Lechler since he went out of his way to defend T Cable. Maybe he can break down the draft and poke at AL since he’s already off the Christmas card list.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:37 pm
Is #80 Terrance Toliver? Whoever it is, who looked good vs Texas A&M
May 1st, 2011 at 1:40 pm
I’ve been watching what I could find on Moore. He looks pretty solid with good hands. Saw a play where he got his bell rung on a reverse. He came back in the game a few plays later. Seems like he can take a hit and not afraid to go up for the ball in a suicide mission. Looks like he runs good routes and is pretty quick, even in double coverage he can come down with the ball.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:41 pm
Meant to say he looks good
May 1st, 2011 at 1:51 pm
Taiwan Jones is the real deal. Incredible speed and acceleration, great quickness, supper agile with an array of moves, awesome balance that helps him break some tackles, looks to have good vision and adequate hands. The fact that he added some weight should only help him at the next level
May 1st, 2011 at 1:54 pm
Raiderzmaverick Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 11:49 am
I guess you have to look for different things in different areas.
In QB especially I wouldn’t look for anything more importnatly than “smarts”. Especially in the QB you need to have someone who can make reads, see the whole field and has a natural feel for the game.
There are some exceptions maybe, but 80% of the top QBs are there because they can read the defense, can predict where the defenders and their teammates will be and react quickly.
Unfortunately it’s not something that I have seen in Jason Campbell. HOpefully it’s just because he wasn’t comfortable yet in the system, and once he gets more used to it he’ll be able to read it better and feel more comfortable.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
This is a popular take on this board. “Who cares about athleticism, it’s all about intelligence”. If that were true, Alex Smith would be heading to the HOF. I’m not saying you can be a complete box of rocks and be a good player, although Terry Bradshaw puts that to the test. But you have no chance in hell if you don’t have the athletic skill needed to “make all the throws”. Scouts aren’t looking for big arms just for the hell of it. I heard both Phil Simms and Ron Jaworski say last week that the #1 thing a QB needs in the NFL is a gun. All the top guys have them. Football isn’t rocket science. If you’ve been a great QB coming into the league, the game should eventually slow down. But if you don’t have the passing skills, it doesn’t matter how hard you work or what you know about NFL defenses.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:54 pm
Guy Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 1:37 pm
Is #80 Terrance Toliver? Whoever it is, who looked good vs Texas A&M
////////////////////////////////
I really like Toliver and i wanted us to nab him in late in the draft. I also really like Vidal Hazelton from Cincy.
May 1st, 2011 at 1:57 pm
tom cable draft =A- hue jackson draft= D
May 1st, 2011 at 2:00 pm
holy cow. just saw this on Taiwan Jones. HUGE ISSUE.
Fumbled 17 times in last two years.
May 1st, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Your draft grade doesn’t mean sh8t to me.
May 1st, 2011 at 2:13 pm
You guys are still talking about Tom ” having sex with hookers on road trips” Cable ? 8-8? We could have easily been 11-5 last year.
May 1st, 2011 at 2:14 pm
Let’s be honest. Most of you would be talking up anyone they drafted the next couple of days.
Truth is that with the exception of the lineman, the other guys were scant on college production. Hard to suggest that someone who didn’t dominate or were leaders in their college teams are going to come in to the pros and light it up.
Bottom line as has been in the past…the coaches will have a lot of work in front of them getting some of these guys up to speed. An area “coaching” that the Raiders have not been very good at of late.
Wisniewski and Barksdale should be ready to roll…solid starters in college with production.
The rest are Bruce Campbellesque / DHBesque raw talents that will need to be coached up big time….a task that Al DAvis is not afraid to take on
May 1st, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Im sure everybody saw Shaughnessy and bryant having the impact they did when they was drafted…hell, they even got something out of Stevie ” 7th round pick ” Brown last year.. so all your arm chair general mangers opinions dont hold much weight. Don’t make it seem like we just drafted 5 Quinton moses’s
May 1st, 2011 at 2:25 pm
Hopefully Hue and Kelly Skipper can coach up TJ. That would be fun to watch….He looks scrappy and fast kind of like Kaufman was.
May 1st, 2011 at 2:32 pm
SharkCatcher,
The key to the 2011 campaign is going to be the players on the roster today and Wisniewski since he’s been penciled in as the starter.
I rarely expect much from draft picks. Ford was a surprise to me…and just that..a surprise….
Most of those guys may contribute in a play here or there…but not as serious role players or starters.
The Stevie Brown’s and Walter McFadden’s were not serious contributors last year. They gave you a play or two here and there…but they were not in the running for Rookie of the Year.
Those young players have to learn the game 1st…and that will take a while
May 1st, 2011 at 2:35 pm
I read in earlier posts about trading Michael Bush. What is it with you guys wanting to trade and release players that have provided actual production for unknown guys from college.
You need two running backs and DMAC is not the most durable guy. Bush has shown he can carry the load.
Same with Reece. Here’s a guy that PRODUCED on the field and we are talking about bringing in unknown guys to replace him.
I am still trying to digest the idea that Walter McFadden is going to replace Nnamdi with no drop off to team production…..
Go with a bird in the hand….
May 1st, 2011 at 2:36 pm
And DHB has not produced anything. Going into year 3, it put up or sit down……If he can’t hold his own in camp, you gotta bench him and let him be a change of pace #4 type guy.
How about we trade DHBs potential instead of Bush’s production?
May 1st, 2011 at 2:54 pm
Bush is a bruiser. He needs to stay.
May 1st, 2011 at 2:56 pm
DHB needs to be released.
Another in a long line of disasterous first round picks by Crazy Al.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:05 pm
snb nobody is saying to replace reece. we have 1 fb and need 2. a real fb who can actually block which will make the running game and blitz pick up better. reece will still be used but so will the other fb. we used 2 fb’s when o’neil and griffith were healthy and it worked.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:07 pm
can we also not assume that naamdi is gone until he actually leaves? we have no idea how this lock out/cba issue will play out. we dont need to trade anybody just need to add a few guys.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:21 pm
SnB Production Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 2:14 pm
Let’s be honest. Most of you would be talking up anyone they drafted the next couple of days.
Truth is that with the exception of the lineman, the other guys were scant on college production. Hard to suggest that someone who didn’t dominate or were leaders in their college teams are going to come in to the pros and light it up.
********************************************************
Let’s be honest. You would be complaing about anyone the Raiders have drafted in the last couple of days.
No production? Look up Taiwan Jones’ stats. Look up Denarious Moore’s yards per catch, and compare that with WRs in the other major conferences. Chimdi Chekwa was a three-year starter at Ohio State.
Face it, SnB. Unless Ozzie Newsome conducts the Raiders’ draft, you’re going to be upset. You should just come out of the closet and admit you’re a Ravens fan and get it over with. You’ll probably feel a whole lot better and be a much happier person.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:24 pm
Nnamdi, Routt, CJ, McFadden, Ware, Chekwa, VanDyke…
Yeah, I think it’s pretty safe to say Nnamdi isn’t coming back.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:34 pm
Armond,
The running game is fine as is. Reece is getting the job done. Do we need 2 fullbacks? Roster spots are not to be thrown around easily….
I would rather see an additional Defensive Tackle or WLB than an extra fullback.
The running game was a team strength.
Are you just talking about short yardage situations?
Plus Reece gives the defense something else to think about.
Tell the coaches to work on his blocking technique. Keep him in the lineup
May 1st, 2011 at 3:40 pm
Edward Teach,
Some Raider fans are really ultra-sensitive. Kind of goes against the whole Raider mantra. Even Al Davis himself has admitted to mistakes being make.
So don’t sit there and suggest this team and its methods are beyond discussion.
And I am not a Ravens fan. I do however like how that defense was built up and the characteristics in their defense is similiar to other successfull defenses in places like Baltimore, Green Bay and someday soon Detroit.
So since you are interested, why do I use the Ravens/Steelers as reference? Because both teams have historically had pedestrian at best offenses….sort of like this team…and have built defenses that can win games. I believe that building the defense is easier than building the offense…which can be seen in the difficulty the Raiders have had getting a legit QB and Wide Receivers. The difficulty until 2007 to get a competent TE.
So I will interject with opinions on things that work.
You challenging what team I follow really means very little to me.
May 1st, 2011 at 4:08 pm
Nobody said anything about the team’s methods being beyond discussion, but when you embellish your argument by saying that the Raiders got a bunch of players that had no production in college your credibility goes out the window.
You want to build the Raiders like the Ravens. So be it. My point was that you’re going to complain about the Raiders’ picks regardless of their real value if they don’t match the way you’d build the team, and there are plenty of your posts in here to prove that.
May 1st, 2011 at 4:11 pm
But how do you build a better Defense without Al’s blessing? I get your point but it seems Al is stuck in his way and the Raiders will always play 4-3 and man coverage. Raiders could keep Nnamdi, change DC’s, draft a bad azz OLB but things won’t change much on D. until AL decides it is time for a change.
May 1st, 2011 at 4:21 pm
Post 116, if Al IS CRAZY,that means youre sfbs, RAIDERS!!!!!
May 1st, 2011 at 4:30 pm
Teach,
I think the lineman are ready to go.
The running backs and corners are not so much. I doubt any corner or running back drafted after the 2nd round can be realistically be depended upon to be serious contributors.
That’s the “hope and dreams” I am throwing cool water on. Those guys may develop, but it will take time….unless they found diamonds in the rough.
The contributors the Raiders are DEPENDING ON this year are the Walter McFadden, Jeremy Ware, Darious Heyward-Bey’s. Those guys have had a year or three in the system and should have learned a thing or two.
But a person seriously expecting Van Dyke to do any thing more than get in on a few plays are “optimistic”
Especially with guys that really didn’t provide a lot of positive production in college. I don’t think production at Eastern Washington with a dozen or so fumbles translates into immediate superstardom….or being a backup at Miami. Those guys have a lot of work to do.
May 1st, 2011 at 4:32 pm
Also,
I rarely criticize what is working. The run defense is my biggest complaint….my #1 complaint…and will remain so until its fixed on the field with results.
Ranking 29th to 31st each and every year for a long time needs to be addressed somehow.
I will continue talking about the need for an NT, depth at linebacker and finding a successor to Richard Seymour, who is 30+.
They need to fix that and that is worthy of continuing discussion.
May 1st, 2011 at 4:38 pm
A team can never be consistent against the run as long as all four linemen are expected to be pass rushers first, and the back seven is playing man-to-man 90% of the time.
You’d need every guy on the defensive line to be a legitimate superstar.
Even in 2001/2002, the Raiders weren’t consistent against the run. They just did so many other things well that it didn’t matter.
May 1st, 2011 at 4:56 pm
ya u dont know if naamdi is gone or not. cj could be cut with his salary. i dont know what 2 expect with this lockout mess goin on. i dont want to assume losing anybody until we actually see what happens.
May 1st, 2011 at 5:06 pm
snb, i dont know why u think just cuz the running was explosive that it doesnt need work. the oline wasnt that good and we still added to it and will continue to. we have manase tonga on th PS who might be an extra fb/hb type. i have no idea why u think adding another fb says to get rid of reece when i never said that. he will be what he is while we have another option available. spare me the throwing positions around talk. we have bennett on the roster who didnt serve much of a purpose. u tellin me a real fb couldnt do more for us than him?
May 1st, 2011 at 5:10 pm
I think CJ might be cut regardless of whether Nnamdi comes back or not.
May 1st, 2011 at 5:14 pm
SnB,
Not sure what you expect the team to do. As you’ve said yourself, you can’t expect anyone drafted after the second round to become an instant contributor.
The team gave up 29 touchdowns through the air last year, despite having one of the top passrushing defenses in the NFL. We are about to lose our best defensive back because we can’t or won’t pay him quarterback money. How do you propose we deal with that without bringing in new talent? It’s way too risky to wait until free agency and then hope you can get the guy you want. The Raiders had a Hall of Famer work out both Chekwa and Van Dyke; if he would have given the thumbs-down they probably wouldn’t be Raiders right now.
I don’t even think there’s an argument about us needing receivers that can catch the football, or about the need for a tight end that can block, both in the running game and as an extra pass protector.
The team had needs at certain positions based on the way they want to play next year, and they addressed them with the best players they had on the draft board at the time. You can’t address every single need and get a starter with every draft pick you have, all in one draft.
May 1st, 2011 at 5:26 pm
I like Wisniewski & Satele at Center. I like Veldheer & Loper on the left side, too.
the right side of the line REALLY concerns me though. Cooper Carlisle is strictly a zbs guy hand picked by Tom Cable, so he may be on his way out and Al Davis has basically anointed Bruce Campbell a starter somewhere on the OL this season
enter Barksdale at RT and you’ve got 2 players that have NEVER started an NFL game protecting Jason Campbell, who is only backed up by Kyle Boller
YUCK!
the best thing to do at this point would be to keep Carlisle and re-sign Barnes or Walker as a “just in case” measure … and go HARD after one of those 6 teams ex-qb’s that drafted a QB in the Top 50
Panthers, Jags, Titans, 49ers, Bengals & Vikings
I don’t think anybody really cares about Jonathan Crompton or Brian Hoyer from New England
May 1st, 2011 at 5:28 pm
Matt Moore, David Garrard, Vince Young, Alex Smith, Carson Palmer & Tarvaris Jackson would ALL be better #2 QB’s than Kyle Boller imo
May 1st, 2011 at 5:31 pm
I think CJ might be cut regardless of whether Nnamdi comes back or not.
***
LOL!
CJ37 won’t even be challenged by DVD, Walter Mac or Jer Ware
Chewy is gonna be a safety. Stevie Brown is gonna have to take somebody’s head off on special teams in the preseason or he’s probably heading to the practice squad
May 1st, 2011 at 5:35 pm
# RaiderRockstar Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 5:31 pm
I think CJ might be cut regardless of whether Nnamdi comes back or not.
***
LOL!
CJ37 won’t even be challenged by DVD, Walter Mac or Jer Ware
Chewy is gonna be a safety. Stevie Brown is gonna have to take somebody’s head off on special teams in the preseason or he’s probably heading to the practice squad
—————
Didn’t say he was going to be challenged by anyone. Al Davis values his project players over anything else. CJ isn’t one of those guys.
May 1st, 2011 at 5:35 pm
Denarius Moore & David Ausberry replace JLH and little Nicky on last season’s roster.
Damola Adeniji & Shaun Bodiford aren’t going to beat them out …
DR James Andrews might as well be the agent for Chaz Schilens.
May 1st, 2011 at 5:38 pm
Al Davis values his project players over anything else. CJ isn’t one of those guys
***
He isn’t?
CJ37 was a 7th rounder in 2003. Spent time with 3 different football teams and was out of the NFL in 2006 before Al Davis signed him off the street in ‘07 and made him a starter after DeAngelo flamed out in ‘08
In 2009, he signed a 4 year, $11.3 million contract
May 1st, 2011 at 5:42 pm
To be fair, CJ played very well when he replaced Hall. He has just hasn’t played well since he signed the contract, he was a lot better last year than the yer before though.
May 1st, 2011 at 5:42 pm
# RaiderRockstar Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 5:38 pm
Al Davis values his project players over anything else. CJ isn’t one of those guys
***
He isn’t?
CJ37 was a 7th rounder in 2003. Spent time with 3 different football teams and was out of the NFL in 2006 before Al Davis signed him off the street in ‘07 and made him a starter after DeAngelo flamed out in ‘08
In 2009, he signed a 4 year, $11.3 million contract
————-
If he was, Al wouldn’t keep spending draft picks trying to replace him. And give his starting spot to Routt, even after CJ had a strong season.
We’ll see once (/if) training camp rolls around, though.
May 1st, 2011 at 5:44 pm
I like CJ, but he’s not getting any younger.
May 1st, 2011 at 5:47 pm
The Raiders need help at CB, though, one way or another. Nnamdi is likely gone. Routt is coming off the only season his entire career where he played like a solid starting CB. CJ is old. Walt, Ware, DVD and Chekwa are unproven commodities to say the least. Someone’s going to really need to step up.
May 1st, 2011 at 5:54 pm
# raiderzmaverick Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 11:09 am
The difference between this draft and the last draft is that last draft we picked players. This draft we picked “potential” meaning they are fast and could develop into something, but didn’t show it.
We haven’t had too much success in those types of people in the recent past (our best players last year had good production in college).
—————————————————-
Exactly. Al was emboldened by the “success” of last year to reassert himself in a very pronounced and–I would argue–unproductive way. I would love to be proven wrong, and gladly eat my words if this draft class pushes us over the playoff hump. But I doubt it.
Now, more interestingly, what’s the deal with the Bay Area scribes? All of a sudden, Poole, Inman, and now Jerry hisself go soft all of a sudden?? WTF? Imagine the Raider teams of yore going for “heart” for chrissake. The problem Al traditionally has with talent evaluation has to do with letting his over emphasis on pure athleticism (I would go so far as to call this some kind of weird projection or fetishism, and no I’m not kidding) blind him to a players fundamental love of football; hence he overvalues speed demons and undervalues overachievers who make up for lack of pure talent with heart. I think Jerry is trying to get at this, but these picks suggest that the old creeper has simply been humbled by bad actors but still is over mesmerized by the wrong attributes. Result? Demonstrable overreaches like Van Dyke–who could have been had several rounds later.
Scribes, you may be tempted to give Davis the benefit of the doubt, or maybe you’re just plain exhausted by your cynicism. But the rationale I’ve been reading from each of you comes up way short of sound critical analysis of this draft. And here’s the telling fact: 29th in the league against the run and Al does nothing about it. Can’t make the playoffs, let alone the Super Bowl, with a soft run defense. I’m disappointed.
May 1st, 2011 at 5:54 pm
If he was, Al wouldn’t keep spending draft picks trying to replace him. And give his starting spot to Routt, even after CJ had a strong season.
***
We drafted McFadden & Ware because the year before we had guys like John Bowie & Jonathan Holland for depth at CB. and return man Justin Miller
it had NOTHING to do with CJ37 imo
we drafted 2 DB’s this offseason because Asomugha & Huff are both free agents!
CJ37 is safe. Routt played pretty well last year, but that doesn’t mean CJ37 was a bum. Just because a guy fails to win a starting job doesn’t make him worthless. (See Michael Bush & Jacoby Ford)
May 1st, 2011 at 5:57 pm
Again, never said he was worthless. I like CJ. I just think the old man is going to value his new speedsters more than the old journeyman. He’s going to want VanDyke to see the field, just like he wanted Bruce Campbell to get playing time last season.
May 1st, 2011 at 5:58 pm
Walt, Ware, DVD and Chekwa are unproven commodities to say the least. Someone’s going to really need to step up.
***
Agreed!
I’ll do you one better. Mitchell & Branch need to step up and Routt has to prove that last season wasn’t a fluke now that he’s received Top Corner pay
CJ37 still has another 2 years left in the tank, which should be more than enough time for Rod Woodson to mold one of these youngsters into a stud for Coach Davis
May 1st, 2011 at 6:00 pm
I’m really hoping there’s a completely open competition at both safety spots between all the guys on the roster. Mitchell, Branch, Brown, Eugene, and Chekwa should all get a crack at it. It’s just a shame the offseason is going to be shortened.
May 1st, 2011 at 6:01 pm
He’s going to want VanDyke to see the field, just like he wanted Bruce Campbell to get playing time last season.
***
Ok. I get it. you’re talking about the Al Davis scholarship program.
I thought you were talking about playing the guy that gives you the best chance to win … my bad
May 1st, 2011 at 6:03 pm
Raiders 2011 OL:
Veldheer Loper Wisniewski Campbell Barksdale
Actually we could replace Loper with Parsons (practice squad promotion) and we would have exactly one year of nfl experience on the entire line.
Sound okay Al?
May 1st, 2011 at 6:04 pm
I’m really hoping there’s a completely open competition at both safety spots between all the guys on the roster. Mitchell, Branch, Brown, Eugene, and Chekwa should all get a crack at it.
***
Darrius Heyward-Bey has hands made of stone, so add him to the DB derby as well. Jerome Boyd probably isn’t serious competition, but I think he’ll be here for training camp if we ever get to have one
May 1st, 2011 at 6:11 pm
DHB can block, at the very least they should make him earn his keep on special teams. Still need to restructure that contract, though…
May 1st, 2011 at 6:13 pm
Raiders 2011 OL:
Veldheer Loper Wisniewski Campbell Barksdale
Actually we could replace Loper with Parsons (practice squad promotion) and we would have exactly one year of nfl experience on the entire line.
***
and Veldheer played Center, Week 1 of the regular season last year!
He didn’t become the full-time starter at LT until Week 7 at Denver. He still allowed 8 sacks, had 8 false starts and 5 holding penalties
Satele & Gallery were the only two players that were consistently good last season imo. Now one is leaving in free agency and the other is benched, even after he got a restricted FA tender in March
May 1st, 2011 at 6:16 pm
Gaither. Barksdale. Wiz. Cambell. Veldherr
That would be a huge improvement.
May 1st, 2011 at 6:21 pm
“Stop wasting money on free agents!!! They’re only in it for the money, and once they get that money they’re useless!!! All the great teams build throught the draft!!!”
So, we try and build through the draft and all some people can say is that we have too many guys with limited or no experience. Never mind that we aren’t allowed to sign anybody right now that actually does have experience.
Unbelieveable.
May 1st, 2011 at 6:22 pm
Veldheer – Campbell/Loper – Wisniewski – Dahl – Barksdale
If the Raiders make one signing once free agency starts, I hope it’s Harvey Dahl. By year 2 that right side of the line could be the nastiest in the league.
May 1st, 2011 at 6:23 pm
Corey Liuget
Marcus Gilchrist
Jonas Mouton
Vincent Brown
Shareece Wright
***
are the Chargers back on top in the AFC West?
May 1st, 2011 at 6:24 pm
I like Veldheer and I think Wisniewski and Barksdale are going to be okay. But how in the hell are we going to get through next years schedule while these guys are getting experience?
May 1st, 2011 at 6:27 pm
the Chiefs really boosted their passing game by adding Baldwin & Hudson, too.
I don’t think we’re going to sweep the AFC West again this season. we’d be lucky to go 4-2
May 1st, 2011 at 6:27 pm
Liuget is a questionable fit for the 3-4. They reached on Gilchrist, although he might be dangerous on special teams. Likewise with Mouton. Never thought Wright was that impressive. Brown is the kind of WR that succeeds in SD’s offense.
Overall I’m not sold on their draft class.
May 1st, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Are you experienced? Wasn’t that a Jimmy Hendricks song?
May 1st, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Veldheer deserves a shot at LT. Yeah he got beaten, but in every game he got better as the game went on.
If he doesn’t end up working out at LT, he can fit at OG and RT. Move him to RT, perhaps, and move Barksdale inside. Veldheer’s good enough to be a contributor for years to come.
May 1st, 2011 at 6:33 pm
Satele & Gallery were the only two players that were consistently good last season
——————————————————-
Disagree.
Gallery was an avg OG at best.
Satele is not impressive.
May 1st, 2011 at 6:34 pm
Loper will be fine. Remember the fumble recovery and tuck and roll? If Gallery tried that he would have been out the rest of the season with a back injury.
May 1st, 2011 at 6:36 pm
Satele had some really solid moments run blocking, but was abysmal in pass protection. Gallery would have been the most consistent Raider lineman if he could stay healthy.
May 1st, 2011 at 6:41 pm
Our Oline will be fine.
If for no other reason, it can’t be any worse.
Love the fact that we have some big maulers in the mix instead of what we’ve had in the past. Especially for the times when we just need a yd or 2.
Veldheer-Loper-Wiz-Campbell-Barksdale = fine by me.
Can we just get a head knocking FB on the roster??!?!
May 1st, 2011 at 6:43 pm
Can we just get a head knocking FB on the roster??!?!
————–
Ausberry?
May 1st, 2011 at 6:48 pm
154.edward teach Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 6:21 pm
“Stop wasting money on free agents!!! They’re only in it for the money, and once they get that money they’re useless!!! All the great teams build throught the draft!!!”
So, we try and build through the draft and all some people can say is that we have too many guys with limited or no experience. Never mind that we aren’t allowed to sign anybody right now that actually does have experience.
Unbelieveable.
————————
Nick Mangold, Alex Mack, and Pouncey are a few rookie centers who stepped in immediately to become really good at their position. I don’t see why Wisniewski can’t do the same thing with the right coaching. I see Barksdale playing right tackle and couldn’t imagine him being any less of a player than Langston Walker. Overall it was a good draft, and since the Raiders will probably never change their philosophy, (love for CB, height and speed) it’s good to see them aggressively look for players to fit in the system. My only complaint is not getting a OLB, or extra Dline player, which can easily be addressed in FA.
May 1st, 2011 at 6:49 pm
Another converted WR to FB?
Well his blocking can’t be any worse than Reece’s.
Kind looking forward to seeing what Gordon can do at TE!
May 1st, 2011 at 6:53 pm
say hello to chad johnson raider fans that looks to be a strong possibility for 2011 season give him an insentive laced contract and we will be covered
May 1st, 2011 at 6:57 pm
no javon walker money
May 1st, 2011 at 7:06 pm
If you move out Reece from the FB, you also lose his playmaking ability on the field.
His strength is his versitility…if you only bring him in for “passing downs” you lose that versitility.
I like things that work. Reece worked out well last year and the running game did well.
Shake it up…put some 1 dimensional fullback in there and what more do we get? Were you guys not happy with the running game last year?
The smart adds on the offensive line will do a lot for the running game.
May 1st, 2011 at 7:09 pm
No to Chad Johnson or any other veteran at this point. Just roll with the roster now. Invested a lot of time and money into this crew.
If Schilens can stay healthy…the receiving corps will be fine….got Ford and Murphy who demand snaps and DHB will be given every chance to succeed. Add in another draft pick…..no more snaps to go around
May 1st, 2011 at 7:24 pm
Reece’s strength is his pass catching abilty against LBs and Ss. Moving him to TE does not get rid of his playmaking ability.
There were so many times last year when we simply couldn’t run for 1 yd. Yes, we have a dynamic RB who can make something outta nothing.
Excuse some of us for simply wanting a FB who can handle his #1 role which is blocking!
Did Reece even avg 1 catch a game?
May 1st, 2011 at 7:24 pm
SnB Production Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 7:09 pm
No to Chad Johnson or any other veteran at this point. Just roll with the roster now. Invested a lot of time and money into this crew.
If Schilens can stay healthy…the receiving corps will be fine….got Ford and Murphy who demand snaps and DHB will be given every chance to succeed. Add in another draft pick…..no more snaps to go around
no vet reciver are u crazy thats all we screamed for last year now we have faith in chaz screw chaz get plex from the pen
May 1st, 2011 at 7:26 pm
Reece’s job 90% of the time is to block. He’s TERRIBLE at it and should be replaced.
May 1st, 2011 at 7:30 pm
i have more faith in a guy who was out of football 18 mo than i i do in chaz and those bad wheels
May 1st, 2011 at 7:36 pm
Reece’s job 90% of the time is to block. He’s TERRIBLE at it and should be replaced.
###################
Yep, on any other team. Raiders don’t use him for that. I like Reece alot but like I’ve said before…I would like the Raiders to get another Jon Ritchie type of FB to mix things up.
May 1st, 2011 at 7:42 pm
POST 173,J Hill,not sure about youre age,but I go way back to Tom Flores and Cotton Davidson,I mean into the 60s,this team needs a NAILS fb,clearing the path for all running backs,DM,Bush and the new kid just drafted,see, getting senile already! RAIDERS!!!
May 1st, 2011 at 7:43 pm
68.Guy Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 12:35 pm
Does anyone watch any LSU games? The Barksdale scouting reports are all so different.
http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2011jbarksdale.php
This one has him as an athletic technician who doesn’t really maul in the run game.
Most of the other ones I read such as the one from nfl.com have him as a mauler that may not be athletic enough to play tackle in the NFL.
————————————————————————————————————–
I watched plenty of them. Put it this way. In the recent Cotton Bowl, Von Miller was irrelevent. I’m still scratching my head as to why Miller is so highly rated. Barksdale will start day 1 on the right side and could be there for ten years even though he really is a left tackle also. If Veldheer can’t gain weight and gets beat often, Barksdale will man the left side for 10 years.
May 1st, 2011 at 7:51 pm
Well,
Al Davis loves speed and playmaking from all his positions.
On the fullback situation….I side with Mr. Davis 100%
May 1st, 2011 at 7:52 pm
Marley
I agree with most of your assesment at #4 post all except Ausberry he was left on the board because he hardly played on team with a pedestrian passing game we saw that here with Kiffin. But Ausberry can play and if the guys in front of him aren’t busting there butts he see pplaying time we need a kid like him because Chaz just cannot stay healthy.
This was a good draft solid throughout, we desparately need a big body at WR and he provides that and will make tough catches this WR corp will look castly different from last year……..trust me.
May 1st, 2011 at 7:53 pm
SnB
You side with Mr Davis ? someone hit you on the head??
May 1st, 2011 at 7:55 pm
If you think they put Reece at FB for his blocking prowess I have news for you, this offense has himm there for his playmaking ability. His blocking will come in time. Blocking takes a year or two and a lot of desire he’s learning but in the meantime and between time he makes alot of big plays.
May 1st, 2011 at 7:56 pm
176.big oak boy Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 7:30 pm
i have more faith in a guy who was out of football 18 mo than i i do in chaz and those bad wheels
##########################
Al kept Chaz on the roster all of last year because he couldn’t imagine the thought of him being picked up from another team. Nobody really knows what his potential is….but if he stays healthy for an ENTIRE season?????? I’m sure he has already tripped over his shoe laces and has sprained his ankle.
May 1st, 2011 at 7:58 pm
I’d like Reece to be more physical at the POA but he’s learning and we need ZMiller on the field at the same time…………….period.
May 1st, 2011 at 8:04 pm
I dont like to post politics but this is something for all of us to cheer.
Osama Bin Laden is a dead mofo now. Good luck to his 72 virgins (sarcasm)
May 1st, 2011 at 8:05 pm
I heard he choked on a pretzel.
May 1st, 2011 at 8:06 pm
Watching the tapes of Taiwan Jones and you see him break a lot of tackle for his size, granted his level of competition is not high. I have a hunch he is the Nap Kaufman replacement Al has been looking for.
May 1st, 2011 at 8:07 pm
tj,does Reese have the desire tho? Not sold that he does,do love his own play making ability,we just need a TRUE FULLBACK W/Stones Raiders!!!
May 1st, 2011 at 8:08 pm
Al kept Chaz on the roster all of last year because he couldn’t imagine the thought of him being picked up from another team. Nobody really knows what his potential is….but if he stays healthy for an ENTIRE season?????? I’m sure he has already tripped over his shoe laces and has sprained his ankle.
i know so lets get a real pro not a project like chaz
May 1st, 2011 at 8:11 pm
Raiders for life Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 2:25 pm
Hopefully Hue and Kelly Skipper can coach up TJ. That would be fun to watch….He looks scrappy and fast kind of like Kaufman was
###################################################
Yep.
aig-raiders Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 8:06 pm
Watching the tapes of Taiwan Jones and you see him break a lot of tackle for his size, granted his level of competition is not high. I have a hunch he is the Nap Kaufman replacement Al has been looking for
May 1st, 2011 at 8:19 pm
Cant wait to see Taiwan Jones in camp. Jerry is going to be in awe of his speed. I saw a report that he fumbled 17 times in the last 2 years. Gotta be an area of concern.
May 1st, 2011 at 8:21 pm
Someone give Taiwan some stickum.
May 1st, 2011 at 8:30 pm
aig lets not forget that dmc had the same issues and only fumbled a couple times last year. i dont count the 1 fumble on the reverse to ford as his fault considering the defnse got to him right when he got the handoff. that was just a good defensive play.
May 1st, 2011 at 8:32 pm
breaking news=Osama Bin Laden Dead the u.s, is in possesion of his body
May 1st, 2011 at 8:33 pm
@armond,
I doubt DMC had 17 fumbles in 2 years though at Ark. That is alot of fumbles. Dont get me wrong. He’s a young kid and hopefully better training. Dude breaks tackles for his size and it’s almost comical to see how he ran through an entire team in one video.
May 1st, 2011 at 8:35 pm
reece may not be in for his blocking but he will have to do it. dont see why a another fb getting in a few plays per game is a problem. its about options. btw moore is going to kick azz. our passing will get better this year. dhb has to make that jump to being a playmaker. we also better make dmc option #1, 2 and 3 inside the redzone. that will force teams to overplay him and loosen things up for every1else. cant wait to see our offense and special teams return unit.
May 1st, 2011 at 8:39 pm
aig dmc had 23 in 3 years but u get the idea. it is funny watching jones run loose like that.if only jc can see whats in front of him and take it. jc and heybey are the 2 most important players this year. if they have big years there is no telling how far we can go. i wish we took ellis instead of 1 those corners. he could be that young john hendu type weve been needing.
May 1st, 2011 at 8:42 pm
I honeatly couldn’t answer that Hendu but I’ll say this if he wants to keep that job he better get the desire. He has way too much ability to sit for a rockhead who just blocks as was mentioned we had the #2 rushing attack so he did something right.
Our needs are elswhere it’s obvious that Nnamdi is history so the focus is on these youn g corners we drafted last year and this year. The sam e is true with the Oline talent we addded. 4 in two years should strengthen that line. We just a bit young and if we add vets I say we add them there. Bringing in Chaz IMO is a waste we have way too uch talent at WR now young guys that can play. They’ll get it done this year D Moore is good enough to start IMO. Just wait til you see him play.
I’m very happy at this point sure we still need to add to the defense and mayb e even the Oline but that’s about it.
Oh ! we could use another QB for sure….
May 1st, 2011 at 8:45 pm
Hey 504 what do you think of LSU’s Terrance Toliver?
Also, if we move Reece from FB to TE we will lose a big dimension of the offense. I am sure the defenses are more worried about Reece catching a ball when he splits out wide than when he is in the back field.
May 1st, 2011 at 8:46 pm
Armond we needed those corners and that does mean we couldn’t use Ellis because I’m a huge fan butr the DB’s and the lineman we needed. Trust me we’re not done so don’t think addditional dlineman aren’t coming it’s just a matter of #’s is all.
There are several undfa’s to be had we’re a long way from DONE!!!
May 1st, 2011 at 8:46 pm
Again,
Reece is asked to block 90% of the time he is on the field. I don’t see why that 10% of the time he gets his # called in the passing game (what, once or twice a week?) is so important.
What about the 90% he sucks at?
May 1st, 2011 at 8:47 pm
Jhill we get it but we are ranked pretty high still so it aint that b ad…..
May 1st, 2011 at 8:47 pm
Wow so proud of our country today. O just delivered the ultimate beat down speech. Congrats to everyone in our govt today and the black op community.
May 1st, 2011 at 8:49 pm
Our Rb’s were breaking off some huge runs so someone was blocking somebody, I think we are way over stating this thing. You don’t run as well as we did and suck, that doesn’t make sense.
May 1st, 2011 at 8:52 pm
Hendu,
Started really watching in the 80s and becoming serious about it. Probably had to do with them being on TV more with Cable and all.
Went to several games in LA at the Coliseum in my late teens early 20s.
May 1st, 2011 at 8:53 pm
I fyou really watch Reece and correctly critigue him, it’s his pass blocking that really needs work. And you’ll that is the case with most first year starters he just sucks at blitz pickup. But look how long it took DMC and Bush to learn the same thing. A couple of years.
May 1st, 2011 at 8:59 pm
I heard that Oakland will try and get DHB to renegotiate his contract or they could release him to get the space to re-sign Nnamdi…..
May 1st, 2011 at 9:00 pm
We have a STUD RB who can break a couple nice runs per game. That makes our running stats look real good TJ. But when we simply need 2 yds with the FB leading the way, Reece will lose that battle 8 outta 10 times.
You’ve already said the kid can’t block, and we all know that is the main responsibilty of the FB. If you are telling me that he is really not in there to play the role of the FB them I say Mike Bush should be on the field in that role instead of Reece.
May 1st, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Way to go US Military!!!
May 1st, 2011 at 9:03 pm
Priest,
I have my own versions of “film study”, and mostly everything I see shows me he’s terrible as a lead blocker. Still have several games on the DVR from last season that I watch and just smh at his play.
May 1st, 2011 at 9:08 pm
Denarius Moore will a beast PRINT THAT…He had 6 receptions 228 yards and 1 TD going 1on1 with Chris Culliver the Whiners 3rd round pick… He outclassed him the whole game. He will have more receptions then DHB did in 2 years
May 1st, 2011 at 9:26 pm
###################################################
Yep.
aig-raiders Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 8:06 pm
Watching the tapes of Taiwan Jones and you see him break a lot of tackle for his size, granted his level of competition is not high. I have a hunch he is the Nap Kaufman replacement Al has been looking for
———–
no DMAC has that title
May 1st, 2011 at 9:33 pm
http://ogdraft.wordpress.com/2011/04/20/denarius-moore-scouting-report/
May 1st, 2011 at 9:34 pm
I hope Denarius Moore becomes a stud. Still don’t think we needed to draft a WR…………..
Dammit, I want free agency to start already…..
May 1st, 2011 at 9:35 pm
Amen Blood Raider;
to all the men & women of the Armed Forces of the U.S.A. thank you!
Mr. President you kept your word, thank you and you are correct, “The United States of America is one Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all”.
May 1st, 2011 at 9:41 pm
jhill we see the same thing about reece. im not saying i want him at te, just seeing another fb to help out on occasion. no way do i want to limit his role outside some situations. thats why i hope tonga who is versatile can step up.
May 1st, 2011 at 9:43 pm
moore can ball.we did a good job drafting him. dude just makes plays and i really want to see what gordon can do. he is suppose to be an excellent athlete who can block. we need another te to step up behind miller. our running is going to be better than kc’s this year.
May 1st, 2011 at 9:45 pm
200.Guy Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 8:45 pm
Hey 504 what do you think of LSU’s Terrance Toliver?
——————————————————-
——————————————————-
TT was inconsistent in his four years there. He has the measurables you want in Raiders WRs but just inconsistent as far as having a good game then disappearing for stretches. I was shocked he wasn’t drafted. Is capable of big games. His 2010 season sums it up best. He caught more TDs in the Cotton Bowl (3) than he did all season (2). In his defense I will say that LSU is stocked at WR with blue chippers and he wasn’t a Blue Chip but he earned playing time. He’s like 6′4” and 190-200. 4.5 forty. If he gets real serious he’s gonna make someones roster. As is he’ll make a roster because of his size and playing SEC ball. If you looked at the Cotton Bowl you couldn’t see the difference between him and A.J. Green.
May 1st, 2011 at 9:45 pm
200.Guy Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 8:45 pm
Hey 504 what do you think of LSU’s Terrance Toliver?
——————————————————-
——————————————————-
TT was inconsistent in his four years there. He has the measurables you want in Raiders WRs but just inconsistent as far as having a good game then disappearing for stretches. I was shocked he wasn’t drafted. Is capable of big games. His 2010 season sums it up best. He caught more TDs in the Cotton Bowl (3) than he did all season (2). In his defense I will say that LSU is stocked at WR with blue chippers and he wasn’t a Blue Chip but he earned playing time. He’s like 6′4” and 190-200. 4.5 forty. If he gets real serious he’s gonna make someones roster. As is he’ll make a roster because of his size and playing SEC ball. If you looked at the Cotton Bowl you couldn’t see the difference between him and A.J. Green.
May 1st, 2011 at 10:15 pm
Oh bah mah!!!
Oh bah mah!!!
May 1st, 2011 at 10:16 pm
Obbamma admin. = Bush admin..with results.
May 1st, 2011 at 10:18 pm
BloodRaider Says:
May 1st, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Way to go US Military!!!
…………
HERE, HERE!!! Right up to the commander in chief!
May 1st, 2011 at 10:19 pm
I’m PROUD to be an AMERICAN!!!
GOD BLESS THE US OF A!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mC1NhB0IO0&feature=related
May 1st, 2011 at 10:29 pm
Joke of the nite on the web…it was Bin Laden’s iphone that gave his location away.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:01 pm
I think the lockout helps the raiders before the lockout we where the only team to lockup some of our guys AL on it again. If lock out goes on say ends right before trainning camp most teams will be trying to lock up there own players that gives us first crack at our own Bush,Miller,ASO if loose Bush or Miller 1st & 3rd round draft picks Al will sign them. Trainning camp let WR fight it out if Chaz stays healty threw camp and starts season that would be big.
May 1st, 2011 at 11:46 pm
TOP UNDRAFTED PLAYERS BY POSITION
Quarterbacks
Adam Froman (Louisville)
Taylor Potts (Texas Tech)
Adam Weber (Minnesota)
Josh Portis (California, Pa.)
Scott Tolzien (Wisconsin)
Running Backs
Derrick Locke (Kentucky)
Noel Devine (West Virginia)
Mario Fannin (Auburn)
Damien Berry (Miami)
Brandon Saine (Ohio State)
Wide Receivers
1. Dane Sanzenbacher (Ohio State)
2. *Darvin Adams (Auburn)
3. Ricardo Lockette (Fort Valley State)
4. Jeff Maehl (Oregon)
5. Armon Binns (Cincinnati)
Tight Ends
1. Andre Smith (Virginia Tech)
2. Schuylar Oordt (Northern Iowa)
3. Collin Franklin (Iowa State)
4. Weslye Saunders (South Carolina)
5. Zach Pianalto (North Carolina)
Offensive Tackles
1. Derek Hall (Stanford)
2. Willie Smith (East Carolina)
3. David Mims (Virginia Union)
4. D.J. Young (Michigan State)
5. Trevis Turner (Abilene Christian)
Offensive Guards
1. Zach Hurd (Connecticut)
2. Ray Dominguez (Arkansas)
3. Carl Johnson (Florida)
4. Justin Boren (Ohio State)
5. Andrew Phillips (Stanford)
Centers
1. Kris O’Dowd (Southern Cal)
2. Zane Taylor (Utah)
3. Tim Barnes (Missouri)
4. Jake Kirkpatrick (TCU)
5. Alex Linnenkohl (Oregon State)
Defensive Ends
1. Ugo Chinasa (Oklahoma State)
2. Brandon Bair (Oregon)
3. Pierre Allen (Nebraska)
4. Eddie Jones (Texas)
5. Marc Schiechl (Colorado School of Mines)
Defensive Tackles
1. Cedric Thornton (Southern Arkansas)
2. Ollie Ogbu (Penn State)
3. *Sealver Siliga (Utah)
4. Anthony Gray (Southern Miss)
5. Corbin Bryant (Northwestern)
Inside Linebackers
1. Jeff Tarpinian (Iowa)
2. Mario Harvey (Marshall)
3. Josh Bynes (Auburn)
4. Nick Bellore (Central Michigan)
5. Orie Lemon (Oklahoma State)
Outside Linebackers
1. Adrian Moten (Maryland)
2. Mark Herzlich (Boston College)
3. Jeremiha Hunter (Iowa)
4. Scott Lutrus (Connecticut)
5. *Thomas Keiser (Stanford)
Cornerbacks
1. Kendric Burney (North Carolina)
2. Loyce Means (Houston)
3. Talmadge Jackson III (Oregon)
4. Kevin Rutland (Missouri)
5. Darrin Walls (Notre Dame)
Free Safeties
1. Deunta Williams (North Carolina)
2. *Jerrard Tarrant (Georgia Tech)
3. Anthony Walters (Delaware)
4. *Will Hill (Florida)
5. Brian Lainhart (Kent State)
Strong Safeties
1. DeAndre McDaniel (Clemson)
2. Joe Lefeged (Rutgers)
3. Jeron Johnson (Boise State)
4. Mana Silva (Hawaii)
5. David Sims (Iowa State)
Specialists
1. Kai Forbath (UCLA)
2. Josh Jasper (LSU)
3. Dan Bailey (Oklahoma State)
4. Chas Henry (Florida)
5. Ryan Donahue (Iowa)
May 1st, 2011 at 11:52 pm
Idiots. Reece blocked for 1200 yds for dmac. 90% of the time
May 2nd, 2011 at 12:00 am
sheep. osama bin laden died a long time ago. weird how it’s election time eh?
May 2nd, 2011 at 12:40 am
Got that tin foil hat strapped on tight, don’t you, jonny?
May 2nd, 2011 at 12:41 am
jonny’s not happy about yesterday’s news. Anyone else disappointed that Bin Ladin happened to get killed when Obbamma was president?
May 2nd, 2011 at 12:43 am
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5102/5678309793_2148a857df.jpg
May 2nd, 2011 at 1:14 am
jonny election is next year, you dumb asss.
May 2nd, 2011 at 1:36 am
Violent Hands, Odowd or Kirkpatrick might be worth a closer look. They seemed to be draftable players, and better than Chris Morris at the same point. We will still need a backup center after we trade SS. I don’t think we want to see JV back there.
Howdy Nation.
USA USA USA
May 2nd, 2011 at 1:43 am
All politics aside it doesn’t matter what President is in office. The powers to be control all and bottom line Bin Laden is dead and it wasn’t years ago it was maybe a week or two.
May 2nd, 2011 at 1:47 am
The draft was as I expected Wiz at the top the rest what do you expect. My draft mind is not going into rounds three or beyond with the RAIDERS.
May 2nd, 2011 at 2:19 am
I agree with the sentiment here about the run-D. When we had Adams and Parella up front we where better in that area.
On the other hand tho, our offense was a different animal; short passes and control of the clock, down and distance.
Our D just needed to bend not break during the Gannon years. Hopefully the new talent on the O-line will allow us to control the game, improving our run D too.
But lets face it, if we go for the home-run too much, and don’t run any clock control, our D will get worn by a steady barrage, no matter how good we are talent-wise.
May 2nd, 2011 at 4:42 am
All it took was a new president… Congrats guys, may this heal your wounds…
May 2nd, 2011 at 6:06 am
A curse from my ancestors,”may his shadow walk on the dark side of hell tonight”.
May 2nd, 2011 at 6:07 am
Good Morning Nation!!! Osama confirmed dead…not sure if it will heal all wounds but it has put to rest many of the innocent lives taken on that September day in NY!
Other than possibly the biggest news in the WORLD! How do you all like our draft picks?
May 2nd, 2011 at 6:15 am
GOOD MORNING SPORT’S FAN’S.DOES THAT MEAN THE TROOPS CAN COME HOME NOW ?ABOVE AVERAGE DRAFT IMO HWNRDR.DEFINITLY NEEDED O-LINE AND SECONDARY HELP..
May 2nd, 2011 at 6:18 am
Morning Hwnrdr,Happy May Day!
Not sure why we drafted a RB,would have looked a more depth on the lines myself,other than that – I’d say we did okay.
May 2nd, 2011 at 6:21 am
make that “looked AT more”.
Morning Dirt-lot,and a happy May Day to you too!
May 2nd, 2011 at 6:23 am
Here’s a look at our most controversial draft pick taken from a couple of sites.
The Senior Bowl analysis gives us more than the traditional “fast, thin, backup,late round pick” some sites claim as a scouting profile.
“Demarcus Van Dyke:
Sam Shields came out of nowhere to help the Packers reach the Super Bowl this year.
Can DeMarcus Van Dyke do the same thing as the next corner out of Miami?.
From the Senior Bowl:
I thought Van Dyke looked really fluid in coverage during the one-on-one matchups. He’s only 168 pounds, but there’s definitely room for growth on his 6-1 frame.
Monday Practice Notes: The strongest performance from a defensive back from the South was contributed by Van Dykel. He was better than expected as he stuck to his receivers, particularly on deep routes.
Tuesday Practice Notes: Fundamentally Van Dyke is terrific as he offers good fundamentals and quickness. Some feel he gets a little high in his pedal. Problem his he’s very slow to react and really shows no instincts.
Wednesday Practice Notes: It was a matter of inches and Van Dyke fell short. Again, technically he’s very good and displays the ability to stay on the receivers hip out of breaks but he’s always literally a quarter step away from making the play.
- Analysis: Van Dyke showed enough to get consideration in the middle rounds, maybe even the late part of the third frame. Has skills but just needs to put it all together.
Positive: Physically gifted cornerback who never pulled together a complete game on the college level. Quick-footed in reverse, can flip his hips in transition, and shows a burst of speed.
Physical, will mix it up with receivers throughout the route, and aggressively defends the run. Takes on bigger opponents. Gives effort on special teams, specifically on coverage units.
Negative: Struggles making plays with his back to the ball and slow getting his head around to locate the pass in the air. Possesses a thin build. Adequate burst out of his plant.
- Analysis: Van Dyke displayed a variety of NFL type skills throughout his college career and performed well for scouts in the postseason. He has the fundamentals to play for a team at the next level.
- Prior to the East-West Shrine Game, Demarcus Van Dyke’s chances of being selected in the 2011 NFL Draft were slim to none.
However, Van Dyke had a very impressive week in Orlando at the Shrine Game, and that performance was impressive enough for Van Dyke to earn a late addition onto the Senior Bowl when Curtis Marsh had to pull out with an injury.
Van Dyke was impressive yet again in Mobile, as he really showed his ability to cover opposing receivers both inpractices and in the game.
- Van Dyke finished up a phenomenal two months with a terrific workout. After a terrific performance at the Shrine Game in January, then a solid showing two weeks later in the Senior Bowl, he gave scouts more to think about with his combine effort.
Van Dyke never ran slower than 4.30 seconds in the 40 then displayed quickness, explosion and balance in the position drills. He’s gone from backup with the Hurricanes last season to potential top-100 pick in the draft.”
May 2nd, 2011 at 6:26 am
GOOD DAY 2 U FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PLANET NEILB..
May 2nd, 2011 at 6:30 am
Bob…
I can’t help but think that the influence of Rod Woodson is going to make every rating before the draft irrelevant.
May 2nd, 2011 at 6:33 am
Interesting notes about Van Dyke. Hopefully, IF we lose Nnamdi that Van Dyke and Chekwa fill in the void…
May 2nd, 2011 at 6:33 am
“Other side of the planet” that’s ’bout right isn’t it?!!
May 2nd, 2011 at 6:33 am
As far as where he was picked…
Keep in mind that Mayock said the top rated CB’s ended with Brandon Harris, so the rest of the class was hard to predict, so a guy like DVD who is raw but has great, if unrefined, skills was bound to be picked soon afterwards.
He conducted workouts for Philly, Baltimore, Atl, Miami, Cleveland and Denver, that’s too many teams for a guy projected as a late round-undrafted free agent, I don’t think he was going to last much longer since he was probably the most talented CB remaining on board.
In fact, by early april Mel Kiper had Seattle taking DVD with their 2nd round pick.
May 2nd, 2011 at 6:39 am
Let’s come back in five years and see who was right.
May 2nd, 2011 at 6:40 am
neilb Says:
May 2nd, 2011 at 6:30 am
Bob…
I can’t help but think that the influence of Rod Woodson is going to make every rating before the draft irrelevant.
——————————————-
Hey Neil..
Yeah, those kids better pay attention to what Rod has to say and Kevin Ross too, he used to be a nice player himself.
May 2nd, 2011 at 6:43 am
2006 draft…..
Huff
Howard
McQuistan
Bing
Boothe
Moore
McMahan
Wonder what was said about this bunch.
May 2nd, 2011 at 6:46 am
I read yesterday that some people have compared the 6′1 176 Van Dyke to Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who goes 6′2 180 with 4.29 speed, but they did said it was an optimistic view, he obviously has some work to do before he reaches DRC’s level.
May 2nd, 2011 at 6:51 am
PROBABLY SAME AS THE OTHERS NEILB,1/2 LOVED THE 2006 DRAFT , OTHER 1/2 HATED IT..
May 2nd, 2011 at 6:53 am
neilb Says:
May 2nd, 2011 at 6:43 am
2006 draft…..
Huff
Howard
McQuistan
Bing
Boothe
Moore
McMahan
Wonder what was said about this bunch.
Or what we have said…If Huffy goes, that leaves Howard left on that team from this draft!
May 2nd, 2011 at 7:03 am
2006..
Huff, took some time but he developed, a logical pick, praised at the time by pundits.
Howard, rookie starter played well for 3 years, phased out, can still be fine cover LB for nickel-dime packages, probably for other team.
McQ, played early, no impact.
Bing, sucked.
Boothe, key backup for NYG, too bad he didn’t fit Cable’s scheme, we could use him now for depth and maybe he’d start here at RG.
May 2nd, 2011 at 7:10 am
Good morning,
This should put a smile on your face! Here’s a quote after the Broncos started 6-0 in 2009:
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but you have to be crazy not to buy in to McDaniels’ system. This is one head coach who you can bet will be spending a very long time coaching in the NFL.
Posted by Daniel Whittle @ 30 October 2009
Mwahahahahahhahahahahahahahaahaha!!!
May 2nd, 2011 at 7:20 am
It is amazing some of the football takes i read on this site but even worse is people celebrating this phony Bin Laden thing. Guys the US never killed Osama. How dumb can you guys be? More embarrassing was the idiots in philly last nite. People in the USA fell for the lie AGAIN lol. Ten years guys….ten fkin years and yall just dont see it. sad day
May 2nd, 2011 at 7:20 am
Many here said Bing was the best thing since whipped cream on a can…
he, clearly was a wasted pick..
May 2nd, 2011 at 7:23 am
Bauce Rules Says:
May 2nd, 2011 at 7:20 am
It is amazing some of the football takes i read on this site but even worse is people celebrating this phony Bin Laden thing. Guys the US never killed Osama. How dumb can you guys be? More embarrassing was the idiots in philly last nite. People in the USA fell for the lie AGAIN lol. Ten years guys….ten fkin years and yall just dont see it. sad day
***********
Can you think of a better way to take peoples focus off the sinking dollar/ economy?
May 2nd, 2011 at 7:24 am
For heaven’s sake…..you were lied to about the reason for each war, JFK,Malcolm,MLKJr, RFK, 9/11, Phony Video of Osama’s confession, 2000 fraud election and now this. Sad US citizens like to be played
May 2nd, 2011 at 7:26 am
Apollo Creed, yeah exactly its called slight of hand and the US has done this before. People dont read nor do they see thru this jaded world
May 2nd, 2011 at 7:30 am
We have lost many American lives in pursuit of this ghost. We have lost billions of dollars and risked our children’s future to go murder innocent people in a war they dont plan to end. Yet morons are celebrating. How does the so called death of an old man change our situation here at home?
May 2nd, 2011 at 7:31 am
Yeah hope and change now has something to hang his hat on and can have a grace period for his failed administration
May 2nd, 2011 at 7:33 am
Anyways enough of poliTRICKS…..on to Raider football
May 2nd, 2011 at 7:45 am
I’ll give DVD credit for one thing, he’s a very smooth athlete. Not just straight-line speed, but moves with fluidity. Can change direction quickly. That definitely isn’t a characteristic many of Al’s project DBs have had.
Now, let’s see if DVD has the football instincts necessary to be a starter, or even a solid role player in the NFL.
May 2nd, 2011 at 7:47 am
YA……possibly. He will get many snaps on defense this year
May 2nd, 2011 at 7:49 am
did you just quote a Rocky movie?
May 2nd, 2011 at 7:52 am
Bauce Rules
Why the bitter attitude this morning?
New players in our roster and maybe we will have football this year after all.
May 2nd, 2011 at 7:54 am
Bauce Rules Says:
May 2nd, 2011 at 7:20 am
It is amazing some of the football takes i read on this site but even worse is people celebrating this phony Bin Laden thing. Guys the US never killed Osama. How dumb can you guys be? More embarrassing was the idiots in philly last nite. People in the USA fell for the lie AGAIN lol. Ten years guys….ten fkin years and yall just dont see it. sad day
…………..then who is the guy bobbin up and down in the ocean wearing a turbin?
May 2nd, 2011 at 7:54 am
Cat Stevens.
May 2nd, 2011 at 8:24 am
YoungAmerican Says:
May 2nd, 2011 at 7:54 am
Cat Stevens.
LMAO!
May 2nd, 2011 at 8:35 am
Mission Accomplished!
May 2nd, 2011 at 8:36 am
Mission Accomplished!
This is how Al Davis feels after drafting the top three 40 yard dash times at the combine.
May 2nd, 2011 at 8:38 am
O-Bama got O-Sama.
May 2nd, 2011 at 8:42 am
********Chimdi is NOT just a speed guy!*********
I keep hearing Oakland only drats for speed and that is only half the picture with this guy. Chimdi Chekwa was one of my favorite players at OSU. He has upside and is not just another speedster he will put his nose in there and make a hit. He really does a good job of playing the deep ball. He broke his wrist making a big break up to help win the Arkansas game.
He also works hard and stays out of trouble. This is NOT another speedster only. This is a good prospect who I could see playing in our system.
May 2nd, 2011 at 8:48 am
I think if you switched the Chekwa and VanDyke picks, the draft would have made a lot more sense from a value standpoint.
Still would have liked to see Curtis Marsh, Curtis Brown, or Davon House in place of both those picks, but that’s just me. I’m not going to complain too much because in this draft there wasn’t much separation between the mid/late-round DBs anyway, and DVD and Chekwa appear to be hard working kids with considerable upside.
I’m just glad Rod Woodson is around to coach up these guys. It’ll be interesting to see if either is capable of making an immediate impact.
May 2nd, 2011 at 8:52 am
In addition, if you are a corner playing in our system you have to be fast. Safety can be a step slow but a corner? Come on man, get real!
This was a weak draft and I am glad we did not move up in the draft.
Mostly I don’t get our drafts but it made since to me taking the picks that were available when they did. Not to sure about the TE from Miami pick.
May 2nd, 2011 at 9:35 am
[...] the original post: Measuring heart as well as speed, size – Inside the Oakland … This entry was posted in Raiders, Uncategorized and tagged class-, concerning-the-raiders, [...]
May 2nd, 2011 at 10:12 am
261.Bauce Rules Says:
May 2nd, 2011 at 7:24 am
For heaven’s sake…..you were lied to about the reason for each war, JFK,Malcolm,MLKJr, RFK, 9/11, Phony Video of Osama’s confession, 2000 fraud election and now this. Sad US citizens like to be played
———————————-
Dude, why don’t you climb back into whatever bunker you got brainwashed in idiot. FU.
May 2nd, 2011 at 10:29 am
OhioRaider you are another typical idiot who believes any lie they throw to you. Quite obvious you dont think for yourself. You take things at face value and the powers that be love it
May 2nd, 2011 at 10:30 am
PhatCable you dummy….you know how many people wear turbins? Damn sure wasnt bin laden
May 2nd, 2011 at 11:17 am
KoolKell now its mission accomplished? LOL you are sad
August 25th, 2011 at 8:40 am
Perfect GPA…
Measuring heart as well as speed, size – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders from the writers of Bay Area News Group…
September 29th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
am i psychic…
[...]Measuring heart as well as speed, size – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders from the writers of Bay Area News Group[...]…
November 3rd, 2011 at 6:00 am
ซ่อมแซมบ้าน, สร้างบ้าน, ต่อเติมบ้าน…
[...]Measuring heart as well as speed, size – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders from the writers of Bay Area News Group[...]…