McFadden makes his case
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Friday, February 22nd, 2008 at 6:20 pm in Oakland Raiders.
There is speculation among some prognosticators and scouts that Arkansas running back Darren McFadden could be headed for a fall.
McFadden, a multi-talented running back who has running and receiving skills, could be available when the Raiders pick with the No,. 4 overall selection in the NFL draft. McFadden’s fans look at the first three-time rushing leader in the Southeastern Conference since Herschel Walker and see a Marcus Allen-type player who can even play quarterback in trick formations.
Detractors wonder about his performance against quality opponents, a penchant for fumbling and some off-the-field issues which could be red flags. Last Jan. 10, McFadden was handcuffed but not charged in a night club brawl in Little Rock when he was not yet 21.
In 2006, McFadden sustained a toe injury in a night club parking lot.
“I know I’m going to hear a lot of different questions, from why I get up early to the different incidents I’ve had outside of nightlclubs,” McFadden said.
(McFadden can go ahead and assume being an early riser will be well behind his night life when it comes to interviews).
McFadden’s answer?
“I know I’ve put myself in a bad situation I shouldn’t have been in, and I take full responsibility for it,” McFadden said.
As for his place in the NFL pecking order, McFadden said, “I feel like I am the best player in the draft” and sees no reason why he can’t duplicate the heroics of NFL rookie of the year Adrian Peterson of Minnesota.
“If I go in and do all the work I could have the type of season he did,” McFadden said. “I can do a lot of different things. I feel like I’m a very versatile player. I can go out there and line up at receiver. I can line up in the backfield and block, line up back there and run. I can throw a pass if you need me to. If I had to, I could play defense.”
More combine notes:
– Texas wide recever Limus Sweed, at 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds and considered first-round potential, plans on running the 40-yard dash to disprove the notion he is not merely a move-the-chains possession receiver.
“That’s one of the biggest questions is how fast I am, so I plan on showing them how fast I am,” Sweed said.
– Speed being a prime asset in any Raiders draft, they no doubt have taken notice of Houston’s Donnie Avery and Appalachian State’s Dexter Jackson.
Avery led the nation with 112 yards per game receiving at Houston and claims to have run a 4.25 40-yard dash last January.
The Raiders got a look at Avery at the Senior Bowl, where the Houston receiver said he had a “pretty productive week.”
Jackson, the star of Appalachian State’s upset win at Michigan with three receptions for 92 yards, plans on running between a 4.28 and 4.33. He joined the track team for the first time in April.
Jackson said the teams which had shown the most interest so far were the Raiders, Rams and Patriots.
From here, both players sound a little too much like Carlos Francis.
– If the Raiders are at all interested in plummeting Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan, plane fair to his pro day will be cheap. Brennan will work out at the Home Depot Center the day before USC’s highly-attended pro day.
– DeSean Jackson, the junior-eligible receiver/return specialist from Cal, also said the Raiders have taken notice.
“I talked to a couple of scouts for the Raiders and they’re definitely a great program and I look forward to meeting with them,” Jackson said.
– Quote of the day came from Oklahoma’s Malcolm Kelly, who like Sweed of Texas, is a big receiver (6-3 5/8) in the Terrell Owens-Calvin Johnson mold. Kelly said he got advice from Oklahoma alum Mark Clayton about what it’s like to play in the NFL, although the initial response probably didn’t please commissioner Roger Goodell.
“He told me it’s going to be a lot more technique,” Kelly said. “He told me it’s more like a dice game out there.”
Kelly quickly corrected himself to say he meant a “chess game.”
In his interview sessions, Kelly was surprised to be talking so little technical football.
“I never really did anything on the board, as far as writing or whatever,” Kelly said. “I mean, I know it. I know how to draw up coverages and stuff like that, but I was expecting to do it.”
– Sam Baker, a 6-4, 309 pound tackle from USC, was surprised at the change in demeanor in coach Lane Kiffin at the Senior Bowl.
“It’s really different to see him in that role,” Baker said. “He’s changed a lot. At SC, he was more of a behind-the-scenes guy that ran the passing game. Now he’s the vocal leader of everything. I thought he was going to run the meeting just like Pete Carroll did, but he has his own philosophy and everything.”
“He’s got his own uniqueness. If you see both of them give a speech, I thought it was going to be exactly what Coach Carroll says but it was very different. He has his own style. He’s a lot more serious. Where Coach Carroll is more of the
having-fun guy, Coach Kiff’s more of the more serious type.”
Baker met with the Raiders, said he talked to line coach Tom Cable, and noted that the blocking philosophies are similar if not exactly alike.
“A lot of the plays are similar, but schematically they block them a little different,” Baker said. “It’s the same kind of terminology, just little intricacies here and there.”
– If the Raiders are in the market for a talented but disgruntled corner to pair with exclusive franchise free agent Nnamdi Asomugha, Atlanta’s DeAngelo Hall planted himself in the hallway of the Indianapolis Convention center and attempted to set fire to ever bridge between himself and the Falcons.
“I don’t want to stay there,” Hall said. “I would go anywhere that wants me.”
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
February 22nd, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Lets talk 1 on 1 football
February 22nd, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Ah to be Jerry running around at the combine right now and interviewing players, hearing dirty talk from Coach Ryan and just living and breathing football.
We’re all jealous Jerry. Have a great weekend!
Go Raiders.
February 22nd, 2008 at 6:36 pm
I also heard Lito Shepherd is on the block. I dont know what they are asking though.
February 22nd, 2008 at 6:40 pm
DeAngelo Hall would be tempting but the guy is a punk. It would be reminicent of the old days but I dont want to pay the money for him.
February 22nd, 2008 at 6:40 pm
apparently we’re also loking at troy williamson as well, it’s a gamble but he’s worth a 5th or 6th rd ick
February 22nd, 2008 at 6:42 pm
that shound say round pick, what it turned out as looks like a freudian slip while typing lol
February 22nd, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Wouldn’t it almost be destiny for Williamson to come here. I mean they used our first round pick we gave them in the Moss deal to draft Williamson. Destiny?
Go Raiders.
February 22nd, 2008 at 6:44 pm
By the way. Hall let T.O. spit in his face 2 yrs ago. I would have gotten arrested if that was me. We cant have cowards like that wearing black!!
February 22nd, 2008 at 6:56 pm
RaiderDell Says:
February 22nd, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Wolverine Raider
I posted the OL line coach from Notre Dame, below and I know you as a Michigan Fan play the golden domers(ND)
as a rival.
The line coach had no knowledge of any draft scout preview. It was his opinion and he is a little to old to worry about rivals in his statement.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Marley post this
Bob Marley Says:
February 22nd, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Jake Long from NFL.COM
Compares To: JAMAAL BROWN - New Orleans…Like Brown, Long is a mauler with excellent drive-blocking skills. He compensates for a lack of explosion by taking good angles to adjust to movement and has the big hands and upper-body strength to consistently walk his man off the line. He shows the kick-step to mirror edge rushers, but does allow some inside penetration with his sluggish hip swerve working in-line.
In a game plan that features physical drive blocking, Long is a perfect fit. But, if you put him in a zone-blocking formation, he lacks the lateral agility needed to mirror inside movement.
Marley comment:
– Not that the ‘’scouts’ are always right, but interesting to hear all sides, I´m sure you’ll all notice the last sentence.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
My Post as RaiderDEll
My son plays OL in High School, his coach played at Notre Dame blocked for Bettis, he has doubts about his overall footwork.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Wolverine Raider your abbreviated post here:
And of course someone that played/coached at Notre Dame will question is footwork. They were too busy watching him dominate their team the last couple years to be watching his feet.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
RaiderDell concludes:
I just have a little bit of unease about Jake Long and will respect your opinion but I’m just not sure.
February 22nd, 2008 at 6:57 pm
DeAngelo Hall would be perfect on the oppisite end of Nnamdi. But i think we sould address safety more than the CB position. Fabian and Rout have shown life in games. We’ll see who starts this season
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:00 pm
may sound crazy but I heard the Raiders will try to move Burgess, Washington and Walter. For what I dont know. Could move up or for picks.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Where’d you hear that? You read a comment from one of these blogs. Stop starting shitless rumors!
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Here we go again. The Raiders already thinking speed instead of looking at guys that can actually play. How long has AD been drafting this way? It’s a joke.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:06 pm
its not to crazy, as we speak their hammering out the finalitys of a long term clemons deal
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:07 pm
In walter’s case. Its simple: trade him for anything or cut him and sign a veteran backup like Trent Green. He aint worth shit after last season in Miami
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:07 pm
where’s Oakglenn tonight…
these raider blogs are on fire…
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:08 pm
by the way…
Curry might make a decent no. 3 QB…
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I hope that was a joke because im dying over here at the Curry comment.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:15 pm
cho-be I got it from a so called source. He has been right more than wrong. Cut down on the bad language.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:18 pm
At North Carolina, during the “Ronald Curry Era,” Curry set many records including most career passing yards and most career total yards.
He was twice named the most valuable player of post-season bowl games, being named the MVP of the 1998 Las Vegas Bowl and the 2001 Peach Bowl.
He also played basketball for two years along with Carolina Panthers Julius Peppers.
Curry went through multiple football coaching changes.
He played under 3 different offensive coordinators.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:19 pm
A so called source? cut down on the bad Language?
What, are you 7 years old?
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:21 pm
and he’s a damned good speller for a 7 year old…
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:21 pm
But curry hasnt played QB since college
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:23 pm
cho-be Im your daddy. Now stop talking like a spoiled bratt
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:24 pm
by the way cho-be grow up
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Ha! your gettin mad!
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Curry is about to “play” his way out of Oakland. That would be honarable of him.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Enought of this childish talk, im out!
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:28 pm
enough of this childish talk, im out!
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:32 pm
moving Burgess this year might not be such a bad idea.he’s under contract and his value is probably still pretty high.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:35 pm
RaiderDell,
Fair enough. I’m not 100% on him either because of the blocking scheme changes and you never know how someone is going to adapt to the transition.
The Flozell Adams talk just doesn’t seem to be that much of an upgrade to Sims in all honesty. I swear Adams gets a lot of false starts, I remember people in the past questioning his commitment and heart, but the biggest thing is his age and how much gas he has left.
Overall, I feel that if we don’t have a replacement/upgrade to Sims next season, we are in trouble. That last play of the year against San Diego where JR got crushed told me all I need to know about needing a change once and for all.
If the replacement was/is Henderson, how does the guy not even see a snap last year. Not even a snap. That doesn’t sound like someone who will step in this year and be able to be trusted with protecting our franchise. I hope I’m wrong, but I’m sure doubtbul about the guy at this point.
At the combine tomorrow, I wonder what will help us gauge Long’s footspeed and it applying to our blocking scheme. Quick feet is obviously one huge positive and that’s what some have said he lacks. Would the 20-year shuttle times help gauge footspeed and then have it compared to other OL? I don’t know the answer, I’m just wondering and pretty darn excited for 11am EST tomorrow I’ll say that.
Thanks for the response RaiderDell, I really appreciate it. Some great football being talked in here tonight.
Go Raiders.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Cho-Be, Killmarty was trying to help you out. What made it really funny was that you left by trying to slam him and you fat fingered the trash talk
Seriously, calm down a bit, the language will get you booted from the blog.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:39 pm
i mentioned Curry as a possible number 3 QB…
i.e. emergency QB…
he would rarely see a snap in an actual game…
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Wolverine - Are you Michigan based? I apologize if i’ve missed it in previous posts.
If so, it appears you’ve seen him on local TV for some time, how would you compare him to Gallery in college? I ask, not because Gallery didn’t pan out at LT, but more from an ability standpoint. How well does he bend and get low as this will be necessary in our system? I’m not concerned with taking a LT because we saw how it worked out for Cleveland, I just don’t want the wrong system fit.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Pete - I think Mike Bush would give Curry a run for his money at the #3 QB spot.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Cho-be, you can say that again.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:45 pm
don’t everyone get in an uproar but Woverine just questioned Henderson stepping in and playing LT because he didn’t play last year,yet it would be ok for a rookie who has never taken a snap in the NFL to step in and play?if we think the coaches are doing their jobs then maybe guys like Henderson,Morris,and Grove will be able to step in and replace old guys like Sims.just a thought.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:53 pm
While we’re at it…we can play Curry at QB and McCown at WR. That could make for some interesting TD’s.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Trent Green sucks.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Lefty, I agree that he could do it and I’m sorry for questioning him a bit, I didn’t realize people got upset about doing that to Henderson.
For me, the zone scheme isn’t that hard of a scheme to learn compared to some other blocking schemes. Look at how quickly our lineman picked it up in the first season. On the offensive line, you need to beat the crap out of the guy in front of you, in your gap, or to the edge. I don’t see it like a QB or a number of other positions where everything is crazy.
But believe me, I hope I’m wrong and I was pumped when we picked Henderson. Just hoped for more this first year.
Go Raiders.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Unknown - I like Lito Shepherd. Great skills and attitude. I’d take him in a heart beat over Hall or Pacman.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Goin to Cheesecake Factory…peace out.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Wolverine Raider
Thanks for the post. That was solid and right on.
I agree we need an upgrade, I’m concerned to, I hope we do have a plan.
As for Henderson I’m very leary.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:57 pm
It is horrible when a coach says you cant play the run!
That’s what Kiff said about Burgess. He wants big-time
money though. I dont think so!
Burgess is on the wrong side of the line. He’s on the strong side where the tight end is. He should be RDE so he wont get doubled are chipped by the TE. He consistently tries to rush the passer every play. He leaves 4 lane interstates for the RB to run through.
I say ship that fool in the morning to whomever is desperate enough for his misdeeds.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Huff-what’s wrong with Rhoutt.if our front 7 were any good our DBs would be better than most.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:03 pm
So who do we take at #4?
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Do I sense another battle. That’s how some people have to make a name for themselves around here!
Man Up!!
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Move Thomas Howard to SS
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:07 pm
They Call Me Assassin,
Yep Michigan based again now. Raised here, but moved out to the Bay Area after school and was a PSL season ticket holder for the Gannon/Gruden years and Super Bowl season. Dot-com collapse hurt a lot of us out there even if we didn’t have computer jobs, so I moved back home.
I honestly didn’t see much of Gallery since I was in the Bay Area watching Pac-10 football for his years so I can’t compare him too much. However I never heard of Gallery being an in your face type leader on the field and I sure never saw that for even a second from Gallery since he’s been a Raider.
Jake Long was a field general out there on the offensive side of the ball with Chad Henne and Mike Hart. Telling receivers where to go when they were lined up wrong; in the face of fellow lineman to give it their all, I was so impressed by that and I think that’s something you are born with and can’t be taught. Leadership. And we are sorely lacking that on our offensive line. We’ve been lacking that for a few years now.
His senior year didn’t work out as he wanted, but he came back to beat Ohio State and try to win a National Championship. Shows me a lot of character when he was probably 1st round if he came out. A lot of the time, you didn’t notice the guy. Which is all I ever ask for from an offensive lineman. 99% of the time if you are hearing an o-lineman’s name he’s getting a holding call or falste start.
Long has size so he swallows up a lot of people, but he has a mean streak in him. That Big Ten Wisniewski type mean streak and I’ve never seen that in Gallery in college or the pros.
I think getting low could be an issue a bit because of his size, but then again I never really thought with Gallery’s size that he’d be able to do this zone-scheme at all. At guard or tackle.
But I’ll say this, I had to walk outside when we announced Robert Gallery’s name on the podium that day. I hadn’t heard much of the guy during college and when I think of Iowa I think of Nick Bell. I begged for Roy Williams or Larry Fitzgerald.
Go Raiders.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:07 pm
I would take Howie’s kid. He could replace Burgess if we ship him. He and Kelly would make excellent ends.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Killmarty
I believe the consensus is from all the post over the last month is a DT, and Dorsey has the most support followed by Ellis and then Chris Long whose support is close to Ellis and McFadden has dropped quite a bit, after the signing of Fargas.
Does that help, I can truly say it will probably change after FA and the hype of the players will pick up and change some more.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Dell-i’m leary too.all i really know is BOTH of our lines suck.and you can’t win in the NFL with lousy lines.however,i don’t think picking up guys like F.Adams is the answer.i want young talent we can mold.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:13 pm
And I believe this is the make or break year for Gallery. All the different coaches messing with his head and different schemes are now gone. Second year with Cable. Plus his contract was heavily front-loaded so if I’m not mistaken his base in 2008 is around 650K and in 2009 it’s 700K. I’ll take him for that pay.
Go Raiders.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Lefty 12
We were told by Kiffin at the end of the season at his last press conference he was going to fix the problems and turn it around.
My hope is he was concerned about the offensive line.
I have heard no mention anywhere if we are going to negotiate with Carlisle to re sign him, that would be a loss, he was a huge upgrade and only had 4 penaltys all year.
I hope their plan works. whatever it is.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Thanks Wolverine, excellent analysis. It’s obvious you’re not pulling for him just because you’re a homer. You gave great detail and identified the single biggest difference between he and Gallery…toughness.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Unknown
re post #45
Burgess plays on the offensive right side, defensive left side because he is left handed.
I read he is real comfortable on that side for that very reason.
I also read he has played there at college on that side.
As far as his lack of run support I can’t disagree with you, very troublesome.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:22 pm
When Long faced good competition against USC in the Rose Bowl & Florida, he did have some problems.
It was against the overrated Big Ten where Long made his meal ticket.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Thanks man. Yeah no worries ever about that. I was a Raiders fan long before a Wolverines fan. Not even a comparison to me.
I just got tired of reading post after post dissing Jake Long and sometimes putting him and Gallery in the same paragraph. Not even close to me. Iowa against Michigan in football. C’mon. In wrestling probably, but not football.
Have a great night folks.
Go Raiders.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:22 pm
The only position we’ve actually drafted for depth the past few seasons is OL. I’m talking about Morris, McQuistan, Henderson, Boothe (although he’s gone), etc. Plus we have some OL on the active roster and practice squad. I’ve got to believe that one or two of these guys should be ready to contribute.
Look at McQ’s brother in Dallas, there’s a good chance he’ll be the starting LT with Flozell leaving. My point is, you don’t always need to concern yourself with someone that hasn’t played an NFL snap. You’ll take your lumps, that’s for sure, but you gotta plug guys in at some point and hope the coaching and film sessions are paying off.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Dell-btw,earlier i wasn’t necessarily sticking up for a certain player who is no longer under contract with our team.i just don’t like people coming on here and stating things as facts when they have nothing to base those facts on.hate to compare,but kind of like our current leaders-say something over and over and eventually some think it’s the truth-and it’s not.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Later g-men
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:24 pm
DSM - What does DSM stand for?
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Oh yeah it’s the overrated Big Ten that makes him a bad pick. Now c’mon that’s not fair, is it? And I don’t remember him struggling that much against Florida. Michigan’s offense put up big points in that game.
And in no way was I trying to say Jake Long is the perfect pick and doesn’t have problems. Sorry if it was interpreted that way.
Later guys.
Go Raiders.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Lefty 12
Saw your post as I signed off, I know what you were saying and I agree with you.
I know we have posted at times and your a principled guy.
It’s always great to post when your around.
Take care.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Other than Vernon Gholston, name one good Big Ten DE he faced in the past two years?
In ‘06 Purdue didn’t play Michigan so Long didn’t have to block Anthony Spencer.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Assassin- DSM is Des Moines (airport code)
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Wolverine-i’m a pac10 guy and i find it humorous the way people diss big 10 players.let’s face it-the best players in any major conference would be the best in any other major conf.just like the top teams in each major conf. would be a top team in another major conf.if you can play the game-you can play no matter where you went to school.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Thanks DSM - The acronym is also the name of an ingredient company that I work for. That’s why I was asking.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Fair enough DSM. But Joe Thomas ended up being pretty good this year against a lot of those same guys.
I’m not familiar enough with enough of the other Big Ten teams DE’s to come even close enough to give an appropriate answer to your question.
Maybe he played against average players all the time, you could be right, but he did good doing that.
If Long isn’t the answer and he very well might not be, what can we do to upgrade this LT position. We simply can’t start Sims their another season. I can’t stomach it.
By the way DSM, great comment the other day about winning the coin flip against the Whiners only to be told it doesn’t count and then having to reflip and lose. No one believed me when I told them that story. Just more of the Raiders conspiracy talk. It was great to see someone else who remembered. Good job.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:34 pm
An Iowa guy, go figure! Great chatting DSM.
Go Raiders.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Not really an Iowa guy Wolverine as I’m originally from Washington State, but I’m stuck here (the wife.
If we draft Jake I hope to hell I’m wrong about him. I just remember watching USC give him major fits in the ‘07 Rose Bowl. As for Thomas, he did very well against Arkansas and Jamaal Anderson.
I have to admit I compared Thomas to Gallery as both were former TE’s.
I really think Long would be a great fit as LT in the zone, but if we ever switched out of the zone he would be like Jordan Gross and excel more at RT. I just don’t think he has the footwork to handle the edge rushers at LT.
Given the fact we are looking for a system LT, there’s no reason to draft Long #4. Trading down and hoping for Clady or Williams would be best.
I would rather take Ellis than Long.
I knew we were hosed this morning with regards to Atlanta winning the toss. It was planned due to Atlanta’s negativity towards the NFL’s image and corporate America’s Arthur Blank willing to clean it up.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:45 pm
DSm,aren’t you an SEC guy?
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Someone referenced earlier (i think Lefty 12) that we need to build the trenches. I couldn’t agree more. Draft DL with #4, then best OT available in 2nd round. Whoever we draft in the first two rounds are going to have to start, let’s face it. This requires good coaching and I think we’ve got position coaches to do that. If we don’t draft an OL early it clearly says that Cable is satisfied with someone already on the roster.
At the end of day one of the draft, I suspect we will take DL first then trade up to get Sam Baker. We may only have to move a couple of spots to do this. We did it last year with Mario and we did it previously with Fabian. If AL wants a Tackle he will get one.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:51 pm
The difference between Long and Gallery is that Long’s brothers are not Punters…freakin’ punters, c’mon scouting department you’ve gotta know these things. Of course Gallery doesn’t have a mean streak his brothers didn’t beat up on him.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:51 pm
I can’t wait until we start releasing our roadkill. It seems like we are debating who should be released. With our record we should be ahead of the curve. But, its the Raiders.
Parcells and other losing teams eliminated their crumbs almost 2 weeks ago.
That’s what scares me about us. We are doing to much debating instead of executing. We have so many rejects that should’ve been shown the street after the lost to the Chargers. But no, we want to cat fight with the Coach, like it was his fault for our ineptness.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Get Rogers and Jenkins at DT….
Adams and Parrella, Washington and Sapp, we seem to bring a couple of vets every few years to shore up the line, Rogers and Jenkins will be 29 later this year, they still have a couple of very good years in them.
Imagine a starting line with 6′4 330 Jenkins and 6′4 340 Rogers inside……with 6′6 300 Tommy Kelly and 6′6 280 Jay Richardson at Ends…..
Burguess and Clemons come in on passing downs for Rogers and Richardson while Kelly slides inside alongside Jenkins who´s always been able to make a huge push up the middle.
Get those 2, bring back Kelly and the defense will make major strides. Not to mention the fact that we have a lot of flexibility with the 4th and 34th picks.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Cho Be
you are right Trent green aint worth shit…so why would we want him in S & B esp when he can’t take a hit !!! He would be out for the season after his first snap in pre-season !!!
He used to be a productive QB when he sat behind a solid O line in KC…but he isn’t exactly mobile any more…
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Lefty- I’m a PAC 10 guy who knows the SEC has the best players. Washington State is my team, but I also like USC because in the midwest and out east everyone thinks sports on the west coast don’t compare in quality.
In the south it’s a freakin football factory compared to the rest of the country. Obviously Texas, California, Ohio, & PA produce a lot of talent, but the south as a whole produces the most.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:54 pm
DSM,i’m not trying to start anything.it seems your posts are very knowledgeable.just wondering.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Unkown, I’ve echoed the same sentiments. Get Jenkins and/or Rogers right now. That would make this draft so much easier.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:57 pm
I know I´m stretching it, but I don´t care, I have seen more far-fetched scenarios in here….
And it´s not that crazy, both are gonna be with a new team next season, that much is for sure.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:58 pm
As I pointed out in an earlier blog, the last time a DT was drafted top 5 and had a really good year was Cortez Kennedy in ‘91.
There’s more busts or solid players who never live up to the potential of a top 5 pick at DT.
Some times a rookie DT can make a defense much better like Haloti Ngata did in Baltimore when they went from #24 to top 10. I don’t think we have the veteran leadership where a rookie DT can come in and immediately help transform the D.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Marley
I was just about to attack your hope binge.
You beat me to it.
But I must say I was blown away by the possibility!!
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:02 pm
one of the reasons the sec is a football factory is it’s easier to get into those schools.however,when you look at O-lineman and QBs that conference isn’t better than others.IMO.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:03 pm
FL Pete
you aright about Curry he was a real stud at QB but didn’t fit into the NFL prototypical QB charts.
I have always been sad that we have not used him in more trick plays like Pittsburg has done….
Curry is the last guy gettin gcuy by the Raiders Cho Be…we just signed him to a new contract when Kiffin started….
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:04 pm
well since, Jerry has foud something to dig his teeth into this blog is once again interesting, thank god.
who wants to bet that JR or should I say wishes JR would be traded for some excellent defensive talent and we go straight to free agency for a seasoned vetran QB. I think this guy has a long way to go and I’m an impatient Raider fan at this point
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Unknown
Lol…I knew it.
But hey, they WILL be available and they have seen their status diminish lately, it´s not like I´m saying: I got it, let´s trade for Minny´s Kevin Williams and Jax´s John Henderson and we´ll be ready to go.
Don´t give up the hope to get blown away!…
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:08 pm
It’s amazing how many people in this blog think these DT rookies are automatically going to be plugged in to the starting lineup and be awesome.
At best we’ll get another 3-4 starters for which they’ll be learning experiences throughout the year.
We could land Dorsey or Ellis and improve on D, but I doubt a rookie DT is going to provide the same level of production a 2 year vet or older DT will provide.
If you are looking towards the future, then yes a DT would be awesome in the first round. But I’m not expecting immediate results.
A LT can provide immediate results ala Joe Thomas & Marcus McNeil (another 2nd round pick).
I’m hoping for continued growth through the draft and look forward to ‘09 (with serious playoff intentions)with limited signing of FA’s over 30. Kiffin is going to build the team like Gruden and have a team collapse into another mess 5 years from now.
Let’s take our lumps this year and play .500 ball and come back in ‘09 with a rock solid team with young players and plenty of depth.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:09 pm
DSM
I recently echoed your comments about a wanna-be Sapp
coming to the Raiders. We need 2 fat DT’s that play like Siragusa. We definitely don’t need a 320 pound tackle chasing around a quarterback. He will be fatigued for the wrong reason. We need someone to command a constant double-team and not give ground. He doesn’t have to make the tackle. Thats what the linebackers are there for. The DE’s can worry about getting to the quarterback.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Here’s a crazy scenario to go along with Marley:
Trade our pick to KC for Jared Allen. He’s a proven DE and he’ll cost less than whoever we pick at that spot. Herm Edwards said that he is cutting 15 to 20 players and is looking for eight new starters, most coming from the draft as that is their philosphy (his words, not mine). If so, they need the two high picks and we need Pass Rushers. Sign Shaun Rogers, Kris Jenkins, and get Jared Allen with the pick.
I’m such a dreamer…like KC would pay big money for two top 10 picks. Sounded good.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:17 pm
lefty 12- There’s no difference in standards. In addition, there’s so many cheaters in college. I went to a small school, Drake (several years ago when they sucked) and watched fat girls allow the ball players to overlook her test and the professors were aware by giving her B’s when she deserved A’s.
Yes, you’ll have your Georgia Tech, Stanford, Vanderbilt, and other schools that have high standards, but for the most part the $$$ of college football trumps entrance standards.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:24 pm
DSM
I was gonna say basically the same thing.
Man ole Man!
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:27 pm
DSM I too am a Washington state fan, born and raised in Spokane, WA.
Living in cali now but a big WSU fan and Gonzaga…..
Anyway it would be hard to pass on Ellis, McFadden.
1) Should be DT. (Ellis)
2) Should be WR (Jackson)
3) no pick.
4) SS (sibikowski if still there)
5) Should be LT
6) the best WR on the board.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I want nothing to do with the players over 30 unless we could land a LT to properly groom Henderson unlike Sims.
We need to continue to have youth on this team. We need to build through the draft and only sign one or two FA’s each year to plug a hole. These FA’s need to be under 30 as well.
If we continue with this build from the draft philosophy and only plug holes with young players, we’ll be contenders for several years because we’ll be able to plug in players rather than sign or draft for need when they go elsewhere.
We go the old man route by signing big paychecks for guys over 30 for 2-3 years and we will only be hurting us in the long run.
I’ve waited since ‘84 to win another Super Bowl so waiting until ‘09 isn’t a big deal. Yes I want to do well, but realistically with the other teams in the AFC, it’s going to be extremely difficult to get a wild card in ‘08. Look at Cleveland this past season, they went 10-6 and didn’t make the playoffs.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:29 pm
I saw someone else mentioning Bush as our emergency QB…wasn’t eh a beast of a running QB in HS ???
Oakglenn has been missing for a few days…I bet he is at the combine right now…knocking back a few drinks with Jerry after the interviews…and keepin ghis eye out for AD to let him know how pissed we all are about this dysfunctional organization we call Raiders Nation…
hahaha
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:30 pm
That´s crazy talk Shawn….I´m not down with spending the 34th pick in a 5′9 169 KR-WR.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Shawnraiders81- my parents live out in Colbert and my younger brothers went to Mead.
My older brothers graduated from NC in ‘87 & ‘89 and most of my friends in ‘93 as I lived until 6th grade in Five Mile.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Bob Marley Says:
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:30 pm
That´s crazy talk Shawn….I´m not down with spending the 34th pick in a 5′9 169 KR-WR.
Size is over rated ask…….
David Boston, Jerry Porter.
if i remember right Tim Brown was a WR/KR….. no?
We need football players even if they only weigh 169lbs.
p.s. they make weight rooms for a reason.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:33 pm
DSM I played football at CV with the team that took state in 98.
thats cool we know the same areas.
My best friend went to NC.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:38 pm
DSM
I think everyone here is pretty much convinced that taking a DT at number 4 overall means they will be starting come hell of high water day 1. For good reason I tend to support that notion…we don’t actually have the luxury of sitting a project right now…so if we draft you in the first 3 rounds… count on playing immediately and if the Raiders start this season losing…again…so be it. We need to draft as many young studs with the intention of playing and getting their on the job experience right now. By mid season we should eb able to iron out all the kinks and start winning. 2009 is just around the corner…I can wait another season…I refuse to wait another decade !!!
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:38 pm
you guys want to hear something funny….
I got banned from Raiderfans.net for not agreeing with the owner (Bob aka BK.) over some of his blogs. he is a nazi and a jack ass.
He would get pissed if you questioned his opinion.
Exp. Last year Raiderfans.net reported that the Raiders signed Jeff Garcia, we all know what happened.
Well some of us member questioned their “Inside.” info.
well now i’m banned
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Shawnraiders81- my brother just purchased a house near Pines Cemetary.
That’s cool another WSU fan is on this site. Are you WSU for basketball though? I’ve always been a GU fan for basketball.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:41 pm
im a gu fan for B-ball.
When I was a kid Gonzaga sucked so all our little league basket ball teams got free tickets.
I ran into Ronni Turiaff in the airport when he was still with the Zags.
big boy and when he lets the fro out he is like 7 foot.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:43 pm
DSM, I think my dad is buried in that pines cemetary how weird is that?
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:43 pm
DSM… I understand you want to rebuild through the draft primarily but how the hell can we suffer through more bs season’s? The players that are under contract should either be cut or salary’s restructured IE… GALLERY.
money has a way of lighting a fire under most asses
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:44 pm
p.s. i went to north pines j.r. high
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:45 pm
I’ll definitely agree we would need to take a DT #1, especially since we signed Fargas, and have him start.
I’m just not going to expect the new DT to provide immediate results like some are expecting.
In ‘06 we won two games, ‘07 4 games, we should double up again in ‘08 and win 8. ‘09 we should be AFC West Champs and battling it out for the Super Bowl.
In ‘09 we’ll have 3 consecutive years of draft classes built for this team. The draftees in ‘09 should be plugging a hole or two, but primarily filling the team with depth.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:47 pm
If we can get Roger and Jenkins at DT, that would be awesome, with Warren and Sand already on the roster. That would be a huge upgrade. At DE Richardson, Kelly, with Clemons, Burgess. The LB would have a huge year, did i say huge twice. wow.
Imagine a LB makes tackles on the RB without to worry about the Guard, imagine a secondary that cover the pass without being afraid to see the RB run through the LB wihtout being touched and running at fast speed on them.
Sweet dream, oh sweet dream
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Shawnraiders81- my little brother went to school with Adam Morrison and most people thought he was a dork.
He also was at a party with Errol Knight and Ronny and talked about how big they were. But both Knight and Ronny didn’t partake in the green which was surprising.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:50 pm
we’re taking mcfadden at # 4!
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Morrison did seem like a dork but the kid could play basketball. Needs to shave……
He sucks in the NBA.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:51 pm
He’s too slow. I see him ending up as a Steve Kerr because he can’t guard.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Shawn..
What has Tim Brown got to do with Desean Jackson? Tim Brown was a top 10 talent and he was 6′0 and solidly built, that´s why he caught over 1000 passes.
I said it a while ago…
I´d rather adress other needs than taking a chance on getting a great returner who more than likley won´t be able to handle being an everydown WR.
I mean, 5′9 169 man come on.
And we´d likely have to take Desean at 2 because I doubt he will last until our 4th, some other team with less pressing needs will be able to afford a 2nd or 3rd rounder on such a guy. I just don´t think we can.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
DeSean Jackson won’t be available in the 2nd.
I want Justin Forsett in the 4th or possibly 3rd if we could trade up. He could be awesome in special teams too.
Lavelle Hawkins has big play ability both special teams and as a WR and runs better routes than Jackson and will be available in the 4th.
Forsett is built like Bryant Westbrook (5′8″ 200 lbs)but runs a 4.4 or faster 40 and has good hands.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
yeah he is to slow, anyway it was nice meeting someone from the spokane area.
We will have to keep in touch on this blog, i’m on here alot since i’m banned from raiderfans.net
Raiders wish list. Final thought.
1) Shaun Rogers trade. (= Warren, Sands, Rogers.)
2) D-McFadden.
3) Deshawn Jackson.
4) Sibikowski SS (ND.)
5) Berrian at WR.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:56 pm
oops, Hawkins will be available in the 2nd, not the 4th. Forsett could be available in the 4th.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Hey I would love Forsett.
But Marley I do agree Tim Brown was top ten talent.
But size is OVERRATED. That was my point.
and anyone who watches pac-10 football like me and DSM
know how awesome Deshawn Jackson is…..
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:57 pm
would anyone out there agree that trading our 5th, 6th and 7th for a mid-late 3rd round pick gives us a better shot at picking up an immediate starter ???
5th, 6th and 7th rounders are for teams that have solid core players…and dont NEED to fill starting positions…you know “projects” or back ups.
In our case we need starters to pop out of this draft by the end of pre-season.
I realize that we have no 3rd rounder this year…but something tells me we are going to be doing some horse trading again this year…and end up picking up several mid round picks…
anyway there are plenty of good kids out there anxious to get a shot at the NFL after not being selected that end being pretty good players…
what we need this year is a few of our guys burning up the phones to get the cream of the undrafted rookies to come check us out this year…and we can focus our draft picks on Day 1. If I was Kiffin I would even consider giving up next years number one and two for a mid 1st rounder this year. If he doesn’t get us into the play-offs thsi year I am sure AD is gonna throw him out like all the rest.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:58 pm
sorry desean.
I can only spell is Shawn like my name
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:59 pm
DSM
You see Desean Jackson going on the 1st round?.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Bob Marley - Just ask Wes Welker what size means.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:04 pm
Hey I would take either Cal WR’s.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Bob Marley- Jackson will go first round primarily because of Hester. He’s superior to Ginn coming out of college and due to having better hands and more experience at running routes (Hawkins was best on the team for routes) in addition to all of his exciting kick/punt returns, he’ll definitely go in the 1st.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Shawn…
Again, Jackson is no Tim Brown and he´s not even Wes Welker.
Jackson´s size may not deter him from making a few impact plays, but it will make it hard for him to stay on the field.
He´ll be a big play threat on returns, reverses, screens and some deep balls, but I don´t see him as an impact WR.
A good team can use a wild card weapon like Jackson, we need a true WR.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Steve Smith from Carlolina Panthers….ring any bells ???
DeSean Jackson looks like he is going to be that same quality guy…big heart…quite speedy. I think he has been working on his 40 time becasue last year I think he was around a 4.48 40, and he made a big deal about running the 40 at the combine ..so who knows …maybe he has improved his technique and picked up a couple of tenths…
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:17 pm
tom flores- Where do you get your knowledge with regards to 5-7 round picks are best used for teams with plenty of core players and depth and not for teams with plenty of needs?
If we were morons last year and traded those picks, we wouldn’t have ended up with Richardson or O’Neal.
Jay Richardson, Kevin Boss, Mason Crosby, & Ahmad Bradshow were players going to teams of need drafted in rounds 5-7.
Depth is NEVER taken for granted and traded away for a 3rd who could easily be a bust like Moses or Buster Davis.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:20 pm
The thing about Jackson is he’ll fall down when the wind blows. That’s my concern regarding him.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Bob Marley
I agree that DeSean is a luxury we cannot afford right now…we have much more pressing needs on both sides of the line…
we have a decent core of young quick CBs that just need a pass rush to improve their stats …I mean how long do our CBs need to blanket the WRs of opposing teams for our Dline to get in ???
In my fantasy we pick up a few solid starters at skill positions during free agency and then spend every single one of our picks in this draft on linemen.
Next year we can draft all skill players…whatever…but the way I dream it..for the next 8 years we will have a solid core if we take care of our linemen now when they are all available.
its not every year you get a solid bunch like this…there are gonna always be the other positions in every draft…this is the year of the linemen…let’s do something crazy…lets protect our QB and make gaping holes for our Bush/Fargas combo
and then let’s get a brand new front four to add to the couple of guys we drafted last year and use all our duds as back ups f they are cheap enough..if not cut them ..trade them…whatever !!!
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Unknown: Watch this youtube and you’ll think differently: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPfEkWSEhcY&feature=related
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:28 pm
DSM you are right about the 5-7 picks…I am just tired of waiting for the diamonds to pop out of the coal we have been loading up on lately…
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:31 pm
The Giants had quality players when they dratfed Bradshaw…and Boss.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:32 pm
I am tired and getting cranky…sorry DSM
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:33 pm
In my crazy world, the draft goes as follows:
Miami- C Long
St Louis- J Long
Atlanta- DMac
Oakland- trades down to the 8th spot with Baltimore and land their 1st, 2nd, and next year’s 1st for Clady.
In the 2nd we land Lavelle Hawkins & Pat Sims. In the 4th we take Forsett and we trade a vet for a 5th for a center like John Sullivan.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:34 pm
DSM
Those highlights were based on his entire career. He disappeared in a number of games this year. He’s talented don’t get me wrong, but you have to be kidding me if you want him with the 4th pick!
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Allright, I´ll agree to disagree on Desean Jackson but I´m quite sure he´s no Tim Brown, Wes Welker or Steve Smith as we´ve heard so far.
With the 34th pick, I´d rather select someone other than a 5′9 169 guy. I´m sure some of his projections will change too as he was listed as a 6′0 178 guy at Cal.
That being said, Kiffin almost got him to play for USC so he definitely is familiar with the guy, I´ll trust his judgement over mine of course.
Anyways, if he´s that good we won´t get him, he´ll be gone way before our 34th, the whole point is moot I guess, unless he falls to the 2nd round.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Jeeez, I go see a movie and 355 new posts are up…
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:38 pm
If Henderson & Bush end up starting next year, we’ll literally have players in the first 6 rounds starting or playing significant minutes.
Russell, Miller, Henderson, Bush, Richardson, & O’Neal.
Give Kiffin two more drafts like this and we’ll be solid for years.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Unknown
I havent see Jackson play for a while… you got me pumped….I consent to giving up a 2nd rounder for him…but the rest are all linemen !!!
hahaha
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Unknown- where the heck do you get me wanting Jackson at #4? I only argued the point because some people think he won’t go in the first and you said he’d fall down if the wind blows.
Jackson will be a first round pick not because he’s a receiver, but for what he’ll do in the return game.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:42 pm
FYI,
Save your money, rent Vantage Point, don’t go to the theater…not that good.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:43 pm
I say lets get McFadden, and lets play ball, lets Run mike bush he”s 254 lbs and oneal 230.lbs pound the line and play play action with Jamarcus and then though in the the speed of fargus and macfadden yea baby!!!!! And take out chances in the draft and see who we can pick up!!!!!!!!!!
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:44 pm
DSM you had me right up until you picked a center…we got 3 or 4 of those guys on our roster now…including our long snapper…
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Richardson isn’t going to be what we hope he will. Just because players play doesn’t mean they’ll be any good!
Look at our roster, there’s proof!!
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Size does not mean you will be good or not. But on each team you need at least 1 or 2 big receiver, then you can get a small one. You said Wes Welker, i say yes, because he does not have the coverage Moss had all year long. S Moss and S Smithare both small receiver but they are strong, fast and very good route runner. Desean is really too small and light, need weight. And if you add weight, will he still be agile?
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Welker will probably get injured this year because he takes to many shots from LB’s. But, he’s 1 of the toughest players in the league pound for pound.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:50 pm
I’m sorry to hear that Dakota. Did they have any cute girls at the theatre.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:50 pm
I didn’t notice, I am married…
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:51 pm
I’m out, but one last post before I check in the morning.
Richardson will continue to get good quality minutes, even if say Clemens takes his spot. I’m not saying he’s a starter, but very good for depth.
Miller’s going to be a stud. Russell should become a stud. O’Neal’s a future Pro Bowler. If Henderson can get the drive to play, he could be awesome in our system like Matt Lepsis was in Denver. And obviously if Bush is healthy, he’ll be the steal of the draft.
Kiffin is building this team the way it should be built, through the draft.
DeSean Jackson will be a first round pick because of his speed, special teams ability, and the fact he can play as a 3rd or 4th WR and excel.
Nite all.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Give kiffin a little time men he will deliver what he say , cause he is a football guy, Man I hope we luck out and get couple of them appalions state guys they give mich all they wanted and beatem!!!!
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Dakota- I’m married too, but still notice the hotties.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:54 pm
DSM makes a good point, I had forgotten about Ted Ginn Jr. going 9th last year. Of course, Ginn measured at a solid 5′11 and 188 with a 4.38.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Unknown I thought the same as DSM that you were saying take Jackson at #4 which si way too early for a receiver…if he si still there at number 37 amen…who knows we may be able to move back into the late 1st round to get him SF did last year..
DSM he is the real deal…we need a number 1 receiver badly…he makes sense…we have plenty of burners that can’t catch the ball…we picked up in later rounds…being fast is a luxury right now…we need a guy that can catch it when he is thrown to…having a rookie QB is tough…he is going to need a young guy with confidence and swagger to celebrate a few big plays on occasion to lift his spirit.. I was actually thinking we would take a receiver out of LSU for a little familiarity for JRuss…but I would be very happy to see a local talent like DeSean running into the end zone for Raider Nation every home game !!!
It would probably do wonders for our attendance as well…and that has to be a factor when you consider the options Al has at the moment…
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:57 pm
macfadden
jake long (howies)son
that def guy from lsu
Al will not trade down!!!!
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:57 pm
oH Glen dorsey
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:00 pm
DSM are you saying you’re a player with the hotties?
Let me know
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Mista,
Would you like to know how the Warrior’s/Hawks game turned out?
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Flores
I have a feeling you want to attack like the good ol days.
Those take what we want days.
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Al says Macfadden or glen dorsey if available
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Cam13 what are the stats on Steve Smith ???
I know he isn’t over 185lbs and he had to work hard to get there but he has managed to be one helluva player in the NFL.
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Unknown
AL just sold 20 percent of the team for 150 Million bucks. He wouldn’t do that if he wasn’t absolutely dead set on winning another Superbowl before he kicks the bucket!!!
Yes…I want to go out and take what we want…then I want to shove it down every other teams throats adn esp that freakin’ scumbag that keeps badmouthing us to players at the combine and waring them and all FAs to steer clear of Raider Nation…
these guys start BS just to defame us…well… Al Davis does a good enough job on his own making them think he has lost it…we dont need exaggerations…
We are way under the cap for th efirst time this decade…we have cash…we have a coach that has the right idea…compete for your job…
I want to see real results this year !!!
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:26 pm
once again my typos are so bad they are almost as often as the penalties on our O line…
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Yea, I like Al. A lot of owners copied his style. Al is the reason Shanahan has a name. Al is the reason Gruden has a name. Al is the reason Madden has a name. Al is the reason Kiffin is going to have a name.
I really believe we are going to get back to the way Al used to do things. He has his Hercules quarterback. Now he only needs his 2 world-class WR’s.
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:38 pm
I am not saying go out and sign a bunch of old guys to get us back there…and blow our wad like we did so many times in the past…that only gets us to the top for a year or two…I agree we need to build a solid group thru the draft…all the great teams that dominated for 6 to 8 years have done just that.
.
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:43 pm
We can’t give money away any longer. Those losers have to earn it now. Most of them don’t know what to do with the money anyway. Strippers love the modern athlete
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:49 pm
it must have been pure hell last year for Al every night leading up to the first round draft of the draft.
Only being able to pick one or the other between Calvin Johnson and Jamarcus Russell. Thats like finally getting the woman of your dreams and then finding out you waited so long that now you are unable to get it up !!! I really thought that he may pull off some magic and do some crazy trade to get them both to start off our new Kiffin regime!
Then picking Russell and having Moss abandon ship after you get a real gun slinger to throw him the ball deep for the remaining years of his carreer.
I know Al Davis is dreaming about having Jerry Rice and Tim Brown right now with Marcus in the backfield.
So right now I am wondering if he will do the right thing and draft the less glamorous linemen that we need…
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:58 pm
I believe whatever WR Al selects will have sub 4.4 speed. We can’t go conservative now Flores. Al wants an Air Force right now. I like his impatients, but he needs to get talent now. These retards we have now can’t bring any reasonable talent aboard.
February 23rd, 2008 at 12:43 am
Al Davis is going to continue to ruin this franchise, that’s what he’s going to do.
Kiffin is going to coach here one more year. And, I wouldn’t be all too surprised if he still wound up leaving the team before this coming season.
Al Davis will replace Kiffin with some mindless butt kisser like Lofton. He’ll build for the vertical game, and nobody, I mean nobody, will be happier than our opposing defensive coordinators. The week they play the Raiders will be that week where they fly out to meet with their wives and kids. It will be a half week. No big deal. They’ll be facing an offense that basically announces they’ll be throwing deep, and running the ball no more than 6 times. No problemo…
The Raiders will continue to lose, and lose, and lose. Davis loyalists will continue to blame the league, blame the press, blame other fans.
In the meantime:
2007: 4-12
2008: 2-14
2009: 1-15
2010: 3-13
2011: 3-13
2012: 0-16 (10 year anniversary of our last SB appearance)
2013: League officially steps in and forces Al Davis to sell his share of the Raiders.
2014: 8-8
2015: 10-6
2016: 14-2, Super Bowl champions.
Any takers?
February 23rd, 2008 at 1:12 am
Maddenraider
I think that was pretty harsh.
I was out reading up a bit and checking a few vids on rivals.com and came across a vid of Chris Long getting tackled by a QB after interecpting said QB…now this has completely wiped away my belief that he was indeed the biggest bad ass mutha at DE imaginable and that we should sign him whatever we do in the draft.
If he is as quick as everyone says he is how did he let a QB chase him down laterally ???
February 23rd, 2008 at 1:29 am
By Pat Yasinskas ESPN.com
INDIANAPOLIS — In his own eyes, Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long is a skill player. He also takes pride in being a cheater.”Yeah, absolutely, I’ll admit that I hold,” Long said. “I get my hands inside and hide it that I’m holding. I try to hide it so the refs can’t see it.””I think it is a skill,” Long said. “If you can get away with it and not get caught, it’s absolutely a skill. I try to make sure I get my hands inside on every single play so if I do hold a little bit then the refs won’t be able to see it.”
February 23rd, 2008 at 1:30 am
Another Bobby Gallery..Raiders draft anyone but him!!
February 23rd, 2008 at 1:45 am
Unknown
I still think we draft FS Kenny Phillips round 1 to switch back and forth with Huff at safety and an outstanding group of linemen this go ’round by moving down twice with teams and picking up two extra 2nd round picks. DeSean Jackson atop round 2 and then two DT’s. I dont even care which two as long as one of them is a Sapp type wide body and the other 6′7 and a beast.
Then we grab best available OT and G, then best available DE until the draft ends rotating back and forth each round. there is plenty of beef to be had this draft.
Of course we start things off by trading Lamont Jordan and Rhodes to ATL for DeAngelo Hall and ??? We trade Burgess while he still has value for a younger MLB or SS to help with our depth issues there plus pick up a 4th round pick. We sign Lance Briggs to a 6 year deal before 49ers know what hit them first thing tomorrow AM . Convince Berrian that Briggs is here now and he should be too. Justin Smith sees we are serious about getting into the play-offs this year and he signs with us for the same money he made at Cincy just to be on a team heading in the right direction. Roger Goodell clears the way for Pacman Jones to come to Al Davis’ Raiders hoping h ewill ruin the whole team…but is shocked to see Pacman convert to Muslim and become a hall of famer wihout another blemish on his record…not only does he no longer go to strip bars he marries his favorite 3 strippers and keeps them all in separate countries to avoid trouble with the law!
Slowly our own players actually begin to get excited thinking that we are pulling together more than players…we are putting together a winning attitude.
The Raiders go 10 - 6 in 2008 and then undefeated in 2009 to become the second only team in history to accomplish such a feat…just days after the superbowl Al Davis dies of an erection that lasted more than 4 hours when he takes twenty Viagra to celebrate his legendary victory with his new best pal and investor/co owner Hef and his “Girls Next Door” at the Playboy mansion !!!
February 23rd, 2008 at 1:47 am
sorry Maddenraider…I just had to be the one to tell you…he’s all a bad dream for most but he is our owner…for now.
hahaha
February 23rd, 2008 at 1:51 am
Native
are you kidding me man??? He is OLD school…I forgot all about that interview…he has got my vote…the fact that he is crafty and works on his technique to hold without getting caught…I love it.
He said he was only burnt once all year…by Gholston…I will take one sack as opposed to 48 sacks or something like that we gave up last year ABSOLUTELY>>> SIGN HIM
February 23rd, 2008 at 1:52 am
Bobby Gallery can’t even move quick enough catch anybody to HOLD onto…. hahaha…
February 23rd, 2008 at 1:54 am
We can look at Unknown’s posts from the past 5 years, and who wants to bet he was spewing the same, blindly optimistic hyperbole then, too?
Him and other Davis shills have a simple plan: Don’t talk about the dysfunction in the franchise. Instead, talk about draft picks and free agents, despite the fact that no matter how good they are, they’ll be thrown into a chaotic, ineffective system.
Go ahead, Unknown. Give us some examples as to how we’ll win with an “Air Force” offense, while facing zone defenses? Name me a season where we won a Super Bowl with such a dumb offense, and I’ll show you Marcus Allen’s rushing and catches out of the backfield, Plunkett’s dinking and dunking to Kenny King, and Stabler’s controlled passing attack.
The only thing sadder than Al Davis and his philosophies are the pathetic fans who buy into both. Actually, it’s not sad. It’s pretty funny.
And, Flores, if you think my 10 year forecast is harsh, wait and see how you feel when it all actually happens. Do you really think we have a chance of being a team capable of winning more than 4 games in any season with that lunatic running the team, with his mindless drones like Ryan and Lofton (our HC in ‘09)? Why not believe in something more probable, like winning the Super Lotto?
February 23rd, 2008 at 1:56 am
49ers were accused by Chicago…for “tampering” with Briggs…and his agent before free agency…sounds like we may get a chance to sign him out from under the Whiners if this holds up…
February 23rd, 2008 at 2:12 am
I see maddenraider wants to keep losing already. You have to be a bronco fan with your lack of knowledge. You know nothing about schemes are ownership.
You would rather defame a 78 year old owner instead of these so called studs. You havent criticized a player yet. Its because you dont know any of the players. That’s how we know you are snitch for the broncos.
Stop posting when you think everyone is asleep.
You have Donnie Brasco all over your face bronco!!
February 23rd, 2008 at 2:16 am
Maddenraider
I can only hope that your prediction is backwards. I think Al Davis may have lost it…but I have not met him in person so I cannot judge him….I can say he is a bit paranoid but after the screwing he has gotten from the NFL constantly who wouldn’t be???
Al Davis has plenty of faults…but the Raiders are his passion in life. Its what he lives for…it is why he wakes up in the morning everyday instead of sleeping in until…eternity.
I agree he meddles in something way too much that has passed him by to a degree that has all his coaches frustrated…but that’s ok…HE OWNS THE TEAM !!!
Its his right…I get totally freaking pissed off too when he does stuff making the world think the Raiders organization is the most dysfunctional sport team in history…
But then he goes out and does something totally awesome like sign Randy Moss hoping to get us back to the promised land. Are you saying the Rich Gannons injury was all planned and perpetrated by Al Davis??
Al Davis Loves losing…that is why he keeps firing winning coaches every year…!!!
AL Davis is too cheap…hmm maybe he just ran outta money because the players he paid to be superstars and hoped were gonna play to their potential turned out to be TURDS>
Al Davis loves the Raiders and Hates losing dude.
Why else would he sell 20% of his beloved team for 150 Million bucks other than to invest it back into the roster or other related expenses he just couldn’t meet but refused to let that hurt his belov