Draft review: 2001
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, April 19th, 2007 at 2:42 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Seventh in a series reviewing Raiders’ draft classes cine they returned to Oakland in 1995:
1/28_Derrick Gibson, S, Florida State
2/59_Marques Tuiasosopo, QB, Washington
3/89_DeLawrence Grant, DE, Oregon State
5/158_Raymond Perryman, SS Northern Arizona
6/184_Chris Cooper, DE, Nebraska-Omaha
7/228_Derek Combs, CB, Ohio State
7/229_Ken-Yon Rambo, WR, Ohio State
The top pick_Al Davis spends much of his pre-draft time in Southern California, where the Raiders are suing over what they believed to be their rights to Los Angeles. Personnel exec Bruce Kebric and coach Jon Gruden, on their board, have targeted tight end Todd Heap as their top pick. When draft day arrives, Davis takes Gibson.
Gibson looks every bit the enforcer as a strong safety, but doesn’t play with instinct and is constantly injured. He is cut and brought back twice, never making an impact befitting a first-round pick.
Could have had_Heap went No. 31 to the Baltimore Ravens and is one of the league’s better tight ends. At No. 30, the Indianpolis Colts took Miami wide receiver Reggie Wayne, who has 390 receptions for 5,474 yards and 37 touchdowns in six seasons. Those numbers are admittedly inflated playing with Peyton Manning and the Colts.
Bad timing_Gruden couldn’t get Heap, but he lobbied hard for Tuiasosopo based in large part to a highlight reel of his fourth quarter comebacks with the Huskies. Davis takes Tuiasosopo. Gruden sees Tuiasosopo as an eventual successor to Rich Gannon, mobile, instinctive and creative.
Gruden is traded to Tampa Bay following the 2001 season. Tuiasosopo languished on the Raiders bench until finally escaping as a free agent this past offseason to the New York Jets _ just as Lane Kiffin was arriving and installing an offense more suited to his skills.
There is no hard evidence Gruden was right about Tuiasosopo. In fact, the Bucs made no effort to sign him in free agency.
Draft bargains_None to speak of. Grant became a starter with a penchant for jumping offsides, although he played well at end in 2002. Perryman didn’t make the team, nor did Combs or Rambo. Cooper played at both tackle and end and remains an NFL reserve, joining Arizona in 2006 and playing in 13 games with no starts.
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
April 19th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
This draft speaks for itself, thanks Al Davis us fans really appreciate Gibson over Heap it’s a good thing you got rid of that Gruden guy Heap over Gibson what was he thinking.
April 19th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
They didn’t get much out of this draft
April 19th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
KoolKell’s Rules & Regs on Quarterbacking:
The difference between Playmakers & Game Managers as far as QB’s are concerned should be self explanatory if you think about it. Games in the NFL are decided week in and week out by a play or two either way. Making plays is the difference in winning and losing in today’s NFL.. A Quarterback’s sole function is passing. True, he takes every snap, he hands off, read defenses, fronts. The plays are called on the sideline today. The Quarterback makes plays in the passing game. He avoids a rush and completes a 3rd down pass. He makes a throw on the run for touchdown. He put’s the ball right on the money downfield for a crucial completion. He shrugs off a tackler to complete a pass. That’s why personnel people talk in terms of Arm Strength in relation to QB’s. The same way scouts would relate to a Pitcher in baseball . He makes his money with his arm.
Game Managers on the other hand often refers to less gifted Quarterbacks, who don’t make mistakes and direct an otherwise talented offense, where the strength of the team lies elsewhere, maybe even on a strong defense. Playmakers are more valuable, because they can also be Game Managers, but Game Managers don’t make plays. Of course they both can win, but one can carry a team, the other can manage a good team. IMO
April 19th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
KoolKell, Who cares about your groovie QB evaluation? The topic is the 2001 draft.
April 19th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
Fine Pirate. There’s noting to say about that draft, it was baaaaaad.
April 19th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
That’s the year they moved back to the glorious land of their ancestors!
April 19th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
Sadly enough, I think Shane Lechler was the best draft selection the Raiders have made since returning to the town ( OAK ). Hey foolkell, are you still talking to NFL scouts and selling imaginary homes next to the Raiders facility’s??????? LOL,LOL YOU’RE A JOKE!
April 19th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
Hey Ragu, let’s take the high road. I don’t have anything to prove to you. Take it or leave it.
April 19th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
In what class would you classify Gannon, Kell– playmaker or game manager?? Seems like you are in favor of a playmaker.
April 19th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
I would consider Gannon a Game Manager, He had 4 good years in his career, with Oakland. he made plays with his feet the first 2 years and keep the chains moving completing short passes and running for a 1st down. Good match with Gruden and system. At this juncture in Raider History, rebuilding, I prefer the Playmaker, you usually have to draft those guys, they don’t get traded.
April 19th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Manning, Grossman, Hassleback, Dilfer, Gannon, Big Ben, Brady - all game managers who played in all the recent SB’s. McNabb and Manning both Playmakers and GM’s.
“(playmakers) don’t get traded”, KK says. Culpepper after mismanaging games in 2005 this paymaker was traded. Vick - a playmaker who can manage games continues to struggle.
The NFL final four last year are all manager types - Manning, Brees, Grossman, Hassleback.
Playmakers Vick and Leftwich both were part of trade rumors this year.
Jeff George under Joe Bugle was a playmaker with exciting bombs to Jett and so on. 4-12. Gannon with the “gnat attack” all winning seasons.
April 19th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
Vick who “can’t manage games” I meant.
April 19th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
NFLN is reprting that Oakland is shopping Moss and Porter for pre-draft trades.
April 19th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
This draft was terrible. Not one useful player. Imagine if we drafted Heap. We wouldn’t have to worry about Tightend these last 5 years…
April 19th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
Porter too eh….
If Moss and Porter are gone, I think they are planning on keeping CJ then.
April 19th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
that draft was U-G-L-Y. it always pissed me off when people compared cooper to howie long. the only thing they had in common was jersey number!! is derrick gibson still alive??
April 19th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
watch us trade curry!!! we’ll know for sure that al is senile!!
April 19th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
Man, I cant believe we wasted a pick on Gibson. Another classic Al Davis pick. First Janokowski and now this. Please! I really hope Al lets Kiffin have his way in draft matters this year, otherwise we might be taking Leon Hall #1 overall.
April 19th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
Coach on Wheels, is that on the nfl.com website too??
April 19th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
Heard it from Adam S on Total Access an hour ago. He said Moss is unlikely to go because of his cap cost so Oakland may just cut him.
April 19th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
With the Colts losing both CB’s now, Alan Branch may be more likely to slide to #33 at DT. Anybody read a lot about him? I only saw a comment that he was once a top 10 guy but has trouble keeping his weight up so he is falling.
April 19th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
Oakand could have a 300 lb QB and a 265lb DT. That’s scary.
April 19th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Ok nvm Branch struggles to keep weight OFF not on. Here’s the NFL report on him:
A mountain of a man, Branch is big, strong and aggressive, and opposing offensive linemen know they are always in for a long day against the outstanding run stuffer. Branch’s importance to the team can’t be measured by his statistics. The true gauge is the success of others around him, as Branch is known for his ability to consistently tie up multiple blockers and shut down the inside running game.
It goes on to say he can play NT, DT or DE. (NT and DE in a 3-4)
He is a top run stuffer and would be a great pick at 33 it seems.
April 19th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
I’d love to see Moss go, but he’s tied the Raiders hands by so publicly demanding a trade. The Raiders have little leverage as teams are waiting for Moss to force their hand or cut him. He’s got a large cap number, probably not willing to take any pay cuts. If they could do something with his cap number and try to get something out of him this yr.
April 19th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Atl is going to trade a 2nd rounder for Moss if they can’t get CJ…. Don’t worry Moss has a home, just wait till draft day.
April 19th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
Adam Schefter is reporting that Lions do not planning on trading McCown anymore.
April 19th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
CT I see that as a ploy. Detroit is hating life if the Raiders draft CJ. Just like KC, Det is putting pressure on Oakland to draft JR. Then Detroit’s pick is worth more. McCown has demanded a trade and Detroit wants to trade him. It is no coincidence that this announcement comes a day after the TB-Det deal fell apart. If CJ goes #1, nobdy moves to #2 and Detroit is stuck.
April 19th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
TB - CJ
Det- Thomas
Cle - BQ or JR
Oak - JR or BQ
Oak rd 2 #1 - Alan Branch DT
rd2 #4 - D Jarrett or S Smith WR USC
rd3 #1 - I Francis DE Hawaii
#4 - Best LB available
#8 (from Atl for Moss) - Best OL available
rd 4 #1 - Best player available OL or DL
#4 - Wolff RB
Just an idea with TB trade
April 19th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
Another BUST draft in 2001. The brass/scouts had conflicting issues with players and it went wrong both ways. Please do all the homewrok and make the right call. Gibson… let’s keep him then if the Raiders love him so much as bringing him back.
April 19th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
Coach on Wheels… where’s Peterson? Is he not high on your list?
April 19th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
I was wondering what you all think of CJ admitting hes smoked some weed to scouts. Does this change any of your opinions on drafting him?
April 19th, 2007 at 7:01 pm
Taking Francis is HIGH. The kid had alot of injury issues. He’s supposed to last to the 7th round. Don’t let the hype fool ya with this guy, he barely played football prior to college, so there might no be alot of instinct with the guy.
April 19th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
It don’t matter as long as the talent is there and the kid ain’t no criminal.
April 19th, 2007 at 7:05 pm
Heck, the Raiders can still do well without trading Calvin Johnson in this draft. KEEP him and take a QB in the lower rounds.
April 19th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
Let’s select a sleeper SHOT GUN STYLE QB. It’s better risk in the lower rounds than in the 1st round or 2nd round.
April 19th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
Let’s say we’d keep CJ. I make a deal with the Falcons for their 6th selection if Peterson is still there for the taking, it seems like he’s sliding from all the posts here and else where fellow bloggers.
April 19th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
I wonder if the Raiders were secretly in contract negotiations with Brady Quinn when he came in for his meeting with them. 2 days later they are in contract negotiations with JR and CJ.
April 19th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
Coach on Wheels… I like your scenario up to the 4th, just delete Francis we’d should be alright, he’d be there in the 6th and 7th. No team except the Raiders is gonna use a 5th or higher on an INJURED player.
April 19th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Calvin Johnson better end up as a great football player. There is just so much stock in this guy that it would be so disappointing if he ends up a bust. How can a man 6′5 and 239 who runs a 4.35 and plays at WR have any trouble..especially the way he catches the ball. I guess people say the same thing about J.Russ and his freakish skills.
April 19th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
The Browns probaly had a K discussion already with Quinn. It’s probaly MOOT when he came in for a workout/interview. The draft I’m all out in keeping Calvin Johnson. That’s my first priority, IF THERE IS NO KING’S RANSOM, then in the lower 4-5th round select a SHOT GUN STYLE QB. That should fix alot of things.
April 19th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Russell is 300lbs and will REDSHIRT his first 2 years.
April 19th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
I have a little example for KK, he claims everyone here is a racist, the only one I’ve seen so far is him.
KoolKell Says:
April 18th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
i hate all white people!
KoolKell Says:
April 18th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
Danny you are a GD liar, I never said I wanted Ryussell because he’s black. But I won’t listen to racist humor about him unchallenged.
KK, you are the only racist I’ve seen posting on this blog.
KoolKell Says:
April 18th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
LAAZ shut the hell up, you know nothing of me except what I’ve told you.
We all know what you are KluelessKell, you’re a foul mouth bigot.
April 19th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
Alan Branch is from N.M. same state as plunket, He was outstanding in high school. He then went on to play at Michigan State where he became a monster at DT.he would be a great back up for Sapp. I hope the Raiders take a serious look at him. I dout that he will be avable at #33 pick, mabey we can get lucky and he will drop that far down. He is worth a closer look at.
April 19th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
The last top 100 players beginning in the 4th should definately be a QB. That’s KEEPING Clavin Johnson, a can’t miss prospect and BEST football player in this entire 2007 draft. PERIOD.
April 19th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
Calvin Johnson. A superstar wideout and pro bowler for many years to come. He will make MORE catches inn the Redzone than any other players in Raiders history. He will go down as the BEST wideout in the history of the Oakland Raiders. I like that in future DVD disc.
April 19th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
Better he admitted it before he was drafted then after, like Moss. Would say 80 % of the draft has tried it at least once in their life ……. no balls to admitt it.
April 19th, 2007 at 7:25 pm
The DVD disc will have Johnson burning DBs and out runing LBs in slow motion. Raiders Great DVD disc collection 2. Wonder who is the QB. Maybe Walter in there throwing slow motion to CJ in the redzone.
April 19th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
Alan Branch is the best player to come out of NM since Brian Urlacker. Al Davis needs to throw Rob Ryan a bone The raider need a great run stoper and he could be around for years to come. Coach on weels please do us a favor and check him out in depth. Alan Branch needsd to be a raider.
April 19th, 2007 at 8:04 pm
Branch has stress fracturs in his legs. There’s report that he won’t go back for a second checkup, it’s conceivable he does if he won’t go back for a second opinion. He’s worth the risk with the 33rd pick.
April 19th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Anyone else see the short interview on NFL.com with JR ? Comes off like a good kid and that is always great to see….also encouraging as in more likely to listen to his coaches and learn all he can. But I have to say that is one big a$$ quarterback I mean damn.Ok how can we draft JR and CJ both ? Any ideas ? Guess I better wake up
April 19th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
Dragonrider Says:
April 19th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
I have a little example for KK, he claims everyone here is a racist, the only one I’ve seen so far is him.
KoolKell Says:
April 18th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
i hate all white people!
If anyone cares to ck the post themselves, it’s easy enough. DragonBreath, if you’ve got a problem with me, get over it. There really isn’t anything you can do about it except make yourself look silly with your obsession with me. btw, did your wife ever get her crotch looked after?
April 19th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
I’d be happy with Petersen at #4 too. Then maybe Edwards or Stanton at the top of the 3rd. Or Beck. I also think McCown will be back in play after the draft.
Yeah Francis might slip later but I think he’ll be a bit of a sleeper.
April 19th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
OK boys and girls, Here is my two cents on what I think will happen. I think Al and Kniff are playing possum. I think Quinn is the target. I look for a trade with Tampa with Oakland going to four. CJ #1 to Tampa, JR to Cleveland, and #3 Quinn to the Raiders. I really like the idea of trading down for the additional picks.
Also just my opinion but I think Troy Smith would be a good pick in the late second or early third round.
Can’t wait for next weekend!!!! Raiders for ever.
April 19th, 2007 at 9:54 pm
Why do some of you guys keep talking about Peterson? We dont need a back like him. Yeah, he will be good, but we have gaps to fill. If we get a back we need a change of pace guy
with shit loads of speed and that can catch on 3rd down.
Hope we do better than these last few drafts posted here. Hard to beleive how bad we’ve done in some (most) of these drafts.
April 19th, 2007 at 10:12 pm
# Danny Says:
April 19th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
This draft speaks for itself, thanks Al Davis us fans really appreciate Gibson over Heap it’s a good thing you got rid of that Gruden guy Heap over Gibson what was he thinking.
….
Yep, blame Gruden. Just answer this, why were we picking 28th in the first round of that draft? I’ll give you a hint, it wasn’t because Gruden led the team to 2-14 the previous season.
April 19th, 2007 at 10:22 pm
This is why davis needs too have a gm he lost his touch on drafting players along time ago.
April 19th, 2007 at 10:23 pm
Gruden and Davis may have seen Tui as a successor toGannon, but that style went left after Gruden departed for Tampa.
Gruden and the Bucs complete disinterest in him this offseason when he waas released by Oakland was telling.
Apparently they feel it wasn’t just a question of systems and styles but perhaps Tui’s leadership and or ability to read the D.
April 19th, 2007 at 10:28 pm
Speaking of drafts, QBs and Oakland:
A brief discussion w/ a Bears fan over the merits of a later round day one Raider choice at Quarterback.
Drew Stanton would definitely be a project and need time to mature on the side lines. (as I mentioned)
Troy made great progress over his college career especially toward the end.
He makes accurate reads, check downs and delivers the ball quickly.
Alas, he too would be a project. (as I mentioned.)
He just wouldn’t cost $20 million dollars.
Being a Bears fan, I can see why you’re so keen on a QB since you’ve gone through seven in as many seasons.
But, as a Bears fan, you also realize the perils of spending your number one on a QB.
Like you did in 03′ for Grossman.
$5 million signing bonus with $18 million in incentives. ( Which the defense helped him attain a chunk of last year.)
He’ll likely be released at the end of his 07 contract having rode the pine with injuries the first three years.
With the time and experience gained on your dollar, he’ll probably sign a nice contract and actually have success with
another franchise if he stays healthy.
Injuries and the resultant lack of composure has made Grossman a gamble that so far, isn’t paying off the way I’m sure the Bears envisioned.
But, thats the risk you take with a 1st round, 22nd overall pick.
Now, in Oaklands case, multiply that by 22.
Jamarcus, no matter how strong or Culpepper like, will hold a clip board just like Smith’s, Stanton’s or Josh Booty’s, at least in the begining.
Until he cashes that $ 12 million signing bonus.
Then he’ll have a really nice clipboard.
By the by, if Smith’s too small to play the position to be picked up in the later rounds, how do you explain taking Rex with your number one when Troy is 6-1, 215 and Grossman is 6,1 ,218 ?!
If you think those three pounds make all the difference, I’ll order Troy a couple of pizzas.
If you’re going to go to a gun fight, don’t forget the bullets!
Pieces,
MVH
April 19th, 2007 at 10:32 pm
What a crappy draft, not one of these picks turned out to be a descent starter anywhere in the league.
April 19th, 2007 at 10:53 pm
That was not one of the more productive drafts…
Just finished a mock idea for the Raiders. http:://mvn.com/nfl-raiders/
April 19th, 2007 at 10:54 pm
darn, I messed up the link http://mvn.com/nfl-raiders/
April 19th, 2007 at 11:26 pm
i agree raiderdan. even though i’m in the CJ camp, i really think we might be after bquinn. he’s kinda the darkhorse in all of this hoopla. all this jruss/CJ stuff could just a smokescreen.
in a perfect world, with yours truly as GM, i’d draft CJ and trade him for a king’s ransom–ideally the to the bucs for #4 and simeon rice. with #4, i’d take peterson or the best skill player available(besides a QB). trade moss for more picks and “beef up” the trenches. draft a system QB in 3 or 4 and name andrew walter our starter–immediately.
in a less than perfect world, we draft CJ and keep him with no changes to the mentioned scnerios.
keep in mind nation brothers, we’re half-way there, as in, we have a defense. what do you do when ya got a defense??? RUN THE BALL.
we don’t need a freak-of-nature QB to do that.
April 19th, 2007 at 11:35 pm
If we draft CJ there’s no way we trade him. There’s a better chance we trade Moss or Porter than him. CJ’s younger, faster and stronger than both of them. And more importantly he has a better attitude and work ethic a real team player! No way we trade CJ!
April 19th, 2007 at 11:44 pm
A post on realfootball365 inspired by the 2000 draft article.
Good riddance Ted Daisher or Sliver and Black to the future!
If you’ve ever seen “Back to the Future!” your probably familiar with Oakland’s former special teams coach Ted Daisher.
Many times I’ve had to double take during sideline shots of Raider games expecting Daisher to stop picking fist fights and yell “1.21 GIGAWATTS MARTY!”
Despite the Doc Brown doppelganger theory, theres not much else funny about Dashier or the Raiders special teams play.
Despite Shane Lechler averaging 4 yds more than future hall of famer and Oakland legend Ray Guy, (46.4 for Lechler’s 8 seasons and 42.4 respectively for Guys 14) and the fact they have the only kicker in history taken with a number 1 pick in Sebastian Janikowski, the Raiders still finished near, or dead last in several categories in 06′.
Kick off yards allowed: 28.6 per kick off return (32nd, dead last)
Punt yardage allowed: 12.9 yds (30th)
Punt return yds: 6.2 (31st)
The Raiders allowed returns of over 70 yds several times last season (including a 91 yd. return and one of 87) in 2006.
Adding to the mystery of Oaklands lack of success is the fact they’ve got more than just a great kicker and punter.
Some of Oaklands special teams are actually very good.
Adam Treu remains a service able back up Center and is one of the finest long snappers in the league consistently allowing “J.Kow” and “Hannibal” to do their thing.
Jarrod Cooper has been another bright spot, this time in kick coverage, but double teams quickly began to blunt his ability and no one took up the slack.
He was further hampered by a nagging hamstring toward the back half.
Cooper is a key in the Raider Special Teams unit, but certainly not the only one capable of making plays in returns or coverage.
Chris Carr is a speedy and exciting return man for the Raiders entering his 3rd year.
So far with the Raiders Carr’s amassed 142 returns for 3,514 yds,averaging nearly 25 yds per carry and ripped a promising 72 yd return against Seattle.
Obviously, there are tools in place.
But when you have a guy that looks an awful lot like Dr. Emmit Brown, you’d hope for a little genius.
Or at least yardage.
Dashier somehow managed to consistently take all the talent and potential of Oaklands special teams unit and drive it into the ditch like a beat up DeLorian.
After last years debacle owner Al Davis apparently had enough.
With Doc’s, I mean, Daishers dismissal and the hiring of former Air Force special teams coordinator Brian Schnieder the Raiders hope to solve the conundrum.
Schnieder has no NFL experience but, has successfully Coached a league leading UCLA special teams squad in 2005.
He spent 2006 with Iowa State and signed with Kiffin and the Raiders this off season.
Schnieder brings Linebacker toughness to the table, being considered one the finest ever to play the posistion at Colorado State.
Having settled in, Schnieder should be able to focus and better utilize what, by all accounts is a viable and talented Raider special teams unit.
Why Doc Brown couldn’t make it work, even with the aid of a time machine, we’ll never know.
He’ll try his luck in Cleveland in 07 after inexplicably being picked up by the Browns (ironic, no?)in January.
Maybe they think he’ll introduce them to Leah Thompson.
Dashier’s welcome departure, baffling failure and subsequent hiring by Cleveland has left many in Oakland relieved, yet still scratching their heads.
No matter (or anti-matter) now.
Schnieder takes the special teams reigns for the Raiders in 07,giving Dashier plenty of time to purchase new lab coats,have a spasm on the sideline, steal some plutonium and keep Marty from humping his teen aged future Mom.
MVH
April 19th, 2007 at 11:57 pm
Rex Grossman got to the SB last year for crying out loud! I don’t see the Bears trading up to get Quinn or Russell. If TB is really offering us what I hear they are we should jump at that. No player is worth trading away a whole draft, even if it is CJ. Make them throw in Jake Plummer’s rights just for good measure.
April 20th, 2007 at 12:49 am
I KEEP the SUPERSTAR wideout future PRO BOWLER Calvin Johnson. Amen! The picks ain’t gonna make that much difference in this draft. Use the 9 picks WISELY! Brass/scouts please do your homework!
April 20th, 2007 at 12:51 am
3 picks more. A backup DT/DE/RB/WR/TE. It ain’t worth my boy Calvin Johnson. 3 backups plus the 4th selection for CJ. Nope… not in this world. Future Raiders great CJ!
April 20th, 2007 at 12:57 am
Peterson is gonna be INJURED his first carry in pre-season. Got a hunch, another Ki-Jana Carter for crying out loud. I don’t care what Marcus Allen say about Peterson. He’s a walking hospital until he proves otherwise.
April 20th, 2007 at 12:58 am
I can live with Calvin Johnson and the rest of the nine picks use wisely, hopefully, no screw ups again. LOL… we’d could take 2-3 RBs with those picks. Peterson or 3 RBs. I take the 3 RBs… Leonard, Bush, Wolfe… how that sound? Sounds good to me!
April 20th, 2007 at 1:34 am
Eric, I hear ya. But what Al really needs to do is just hire a coach and let him build the team. We’ve had our best success with that in more recent years. Besides, San Diego has really turned me off to the whole g.m. idea in the modern day league, with that a-hole they have over there. Who doesn’t feel a little bit sorry for Norv? He worked Al well on a business level, laid it out for everyone to know that Al was running things and that he was a puppet, and it never hurt his resume’. But this guy in San Diego will kill him. There’s no doubt in my mind. And then, of course, there’s Matt Millen.
Is there a fine G.M. in this league today? Aren’t the best teams winning with the more old school, owner > coach > players pecking order, with no suits in between? I dunno. Either way, considering how close we got with Al Davis > Jon Gruden, I just want Al to kick back and let Kiffin work his magic, while limiting his role to, “that of advisa”.
April 20th, 2007 at 1:52 am
How’s this for a draft? Calvin Johnson, Zach Miller, Brian Leonard, Bush, Wolfe, Jarret, etc with the 10 picks. It’s possible if used wisely IMO. We’d need improvement on offense These guys will produce. IMO.
April 20th, 2007 at 1:53 am
The lower round in the 6th to 7th find a sleeper QB. Forget the backup DT/DE/LB/kicker.
April 20th, 2007 at 6:15 am
RF your picks seem good but sounds like you only want “fun” players. Did you forget that
our offensive line sucks?
Oh yeah, Jarret and Kiffen don’t get along (reportedly) so unlikely to get picked by us.
April 20th, 2007 at 6:44 am
LOL.. Fun players. I’m talking about players capable of getting into the REDZONE. The players last year cannot get into the redzone if their lives depend on it. Do you watch games? Let’s hope we’d get some darn good offensive weapons capable of doing damages. I was hoping Raiders take Maurice Drew. The kid became a pretty darn good weapon for the Jags.. didn’t he? The OL guys can do nothing right now as rookies.
April 20th, 2007 at 6:56 am
Games are won and lost in the trenches.
April 20th, 2007 at 7:02 am
Can OL guys get points in the REDZONE? Look at how many TDs Raiders score the entire 4 friggin seasons. LOL.. I’m an offensive guy. That’s all, I cannot change what I am or my opinion to cater someone else ego. I’m all for Branch if he falls to 33rd. My common sense dominate with this slide. I’m pretty sure everyone else too!
April 20th, 2007 at 7:04 am
If you are the REAL Dan Reeder. Then you should know if you play at any level football.
April 20th, 2007 at 7:07 am
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/sports/20070420_Ga__Techs_Johnson_a_cant-miss_player.html
This is why you take CJ instead of JR or Quinn or anyone else… Seabass was taken ahead of Shaun Alexander because we needed a kicker… You don’t draft for need you take the best available player.
April 20th, 2007 at 7:08 am
My take with Micheal Bush is he’s might be another Jerome Bettis type of RB. I’m just concern about his injury. He might slide to the late 3rd round. I’m not really a Loiusville fan of the RBs, but there are exceptions if the talent is there. Wolfe I never seen play, but if he’s anything close like Maurice Drew last draft then it’s a no brainer. Leonard makes a good FB. He’s not gonna cut it at RB.. LOL.
April 20th, 2007 at 7:08 am
Raiders Fanatics! Says:
April 20th, 2007 at 7:04 am
If you are the REAL Dan Reeder. Then you should know if you play at any level football.
I don’t understand your post
April 20th, 2007 at 7:29 am
Interesting comment regarding the top of the draft today… Joe Gibbs (Hall of Fame coach of the Redskins) said that Calvin Johnson AND JaMarcus Russell were the closest thing to unflawed players that you’ll find. He said that he didn’t attend Russell’s Pro Day because “well, everyone kinda knows what’s going to happen there.” It’s on washingtonpost.com if anyone wants to read it.
In the same article are some comments that I hadn’t heard from Lane Kiffin about the thought process leading to his taking the Raider job… good reading.
April 20th, 2007 at 7:30 am
All I know from watching games is that NOBODY scores if your line stinks. That is why, primarily,
that the Raiders did not score last year. We need at least some OL draft picks this year. Period.
April 20th, 2007 at 7:36 am
Thats what I posted earlier games are won and lost in the trenches… Peyton Manning and Tom Brady would not be nearly as effective with poorer offensive lines… The most impressing thing about the article on CJ I posted a few minutes ago was the blocking on run plays
April 20th, 2007 at 7:37 am
Its painful to look at these past drafts, please stop posting them up, it hurts.
One more week, I cant wait for the draft, if i have to even imagine quinn in a raider uniform one more time.
Happy Holidays
April 20th, 2007 at 7:41 am
Fanatic… I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I have to side with Danny on this one. The O-line doesn’t get into the red zone and score points, granted, but they are usually the ones that determine whether or not the playmakers have the opportunity.
Here are some examples; OJ Simpson, until he had an O-line, was just another beat-up rookie. Get him a line, he sets the rushing record. Jim Plunkett was a “bust” until he got to Oakland, with Upshaw, Shell, Dalby and the rest. Everyone talks about Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and Steve Young, but would Roger Craig and the rest of those guys have succeeded without the likes of Randy Cross and company? How many yards would Emmitt Smith have gotten if not for Nate Newton, Larry Allen and the rest? Ask Troy Aikman about the importance of offensive line play. Or Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Rocky Bleier, Lynn (shouldn’t be in the Hall if Cliff Branch isn’t) Swann…
April 20th, 2007 at 7:45 am
O-line isn’t the sexy pick but you ask any RB or QB and they will tell you… Why do you think Brady and Peyton all take their O-lines out to eat and you always read about them sending them on trips or buying them tickets to Hawaii for the pro bowl… They do it because they know those guys would kill for them on any given Sunday.
April 20th, 2007 at 7:45 am
Danny, good find on that CJ link, thanks. He seems to good to pass on. We could get a QB
later. I almost like some of these guys better anyway. Sure would be cheaper.
April 20th, 2007 at 7:46 am
Or, for that matter, Kenny Stabler. We ripped people apart in the passing game, and it had a lot to do with him being able to stand out there for a half hour surveying the field. Watch some of the old games; he could have had lunch back there. Or a beer, which most likely would have been his preference…lol
April 20th, 2007 at 7:54 am
If he can rack up the kind of stats he did with a QB that only completed 44% of his passes what do you think he would do with Walter who finished the season with over 60% in the last 3 games (the last 2 games were over 70%)
April 20th, 2007 at 7:57 am
There ain’t NO Orlando Pace in this draft. The OL guys gonna be ROOKIES. They ain’t gonna contribute right away. The FA vets you know what you get, that’s why I like FA OL vets, and ROOKIES gonna take time to develop. 2-3 years… Gallery, Grove? That’s how I see it. just draft weapons.. that’s the way to go.
April 20th, 2007 at 7:57 am
I think Walter would be good if he had some time and a good game plan.
April 20th, 2007 at 7:58 am
Add Johnson to that and he would be even better.
April 20th, 2007 at 8:02 am
Danny… do you have a breakdown as to who caught those balls in the last three games? I have a suspicion that it was mostly the running backs; quick dumpoffs to avoid the inevitable.
I sure hope the line performs better this year…
April 20th, 2007 at 8:02 am
Say Raiders draft OL guys HIGH. What you do with Gallery and Grove? Cut them? The OL guys ain’t gonna contribute right away to help the line or the QB. How about McQuistan. Sit him out so the other guys develop? This is the year to take weapons! This is the wisest move IMO. The Raiders gotta do their homework that’s all. A good shot gun QB gonna be there in the 5th-6th round. I prefer DT/DE over OL guys anytime this draft too.
April 20th, 2007 at 8:02 am
You are right about that RF, in general, but we need depth at line no matter what. And, when
its all over you still have to look beyond next year. How competetive are we going to be next year anyway? You need to be realistic. I hope that I am wrong of course. Just dont see us getting
past San Diego for a while.
April 20th, 2007 at 8:07 am
Never said you have to draft them high. We just need to be smart about this. Rookies are cheaper than free agents too. Plus there aren’t that many still available that are proven and/or cheap enough.
April 20th, 2007 at 8:08 am
Fanatic… I see what you’re saying, but it seems as if we’re relying more on free agency for the O-line. We could use a little depth, however, if the talent is there when we pick. I think most people would agree that our defense, which perfomed heroically last year, could use a little line help as well.
April 20th, 2007 at 8:08 am
The best way to get by Bolts is STOP LT. If ya STOP LT their running game is zero to none. That’s why I like to take some fast and quick hitting LBs..OLB. The 3-4 gonna stop the Bolts run if Raiders have some serious fast hitting tackling LBs. I like LBs with HIGH 40’s time. They cover faster too. There are some available in the 4-5th rounds.
April 20th, 2007 at 8:10 am
Of course if a OL guy is rated HIGH. Raiders should take him or else find them in the lower rounds. That’s how I see it. The top OL guys gonna be gone in the 1st the rest are ???
April 20th, 2007 at 8:14 am
I mean LOW 40’s time for LBs.
April 20th, 2007 at 8:15 am
Draft at least one OL. If it takes a year to develope an OL player, that is a perfect replacement for Simms. Draft DL. Our LBs are really good, we need a big body in the middle to plug holes causing RBs to bounce outside where our LBs and S can take there heads off.
Look how far the SheHawks got when they started building there team from the line out.
April 20th, 2007 at 8:20 am
I think if you want to stop LT you need a DT. And, you keep him off the field using a good
balanced offensive attack. Which, by the way, starts with good O-line play. Go cable. Maybe our current guys will improve and we can take more weapons. I’m just not ready to accept that until I can see them play. Fingers crossed.
Bye RF, nice talking with you.
April 20th, 2007 at 8:24 am
I say if Branch is there in the 33rd slot. He’s a Raider. DT with health issues. A second round is perfect for a gamble injured DT player.
April 20th, 2007 at 8:26 am
You nail LT before he makes his break. The breakaway stride. A fast OLB gonna cut him down and put him off balance falling before he make his BIG runs. The DT is too busy rushing the QB plus guessing on the run or pass. Get the LBs.
April 20th, 2007 at 8:28 am
I have a good feeling about this years draft. I expect an A grade. With Lane Kiffin’s input and knowledge of these kids, we could really shine in this draft. It appears to me CJ is getting picked #1 whether we trade or not. I do like JR and hope he becomes an elite player if we pick him, (I hope he fails if we don’t, then pick him up in 4 years when he couldn’t win in Detroit or Washington.)
I do have concerns when I hear former USC players saying they didn’t like Kiffin.(Jarrett and Kalil)
That would be interesting to keep Moss and CJ and trade Porter. CJ would look better in a 81 jersey, but I think the Offences would look like a Kiffin team with the RBs and TEs but an Al team at WR and QB, doesn’t sound like a good fit to me.
April 20th, 2007 at 8:32 am
DTs arn’t know for rushing the QB and making sacks. They are there to take up as many blockers as they can so the DEs, LBs and blitzing S can get to the QB and RB. The only time DTs get sacks is when the OL has to spread out to block a DE or blitzing LB.
April 20th, 2007 at 8:45 am
From what I am hearing, and take it with a grain of salt, choosing JR over CJ comes dwon to money. I think that if the contract is right, Raiders are going to take JR…I hope not. I would settle for drafting CJ, allowing picks 2 and 3 to take place, and then trading CJ to TB for their #4 overall and just their 2nd rounder. I would glady take JR, Quinn or AP at #4 plus an early 2nd rounder than to take JR alone at #1. Isn’t this just so simple it is stupid? I don’t understand why we need to get all of the “value” back by trading away that #1 pick. To me, JR plus a 2nd rounder is better than JR alone, no? THere will be both an exceptional athlete AND a player of need available at #4 overall. Use it to our advantage. Hell, we could even take AP at #4 and trade away Jordan. Texans, Buffalo, NE and GB could all use him.
April 20th, 2007 at 8:51 am
AW vs Denver
18 for 33 214 yards
5 to Randal Williams
4 to Alvis Whitted
1 to John Madsen
1 to Lamont Jordan
1 to Justin Fargas
2 to Ronald Curry
2 to Rashard Lee
1 to Randy Moss
1 to Zack Crockett
That is solid distribution… Also had 0 INT’s but also 0 TD’s
April 20th, 2007 at 8:54 am
Vs. KC came in for an injured Aaron Brooks
2 for 3 for 15 yards 0 TD’s 0INT’s
both to Curry
Brooks came back in and threw an interception in the end zone costing us the game
April 20th, 2007 at 9:05 am
Vs St Louis - Not brought in until the 4th quarter down 13 to 0
14 for 20 for 131 yards 0 TD’s 2 INT’s
1 to Randal Williams
5 to Rashard Lee
1 to John Madsen
2 to Ronald Curry
4 to Courtney Anderson
2 to Doug Gabriel
1 to Johnnie Morant
April 20th, 2007 at 9:08 am
Vs KC Played entire game
27 for 37 for 226 yards 0 TD’s and 2 INT’s
11 to Ronald Curry
2 to Johnnie Morant
4 to Courtney Anderson
2 to Randall Williams
3 to Rashard Lee
1 to Doug Gabriel
1 to Will Buchanon
2 to Justin Fargas
1 to Zack Crockett
April 20th, 2007 at 9:13 am
He showed nice distribution despite having 2 of his best receivers out for different reasons and also without his starting RB
April 20th, 2007 at 9:22 am
Gotta hand it to you, Danny. Not only to you speak from actual football experience, you step up when asked. It sure looks like AW spread it around well; also that he can find the TE when he wants to.
I agree that CJ presents multiple matchup problems for opposing defenses, but with Al seemingly locked on to JR, and the comments from people like Trestman, Carroll, AJ Smith, and now Joe Gibbs, is it reasonable to expect that we would pass on him in favor of Johnson? I can see both sides of the argument, but I just don’t recall hearing the same comments about a QB from that many qualified observers…
April 20th, 2007 at 9:26 am
Whats even more amazing is that he did this in his 2nd year despite the fact that according to the media he is the worst QB in the league… Apparently anyone can throw for over 70% in the NFL
April 20th, 2007 at 9:30 am
Well the basis for everyone saying we need to take JR is because AW is a horrible QB, his last 4 games actually show that he was steadily improving and if put in a real offense would probably do well… Lets not forget that he played behind one of the worst lines in history, in a system that was outdated 20 years ago today it was just a joke (I’m surprised Walsh didn’t start running split veers after watching Remember the Titans lol), without his top 2 receivers and without his #1 RB for most of the season.
April 20th, 2007 at 9:35 am
Tonight on SportsCenter, the Raiders are “On the Clock”. Tune in so we can all hear Kiper tell us why the Raiders MUST draft JR…..ugh!
April 20th, 2007 at 9:37 am
Thanks Raider from Birth I try to back up any statements I make with a valid argument for it people may not always agree with you but if you make a well thought out statement they at least have to consider it
April 20th, 2007 at 9:40 am
Lets go get CJ @ #1, he is a class act we havent had that since Mr. Raider 81 and im not talking about jerry porter. I think our o-line will be fine with the addition of cable and the cut-blocking scheme. And then in the second round lets get a big nasty to clog those holes. Something like Ted Washington or a Samuel Adams. Everything starts there!
April 20th, 2007 at 9:46 am
We’ll see, I guess. I suppose it comes down to how Kiffin and Davis feel about AW.
I think the one thing we have going for us is the depth at WR in this draft. We can draft CJ and see who wants him the most; if no one wants to pay the price, we keep him. If someone wants him badly enough, we can still get some talent at the position and add some at others.
Funny how one guy (AW) seems to be the biggest factor in what we do, and that there’s so much emotion from the fan base about it. Either you’re comfortable with him and think he could do well given a shot with a better situation, or you’ll jump off a building at the prospect of him leading the team next year.
I’ll go on record as saying that I have more confidence that we’ll do the right thing than in any other time I can remember. I really think Kiffin knows what he’s doing, and that he has a plan.
April 20th, 2007 at 9:50 am
Everyone also forgets to consider the all the benefits of taking CJ
1) Possible Trade Bait - adding more picks gives us more options in the players we take and also a bigger chance of finding the “sleeper” in the draft
2) Leadership - Players follow players that perform on the field
3) If CJ is tearing it up on the field and everyone is seeing how hard he works they will begin to follow suit.
4) His tenacity in blocking will help out the running game dramatically, ask the Steelers RB’s how much they love Hines Ward
5) Attitude - He went years being under utillized and with sub par QB’s (44% completion percentage) and never uttered a single solitary word he just worked harder.
6) Cheaper than a QB taken overall at #1
7) Gives the Raiders a weapon on offense while allowing for the jettison of Moss who has been cancerous to the team while doing very little on the field.
The #1 overall pick is going to be looked at by the players very closely, is there anyone character and work ethic wise that you would want your players following? Work is contagious, players feed off of that… The players on winning teams all work their butts off because they have guys like Bettis and Ward, Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Peyton manning that work so hard they would be ashamed to step on the field knowing they gave anything less.
April 20th, 2007 at 9:59 am
[...] Read more. Digg this:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. [...]
April 20th, 2007 at 10:08 am
I hope JR negotiates himself out of the #1 pick and makes it easy for all of us!
April 20th, 2007 at 10:10 am
Agreed. You could also point to Rice, T Brown and Gannon right here at home. We haven’t been the same since.
Nice thing is, we get that kind of player whether we take CJ or JR. I’ve heard people say that JR isn’t a leader, but those folks didn’t play with or coach him. The ones that did say that he is every bit a leader, just a quiet one. Reminds me a little of Vince Young in that regard. Guys just know he’s going to be there, and they follow him. I’ve heard some scouts and coaches reiterate that, and I think Kiffin was one of them.
Is it the 28th yet???
April 20th, 2007 at 10:17 am
These next 8 days are gonna draaaaaaaaaaaaaaag.
April 20th, 2007 at 10:21 am
I have no problem with JR being a leader I question whether I want the rest of the team following someone who has a questionable work ethic… For those that think it doesn’t matter see Charles Woodson and his impact on Phillip Buchanon who was a star his rookie year but started to act more and more like Woodson and became a total bust
April 20th, 2007 at 10:24 am
Thanks Jerry, and thank you all for a lot of great posts. I must say it was nice to see KoolKell kick off with a respectable post followed by Coach on Wheels’ substantive reply.
I’ve expressed my pro-Tui comments enough in the past so I won’t add anything here.
Eight days to Christmas!!
April 20th, 2007 at 10:29 am
This draft was the begining that sent the franchise Spiraling downwards. Drafting Gibson instead of Todd Heap had a huge domino effect that effected the next 5 drafts. The next year we draft Napoleon Harris and Phillip Bucannan (another bad draft) in the first round and with each pick we could have had Ed Reed, but why draft a Saftey? We already have Gibson, right? Coincidentally We also Passed on a couple good TE’s again in Daniel Graham and Jerramy Stevens…In ‘04 we all know the Disaster that has been Gallery, and we again passed on good saftey and TE in Sean Taylor and Kellen Winslow. I fairly sure we don’t draft Taylor because we are still high on Gibson who we really haven’t seen how bad he is because he’s been hurt alot. We come full circle last year when we Finally Realize that Gibson Sucks so we almost have to draft a Saftey in Michael Huff, who I like, but we passed on a Chance to get Matt Leinart who I think will be the best QB out of the ‘05,’06,’07 Draft Classes, and Who I thought we should take the chance of Trading UP to get last year, and I was estatic that he fell to us last year almost as much as I was shocked we didn’t draft him. Thus we are in a quandry this year of who to draft…CJ or JR, when it should be clear to everyone that we should draft CJ the best player we have available, all because of Derrick Gibson. I see JR as a Bust waiting to happen so I’m sure we’ll take him. I think we should trade with Tampa Bay and get a bunch of Picks and We’ll still get Brady Quinn at #4, who I think is the 2nd best QB prospect in the last 3 years…2nd only to Leinart. But our Front office (Davis) is just to infatuated with JR and CJ to do the right and Smart thing.
April 20th, 2007 at 11:01 am
Good points Double H that the Gibson pick started our freefall. It does appear as you have noted that the Gibson-over-Heap selection has caused us to continually overlook quality safeties while continually chasing that elusive TE.
I had a little different “take” on Leinart dropping to us at #7 last year. I felt that we should have drafted Huff, which we did. My thinking was simple - we drafted AW a year earlier in round 3. By taking Leinart, we were giving up the prior year’s #3 without allowing him a “look”. In most instances, I agree with taking the best available talent(Leinart over Huff), but the situation we had with drafting AW as our QB of the future had to trump the BPA theory. This coming from a devout USC and Leinart fan. My thinking is conisitent today. I cannot take the 8 games AW played under those incredulous conditions, and give up on him. Oakland obviously saw talent in him which is why they drafted him. For the record, many scouts said he had 1st round talent but slipped because of the sholder surgery he had following his senior year. I have no problem draftinganother QB in the late 3rd early 4th round, but CJ is my pick…and I have no problem trading him away for talent. One of Adams, Peterson, JR or Quinn will be there at #4. All guys are worth that pick, especially since we would gain additional draft picks by doing so.
April 20th, 2007 at 11:09 am
RF i like your picks bush would be a steal 1 round player with a 3round pick .Bush can sit for a year and let his leg heal , this is what the raiders should have dine when they had the chance to draft willis mcgee we woulndt be having this conversation. I would take ben patrcik but you can’tgo wrong with miller.
April 20th, 2007 at 11:13 am
so you mean too tell that they think 30 is better than 38? both of them suck if you ask me but i would rather have gib in the backfield.
April 20th, 2007 at 11:20 am
All the sites have Raiders taking Russell regardless. Realgmfootball.com say it’s pretty much a done deal! Russell fans cross your fingers…this is suspenseful!
April 20th, 2007 at 11:22 am
Ben Patrick have FLABS! I just don’t understand these guys… they go to the combine built like a polar bear. LOL… he’s friggin slow too!
April 20th, 2007 at 11:24 am
Zach Miller got a pair of HANDS. That’s what a TE should have NOT dropsy like Courtney Alexander, a PHYSICAL SPECIMEN like Dudley. LOL.. where’s the talent in these TEs nowaday!
April 20th, 2007 at 11:28 am
I say if a TE cannot hang on to catchable balls, then he shouldn’t be in the league, go play Arena football or something. Alexander drop a easy Walter pass, he just walk away like it’s nothing in one game, a possible 15+ yards gain. LOL
April 20th, 2007 at 11:31 am
I suppose the guys with FLABS assume once they get their paychecks, they made it, don’t have to work hard for the position cause they drafted HIGH and given the starter role. Where’s is the HUNGER in these kids coming out. A QB built like a TACKLE, TE built like a DT, LOL… all ya know who I’m refering to in this case.
April 20th, 2007 at 11:31 am
RF - I don’t put much credence in information coming out of the Philadelphia Daily News…though JR is definitely a possibility.
April 20th, 2007 at 11:34 am
Isn’t a football player suppose to have “wash board abs” like in the old days working out and improving their skills? The guys Raiders are HIGH on have FLABS and no definition on their physical arm etc, LOL… BUSTS waiting to happen IMO.
April 20th, 2007 at 11:34 am
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2842967
This is the funniest thing I’ve ever read talking about we need a franchise QB then concedes later on when talking about Brooks’s failure that he was put in a system that didn’t give him a chance to succeed… So a 9 year vet has no chance to succeed but a 2 year vet does? interesting
April 20th, 2007 at 11:41 am
I’m Old and still have my “wash board abs” from varsity football. I’m pround of my physcial condition for MY age. LOL.. FLABS for an athlete is embarassment IMO.
April 20th, 2007 at 11:46 am
When I played we took pride in looking good, not sure what happened.
April 20th, 2007 at 11:54 am
I have to ask all of you.. watch SUMO westling on ESPN. LOL.. the guys just eat themselves to death getting FLABS. That’s how I see Russell and Patrick. LOL… Russell.. Jenny Craig is on speed dial! Same with Ben Patrick… they both make good weight watcher commericals. LOL.
April 20th, 2007 at 11:57 am
Oh well… Russell wearing Black will hide his FLABS. That’s a positive IMO. He’d look slimmer in Black, the home games. LOL..
April 20th, 2007 at 11:58 am
No need to look good, or even perform well for that matter, when you get that huge signing bonus. Many of these clowns think it is back-pay for their college years.
April 20th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
I cannot believe one scout say Ben Patrick is gonna be a very good TE. The guy was chuggingg along with his belly flopping.. LOL.. the scouts should be FIRED ASAP.
April 20th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
I’m no NFL scout but the one rule I look at is PHYSICAL CONDITION of the player. The definition of his arms and abs, strong calves… the kid been runnning I say to myself and working out, I’d be impress. If I see an suppose to be athlete with FLABS I get turned off immediately. Then I look at the skill level, the attitude and desire to WIN. It doesn’t matter if the kid come from a small school as long as the attributes are there I say the kid is gonna be a winner. That’s just my opinion.
April 20th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Out of shape player to me says that he isn’t willing to put in the work to be better.
April 20th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
The image is important too. It represent the franchise you are playing for IMO. The player will not sell products and NOT marketable IMO. I guess alot of kids don’t care but wanna get paid. They get cut by the money is in the bank already and the agents talk them up to the team drafting them don’t care, they got their commision already. My best answer to these kids outta shape.
April 20th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
so what you are saying rf is that you have to have wash board abs to suced in the nfl? . Lets see of all the players in the leauge do you think they have wash board abs? I can name a few names brady,manning, montana ,elway, .Look at bradys 40 myard dash di you think he was going to be a good ob?so my point is body type dont mean any thing when it comes too how you play foot ball mr.
April 20th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
new blog up
April 20th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
RF, I don’t understand half the shit you post….you keep going off on various tangents….i.e. “They get cut by the money is in the bank already and the agents talk them up to the team drafting them don’t care, they got their commision already. My best answer to these kids outta shape”…..what is this gibberish…..no disrespect. Please explain clearly.
April 20th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
Interesting to see the rise and fall of those in the spotlight. Happened to quinn, russel and johnson…All of this had been relatively clear until the mob starts overanalyzing. This is simple really, we have a stronger need at QB not WR. The best QB specimen comming out of college in years is available at #1, are we seriously debating taking a WR over him?? Russel has the best arm in college and arguably all of football including the NFL. Not just strenth, put touch and accuracy. He is big, strong has pocket presence and can scramble. He has an excellent track record, has won the big games against the toughest competition and his stats have improved yr over yr. On top of all of that he has a humble demeanor and is considered intelligent. What do you want more of???? CJ is a solid receiver but more of an owens possesion receiver who has not dazzled anyone with his playmaking ability after the catch. He does not have elite speed and does his best as a posession receiver which we do not terribly need as porter and curry are above average. I can go on and on but though its just my opinion i am little worried as i suspect he is already a lock with Davis and all this jibber jabber is for nothing.
April 20th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
The simple fact that the Buffalo Bills paid Langston Walker 25 million is testimony to two facts. Offensive linemen are at a premium in the FA market and the Bills will have the first overall pick next year. I wonder if Aaron Brooks will get picked up by someone. Hell, Kerry Collins got a gig last year. I would be more likely to pick up Brooks than Tui. Maybe brooks can get a 35 million dollar deal in Buffalo and play behind their awesome OL, ha!