Draft review: 2004
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Sunday, April 22nd, 2007 at 10:00 am in Oakland Raiders.
Tenth in a series reviewing Raiders’ draft classes since they returned to Oakland in 1995:
1/2_Robert Gallery, T, Iowa
2/45_Jake Grove, C, Virignia Tech
3/67_Stuart Schweigert, S, Purdue
4/99_Carlos Francis, WR, Iowa
5/134_Johnnie Morant, WR, Syracuse
6/166_Shawn Johnson, DE, Delaware
6/182_CodySpencer, LB, North Texas
7/245_Courtney Anderson, TE, San Jose State
7/255_Andre Sommersell, LB, Colroado State
The top pick_Gallery was considered the safest pick in the draft and was being mentioned in the same breath as stalwart left tackles Tony Boselli, Orlando Pace and Jonathan Ogden. Lost in the difficulties of the past two seasons was a pretty fair rookie season as a right tackle, particularly as a pass blocker.
In Year 2, the Raiders switched from Aaron Kromer to Jim Colletto as line coach and Gallery seemed to regress, finishing the season with a broken leg. Under the trio of Art Shell, Irv Eatman and Jackie Slater, Gallery was abused in Week 1 by Shawne Merriman and never really recovered. He had a lingering groin injury as well as a dislocated elbow.
In 2007, Tom Cable will bring a zone, cut-blocking scheme and give Gallery yet another coach. The Raiders are optimistic that the style will suit Gallery, who is an angular 6-foot-7 and more agile than powerful. Another year like 2006 and he could be classified as a bust of Mandarich proportions.
Could have had_Receivers Larry Fitzgerald (No. 3 to Arizona) and Roy Williams (No. 7 to Detroit) were both available and would haven not only eased the transition from Tim Brown and Jerry Rice, but made the later deal for Randy Moss unnecessary.
The nasty center_Second-round center Grove’s past has been similar to Gallery. Cable and Co. will need to work the same magic with Grove they hope to work with Gallery.
Can’t catch on_Morant has been a pre-season wonder who vanishes in the regular season. He never gained the trust of either Turner or Shell in terms of knowledge of the offense and assignements. Francis, world class sprinter, simply can’t stay healthy and has remained on Al Davis scholarship because of his speed.
Draft bargains_Anderson has produced more than one would expect for a seventh round choice, although he hasn’t taken the extra step to become a consistent, dependable player. He will have to compete for a position on the Kiffin Raiders, but still has the best size and skill combination of any tight end on the roster.
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April 22nd, 2007 at 10:17 am
I remember this draft like it was yesterday and it still irritates me. With Rice and Brown getting up there in age, I really wanted the Raiders to draft Fitzgerald to team him up with Porter so the WR position would be set for the future. Instead they took Gallery and traded for Moss the next year, brilliant.
The Raiders have to get it right this year, only six days left.
April 22nd, 2007 at 11:06 am
We need to get it right. But after seeing the moves Kiffin has made so far with the pick ups in coaches and players, I trust Kiffin will get Al to make a good choice. I trust Kiffin with whoever he wants.
April 22nd, 2007 at 11:37 am
I say give Kiffen the keys. Give him his players… I got a feeling the kid know what to do and he’s gonna make the Raiders WINNER again. The main issue is winning NOT lust for a player at their repective position. I gotta a gut feeling this kid knows what it takes to turn it around. I wanted to post AFTER the draft, but, I feel it necessary to give my take like all the loyal bloggers.
April 22nd, 2007 at 11:41 am
Plus, I know it’s hard for the maverick to let go, BUT, look at the prior drafts. This is sad and embarrassing plus the 4 seasons of lost. One player will NOT turn it around… whether it be QB, WR, RB, OL, DT,DE, etc… it’s a team game IMO.
April 22nd, 2007 at 11:45 am
The failure to pick up Fitz or Roy W. then reminds me of the position we are in now. Both Moss and Porter will be gone after 2007, if not sooner. We have a chance to pick up a franchise WR much like we havd the chance then. Don’t let history repeat itself. Take CJ and never have to worry about a #1 WR for the next 10 years. You just can’t say that about any other prospect at any other position in thsi years draft.
April 22nd, 2007 at 11:48 am
raiders still need jamarcus russell, because randy moss jerry porter and the rest of the
offense need a qb who is a leader and who is superior to the rest of the offense in terms
of athletic ability, size, and intensity.
April 22nd, 2007 at 11:55 am
Face it… the brass, fans, media ain’t on the field playing the game. The coaches are.. they make the decisons, whether it’s a win or loss, I say give the kid his players and work with him, then make the right choice. We’d all know Raiders gonna be without their 2 wideouts in Moss and Porter after 2008, so take that into considersion. The Raiders cannot draft for LUST of a player, make a rational decison what will it take to get the Raiders back on track in WINNING. This is the risk all franchises take. Give the kid his players and work with him, this is a gamble I’m willing to take, we’d all should see the positive results in pre-season.
April 22nd, 2007 at 11:56 am
marques tuiassossop, sohuld be added to the list of raiders drafts busts, the kid played, stunked, and got laid out, he was overrated because he played in a system based offense in washington that made him look good, and the guy is nothing bud a below average journeyman backup, what a waste of a draft pick, how does tui get drafted higher than tom brady?
April 22nd, 2007 at 12:01 pm
Raiders wasn’t the only team passing Brady. If Brady was in this draft and we’d all know what he can do and produce for the franchise, then he’d be the consensus No.1 pick no doubt. This is a HUGE GAMBLE of upfront money and cap ramification with the 1st pick. It’s important the brass/coach/scouts do their homework and NOT get the hype of media and fans factoring into their decison. What is BEST for nthe franchise as a whole. That’s the main concern.
April 22nd, 2007 at 12:31 pm
Very nice.
Gallery’s going to do just fine and will likely play another 8-10 seasons. He should thrive under the Cable, Kiffin stretch and cut “West Coast Hybrid.”
Is it just me, or is Grove unusually agile for his tremendous size.
Drafted too high by all accounts, Grove was likely a Hail Mary to recover from the untimely freak out by All-Pro Barrett Robbins.
Schweigert gets poor grades from too many fans. Not the prettiest tackler, but no one can doubt his numbers.
In large part, hes responsible for the Raiders great success on defense last year.
Again, Grove will likely have a long tenure in the league, is reletively young and likely to grow and learn as the seasons progress.
Johnnie Morant has looked really good and been productive in many games.
Unfortunately, all in the pre-season.
Why he hasn’t seen more game time is anyones guess.
Granted, Moss and Porter hold the top slots, but certainly, Morant should be competing w ith Whitted and Gabriel for the number 3.
Likely, those days have passed barring an injury to the newly monied Curry.
April 22nd, 2007 at 12:34 pm
schweigert is overrated, because the media wants a white guy to succeed as a defensive back, the white media always glorifies and overrates slwo whtie defensive backs like pat
tillman, john lynch, jason sehorn, stuart schweigert, bill bates, kevin kaesviharn.
April 22nd, 2007 at 12:40 pm
And its the media who is starting Schweigert right? The media just happens to control the Raiders and tell them what to do. The media tells Al Davis who he should start on offense and defense.
Dude - Give up your white comments, they don’t make any sense.
April 22nd, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Fact Stu was the #3 tackler last year. He was our best safety and unlike Huff didn’t come on on short yardage plays.
April 22nd, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Anybody who says jr is more “athletic” than quinn (or athletic at all) should check their racism quotient.
Quinn is faster, leaner, benches more.
Russell is fatter, slower, and can’t keep the weight off. He throws hard. Shoot he’s not an athelete - he’s a MLB pitcher.
April 22nd, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Calling Jamarcus Russell athletic is like calling Shaquille O’Neal athletic. The only reason Shaq is successful is because there is nobody big enough in the middle to stop the guy. Hes a man among boys but thats a game of basketball. Imagine giving Shaq the football and telling him to be our QB. You end up with Jamarcus Russell.
April 22nd, 2007 at 12:52 pm
This is football NOT the NBA. LOL
April 22nd, 2007 at 12:55 pm
I don’t have any issue with Swaggert… maybe he improve on his decison making and timing.. LOL if he producing then I’m all for it. I hope the Raiders make the right call.
April 22nd, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Hindsight is 20-20, but at the time I thought Gallery was a good #2 pick. It always starts with the line play, and blindside OT is a particularly important position. It is essential to a powerful offense. Three years ago, the history of the preceding 10 years indicated that compared to OLs, QBs and WRs had a much greater bust percentage and typically required several years to become productive anyway. Compared to Eli Manning at #1 and Larry Fitzgerald at #3, taking Gallery was a good thinking decision at the time. He certainly was a coveted pick and probably topped half of the teams’ boards.
That, of course, is why he has been such a disappointment to date - but we still don’t know how this will play out. If he comes into his own with the new coaching, we will be glad we got him.
April 22nd, 2007 at 2:27 pm
Last year if we would have took leinart or cutler we wouldnt have too take a qb . The number 1 pick would be cj or ap or make a trade.
April 22nd, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Well shaq has won how many rings? Thst what you wnat a qb can bring think about what you have said puff i mean huff.
April 22nd, 2007 at 2:40 pm
Russell is very athletic. He’s got great balance and excapability. He can move around a lot better than people think. He’s excellent at exucuting rollouts. He keeps his eyes up-field untill he finds an open receiver.
April 22nd, 2007 at 3:37 pm
my nigga jamarcus better get drafted, also keep moss, jamarcus and moss and the rest of them niggaz can take care of business in the afc west and bring back some intensity.
April 22nd, 2007 at 3:39 pm
also stu might have made the third most tackles on the team, but most of them were 20 yards down the field after he got blocked,
also quinn is an overrated prettyboy like leinart, and is overrated by those white boosters at notre dame and their white coutnerparts in nbc, nbc should lose rights to showing notre dame games and throwing notre dame propaganda at the public also nbc shouldn’t be allwoed to show football after being an enabler to don imus.
April 22nd, 2007 at 3:54 pm
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April 22nd, 2007 at 3:55 pm
Coach Zeke. Why do you hate African-American people so much??? Can’t you use better words to name such a fine race of people. Are u living in the 60’s? Come on, clean up your act. We don’t need this type of talk about African-Americans. Our team (Raiders) have a great number of balck players and you are a racist individual that hurts with your mean words towards us. I hope you can keep it clean.
April 22nd, 2007 at 3:56 pm
how come raiders.com doesnt have a message board? why is al davis so cheap, raiders.com doesnt have enough interactive items for fans to chat compared to every other NFL official team website.
April 22nd, 2007 at 4:29 pm
I too thought Gallery was the safe pick. The BPA was Fitz. Imagine if we had our franchise WR in Fitz for the next 10 years? See what happens when you select need over BPA!
ESPN is reporting that the Raiders ideal situation is that TB trades up for CJ. But what does that really mean? Will the Raiders take CJ and then trade down when its TB’s time to pick? Or will Oakland be able to swing the deal before the draft starts?
Does anyone know - when SD traded away the rights to Vick, did it happen while the draft was in progress or did it happen before the draft began?
April 22nd, 2007 at 4:32 pm
gallery wasnt safe he was overrated, mel kiper hyped up gallery so much, and proves he
knows nothing, espn can go to hell, they overhype too many of these white guys.
April 22nd, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Zeke rhymes with DEEK.
Remember that racist. You are a disgrace. Take a hike with you butt buddy Al Sharpton…another racist.
April 22nd, 2007 at 5:04 pm
the raiders should hire marv marinovich to be their strength coach in order to reduce injuries, especially the lineman, marv could get these guys to trim down in order to be in
proper shape for the zone blocking scheme.
April 22nd, 2007 at 5:11 pm
I love the Raiders “playing the game”. Davis loves JR…yet he loves CJ. Kiff prefers Quinn over JR because he fits the system but he loves CJ. Knapp wants nothing to do with a young QB.
The only consistency is CJ. Its the only guy all 3 agree on…interesting.
April 22nd, 2007 at 5:18 pm
Seems like doing the trade at draft time makes the most sense. If we pick CJ and wait till the fourth pick we can see who’s there, Quinn or Russell. If we like the result we can fleece Tampa and get the guy we wanted (Al or Lane wanted) all along. If for some reason both QBs are gone, CJ is a nice consolation prize…
April 22nd, 2007 at 5:38 pm
Drafting CJ for most of Tampa’s picks and possibly Simeon Rice makes too much sense. We solidy the other side of Derrick Burgess and you have to wonder why we let Lance Johnstone go so early (maybe a deal is in place?) We drop down to 4 with alot of quality left on the board. Quinn can still fall if Detroit takes Thomas and Cleveland takes Peterson. We win even if we end up with Thomas, Peterson, Quinn or Gaines Adams or maybe one of the DT’s on the draft board. We will have double the picks we have now for the rest of the draft and can afford to get one of the other QB’s and fill our needed spots on the offensive and defensive line for depth and youth. If Tampa is as serious about trading with Detroit, I can only see them being more serious about trading with the Raiders because we hold all the cards. Drafting CJ is a win win situation. Drafting Russell is even more feasible at #4 for all of the JR lovers because we have the added ability of upgrading all the other positions at once.
April 22nd, 2007 at 5:47 pm
Drafting JR doesn’t fix all the problems we have right now because he just isn’t ready to make an immediate impact. I agree that Quinn may not be an immediate impact as well but I do feel he would be more ready if pressed into action right away. CJ is more important even if we keep him because Moss and Porter may be gone after this season. We already have a young QB in Walter and he can flourish with CJ plus things don’t look so great when Moss and Porter leave. As much as I like Curry, it will be important to have someone on the other side of him who can spread the field with their speed. Allowing TB to take CJ at least puts a great WR in the NFC and out of the AFC.
April 22nd, 2007 at 6:19 pm
I see the possible Tampa trade as a way to bundle two second round picks and move back up into the bottom of the first round to get Kalil or one of the guards. Although Kalil talked some trash about the Raiders, getting him would be a huge boost for the Kiffin system. What’s he going to do, not show up?
April 22nd, 2007 at 6:21 pm
Stu is the only guy drafted out of this group that is worth a damn.
April 22nd, 2007 at 7:40 pm
how does any of you know what kiff thinks about jr,cj, quinn etc. Have any of you ever talked too kiff? Its all media talk until the draft no one will know so stop saying what ther raiders will cause known of use know .
April 22nd, 2007 at 7:40 pm
Who ever doesn’t think JR is athletic hasn’t seen him play.
April 22nd, 2007 at 7:50 pm
He isn’t athletic against an NFL defense.
April 22nd, 2007 at 8:05 pm
COACH ZEKE:
I think time will tell in the Pat Tillman case and it will be revealed that however he died, he was likely exploited by Republican sympathetic press.
Not sure he was really touted as a player, I never heard much from him before he headed for war.
I think likely Schweigert is contoversial because of his unorthodox style rather than the color of his skin.
As I’ve mentioned before, his numbers don’t lie.
Its also likely hes being touted because hes a major contributor to the #1 pass defense in the league.
On this coast Seahorn got more press for marrying Angie Harmon than his on field exploits.
Not sure where you’ve garnered your information, but it would seem you may have formed an opinion based on racism rather than quantifiable facts.
You do yourself an injustice by selling your self short.
Open your mind rather than narrowing what is and isn’t acceptable.
Sometimes people are always angry because they narrow themselves into a world where almost nothing is satisfactory.
This burdens those around you and wastes the precious “quality” time we get here. You only get so much.
If the Raiders re-sign or restructure Nnamdi, which they likely will if produces big numbers agin this year, the Raiders look to be all right in the secondary for the forseeable future.
Not sure of any top flight expendetures in coverage.
Doss would’ve been consideration if Schwiegert were that much of a concern.
Scope out some Compassion (above all else) Reason and Logic (the quantification of an opinion by the widest and varied opinions possible).
Its the key to happiness and understanding for you and those you love.
Peace my brother,
MVH
April 22nd, 2007 at 8:14 pm
Maybe we don’t need another center; I understand where everyone’s coming from on that one, but there are more versatile OL that will probably be available around the same time. I noticed that we had Arron Sears from Tennessee in for a visit last week; he played four of the five positions on the line while in school, and for a pretty good team.
Talk about D Rhodes all you want to, I think the Cooper Carlisle signing is our biggest so far. An established starter, familiar with the new system, that frees us to move other guys around.
A couple of other guys that may be available depending on whose mock draft you look at, are Ben Grubbs of Auburn, Josh Beekman (sp?) from Boston College, and a pretty highly regarded guard/tackle from Texas (whose name escapes me, sorry).
If I count right, we cuurently have three centers on the roster. Adam Treu is valuable as a long snapper, and Newberry and Jake Grove. Don’t know if the situation is dire enough at that position to draft another one, especially one that’s said he doesn’t want to be here…
April 22nd, 2007 at 8:25 pm
Mykle Van Hausen,
Im not racist or a bigot, but i do find that the media tends to give more “attention” to
caucasian players @ the defensive back position due to it being a predominantly
African-American position. I still find it foolish that John Lynch made the probowl
over michael huff, kerry rhodes, and donte whitner.
April 22nd, 2007 at 8:26 pm
The guard from Texas is Justin Blaylock. Some mocks also have Joe Staley available at or near the top of the second round. So, maybe some choices.
April 22nd, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Eric - Why don’t we just end this blog as well. Why don’t we just stop talking altogether. Lets just end football and the Raiders. Dude….SHUT UP!!!
April 22nd, 2007 at 8:46 pm
It sure would be nice if we could talk football on this blog, instead of trying to identify racists, morons, idiots, and the like.
We’re all Raider fans, right?
April 22nd, 2007 at 10:18 pm
In all fairness to Kalil, I’m not sure he was bashing the Raiders. I think he was mocking the idea he’d be taken #1 overall. There was a comment about him going in the first round and he was asked about what team might take him. Obviously the Raiders wouldn’t. I’m not so sure he doesn’t want to play for Oakland.
April 22nd, 2007 at 10:30 pm
Dream scenario -
Oakland trades #1 to TB for it’s first 3 picks and a player to be named later (Rice etc…)
#4 - Brady Quinn - The best WCO QB available.
Oakland trades Moss and TB’s pick #37 and a 6 or 7th for GB’s #16
#16 - M Lynch - The best WCO RB available
#33 - S Smith WR becomes the third pick in what KC will later call the “unholy trinity”.
4th #1 - Rob Ryan finds the 3rd stud LB in 3 drafts
4th #4 thru 7th - Best DT, DE, OT, TE, C available
The Raiders have Walter & Quinn at QB, Lynch & Rhodes, Curry-Smith-Porter at WR
Jordan and Porter are traded before they become FA’s and if Walter and Quinn don’t look like they’ll work, McCown becomes a FA next year and 3 stud QB’s are coming out of college.
April 22nd, 2007 at 11:00 pm
I think that Gallery & Grove will both step up this season..
http://mvn.com/nfl-raiders/
April 22nd, 2007 at 11:23 pm
Coach on Wheels - I like that scenario. I can only pray that if we trade Calvin Johnson, we end up with Brady Quinn.
April 22nd, 2007 at 11:28 pm
I honestly think Robert Gallery and Jake Grove will both show some improvement. Gallery really didn’t have a mentor to work with and had bad coaching. Sims was not about to help out Gallery when he felt like there was no competition between the both of them. Langston Walker wasn’t a good enough player to teach anything. Grove was trying to call signals at the line with bad coaching and QB’s like Collins and Brooks. The type of blocking coming in is going to help them BIG TIME. Newberry can now teach Grove how to play this game properly and knows Tom Cable real well from previous coaching staffs. Carlisle and Newberry are the necessary veterans on the line we have lacked and will be coaches on the field for a system that works and thats HUGE. Sims seems like the odd man out because I don’t see him playing any other position other than LT and I think Gallery is going to win that battle. I see Carlisle at LG, Grove or Newberry at C, Boothe at RG and probably a rookie at RT. I wouldn’t doubt seeing Sims cut after the draft but hes going to be happy if hes not playing LT. I wouldn’t mind seeing him start there but I don’t think hes fast enough anymore.
April 22nd, 2007 at 11:42 pm
From the sportingnews.com
OFFSEASON STAR: RG Kevin Boothe is flourishing in Oakland’s offseason program. He has his weight under control, he is the projected starter at the position he inherited early his rookie season last year, and he has the confidence that came with his making the quick and successful jump from a small-time collegiate program to the NFL without much difficulty. He still had the expected struggles and inconsistencies last season that most rookies experience. However, he improved at a steady pace as the season progressed because of his superior smarts, strong work ethic and the size and strength to handle massive defensive tackles. He is expected to be a long-term starter at right guard for the Raiders and someone Kiffin counts on to be a linchpin in his bolstering of an offensive line that allowed a league-worst 72 sacks last season.
With this information We can pretty much pencil in our starting OL for 2007, barring injury. Looks like Boothe will be our starter at RG, which means Carlisle will be starting at LG. Sims is making 6.5m next year, no way he sits, which means he is probably playing LT. Gallery, unless he shows Sim’s up, will inherit the RT position, possibly taking over for Sims in midseason. The only position left is Center. I think Newberry will beat out grove, but drafting Kalil at 33 is a posibility. We haven’t even seen where McQuistan, or Morris fit in, both rookies from last year who will most likely improve. Morris was seem taking snaps at Guard in the minicamp, so with Morris, McQuistan, Grove, Boothe, and Carlisle all capable of playing Guard, I do not see us drafting any guards until maybe the way end of the draft. Look for the Raider’s to draft a tackle on Day 1 (Joe Staley would be ideal, but unreachable at 33). Allen Barbre, Mike Otto, or Toney Ugoh are all possible in the 2nd/3rd rounds. I also predict we will draft a C/G on Day 2, just as in case, and probably sign him to the practice squad for a year, ala Morris last year.
April 22nd, 2007 at 11:45 pm
Also from the sportingnews.com
SCOUTING REPORT: The neck injury Darnell Bing suffered during training camp forced him to miss his rookie season. However, he has healed and is ready to make his mark as an outside linebacker and special teams player. He converted from strong safety in college and showed promise during training camp. He has impressive speed, is a big hitter and tends to make big plays throughout the course of a game. However, he still needs to add some weight to a body that was accustomed to playing in the secondary. He also lacks NFL experience. However, he is a player the Raiders envision as a starter in the near future as long as he doesn’t suffer any long-term damage from his injury. Look for the Raiders to try Bing at outside linebacker and safety as a means of determining where he best fits into defensive coordinator Rob Ryan’s scheme.
All you guys hoping for a OLB on Day 1 should stop wishing. Williams was a decent starter, may not be special, But we have Bing who will likely get a shot at playing SLB. Don’t forget, we resigned Thomas in the offseason and he can play any LB position well. Thats 3 LB all capable of playing OLB for the Raiders, so I think we are in pretty good shape there. Ricky Brown is also a decent backup at MLB. I envision the raiders drafting a OLB on Day 2 as depth, Someone like Dallas Sartz out of USC. He’s more of an athlete than a football player, but hes big and fast and should be a decent reserve for the year while he works in Ryan’s scheme.
April 22nd, 2007 at 11:54 pm
dude you need too shut huff and puff in a cloud off dust thats what you comments are lol.
April 23rd, 2007 at 12:00 am
Wow. That was intelligent. You should give yourself a cookie.
April 23rd, 2007 at 2:00 am
Cnnsi site say Bears might take Quincy Black with the 32rd 1st round selection. A few DTs and OL guys might be available with the 33rd pick. kaili is expected to be drafted in the middle 2nd round from a site.. the Seahawks want hin with their 2nd round pick. Kaili ain’t 1st round material.
April 23rd, 2007 at 2:06 am
The LB coach of the Bears went and VISIT Black, This is revealing that he’s gone in the 1st round, mark him off for the Raiders. I read a few sites forum Raiders get a bunch of sleepers no-names with their 6-7th rounders. Good idea to replace the expensive non-producing vets on the rosters. Trimmed 8mm off the payroll for a team losing 4 seasons straight. I believe Branch will be available with the 33rd pick. Sites say he’s gonna slide to the 2nd round, he was projected to be a top 10 player, LOL… I take Branch in a heartbeat, regardless of stress fractures in his legs. He’s the DT stopper in the middle who could replace Sapp in a whim, him and Terdell gonna stuff the run ASAP. The Bolts LT gonna have hard time looking for holes IMO.
April 23rd, 2007 at 2:09 am
I imagine a few Trojans are gonna be wearing Silver/Black. But I would use the picks wisely as sloted in a few sites, don’t wanna miss the guys that might make INSTANT IMPACT for the Raiders ahead of a LUSTED Trojan IMO.
April 23rd, 2007 at 2:23 am
All the sites still have Russell going in at No.1 selection. I really think about it if I was a Raiders brass… 60million is alot of money and could be used else where thru out the roster. The odds of cap implication being limited are HIGH IMO. I say if Russell can come in and start ASAP making all the throws and getting 4000+ yards then it’s a no brainer. Plus, make the po bowl in the 1-2 season, or this move might NOT be wise getting cap out with little production. Just hope the Raiders make the right call.
April 23rd, 2007 at 2:37 am
I really believe there is no demand for Raiders players. Badger and Lancestone gets CUT before the draft to save money. No team is knocking on their doors for their services because of their non-productions. Backup don’t deserve that kind of money regardless of experience, if that are backups, experience vs. money. I take cost cutting IMO.
April 23rd, 2007 at 2:42 am
Mike Williams getting cut and being pickup by the Raiders really shouldn’t affect their draft strategy. Talent is talent.. there is never enough. With the 1st pick the Raiders select??? LOL ..I still don’t know until draft day. There’s so much rumors out there right now before 4/28 it’s unbelievable.
April 23rd, 2007 at 2:50 am
badger and johnstone were cut last week
April 23rd, 2007 at 3:18 am
Quincy Black played the same position as Brian Urlacker for NM it a hybread between safty and mlb (it called the lobo) Black would be a great late 2nd round pick up for the Raiders
The weekness on Defence for the Raiders was stoping the run. With the stress fractor that Alan Branch has mabey we can pick him up at 33
April 23rd, 2007 at 6:30 am
This draft is the collective nightmare of ther Raider Nation. Beginning with SD drafting E.Manning, despite his having told them he would not play for them and begged them not to draft him, in large part because Marty Schottenheimer became convinced Al Davis was going to select Manning with the #2 pick. I agree with everyone that regrets drafting Gallery. Now. At the time every coach in the league thought he was the best move. If Oakland hadn’t taken him # 2, he would’ve gone #3. But we took him and he turned into a bust and a money pit. And we can’t do anything about it currently. But at the time he was the can’t miss pick.
April 23rd, 2007 at 6:35 am
Quincy Blackhas 4.42 speed 42″ leap and had 113 tackles as a senior.He is 6 2″ tall and weights 240.He is quick and makes good reads.
April 23rd, 2007 at 7:06 am
NEWS**** I just read the best news I’ve heard all year. Rob Ryan signed a new two year deal for more money! Yep, we should have a solid D for a while. I know he can still leave if he wanted but at least he’s getting more money. Hopefully the offense comes along while the getting is good, so we can take a few more shots at the Lombardi this decade.
April 23rd, 2007 at 7:19 am
Are you sure that wasn’t REX Ryan that just got the 2 year extension?
April 23rd, 2007 at 7:46 am
It was Rex Ryan
April 23rd, 2007 at 8:12 am
CCTimes article say Al Davis regret passing up on Leinart. Amen! Leinart wouldn’t hace cost the Raiders 60 million dollars for christ sake. Raiders will draft for need and cough up 60 million dollars on a QB NOT prepare to start ASAP. Russell need to start ASAP. You do not REDSHIRT a QB paying 60 million dollars. I’m sure all the Russell lovers agree with me?
April 23rd, 2007 at 8:15 am
The Bears will draft for BEST player at their respective 31st slot. That’s Quincy Black. Whoever mention Black earlier got it right in this blog. He’s a possibility. I agree one OLB should be taken in this draft with one blogger.
April 23rd, 2007 at 8:18 am
Once Russell name is called. Walter will be the backup. No buts or if, you start Russell and have ZERO debate. 60 million dollars for crying out is alot for being a backup.
April 23rd, 2007 at 9:16 am
Interesting that Jerry Rice stated on his radio show that the Raiders must take JR.
April 23rd, 2007 at 9:20 am
I have to ASSUME Rice made the statement because he knew the maverick wanted a VERTICAL ATTACK. Russell arm is the fix for the long ball. I find it hard to believe he said that but he would say Montanta if in this draft …would be the best thing for the Raiders if he was in this draft seeing the kid Kiffen WCO/Hybrid system. Every sites say Raiders MUST draft Russell. I’m wondering is Ruseell paying everybody from the 60 million dollars for their opinion?
April 23rd, 2007 at 9:25 am
I find it very unusual for a everybody saying Russell is the consensus choice for the Raiders, then, they all AGREE Russell gotta REDSHIRT 1-2 years before he’s ready. That’s very unusual even for scouts too, is there a conspiracy against the Raiders so they fail 1-2 years more and lose cause Russell ain’t ready by then to play NOW. I have ZERO issue if Russell START and produce ASAP, for crying out loud you do not REDSHIRT Russell at 60 millions dollars for christ sake, this factor into their opinions too.
April 23rd, 2007 at 9:29 am
The 1-2 years more of losing will benefit the AFC west teams, they get better with experience and their draft picks contribute right away. The Raiders gonna be drafting high again for the next 1-2 years, assuming Russell learning the curve. This might be their motives.. is there a CONSPIRACY in the NFL and scouts opinions.. Draft Russell, pay 60 millions, REDSHIRT him 1-2 years, this don’t sound right IMO from sites and supposed scouts.
April 23rd, 2007 at 9:40 am
If Russell will be good for Oakland, why do our division rivals in KC want us to draft him?
April 23rd, 2007 at 9:46 am
That’s my point. The KC scout say Russell is the BEST thing for the Raiders since slice bread. Why would your afc rival scout say that when they know Russell ain’t ready, gotta take off the pounds, REDSHIRT 1-2 years, and get paid 60 millions dollars. Perhaps, to screw up the Raiders cap so they don’t have the funds to get better in the future FAs? All this is too UNUSUAL for scouts agreeing 1-2 years REDSHIRT, BUY he’s the BEST top talent for the Raiders, plus the 60 millions dollars cap ramification. Plus, losing 1-2 years so KC gets better with their new starter QB?
April 23rd, 2007 at 9:56 am
Then KC don’t want TRENT GREEN going to the Raiders. Green ain’t got the arm of Russell, heck, Quinn has a better arm than Green, BUT, they don’t want ot chance it he goes to the Raiders and help them win NOW. This is all too unusual, IMO, they all want Raiders to draft Russell with the No.1 selection. I don’t see the Broncos sneaking upon Russell to trade for him, or the Bolts, or KC. Broncos want Calvin Johnson and willing to part with Bly to get him plus their picks… their entire draft if the points value ain’t right plus next year draft picks. It’s in a site I forgot which one mentioned it. Bly plus all their picks for Calvin Johnson… if he falls past the Lions.
April 23rd, 2007 at 10:06 am
There is so much stuff out there it’s time consuming to read. Oh well… I’m just glad I been retired for over 15 years and have the time to read everything. Let’s hope Raiders makes the right call.
April 23rd, 2007 at 10:42 am
For the first time in years, I actually think there Raiders have a chance to really compete. If you think about it, where would Tom Brady be in terms of his career if the Raiders would have picked him. Coaching is way more important than the media wants you to know because it’s boring to talk about.Players on the other hand come and go all the time ,hype the hell out of them, then sit back and watch all of us go nuts.The last thing the Raiders need is a 29 million dollar man.Coach the players we have trade out of the number one pick, get the postions we need filled.Let some one else deal with the 29 million dollar man,the Raiders can’t afford to be wrong again,can you imagine what even 2 more years of losing will do to us!Someone once told me stupid people don’t know they’re stupid, maybe that aplies to me! Gallery and Grove are going to stand up this year along with Walters
April 23rd, 2007 at 10:45 am
Maybe KC wants to trades up with Detroit or Cleveland to get CJ if we take JR.
Also, KC wants to trade Green to Miami and they don’t want Daunte to get cut and come to Oakland.
Another option is trading up if Quinn drops and going after him. I don’t trust anything they say in KC.
April 23rd, 2007 at 11:07 am
I really do not expect the Raiders to trade away the #1 pick. Why? becasue I can’t see anyone wanting to spend the money. Everyone agrees that the real prize in this draft is CJ. Nobody, but nobody, trades away their entire draft picks to obtain a WR. The only reason why the Giants did it was because they assumed Eli was going to be a mirror image of Peyton. You only move up from #3 or #4 to take a franchise QB. based on the lack of stories, rumors, etc. JR and Quinn are not worth moving up. As much as I want to see the Raiders take CJ and trade him to TB, it ain’t gonna happen. TB cannot be that stupid as to give away everything for one player - a WR.
I want CJ but unless Kiff thinks AW is the man, hello JR.
April 23rd, 2007 at 11:08 am
That’s my point. KC is more afraid of us getting Trent “last legs” Green or Daunte “Bad legs” Culpepper than Russell. Why? KC doesn’t want us drafting CJ with their weak pass defense. They’d rather he go to TB in the NFC.
THINK! As Raiders fans we want KC, SD and Denver to draft busts! Do you think KC is thinking any different about us? KCs scouts have figured out that taking Russell #1 ties up a ton of cap space in a player who has the highest risk of any top 10 pick. They think he’ll bust and they hope we draft him.
Russell will tie up close to 15% of our cap before he ever shows he is one iota better than Walter. KC will be laughing their butts off if we draft Russell #1.
April 23rd, 2007 at 11:17 am
The more I read, the more I’d like to see us bundle Moss and a couple picks to get GB’s #16 and use it to draft M Lynch. NFL Scouting report compares him to Joseph Addai. Funny since we got Rhodes. I think Lynch fits the WCO better than any other RB in this draft. Plus, unike a QB, he is an immediate impact player.
It would be easier to land him if we had TB’s picks from a trade. On the chart the #16 pick is worth 1,000 points. Pick #36 from TB is 540. If they consider Moss worth a mid 2nd we are there. If not, we throw in TB’s 4th and that should do it.
Trade down and get Quinn+Lynch or Russell+Lynch is better than just Russell or just Quinn.
April 23rd, 2007 at 11:27 am
Everybody is so damn excited about draft day, don’t let me fool you I’m a little more than curious myself, but all we will know after the draft dust settles is who we drafted but not how they’ll perform on the mean streets of the AFC West. Only time will tell us that, we should have a pretty good idea half way thru the season. It’s the kickoff on Sunday September 9th that I’m looking forward to.
April 23rd, 2007 at 12:01 pm
If Carl Stewart says he’d be surprised if the Raiders draft JR, that scares me. I nearly always agree with him. For you out of town fans, you’d be wise to check him out. Jerry McDonald is a rookie around here.
April 23rd, 2007 at 12:03 pm
KK where is the link to what Carl Stewart say???
April 23rd, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Coach on Wheels….I have been thinking about the same as you on this and I would like to add….If CJ is not on our team we have a chance to make sure he is not playing against us twice a year also….regardless of who we take…. since there is a player on the board everyone covets …we have to assume control of this draft because we can
April 23rd, 2007 at 12:14 pm
To Piggyback on Raiderfan in KS….This appears to be an alarming rumor of facing CJ twice a year!
From NFL.com…….
“According to the Denver Post, the Broncos offered first, second and third round picks in this year’s NFL Draft, plus their first-round pick in 2008, for the Lions’ No. 2 selection. This trade was contingent on the Oakland Raiders not taking Calvin Johnson with their No. 1 choice.”
April 23rd, 2007 at 12:15 pm
New blog up….
April 23rd, 2007 at 5:19 pm
carl stewrat is a bozo
April 23rd, 2007 at 9:33 pm
You guys don’t really think that Al Davis is going to be influenced by what someone in KC says about JR, do you? Do you really think that KC thinks they can influence our pick by what they say? Face it, folks. The personnel people know WAY more about things than you and I ever will. If someone says they think JR will be great, it’s because they think he’ll be great, not because they’re trying to “trick” us into picking him.
We have the benefit of hindsight; these people don’t. It’s a multi-million dollar business, and only a handful of people are involved in the decision-making process. Some are better than others, but all of them are a lot better than any of us are at it, and comments given to the media by an opponent probably take a (way) back seat to actually evaluating the player themselves.