No Randy, problem
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Tuesday, April 10th, 2007 at 3:31 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Randy Moss elected not to join the Raiders for their first voluntary minicamp Tuesday. It’s an exaggeration, but not by much, to say his teammates were too busy to notice.
The Raiders have gone back to setting a furious practice pace, getting in more work in less time. It’s something they did in the Jon Gruden-Bill Callahan years, backing off slightly in the Norv Turner years, before coming to a screeching halt under Art Shell.
Center Jeremy Newberry, who participated in drills but not the no-pads scrimmage session, estimated he went through 16 drills in 20 minutes.
Some players struggled to keep up. Most seemed to enjoy it. There was grumbling about the length of Shell’s practices, which seemed even longer because there was a lack of urgency and too much standing around.
“That’s the pace of practice that we have to get to,” Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said. “We have a long ways to go. It’s Day 1, guys were out there moving around. They’re starting to understand the tempo we preached about in our meetings for awhile now. With that being said, we have a long ways to go with it but that’s the tempo we practice at because I don’t know any other tempo.”
Tuesday news and notes:
– Moss was one of three prominent Raiders who did not attend the voluntary camp, along with Warren Sapp and Derrick Burgess. Kickers Sebastian Janikowski and Shane Lechler were also absent.
Kiffin estimated attendance at 95 percent.
– Kiffin said he has spoken to Moss since their 15-minute conversation after his hiring, but did not elaborate. He said Moss was expected to attend the mandatory minicamp following the draft.
– In the 20 or so minutes the media was allowed to watch the Raiders scrimmage, Oakland did not throw a single pass more than 15 yards downfield. Quarterback Andrew Walter rolled out, took short drops and even took off and ran on occasion.
He didn’t look particularly nimble, but at least Walter was taking evasive action after spending 2006 as a clay pigeon. Walter is getting the bulk of the work, with Josh Booty and Jeff Otis getting the occasional scrap.
– Tackles Robert Gallery and Barry Sims each played both left and right tackle. Paul McQuistian, listed as a tackle on the Raiders roster, was at left guard.
– Tyler Brayton, who has played both linebacker and defensive end, got some snaps inside at defensive tackle.
– Kiffin confirmed wide receiver Calvin Johnson of Georgia Tech had visited the facility and said quarterback JaMarcus Russell would be in Alameda soon. No telling what coaches really think this time of year, but it was interesting Kiffin, when extolling the virtues of Johnson, finished his sentence by saying, “He’s perfect.”
– Running back LaMont Jordan, who elected to accept a $3 million roster bonus instead of the $4.75 million he was due, was philosophical about the transaction.
“It was pretty much, `take a pay cut or get released,’ ” Jordan said. “Make no mistake about it, I’m not happy about having to take a pay cut. I’m not happy about it at all. But at this point, there’s nothing I can do about it. Had I left, I felt that I would have failed here . . . it was my first starting gig, we were terrible for two yeras, the running game was at the bottom, and I would have felt like I failed.”
– Center Jake Grove is embracing the new zone and cut-blocking offensive philosophy even though it’s all new to him.
“We’ve got direction, something that’s been missing here in the past,” Grove said. “I’ll have to work hard to master it. We’ve had a different line coach every year I’ve been here and I haven’t had the chance to master one thing. I’m dedicating myself to this, as we all are, and making this work for us.”
Grove said he wasn’t entirely sure he would remain a center, although it’s unlikely Newberry will be a factor as a starter until he proves his surgically repaired knees can hold up.
Center Chris Morris, a rookie last year, saw some snaps at guard.
– Grove took some solace in being able to start 16 games last season.
“I think it took a lot of mental toughness, a lot of physical toughness to battle through that,” Grove said. “That was just a small accomplishment in a seas of failures.”
– Spotted on the field and not the training room _ wide receiver Carlos Francis.
– Spotted on the field watching practice _ personnel executive Mike Lombardi, banished from the field in the Shell regime.
– Justin Fargas, recovering from a shoulder injury, was at the minicamp but did not practice.
– Center Adam Treu, rehabbing from a torn quadriceps, was working out with trainers and did not practice.
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April 10th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
Coach on Wheels - Sorry. I got that off of an article.
http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/2007/04/walter_russell_and_quinn_by_th_1.html
April 10th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
I was reading an article today from a Detroit newspaper, reporting that McCown and Mike Williams were no shows for Lions practices. It seems to me that the Lions are really fed up with Williams attitude, and both players want out of Detroit. Raiders are reportedly making a deal for McCown; what’s the possibility of picking up Williams in that trade? Swapping Moss and a 5th round draft pick for McCown and Mike Williams. I think it would be beneficial for the Raiders, seeing that they get the veteran quarterback they want. And a talented receiver that has already played for Kiffin at USC.
April 10th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
Gotta love the practice tempo, short and concise. I also love the fact that Kiffen had high praise of CJ. At least make teams think we are going to draft him even if we are not.
April 10th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
I agree Caltraz…I think a change of scenery might do Mike Williams some good. Hell, he enjoyed the most success in his football career at USC, playing under Kiffin. If all else fails, convert him to a TE since they say he isn’t as quick as he was in college….lol!!
April 10th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
Agreed CT….and I say whoever can’t cut it–trim the fat!
April 10th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
Could McCown’s absence have a hidden meaning here?? We’ll see…..
April 10th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Mike Williams sucks. McCown would be ok for a year while Russell learns the offense.
April 10th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
cuzin-vinnie
convert williams to TE….that is an interesting thought!
April 10th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
Why wasn’t Sapp and Burgess at the mini-cap. I would suspect that the team leaders would show up…
Williams should be an interesting project at TE. I would try it, especially with Kiffin has his coach again.
April 10th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
Calm down, Island Pirate!! We’re just speculating….
April 10th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
Don’t know what kinda skills he has as a blocker, though…..
April 10th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
I am calm Vinnie. Mike Williams is a bust and we already have Madsen as a converted wide receiver. The trouble with some of the specualtion here is; it’s lame.
April 10th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/2007/04/walter_russell_and_quinn_by_th_1.html
…this article seems to favor quinn, but to me it favors walter. walter’s stats are strikingly similar to that of jruss and quinn. to me, they’re all the same qb. none are burners or much of a threat to beat you with their feet, and all are big and have great arms. it makes little sense to pass on calvin johnson when JR and BQ already play for us!!!
just think of last year as walter’s 6th year of school!!!
April 10th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
IP, you make freinds everywhere you go, dont you? … LOL …
April 10th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Josh McCown has all but come out and made a trade request. Here is the link.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070410/SPORTS01/70410029/1049/rss14
I wanted him last year and I still think he makes sense.
April 10th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
So Kiffin says Calvin Johnson is perfect. McCown doesn’t show up at the Lions camp and there are trade rumors linking him to the Raiders. Mike Williams doesn’t show up to the Lions and Moss doesn’t show up to the Raiders. Hmmmmm. Sounds like everything is starting to work itself out perhaps?
Sapp and Burgess don’t need to show up. They are solidified and they need more rest. What else can they possibly learn?
April 10th, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Can always learn, but aggree why wear them out. Sapp’s getting up there in years and besides I think he is making a new infomercial for NFL.com lol.
April 10th, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Sapp and others probably didn’t show up because of personal reasons. It’s that time of the year.
April 10th, 2007 at 5:16 pm
Takes time to learn new lyrics, expand on NFL Replay lol.
April 10th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
someone set me straight here.
if we’re dead red set on getting mccown, why didn’t we get him friday, or even yesterday, so he could be in camp today. getting mccown would force all the CJ-lovers out there to show their hand. we could be entertaining draft day trade possibilities right now while our new back-up gets a crash course on the new “O”.
i don’t get it.
April 10th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
thanks for the great update.
April 10th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
The Reason we didn’t get McCown is because Detroit doesn’t want to give him up yet. If Detroit sends McCown to us, then the whole league will know that we are taking CJ #1. That being so, no one will trade up to Detroits #2 because CJ will be gone, and they will be forced to take someone at a higher pick and higher price than needed.
Detroit wants to get rid of McCown and get a pick for him.
Detroit always wants to trade down and get more picks.
They can’t do it the league knows we are taking CJ.
Patience, McCown will probably be in a Oakland uniform soon, however; I don’t think that closes the door on us drafting a QB either… McCown only has 1 year left on his current contract…
April 10th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
thanks for the update. sounds good that 95% showed up. can’t wait until the season begins.
April 10th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
NFL Replay… Brings me to today’s football/music trivia factoid.
The song for last year’s NFL Replay commercial was peformed by the Busboys and was a take on “Can You See Me?” from their 1980 debut album, Minimum Wage Rock & Roll.
I thought it important that you all knew that.
April 10th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
i totally agree getting mccown doesn’t close the door on getting a qb…..a qb in the 3rd or 4th round.
wouldn’t we want everyone to know we’re taking CJ?? that way we can take in some offers for our pick. don’t get me wrong, i think CJ is the best player in the draft, but if another team was willing to give up half of their draft i’d take that over ANY one player. even if no one bites, we still wind up with this year’s best player.
April 10th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
we also still have a big bargining chip named randy moss……
April 10th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Jerry’s comments that no passes over 15 yards were thrown is another reminder that Russell may not be a good fit.
Sapp & Burgess are older vets who I wouldn’t expect in this kind of camp Plus the D isn’t changing so no big deal.
The important thing is the tempo and the fact that the caching staff has its act together enough to run guys through drills at a good pace. Shell ran a slow long pace because his staff was clueless. Good to see some changes to a more Gruden-like style.
April 10th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
I also agree that McCown may not be traded until after Detroit has tried to trade #2 for a CJ loving team.
Fans get in a hurry to see action, but trade timing can be important. If Detroit is going to get Thomas at #2, they could trade with TB so TB can get CJ. Then Oakland drafts CJ, TB drafts Adams, Clev gets Quinn and there’s Thomas at #4 for Detroit for less money and an added pick somewhere. Doing a quick trade isn’t always the smart thing to do.
Time will tell. Draft day is coming.
April 10th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
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April 10th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
thanks for the information Jerry Mac
April 10th, 2007 at 10:16 pm
About 99% of the sites have Raiders taking Russell. This is the updated mock. Russell fans cross your fingers!
April 10th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
McCown might not be worth it. He cannot start in the WEAK NFC east, lol, this is a sign he’s a career backup at best. I gamble with Walter as the starter rather than McCown, Walter is an accurate passer when given time to throw, he ain’t gonna rush his passes to avoid a sack. I’d still take a QB in the later rounds whether it be Russell or Johnson.
April 10th, 2007 at 10:52 pm
McCown coulda sign last year as a Raiders. He had a chance to start too, but he bypass the opportunity, so why now that he lost his job to Kitna that he wants an opportunity to start again . The Lions are in the same boat as Raiders, plus, he didn’t have alot of competition for the starter job too.
April 10th, 2007 at 10:55 pm
I save the 2mm and get a rookie QB. If Russell is drafted then he’s gonna start ASAP, there is no down time being the No.1 pick, get in there and play. Walter be the backup. Everything is set up IMO.
April 10th, 2007 at 10:56 pm
raider fanatics, 99% of the sites are idiots too! Russell has so many holes in his game, he will definetly be a project. He’s a classic boom or bust pick. Let’s trade for mckown and get the sure thing in calvin johnson!!
April 10th, 2007 at 11:04 pm
My thinking is save the 2mm, then shift the salary to the No.1 pick. I like Calvin Johnson too, and believe he should be the No.1 cause of his playmaking ability. I think Raiders should just keep Walter as the starter, keep Booty as 3rd string, just draft a backup with a late pick. Beck ain’t bad… he put up some darn good numbers! I read Kiffen practice throws didn’t exceed 15 yards. Walter easily can throw 50+, Edwards or Beck could do the job.
April 10th, 2007 at 11:06 pm
I believe Johnson will make immediate impact. Russell or Quinn have ????.. Quinn being good in the right system, if it’s the vertical attack, Quinn ain’t the answer.
April 10th, 2007 at 11:10 pm
ok now your talking, let’s get the hands down best player in the draft, with the least question marks( calvin johnson). Then we can pick a sleeper QB in the later rounds, and maybe a veteran off the waiver wire. I like walters too.
April 10th, 2007 at 11:11 pm
I bet Russell agent is really sweating it out, knowing Russell could drop like a rock like Rodgers did in 2005, that’s the reason he’s getting workouts beyond the top 5 picks. I won’t be surprise if he land in at 33rd pick in the 2nd round, sound crazy, but anything can happen in drafts.. NFL or NBA IMO.
April 10th, 2007 at 11:15 pm
Walter can easily throw 15 yarders all day with accuracy. I say take CJ and focus on Edward, Beck, or Stanton with the later round picks. All could be the 2nd stringer playing in Kiffen system. Let Walter get the nod without distractions… give the kid some confidence. He did break Elway TD record in the Pac-10. That itself is an accomplishment for an college QB.
April 10th, 2007 at 11:18 pm
i agree man! russell has a strong arm, but i think he’s alot of hype. He’s very unpolished. The media just hyping him up because of the notre dame game. Nobody was talking about this guy before the college season. He gets the hype because he’s big and has a big arm.
April 10th, 2007 at 11:19 pm
Raiders 2nd rounder is the wildcard. LOL.. this pick couild be a sliding Russell, LB like Antwan Barnes, or Raiders backup QB in Edward, Stanton or Beck. This is one interesting draft scenario for the Raiders!
April 10th, 2007 at 11:20 pm
I never knew WHO JaMarcus Russell is BEFORE the Sugar Bowl game. Just wanna share my thoughts.
April 10th, 2007 at 11:21 pm
I down with that let’s roll with walters. You can’t count last years offense, it was the worst scheme and playing calling in the history of organized football. Walters has alot of tools. with kiffin’s coaching he can be effective.
April 10th, 2007 at 11:26 pm
Let’s say MORE bad news comes out for Russell. His stock drop, he’s there at 33rd 2nd round pick, Raiders get the QB with their 2nd pick, sounds crazy but there are alot of impact players going in the 1st round, no team is gonna gamble a 1st on redshirt QB.
April 10th, 2007 at 11:30 pm
I say with our second pick we should get the best player available, who will make the biggest impact. Even if its a defensive player. I don’t like to draft for need.
April 10th, 2007 at 11:30 pm
I say start slashing salaries and allocate the money to the No.1 pick. Simm is NOT worth 6.5 mm! Cut him and get him back at 1-2mm. Cut more unproductive players… the slashed salary is more than the No.1 overall and the Raiders get their man and easily financed too!
April 10th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
I agreed. Get the BPA.. or best player available whether it be defense or offense. I just wanna see the Raiders turn their season around ASAP.
April 10th, 2007 at 11:33 pm
Raidersfanatics!
99%’s a lil optomistic.
Hes falling in sevral polls including Pete Prisco’s of NFL.com (as far down as 20th in some!)
Calvin Johnson’s the answer in Oakland.
Watch this stretch and cut shite happenin’ this year.
Kiffin’s a match for the exisiting talent, instead of the draconian Shell regimes dictatorial approach.
His coaching strengths match well the current stable of athletic, big, mobile offensive linemen.
Saw Fart-gas is nursing a shoulder injury.
Too bad.
This kids got some physical gifts but won’t play dinged and is constantly injured.
If he can nut up, he should have some break out games behind this line and style.
I’ve argued it a thousand times over at realfootball365.com and it still stands true.
The Raider receiving corps is a paper tiger.
Porter’s never consistently produced, even with year of rest, who knows if this year will be any different.
Moss is gone.
In June the $5 million becomes moot and hes toast.
Think about it, the Raiders, in all likely hood will be taking SOMEONE with the #1 pick and they’re going to want to get paid.
Salary and signing bonus’ for a number one will present a problem for the cap conscious Raiders, unless they free up say, $10 million dollars.
Alvis Whitted sat on the pot and still hasn’t sh*tted.
Is this year 8?
Hes managed to work his way up over his career from no one to mediocrity. STILL wouldn’t have seen any time if it werent for the Porter / Shell fiasco.
Ronald Curry is a seventh round pick who just signed a multi-million dollar deal and has yet to stay healthy an entire season.
Pulled hammy in the back half and imploded his knee TWICE so far in his very young career.
Doug “The Predator” Gabriel.
I had this guy pegged to ball last year.
Hes back after being waived by the Patriots who ditched low round pick to aquire him from Oakland.(?!!)
Rumor has it, hes on Al Davis’ radar screen and that doesn’t bode well for your tenure.
Ask Marcus Allen.
Johhnie Morant has been one of the better preformers for the Raiders consistently having good, productive games and displying fine athetisism with his great size and speed.
Unfortunately all of his “good” games are in pre-season.
Why hasn’t he played or translated to the regular season?
This will be year number four for the former Syracuse stand out.
If he doesn’t produce this year, in 2008, he may be left out.
Speaking of left out, Carlos Francis.
3 yrs, 5 catches, 1 fumble.
Nuff said there.
Which is why if Oakland wishes to return to prominence with in the next 5 years, it will need a solid core at wide receivers and so far, they don’t.
April 10th, 2007 at 11:39 pm
If Russell is sliding down the 20’s then he could be had in the 33rd pick. Sounds CRAZY but Raiders might pass and gets the BPA… who knows, I ain’t Al Davis nor are everyone else on this board.
April 10th, 2007 at 11:43 pm
I start cutting some the wideouts too. Make no sense if the wideouts make 5 catches within 3 yrs… Francis. Whitted confused me, he started but cannot get the yardage, Curry playing on one leg gets more yardage than a healthy Francis, Whitted, Buchannon,etc. Like I said the backups ain’t gonna cut it when Moss and Porter are gone before 2008.
April 11th, 2007 at 12:16 am
I want a franchise QB so bad.
But I don’t think Russell is the guy.
His college stats are not impressive.
He passed for an average of about 225 yards per game.
His TD to INT rate is about average. Not impressive.
Quinn had a ratio in his last two years of college of 69 TD’s and 14 INT’s.
Russell’s ratio was 43 TD”s and 17 INT’s over is last two years at LSU.
I don’t want Quinn either. We have our guy .
Andrew Walter. Bring in Mcnown or some later round back up it doesn’t
matter. Walter will be our QB of the future. What we saw last year was bad play
calling mixed with a bad schemes and a bad game plan. Also not having Porter didn’t
help. CJ is the pick we should take. Unless we can trade our 1st pick for a bundle of other picks.
Everyone please stop believing that this 1st pick in the draft is
the pick that makes or breaks us. We will continue to improve because of
our youth of our team and the leadership of Kippin.
Raider4life-Raiderdog
April 11th, 2007 at 4:34 am
Mark my words! Francis have been injured so it shows in his stats. Johnie Morant only gets to play in the preseason, thats why his reg-season stats are low too. All this should change under Kiffin. About Alvis, im absolutely sure he is in big al’s pants, because nobody knows what he’s doing in the NFL. Imagine this, Jerry Porter, Calvin Johnson, Curry, Morant and Francis. Thats a reseiving core for some years to go. I like them a lot. I really think Francis could be good. just have faith in the boys
BTW, a day before the draft Raiders trades Randy Moss & Derrick Gibson & 6th rounder to Lions for Mike Williams and McCown, the only way I see we can get rid of Moss without just cutting him. I would prefer Tim Rattay anyday as our backup instead of McCown.
Andrew Walter as STARTER!! period! =)
loads of Raiderluv to the nation from the old country, Denmark - Europe
April 11th, 2007 at 6:36 am
It is great to hear about Carlos Francis, this kid was lights out fast speedburner at texas tech. Kiffen will know how to use someone like that! It seems in the old regime of coaches, we rarely ever developed any young players on offense. Any that did develop seemed to do so on there own. Its good to have a new coach/coaches who are young minded and willing to use the younger guys.
If anything it should be an exciting year! I am rooting for Andrew Walter to win the starting job and develop into are franchise QB. He was lights out in college. He just needs to get his confidence back is all. He would have any confidence left after playing in Art Shells offense?
April 11th, 2007 at 7:02 am
Carlos Francis had a pretty strong upside if I remember correctly. I agree with the statement made by Mykle about our receiving corps being a paper tiger, but if we add CJ and guys like Francis and Buchanon can stay healthy, we could have some real depth at WR. If Curry can stay healthy he is still a slot reciever on any other NFL team at best. I think that will be his role in Oakland too. CJ, Porter (for one more year, anyway), and Curry. If Randy Mess is still here, so be it, but I would be surprised if he is a raider come April 29. Add Morant, Francis, Buchanon, and everyone’s favorite Alvis Whitted and we have guys to catch all these 15 yard bombs all day long. Plus, dont forget, Lamont Jordan was our leading reciever 2 years ago and I think the RBs will catch a lot of passes this year too.
April 11th, 2007 at 7:08 am
Where in the world are you guys getting Russell slipping to the sencond round? I saw on the NFL channel EVERYONE say he’s going #1 but 2 guys said CJ is the best pick. How many WRs make a 12yr impact on a team? Russell was said to be able to make every throw in the playbook, Quinn couldn’t. Comparable to Elway? Are you kidding? Pass on Russell? We NEED a QB of this calliber for years and AD WILL draft him so go ahead and speculate but the Raiders have needed a QB for 20 years. The rest(85%) of Raider fans want Russell and will get him draft day.
April 11th, 2007 at 7:17 am
The Raiders will draft Drew Stanton before Jamarcus Russell. Andrew Walter is THE guy this year. Look for the Raiders to take a QB in later rounds for A LOT less money. If Al Davis gambles his teams future on a flash in the pan like Russell he should be put in a home. No way in hell Russell becomes a raider and if he does I vow to never post on this site again. That is how sure I am that Russell ends up in Cleveland of some other god-awful place that deserves him. Not in Oakland.
April 11th, 2007 at 7:20 am
Here is a scenario you have not heard yet….
Atlanta is being very quiet about CJ. He is a hometown hero and would be a great fit there for what they need. Oakland can trade #1 for Atlanta’s #8 and many other picks. Oakland can then trade up with Washington or Tampa and get into 6 or 4 and get someone like Peterson, Branch, Levi Jones etc… and still have excess picks from the Atlanta trade.
April 11th, 2007 at 7:25 am
I love reading this stuff! Thanks for all the posts.
I must say i flip between thinking we must take russell and definately not. Everyone argues both ways so convincingly! Overall i’m with the pick CJ, go for a good trade and if not he’s value. I think russell will drop if we dont take him and i thought the numbers thing was interesting as, whatever his arm strenght, his numbers were not so good. And not streets in front of walter.
Lets get a proper team together, give walter a change and pick the best range of talent we can: not rely on a no.1 to do it all.
Love from the UK - silver and black 4ever.
April 11th, 2007 at 7:26 am
Personally for what the raiders really need I think getting McCown and Peterson would be the best outcome. If you have a strong running game even an average QB like Aikman can put up HOF numbers. We need our Marcus Allen or Bo Jackson and Peterson is the closest thing out there to that. Note that Oakland and Clev have been very silent about Peterson. I think he is a sleeper that will be more sought after than expected Having said this I also think Clevland will take an elite QB like Russell (who is a risk) and Quinn (that has not shown me much in game situations) but Clevland is good at getting QB busts (aka Couch, Smith etc…). Oakland is not in the habit of taking 1st round QBs and this is not a good time to start!
April 11th, 2007 at 7:29 am
This CJ thing cracks me up. Our biggest need, by far, is at quarterback. So you folks want to pass on the guy that has the tools and talent to be a star in this league (not my amateur opinion, but the opinion of people like Pete Carroll, AJ Smith, Marc Trestman, etc.) to select a wide receiver? I’ll say it again; SOMEONE HAS TO GET THEM THE BALL!!! I respect each and every one of my fellow Raider fans, but I really beleive that some of us are way overthinking this thing. Calvin Johnson is, no doubt, the best thiing since sliced bread. Unless he can throw the ball, however, he is a NICE to have, not a NEED to have. Please remember this; a wide receiver has never led his team to a Super Bowl win. Not Randy Moss, not Terrell Owens, not Larry Fitzgerald, not anybody. There is no reason to suggest that CJ is any different. Look at Arizona, or Detroit for examples. They both went the “franchise receiver” route without a QB first, and look how much progression they’ve made.
I’ve been reading a lot of posts that suggest that we can just go grab somebody off the waiver wire to play QB, or trade a 5th round pick for one or something like that. Just doesn’t make sense to me. The teams that win Super Bowls have, by and large, excellent quarterbacks. There’s the odd exception, like Dilfer or McMahon, but those were unique teams with arguably the best defenses of their time. (We have a good defense, but it’s not THAT good…) Also wanted to address the comments of those who say that only a handful of QBs selected #1 overall have won Super Bowls. True, on the face of it, but most of those guys have won more than one, and out of the fifteen or sixteen that have been taken #1, ten of them have been Pro Bowlers. Alex Smith, if he maintains his progression, will be the eleventh.
Again, I respect all you guys and gals (well, except for Art Shell’s Hat, but I think he’s a Chiefs’ fan anyway) and I sure don’t claim to have all the answers, but I really think that we’re getting WAY caught up in the CJ thing and losing focus on our true need. Also, I would be a little careful about deciding what the passing game is going to look like based on what we saw on the first day of practice…
April 11th, 2007 at 7:35 am
Interesting to watch the rise and fall of those in the spotlight. Happened to Quinn, happening to Russel and now a surge with Johnson. Like a bunch of sheep following a leader changing direction simply to remain in the lead. Personally my preference is to take Russel. What weakness do you see? Strong arm, pocket awareness, no attitude, hard to bring down and alot more mobile than people are giving credit for. Do not compare to leftwhich or even culpepper. Much more accurate than both and mobile. Have you looked at his 3 yr stats?? touchdowns/ interceptions/% completions all improved to world class yr after year and hes a jr! Passes per game is more a product of the offensive scheme, he throws the deep ball extremely well and accurate. game iJohnson is the prototype receiver, no arguments there but how many prototype receivers in the league are putting up huge numbers? Ask Smith or Detroit slew of #1 picks doing little because the sytem around them is poor. We are rebuilding on offense, start with a QB. I like Walter over Quinn but hes just not mobile enough and is not quick to read-not to mention he cant take a effin snap!
April 11th, 2007 at 7:43 am
Well said raider from birth
April 11th, 2007 at 7:57 am
Listening to all this talk about bringing in other QB’s. Who couldn’t even make the starting line on another team is a joke. I still believe A.Walter can succeed under this new offence. Everything and everyone failed under the joke of a offence last year. And make no mistake Russell will be our first pick in the draft. It’s going to be a good year in the Nation.
Win,lose or tie Silver and Black till I die.
April 11th, 2007 at 8:00 am
Andrew Walter put up very similar numbers to Russell in college. For all of you who say Walter sucks,etc. then Russell could suck just as bad or worse since all you have to go on are his college numbers. Russell has never played against an NFL defense so his talents and numbers in college are somewhat watered down bacause of the lack of defensive talent. What are his leadership qualities? I’m still pulling for Russell to fail somewhere else but Oakland.
April 11th, 2007 at 8:04 am
Stupid Penalty… you’re not really comparing PAC-10 defenses to SEC defenses, are you?
April 11th, 2007 at 8:17 am
Walter played against USC who won the national title 2 years straight while AW was playing against them so at that time he was playing against an elite team.
April 11th, 2007 at 8:23 am
People on the JR Bandwagon point out that some experts are saying that JR is such an awesome prospect but just as many other “experts” say he has big question marks such as work ethic, intelligence, decision making,a and weight gain. CJ has no real knocks on him but he is a wide reciever that at best will get somewhere between 5-10 touches a game and we have really ok WR’s already. That is why I am big on finding a scenario where we can trade down and work with Walter and someone like McNown in a modern NFL offense and see how they work out. Get a potential HOF running back and the QB does not become the big deal. Look at Rothisbuger in Pittsburg - he was an ok QB the year they won the superbowl but not a game changer (except for his tackling skill!). It was there punishing running game that forced defenses to stack the box opening up the passing game! And while one person said a WR has not led his team to a SB win there are several RB’s that have led their team to a SB win such as Davis with Denver or I can even argue Bettis with Pittsburg to some degree. We need an elite running game to get to the playoffs and if you think Jordan is the answer you have got to be crazy he is a one dimensional back that is only good at hitting holes hard. He is not especially allusive, hard to tackle and does not have world class speed. Rhoades likewise is nothing special and Fargas etc… are squad team caliber. I think Walter and McNown are serviceable QBs within a system if they have support from a running game. I mean McCown is 10-12 with a really bad team that beats the Raiders in terms of record for the last few years!
April 11th, 2007 at 8:30 am
True, but USC didn’t win two National Championships because of their defense. And, they probably were the best defense in their league, by far. The SEC, year in and year out, has quicker, faster and more talented defenses than virtually any conference in America. I think when you’re comparing QB performance you have to consider that, although I believe NFL teams go a lot deeper than just looking at college stats.
April 11th, 2007 at 8:37 am
Autumn Wind… I think Terrell Davis had a QB named John Elway on his team when he got his SB ring…
Also, I did mention before that there were a couple of less than great QBs that won Super Bowls, but it’s certainly not how it usually happens.
Sorry to be confrontational today, you guys, but your arguments have a lot of holes in them.
April 11th, 2007 at 8:44 am
Hey Jordan the reason you stayed in Oakland and didn’t leave when the Raiders said take a pay cut
or you will be released is because no one else whould of paid you 3 million bucks. Your attitude
is what has hurt the Raider for a long time, and you are part of the problem and not part of the
fix. You had a major operation and you will not be back to full strength until next year and the
Raiders gave you 3 million buck, what the hell else do you expect. I was hoping they were going
to cut you after what you have brought to the team. I still can see you standing there with your
finger firmly planted in your rectum while the ball laid on the gound and you look completely lost
and couldn’t figure out that the ball was live and could be picked up and ran in for a touchdown. Nice show and
you have the nerve to bitch about getting only 3 million bucks. All you whiners should be cut starting
with you, and Moss,Sims, and if your not happy being in Oakland then asked to be cut or traded so the
Raiders can move on and improve the franchise without a bunch of whinning losers. We have been
watching and PAYING for to many year for a product that sucks and until this year we have a coach
that hopefully will play the best players and sit the whiners on the bench. My hope is if Kiffin sees that
the starters that he selects to start the season do not improve the team that he will not hesitate to
bench them and give some of the other players a chance to play. Lets keep an eye on a few players
who are over hyped. Let see if Porter can catch a ball over the middle, or can Morant hold on to a ball,
what about the offensive line if we start the dogs of last year how long will it take before Kiffin makes
some changes and hurts some players feeling because they can’t do the job. What about the ability to
stop the run. It was both the d/l and l/b that had problems against the run not just the tackles. Who are
the starting w/r’s…No one should have a lock on starting after last years reseults. Our w/r were way over
rated for the amount of money there were paid. How long do you stay with Gallery, because it will not
a lot of games before where he is with his ability. Gallery said he wants to forget about last year, well he
better not forget about it, because he has played the same way every year he has been in Oakland. I just
think its time to stop making excuses and make the changes that are needed and stop baby sitting a
of whinning babies. If they can’t play at the NFL level then Kiffin has to make some changes. It will not
take very long before we know how good or bad the team will be.
April 11th, 2007 at 9:08 am
Whomever wants to talk about Walter playing against USC, should check the stats. AW was 0 for his career in Pac 10 games in California. He never beat USC and had terrible games against them. The SEC is the closest thing you will find in college football to an NFL defense. JR played great and improved every year, which means his upside is still growing. 68% completions doesn’t happen by accident. AW fumbled all the time in college and is doing the same in the pros!
Calvin Johnson has played in a conference with the least, NFL-like defenses and you don’t want to throw that in there. Also, for a guy as perfect as he is, why didn’t he dominate in college?? Look at his stats. He is not anywhere near the most dominating receiver in college.
April 11th, 2007 at 9:09 am
Not a lot of “news” today but one thing caught my eye.
I posted like a month ago about the chance of playing Brayton at tackle and I`m glad he`s apparently getting a shot, he`s 6′6″ 280 and athletic, he`s fast for a DT but not quite for DE, I think if he can get stronger he may have a shot there, kinda like Bill Picket way back or Ray Childress or more recently Shane Dronett in Atlanta when they went to the super bowl. I do remember that he tends to struggle keeping his weight up and maybe he`ll never make it there but at least we are trying some new ideas.
April 11th, 2007 at 9:10 am
And that seems certainly smarter and more likely than making him an OLB.
April 11th, 2007 at 9:32 am
Jordan hinting that he’s disgruntled rubs me the wrong way a little. More in general than at him in particular. Players opt out of contracts at the drop of a hat if it’s in their best interest but when a team does the same thing, they’re cold hearted and unloyal. Give me a break. Don’t accept the pay cut, if you think it’s such a slap in the face. Or here’s an even better suggestion: don’t sign the original contract in the first place if you don’t think you can handle it when the team exercises their legal rights.
April 11th, 2007 at 9:47 am
Raider Rick, when you are the BEST player on your team defenses tend to key on you. At the next level, teams will have to play him honest because of the level of competition. When he exploits that then teams will begin to key on him, thereby opening up the field for other WRs, TEs and the running game.
April 11th, 2007 at 9:50 am
Following the Raiders and their drafts for as long as I have, I see Al salivating over CJ. Al loves
his wideouts and has never put great stock in QB’s. So I see him taking CJ first with rookie in second
round.
April 11th, 2007 at 10:20 am
1 Sunday, Sept. 9 1:15 p.m. vs. Detroit Lions McAfee Coliseum FOX
2 Sunday, Sept. 16 1:15 p.m. at Denver Broncos INVESCO Field CBS
3 Sunday, Sept. 23 1:05 p.m. vs. Cleveland Browns McAfee Coliseum CBS
4 Sunday, Sept. 30 10:00 a.m. at Miami Dolphins Dolphin Stadium CBS
5 Sunday, Oct. 7 BYE WEEK
6 Sunday, Oct. 14 1:15 p.m. at San Diego Chargers QUALCOMM Stadium CBS
7 Sunday, Oct. 21 1:05 p.m.
vs. Kansas City Chiefs McAfee Coliseum CBS
8 Sunday, Oct. 28 10:00 a.m. at Tennessee Titans The Coliseum CBS
9 Sunday, Nov. 4 1:15 p.m. vs. Houston Texans McAfee Coliseum CBS
10 Sunday, Nov. 11 1:15 p.m. vs. Chicago Bears McAfee Coliseum FOX
11 Sunday, Nov. 18 10:00 a.m. at Minnesota Vikings The Metrodome CBS
12 Sunday, Nov. 25 10:00 a.m. at Kansas City Chiefs Arrowhead Stadium CBS
13 Sunday, Dec. 2 1:05 p.m. vs. Denver Broncos McAfee Coliseum CBS
14 Sunday, Dec. 9 10:00 a.m. at Green Bay Packers Lambeau Field CBS
15 Sunday, Dec. 16 1:05 p.m. vs. Indianapolis Colts McAfee Coliseum CBS
16 Sunday, Dec. 23 10:00 a.m. at Jacksonville Jaguars Jacksonville Municipal Stadium CBS
17 Sunday, Dec. 30 1:15 p.m. San Diego Chargers McAfee Coliseum CBS
April 11th, 2007 at 10:23 am
This schedule is much easier than previous years. THANK GOD!!! There are about 9 games we can win from that schedule but I just hope they can win 8-8.
April 11th, 2007 at 10:32 am
Here, here!!!
April 11th, 2007 at 10:33 am
This is an interesting article.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/10119448
April 11th, 2007 at 10:34 am
I agree JJ……it really gets me that these guys gripe at all. They have a bad year and when they go home they are still millionaires.
April 11th, 2007 at 10:35 am
i wonder how brooks would have done in kiffins offense-
April 11th, 2007 at 10:36 am
2 out of our first 3 at home, and very winable games…
April 11th, 2007 at 10:38 am
Aside from the Denver game (keeping my fingers crossed), we could conceivably be 3-1.
April 11th, 2007 at 10:39 am
….heading into the bye week.
April 11th, 2007 at 10:53 am
Raider from Birth
I am really liking this debate. In a higher degree I imagine this is what is going on back and forth within the coaching and scouting staffs within the Raider organization. Regarding the comment that Elway was with Daviis when they won the superbowls, I have the following question. How many did Elway win without him? Also how good was Aikman really without the dancing RB Smith, the monster offensive line and the playmaker/troublemaker at WR in Dallas? I think for where the NFL is right now you need either a really really good QB like Tom Brady or you need to have a good defense with a balanced offense with a servicable QB to win a SB or even get into the playoffs. If I really thought that JR could become that person at QB I would be really on board with getting him and paying out 30 million in money for an unproven raw talent with a lot of upside. Bot since he is a risk I do not think we should be putting all our chips in on this guy.
I am really not advocating Walter to start I would rather see a competition between him and McNown. I think the winner of that competition may have more chance of being good as JR especially if the team around him is enriched by all these extra draft picks we would get. I am not in favor to get CJ as our pick. I am in favor of him as trade bait because there are teams like Atlanta and Tampa Bay that want him. WR is not a team need for us right now!
I just wanted to plug a few holes that you thought I had in my agruement.
April 11th, 2007 at 10:54 am
i too respect and appreciate your opinion RAIDER FROM BIRTH, but i have to disagree. i am one of those “qb-is not-as-important-as-you-think” guys, and am hugely in favor of taking CJ. i look at in terms of our defense and our ground game. there is no way our o-line will lay an egg like they did last year. with NFL coaching, they’ll be better by default, and our defense will continue to progress. i don’t look at CJ in terms of him being a playmaker, but rather an offensive presense who will “open-up” our O. with him, porter, curry, and possibly moss will have the best and deepest WR corp in the NFL. with any of those three guys on the field at once, our offense is up against a nickel or dime defense. what do you do when a defense constantly has an extra DB on the field? RUN THE BALL. the addition of CJ=instant match-up problem for most, if not all, nfl defenses.i know, the question remains, “but who will get them the ball?” the answer: IT DOESN”T REALLY MATTER. a qb of average nfl-caliber could succeed with that talent around him, not to mention jordan and rhodes. i am a firm believer that putting stock in andrew walter has the same risk/reward factor as drafting j-russ. to me, walter is the x-factor in all of this. if he doesn’t play in oakland, i’m a big-time j-russ suporter. let’s keep in mind that AW is only 25 years old and has a TON of room for improvement. i’m not a huge fan of “big” qbs, so i’m not really a fan of either of them, but i don’t believe for a second that j-russ will be overwhemingly more effective than walter. j-russ might be the next elway, but walter could be the next montana, who knows.
April 11th, 2007 at 10:56 am
Good article Danny. What kills me is that Pat Kirwan can say the things he said about Quinn when comparing him to Manning yet he still picks Russell as the #1 pick. The only reason everyone feels Russell is going to be the #1 pick is because the Raiders are picking #1. The only reason the Raiders would pick Russell according to all these scouts is because he has a strong arm. Thats it. Nobody actually feels this guy is #1 pick material, they just feel the Raiders will be the one to select him, making him the #1 pick. This is BS.
April 11th, 2007 at 11:13 am
Any chance the Raiders trade AW?? Just a thought….
April 11th, 2007 at 11:22 am
drafting CJ=mismatches in secondary
mismatches in secondary=running the football
running the football=ball control
ball control=time of possession
TOP=rested defense
rested defense=better defense
better defense=WINS
don’t be fooled, drafting CJ will make us a “run-first” offense, thus giving us the flexiblity to run a dynamic screen/draw package with rhodes and jordan.
just imagine if we were to draft a playmaking TE to compliment CJ…..more mismatches
April 11th, 2007 at 11:29 am
The Dallas Cowboys had a young QB in Troy Aikman in the early 90’s who went 1-15 as a starter in his rookie year and that was for a team that wasn’t the 2006 Raiders. Aikman grew with Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin. Today’s NFL features 2 back systems and we have our 2 backs right now. We need our Michael Irvin. Calvin Johnson can be that Irvin. Walter can be that Aikman coming off of a horrible season and Rhodes and Jordan can try to be Emmitt Smith with teamwork. Just a thought.
April 11th, 2007 at 11:29 am
I agree, if anyone on this blog can point me to one mock draft that says anything other than we will select him because he has a big arm please post it… I haven’t seen one mock draft say he is a better QB than Quinn
April 11th, 2007 at 11:31 am
Cuzin’Vinnie - I think the team would freak out if we traded Andrew Walter. I think the whole team would see it as a step back personally. Alot of the players on the team want to give Walter another chance. Trading Walter would be like sitting Jerry Porter for the whole year. We don’t need that type of negativity.
April 11th, 2007 at 11:35 am
There is a 2 hour 2007 NFL Schedule special on ESPN for anybody who wants to know. Its 1135am right now but the special is from 11am - 1pm today so its currently on.
April 11th, 2007 at 11:37 am
What everyone fails to remember is how glowingly Moss and all the players spoke of AW… There was a reason for that and last season hasn’t changed that because they realize a lot of the failures and problems were due to a situation that was beyond his or anyone elses control… When the head coach comes out and says that not even Dan Marino could have won many games in that offense that speaks volumes about how porous the schemes and play calling was considering Marino is considered as one of if not the greatest QB’s to play the game of football in the modern era.
April 11th, 2007 at 11:42 am
To add to that…Nobody ever said they wanted Aaron Brooks to start. Moss lobbied for AW right away and I’m not sure people really liked Brooks. Brooks was horrible in his 1st game and couldn’t handle 2 snaps in his 2nd game when he got hurt. I feel like Brooks faked the injury because he didn’t trust the offense and didn’t want to man up and be out there. Moss knows AW has the strong arm he covets and wanted him out there. Moss’ praise of AW reminds me of T.O.s praise of Tony Romo and its extremely hard to please those 2 receivers.
April 11th, 2007 at 11:45 am
Also…AW showed leadership in speaking out against Shell and the offense. Don’t you find it funny how Brooks just so happened to be ready to play after AW made those comments? AW is smart enough at such a young age to know better.
April 11th, 2007 at 11:51 am
Right now, I’m thinking the Raiders are going to draft Calvin Johnson. I think the McCown trade will be a part of draft weekend, as will a trade with Atlanta for Randy Moss. Atlanta won’t be able to get Calvin Johnson (because we did) and they need the “impact WR”, that Moss could be for them. They also have picks to spare after the Schaub deal. McCown won’t happen until we pick Johnson, or a deal has been met with Johnson, signalling an end to our “trade the #1 pick” discussions.
This is just how I see it on April 11th…this may change between now and the 28th…just my crystal ball (actually empty Jack Daniels bottle).
April 11th, 2007 at 11:55 am
Understandable, but if he doesn’t perform the Nation will be calling for his head and the boo-birds will be out in full force, a la Scarey Collins.
April 11th, 2007 at 11:58 am
If Moss is so high on AW, why not show up for the voluntary mini-camp as a show of support and reassure the young fella that he is on board??
April 11th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
Wow!……AW is now being linked to hall of famers Montana and Aikman….this is getting ridiculous.
And the reason every mock has JR ahead of Quinn is because of their ceiling, with JR freakish skills throwing the football there are no limits on what he could accomplish if he were to fluorish, of course, nobody can say he will, but the skill set is what puts him above.
And people should understand something else, it`s not about his size, the thing that has scouts marveled is the way he THROWS the football and how he makes every throw in the book with ease, including accuracy and of course.. zip.
April 11th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
j-russ’ exploits are undeniable, but like i’ve said before, i think some of us get blinded by the glow of the #11 pick. for every peyton manning there is 2 tim couches. no one knows wat j-russ will do, but the same can be said for walter. walter is a victim of comparison. we get to see everything jruss can do and just assume AW can’t be half of what russell is. we get to see this freak of nature throwing the ball 80 yards, while AW get washed over in the hype.
April 11th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
The full 2007 schedule is out and I can’t believe that the Raiders don’t have a single prime-time game
April 11th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
teams with a 2-14 don’t play primetime games….sad truth.
April 11th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
#1 pick, not #11…whoops
April 11th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Regarding the Schedule (something different to talk about):
Opener hosting Detroit - thank god!!! A home opener against a crappy opponent. A very winnable (must win to get off on the right foot) game. Could be interesting if McCown is a Raider on opening day.
Week 2 at Denver - tough divisional game, early in the year, but it beats the hell out of traveling to Denver on a Primetime game, as is the usual deal for the Raiders, and in early September, weather shouldn’t be a factor.
Week 3 hosting Cleveland - another winnable home game early, that could be useful in building the Kiffen program. 2-1 would look real nice for the Kid. Could Brady Quinn or Jamarcus be the opponent this game?
Week 4 at Miami - always a tough cross continent trip, but Miami’s no powerhouse. Good test for the o-line, but definitely could be a QB killer versus Taylor, Thomas and Porter. Likely a loss, but who knows. I bet Miami makes us wear the black jerseys in the Miami heat.
Week 5 Bye week - good thing after the jet lag trip from Miami, and a good evaluation point for the team.
Week 6 at San Diego - two weeks to prepare for Norv’s Dolts, and San Diego will be coming off a road trip to Denver. Tough game, but favorable circumstances.
Week 7 hosting KC - need to win HOME DIVISIONAL games, and it’s got to start here. KC will be coming off a three game stretch in which they will have just played at San Diego, Jacksonville and Cincinnati. Gotta win these.
Week 8 at Tennessee - another long road trip for a morning game, but Tennessee is very beatable (right now).
Week 9 hosting Houston - facing the team that we should’ve beat last year with Matt Schaub…gotta win games at home against sub par opponents, plain and simple.
Week 10 hosting Chicago - This will be a low scoring game, as Chicago will be facing QB issues with Rex Grossman’s occasional stinkers. Better than going to Chicago, and another test of Kid Kiff’s wits versus pro defenses.
Week 11 at Minnesota - Will Randy still be a Raider? If he is, could be fun, a relatively winnable road trip, could Jamarcus be facing Minnesota’s Laron Landry? Who knows, but another long road trip in the morning (1 of 6 morning games for Oakland this year).
Week 12 at KC - we always play them tough in KC, hopefully Larry Johnson’s hurt or something, and maybe we can get a road divisional game.
Week 13 hosting Denver - gotta win home divisional games, period. Living in Colorado, this is my x-mas!!!
Week 14 at Green Bay - another morning game, long trip, in a cold place…maybe Favre’s out, maybe he and Randy Moss are having career years, we’ll see.
Week 15 hosting Indy - probably a loss, Rhodes will be hyped, but Jordan will be the key pounding Indy’s week run “d”, it’s our only chance, but likely a home loss. What is Indy’s record at this point?
Week 16 at Jacksonville - second of 2 trips to Florida in the same year. At least it won’t be as hot in December. Another possibility in the Randy Moss sweepstakes, is a Leftwich trade dead yet, probably, but who knows.
Week 17 hosting San Diego - San Diego’s just a better team, but maybe Norv’s ruined them by this point. Either way, another home divisional game, and the perfect stepping stone to 2008 success. Maybe LT’s held out for a playoff run, so we could steal a game we probably shouldn’t.
Overall not bad, considering we have two trips to Florida, two to the NFC North, six morning games and play the two Super Bowl participants. But there’s plenty of potential positives in the schedule. Can’t wait!!!
April 11th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
For the last few years we have had primetime games destroy us because we were not good enough to play up to par. I’m happy we are finally out of the spotlight because it has only hurt us. Wait till we get better and then we will see. We finally have an easy schedule to love it while you can.
I’m not saying Walter IS Aikman, I’m just trying to compare situations. Why pay millions of dollars for a guy in J.Russ when you are paying alot less for a guy like AW who gives you the same attributes. Doesn’t make sense.
April 11th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Coach Sean - I like what you have to say regarding each game. Smart analysis of each game and you made it simple. I agree with everything you said. I see that schedule and I see us with a very possible 9-7 type record but I don’t want to overhype the Raiders. I see us going 7-9 more likely but I’m hopeful for 8-8. At least get us to .500 and I really hope we can finally challenge our division once again.
April 11th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
EC Raider gets it. As I posted yesterday, JR has exactly ZERO chance of being our #1 pick. All you bloggers who think otherwise are just not familiar with how Al and the Raiders view rookie, first round QB’s. Do some basic research and you will finally have to realize it for yourselves. Ever notice that all of the mock draft experts on the major sports sites are mostly mid 20’s, from the east and have no actual knowledge of the Raiders draft history / philosophy? ‘07 is gonna be CJ @#1, McCown and AW in training camp, we will end up being stuck with Moss unless Favre starts pushing hard for him again (lets all pray).
As for the overrated JR, unless somebody like Washington, Minnesota, Miami or Buffalo trades up to take him in the top 5 (Cards want to trade down too unless Joe Thomas is there at #5), he will fall to Minnesota at #7 The guy is simply a product of East coast media hype + a very good LSU defense + the Sugar bowl game. He’s allegedly never been in good shape and cant even bring himself to do so at this most critical time of his career (lazy), not good in the film room as is proven by Les Miles’ very basic offense the last two years with JR as starter compared to what they ran during their national championship season (cant coach IQ), has terrible footwork which has been chronicled by many experts and also has reportedly not shown any true team leadership qualities at LSU. The NFL will spit this guy out in three years. Thank god we wont be the ones having to scramble to find cap room from his 30 million guaranteed !
April 11th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Agreed. I always get excited when the schedule comes out, because now there’s a target, and it is the Detroit Lions! Wonder what if any impact that will have on a potential McCown trade. No matter really, as I am hoping right now that Andrew Walter still pans out (I know, I know, but I think the guy’s got “it”…just not when he’s on his back). I’d like to go into the season with Walter versus McCown, and I guess now that Adrian Peterson, really isn’t an option, Calvin Johnson, although I DON’t like taking WR’s in the 1st round period, let alone at #1.
In the end, regarding the draft, I don’t think it really matters much, at least this year. Jamarcus Russell, Calvin Johnson, or whoever, won’t have nearly the impact on our W-L record, as say Robert Gallery (and the rest of the front 5), Kiffen’s leadership and play-calling, and the strength of our running game. Not to mention injuries, which is almost equally important to success of any kind. Also, what of Randy Moss, by the time September 9th rolls around, is Jerry Porter still a healthy contributor, is Warren Sapp still productive at 34 / 35 years old, did Newberry’s knees make it through the preseason, Lamont Jordan’s knee rehab, etc.???
Lots of questions to be answered, and the #1 pick, in all reality isn’t even in the top 3 of offseason issues. #1 was the coaching staff, and that’s in place. #2 would be “attitude”, the winning attitude the Raiders so sorely lack. #3 will be the offensive line, because without it, Walter, McCown, Russell, Quinn, Jordan, Rhodes, CJ, Moss et al, won’t stand a chance…
April 11th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Personally, I am still unconvinced of the myth of Russell. Analysts continuously say that Russell will be a great QB in the future, but needing to not start in his first year. Then they say that Quinn is probably the most NFL ready QB and could start immediately. My problem with Russell has to do more with my memories of what was being said about Michael Vick. Another QB with incredible athleticism, arguably better than Russell, who has been a serious underachiever. I don’t know if I am willing to spend 1st pick money on someone like that.
While I know that ANY player has the chance to be a bust, why increase that chance by taking a player that has serious question marks?
I think Quinn is a safer bet. A lot of the same things were said about Manning. “He can’t win the big game.” And now, he is widely considered as the best QB in the NFL right now. But that is IF they go QB. I think that Calvin Johnson is hard to pass up. On the other hand, if it wasn’t such a risk to do so, I could even live with trading down a bit and picking up Peterson.
The 2002 Bucs showed that with a sound game plan, good running game, and a good defense, even a mediocre QB can win a Super Bowl, as long as they don’t make mistakes.
Also, regarding the lack of primetime games… If they continue doing the “Flex” scheduling they started last year, and they do well, the NFL could move them their games to a primetime slot. Though, I have not heard whether they were continuing the flex scheduling or not.
April 11th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
The most important picks are 1st and 2nd. The 1-2 picks in order possibly CJ and QB… Edwards, Stanton and Beck are projected to be GONE before the 3rd round and after Raiders 33rd 2nd round picks.
April 11th, 2007 at 1:35 pm
Why isnt Justin Fargas getting any love. Next to Curry he was their best offensive player. (which isnt saying much)
April 11th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
Just as long as it isn’t:
Week 1: Quinn has a come-from-behind game winning drive late in the 4th to beat the Raider.
Week 2: Bly and Bailey intercept passes intended for CJ and Moss and return them for TDs to win big.
Week 3: Cleveland’s Russell has a 300 yard 3 TD performance to destroy the Raiders.
April 11th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
The Raiders best Offensive player was Kurt Morrison (sad).
April 11th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
Thanks for the report Jerry, great to have something real to talk about. Greetings from here in Michigan everyone, home of those amazing Detroit Lions (sigh), who have NEVER beaten Oakland out there on the West Coast. It’ll be televised here!! Good news! With the schedule coming out, and mini camp starting up with real quotes and observations from actual coaches and ballplayers, Fall is in the air, even if it snowed here last night.
Nice to see Carlos Francis is still trying, he showed flashes. I hope he beats out Alvis Whitted in a fair fight. Draft CJ and a DT/DE prospect 1-2. But how we gonna fit all these WRs on the roster … cut some of ‘em, eh? Wait for next year for a QB (Brohm or Brennan if possible), even if the draft pundits give us noise for for not taking a QB this year. If they wanna run our team, they can make Al an offer. Better to rule in Hell. RAIDERS TILL DEATH no matter who we take in the draft.
April 11th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
I think Lamont Jordan & Justin Fargas could have been a good two back threat. I didnt understand the Rhodes signing, but I was happy that we got Griffin
April 11th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
I second that Ryan LOL!!!
April 11th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Flex scheduling is in effect this year as well, R8R Man.
April 11th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
Memo, Justin Fargas doesn’t get any love because despite his hard running style, he lacks good vision for a RB. The guy fails to look to the next level when running through a hole. Good RB’s are already thinking about how they’re going to run over or juke the safety, before they get past the LB. Fargas could’ve had many more big plays had he shown better vision. Secondly, the guy has hands of stone!!! He can’t catch a cold, and in the “hybrid” offense, that just won’t cut it. I too like the guy’s heart, but he runs like an idiot.
Rhodes is a great signing. Good out of the backfield, nice change of pace to the power back in Jordan. Also played for a consistent winner, that will bring something. Rhodes is a significant upgrade from Fargas, and could challenge Jordan as a starter.
Fargas will be the 3rd back at best, assuming we don’t draft an up and comer. I too like the guy, but these are the facts.
April 11th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
KIRK morrison
April 11th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Vinnie, I hope the flex schedule is in, but take note that they have in fact scheduled games for Sunday night all year, which is NOT what they did last year. Definitely something to look into 100%.
April 11th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Jamarcus Russell is going to be a Raider. Get used to it, and stop over analyzing it.
April 11th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
I can’t get enough of the DOGG, First “ITS ABOUT THE KIDS”..Then “FEMALE ATHLETES AREN’T HOES” and the check this out he’s caught with Drugs and A Pistol… but not guilty
This is all the proof you’ll need coming out in theaters May 3rd to contradict everything he say’s
http://www.nudeondvd.com /film/11997/Snoop_Doggs_Hood_o f_Horror.html
April 11th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
If you need a heart transplant, you don’t take a kidney because a great kidney is available. You take the heart! Take JR! CJ may be good but it’s not what we need. ATLANTA needs CJ.
April 11th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Just like Reggie Bush the Texan, right 420???
April 11th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
Autumn Wind, Rich Gannon… Thanks for your rebuttals. I think we all have valid points of view, but the great thing is we all desparately want our boys to win again. Really great to have that in common.
I just wanted to address one more thing; the records show that there are actually two Peyton Mannings for one Tim Couch, not the other way around when it comes to QBs selected first overall. Don’t remeber how far back the list I saw went, but of the last fifteen or sixteen, ten have already made the Pro Bowl. Alex Smith appears to have a viable chance to make it eleven. And, of those who have won Super Bowls, the vast majority have won more than one.
I’m like you guys; when the smoke clears I’ll love my team no matter what they do. Just win, baby.
April 11th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
This is an excerpt from the Raiders website:
Q: Andrew Walter was moving around more than we the media are used to seeing. Is that a part of his game that you think can be exploited?
Coach Kiffin: That’s our system. Guys come in and play within our system and we have to get guys better at what they don’t do really well in the system.
Q: How is he doing?
Coach Kiffin: He’s getting better.
If that’s the system, I don’t think AW’s lack of mobility fits it very well. Only time will tell, how often the Raiders use roll-outs, play-action, or bootlegs. These are definitely not his strong points.
April 11th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Understandable, Coach Sean, but the NFL will make any necessary changes to the schedule that will help boost television ratings and sponsorship opportunities.
April 11th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Sean,
You are using the worst draft mistake in the history of the NFL, and the second worst draft mistake in the history of sports (Sam Bowie) as an example.
So if you ask me, yes Jamarcus is a lock at #1.
We are drafting Jamarcus Russell, you don’t need a crystal ball to know that.
April 11th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
If ATL needs a receiver so bad, lets trade Moss to Atlanta. That where he wanted to go before he got traded to Oakland. Throw in a few of the receivers the Raiders already have as “insurance”. Then trade for McCown & Williams.
April 11th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
What are the chances of CJ falling to the late 1st round? ZERO to NONE. What are the chances of Russell falling to the late 1st round? Or the 2nd round? 50/50
April 11th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
Raiders Fanatics, you are nuts!!! There is no way Fat Ass falls that far.
April 11th, 2007 at 2:43 pm
50/50? I’ll take that bet.
April 11th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
What are the chances Russell REDSHIRT his 1st season. 100%. What are the chances of teams picking up a REDSHIRT QB when there are many others who can contribute right away? Pretty much 100% by NFL standards, so, if a REDSHIRT QB is there ahead of a star defense player, or offense player, common sense prevail taking the guy who can contribute NOW.
April 11th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
Fact is you take the best player available at the spot you draft, that is what succesful teams in the NFL have done… Saints already had Deuce and took Reggie, Jags had Taylor but took Jones-Drew (ROY IMO), Chokers had Brees and took Rivers, Ravens had Lewis and Thomas and took Suggs… Fact is you take the best player available no matter what because you never know who goes down with an injury.
Fact none of you have stopped to consider why would we take Russell when he is just as immobile as Walter check the 40 times they are almost identical, if anything Quinn is a tenth of a second faster than both.
Fact not one of you has still pointed to a single article or mock draft that says anywhere that Russell is a better QB than Quinn… Every article says big arm or freak of nature but not one single one says a better QB
April 11th, 2007 at 2:52 pm
Sounds crazy but it might happen with the flurry of decisons needed to make during draft. It sound NUTS but like I posted anything can happen in a draft. Say that when Rodgers was projected 1st selection in 2005.
April 11th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
As previously mentioned that JRussell was an unknown before the Sugar Bowl. With Russell making stops in other NFL cities before coming to Alameda may be an indicator he may not be a solid No. 1 pick as most are predicting. I’d rather have Walter be given a solid chance to prove himself and a chance to start. Kiffin is letting the team, particularly with the offense, begin with a clean slate. There’s still plenty of time to evaluate between now and draft day. If yesterday’s mini-camp is any indicator, there’s some genuine excitement among the players the coming season will be infinitely better.
April 11th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
Show me an article where anyone is rumored to trade up for Russell
And by the slim chance anyone does find one I will find you several with teams that would trade up for Quinn or for CJ.
Walter is a good QB he just hasn’t been given the chance to show it… Example Gannon floated around the league until he found a Coach that built an offense to his strengths.
Fact you don’t have to be athletic to run a bootleg… Peyton Manning even has a couple rushing TD’s off of bootlegs and I dare any of you to tell me he is mobile or athletic.
April 11th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Sounds too good to be true… if the hype died down, with the 33rd pick Raiders select JaMarcus Russell.
April 11th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
When it comes to Manning and those bootlegs, it’s all about timing—catching the defenses off guard.
April 11th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Make no mistake about it Fanatics, Russell is NO Rodgers.
April 11th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Rank draft mistakes however you want to, but let’s not just limit to 1st overall choices. The fact is, every stinking year, the “experts” go on TV, day after day, night after night, leading up to and after the draft and talk about some college football player like he’s the second coming of Jesus Christ!!! They make comparisons to Elway, Montana, Rice, Mean Joe Greene, Lawrence Taylor, Anthony Munoz, and the list goes on and on. And you don’t even need to look it up, but the success rate of all of these “surefire picks” is below 50%, far below.
How can I say that? Just go through any draft from 4 or more years ago, and check all 7 damn rounds, and the percentage of players that are even starting, let alone playing at a Pro Bowl, championship level is VERY low. We ALL know, or at least we should know, that the NFL draft is THE MOST OVERHYPED, OVER ANALYZED, OVERDONE event in all of professional sports. Sure it’s fun to talk about, and we’ve all got an opinion, and some of us are better at arguing a point than others, and some are more stubborn than others. But the fact remains that if all these “experts” were 100% right all the time, they’d be a lot richer men, and NFL owners would be throwing ga-ga $$$ at Mel Kiper and all these other expert talent evaluators.
And where did the 2 Peyton Mannings to every 1 Tim Couch come from??? Okay, there’s Peyton, Elway, Plunkett (bust to be until the Raiders got him). Who else??? Even if you name (4) guys, does that catch you up to the David Carr’s, Tim Couch’s and slew of top 10 or even 1st round QB busts??? And even if it did (which it doesn’t) does that make Jamarcus the guy??? It doesn’t.
Look, I’m not convinced CJ will be the best ever, chances are he won’t, just because he won’t. But it’s a crap shoot, and to get too overly passionate about it, especially with fellow Raider Nationals, is kind of dumb…I’m sure all of you were really hyped when we drafted the best LB in the draft in Napoleon Harris, and the first time Phillip Buchanon took back to back returns in for TD’s, and when Todd Marinovich threw 3TD’s in his first start versus playoff bound KC, and when we landed the brute Gallery, And so on and so forth…
This is supposed to be fun guys, so chill.
April 11th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
Redshirting one year don’t mean a thing. The Bengals redshirted Palmer for almost two years after a couple of starts (did not play well when he did, of course, in the beginning), but look at him now. He’s got one Pro Bowl under his belt and he’s only getting better. If the Raiders draft Russell, that’s the plan. Let him sit and learn, whether it be one year or two.
April 11th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
I’m still waiting for one of you Russell cheerleaders to show me an article where someone wants to trade up for him or that says the Raiders should take him because he is the better QB or best pick of the draft.
April 11th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
I’m saying if Russell unforseen SLIDE to late 1st and 2nd, the Raiders should select him, the gamble not as big plus the salary alot lower. Let him RESHIRT 2-3 years as a 2nd rounder.
April 11th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
JR can’t fall? Why? He is meeting with Washington because they know he’ll be there at #6 if Oakland doesn’t take him.
If Oakland takes CJ, Detroit Thomas, Clev Quinn, who takes JR?
Minn? Not if they have T Green
Wash? His best chance. If not here where?
GB at #16?
Chic at 31?
Mia - has Culpepper and Harrington.
The draft isn’t just arbitrary numbers. A 1st round pick should fill a need now or soon. Who would need JR?
Indy, Pitt, Cinn, Atl, Hou, KC, Ariz, Tenn, SD, NO, NE, Dall, NYJ, NYG, TB and so on - who needs a project QB in the first round?
Don’t say “no way he drops” make a case for who’ll draft him. Kiffin is talking trade because he knows CJ is the only player justified at all at #1. Why take JR #1 when he can be had at #5?
April 11th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Danny, face it–those articles do not exist.
April 11th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
Like alot of Russell fans say they don’t mind Russell REDSHIRT 2 years. How much money upfront is going to a REDSHIRT QB. About 2 years like Russell fans want, but in reality, does the brass wanna wait that long. Don’t know but most likely not.
April 11th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
Danny, let’s see you prove what a big mistake it would be for the Raiders to draft Russell #1. There are pro scouts and GM’s (A.J. Smith) that say Russell is absolutely legit. Anyone with sense would take their opinions over yours.
April 11th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
Fanatics, you want immediate results, don’t you?? I bet you think the Raiders have a legitimate shot at the playoffs. When selecting a player with a high draft pick, you have to look at the long-term and not what