Draft review: 1995
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, April 12th, 2007 at 4:08 pm in Oakland Raiders.
First in a series reviewing Raiders’ draft classes since they returned to Oakland in 1995:
1/18_Napoleon Kaufman, RB, Washington
2/49_Barret Robbins, C Texas Christian
3/86_Joe Aska, RB, Central Oklahoma
4/118_Mike Morton, OLB, North Carolina
5/138_Matt Dyson, LB Michigan
5/154_Jeff Kysar, T, Arizona State
6/190_Eli Herring, T Brigham Young
The top pick_Kaufman was one of the NFL’s most exciting backs, although he had limitations as a receiver. He had 4,792 yards rushing in six seasons, averaging 4.9 yards per carry, with a high of 1,294 yards in 1997.
Kaufman retired abruptly in 2000 to pursue his career as a minister. A productive and exciting top pick.
Could have had_LB Derrick Brooks, selected by Tampa Bay with the 28th pick in the first round.
The sad story_Second-round pick Robbins became a Pro Bowl center, but his career was derailed by mental illness (bi-polar disorder) and alcoholism.
Draft bargains_None to speak of. Aska was a classic Al Davis pick, with power and speed but blind in one eye. A much better specimen than football player. Morton never became an established a starter, playing as a backup and on special teams. Davis took a shot at Herring, who because of his religous beliefs took a job as a school teacher rather than play on Sundays. But Herring, projected as a potential second-rounder, never played in the NFL.
Division rival Denver, meanwhile, landed Terrell Davis of Georgia in the sixth round, No. 196 overall.
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April 12th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
For those that are interested. I have posted a ton of articles in regards to Jamarcus Russell and the negatives that we have spoken of. A particular person wanted to see “proof” and what scouts and websites have been saying about him. I did my research and I posted those websites in the last blog for all who care to see. I’m just trying to prove a point that these things regarding Russell and his weight and his work ethic and the fact that hes not entirely ready to step into the NFL and that he didn’t work with a pro style offense and many other things have been up for discussion. J.Russ may blow us away in the NFL but at least prior to the draft, I know I am not alone with my feelings that I see a bust in the making.
April 12th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Napolean was a good back when he had another back to compliment him like Tyrone Wheatley. Napolean just wasn’t big enough to carry the load. Robbins was a beast but eventually the Superbowl destroyer of the team with his Skitzo antics. I remember Aska being a big RB but don’t remember him contributing much and I recall the LB name Mike Morton but I don’t recall much from him either.
I don’t remember the names Matt Dyson, Jeff Kysar and Eli Herring.
April 12th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
Oy ve!!! That class sucked, aside from Kaufman, who was limited in his ability, but boy could he strike like a lightening bolt.
April 12th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
I read your posts Huff, good work, that’s fair. contrarily the statement below is not.
Hey, I heard Coach Sean was a fat lazy donut eating watermelon seed spitin nappy-headed ho. hehehehe. Veery funny, no? Just rumor though. hehe.
April 12th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
Robbins was good until that meltdown….
April 12th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Huff… Thanks for the info, and for stepping up with some research rather than, well, you know…
April 12th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
Huff24……..
Why did you post Michael Silver`s self admitted unqualified opinion, but left out the opinion of the 4 “respected scout/personnel people” he consulted with and then quoted in the very same article???……I`ll do it for ya….
-What they told me, essentially, was this: “Yeah, we hear you about the workout-wonder thing, and drafting a quarterback is always a risky proposition. But as far as we and everyone else in our business can tell, this guy is for real real”.
“His workout dazzled everybody, but I don’t think it’s a novelty act,” said a veteran scout for an NFC team. “He is f—– legit.”
Said another NFC scout: “Every single guy in our organization who evaluated him gave a monster grade. I’ve never seen a guy with such a consistent mark across the board like that. He’s got so much talent. He can roll away from pressure, he’s accurate and he’s just phenomenal throwing the ball.”
“And don’t give me the (Byron) Leftwich comparisons; this guy’s a much more accurate passer, and he can move much better”.
“He should be a star, a guy who can carry a team on his back. For Al Davis, who’s obsessed with throwing deep, this is the guy he’s been dreaming about all these years.”
At least Michael Silver, a respected journalist who has a long standing feud with Al Davis, has the balls and professionalism to express his opinion and then clarify that he`s not really qualified to “scout” a propspect. So he does his duty and gathers 4 professional opinions even though, they (the pros) profoundly disagree with his comments.
Most of the other opinions you posted come from very doubtful sources, some are fans just like us and some are sites that are plain crap…..if you wanna rely on those, go ahead, just make sure you don`t embarrass yourselves.
April 12th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Huff - great job of backing up your concerns with other documented concerns. Some are reliable, while others are shaky…but you did your homework. The most telling, I think, is that stat on QB’s who went pro after their junior year. 1 out of 15 showed success(Bledsoe) in leading a team.
If the Raiders believe that AW cannot get it done, I want Quinn. CJ if he can.
April 12th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Bob Marley - Honestly. I read that but I was focusing on the negatives because it is those negatives that we had to back up with websites and proof as to the things we have brought up in our arguements regarding J.Russ. It is true that you can say those anonymous scouts could be nobody’s and the sites I pulled up have nobody’s either way. It all comes down to opinion whether that be me, koolkell, Kiffin, Al Davis and anybody else. My job was to find the research to backup my opinion and that is what I did.
April 12th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
There is nothing I can do to change the opinions of other people. I cannot make them want someone else. I can only voice my own opinion just as anyone else can.
April 12th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Straight from the Jerry McDonald files.
http://www.ibabuzz.com/raidersblog/2007/03/14/kiffin-on-russell/
A transcription of a brief interview aired on the NFL Network’s “Total Access” with Raiders coach Lane Kiffin regarding LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell:
Q: You’d seen him on tape, now in person, did he live up to your expectations?
Kiffin: He sure did. It was a great day for him, organized workout, came out and threw everything the way I’m sure he wanted to, for the most part. It was great to see two receivers out there as well.
Q: The Raiders had him out to dinner last night, were you impressed in general with the kid?
Kiffin: Yes, we sure were. He handled himself very good, very smart, and there’s no doubt he has a great future in this league.
Q: He not only dropped back in the pocket, but moved around quite a bit, pretty nimble on his feet. What did you think?
Kiffin: We were expecting that. They did some good drills today for us to be able to see that. His ability to scramble is on film as well, too. He’s a great prospect.
Q: Taking a guy that high, with all that guaranteed money, how important are the other factors, work ethic, love of the game, other intangibles, how do you factor that into your final decision?
Kiffin: We have a tireless effort towards that, and a number of people working on it, going back all the way to when he was in high school, to figure him out, because obviously we’re investing a lot money-wise, and obviously he’s a quarterback, too, so he has to be perfect that way. We’ll continue to reasearch that.
Q: Six more weeks of this process, how do you treat the rest of the time as you evaluate him?
Kiffin: We will continue to watch more film on him. We’ll bring him out again, fly him out to Oakland, get him out in our surroundings there, and get to know him even more.
Q: One word to describe his performance as a pro . . .
Kiffin: Professional. He’s making all the throws you need to see, and there’s not too much to worry about with him.
April 12th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
Q: Taking a guy that high, with all that guaranteed money, how important are the other factors, work ethic, love of the game, other intangibles, how do you factor that into your final decision?
Kiffin: We have a tireless effort towards that, and a number of people working on it, going back all the way to when he was in high school, to figure him out, because obviously we’re investing a lot money-wise, and obviously he’s a quarterback, too, so he has to be perfect that way. We’ll continue to reasearch that.
My focus was on this question. A big time question asked in regards to whether J.Russ has the work ethic and the love for the game. Kiffin said they were getting deep into that information with their research and he even says he has to be perfect in that way so I do believe Kiffin will make the correct choice when needed to come this draft. Kiffin is doing is homework and knows even more than us hardcore fans know.
April 12th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
Huff,
We all appreciate that you take the time to find stuff to back up your comments.
With your own opinion no one can argue pal.
Truth is, pseudo-journalists triyng to cause a stir with an opinion are the only ones who come up with the classic “some people say”, “insiders claim” and “people close to him sustain”….load of crap that misinforms those naive enough to care for what they say.
Silver`s a respected journalist and his sources should be legit based on that, so there we find the closest thing to an educated “pro” opinion on the subject.
Even coach Kiffin cannot be trusted since it`s not in our best interest to show our hand!.
April 12th, 2007 at 5:29 pm
I think J Russell will be the Raiders pick IF, he checks out character wise. Barring something ugly turning up. imho.
April 12th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
I find it extremely funny that I can come up with, I dont know how many sites and things to back up my case yet you take ONE of those and you turn it around and state that he and he only found 4 ANONYMOUS people and suddenly because he might be a well respected journalist and he must be the only one out of all the proof I brought to everyone’s attention. I put God in front of some of you and you would still say…well that Silver guy…hes more credible than all the other 50 people. Amazing. Sometimes the color blue is yellow to others while it is red to others. Not even Kiffin’s words were enough. Thats when you know you’re fighting a fight you can’t win. I proved my point. Enough said.
April 12th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
Well HUFF24
If you had come up with any respectable sites and respected journalists whose carreers back them up, instead of the joke you came up with we wouldnt be having this discussion. Fact is, you could not do that because there aren`t many, In fact I`ve seen none.
As far as Silver is concerned, he is on your side pal, his article claims doubts about JR and compares him to Druckenmiller, yet he states the stuff I posted later about those scouts.
And yes, Silver, Pasquarelli, Czarnecki, King, Glazer….those guy`s sources carry far more weight than even a 100 of the crappy stuff your “research” found. It`s called a carreer and a reputation.
And about Kiffin, my comment was not intended to criticize your posting, everyone here agrees it`s BS time for coaches all around the league, behind the scenes it`s another story, but in front of the press theyre all great now.
April 12th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Truth is, people hear what they want to hear. If you want JR, you will focus on the positive and ignore the negative. If you don’t want JR, vice versa.
JR does not live in the weight room or film room studying. This is a fact because NO ONE has claimed it is so - no facts to support, nor rumors. This has to be a concern when you are spending top pick money.
Apologize for being direct, but if you don’t workout hard as a professional football player, and you don’t study film hard as a potential franchise QB, you are NOT worthy of the #1 pick.
Please someone, debate me on this, because you are fighting a battle you cannot win.
April 12th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
FYI - I am not a JR basher though I have joked about his weight. As a Raider fan, I want a dedicated, SOB, regardless of what position he plays. Give me Quinn, CJ, Thomas, Gaines or Peterson. I want what I pay for…or at least what the Raiders pay for.
April 12th, 2007 at 6:05 pm
Profootballtalk.com
FAVRE CERTAIN THAT MOSS WILL BE A PACKER
It’s been a while since the rampant rumors linking Raiders receiver Randy Moss to the Green Bay Packers died down. But that doesn’t mean that the issue is dead.
A source with knowledge of the situation tells us that Packers quarterback Brett Favre is “100 percent certain” that Moss will be a Packer by the time the 2007 season starts.
The only problem is that the Raiders and the Packers haven’t been able to strike a deal for compensation. Our guess is that the logjam will break once the draft approaches; otherwise, any picks necessarily would be deferred into 2008. Plus, if the Raiders choose to take receiver Calvin Johnson with the first pick on April 28, their leverage in subsequent trade talks will surely drop, since the chances of the Raiders letting Johnson get anywhere close to the malcontented Moss are slim and none.
April 12th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
Profootballtalk.com
BROWNS BENT ON BRADY
There’s increasing evidence, we’re told, that the Cleveland Browns are locking in on Notre Dame quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft. Quinn most likely will be available when the Browns use the third pick on April 28; however, the Lions have been doing their damnedest to try to get the powers-that-be in Cleveland to believe that Quinn will be taken with the No. 2 pick.
The strategy is to get the Browns to flip-flop picks with the Lions. It worked three years ago, when the Lions got the Browns to move from No. 7 to No. 6 in order to get tight end Kellen Winslow.
The Browns’ decision likely is coming down to Quinn and running back Adrian Peterson, both of whom are represented by CAA. Taking Quinn could give both G.M. Phil Savage and coach Romeo Crennel more time to turn things around, since it usually takes more time for a rookie quarterback to have an impact on a team than a running back.
April 12th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
Raiders.com
Offensive lineman Jeremy Newberry took part in his first mini-camp as a Raider this week. After practice he spoke with the media at the Raiders facility in Alameda, Calif.
Q: How did mini-camp go for you?
Newberry: I feel really good right now. I did all the individual stuff and did the first team period and I feel really well.
Q: How are you feeling about joining the Raiders?
Newberry: I’m excited about the opportunity to play for the Raiders. The majority of my friends are Raider fans so I have a lot of people happy that I am wearing Silver and Black this year.
Q: How are you feeling physically?
Newberry: The knee that I had fixed two years ago is giving me no trouble and it feels fantastic. The other knee is getting better as I strengthen it. I am almost there but I have about another month or two before my strength is back all the way. I am ready to play. I will be there this year.
Q: What are your thoughts about the Raiders offensive line?
Newberry: There are a lot of athletic people. There are a lot of quick guys that can get to a gap. We can flat out move. This is the best group of offensive lineman that I’ve been around.
Q: What does Lane Kiffin bring to this team?
Newberry: The tempo of practice, running from drill to drill. That is what I am use to and it definitely works. I enjoy it. I love the tempo and what he’s doing.
April 12th, 2007 at 6:13 pm
For the record, I don`t really like Silver`s opinions, never have, but I respect his take….I seem like a Silver lover right now, I know, but I wanted you guys to see where this guy comes from, so I edited his Bio to keep it shorter.
So yes, I`ll take his article over your other 50 Huff…………
Michael Silver, a senior writer for Sports Illustrated, joined the magazine in November 1994. He is one of SI’s lead pro football writers, having authored the magazine’s past 12 Super Bowl game stories. He also regularly pens in-depth profiles of some of the most intriguing characters in sports. He has bonded with subjects ranging from NBA bad boy Dennis Rodman to NFL choirboy Kurt Warner, co-authoring books with each. He has also hit the town with tennis vixen Anna Kournikova, rap legend Luke Campbell and heartthrob quarterback Tom Brady, among others. He is believed to be the first outside sports journalist to have entered New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, accompanying Saints running back Deuce McAllister into the heart of the city for a story on the team’s displacement in the wake of the disaster.
Silver’s first book, “Rice,” with NFL receiving great Jerry Rice, came out in 1996, followed by collaborations with Rodman (”Walk on the Wild Side”) and Warner (”All Things Possible”). His latest work, “Golden Girl,” (Rodale Press, 2006) details the arduous journey of 2004 Olympic swimming champion Natalie Coughlin. He has also written articles for Rolling Stone and GQ.
He has received numerous writing awards from several organizations, including the Pro Football Writers of America, the Associated Press Sports Editors and the Pro Basketball Writers of America.
A native of Los Angeles, Silver is a 1988 graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, where he was the sports editor of the Daily Californian. Silver lives with his wife, Leslie, and their three children in Northern California.
April 12th, 2007 at 6:13 pm
Newberry said,”This is the best group of offensive lineman that I’ve been around.”
I sure hope hes right.
April 12th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
Gotta take Newberry with a grain of salt. The Raiders O-line needs confidece. At least his veteran experience is showing.
April 12th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
J.Russ is meeting with the Raiders tonight and tomorrow.
April 12th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
Huff24 - dude, you are a madman!! : )
April 12th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
Marley - good bio on Silver.
Guys, we may have different opinions, but we are all the same.
Good work!
April 12th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
I forgot we have Lance Johnstone. If Johnstone comes back healthy and plays to the capacity that he has in the past, we can get a good pass rush between Kelly, Huntley and Johnstone.
April 12th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
CT-Raider…Thanks. I’m an info freak man.
April 12th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
Thanks, HuFF24, for posting the profootballtalk.com article on Moss. This reinforces my point during a rather heated debate I had with Danny some time ago about drafting Johnson with Moss still on the roster.
The numbers don’t lie–not only would drafting Johnson with Moss still on the roster kill their negotiating power in any potential Moss deals, but the Raiders would have a bloated salary cap with nearly $30 million earmarked for wideouts alone in the 2007 season.
And, if they don’t take JaMarcus, I sure hope they get both McCown and one of the “second-tier” QBs at the top of the 2nd round. The Raiders badly need depth and quality at the QB position. Kiffin needs more than just AW at the QB position to get this offense going in the right direction.
April 12th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
Rookiepedia.com
Just found this awesome site that is built like Wikipedia. Awesome concept.
April 12th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
SNB - I think we will get “enough” for Moss whether we draft CJ or not. GB wanted Lynch at #16. With the new NFL conduct policy, he is a HUGE risk. He was at the scene of a shooting and had a charge of domestic violence dismissed. NFL GM’s don’t want this stuff anymore. I could see Moss going to GB for the #16 overall, and the Raiders giving back either their worst 3rd rounder or a 4th.
April 12th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
We could draft Calvin Johnson. Trade CJ to Tampa for #4 and more picks. Trade a pick to Lions for McCown so they both get a piece of the CJ pie. Draft Adrian Peterson and trade Lamont Jordan and Randy Moss to the Packers for their #16. Draft a WR, DT or maybe Jamarcus Russell or BQ if they fall that far? Ya never know.
April 12th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
With that scenario we battle our QB’s Walter and McCown. We have Rhodes and Peterson at RB and we rid ourselves of Moss. We still have Porter, Curry and Gabriel and we can choose another talented WR in the draft. We can draft one of the better DT’s or offensive lineman. With all the extra picks and the #16, we can trade back up to get an even better player.
April 12th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
I would love to get rid of Lamont. I think Moss and Lamont for the #16 is a little steep though. We need a little back, maybe a 4th.
I will do backflips if we take CJ and then trade him shortly thereafter!
April 12th, 2007 at 7:13 pm
The more I hear about drafting CJ, then trading him to the highest bidder for extra picks and maybe a need player, the more I like it. One of you guys posted this idea a few weeks ago, and it does tie in nicely with our need to get better players at certain positions.
The only thing that makes me nervous is that Detroit and Cleveland could grab Russell and Quinn. Not at all crazy about McCown, unless he’s keeping the seat warm, and I’ve said all I’m going to say about Walter.
Anyone have a scenario where we draft CJ and trade him, but also get either of the two QBs?
April 12th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
Bob, the “expert” you quoted said, “For Al Davis who’s obsessed with throwing deep…” Here we go again. There are two factors regarding draft expertise 1) knowing the player and 2) knowing the team. I have yet to read a single opinion about the Raiders drafting Russell that doesn’t fall back on that cliche’. Kerry Collins and Andrew Walter can throw as deep a ball as needed for real NFL play. Yet the big reason we draft Russell is he can throw deep? It doesn’t matter if a guy has a putlizer if he only knows the team by cliche’s his opinion isn’t any more valid than yours, Coach Sean, Huff or any of the other guys that do their homework on this blog.
Will Russell bust? Who knows? However, unlike CJ no teams are jockeying for a chance to grab Russell. Actions speak louder than words and if these anon scouts thought so much of a QB, somebody would be trying to grab this guy. You make a valid point about the need for a good QB which raises a bigger question as to why if Russell is such a hot QB prospect, nobody is really going after him?
If we want Russell, trade down - he’ll be there. Why waste money and potential picks?
April 12th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
NFL Network’s Adam Schefter reports Derrick Burgess is holding out of the Raiders’ voluntary minicamps in preparation for a holdout.
Burgess, who has more sacks in the past two years than any other NFL player, is grossly underpaid and deserves a pay bump at least for 2007. Oakland can’t afford to lose him, so expect Burgess to get what he wants
April 12th, 2007 at 8:13 pm
Forgot to preface my lasy post by saying I found the Burgess note on realfootball365.com
April 12th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
If we don’t take JR as the #1 who will likely take him? Will he last until Tampa Bays 4th spot? If so, we should take CJ as #1 - Tampa Bay will do almost anything to get CJ. Work a deal with TB to pick JR in the #4 slot and trade him to back to us with their #2 pick in exchange for CJ. I think they’d go for the deal.
April 12th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
Pay Burgess what he wants and lock him up for another 4 years. He’s earned it. Dump Moss if he doesn’t give 110% right away and use his $’s to appease those who deserve it.
April 12th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Terrel davis in the sixth round was right for the time.
He wasn’t on steroids yet.
Denvers undersized stretch and cut offensive blocking scheme had some pretty lame rushers cruising for thousand yard plus seasons.
Hopefully it’ll work for Oakland.
Kaufman moved back home about 20 mins. away.
Exciting player with natural burst thru holes.
More quick than fast.
Rarely completed long runs, but man he was explosive.
I think the lord and his chronic ankles were cause for Kaufmans early departure.
April 12th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
Depend on what Burgess is asking.
Oakland has real cap issues, especially if we keep Moss and draft no.1.
There will be guarnteed money and a signing bonus.
Yes the seven year vet has performed the last two years, but he really thrashed his knee back in Philly.
Hope he doesn’t ask himself out of Oakland. We need his play, but with Lamont Jordan sizing down, I hope it doesn’t become a money grab that divides the team.
They seem to be on a good path with Kiffin by all accounts.
Perhaps his hold out will effect the draft.
April 12th, 2007 at 11:25 pm
I think the raiders should draft cj and trade randy lamont and a 3rd round to the pack or buffalo so they can snag marshawn lynch and then in the second pick reggie nelson if he’s still there and if not, find a way to move up and get nelson. He’s like tatum really. Nelson and huff would be a good duo to go along with Nnamdi and fabian. Mcown would do great in our style offense I believe if our line holds up. Especially if we have have cj, porter, curry, lynch and rhodes. We’d have a young offense to go along with a young defense. We’d dominate for years.(:
April 12th, 2007 at 11:34 pm
it makes no sense NOT to draft CJ for 2 reasons:
A. he’s the best player in the draft
and…..
B. his trade value
even if there are no takers for him in a trade, the worst thing that happens is we are stuck with the best player in the draft….dang.
the lowest we’ll drop in a CJ trade is 4th, which means we can still probably get peterson, quinn, okoye, or even jruss….not to mention an extra 2nd round pick.
the one thing that has been really buggin me the last few weeks in reguards to the quinn/russell debate is how “russell beat quinn in the sugar bowl.”
let’s get two things straight here….first of all LSU beat notre dame in the suger bowl. last time i checked, football was a team sport(especially at the college level)
and…
if there were no brady quinn, we’d probably have no idea who jamarcus russell was, and here’s why.
who was the more heralded QB going into that game?? obviously brady quinn. let’s say the BCS put florida or ohio state against LSU in that game. do you think the media, or anyone for that matter , would’ve dropped their pants for jruss because he outplayed troy smith or chris leak?? no f**kin way. if jruss doesn’t beat the brady quinn-led fighting irish in that game , he’s in spring ball for LSU right now. yes, it’s true jruss has an unreal arm, and he’s huge, but he’s diffinately cashing in on brady quinn’s mystique and the strength of one game.
he will be a bust of leaf-like proportions……and someone’s going to pay him a TRUCKLOAD of $$$. i sure hope it’s not the raiders.
April 12th, 2007 at 11:54 pm
I agree Jamarcus has got bust written all over him. Even if he turns out to be an OK Qb it will take him 2 to 3 years. He just has to many question marks. I would rather go with Quinn, he’s more nfl ready. But I still say DRAFT CALVIN, trade for mckown, get a qb later in the draft, and maybe trade moss for an established veteran like jake plummer. Even though I would like to see CJ and moss line up together.
April 13th, 2007 at 12:16 am
Profootballtalk.com
LIONS WOULD DRAFT-AND-TRADE JOHNSON
As Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports, the Raiders are wrestling with the question of whether to take quarterback JaMarcus Russell or receiver Calvin Johnson with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Owner Al Davis reportedly wants Russell, but offensive coordinator Greg Knapp — who knows all too well the struggles relating to the development of a high-profile quarterback — wants Johnson.
We’re now told that, if the Raiders don’t pick Johnson, the Lions plan to snare the Georgia Tech wideout with an eye toward promptly trading him.
It’s a potential move that conjures memories of the deal that sent Eli Manning, the No. 1 pick in 2004, from the Chargers to the Giants for Philip Rivers, the No. 4 pick, and other picks that yielded linebacker Shawne Merriman and kicker Mate Kaeding.
Possible trade partners include the Buccaneers, the Redskins, the Vikings, and the Falcons. It’s unlikely, however, that the Lions would swap Johnson to another NFC North team.
As to the Falcons, there is increased talk that the Atlanta football franchise would like to keep Johnson close to home.
April 13th, 2007 at 12:23 am
Profootballtalk.com
WR Charles Rogers (who reportedly ran a 4.9 for a team last year) met with the Giants on Thursday.
I thought this was funny because Rogers came out of college as a super fast deep threat WR when drafted by the Lions. I think he ran in the 4.3 range but I believe he hurt his knee 2 years in a row? You know you got a damaged knee when you go from 4.3 to 4.9. HUGE drop off. Jamarcus Russell can out run that guy now if its true.
April 13th, 2007 at 12:31 am
http://nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10123609
If Raiders take Russell, Lions will have options
This sheds some light on some of the topics just recently brought up.
I believe Derrick Burgess needs to get paid. If he doesn’t, then the Raiders will hurt big time defensively.
I can definately assume and see Al Davis coveting Russell while the coaching staff is looking more at Calvin Johnson and I seriously hope that its not the case. Shefter doesn’t like the Raiders and its hard to know whether he is telling the truth or not or just stirring some stuff up but he was right when it came to the Raiders firing Art Shell. Al Davis will make the final decision but if hes smart, he will let Kiffin do what Al Davis hired him to do and thats make the scouting and player decisions needed to better this team and thats NOT draft Jamarcus Russell.
April 13th, 2007 at 1:12 am
I am tired of people not taking responsibility for their own actions and reactions to the world and to other people. If you cannot control your actions and your reactions to external stimulus then you have a lot to learn in this world. The key to happiness is not how much you can grab from the external world and make your own. It is how much you can control your reactions to the external world, and how little you need from it which determines how happy you will ultimately become. If you think you need more external effects, more material things, more money etc, you are the problem, unless you are living in absolute poverty. Then and only then are you right to feel short changed. Either in compliance or rebellion, the external world controls your actions and reactions, and you are asleep in it. Those who think they are rebellious are no less asleep than those who think they are compliant.
The key is to be neither against nor for the stimulus of the world around you. You must learn to have a more ambiguous relationship with it. Anything that is not humane, compassionate and more about people and animals than about money and materials is your enemy. This doesn’t mean you mustn’t control your reactions to human effects as well. In fact you must learn to control your reactions to other people even moreso, because the effect is stronger, since its source is organic. In relationships with both spouse and stranger, if you do not control your reactions, then your reactions control your emotions. This is not to say feeling and knowing emotion is a bad thing, but to allow emotions to dictate ones actions and reactions is to be stuck in puppet mode. The key is to be neither the puppet nor the puppeteer, to be free of the relationship altogether, because only in this freedom can you have a genuine relationship with anyone, all else is total delusion of power and of will. Which brings me to one more important subject. Free will.
We do not possess free will. Aside from the obvious semantical paradox associated with the idea of free will, it is impossible for us to possess it because of how much we are currently controlled by the world around us. Emotionally our strings are pulled by every little external stimulus we encounter. And We do not apply free will when reacting to this stimulus, but we think we do. How can we apply free will when are every step is bound by extreme emotional effects? Everytime someone looks at us “in a harsh manner” , says something we “do not like” or lives a way we “do not approve of” we react to it per force, not because we want to but because we feel “we have to”. This is the aspect of life here on earth, in this country and in the world as a whole that we must get under control before we see any real results of any genuine free will.
April 13th, 2007 at 2:59 am
Coming from Europe, those racist remarks people are sharing is a bit confusing to me. I prefer Calvin J instead of JaMarcus R. But I’ve read a lot of posts where people say youre are a racist if you dont pick JR - since they are both black i cant see the problem?!?. Is it because some wants a QB who’s black? in that case theres 1000 black QB’s a lot of them are’nt good enough to the NFL. JR isn’t good enough but he will be NFL ready in a year or two, with the right franchise and coaches. The colour should’nt be the important case, it should be who’s right QB - This year its Andrew Walter.
withe the situation we, the Raiders, are in JR is not our man. All u guys who think we’re going 10-6 better get a reality check. we’re hoping for a 8-8 season so we can show the NFL that 2008season is the year were making the push for the division title.
This year has one superior topic, get the o-line to work - sub-topics:1) get the rungame running. 2) get the shortpass going - if this suceeds satisfirable we’re atart looking in the 2008 after a franchise qb - if walter’s not our man. which I still think, the stats compared between quinn & russell, shows that they are much alike quality-wise. My last remark is…
Raider Nation UNITE
we’re all black ……& silver
from your white dude overseas - a tiny fraction of a worldwide RAIDER NATION
April 13th, 2007 at 6:18 am
This is hilarious, i haven’t been on in a while, because i can’t take hearing people talk about drafting Brady Quinn with the first pick. I can understand why some people would want to take Calvin Johnson with that first pick, but we are not.
Get used to Jamarcus Russell in the silver and black. If we pass on another QB like we did last year, Andrew Walter will then have to compete forever with Leinart, Cutler, and Russell. Thats some tough competition for an unproven QB. We won’t pass on a chance for a stud QB again.
THE RISK IS WORTH THE POSSIBILITY OF HAVING A FRANCHISE STAR QB.
April 13th, 2007 at 6:47 am
Al Davis signed a running back who was blind in one eye in 95, I guess it’s possible he could draft Russell with the first overall pick. One doesn’t have to dig too deep to find out that he isn’t much of a vocal leader. I just don’t see it happening. Not even with my good eye. What did you expect Kiffin to say about him? The guy is a bum? If JR couldn’t tie his own shoes and showed up drunk they would have said the same things about him. It is all an elaborate ruse.
April 13th, 2007 at 6:47 am
Its funny to see the rise and fall of those in the spotlight. Happened to quinn, happening to russel and johnson now. I do think its a lock on russel and im happy for it. We have dumped two qbs, havent bitten on the plentiful FA and are saying all the right things about russel. Not to mention he is a classic raider prototype Al yearns for. Are we really suggesting taking a wr over a qb after the problems we had last year?? Johnson is a solid pick but not what we need to get out of this nightmare. Very much like Charles Rogers or other star WR out of college which have made little impact in the NFL. Though an excellent speciman he really didnt dominate in college against fairly weak teams. A nice addition but not someone or a position which will get us where we need to be. All the stars have aligned for us to have an opportunity for russel-rocket arm, tall, mobile, excellent record. This is a no brainer until you start over-analyzing things.
April 13th, 2007 at 6:48 am
Al Davis signed a running back who was blind in one eye in 95, I guess it’s possible he could draft Russell with the first overall pick. One doesn’t have to dig too deep to find out that he isn’t much of a vocal leader. I just don’t see it happening. Not even with my good eye. What did you expect Kiffin to say about him? The guy is a bum? If JR couldn’t tie his own shoes and showed up drunk they would have said the same things about him. It is all an elaborate ruse…
April 13th, 2007 at 7:39 am
Local radio here in Denver is reporting that Cooper Carlisle has signed a two year deal with the Raiders.
To follow up from my post on him yesterday, he is not a dominant blocker, but certainly solid and definitely a fit in the zone scheme. Will get overpowered head to head by say a Warren Sapp / Williams (SD) types. Good signing though, good depth and a probable starter, based on last year’s line performance.
April 13th, 2007 at 7:44 am
Nice rumors KoolKell…no nappy-head, but I do like me some watermelon!!!
RFB, you’re right I didn’t respond to your question of whether or not I meant you with the “childish behavior”. I assumed that since you really hadn’t posted anything real stupid, that you would know that I wasn’t talking about you in particular. Obviously you took offense, which was not the intent, my apologies.
The point was that I hoped that we all could talk about the draft, without the personal crap…clearly a pipe dream though. Too bad.
April 13th, 2007 at 8:02 am
Coach Sean, are you Raider Nation in DonkeyLand? Me, too. I haven’t heard the Carlise signing report yet though.
April 13th, 2007 at 8:06 am
Carlisle to play for rival Raiders
Lineman agrees to two-year deal
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer
Cooper Carlisle appreciated his stay with the Broncos, his agent said, but felt it was time to move on. (Getty / Brian Bahr)Cooper Carlisle will be at Invesco Field at Mile High for the Broncos’ home opener this season. But he’ll be on the other sideline … in silver and black.
Carlisle agreed to terms Thursday night to a two-year contract with the Oakland Raiders.
April 13th, 2007 at 8:27 am
Coach Sean… I misunderstood. Peace, and thanks for clearing it up.
April 13th, 2007 at 8:36 am
Coach on Wheels,
Again, what bothers me is people taking just what they want to hear out of articles copied here, yes, that “scout” Silver (not me) quoted said: “For Al Davis, who’s obsessed with throwing deep, this is the guy he’s been dreaming about all these years.”
But that was his last comment, before that he said all this other stuff that has nothing to do with Al or the Raiders.
-What they told me, essentially, was this: “Yeah, we hear you about the workout-wonder thing, and drafting a quarterback is always a risky proposition. But as far as we and everyone else in our business can tell, this guy is for real real”.
“His workout dazzled everybody, but I don’t think it’s a novelty act,” said a veteran scout for an NFC team. “He is f—– legit.”
Said another NFC scout: “Every single guy in our organization who evaluated him gave a monster grade. I’ve never seen a guy with such a consistent mark across the board like that. He’s got so much talent. He can roll away from pressure, he’s accurate and he’s just phenomenal throwing the ball.”
“And don’t give me the (Byron) Leftwich comparisons; this guy’s a much more accurate passer, and he can move much better”.
“He should be a star, a guy who can carry a team on his back.
This are their evaluations of the player, only in the end one said the comment about Davis.
April 13th, 2007 at 8:41 am
And it was 4 scouts/personnel people he questioned.
On that note, I`m sure you`re all sick of me talking about that article (so am I) so we`ll leave it at that.
One more thing.
Huff24….there is an article on ESPN by Fleming, where JR is questioned in a lot of the stuff you and others worry about Russell….you should check it out.
April 13th, 2007 at 8:47 am
I don’t know what’s worse; living in Denver-home of the Donks and Elway and all that mess, or living in Boise, where most people are Donk fans (having Plummer didn’t help), and the college FB team is not only winning, but they’re ALSO the Broncos and wear blue and orange. Christ.
We need to start winning.
April 13th, 2007 at 8:51 am
huh, apparently carl jung is a raider fan??!!!
April 13th, 2007 at 8:53 am
bozeman, montana is pretty bad…………
PRIME jack-ass country
April 13th, 2007 at 9:05 am
What spot on the line will he play? Guaranteed contract? Instant starter or competition
Raiders | Team agrees to terms with Carlisle
Bill Williamson, of the Denver Post, reports the Oakland Raiders have agreed to terms with free-agent OG Cooper Carlisle (Broncos) on a two-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
April 13th, 2007 at 9:18 am
I am so freakin happy we signed Cooper Carlisle. Thank GOD!!!
April 13th, 2007 at 9:23 am
Who’s to say that these four scouts weren’t providing the same smoke screen you acuse Kiffen of providing in hopes that the Raiders pick a bust?
When it comes to strong arm rookie quarterbacks there is not such thing as a sure thing (ask Ryan Leaf, and Rick Mirer) and there is no such thing as an expert opinion, no matter who you are it’s all guess work. The weight thing concerns me about JR, he was 20 pounds overweight for the biggest job interview of his career, he also got up to over 300 pounds during the season.
I believe if the Raiders truly want Russel he would be there at #4 trade the pick to Tampa and gets some extra picks and JR. JR is not worth the #1 overall pick if he were we would here other teams wanting to move up to get him.
April 13th, 2007 at 9:25 am
Link on Carlisle signing.
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_5656514
April 13th, 2007 at 9:39 am
Great link, Raider; the Donk fans are pissing and moaning already. I really like the post where one fan said he hopes Carlisle tears his ACL. If he was playing defense for us against those twits, he probably would. Let’s see how many Browns, errrr…Donks go hobbling off this year .
We may not beat them this year, but hopefully we can beat them up a little bit.
April 13th, 2007 at 9:40 am
The offensive line can look similar to this:
LT - Sims
LG - Carlisle
C - Newberry
RG - Boothe
RT - Gallery
I say Sims at LT because he had more success than Gallery there but I would hope Gallery would show signs of his old self and play the way he is supposed to. I see Sims struggling moving over to the right and since Gallery has played there already it shouldn’t hurt the transition. Grove could easily start as well but what I like about this line is its more experience and the left side looks much stronger than last year. Too bad we didn’t get Jordan Black to play RT because our line could almost be solidified but at least this drops down some needs in the draft.
April 13th, 2007 at 9:43 am
Based on Burgess wanting and deserving more money, I believe its inevitable we get rid of Moss because we need his money and we don’t need Moss.
BURGESS WANTS MORE BUCKS
http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm
April 13th, 2007 at 9:45 am
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2836166
Signing of Carlisle on ESPN.
April 13th, 2007 at 9:46 am
Going to Six Flags:Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, CA. Everyone take care and have a great day. Hope there is more good news for us this fine day.
April 13th, 2007 at 9:47 am
Agreed Huff24… Grabbing a Carlisle, who has been working in this scheme for 7 years, has started the past 2, and is from the Donks is a great win for us. He should definitely start at one of the guard spots. This as well, lowers the need of drafting an interior linemen Day 1 because we have Boothe, McQuistan, Grove, Morris (he was playing guard according J-Mac), and Carlisle all playing guard. I didn’t even mention Newberry, who will probably play center. That leaves us with Carlisle and probably Grove starting at guard (because he was the 2nd rounder in 04). I really hoped Boothe would start this year but it doesn’t look like it. Also, there are some concerns that he may not be quick enough for the ZBS scheme, as he is more of a road grader.
With this kind of news, We will theoretically only draft 2 OL in this year’s draft. 1 Tackle will probably be selected in the top100… and maybe a C/G in the end of Day 2 as a project. All those people clammoring for drafting 3-4 OL in this year’s draft aren’t going to get it.
April 13th, 2007 at 9:59 am
I, for one, am happy that we’re going the FA route with the O-line. It seems an intelligent approach, bringing in guys familiar with the new scheme. It also allows us to address other needs via the draft. A little help on defense, maybe some more depth at WR (providing we don’t draft, and keep, CJ) or in the offensive backfield.
I think the thing that impresses me the most about Kiffin so far is that he most definitely has a plan, and he’s working the plan. Based on the last few years, I’m a little afraid to be optimistic.
But I’m getting over it.
April 13th, 2007 at 10:14 am
Yep, I do my damnest to represent the Raider Nation in Donkville. I stare at and project evil thoughts toward the Invesco Diaphragm daily out of my downtown Denver office window. Dealing with these idiot fans on a daily basis is a bit much, but I feed on the aggravation. Losing lately has NOT been too cool, but I keep the faith. It’s awesome though, because the whole attitude of this town is one of ignorance and disrespect, they have absolutely no idea who Lane Kiffen is and what might be coming, a few know who Brady Quinn is, but that’s about it. I think it will be lovely when we take them by surprise this year.
April 13th, 2007 at 10:32 am
I would still target Ryan Kalil if I’m Oakland, yeah Grove is a center, and we picked up Newberry, but Newberry is a gamble based on health (still a smart move, but certainly no sure thing) and Grove could slide over to guard if necessary.
I’d like to see on opening day:
LT - Gallery (still have a small glimmer of hope that he can pan out with some proper guidance)
LG - Grove (moved from center)
C- Newberry (only temporary until Kalil is ready to step in and Newberry gets banged up.
RG - Carlisle (actual position w/ Denver, but could easily swap him to either side, Boothe is certainly in the mix)
RT - Sims (losing out to Gallery, he provides a veteran play along ’07’s new lineup - wouldn’t at all be surprised to see McQuistan move in here either)
I would only draft one o-lineman this year, and Kalil would be the target, it’s just too good a fit to pass up on, Staley from central Michigan if he’s there at the top of Round 2 would be the other option, if Kalil is gone.
April 13th, 2007 at 10:35 am
On the 1995 DRAFT CLASS:
While we’re talking about the donkeys, anyone remember the WICKED HIT that Mike Morton laid on Shannon Sharpe in the 1996 game in Denver??? It was one of the greatest hits I’ve ever seen, knocking Sharpe’s helmet off and splitting his big fat lip!!! Awesome hit, especially since it was the forever blabbing Shannon!!!!
For that moment, I thank you for your mild contributions to the Raiders Mr. Morton!!!!!
April 13th, 2007 at 10:44 am
Coach… don’t underestimate the power of projecting evil thoughts.
Keep up the good work.
April 13th, 2007 at 10:45 am
I don’t think the Raiders will go after Kalil. First, I doubt he makes out of the first round, and second, he dissed the Raiders on the NFL Network already. He joked about being drafted by the Raiders number one overall, laughed and said “No (ha ha ha), not the Raiders.”
This shocked me, I wonder if he had a problem with Kiffin? Anyway, if he talks like that, I don’t want him as a Raider anyway.
April 13th, 2007 at 10:52 am
Huff 24 mentioned that Schefter mentioned that Detroit would draft and trade CJ if he falls to them at #2. This is what Oakland NEEDS to do at #1. There is a slim chance that both Quinn and JR are the next two picks(in either order). Assuming that Oakland really wants one of those QB’s of course. As RGLC mentioned above, and I have also touted for weeks, the worst thing that happens is we get CJ if we cannot trade him, or the guy we want is not their at #4.
Someone also mentioned the obvious - “If JR is so good, why is their zero buzz about teams wanting to trade up for him?”. I hear rumors of trading up for CJ and Quinn but none for JR. Rumors usually have some shred of truth to them. If JR is the next coming of Manning, Elway, Marino, etc., teams would be fighting wars to get him.
Someone else wrote that JR would be in his senior year at LSU had LSU played Oklahoma, Florida, USC or Ohio State in the BCS. Do you all understand how true this comment is?!
It will be interesting to see what happens next week because that is when the Raiders will start negotiating contracts with potential #1 picks. Let’s see if there is anyone other than CJ and JR who start to work out contract details.
Other than JR, CJ and eventually Quinn, are the Raiders having anyone else visit? Teams are allowed 30 player visits. Why have the Raiders, if I am correct, had only 3 guys stop by?
April 13th, 2007 at 10:59 am
There was no buzz to trade up for Vince Young and he received plenty of bad press about his brains, being a Junior and being overated do to one big win.
I think there is plenty of talk to the Raiders and the other top 4 teams about trading up for all of these guys, it just doesn’t get leaked to the press.
April 13th, 2007 at 11:05 am
Ryan, with all due respect, the Titans took him because he was the best available athlete after Williams and Bush were gone. No one traded up to get Young, nor was their talk that anyone would. Raiders mentioned they would take him at #7 if he were there.
Teams trade up to get unquestioned talent. My point being, JR doesn’t seem to fit that mold or else there would be a “buzz”. Kiper has JR as the 4th or 5th best player in this draft, not that Mel is 100% correct all the time. 100% of NFL teams have CJ rated as the #1 player available, which is why there is a trade buzz.
April 13th, 2007 at 11:09 am
BTW - I don’t understand why there is such a rush to annoit Vince Young as “great” NFL QB. He ran well and passed below average in his first year. Too early to formulate an opinion in my book. He was exciting(like Vick is exciting) but his QB skills have a lot to be desired. Again, he could be great. I see no signs yet that he will be a better than average QB. As a runner, he is tremendous.
April 13th, 2007 at 11:10 am
agreed CT—-i think jruss is kind riding quinn “wave”. i not sayin jruss is terrible, but i think quinn will be a much better NFL qb. that said, i still believe we take CJ and draft a QB in later rounds and let that guy “redshirt” a couple years while walter hopefully becomes a “draft-day steal”.
this QB controversy irks me. we always look at size and arm strength, which is never the true measure of a QB. what about chris leak? no one even whispers his name. if we’re all going in awe over jruss because of one game, why doesn’t anyone look at leak? after all, leak and the gators won the BIGGEST game of them all!
if only leak had a good “butt” throw.
April 13th, 2007 at 11:16 am
OK, quiz time…
What do Andrew Walter, Akili Smith, Joey Harrington, Kyle Boller and Aaron Rodgers have in common? (Besides the fact that they’re not very good QBs)
Answer: They all were “Pac-10 Studs”.
I’ll put my money on an SEC guy this time.
April 13th, 2007 at 11:18 am
I don’t quite have the 30 mil, though, so I might need some help.
April 13th, 2007 at 11:20 am
agreed RFB….
andrew walter and aaron rodgers STILL ARE pac-10 studs.
so was elway, aikman, moon, palmer, plunkett, fouts…….
i’ll take the ACC WR.
or the big 12 RB…….
April 13th, 2007 at 11:21 am
I agree with some of you I see talking about FA linemen….If you think about it part of our line problem has been rookies and second year players all playing together and not integrated over time into a functioning offensive line. I don’t think it is unreasonable to think that a guy like Gallery would not be much further along as player had he gotten to start next to a guy like Wisniewski….Then again I could be wrong and our guys don’t have much talent…..I also think with such bad coaching and not being integrated into a line with some good veterans it is really hard to have any idea if these guys just plain suck, or who if any are salvageable. I think some veteran free agents will go a long way in helping the coaches determine what is our best course of action…..Yes I am still crying over Robbins what a tragedy that ended up being….he should still be our starting center and we would just now be thinking of someone he can groom to replace him…Sadly his problems are much bigger than a football game.
April 13th, 2007 at 11:23 am
RFB - are you refering to the Rex Grossman, Danny Wuerffel, Heath Shuler and Quincy carter SEC?
QB busts are not limited to geographical location or conference.
April 13th, 2007 at 11:37 am
But, Vince Young just wins, baby. Isn’t that the only stat that matters?
April 13th, 2007 at 11:40 am
RFB……
you didn’t play the ryan leaf card…lol
he was pac-10 garbage…….
April 13th, 2007 at 11:40 am
I think, CT, that you, me and everybody knows that the three SEC guys you mentioned weren’t very good and were not destined for NFL success anyway. I couldn’t understand the buzz about them then, and I’m not surprised at all that they didn’t pan out. My take wasn’t that the SEC produced better QBs, but that the Pac-10 guys haven’t exactly been lighting it up in the NFL recently. And, unless they’re from SC, they haven’t made a mark at all.
As for Elway, Fouts, Plunkett and Moon… that was approximately a thousand years ago and only Palmer is part of the current generation. Jury’s out on Leinart, and Plummer wasn’t terrible all the time, but I wouldn’t want him. Too many mistakes at critical times.
It wouldn’t trouble me a WHOLE lot if we went with the WR from the ACC or the Big 12 RB, though. I just want to start winning games again.
April 13th, 2007 at 11:41 am
Unless, of course you are talking about your fantasy league. In which case, Collins helped me to some championships a couple of years ago.
April 13th, 2007 at 11:42 am
Who could trade up to try to get Russell? What could they offer in exchange for a Possible franchise QB for yrs to come? What could they possibly offer Al Davis to pass on Russell? On the other hand a WR is merely a piece, there’s usually 3 on the field at once. There’s not much trade possibility.
April 13th, 2007 at 11:44 am
First of all, who exactly is trying to move up to draft CJ??…
We`ve have heard TB may wanna, so that would be one…..ATL supposedly could in it too, even though they have taken WR`s in the first round 2 out of the past 3 drafts (Michael Jenkins and Roddy White)….who else???
I would say the reason there is no trade talk fo JR is very simple…
2 Detroit, supposedly they dont want a QB and would settele for Quinn if they id..
3 Cleveland, they are supposed to be the only ones who may trade for JR but apparently would also gladly take Quinn at 3
4 TB rumored to want CJ, have Simms and Garcia.
5 Arizona has Leinart
6 Washington has Campbell
7 Minnesota, I really don`t know what they might be up to, apparently not interested in trading up, they could really use CJ by the way as well as a QB.
8 Atlanta, Vick and rumored to want CJ
9 Miami, rumored to want maybe Quinn if he falls…
10 Houston has Schaub.
Anyone else after the 10th pick would have to come up with King`s ransom to move up to number 1 and assure themselves of Russell, when was the last time a team moved all the way from the 12th or beyond to the top pick??…Not to mention many of those teams don`t really need a QB right now.
The reason also could be that other teams are certain Al will take him, or the fact that dealing with Davis may not be very pleasant.
April 13th, 2007 at 11:46 am
Whatever it may be, the argument that no one seems to be wanting to trade up to get him is hardly demonstrative of anything.
April 13th, 2007 at 11:47 am
RYAN LEAF! RYAN LEAF! How could I forget!? Thanks, Rich Gannon!
April 13th, 2007 at 11:52 am
I hope the Raiders re-sign Burgess. His sack total last year is even more impressive considering teams threw against Oakland the fewest times in the NFL. With an unsettled situation at the other end position and Sapp’s age, Burgess would be a huge loss. Imagine if over the last few seasons Oaklandbhad held onto M Coleman and LaRoi Glover. Two other pro bowl linemen we didn’t pay. We got Burgess at a bargain because of his injury; now let’s pay him.
I like the Cooper signing. I see him coming in at LG or Boothe moving to LG. Boothe was our best O-lineman last year and I don’t see Grove beating him out at guard. With Newberry’s history Grove will likely see time at center anyway.
LT - Sims LG-Cooper C-Newberry RG-Boothe RT-Gallery or…
Gallery, Cooper, Grove, Boothe, Sims or..
Gallery, Boothe, Newberry, Cooper, Sims or..
Sims, Boothe, Newberry, Cooper, Gallery
OH START THE SEASON ALREADY!
April 13th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
The Burgess thing bugs me…of course it would be a tremendous loss, and the man has certainly outplayed his contract, IF you base that on the stupid money that’s getting handed our this year in free agency, but c’mon man, it’s not like he’s playing for the veteran minimum, he’s still well paid, and the Raiders are trying to make moves…now you play the me first attitude thing??? Understandable to a degree, but really disappointing #56.
April 13th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
The raiders just signed copper carslie now if they sign burgess and al wilosn that would be good.
April 13th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
derrick burgess
April 13th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
RFB - just having some fun with you. Couldn’t ley you single out one group of busts without citing another. It is pretty amazing how the SEC, going back to 1982(NFL.com info), has had very few QB’s go pro and be successful over the years. Manning, Favre, Stabler and Namatha many years ago….interesting nonetheless.
Marley - my point was that if JR is the next coming of Elway, Marino, etc. like he is being touted, there should be 10 teams at least willing to get him. Detroit, Cleveland, TB, Skins, Vikes, Falcons, Texans and Dolphins all could use an upgrade from what they have to “Elway” - no? You said it best that both Detroit and Cleveland would settle for Quinn. Why? Because JR is not worth the extra bump in pay and picks. Why not if he is the next coming of Elway. I am not trying to be a prik about this but the actions aren’t consistent with supposed value of JR.
April 13th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Let’s ne honest guys, the rest of the teams in the top 5 or 6 are praying we take JR. If we take CJ is messes them up and/or will make teams take their 2nd or 3rd option. Here is my top 6 IF CJ goes #1 -
Oak - CJ
Detroit - Adams(not what they wanted to do here)
Browns - Quinn(happy he fell to them)
TB - ???? they are in trouble - maybe Thomas or Peterson
Cards - want Thomas, in touble otherwise
Skins - Branch or Okoye
Now maybe it is a litle clearer where the JR hype is coming from - from the teams below Oakland that need the Raiders to take JR. Think about it.
April 13th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Maybe Al Wilson pulls a Romanowski and sings with us…..I hate his guts, but if he were to wear the silver and black…that would be great.
He could help and is way better than Williams or Robert Thomas who we re-signed for decent back up money. I think he could slide outside or Morrison can.
April 13th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Wilson blitzing up the middle, unblocked knocking Cutler out cold….
please God.
April 13th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
As long as we are praying. Moss aligator arms a pass across the middle and still gets knocked the f out by Huff. Followed by Porter burns Woodson deep for 3 TDs.
April 13th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
In my personal opinion spend a 1st overall draft choice in JR is a waste he has a lot questions marks in him. I hope Raiders pick CJ or BQ if not i have to trust in Lane and Davis and pray all the questions in JR are bullshit
April 13th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
New blog up boyz!
April 13th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
Derrick Burgess may have a point, hes getting older and has missed 2 of his 7 seasons. A foot injury wrote off all of 2002 and a torn achilles zapped all of 03, but hes been healthy and productive in recent memory.
Productive enough to make the Pro-bowl in Silver and Black and productive enough to plan a hold out unless his contracts restructured.
Considering Oaklands constant cap issues, Burgess may talk himself out of a gig.
No doubt hes developed into a premier player, but if Oakland elects to keep Moss and draft a number 1, their may not be enough moo-lah to go around.
Wether or not Burgess becomes disgruntled, the Raiders may have been looking to the 28th-29th to shore the questionable depth at Defensive End.
Considering Oaklands high round picks will likely be spoken for, the drafts later rounds become significant when looking to pad the defense, which performed at a very high level last year, thanks in large part to Burgess.
The Raiders have a large quantity of picks (10 over all) and will likely look to fix recent offensive deficincies first.
A defensive prospect that may be availible in later rounds and fits the bill in Oakland, is Hawaii’s Akaika Alma Francis.
A multi-sport player Francis excelled at all of them.
Unfortunately none of them were football.
He never played in High School and joined his college team his sophomore year where he saw limited action.
He played in ten games in his junior year and showed growth in many aspects of the position, posting 22 tackles in limited action.
Bulking up to 250 lbs. for the 05′ campaign, Akiaka became a force to be accounted for.
With nearly 50 tackles, 5 sacks,two forced fumbles, one recovery, seven pressures. two batted passes, seven stops for a loss and a blocked kick, Akiaka showed he was on the right page.
Enter 2006 and Akiaka shows up for camp weighing in at 282 lbs.
With out losing quickness and gaining strength, Francis earned All Western Athletic Conference first team recognition.
He had 39 tackles, 16 QB pressures, eleven stops behind the line and five sacks.
He also recovered 4 fumbles, caused 2 others and had a pair of pass deflections, showing his range at the position.
He has shown remarkable growth since discovering his interest in football at a reletively late stage in life and would likely be a higher prospect were it not for an untimely pectoral tear in the 2007 Hula Bowl.
He has undergone surgery and is rehabing nicely, but will likely remain off most teams radar until later rounds.
He still has work to do, like work on his hands to keep blockers from getting to his chest or cutting him on the move.
Doesn’t always make the best use of his formidable strength and needs to improve on reads.
Hes a quick study and attentive learner, but will need tuteledge to diagnose plays quickly and correctly and not to over extend and bite on play action and misdirects.
Again, his inexperince is a factor.
Also, Akiaka needs to keep from playing too up right and work on his expanding list of counter moves, especially needs to work on protecting his chest from blockers who can lock on and ride him out of plays.
Occasionaly he gets a rolling start off the line, but has shown ability to get into the backfield and disrupt plays
He times jumps well when he can’t reach the QB.
Could use some polish with his wrapping of defenders, but again, hes reletively inexperienced, but is picking things up quickly.
He has many psoitives and given time and proper Coaching could be a later round gem Oakland could polish and put leverage on Derrick Burgess or provide him with a book end rusher they desperately need.
Any other thoughts on possible draft DE’s for Oakland?
Do tell!
Peace,
MVH
April 13th, 2007 at 2:31 pm
This art was published last night but didn’t post for some f’in reason.
With the signing of Pooper “Kitty” Carlisle from the Cronko’s at what. $4 mill.?
It only makes Burgess’ gambit all the more tenuous.
Oakland will have to find a way to avoid CAP-TASTROPHE if they’re looking to keep the current line up and add some draft picks.
Up the irons, wubba, wubba, wubba, rock you like a hurricane,
MYKLE VAN HAUSEN
April 13th, 2007 at 6:36 pm
50/50: I’m honestly split 50/50 on Calvin Johnson and J. Russ. After thinking about it day and night for the past 2 months I would feel comfotable either way. I feel they can both make us a better team, C.J more in the short term and J. Russ in the long term. These are 2 of the more dynamic players I’ve seen come out in the last 20 years, and there is still players like B. Quinn ( not a huge fan of but still better than Alex Smith in my book ) Adrian Peterson, Marshawn Lynch, Gaines Adams ( next Charles Haley in my book ) and even Troy Smith is now seen as a late 3rd early 4th rounder. There will be with out a doubt a big trade early in the 1st round and lots of it depends on what we do w/ the #1. If we pick J. Russ @#1 then the Lions will be awarded with the C.J sweepstakes. That means they will draft CJ and shop him to whoever wants him most and relish more picks out of it. If we draft CJ @#1 then there is a strong possibity we will shop him and that means the Lions could draft J.Russ and he could be the starting visiting QB @ our home opener. Funny thing is we play the teams w/ the #2 & #3 picks in the first 3weeks of the season. Even funnier, theres even a good possibility that we draft CJ and trade him for J. Russ if J. Russ slips to the 3rd or 4th spot and dont say QB’s dont slip on draft day, Aaron Brooks went from #1 to #23, Leinart and Cutler slipped a little last year as well. Tough call, no matter who we pick we are going to see the latter early in the season. Lane Kiffin’s first major descision is a big one and I feel confident he’ll make the right call, I just hope he’s not 50/50 like I am come draft day
April 13th, 2007 at 6:36 pm
GO RAIDERS
April 13th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
THATS A GOOD POINT C-T, THATS KINDA WHAT I WAS SAYING…… I THINK J.RUSS SLIPS DOWN A LITTLE STEEPER THAN EVERY ONE THINKS, MAYBE EVEN OUT OF THE TOP 5! THATS WHY I WAS TRYING TO MAKE THE POINT THAT WE CAN DRAFT CJ AND END UP TRADING HIM FOR J. RUSS AND HAVE MORE PICKS!! NOW WOULDNT THAT BE SLICK!!
SHHHHHH! DONT SPEAK OF IT NO MORE!!
April 14th, 2007 at 4:25 am
Huff, CT and Bob MARLEY…Where do you guys work that give you this massive kind of leeway to be posting here all day long and, are they hiring?
Truly you and so many other posters are amazing… when do you find the trime to do all of this sesearch?
IMHO, The Raiders can NOT pass up on JaRock. Regardless of the risk! If they do pass on him and he succeeds? Then we will be the biggest losers of all time! If we take him and he becomes a bust? Then so be it but pass on him we shouldn’t and I believe Al and Kiff will get JaRock in silver and Black.
Now, to all of you who are crying about paying all of that money to JaMarcus… We have the 1st pick… No matter who that guy is? Homeboys gonna get paid the big bucks!!! PERIOD.
Be it JaRock or the water boy he’s gonna get the big bucks so please please PLEASE stop it with the too much money for the rookie. The going rate will be about 40 million or maybe more regardless who he is?
It’s (the pick) not (the person) that determmins the price… At least in the 1st 10 slots or so and definatly in good ol number # 1
RAIDERS ARE NOT TRADING DOWN!!! boy it seems as if you guys haven’t been paying attentkion to al’s ways… He won’t trade away the next possible Elway… NOT after the 1st Elway was stolen from him. He will never risk JaMarcuss for a few EXTRA PICKS… HE JUST WON’T DO THAT!!!
Now I’m no prophet, I could be wrong now… BUT I DON’T THINK SO!!!!!
GO NATION, THE ONLY NATION… THE RAIDER NATION!!!
April 14th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
barret robbins was a pro bowl player during the super bowl year and was a complete animal. Gruden knew this and did not want to play him in the super bowl. i think that Gruden, knowing Barret Robbin’s fragile emotional and mental state, hired a couple of hookers to get him pissed and slip him a mickey, knowing that it would send him over the edge. the one who made the mistake there was calahan, he knew robbin’s state and he should have hired a couple of hookers to take care of him all week. gruden would do anything to win and i wouldn’t put it past him to do this exact thing. calahan should have known.
April 15th, 2007 at 10:51 am
or maybe it wasn’t gruden, maybe it was glazier, now that guy I’m sure would do anything to win the super bowl. I’m just surprised that this conspiracy theory has not been explored. if it was, I would be very interested in the outcome.
April 15th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
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