Raiders to hire TV draft expert?
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, May 3rd, 2007 at 1:11 pm in Oakland Raiders.
If the television draft gurus are so good, why aren’t they working for NFL teams?
The Raiders apparently think the NFL Network’s Mike Mayock is more than a talking head, endlessly spouting the worth of upsides and 3-cone drills.
The word I’m getting is Mayock, who worked for ABC Sports, CBS Sports and Fox Sports Net before becoming Mel Kiper Jr.’s chief competition for the league-run NFL Network, is a serious candidate to become a personnel executive with the Raiders.
Mayock is one of a number of possibilities for what is seen as the inevitable replacement of Mike Lombardi.
Lombardi was involved in a much-publicized rift with Art Shell last season, with the former Raiders coach blaming the personnel man for being the source of anonymous quotes given to various media outlets criticizing the Shell regime in general and offensive coordinator Tom Walsh in particular.
Lombardi retained his position after Shell was fired and was even seen on the field at a recent voluntary minicamp practice. He had been banned from the practice field by Shell and was usually taking a jog around the Raiders facility during practice.
Why did Lombardi survive so long?
Because he had information regarding free agency and the Raiders’ draft. Now that the Raiders team is virtually set except for a second wave of free agency, Lombardi can be freed to look for another job.
Mayock has been in television since 1996, even working as a reporter for NCAA Tournament basketball coverage from 1997-99, but was a safety at Boston College and was drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers in the 10th round of the 1981 NFL draft. His NFL career consisted of nine games for the New York Giants in 1982 and 1983.
While Lombardi had some administrative duties he assumed at the outset after Bruce Allen left to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, chances are Mayock, if he were hired, would concentrate on personnel.
Al Davis has the final say in all personnel matters, with Kiffin having more input than any other Raiders coach by virtue of his recruiting background at USC. Many of the administrative duties once handled by Allen are in the hands of Mark Jackson, Kiffin’s hand-picked choice as director of football development.
Another name to keep in mind is Pat Kirwan, also an analyst for the NFL Network and NFLcom. Kirwan has a background in both coaching and personnel with the New York Jets.
Kirwan is close friends with USC coach Pete Carroll and is often seen on the sidelines at USC games, where Kiffin worked as an assistant coach.
The first whiff of Detroit quarterback Josh McCown coming to the Raiders came from a Kirwan report, and he was steadfast in his belief the Raiders would deal for McCown and draft Russell.
In Kirwan’s recent story on NFL.com, he notes that Keyshawn Johnson was picked No. 1 overall by the Jets on his watch, and floats the idea that, “I always thought Johnson would finish his career on the West Coast, probably as a Raider.”
Lane Kiffin, in a radio interivew on Fox Sports Radio, told host Chris Myers the other day he just happened to be watching a video cut-up of Johnson in action for the Carolina Panthers last season but was vague regarding his level of interest.
The Panthers cut Johnson a day after drafting another USC receiver, Dwayne Jarrett, in the second round.
In 2003, Kirwan, working on behalf of agent David Dunn, helped prepare Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer for the NFL draft. Kirwan ranked Palmer as his top prospect on NFL.com, while at the same time accepting the a free from the agent.
The NFL concluded there was no conflict of interest.
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May 3rd, 2007 at 1:22 pm
2007 Roster
QB - Josh McCown, Andrew Walter, Jamarcus Russell
RB - Dominic Rhodes, Lamont Jordan, Michael Bush
FB - Justin Griffith, Orenthal O’Neal
WR - Mike Williams, Jerry Porter, Ronald Curry, Doug Gabriel, Johnnie Lee Higgins, McFoy
TE - Zach Miller, Tony Stewart, Fred Wakefield
LT - Barry Sims, Mario Henderson
LG - Cooper Carlisle, Paul McQuistan
C - Jeremy Newberry, Jake Grove, Chris Morris
RG - Kevin Boothe, Corey Hulsey
RT - Robert Gallery, Cornell Green
LE - Derrick Burgess, Jay Richardson
RE - Tommy Kelly, Quentin Moses, Kevin Huntley
DT - Warren Sapp, Terdell Sands, Antaj Hawthorne
LOLB - Darnell Bing, Sam Williams
MLB - Kirk Morrison, Robert Thomas, Isaiah Ekejuiba
ROLB - Thomas Howard, Kyle Shotwell
CB - Nnamdi Asomugha, Fabian Washington, Stanford Routt, Duane Starks, John Bowie, Carr
SS - Michael Huff, Jarrod Cooper
FS - Stuart Schweigert, Eric Frampton
K - Sebastian Janikowski
P - Shane Lechler
May 3rd, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Yeah really Lombardi did not do a really good job as GM, if thats what he even is. The team has really struggled in the drafts since Bruce Allen left, and that void is yet to be filled. Maybe bringing in new blood will be good. Sure Al has the final say, but others can sway his opinions as well.
May 3rd, 2007 at 1:33 pm
The Buccaneers have struggled in the draft with Bruce Allen and Jon Gruden. They’re better at finding older vets.
May 3rd, 2007 at 1:49 pm
I dont care who we hires, just that lombardi gets kicked out before trainingcamp.
I know a lot of people had high regards of Bruce Allen, but him and Gruden could find good vets as Huff24 says, but they were also the reason why we always had cap-poblems (or has). Allen was a wiz getting us under the cap, but for the cost off having more problems getting under it again few years ahead. Its a tight ballance and it only works if your team is a team everybody wants to play for. Im all in for the new way.
We have to reduce the roster, all those project players just makes you think offtrail. a few projects, if they are no good get rid of them.
Kiffin’s right hand Mark Jackson of the right stuff, he is the peopleguy, now we need the money-guy - or does Amy Trask take that side of business now?
May 3rd, 2007 at 1:51 pm
Actually it seems that our drafts under Allen (Dudley, SeaBass, etc) weren’t as prductive as under Lombo (Asomough, Washington etc). Mayock knows his stuff and works hard so I’d be happy to see him on board.
Interesting roster Huff. Just remember RARELY do all draft picks or even 50% of them make the team. Also, come June a whole round of FA cuts go on. Then teams cut more in training camp.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see McFoy replaced by K Johnson for example.
May 3rd, 2007 at 1:59 pm
Coach on Wheels - I agree with you. It seems really difficult when picking the WR’s and CB’s because Al Davis likes to keep really fast guys instead of talented ones. I know Kiffin is going to want “his” guys and Davis will get “his own” guys but I see this team having even more youth than before and I see some of these draft picks being upgrades over what we had in the first place as far as depth goes. Do you think getting Keyshawn throws a wrench in our plans at WR? Wouldn’t that piss off Porter, Williams and Curry? Keyshawn is enough attitude, do we really need to make our own guys mad as well?
May 3rd, 2007 at 2:10 pm
I chose keeping O’Neal at FB because he’s more of a pure blocker. Bush replaces Crockett as the goal line choice so Crockett it is out. Bush scored 23 TD’s on the ground his Junior year. Johnnie Lee Higgins stays because of speed and return ability. McFoy would only stay because he played at USC under Kiffin but there are many other choices like Morant, Buchanon etc. Zach Miller stays because he will more than likely be our starter. Henderson might stay for youth and depth because we don’t have alot at the tackle position but its possible McQuistant gets moved back to tackle. Jay Richard may not last at DE and could be replaced with Braynt McNeal but both Richardson and Tommy Kelly can rotate in and out of the DT spot on passing downs which adds more depth to the position. I think Quentin Moses has what it takes to start opposite of Burgess. Kyle Shotwell at LB because hes a tackle machine and we don’t have alot of LB depth. John Bowie at CB only because this is an Al Davis pick. Eric Frampton at FS because we need a more pure backup FS and some more depth.
These guys replace Crockett, Fargas, Whitted, Francis, Courtney Anderson and Co., Brayton and Gibson. Only Crockett was productive but sorely misused. Either way, its time to move on.
May 3rd, 2007 at 2:12 pm
2007 Roster
QB - Andrew Walter, Josh McCown, Jamarcus Russell
RB - Dominic Rhodes, Lamont Jordan, Michael Bush
FB - Justin Griffith, Orenthal O’Neal
WR - Jerry Porter, Mike Williams, Ronald Curry, Doug Gabriel, Johnie Morant, Johnnie Lee Higgins,
TE - Zach Miller, Tony Stewart, John Madsen
LT - Barry Sims, Mario Henderson
LG - Cooper Carlisle, Paul McQuistan
C - Jake Grove, Jeremy Newberry, Chris Morris
RG - Kevin Boothe, Corey Hulsey
RT - Robert Gallery, Cornell Green
LE - Derrick Burgess, , Kevin Huntley, Jay Richardson
RE - Tommy Kelly, Quentin Moses, Kevin Huntley
DT - Warren Sapp, Terdell Sands, Antaj Hawthorne
LOLB - Darnell Bing, Sam Williams
MLB - Kirk Morrison, Robert Thomas, Isaiah Ekejuiba
ROLB - Thomas Howard, Robert Thomas, Kyle Shotwell
CB - Nnamdi Asomugha, Fabian Washington, Stanford Routt, Duane Starks, John Bowie, Eric Frampton
SS - Michael Huff, Jarrod Cooper
FS - Stuart Schweigert, Eric Frampton
KR - Chris Carr
PR - John Bowie, Johnathan Holland
K - Sebastian Janikowski
P - Shane Lechler
May 3rd, 2007 at 2:17 pm
I do not think we should try to get Keyshawn Johnson, cause now we finally got rid off moss, its time to have less ego, more team. When Jerry Porter leaves we could get KJ, but not now. we have to see if this lockerroom is any better than last years.
May 3rd, 2007 at 2:18 pm
Black Army - I would like to see Walter start but I don’t think he will. I would like to see Morant stay. I think Madsen would only stay because of Al Davis but Fred Wakefield was signed for blocking purposes. I think Newberry starts if his knees are ready but I wouldn’t be mad to see Grove start.
I think Johnnie Lee Higgins will be our PR and Carr will be our KR.
May 3rd, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Not too bad on the roster, interesting that you see Walter starting the season.
I don’t see Bing though. Thomas Howard is the starting weakside backer, and Bing is just too small to be a strongside guy. Kinda doubt they’ll want to move Howard to strongside, but maybe…
May 3rd, 2007 at 2:27 pm
I would love to see Howard move to Strong. I thought he was going to start their last year but he played great on the weakside. I think Morrison helped Howard alot last year and it helped that Morrison already had experience playing there. It would make sense to move Howard to the Strong so Bing can start on the weak. Howard is probably better in coverage on the strong than Bing but who knows?
May 3rd, 2007 at 2:29 pm
Huff24, youre right, but a boy can hope…
Its just how i’d like to see it end.
carr gets a year more at KR, PR is off limits to carr.
PR, is dificult, cause i dont know what the new bunch abilities. But Higgins, Bowie, Holland is fast, in PR its the first 1½ yards that count. Put I would hope its Holland, cause a 3rd pick as PR and he gets hurt isnt good
It seems its always on PR players get hurt, KR is more safe.
May 3rd, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Another thing to note is that Sam Williams was basically a rookie last year considering hes always been injured. It is very possible that Williams plays much better this year. I think we are all discounting that but its very possible if he can stay healthy. He may not have had 100 tackles but how many teams have all 3 LB’s make 100 tackles. Howard, Morrison and Schweigert were the ones over 100 tackles so they got to the ball before Williams.
May 3rd, 2007 at 2:31 pm
maaaan i forgot bing…
he’s a keeper
May 3rd, 2007 at 2:35 pm
I like your roster Huff, it’s just what I have with a few changes, I would cut Jordan because we need all the cap space we can get to sign J.R. Fargas is cheaper and had a better ypc than Jordan who’s coming off knee surgery. I also see Morant in there before Gabriel, I think Gabriel should go and at least give Francis 1 more chance, if he gets hurt again in wont matter anyway he’s gone. but if he doesn’t get hurt then his speed is what they got him for a fe years ago anyway. Now as for Walter, he will be the starter over McCown I believe because that O-line will be so much better and he will get his true chance to perform. Later Dude
May 3rd, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Id like to see some of Schweigert’s tackle ratio shared by the linebackers, it means they getting through the ranks
Yeah Sam Morrison is this childhood crush we all had as a child, it could be so sweet if it happened. But then we wake up, the bus just went by your stop, and it starts to rain…reality sux, but we dont need her/him there is new playmates in the pond…
May 3rd, 2007 at 2:41 pm
bodozer34, I like Francis a lot, but i think this Higgins is the new Carlos Francis, thats why i didnt but him on my list.
May 3rd, 2007 at 2:43 pm
Bodozer - I would not cut Jordan because Jordan needs a true chance in a true offense and he will stay because he gave some money back. Jordan could very well be gone next year when Bush has a year under his belt. Fargas has had 5 years to come through and hes been injured most of the time and hasn’t proven anything. I think we keep Gabriel because he plays a good vertical game and he can be a playmaker. Hes a pretty good 4th or 5th receiver. I like Morant but we have a ton of possession guys. Francis is done. Hes another Fargas. I don’t want a 6th receiver hurt all the time. Whats the point? Hes not worth it. McCown was traded to us for a reason and only has a 1 year contract. McCown did not come to the Raiders thinking he would not start this year. Sure, he came here to compete but I have a pretty good feeling that McCown will start for his only year with the Raiders.
May 3rd, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Black Army - Sam Morrison?
May 3rd, 2007 at 3:24 pm
I think he means Van Morrison
May 3rd, 2007 at 3:29 pm
man its late… yeah i meant Sam Williams
“Another thing to note is that Sam Williams was basically a rookie last year considering hes always been injured. It is very possible that Williams plays much better this year. I think we are all discounting that but its very possible if he can stay healthy.”
Sam Williams is like a childhood crush…
May 3rd, 2007 at 3:59 pm
“Kirwan ranked Dunn as his top prospect on NFL.com”
Wow. And I would have figured he would have ranked a player as his top prospect, not an agent.
May 3rd, 2007 at 4:00 pm
I’m gonna go with Huff24woodson24.. Looks darn IMPRESSIVE on paper. What happen to Holland? I think he could make some impact returning KICKS.
May 3rd, 2007 at 4:04 pm
I don’t think we’ll be carrying 6 receivers once the season starts.
May 3rd, 2007 at 4:05 pm
I like to stick both Holland and Morant in there. I say Morant got some darn good hands, he runs routes pretty good, but Danny say he’s DUMB. I don’t know.. if he cannot learn the playbook then it’s he’s time to go but I still like Morant. The Mcloy kid don’t have receiving skills , we’d need receivers not blockers, TE can do that on the field for the WRs.
May 3rd, 2007 at 4:17 pm
We’d could get by with 2 TEs. Three TEs is TOO MUCH. Zach Miller and one of the 2 FAs. This would give the roster spot to Holland and Morant. OUT .. McFoy and a FA TE. Save some dollars too cause Holland is $235,000 per. I really believe one of the FA TE ain’t gonna see daylight in playing. Both FA TEs are blockers as well. Holland can play special teams too with his speed.
May 3rd, 2007 at 4:24 pm
Huff24woodson24 depth chart looks like the Raiders could make some noise in the afc west too. They look good in competing against rival like Broncos, KC,a and Bolts. I won’t be surprise to see a 3-3 against the rivals. Looks very competitive!
May 3rd, 2007 at 4:52 pm
I hope so RF, but your basing that on what we look like on paper. As far as I’m concerned, we look good on paper every year….but it doesn’t always translate on the field, as evidenced by the past 4 mediocre seasons.
May 3rd, 2007 at 4:56 pm
Chances are we’ll need more that two TEs this year, especially if we’ll be using dual TE sets or a big backfiled on goal-line situations. Carrying two TES only, if one goes down that depletes our offensive capabilities because we won’t be able to run any dual TE sets. That’s why I think Wakefield makes the team–versatility. He can play TE or O-line. If he makes the squad I can see the Raiders carrying only two pure TEs, but not likely.
May 3rd, 2007 at 4:59 pm
Was just on Raider.com, how come they removed the article with Kiffen’s picture, the article said Kiffen would be answering 5 selected emails a week on Raiders.com, did he change his mind already lol, maybe he read some of these blog entries.
May 3rd, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Huff - I personally hope we don’t waste time with KJ and develop youth for the future.
I see ONeal beating Crockett because he plays on special teams and would cost less.
I see Porter, Williams, Curry, Morant and Higgins staying at WR IF Higgins stars on special teams. If not he may not beat Whitted. I don’t like it, but Whitted just won’t go away.
May 3rd, 2007 at 5:18 pm
Injuries etc demand you carry three TE’s UNLESS you have an OL guy play “TE” in jumbo 2-3 TE formations. Some teams do this.
May 3rd, 2007 at 5:29 pm
We definately need 3 TE’s because Kiffin said he would implement a formation with 2 TE’s. If one of these TE’s get hurt, then thats one formation taken away so we need depth at the position. The other thing is that Zach Miller is a rookie while Wakefield and Stewart are veterans and we are going to need that veteran leadership to help ease Miller’s transition into the NFL. Tony Stewart is 6′5 260 lbs so he is a more true TE but Wakefield is 6′7 295 lbs so he is not only a TE but an offensive lineman in one and thats going to be crucial in a power and goal line formation. Kiffin is definately focusing on our run game because he understands that it takes pressure off of the QB and he understands that it sets the tempo. We will be faster on the o-line. We will have a change of pace style running game. We will have blocking from our TE’s as well as receiving ability. Our QB’s will take 3 step and 5 step drops with the occasional 7 step drop as well as shotgun formation. We will throw deep twice a quarter but we will spread the field horizontally.
May 3rd, 2007 at 5:32 pm
You guys are right. We’d need 3 TEs.. last season the 2nd TE hardly play. That’s how I see it. I rather have Holland on the roster than Morant. If Morant football IQ is low after all these seasons, then something is wrong.IMO
May 3rd, 2007 at 5:38 pm
Zach “I got hands” Miller is better than Courtney “butterfinger” Anderson. Anderson costed the Raiders alot of momentum in drives lost thru his drops IMO. The WRs I like the depth with M.Williams in the slot, he’s big enough to go in the middle, plus he got alot to prove too. The running game much improve with addition of BRUSIER Bush who has a nose for the REDZONE. That’s how I see it… look improve and competitive!
May 3rd, 2007 at 5:40 pm
What happen to 1st round # 1 pick josh booty badd a– QB he’s suppost to be very good qb lsu just like damarcus ,Booty holds many ncaa records now to date hummmmm
May 3rd, 2007 at 5:40 pm
Well… I rather have Whitted than McFoy at 6th WR. Whitted makes plays at times. Gabriel too… looks like Holland and Morant are OUT. Unless, Holland is put on the practice squad.
May 3rd, 2007 at 5:46 pm
We only keep Morris at C if he becomes the long-snapper.
Qb- Walter, McCown, Russell
RB- Jordan, Rhodes, Bush
FB- Griffith, O’neal
WR- Porter, Williams, Curry, Morant, Higgins, Holland
TE- Miller, Stewart, Wakefield
RT- Gallery, Henderson
RG- Boothe, McQuinstan
C- Newberry, Grove, Morris
LG- Carlise, Hulsey
LT- Sims
K- Seabass P- Lechler
DE- Burgess, Moses, Kelly, Huntley, Brayton
DT- Sapp, Sands, Hawthorne
OLB- Bing, Williams
MLB- Morrison, Thomas
OLB- Howard, Shotwell, Irons
CB - Asomough, Washington, Routt, Carr, Bowie
S- Huff, Stu, Cooper, Frampton
That’s 53, and I don’t like guys like Irons or Brayton in the long-term but I also know there is no way EVERY rookie makes the team. I don’t think Andruzzi is a fit for our O-line but that is an example of what I was saying about guys getting cut and we might grab them.
One other thing - guys like Fargas might go after special teams playing time to save their spots. Fargas has the attitude for it.
May 3rd, 2007 at 5:47 pm
WRs depth with Porter,Curry,M.Williams,Gabriel,Higgins and Whitted looks DARN GOOD. Good mixture of vets and rookies plus experience. That’s how I see it, if Porter leaves after 2007, then we’d still be set, plus drafting a stud WR in the 1st round of 2008. Do most agree?
May 3rd, 2007 at 5:51 pm
I still like Huff24woodson24 53 man roster with my change at WR. This looks like a winner now and in the future with FA losses.
May 3rd, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Morant showed good spots last year but has to stop fumbling.
Holland only for his special teams play.
Gabriel is maxed out as is Whitted. As we reload with youth we may take potential over average. If we do these guys may be in trouble. Anderson at TE is like Whitted/Gabriel. I’d rather go with young potential than “always going to be average” when building for the future.
May 3rd, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Plus, Porter gone then Holland waits on the practice squad. Hollands looks like he could turn into an outstanding WR with experience. He’s got the speed plus the bulk body I like in a WR. That’s plus he ran track, good burst off the line, and breakaway speed.
May 3rd, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Good stuff as always…
http://mvn.com/nfl-raiders/
May 3rd, 2007 at 6:09 pm
Coach on wheels.. the issue is players making the big plays when needed. The rookie and Morant ain’t gonna do this for the Raiders right now. I want to see some more WINS with the guys making the plays.
May 3rd, 2007 at 6:26 pm
The is a CRAZY scenario the Raiders v. Pats in the afc conference. Moss get shut down and McCown lead the Raiders to Super Bowl Trophy No. 4 over the Saints! LOL.. Just CRAZY!
May 3rd, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Crazy scenario is Raiders shut down corners know how to play Moss. Moss loses his cool and disrupt the entire Pats team in the afc finals. Raiders win..meet the offensive minded Saints who just beat the Bears this time. Raiders defense stop Saints offense. Bush regain his form in mid season and runs wild. McCown gets jack up and wins Super Bowl Trophy No4 for the Raiders. Then, McCown is the most sought after FA QB in 2008. It’s good to dream!
May 3rd, 2007 at 6:50 pm
That wasn’t just a dream…that was drug use. There is no way any of that happens. Haha.
May 3rd, 2007 at 6:51 pm
Coach on Wheels - I agree about Keyshawn. We don’t need him. I believe he sets us back. If we were one player away and it was a WR, I could see but we’re going to be building over the next few years and hes not going to take us to the promise land.
May 3rd, 2007 at 7:10 pm
How much is MeShawn is asking? Does he wanna be a Raiders? If so will he takes the vet minimum cause he raked out his previous Ks. Maybe 2 year deal to seal his career? Will his presence improve the locker room? Alot of question needed to be answer IMO.
May 3rd, 2007 at 7:11 pm
Crazy scenario .. MeShawn v. Moss in the afc finals. This is gonna bring headlines!
May 3rd, 2007 at 7:25 pm
Can you believe Adam Schefter says that one of the best tandems ever was Shell and Upshaw, didn’t think he would ever praise the Raiders that high, added Raiders and Chiefs the best rivalry in football, then its was added anyone in the West playing the Raiders lol.
May 3rd, 2007 at 7:30 pm
The Fast Lane with Coach Kiffin
Raiders Head Coach Lane Kiffin answers your e-mail questions! Each week, Coach Kiffin will answer five questions from The Raider Nation.
They just took if of the first page of the website, have to go into news to find it.
May 3rd, 2007 at 7:57 pm
MIKE MAYOCK!!!!!!!!!!………….Are you kidding me, this is the same guy that gave MATT
LEINART a fouth round grade. Proposterous and recklessly irresponsible and the raiders
are thinking about giving this guy a job. Are you out of your flipping mind. When
someone says that on live television, on the NFL Network last year, I can’t believe
people still take this rodeo clown serious. This has to be some kind of cruel prank Jerry,
don’t do this to me. Just when I was starting to see some progress from the Oakland
brass, you say that guys name and completely ruined my day. PAT KIRWAN on the other
hand I feel is a great talent evaluator. In this years draft he picked 81 out of the first
100 players selected and GIL BRANDT had 88 out of 100. That’s pretty good scouting.
May 3rd, 2007 at 8:10 pm
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May 3rd, 2007 at 8:39 pm
Profootballtalk.com (We’re popular)
MAYOCK TO RAIDERS?
Jerry McDonald of InsideBayArea.com reports that NFL Network’s Mike Mayock is a “serious candidate” to become a personnel executive with the Oakland Raiders.
Mayock would replace Mike Lombardi, who is expected to be fired (or forced to quit) in the near future.
On NFL Network, Mayock is the in-house draft guru — a Mel Kiper type who throws out all sort of shop talk jargon that is likely intended to make most of the viewers feel hopeless inadequate and uninformed.
But a narrow segment of the audience, in the Bay Area, apparently thinks Mayock knows what he’s talking about.
Then again, maybe Al Davis and company were impressed by Mayock’s effort to verbally smack around Adam Schefter when Schefter was talking on Sunday about the trade that sent Randy Moss to New England. Schefter is identified with the Broncos because of his days with the Denver Post, and the Raiders called him out in December for reporting that then-coach Art Shell would soon be fired. (By the way, Schefter was right.)
If Mayock is offered the job, NFLN would then have to hire a new draft guru. Mel, are you paying attention?
McDonald reports that another possibility for the job is former Jets executive Pat Kirwan.
May 3rd, 2007 at 8:40 pm
Anybody notice there has been nothing new in regards to Derrick Burgess unhappy with his contract? It was either smokescreen magic or Burgess is handling it through the proper channels.
May 3rd, 2007 at 8:46 pm
Maybe he read the article about how Tim Brown handled his lol and the benefits he received doing it the right way …………… Al Davis doesn’t like to show the dirty laundry.
May 3rd, 2007 at 9:41 pm
Somebody tell me who is going to block Shawn Merriman?
I still can not believe that we passed on three guys Blaylock, Sears and Ugoh who would have easily started on this Line.
Zach Miller would have been available with our 3rd pick no one else had him that high. Mario williams was a wasted pick.
Gallery will still give up 5 sacks next time he sees Merriman.
May 3rd, 2007 at 9:44 pm
Opps! Mario Henderson was a wasted pick.
May 3rd, 2007 at 9:49 pm
ladies and gentleman as I predicted in an earlier blog………………the raiders are indeed interested in keyshawn johnson.(source: NFL LIVE)…….one of a few teams….including
GB, Tenn. and somebody else………………he wants to be a raider…they seem to think AL
values his experience…………hes also got 2 kids that are close by and who he wants
to spend more time with sounds like his dream of being a raider is well on its way…………………………raiiiiiiiiiiiiiderrrrrrrrrrrsssssssssssss
Post a Comment
May 3rd, 2007 at 9:55 pm
WRs…Porter,Curry,M.Williams,Gabriel,Higgins, KEYSHAWN JOHNSON. Me think Raiders playoffs bound, the WRs are all gonna PRODUCE.. that equal 4000+ passing yardage for whoever is the QB..me think it’s McCown. Raiders v. Pats.. afc finals. CRAZY?
May 3rd, 2007 at 9:57 pm
I take vitamins NOT drugs! CRAZY?
May 3rd, 2007 at 10:02 pm
GSW 2nd round bound! Watch the game fellas!
May 3rd, 2007 at 10:07 pm
Raiders = GSW! Overnight playoff contenders! GSW 2nd round playoffs bound sleeper!
May 3rd, 2007 at 10:59 pm
RaiderFred - I see what you’re saying when it comes to protecting against a guy like Merriman but I think we have addressed that specifically with our TE’s and the zone blocking scheme we are implementing. Merriman blitzes from way outside so a tackle has to shift quickly but a TE can get in his face and we now have 3 TE’s who can support that and we can also use our RB’s and FB’s to support the TE by chip blocking him. With the zone blocking scheme our offensive lineman will be able to shift from player to player as they see someone coming off the edge. If Gallery is at RT for example he will be faced with a LE in the 3-4. He will start with the LE but hand him over to the RG as he slides over in the protecting to get Merriman. Shell’s power blocking scheme had Gallery only facing the LE as a RB would have to come in solo and block Merriman so there is going to be more success in this new system. Since we will be cut blocking there will be more emphasis on taking the player down to the ground meaning he will take his legs out from under him. When defensive lineman and linebackers end up on the ground it closes lanes for others to get through the QB. Its like building a wall.
May 4th, 2007 at 12:50 am
I am not too impressed with Mike Mayock. I would be happier with some of the relative nobodies that post on these blogs on a regular basis.
I second the motion for Pat Kirwan. He seems to have an inside track on what goes on around the NFL and does seem to have a good relationship with the Raiders. I listen to him regulary on NFL radio Sirius 124. He kind of pisses me of sometimes because he likes to poke fun at Al davis and the Raiders by playing the theme to Sanford and Son: refering to the Raiders knack and willingness to back in old and busted players/ retreads into the yard/ roster. I guess it is all in good fun, and only hurts because it is somewhat true. Kirwan and Gil Brandt definatelt know what they are talking about and seem to always have the inside scoop. Gil Brandt is basically one of Al Davis’ close friends and seems to keep in contact with AL. I guess I am saying that Gil is almost already apart of the Perssonel department because him and Al close; thus, I think we should bring in a guy like Pat Kirwan. I think he is an opinionated man who will mix in well with the current staff. I like the idea of his experience and Mark jackson and lane kiffens youthful exuberence. I think that will be the making of an excellent trio that can pick up where Al is begging to leave off.
May 4th, 2007 at 2:00 am
W/r’s Porter,Curry,Higgins,Francis,M.Williams, Buchanan/McFoy, depending if they keep
Porter (last year of contract). Morant,Whitted,Gabriel have displayed their talent and its
not enough to stay. I also think many of the t/e from last year are history. I think
Francis is finally healthy and he will show his “A” game. Hawthorne is done. In addition
Carr,Crockett,Cooper,Irons will be cut. but it really doesn’t matter who we cut or
keep if Gallery,Sims,Grove are starting. We can identify most of the starters but we really
don’t know what Kiffin will do with the offensive line. I find it hard to believe that Kiffin will
start those three and expect to win. I just don’t buy a new blocking scheme will change
what they do when the ball is snapped. I just hope after a few regular season games that
Kiffin will not hesitate to make changes needed in the o/l when he see what we saw the
last couple of years. The first time Sims or Gallery jumps and are called for illegal
procedure and kill a drive, he pulls them. Illegal Procedure penalty is caused by the lack
of concentration and discipline, and “not” the blocking scheme they are using. .
May 4th, 2007 at 4:42 am
All,
Actually WillisDaRaider on RF.net was the first to talk of McCown to the Raiders and also Mike Williams.
I am surprised you did not see that, Jerry!
May 4th, 2007 at 4:47 am
Lets just hope we dont get MEshawn, jezz we just got rid of one cancer we dont need to add another!! I think Will Buchanan and John Madsen have some potenial, I look for them to be added at the bottom of the roster, especially Will, dont forget he is a USC product!! Porter, Curry, Williams, Gabriel, Buchanan
Stu to SS and Huff to FS
May 4th, 2007 at 5:10 am
# RaiderFred Says:
May 3rd, 2007 at 9:41 pm
“Somebody tell me who is going to block Shawn Merriman?
I still can not believe that we passed on three guys Blaylock, Sears and Ugoh who would have easily started on this Line.
Zach Miller would have been available with our 3rd pick no one else had him that high. Mario williams was a wasted pick.
Gallery will still give up 5 sacks next time he sees Merriman”
NO WAY!
If I had to choose between Zach Miller and Tony Ugoh, i would take Zach Miller everytime.
I would have traded up to get both, but i have trust in The Kif’ster.
I dont know who Mario Williams is, but if you think about Mario Henderson - I was very suprised, when we took him. But he the young tackle excelled as a senior against top-notch first-round defensive ends Gaines Adams and Jarvis Moss.
So call him a waste is bit premature. Im very confident that this is the year we going to talk about in 10 or 15 years, as the year the ship turned. But with all supertankers it takes time to turn…
And Agger still rules.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:23 am
[...] Davis is asking himself the same question, Why not? According to one source, the Raiders are considering the hire of the NFL Network’s talking head, Mike Mayock. The job [...]
May 4th, 2007 at 6:18 am
Im as excited as anyone but playoff bound? Im happy with a more realistic .500. I think the broncos and chargers still have a better team, we will be battling the chiefs for 3rd spot. Our defense was very good but this year i expect to give up more yards as teams pass more due to more competitive games. One injury to our shutdown corners makes us suddenly very vulnerable. This reminds me of gruden’s 1st yr when we went 8-8 but showed much promise playing well but losing some very close games.
May 4th, 2007 at 6:35 am
I still don’t believe the zone blocking scheme is gonna stop the bull rush. In theory, yes, but in reality they’d all still gonna blitz. That’s why it’s good to have alot of possession receivers with hands for the quick slants,etc. It’s still tough playing Bolts, KC, Broncos, but if the Raiders rack the points up and the defense play the way they do then the playoffs is within reach. I haven’t seen enough of Buchannon play so I cannot say if he’s a talent receiver good to make the 6th WR. I seen enough of Francis and believe he’s not pro receiver material. Just my side of talent evaluation at WR for a pro football fan.
May 4th, 2007 at 6:38 am
KeyShawn Johnson is rumor to go to the Eagles. I say if he takes the vet minimum for 2 years then it should be a no-brainer or else forget it.
May 4th, 2007 at 6:45 am
KeyShawn Johnson is rumor to go to GB too. I think the agent for MeShawn might be playing the Raiders to stir up interest for MeShawn. If he’d really want to stay in the west coast and money isn’t an issue, then he should be a Raider on Monday like CC-Time forum rumor say.
May 4th, 2007 at 6:57 am
One poster say Zach Miller woulda been available with the 3rd pick. I DOUBT it, alot of scouts had him HIGHER than Olsen who has great speed for a TE, we’d don’t need a SPEED TE but one who can BLOCK if necessary in Miller. He’s gone before the 3rd round, no way a team pass him up if the Raiders didn’t select him. I thought Higgins wouldA been available in the 5th but I guess the Raiders didn’t want to chance losing a speedster like Higgin. I woulda taken Jackie Battle with the 7th pick instead of Holland. Battle been thought of highly thru out alot of sites, plus you can never had too much talent at RB.
May 4th, 2007 at 7:15 am
I dont want Johnson. He is slow, doesnt run well after the catch and requires way too much attention. I want russel to be the face of the raiders with little interference from someone like johnson. I think any ball thrown to johnson would be better served thrown to porter, curry, williams or even higgins.
I also hope Bush takes over Jordans role. He is stronger, a better blocker in the backfield and has better hands. I have grown tired of seeing jordan drop an easy screen then pound the ball in frustration and amazement he didnt execute. Plz, stop with the drama.
Excited to have higgins, i didnt think carr did so badly on punt returns. I found him to be absolutley fearless almost refusing to waive his hands. I thought it was more related to poor coverage.
I think this year will have many close games-seabass better be up for it!
I want Josh and andrew to compete for starting role with the understanding it is trully russel’s team. Russel to play a few series here and there and after the bi-week take over.
May 4th, 2007 at 7:27 am
Mike Mayock has crooked lower teeth. He’d be a good personnel guy though.
May 4th, 2007 at 7:42 am
I can see Keyshawn ending up in Oakland … of GB, or Philly … but hope it’s not Oakland. Nothing against him, but why mess with this now? Porter and Curry were finally in line to play as 1st and 2nd receivers (and I guess Williams as 3rd, Gabriel as 4th … and I even like to seem them hold on to Will Buchanon somewhere) … but bringing in Keyshawn would screw that up, while potentially bringing the meshawn attitude that we just got rid of with Moss. I’d prefer to give the current guys and the rookies a serious shot. Continue the youth movement … with Porter, not Keyshawn, as the old man of the receiving corps (who should be inspired to produce in his contract yr plus to erase memories of last yr …)
Either way, like rosters above, Huff and co.
This really does look like a genuinely competitive team. I can barely wait even til preseason.
May 4th, 2007 at 7:49 am
Can anyone tell me why we need or would want Keyshawn Johnson?
May 4th, 2007 at 7:50 am
Mike Mayock is an outstanding personel guy, I wouldn’t mind that at all. I really respect his opinions on prospects and team needs. This would be a great move just to have him in the building in some capacity.
May 4th, 2007 at 8:27 am
I don’t see the need for Keyshawn, either. Only if we were a playoff contension team and if Curry got hurt, would I be interested in Keyshawn.
May 4th, 2007 at 8:32 am
Ryan is right. If this team needed a WR as the missing piece to a championship puzzle then I would sign him. 2007 is a rebuilding year. Besides, Porter will be gone after this year so it will be wise to get all these young WR’s some experience.
I would prefer Kirwan over Mayock, but what do I know about which guy is better at evaluating talent.
May 4th, 2007 at 8:40 am
I really wonder if Kiff views this season as a rebuilding year, or if he thinks we have the talent to challenge for a playoff spot. My gut tells me that he thinks this team has the make up to challenge from Day 1.
May 4th, 2007 at 8:52 am
My gut tells me that Merriman will be a ghost of his former self this season. He’s coming of an injury and his favorite breakfast snack is out-of-bounds now. It surprised me that overall he was ineffective against the Pats after an early sack. He will be the least of our worries.
May 4th, 2007 at 9:45 am
No jobs are safe, Raiders coach Lane Kiffin says. All applicants will be considered, he promises.
On with the tryouts, then, starting with this weekend’s minicamp. Mandatory in nature and timed one week after the draft, veterans and rookies will get together to hash out who goes where as Kiffin goes about turning around a 2-14 program.
Starting jobs won’t be decided by Sunday because Kiffin disdains the notion of depth charts when training camp is still almost three months away. But the five practices in the next three days will go a long way toward establishing a pecking order.
“You’re coming in here to compete, and you better be coming in here to start,” Kiffin said. “Because if you don’t, then we screwed up and picked the wrong person.”
Here are the five positions with the most competitive appeal:
– Quarterback. Time to see what No. 1 overall draft pick JaMarcus Russell can do with that rocket arm of his.
Kiffin refuses to set a playing timetable for Russell, which is smart. By trading for Detroit Lions backup Josh McCown, the Raiders can let Russell acclimate to the pros after running a shotgun offense at LSU.
Assuming Russell isn’t made an instant starter, the real competition is between McCown and Andrew Walter.
Walter, the third-year player, started eight games last season, an experience that might require therapy.
McCown is considered a more mobile fit for Kiffin’s offense, a vertical game with West Coast concepts. If McCown dominates first-team snaps after one week on the roster, that should be an indication of things to come.
– Wide receiver. Randy Moss is gone, so who’s going to start?
Alvis Whitted started 15 games last year with no touchdowns. Ron Curry led the team in receiving. Jerry Porter is back in the fold, and the Raiders added former first-rounder Mike Williams, a longtime friend of Kiffin’s.
Add three wide receivers in the draft, and it’s not a good time to be Doug Gabriel or Johnnie Morant.
– Defensive end. Tyler Brayton is the former first-round draft pick who was part of the deal that sent former coach Jon Gruden to Tampa Bay. That goes a long way toward staying on Al Davis’ scholarship list, as they say around Raider Land.
Well, that could change. The Raiders drafted Georgia speed rusher Quentin Moses in the third round. In explaining the pick, Kiffin (without naming names) pointed out the statistical production was “very low” at Brayton’s position. Brayton had no sacks in 16 starts at a position designed to rush the passer.
– Tight end. The Raiders used three tight ends last season, a project that went so well, Kiffin made that position the second priority addressed in the draft — ahead of the offensive line.
Arizona State’s Zach Miller has the sure hands needed in this offense, which likes to find open spaces for the tight end to sit. Courtney Anderson and Randal Williams split starts last year.
– Running back. Fourth-round pick Michael Bush, who broke his leg as a Louisville senior, won’t be ready to play until July. Even without him, this is a hot position to watch.
The incumbent, LaMont Jordan, took a pay cut to stay with the team. Later that week, the Raiders applied some of those savings to sign free agent Dominic Rhodes, a starter for the Colts last season.
At a voluntary minicamp last month, Jordan reminded everyone he’s still the starter. Kiffin isn’t so quick to make that call at running back, or any other position.
May 4th, 2007 at 9:45 am
Kiffin is definitely winning me over he is making all the right moves
May 4th, 2007 at 9:51 am
This is a great article
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/167082.html
I am really starting to develop a man crush for Kiffin this guy is just impressing the hell out of me… I really see him turning this team around
May 4th, 2007 at 10:22 am
Danny and Kiffen sitting in a tree…..
Too funny Danny. Gotta love Kiff’s style!
May 4th, 2007 at 10:26 am
I love his attitude the whole “You’re coming in here to compete, and you better be coming in here to start,” Kiffin said. “Because if you don’t, then we screwed up and picked the wrong person.” that alone is letting this team know he is for real. The players are going to step up and play hard for him knowing he is giving everyone regardless of salary or draft slot a chance to compete.
May 4th, 2007 at 11:48 am
Kiffin has a college mentality and that is actually a good thing. When Kiffin scouted players and brought them to USC, they would compete for jobs regardless of how big they came out of high school. Players are never safe in college because everyone is equal and everyone must show the coaches why they should be the ones starting. There are blue chip prospects but they still have to beat the guy in front of them. The NFL is more difficult sometimes because someone may start based on how much they are getting paid. In college, they are not paid so it doesn’t hurt them as much. Everyone gets a scholarship equally instead of betting a bigger paycheck. Kiffin brings this attitude to the Raiders. Hes not thinking about how much you get paid. Al Davis is of course and that could determine some spots but at least Kiffin will look at this more as an open competition because that is the only way he knows how to coach.
May 4th, 2007 at 11:53 am
Darius Walker decided not to join the Bears as a free agent. The Raiders should bring him in to give him a look. He has to be better than Fargas.
May 4th, 2007 at 11:59 am
Raiders.com
Building the Foundation
http://www.raiders.com/Common/Article.aspx?id=20854
May 4th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Darius Walker will probably end up with the Browns so he can be with Quinn. Since the
Browns didn’t draft Peterson, they will need a backup to Jamal Lewis.
May 4th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Hell Walker could start over Lewis…..
May 4th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Hey there fellas…
I just wanted to say goodbye to my fellow bloggers who helped me to survive the dreaded time between the end of the season and the draft, I am relocating weekend and will not be able to blog regularly for the time being (I hope I am wrong), anyway, keep up the good work those of you who post seriously, nice to argue with and against you.
By the way, I am moving to the caribean for work purposes and frankly my past job allowed me to sit and writte often, I believe the new one will not be as accomodating but hey, it´s the fraking caribean!….
Good luck to all, good luck and health to Al Davis, goos luck and wisdom to Lane Kiffin, good luck to our Raiders!.
I´ll stay in touch once in a while, keep me informed fellas!….don´t let me be the subject of the mainstream media´s spin on stuff…ok??.
Take care Raider Nation.
May 4th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Defense ranked #6 for unit rankings
http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10164800
Finally some recognition
May 4th, 2007 at 12:59 pm
Danny can’t read the article can you cut and paste it here.
May 4th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
On the Raiders website- Bing changed his number to 29 and is listed as a Safety.
SS-Bing
FS- Huff
Stu can tackle the bench. (or at least try)
May 4th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
Ravens D tops the charts among all league units
May 3, 2007
By Pete Prisco
CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer
Tell Pete your opinion!
Best unit in football.
Since the New England Patriots landed receiver Randy Moss in a trade last week, that’s all anyone is saying about the Patriots offense.
Ed Reed and the Ravens D is tops. (Getty Images)
Can you imagine Tom Brady throwing to Moss? Not only that, but the Patriots added Donte’ Stallworth and Wes Welker to the passing game, so the presumption is this unit has ascended to the top among all 64 — we don’t count special-teams — in the league.
But are they the best unit in the NFL?
They’re close, but the answer is no. The best unit in the NFL is the Baltimore Ravens defense.
The Ravens ranked first last year in total defense, and they have 10 of 11 starters back and are still led by one of the best defensive minds in football in Rex Ryan.
The Ravens head into the 2007 season needing to replace only Adalius Thomas — who signed with the Patriots — and they’re excited about replacement Jarrett Johnson. The Patriots offense and others have a chance to unseat the Ravens defense, but as of right now, Moss, Brady and that gang are still behind a unit that played at the highest level in 2006.
1. Baltimore Ravens defense
The skinny: Ryan’s unit finished as the top-ranked defense in the league last season, and returns everybody except Thomas. But the Ravens feel that Johnson is a capable replacement. This is a star-studded group with Trevor Pryce, Terrell Suggs, Bart Scott, Ed Reed, Chris McAlister and, of course, Ray Lewis.
Key addition: Nobody. They just need to get Johnson to play close to the level of Thomas.
Player needed to make unit special: Corner Samari Rolle didn’t play all that well last season. He has to revert close to his former self for this defense to move to an even higher level.
Still an area of concern: Age. With Rolle, Lewis, McAlister and Pryce getting up in years, it’s starting to become an issue.
2. New England Patriots offense
The skinny: This is an offense that finished 11th in the league last season in total yards, despite not having any real go-to players in the passing game. The Pats were 12th in passing, but had just eight passing plays of 40 yards or more. Now they’ve added a bunch of receivers, the biggest threat being Moss. But don’t forget that Stallworth can run, Welker is a crafty intermediate route runner and Kelley Washington has had some success with the Bengals. Brady should be one happy man, and we’re not just talking about Gisele.
Key addition: Moss. He will revert back to his Pro Bowl form. This will be one of those deals we’ll look back on and wonder how it got made.
Player needed to make unit special: Running back Laurence Maroney. He played well as a rookie, but then was bothered by an injury late in the season and his production tailed off. If he can be a 1,400-yard rusher, this will be an offense that is really scary.
Still an area of concern: It’s being a nitpicky, since the line is so well-coached, but the talent up front isn’t as good as some teams. If there is a little chink in the offense, the line might be it. Again, that’s nitpicking.
3. Indianapolis Colts offense
The skinny: The Colts won the Super Bowl last year, and the starting offense is back intact. Not only that, but they’ve added a speed receiver in Anthony Gonzalez, who should excel in the slot. Second-year back Joseph Addai, who was good as a rookie, will be even better now. He has to be with Dominic Rhodes gone.
Player needed to make unit special: You hate to put it on a rookie, but it’s Gonzalez. When Brandon Stokley was lost last year with an injury, it forced the Colts to use fewer three-receiver sets. That’s a staple of their offense, which is why Gonzalez makes a lot of sense.
Still an area of concern: Backup running back. Losing Rhodes will force the Colts to rely on a more inexperienced player. The good news is that means Addai will get more carries. He’s ready for it.
4. San Diego Chargers offense
The skinny: The Chargers return the entire starting offense from a unit that ranked fourth in the league in total offense. With LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates, this is a star-studded unit. New coach Norv Tuner is considered an offensive wizard.
What’s the best unit, defense or offense?
25% Colts offense
17% Ravens defense
3% Jaguars defense
11% Chargers offense
18% Patriots offense
25% The best one isn’t listed
Total Votes: 5116
Key addition: First-round pick Craig Davis has to help the deep passing game. They love this kid. We shall see.
Player needed to make unit special: Quarterback Philip Rivers. He showed well in his first year as a starter, but watch for even better play from him this season.
Still an area of concern: The receivers. Even with Davis on board, there are still questions about the go-to guy. It takes time for a rookie receiver to make an impact, so Vincent Jackson has to come up big.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars defense
The skinny: This is a unit that ranked third in the league last season, despite losing its best pass rusher (Reggie Hayward), starting middle linebacker (Mike Peterson), starting weak-side linebacker (Pat Thomas) and starting strong safety (Donovin Darius) for most of the 2006 season. Those four are all expected back healthy in 2007. Coordinator Mike Smith is the most-underrated coach in the league.
Key addition: First-round pick Reggie Nelson is a playmaking safety in the Ed Reed mold. He should be an immediate starter.
Player needed to make unit special: Defensive end Bobby McCray. He had 10 sacks in a situational role last year, but he has to prove he wasn’t a one-year wonder.
Still an area of concern: Pass rush. With Hayward coming off a torn Achilles tendon and the right end spot still unsettled, that’s a worry. They have to find a way to get more pressure on the quarterback.
6. Oakland Raiders defense
The skinny: It might seem crazy to see this unit here but Rob Ryan has the makings of a nice group. The Raiders ranked third in the league last year, and should be even better as young players like safety Michael Huff improve.
Key addition: They hope third-round pick Quentin Moses can impact their pass rush. There isn’t a lot different on this unit from last season.
Player needed to make unit special: Huff. If he can become a Pro Bowl player, their secondary will be one of the best.
Still an area of concern: They need to get more than 34 sacks this season. Maybe Moses will help make that happen.
7. Chargers defense
The skinny: This defense finished 10th last season in yards given up and seventh in points allowed, which is good, but the unit’s reputation is a lot better than that. The problem is the pass defense. The Chargers ranked 13th last season, and seventh against the run.
Key addition: They traded up to get safety Eric Weddle in the second round. He better be an impact safety right away for the pass defense to improve.
Player needed to make unit special: Corner Antonio Cromartie can become an elite corner. If he does, it will really help the pass coverage.
Still an area of concern: Inside linebacker. They let Donnie Edwards go, which means Matt Wilhelm takes over at one of the inside linebacker spots. He has to play well or the run defense will fall off.
8. New Orleans Saints offense
The skinny: The Saints were the fifth-ranked scoring offense last year, and top-ranked offense in terms of yards. With Reggie Bush a year older and Drew Brees more comfortable with the offense, they should be even better. Plus, Sean Payton is the best play-caller in the NFL.
Key addition: First-round pick Robert Meachem is another weapon that Payton can have at his disposal. This team needs Meachem’s speed.
Player needed to make unit special: Bush. He will get more touches and he has to have more home-run plays.
Still an area of concern: Despite having Deuce McAllister and Bush, the Saints were only 19th in rushing last season. That has to improve.
9. Chicago Bears defense
The skinny: This unit carried the Bears to the Super Bowl, finishing fifth in the league in total defense and third in scoring defense. The Cover-2 scheme has a new coordinator with Ron Rivera gone. Bob Babich takes over, moving up from linebackers coach.
Key addition: The Bears added strong safety Adam Archuleta, a guy they think can become their John Lynch. Good luck. He was awful for the Redskins last year.
Player needed to make unit special: Dusty Dvoracek. They drafted him in the third round and he missed the season with an injury. With Tank Johnson facing suspension and Tommie Harris coming off injury, they need him to step in and play well at defensive tackle.
Still an area of concern: The Lance Briggs situation. Will he or won’t he play for the Bears?
10. Cincinnati Begnals offense
The skinny: The Bengals were eighth in scoring offense last season and they should be near the top again. With Carson Palmer another year removed from that torn ACL, he should be even better.
Key addition: Second-round pick Kenny Irons could provide the big plays from the running back spot that this team has lacked.
Player needed to make unit special: Palmer. He’s already good, damn good, but he needs to get in the Peyton Manning class. If he does, watch out.
Still an area of concern: Third receiver. With Chris Henry suspended for the first part of the season, they need a young player to emerge from a group of question marks.
May 4th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
Where does it show Bing changed his number?
May 4th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
Nevermind I found it it’s on their website on the roster, any news on this Jerry? We all want to know about Bing moving back to Safety
May 4th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
Off the players page on Raiders.com
# Name Pos Ht Wt Age Exp College Hometown
No. Player Pos Ht Wt Age Exp College Hometown
88 Adkisson, James TE 6-5 230 27 2 South Carolina St. Louis
83 Anderson, Courtney TE 6-6 270 26 4 San Jose State Richmond, CA
21 Asomugha, Nnamdi CB 6-2 210 25 5 California Los Angeles
29 Bing, Darnell S 6-2 230 22 2 USC Lakewood, CA
67 Boothe, Kevin G 6-5 315 23 2 Cornell Plantation, FL
10 Booty, Josh QB 6-2 220 32 4 LSU Shreveport, LA
35 Bowie, John CB 5-11 190 22 R Cincinnati Columbus, OH
91 Brayton, Tyler DE 6-6 280 27 5 Colorado Pasco, WA
97 Brown, Larry DT 6-3 295 22 R Oklahoma State Spatranburg, SC
57 Brown, Ricky LB 6-2 235 23 2 Boston College Cincinnati
13 Buchanon, Will WR 6-3 185 24 2 USC Oceanside, CA
56 Burgess, Derrick DE 6-2 260 28 7 Mississippi
Bing #29 …………. Safety
May 4th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
Good spot Dragonrider… I really want some more information on this
May 4th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
JR is wearing #2 by the way boys
May 4th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
Let’s hope JR can handle the snap from center, unlike that other chump who wore #2.
May 4th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
Bob Marley - good luck on all future endeavors!
May 4th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
They like Robert Thomas, they resigned him. I would say he will have a shot at SAM.
Bing should go back to SS where he belongs. You hear that Art?
Hospital corners for that bed you are changing at Walsh’s B&B.
May 4th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
Huff and Bing would be formidable with Huffs range we can afford to leave Bing in the box and have Huff play the deep middle
May 4th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
So long Bob,
I have enjoyed your post here. Best of luck to you in your new endeavor.
May 4th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Let’s not mention that OTHER guy anymore…..don’t want to send out any bad vibes regarding #2.
May 4th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
You have to have a player at FS with range and a nose for the ball. Huff can do that.
Remember Rod Woodson? Or we could have crappy FS who can’t tackle ie Stu.
Remember Marquez Pope?
May 4th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
Good point. JR is the 1st and only player to wear #2 for the S&B.
May 4th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
The year we had Woodson back there at FS was the only year Gibson looked like the 1st rounder we picked then he got injured and so did Woodson and he never looked the same
May 4th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
Stu was our best tackler when it came to the secondary.
May 4th, 2007 at 1:47 pm
Any of you guys heard of Claxton the O-line guy we picked up on Thursday??
May 4th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
Don’t get me started on Gibson. He should have to pay restitution back to the Raiders.
If he wasn’t a 1st rounder, he would of been cut long ago. Kinda the same way Brayton hangs on.
May 4th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
does anyone know if burgess was at mini-camp??
those line-ups look great…really exciting!! i think jruss and bush will both be starting by week 4 or 5.
7 to 8 wins is not out of the question!!
May 4th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
Good luck Marley! I’ll miss your posts.
Wow…Bing at safety, thats an original idea! I remember floating that idea on this blog a few months ago, and some here shot it down as a bad idea. I guess the coaching staff has the same thought process as I do.
May 4th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Good article
http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/2007/05/raiders-aerial-targets040507.html
May 4th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Come on Jerry give us what we need man, lets hear about mini camp… We need it man like a fat kid needs a cupcake
May 4th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Mmmm…..cupcake(s).
May 4th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
I lobbied for Quinn. I lobby for Stu at FS. We took JR. Bing moves to safety. I just might be 0-2. Heartbreaking.
May 4th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Bob Marley - Take care. You’ll have plenty of fun in the sun in the Caribbeans/Carribeans? I’d smoke one for ya if I smoked. I’m sure you’ll be able to hit this blog more than you think. Its never good-bye its…we’ll see ya next time.
May 4th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
New Article UP!!!
May 5th, 2007 at 11:25 am
Just seeing if you’ll post this one or not…
May 5th, 2007 at 11:32 am
The only QBs capable of succeeding in the Raiders offensive system the past 3 drafts are. Cutler, Walter, and Russell. I really doubt Leinart has the arm to throw the deep routes. Russell is the guy for the “hybrid” system. The maverick knew this and made the call. It’s common sense.
May 6th, 2007 at 6:57 am
2007 Roster
QB - Josh McCown, Andrew Walter, Jamarcus Russell
RB - Lamont Jordan,Dominic Rhodes, Michael Bush
FB - Justin Griffith, Orenthal O’Neal
WR - Jerry Porter, Mike Williams, Ronald Curry, Doug Gabriel, Johnnie Lee Higgins, Johnnie Morant, Will Buchanon
TE - Zach Miller, Tony Stewart, Fred Wakefield
LT - Barry Sims, Mario Henderson
LG -Paul McQuistan, Kevin Boothe
C - Jeremy Newberry, Jake Grove, Chris Morris
RG - Cooper Carlisle, Kevin Boothe,
RT - Robert Gallery, Chad Slaughter, LE - Derrick Burgess, Jay Richardson
RE - Kevin Huntley, Quentin Moses
DT - Warren Sapp,Tommy Kelly, Terdell Sands, Tyler Brayton
LOLB Sam Williams, Robert Thomas
MLB - Kirk Morrison, Robert Thomas
ROLB - Thomas Howard, Shotwell, Kyle
CB - Nnamdi Asomugha, Fabian Washington, Stanford Routt, Duane Starks, John Bowie,
Chris Carr
SS - Michael Huff, Darnell Bing, Jarrod Cooper
FS - Stuart Schweigert, Eric Frampton
K - Sebastian Janikowski
P - Shane Lechler
KR - Cris Carr
PR - Johnnie Lee Higgins
From everything I Read Bing has been moved back to safety Walter has looked horrible Bryaton has been moved to DT so that gives him more value that he can play two positions and Fargas still might make it if they decide to give Bush another Year to heal Which i Think would be the right move and cut or Trade Jordan next year based on his cap number and how he performs but I think next year Bush will be the starter
May 6th, 2007 at 7:10 am
WELL EVIDENTLY I DIDN’T READ ALL THE WAY DOWN EVERYONE ALREADY KNEW BING WAS AT SAFTEY BUT THE CHANGE SHOULD NOT BE ANY DIFFERENT WITH STARTERS HUFF AND STU IN THE AFC WEST YOU NEED A SS THAT HAS GOOD COVERAGE SKILL TO GUARD THE TIGHT END AND STU HAS BEEN ONE OF OUR TOP TACKLERS AND HUFF IS NOT A BALLHAWK EVEN AT TEXAS HE DIDN’T HAVE THAT MANY INTS WHILE STU BROKE ROD WOODSON INT RECORD AT PURDUE BUT I THINK BING WILL BE A BIG UPGRADE AS A BACKUP SAFETY OBER GIBSON ESPECIALLY IN FOR SURE RUNNING SITUATIONS WERE HE IS BIGGER THAN HUFF
May 6th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
2007 Monster Roster
QB - Josh McCown, Andrew Walter, Jamarcus Russell
RB - Dominic Rhodes, Lamont Jordan, Michael Bush
FB - Justin Griffith, Orenthal O’Neal
WR - Mike Williams, Jerry Porter, Ronald Curry, Doug Gabriel, Johnnie Lee Higgins, Johnnie Morant
TE - Zach Miller, John Madsen, Courtney Anderson
LT – Robert Gallery, Mario Henderson
LG - Cooper Carlisle, Corey Hulsey
C - Jeremy Newberry, Jake Grove,
RG - Kevin Boothe, Adam Treu
RT – Barry Sims, Paul McQuistan
LE - Derrick Burgess, Kevin Huntley
RE - Tommy Kelly, Quentin Moses
DT - Warren Sapp, Terdell Sands, Antaj Hawthorne, Tyler Brayton
LOLB - Thomas Howard, Isaiah Ekejuiba
MLB - Kirk Morrison, Robert Thomas
ROLB - Sam Williams, Kyle Shotwell
CB - Nnamdi Asomugha, Fabian Washington, Stanford Routt, John Bowie, Chris Carr
SS - Darnell Bing, Jarrod Cooper
FS - Michael Huff, Stuart Schweigert, Eric Frampton
K - Sebastian Janikowski
P - Shane Lechler
November 27th, 2007 at 7:59 pm
I was interested in trying out for the 2008 Raiders, just would like to know if there’s open tryouts were and when, so whomever gets this reply please be curteous and e-mailing
me back some info.. I would like to try out for D-Line, I’m 6′4, 375 ready and fit to represent the Raider organization with respect…