Drew Carter on board
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Wednesday, March 12th, 2008 at 3:34 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Free agent Drew Carter, an occasional starter for the Carolina Panthers last season, has been added to the Raiders’ receiving corps, beat writer Steve Corkran confirmed.
Barring any other acquisitions, Carter would enter training camp as no worse than the third wide receiver, joining Javon Walker and incumbent Ronald Curry.
In seven starts for Carolina, Carter had 38 receptions for 517 yards and four touchdowns, which followed a 28-catch, 357-yard performance in 2006.
The Raiders have added both Walker and Carter to one of the NFL’s thinnest units since losing Jerry Porter (Jacksonville) to free agency.
With Walker (6-3, 215), Curry (6-2, 210) and Carter (6-3, 210), Oakland has given rookie quarterback JaMarcus Russell a trio of phyiscally impressive wide receivers. Best case, it means the potential for a lot of big plays. Depth could still be an issue, since all three have had injury issues.
The remainder of the wide receivers includes Johnnie Lee Higgins, Jonathan Holland, Chris McFoy, Drisan James, Will Buchanon and Todd Watkins.
No word yet regarding Quinn Gray, the Jacksonville quarterback who arrived Tuesday night. The St. Petersburg Times reported defensive end Kevin Carter, a 34-year-old, 13-year vet who has talked with the Raiders in past free agent years, was to visit Wednesday.
Gray has already visited Green Bay. If the Packers are serious, that opportunity would seem to be the better chance for Gray to get playing time. Russell will likely be given the chance to grow through his errors. In Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers, the man who must replace Brett Favre, would be on a considerably shorter leash and be under much more intense scrutiny on a team with playoff aspirations.
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March 12th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
uno
March 12th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Now it’s getting interesting
March 12th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Good Job All, now we can concentrate on OL and DE in the Draft… This is one good Off-season by the guys.
March 12th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
I really hope Kiffin gets to remain. But I will say, I’ve been very down on Al since Gruden, but he has really found a way to bring in talent this off season. Kudos to Al.
Could this be signalling that we’re going to be trading down?
Jerry, what’s our cap projection based on these signings?
March 12th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
THATS WHAT IM TALKIN ABOUT!!
March 12th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
good pick up, we need a wr who can stretch the field
March 12th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
And everyone remember that no one would sign as a FA with such a dysfunctional organization.
March 12th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Damn I would love to see the Raiders snag Jordy Nelson in the 4th round (if he’s still there) A sure handed, smart, fearless, great route running receiver from Kansas State. He’s a special teams monster too.
March 12th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Now we just need a DT and DE for depth and we can…DRAFT MCFADDEN!
March 12th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Any word as to where Michael Bush is at with his rehab. Is he 100%, are the coaches excited about his progress???
March 12th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Considering Walker’s knees, Carter’s knees and ankles, and Curry’s Achilles; Between the three of them, we might have enough body parts to make one healthy starting WR.
But, they are definitely talented.
March 12th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
shoot
I should have popped over here when I opened my trap about Carter…I may have been first for my first time…I am still a hopelessly pathetic VIRGIN
March 12th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
What happen to Boldin?
I thought he was in Alameda, ready to sign.
What’s the story?
March 12th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Nelson and Miller on short routes over the middle would be unstoppable now that the Raiders have some speed to stretch the defense.
March 12th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Can youll imagine how many yards our RB’s will have next year without 8 men in the box on every single play..Im startin to lick my chops now
March 12th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Boldin was one of Alameda Insider’s crack pipe dreams.
There was never anything to that story.
March 12th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Throughout NFLdom, snickers and nervous laughs are beginning to turn into twitches and tics of fear, glances over the shoulder and knotted brows, mutters and whispers as the realization begins to dawn that Silver and Black are again poised to take what they want regardless of the rest of them.
March 12th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Dear Creator of all things
Please dont let Al run out of money
Fill the Coffers with an extra measure, tamped down and spilling over.
In Al we trust
March 12th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Add Darren McFadden to this group on offense, and we could have the makings of a very potent offensive attack.
March 12th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
boldin will not go anywhere, the cards have at worst a top 5 WR core in this league, boldin is one of the best WRs in the NFL and has 3 more years on his contract with salaries between $2 M and $3 M, why would they trade him, especially with johnson on the market, who would their WRs be then, fitz and steve breaston? they will not trade the 2nd best player on their team and one of the best at his position when they are getting elite production for a journeyman salary, forget about boldin, it was a stupid rumor to begin with, be happy with the dramatic improvements that have taken/are taking place
March 12th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
POSTED 6:16 p.m. EDT, March 12, 2008
RAIDERS SIGN ANOTHER
The Oakland Raiders’ offseason assault on the free-agent market continues.
According to Adam Schefter of NFL Network, the Raiders have agreed to terms with receiver Drew Carter, formerly of the Carolina Panthers. Terms are not yet known.
Carter was a fifth-round draft pick of the Panthers in 2004. He started seven games in 2007, catching 38 passes for 517 yards and four touchdowns — all career highs.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
My favorite line the “ASSAULT” on free agency,
RAIDER ORGANIZATION DESERVES CREDIT FOR
“SHOW ME THE MONEY”
March 12th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Kevin Carter….c’mon lets not get too hasty here with the cane carrying crowd for our “fresh” roster redo…lets keep them youger than 30 at least so we have that one important intangible…Hope…which stems from youth and the belief that anything is possible…just ask my 7 year old son…hahaha.
March 12th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
I believe this is a good pickup!
March 12th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Andrews Mom
He’s breaking the piggy bank as we speak.
March 12th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Work you magic lofton
March 12th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
I definetly agree with post# 22. kevin Carte is old and washed up. bring in some young talent that will carry the silver and black for years to come.
March 12th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I think Al Davis is going all out this offseason. I now expect him to draft McFadden in April.
March 12th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Hey fellow Raiders fanatics we are defintely competing with the Jets for most improved Roster and most expensive FA shopping spree of ‘08….unlike our counterparts across the bay (whiners) we will do something with our huge financial outlay…WIN more games than we did the year previously!!!
March 12th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
3rd and 3 at the Chief’s 43 yard line. Russell under center, he’s got Walker and Carter spread out wide, Curry in the slot. McFadden and O’neal in the backfield. Here’s the snap, play action to McFadden, Russell looks to his left, he fires, he’s got a man wide open….TD RAAAAAIIIIDERS! Javon Walker with the TD reception!.
Head coach Rob Ryan has to be pleased with that play!
March 12th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
the players we have signed got big contracts, but neither walker nor wilson are making even $1 M in base salary this year, so their cap #’s are very reasonable, leaving us plenty of money to sign more decent players, like gray and k.carter(DE), and hopefully tripplet(DT) or r.coleman(DT) or d.walker(DT)
March 12th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
“The Oakland Raiders’ offseason assault on the free-agent market continues” -PFT
and I just got a call from a Raiders ticket representative, man that’s good timing.
March 12th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Kevin Carter could fill the leadership role left void with Sapp’s retirement. But I wouldn’t break the bank to fill that role either.
March 12th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
BTW
great pick up…on Carter (Drew) sure did take him a while to come around…guess no one else was throwing big bucks his way…and we are starting to look like an offensive threat in ‘08. Drew Carter really did make a wiser than his years move…signing with us gives him a chance to be a number one receiver…something most talented guys should be willing to give their left nut for (Bryant Johnson)…what a turd…if he doesn’t find his way here…or did he already sign in Buffalo ???
March 12th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
I like our moves during this off season. We will make the .500 mark next season. And Kiffin isnt going anywhere for the time being. It would have happened already.
DerekRaider
March 12th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Looks like a Defensive Draft with all these offensive signings in free agency.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
POST 29
GREG PAPA IS LICKIN HIS CHOPS
March 12th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Do we have enough depth at WR to dump McFoy and Buchanon yet??? I mean really…they didn’t even play college ball…FT what are they doing here other than the fact that they are from Coach Kiffins team?
Are they special teams studs or what ???
March 12th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Good to see Carter come on board. I just like that we are getting the players that we targeted.
I still look at the roster and can’t see us taking anything but DL at #4. I say Long or Gholston, but I could buy a DT with Kelly playing at DE.
Now if we end up with another starting caliber DT or DE in FA, then maybe we go offense with that first pick.
Looks like my personal draft advisor Tommy Trojan is in the house … Any DE’s worth looking at in Rnd 2 or later than could start?
Give these McFadden supporters some hope.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
3rd and 3 at the Chiefs’ 43 yard line. Russell under center, he’s got Walker and Carter spread out wide, Curry in the slot. McFadden and O’neal in the backfield. Here’s the snap, play action to McFadden, Russell looks to his left, he looks right, SACKED by Jared Allen because the Raiders are hurting at the offensive tackle position! Oops, shouldn’t have wasted that pick on McFadden…
March 12th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Drop the McFadden crap!!! We’ve got 3 top flight backs in Fargus, Rhodes, and Bush. Lets spend draft picks where we need them. O-Line and D-Line.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Re #34,
You mean no one is going to make a big deal out of Lofton being at that pro day with a scout? I mean, he was working out WRs by himself … That’s got to mean that Kiffin is out of the loop and bound to be fired any day, no, any minute.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
i have to say good pick up no matter if theres no word from kiffin
March 12th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Sacked …
Now that was funny!
March 12th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
so much for any thinking we wouldnt be able to attract good FA due to disfunctional atmosphere much better 2 add carter than wasting a 2nd rounder on 1 now we take linemen either side any position
March 12th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Drew Carter…allright.
Carter had injury issues during his first 2 seasons but he played 14 games in 06 and all 16 in 07, he seems to have left them behind.
38 catches for 517 and 4 TD´s last season with the lousy trifecta of David Carr, Vinny and undrafted rookie Matt Moore throwing him the ball, at least trying to, most of the year.
Good move.
Oh and I think we all know he´s got the goods at almost 6′4” and with a 4.39 at the 04 combine.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Drew Carter signed a 1 year deal, says Schefter.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Yesterday I was at the oakland airport for a flight to washington where I live. It was about 5:30 am my flight left at seven. Walking across the street to the terminal I saw Warren Sapp walking with Jack Del Rio. I know Jacks family was in hayward at one time, but what would Sapp be doing? Maybe he went to pick up his last check from Al. Any ideas?
March 12th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
ATL Raider
I am starting to believe the possibility of a DMAC in S & B myself…even though we really dont need him as much as a run stuffing D Lineman.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
as of right now, carlisle, seabass, c.green, and lechler are the only players on our roster who are 30 or older, the age of Ks and Ps aren’t important until they hit 40, so they’re really not even worth mentioning, and neither of the oher two are on defense, that’s a good thing because it allows morrison to be the unquestioned leader of the D, if not the entire team, but carter would be a nice addition because he is versatile and over the last few years has still been very productive, he would provide a player very similar to kelly in that he could play DE and 3-technique DT, hopefully we can get him at a reasonable price
March 12th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Nothing on the amount of the deal from the Madame yet.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
kevin carter would be a good veteran presence on the d-line if we sign him he also can teach younr jay richardson and any d linemen we pick up via the draft
March 12th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Dakota, enough with the merry go round of HC’s you keep spewing your borderline troll status with that.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Ok, I’m far from a McFadden supporter, but I don’t know about us having 3 top flight running backs.
Fargas - Great year last year, but like always, dude got hurt. Even if he’s our #1 back, he’s clearly an injury risk. In a perfect world, I’d like Fargas to be the #2 guy.
Bush - Biggest wildcard of them all. RB coming off of a broken leg … All I can say is that we are all HOPING for the best. But at the end of the day, dude has not taken 1 snap in the league, so to call him top flight is a bit premature.
Rhodes is clearly not a long term option.
With that said, I still see us going DL at #4 as it stands now.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Who me???
March 12th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
McFadden is far better than any of the three “top flight” running backs we have on our roster.
Rhodes is good for experience & insurance policy, Fargas and Bush have to prove they can be healthy first before anything.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
The ZBS that we have will make any RB look top flight - look at Baby Jordan - Imagine a real top flight RB - Nothing against Justin Fargas who runs with the biggest heart on the team - but he didn’t have that break away speed to get past the last defefender - we haven’t had that since Charlie Gardner and I sure miss that- I know DE is what is most needed but I surely woudn’t be sad if JMac was hading off to DMac
March 12th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Mista, I am sure that Kiffin/Ryan/Lofton/Green/Knapp will be our head coach next year, lol…that makes me a troll???
March 12th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Dakota is allright
March 12th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
I have your back dude, even if you hate my man Al.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
lawrence jackson is the only good DE that could(i emphasize COULD) be available in the 2nd, chris ellis(VT), jason jones(EMU), and jeremy thompson(WF) are the top options for the 4th rnd, tommy blake would be the greatest value in the 6th, he’s a 1st rnd prospect who missed part of last season with emotional issues/dissorders, if he is mentally OK we have a potential pro bowler on our hands, if he isn’t, whatever, it’s only a 6th, although his good pro day could push him up into the 4th, but if you remember the last 4th rnd DE out of TCU to dawn silver and black, he happens to be our all time sack leader….greg townsend(future HOFer and really cool guy to hang out with….down to earth Laker fan)
March 12th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
You don’t get a chance at a player like McFadden every year. I think we can address D Line in Round 2.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
The Raiders needed to add some weapons on the outside and they have gone out and done just that. Kudos to the organization for recognizing their weaknesses and attacking the FAs.
Nothings for sure in the NFL, but JWalk and Carter have definitely improved the WR depth and hopefully will up the production in 2008.
As long as Kiffin is back (for stability & continuity) I see the Raiders continuing to grow. They needed the talent infusion…forget the dollars. No salary cap excuses from the S&B.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Great move, that allows flexibility in the draft, we are not stuck having to get a receiver now.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
thanx Bob.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Does anyone know what’s up with Dante Culpepper? Is he returning to the Raiders or not?
March 12th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
While many teams stand still, oakland is making moves - i like it. it was clear WR was a big ugly mess for us - we’ve made some bold signings… even if you’ve doubted some recent Al Davis moves, you’ve got to give the old man props for making moves…
how much did we pay Carter?
March 12th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
J Rock hands the ball of to
http://www.fncaa.com/images/mcfadden.jpg
Touchdown…..Raaaaaaaiders!
March 12th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Hey Tommy T
I have a couple of guys that I like at either the 4th or the 6th, but I haven´t seen them, I´m going with whatever I can find on them in the web, tell me more about them.
DT´s Derek Lokey, Nick Hayden, Jason Shirley and both the FSU and VT guys.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
rudolph hardie(howard) and trevor scott(buffalo) are my favorite 6th and 7th rnd prospects at DE, both are great all around prospects w/good production and great all around measurables, who are overlooked because they are small school guys, but there are gems deep in the draft
March 12th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Drew Carter <———– Boldin,…thats what I ment to say,…by the way Cartert people told the press in Carolina that Carter only met with Lofton,..never saw or met Kiffin.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
[...] impressive wide receivers. Best case, it means the potential for a lot of big plays.” -Jerry McDonald, Inside Bay [...]
March 12th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
All new Ghost Hunters tonight!
March 12th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
maybe old AD will get too sick to carry on as the owner/GM before he can fire or trade kiffin
March 12th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Sapp in the bay area closing out his pad here,…lives in Florida,..thats what he was doing around here.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Drew Carter? The often injured never really accomplished much of anything WR for the Panthers? This guy is on track to produce less than Jerry Porter. Nice size with questionable hands and durability. This really doesn’t sound like an AL pick-up more like a Kiffin desire to which AL completed. I would have preferred a more talented FA or at least a more accomplished one. Anyway AL is giving Kiffin what he wants now he has to succeed or….the door.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Yeah, I’m sure the names Drew Carter & Anquan Boldin get confused all the time.
Alameda Insider is one pathetic Troll.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
I am not sold on McFadden as being a rare talent. He has rare speed for sure, but speed alone does not make one a great running back. It also takes vision, desire/effort, moves, strength, blocking, and receiving. I am not at all sold on McFadden in the other categories. He’s a sprinter. He’s a glorified Fargas, with more speed and less effort.
At the #4 spot, we could probably upgrade just about ANY position we wanted to. That doesn’t make it a good justification. I believe Chris Long, Glenn Dorsey, Sedrick Ellis, Jake Long, and Vernon Gholston are better talents than Darren McFadden. I believe Long, Long, and Gholston are much better fits for our team in terms of need than McFadden.
Just say no to Run DMC.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
James Hardy anyone? What do you all think of this guy? Looks like a beast. I like Curry,Walker,Carter…but they’re all injury prone and none of them are burners. I think Hardy has that deceptive kind of speed that Moss has plus he’s 6′7″. I wonder if we could trade up from our 2nd Round position to nab him with our 2nd pick? He and Higgins could definitley stretch the field. That receiver corp combined with Miller at TE and Bush/Fargas/Griffith in the flats would give Russell all the targets a QB could ask for.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Is it even clear that McFadden is the best NFL RB in the draft?
Would Stewart or the kid from Illinois be better?
I think his fumbling issues can be corrected, but I’m concerned about his penchant for going down on the first contact. Don’t we already have him in Fargas?
March 12th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
post #39 is sadly true…as much as we wanna wish it away…how can we take DMac when we have two gaping holes on our Dline and Oline???
I for one hope that all these “playmaker” FA signings and spending means that we are taking either Gholston or Dorsey in round 1, and the best available OT and DT with the next few picks…
this could be a much better year than just .500 if we do the right thing in this years draft. WE could set both lines for the next decade with this draft…we can always pick up “playmakers” in FA as AL Davis has shown this year.
Unfortunately…we will probably have another rookie to break in this year…our HC !!!
March 12th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
The zone blocking system has proven to be effective utilizing mediocre runners so DM doesn’t seem like the smart pick at 4. Now, if Kiff gets canned and the assistants follow, we may not be running the ZBS in the future and DM might be a more logical.
However, it’s premature to make that assumption. I think we need to focus on DL and possibly OL (the ZBS also seems to work well without top OL) in the early rounds of the draft.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Trev,
I guess I could’ve waited a few more minutes …
We posted the same damn thing.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Glad to see we picked up another WR in FA. Lets us concentrate on the DL and OL.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Another DE worth noting is Jeremy Geathers, should be there in the 6th. The Raiders had scouts watching him at his Pro Day, and he has a father, uncle, and cousin who have played in the NFL, thats bloodlines right there. HE’s a little small, but could be a good heir apparent to Chris Clemons.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
lokey is a 7th rnd prospect who is undersized and has below average measurables, he is a short DE with average DT athleticsm, his production is inflated by playing in what is quickly shifting to a passing conference, i wouldn;t touch him unless he’s a UDFA/practice squad guy, hayden i love, he is only a little heavier than lokey but he has a big frame and great athleticism, if he falls to the 6th he would be a great addition, very underrated, you could justify him in the 4th, shirley looks the part, he is huge(6-5 340) but is extremely inconsistent and has serious character issues, i wouldn’t touch him unless it’s as a UDFA, powell(VT) is a more athletic version of lokey, he’s a 6th or 7th, booker is a sleeker, smaller, faster version of hayden, he’s very quick, good explosion, a lot of potential as a 3-technique, if he can add 15-20lbs he could be very good, he’s a solid option in the 6th, fluellen(FSU) is an undersized 3-technique who has very good hands and good potential, he’s a nice opion in the 6th, guion(FSU) was an overachiever because of his size and is a decent athlete, he has work ethic and consistency concerns
March 12th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
…for run-stuffers at DE, I like Kendall Langford, in the 3rd or 4th round. He can play inside and outside, like Kelly.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Dell……..
I bet he is. Al is the man and he wants his team to win. I wish him all the luck in the world.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Jumpy Geathers? that guy was way underrated, loved him with the Skins.
Is Jeremy his kid?.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I guess I’m missing something…..The Giants proved once again that DEFENSE wins championships….The Raider defense sucks…..so some of you geniuses say “draft McFadden”… Ok, let’s draft a running back that can score quickly just to put the opposing teams offense back on the field quicker so they can use their running game to eat up the clock and score…limiting the opportunities the Raiders wil have offensively.
Wasn’t it the main purpose of the ZBS to be able to draft running backs with later round picks or pick up free agents and give them the ability to move the chains consistantly???
Draft defensively…stop the run. Period
March 12th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
If we do draft McDadden, the Raiderettes better stock up on maternity uniforms.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Defense may win championships but if they’re on the field most of the game b/c we can’t sustain drives than it’s for not. Got to hand it to AD though, he is being agressive!
March 12th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Sounds like Drew Carter will be the Raiders version of Wes Welker. Sounds good to me. Definitely an upgrade.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Yes! I’m so glad we picked up Carter. I wondered why we did’nt get him earlier. He is young and has all the measurables AD loves. I think this is a good pickup, I saw a lot of his games here in Carolina. He had a good year this year but the QB situation was crap and of course Steve Smith is going to get most of the balls thrown his way. Hopefully he and Jamarcus can progress together. Now we got 3 big guys so hopefully Higgins can come through and be the 4th receiver and a rookie we pick in the mid rounds can be the 5th guy. I think this frees us up to go some combination of DL-OL in rounds 1 & 2. I would take this years rec. corps over last years any day.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I dont care as much about age as I care about production. This is some positive stuff even if you haven’t seen the on field production yet. As Marley pointed out Carter is fast and he seems to have been pretty productive given his relative few starts. Combine that with Lofton’s coaching and we may have something (if only for 1 year).
I just remember Kiffin saying at his last PC that if done right the team can make its greatest strides from year 1 to year 2 above any other year. The HC is focused gents. “F” the media - this boy is focused.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
noone ever mentioned the notion of Dmac being a pure speed back until he ripped off a 4.27-4.33 at the combine, he has the meanest stiffarm in the land, he makes great cuts(a combination of both vision and agility), he has power and he has guts, mayock looked at one play of mcfadden being brought down by a DT and decided to suggest that he may not be very, strong, mayock is either ignorant or stupid or both, and so is anyone who agrees with him on the matter of mcfadden, he is the best RB in the draft, and he and peterson are the best RB prospects since LT, and both may end up being just like LT
March 12th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Dmac can also pass block. Which is nice.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Find it strange that kiffin is so silent on all the signings.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Hey now…anyone accusing another poster of being a troll merely because they joked about our possible HC merry go round is out of touch with reality.
I think by now that we would all rather have Kiffin as our HC this year…if for no other reason than continuity for Russell. However, Al Davis may not see it this way at all. He may figure with enough new toys for Russell to play with…it won’t matter that he gets a brand new playbook and HC…thus, it is absolutely not beyond the scope of anyone here’s imagination to find out that someone else is now our HC and that Kiffin has been either fired or made our OC instead…
well you know what I meant….I woudl not be shocked anymore by anything that Al Davis does..or its timing…I am just happy that he has opened the wallet and shown a desire to win now…I guess …like us fans…he was a bit tired of all the losing seasons piling up…year after year.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
At this point I STILL say they are going defense FIRST. At least 2 DEs are still needed and elite DEs who can rush the passer are rare …too rare …so the smart $$$ is on a DE to be picked in the 1st (Gholston, Long). NG is still a need to IMHO but that position can be had later.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
draft beer
for an explanation on the O v. D dynamics refer to yeserday’s debate(gray good move), as well as post #858 from the post before that(hammerhead…), i’m not wasting another day explaning it
March 12th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Tommy
Got any feedback on post 68?.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Lets go with vernon gholston or glenn dorsey. Defensive line is #1 and the offensive line is #2. We dont need mcfadden in the mix right now especially at the #4 pick. Like what Al is doing right now. WE looking good.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Whats up with the competition? Are the Raiders the only team looking to improve in the AFC West?
March 12th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
post #85 is your feedback marley
March 12th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Drew Carter was an excellent signing! I thought Al put his checkbook away after Walker and Harris signing but fooled me once again and added a very solid receiver still with some untapped potential.
How does this translate into the draft?
Well my guess is that WR will NOT be addressed in round 2 as I previously imagined. With Cable already on record saying a lot of agile OL will be available in Day 2 of the draft, I believe we will hit round 1 and round 2 with straight D-Line picks hoping to nab either Gholson or Long at #4. The wildcard of course is DMac which is only mentioned due to Al Davis craving of natural ability and speed.
We have added young quality pieces to both the offense and defense that figure to be in our long term plans to grow with our young QB and young Defense trio of Morrisson, Howard and Nnamdi.
We will be playoff contenders!
We will be fighting for the AFC West crown once again!
This will NOT be a losing season!
Al has not bee so aggressive and he know this team is being built to win NOW. That #4 pick is going to say alot…..IF AL picks DMac he is loading up for a shot at the playoffs supplying our offense with a huge amount of ammo.
Logic says to take a DE at #4 cuz we are so thin and pass rushing DE like Long and Gholston are a premium.
If they are both gone then we grab DMac.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Whats the cap space looking like. Its not as bad as peeps think becuz of the structure of all the new contracts. Whats the figure?
March 12th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
noone in the division is getting better, and it was arguably the worst division in the league last year, expect everyone in the division to decline, and us to win 8-10 games
March 12th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
McFadden would be a nice pick-up and has real potential to be special at the pro level, but after re-signing Fargas, re-structuring Rhodes contract, and already having a finally healthy under contract Bush its just unlikely. DT and especially DE are the two spots that we need definite upgrades.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
FUNEMENTAL SHIFT IN FARGAS. I remember when Napoleon Kaufman retired, we had still had a speedy back in Garner. And the limited glimpses we got of Fargas, he was fast as hell…he ran a sub 4.4 forty at the combine. Now he looks slow as molasses. Don’t get me wrong, I love his passion and toughness, but he seemed to completely re-invent himself from a speedy shifty Garner type runner to a smashing straight ahead runner that resembles Mark Van Egan’s stlye more than Kaufman/Garner. There were many times last year that if he had speed he would have been off to the races. Was is just wear and tear of the NFL along with age? Or I wonder if RB Coach Tom Rathman had a big influence on him. Was he responsilbe for this change? Does Fargas still have any speed? I like the idea of a back that is capable of scoring from any spot on the field a la Bo Jackson / Kauffman He’s the only 1000 yard runner we’ve had in ages, so I’m not bashing him. I’m just wondering why it has to be one or the other…you can have speed and power.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
tommy trojan
sounds like you been drinking Al Davis’ Kool Aid…LOL bet you are right though..Al Davis is probably taking McFadden…again…nothing would shock me at this point…either way I am just happy that he at least has provided Russell with some decent targets with experience to throw to…and knowing that our 3 youngsters (5 including McJoy and Buchanon) will be coming up under these 3 guys leaves me a little more motivated to renew my season tickets…I had nightmares thinking that we would go into the upcoming season with only Curry on our roster with more than 3 catches last year in the NFL.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
NO Mr. Tommy Prophyllactic…there’s nothing to explain or debate….trying to put the horse before the cart is always idiotic…This is the AFC West and if you can’t stop the run, you lose…plain and simple…end of story.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Wingo,
Again, here is the last official statement from Lane Kiffin, he sang this to Nancy Gay:
I can dance if I want to
I can leave my wife behind
‘Cause my wife doesn’t dance and if she doesn’t dance
Well she’s no wife of mine
I say, I can go to Arkansas if I want to
A place where Al will never find
And I can act like I come from out of this world
Leave Oakland far behind
And I can dance
And I can dance
March 12th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
nopassingzone, wtf are you talking about? fargas is very fast, he still has mid-4.4 speed, he has always been more of a straight ahead runner, he is a straight ahead burner with lots of speed, but his agility is somewhat limied by his big frame and size, he’s a good RB, and was always expected to be, he was a 2nd rnd pick, he is a good starter and has a lot of speed
March 12th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
alameda insider mamame el pito puto
March 12th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Dakota
I can’t stop laughing, man your something else.
To much!!!
March 12th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
I still need an explanation to the rumors about Boldin.
What happened, was if just a joke, and I took it hoolk line and sinker.
Please help an old man, during tax season, explain please.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
we need linemen - not running backs - but there is not a great correlation between round drafted and production- i think we can get some good linemen throughout the draft– we need depth just as much as we need superstars– and getting depth is easier- and cheaper…..
March 12th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
It was just BS from Alameda Insider Dell.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
there was never a story to boldin, it was a stupid, made up rumor
March 12th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Tommy…nevermind.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Draft Beer has a point. In our division, stopping the run is not an option, it should be #1 on our list. Period.
L.T. L.J. and Henry face us a total of 6 times. We need to create the wall and let the “Law Firm” clean up the mess.
If they want to attack by air…well….we now have one of the stingiest secondary units in a while. This unit is what I am most excited to see.
We will have more turnovers. Huff will look like a top 10 pick this year…mark my words.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
MIA
and to all who remember
Gholston tore it up and ran a superfast 40…so AL Davis can still have his super burner speed demon..only in a “need” position…I pray to God…I mean, AL Davis..that we take Gholston in round 1 and another D lineman in round 2, preferably a DT…after that if we have no 3rd or 5th rounder..so be it. Use our 4th on an OT or LB and our 6th on a WR and 7th on another DE or best athlete available…
We will probably end up getting our 3rd and 5th rounders back with Kiffin as our HC…that will be the biggest loss I think…nobody quite as aggresively or creatively trying to get us more young guys on the roster…
March 12th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
That O K Dell don’t feel bad there’s still some people in here that are still taking the Kiffin/Davis rift seriously too.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Tommy Trojan,
WTF you talking about? Fargas’s longest run was 17 yards last year out of 222 attempts…that’s not exactly showing break away speed. Career longest is 21 yards in 5 year career. I’m not saying he’s not a good starter, I’m just saying he left yards on the table many times because he either has no 3rd gear or chooses to run people over instead of run to daylight. I can’t be the only one to notice his change in running style.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Dakota,Trojan
Let me get this straight, a raider blogger just lied about Boldin in alameda to just lie. Why would he lie knowing the lie is not at all true.
So if he lied and it was not true why would he lie about this.
Does this sound like the media, or is it just me being real tired and use to people in the media creating storys for fun and entertainment.
I guess a lie is not a lie if it’s proven to not be a lie.
As this poster lied before?
Has he ever been right?
The media rumors are never right, so why is he then a liar.
I’m pretty fup up, I guess I will never understand, why somone would lie to just lie.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
i willbe happy with a DL, as long as it’s not gholston, i would love mcfadden, but more important than mcfadden is a LT in the 2nd, the 2nd rnd is what will make or break this year’s draft, not neccesarilly the 1st, bu mcfadden would make a bigger impact on our record than any 1 DL
March 12th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
“Tommy Trojan Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
noone ever mentioned the notion of Dmac being a pure speed back until … the combine”
That is simply not true!!!!! If you didn’t already evaluate McFadden as a pure speed back while he was at Arkansas, then you weren’t watching…
March 12th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
You stop the run in the AFC West you win…thats 6 games….and 6 games is a hell of a good start to making the playoffs.
But…boo hoo….Draft McFadden…..I want to see Raiders on the highlight reels to brag about to my loser friends….and besides I’m one of the idiots that the NFL makes rule changes for, that favor offensive players so that with my limited intelligence and attention spand , I can still find the games entertaining.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Fargas is not a franchise running back. Injury prone, no hands, can’t break tackles, no threat to take it all the way, etc…5 years in the NFL, 6 TDs, one season over 1000 yards (which is not much of an accomplishment in the NFL these days)…he is a nice complementary back.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
we need D Linemen because we are sooo very weak at the position…look at our roster folks..it is the one that Al Davis has not addressed at all in free agency…hopefully that means that the writing is on th ewall..and we are picking DE and DT rounds 1 and 2…because if we can stop the run this year…we will easily take over the AFC WEST…period…even if Russell struggles hi sfirst year as starter…we have tall receivers to go up for the ball…we have a top notch secondary now…and a solid group at RB…and if Bush turns out to be 3/4 as good in the pros as he was in College…SHHHEEEEEEIIIITTTTTT BABY…nobody gonna stop us from reclaiming the AFC WEST CROWN !!!
March 12th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
nopassingzone, you can’t break big runs if you’re a straight line runner and you have no blocking on the outside, his yds are dictated by the blocking of the inteior OL, however, against us, teams stacked the middle because it was our only option on offense
March 12th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Draft Beer
So you suggest we should definitely draft either Dorsey or Ellis at 4th or what would you likethe team to do?.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
well, you guys have fun, i’m out for the rest of the day
March 12th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
I understand all the peeps who think the Raiders have to concentrate on needs along the O&D-lines, I being one of them…but with a top five pick a team has to pick THE best player available. If Al thinks DMac is future HOF material I have no problem if he takes him…there are always the later rounds to load up on lineman. You don’t pass up a future Rice, LT, or Timmy just because you have solid guys at the position. The NFL is about great players, impact players. I don’t want to see a great player get by us because of other needs.
Do your homework Al, study those top five guys like your legacy depends on it…because it just might.
One Nation baby…
March 12th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
one side note…Denver seems worried as they should be..they are looking to upgrade their run defense too…which looked as bad as ours last year…
we will own this division for many years to come if we get our LT of the future in this draft as well as a run stuffing DT and blazing speed rusher DE…
I am getting giddy now…guess I am guilty of drinking Al Davis’ Kool Aid myself…hahaha
March 12th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Long…Dorsey…Gholsten…Ellis…and that would be the order I’d prioritize them.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
All right, here it goes….
The Raiders trade D-Burgess are 3rd rnd pk and next years #1 for the Rams 2nd overall pk. We then draft Gholston with the #2 and McFadden with the #4. Don’t laugh I’m not done yet. Big Rob then run’s with his original plan of installing a 3-4 D.
————–Kelley—–Sands—–Warren———–
Th.Howard—R.Thomas—Morrison—V.Gholston
Asomugha————————————-Washington
—————Huff————–Wilson—————-
March 12th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Almost Ghost Hunters time!
March 12th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
The giants d did play an awesome game man, however the giants d also gave up the go ahead score with only a few mins. mins left in the game, it was the giants offence that won it.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
“NoPassingZone Says:
Fargas’s longest run was 17 yards last year out of 222 attempts…”
Are you high? Fargas had a long run of 48 yards in 2007. He also had a 48 yarder in 2006, and his career long is 53 yards.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
How many years did Denver make the playoffs or win the AFC West by stopping the run and plugging in running back X,Y, or Z into their ZBS???
March 12th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
hey ghostrifer ????????? put down the crack pipe man !!!!!
March 12th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Didn’t Fargas have a 46 yard run against the Fins? He would have went the distance if Mike Williams could block. I also know for a fact that Fargas had a long TD run against Cleveland in ‘06 and I was at his 2nd game in Cincy in 2003 when he broke off a fifty yard run. And these are runs just off the top of my head.
If you are going to bring it NoPassZone at least get the facts straight.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Good pick up Al. Another target for our boy J. Russ!!! With Walker, Curry, Carter, Higgins(GO UTEP!!!) Miller, Madsen, and Fargas, the AFC West is in for a HUGE surprise!!! AND WHEN THE Pats COME INTO TOWN, MY BOYS HOWARD, MORRISON, BURGESS, ASOMUGHA, and WILSON ARE GONNA F*CK THEM UP!!!!
GO RAIDERS!!!!!
March 12th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
i meen ghostraider….put down the crack pipe man…….
March 12th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
For the all the Raider Pundits out there, please get off this site if you don’t bleed silver and black! I totally understand Al Davis’ management style. Loyalty brings forth desire to play and desire to win at all cost. For those players that we have and players we get in the future need to understand that concept in order to reach Al’s expectations. Committed to Excellence!
March 12th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
J barker …what hole did you have your head buried in all season??? I suggest you go look at the average points per game scored by New England.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
I like the idea of kevin carter, i`m sure he`s not starting material, but he should do well in certain situations , and will definately add as a good mentor to a lot of younger guys since sapp is gone !!!!
March 12th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
SC Raider…. get a dictionary….a detractor is what you probably meant not a pundits
March 12th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Dakota
always there with the stats…as usual putting it into perspective…this just goes to show us all how effective Cable has been in bringing the running game to Oaktown. If he can make a mediocre talent like Justin Fargas look like a power runner imagine what Bush will look like or Rhodes for that matter…
Fargas….one run of 21 yards or more…pathetic..really…I think we can do much better with Bush or Rhodes
March 12th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
practice what you preach man, number the giantrs played them twice, so the better have had them figured out. number two playing the jets, bills and dolphins twicw you also better score that many points fool, the bottem line is that the giants offence is what put them ahead, and the gianta defence is what almost lost it, period, thats the facts
March 12th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
SC RAIDER, get over yourself. Maybe you haven’t watch the last 5 seasons, you are not living in reality if you are going to defend Mr. Davis’ management style to the point of trying to run off any fans who would criticize.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
This is the best time of the year, when your optimistic and can assume the impossible.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Draft Beer
Yeah, can´t argue about Chris Long but are you not at least a bit concerned about Dorsey having a stress fracture in his leg?.
Gholston I like a lot too but he would do little to improve our run D and will Ellis at 4th be that much more productive than some of the DT´s available in latter rounds?.
My point is that I don´t see the big anchor at DT, if there was a Haynesworth, John Henderson type of player I´d say take him over anyone but Dorsey, even at full strength, is not that kind of player. I think.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Jjvill
runs that were called back because of penalties dont count…lol
March 12th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
just kidding…guess I feel sad that I dont have Barry Sims to kick around anymore…did he ever sign with the Panthers …???
March 12th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Yes, I have watched the last 5 seasons as well as the seasons when we won games. The difference is that we had players with passion that wanted to win. The last few seasons, we’ve had some key players that i feel did not have the desire to win. That’s why they are not here any longer.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Hey JBarker is denfence the same as defense or is it what you have around your house?
March 12th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
why are you guys so hung up on dt this year, think of what lays ahead in the future if we draft mcfadden and then him, bush, rhodes and fargas all have great a season. you have any idea what our trade vaule for one of those would be, trust me every year there is going to be an awesome dt in the draft.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
actually i have your mom arround my house, btw, can you come get her, she getting boring
March 12th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
anyway i like to spell how you think, which is stupid, this is the best way for you to understand draftqueer
March 12th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Also, if we are gonna become a great team we will eventually have to stop the run but maybe this is not the offseason to do it.
Maybe we take the weapon that´s available in McFadden and try to patch up the DL for one more year, meanwhile our offense begins to click.
If everything goes welll, by this time next year we have an explosive offense and set out to fix the Defense once and for all, this may include a new DC.
I just don´t feel we can make major improvements in every single area in one single offseason.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
SC RAIDER, you are wrong, to pin all of our failures on a few unmotivated players is completely misguided. The #1 problem we have had is coaching. The #2 problem we have had is lack of talent, both in terms of starters and backups, primarily due to poor drafting and poor salary cap management. Al Davis’ management style contributes to all those problems: Coaching, drafting, and salary cap management. If you don’t learn from history, you will be doomed to repeat it.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
i think our d line is going to be just fine this year pending kelly and burgess stay healthy. I still think the biggest problem was sapp losing that 50 pounds. i think it really alloud o-line men to dominate him
March 12th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
OK J Barker I’ll pick up my mom when I drop off your wife and sister.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Bob, #162….EXACTLY!
March 12th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Bob Marley, I am all for improving the DL, but I don’t see the sense in drafting Dorsey or Ellis, when they play the same position (3-technique, aka under tackle) as Tommy Kelly, who we just gave a $50M contract to. If we can get Chris Long, that is awesome. If we pick Gholston, I can at least see him as an upgrade to Richardson (especially on passing downs) and/or a long-term replacement for Burgess when he leaves. But there’s no room for Dorsey and Ellis.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
alloud…deafening…LMAO try allowed and a 4th grade spelling book
March 12th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
I disagree…firstly Dorsey is a competitive SOB that played through his injuries…instead of whining and riding the bench…besides he is a WINNER…thats huge.
second…Ghoslton is probably fast enough to make the corrections if he overuns a play and can still make the tackle since he has long, strong arms. He seems to make plenty of tackles in the run game on film…
its sooo romantic to pine for Chris Long…but really…is he even gonna be around at number 4 ??? I am sure he will prove to be the same “wonderboy” as Howie was…but if we can’t have him..why get worked up over him?
I think we are very lucky to be having this dilema….which top DE or DT should we take ??? Imagine what San diego is thinking right now…or more importantly LT…”Oh Shit…here comes the pain! ” everytime he looks at the schedule he is gonna dread it rather than laugh and joke about it, as he has in years past…
March 12th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Kelly plays all the positions on the Defensive line and is not limited to passing downs
March 12th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Well we will just have to wait and see how bad jerry jones wants mcfadden. maybe we can get 2 no. ones and roy williams
March 12th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Why do we need Roy Williams?
March 12th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
and a partridge in a pear tree
March 12th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
When the news about Dorsey and his stress fracture broke at the combines I expected to hear the results of the test that were taken.
Why have we not heard any news about it since then?
March 12th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
see you guys later…
I love dropping in here and hearing all the great news…and every week Al Davis sends my expectations for this season soaring a little bit higher…
GOD BLESS AL DAVIS, THE RAIDERS, AND THE USA (in that order)!!!!!!
LMAO
March 12th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
As I said yesterday, I dont believe we will acquire javon, Drew Carter AND Boldin…
never listen to rumormongers
So ‘Alameda Insider’ eat your own false words
March 12th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
on another note…
Before the season ended I asked for tall receivers in the FA, seems to me we got those now =) NICE!
well none them are super fast, but they’ll get there
March 12th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
TrevJo
I´m not for Dorsey or Ellis, I was basically making the case for NOT drafting either in posts 153 and 161. At least I tought I was…lol.
And I see your point on all 3 being more comfortable at the under-tackle position, but I think both Ellis and Dorsey could play next to Kelly and play well, just not 4th overall pick worthy.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Since the Raiders do not like to blitz, it is imperative that we have four capable pass rushers without the extra help. This is why I am thinking we have to go GHOLSTON with our first pick. Burgess and him comming off the edges sounds good to me. GHOLSTON/GHOLSTON/GHOLSTON
March 12th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Cross your fingers that McFadden falls to #4.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
BTW thanks for cheering me up here guys…I have had some sad days of late with family losses…but you guys crack me up and it chases the blues away…reading some of your comments and humor
CHEERS
March 12th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
oh and by the way, I guess i have to correct my self =)
it was David Carr who signed with NYG, sadly not Chris Carr :/
March 12th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Gholston 6′4″ 258 lbs +
Burgess 6′2″ 260 lbs =
Denver 275 yards rushing per game v. Oakland
San Diego 425 yards rushing per game v. Oakland…
lol…
March 12th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
#177 Bob, I must have got confused, I think I meant to address someone else.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
LMN
I noticed that too seems Al Davis has been reading your posts and decided that you know what is best for our team…I hope they can last long enough for our young speedsters to catch on…and make an impact as well down the road…
March 12th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
—”ESPN’s John Clayton reports JaMarcus Russell recently weighed himself and came in at 272 pounds.
It’s not 300, but still about 12 pounds over his playing weight. If Russell can’t get in quarterback shape by minicamp season, the Raiders could definitely use a left tackle. He’s got the height part down and is close in weight. Mar. 12 - 8:21 p.m. ET”—
March 12th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Bob Marley
Let me understand your logic and sense of all this.
Let’s go back when the 2007 season ended.
You were one of many that wanted to draft a DL men with our pick.
I guess the combine and other news swayed your opinion to McFafdden.
So if we can’t fix the DL this year, why do you think it can be fixed next year.
On a side note, Dakota and I, I believe were both the early speculators for McFadden, we were told to be a better team with a won loss record we needed to draft a Defensive lineman, our running back situation due to the ZBS was not needed, because any running back can fit in the system.
So what has changed, do we have an incredible offense with a rookie QB or a solid defense to turn the ball over to our offense, with or without McFadden.
For the record after the recent FA we just signed and not knowing what Michael Bush can do, I believe we should trade down, not any lower than the #10 pick and pick up extra draft choices and more quality players.
Yes I have changed to, but I like more quality than one unknown quality superstar with off field related issues.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Dakota, yeah, I don’t really like the idea of lining up Gholston and Burgess on the ends at the same time, except on obvious passing downs. That’s why I was much happier about our draft position back before we showed Kelly the money, and Dorsey/Ellis were still options. Right now I don’t see anything I really like in terms of both talent and fit beyond the two Longs. I would still put Gholston ahead of McFadden though, in terms of both talent and fit.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Tom Flores…
I hope they do, if so…
Mr Al Davis & Co, if You think I can be an asset for you staff, please contact me =)
March 12th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
272 lbs is on the verge of being a fat lazy azz loser. Get your shite together Russell. I’ll bet my life Manning, Brady and all the other elite NFL QBs do not gain 12 lbs in the off-season. Really, Russell should have lost 10 lbs this off-season, he was chunky and slow moving when he finally did see some playing time…QUIT EATING AT G-MAs HOUSE RUSSELL!
March 12th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
come on, man, 272 is nothing when you are two miles high
March 12th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
I think Jamarcus ate Lane. That’s why we haven’t heard from Kiff in so long.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
LOL ETM
March 12th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
TrevJo,
The way I look at it, if we add Gholston, we have to trade Burgess. We might get a late second round pick or early third round pick for him, which we could use on a LT or DL.
We have replaced one of our strengths (Burgess) with a strength (Gholson) and pick up a player that may or may not help us with the late 2nd or early 3rd round pick.
Is that a real improvement? I think it is treading water.
Dorsey is small and may have a lingering injury. Ellis is small and not the run-stopping DT we need.
That leaves Chris Long, Jake Long and McFadden.
Jake Long might be nice, but there are several OTs in this draft, and most analysts have him playing RT in the NFL…plus Al is still stinging from the Gallery over Fitzgerald draft pick.
We have to pick Chris Ling if available…he is 6′$’ 272 lbs and could play along with Burgess. We then pick a DT (Laws?) or an OT in the second round…this is my dream scenario.
If Chris Long is gone, I think we have to pick McFadden. Our running game was decent last year, but really did not produce TDs. McFadden + the ZBS = greatness.
So, for what it is worth, that is why I think we need to go for Chris Long first, McFadden second and Jake Long third, Dorsey fourth, Ellis last…
just my opinion…
March 12th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
PLEASE BELIEVE ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 12th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
I swear to you guys I AM AN INSIDER!!!!
March 12th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
hahha…
Alameda Insider, at least you consistent =)
March 12th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Dell…how are you?..
Yes, up until after the combine I was of the belief that DL should be the way to go, I even said we should take Ellis-Dorsey at 4th and Laws-Jackson at 34th.
A lot has happened so bare with me.
a) I was impressed by McFadden at the combine, it was not just his performance but I liked the way he handles himself, he seems to have ”it”, of course this is no scientific argument but it works for me, let´s call it a gut feeling.
b) I heard about the size issue with Ellis and Dorsey, I knew they were smaller but I wasn´t expecting a 6′0” 309 for Ellis and a 6′1 298 for Dorsey, also weighing hard for me is Dorsey´s reported stress fracture.
c) Follow up to point b, as DSM and myself shared at the time, when you look at the top DT´s in the league you will find massive size as the common trend, most of the really good guys go 6′4” and 320 at the least.
d) Still same issue, are these 2 guys slightly upgraded versions of Mike Patterson and Anthony ”Booger’ McFarland? both nice players and former 1st rounders but nowhere near top 5 pick value.
e) Like I said yesterday, a 3 or 4 win improvement next season and we can find ourselves picking anywhere from 9th to 19th, you can kiss elite prospects goodbye after the top 5 picks. McFadden might be our last shot at one.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Dakota, my point with respect to Gholston/Burgess is that I don’t believe Burgess is going to be a Raider for much longer anyway. If you were Burgess and you had 35 sacks in the last 3 years and were only getting paid $3.5M per year, would you be happy watching Kelly get $18M guaranteed? On top of that, Burgess only had 2 years left on his deal, and will be 30 years old this year. He MIGHT still be here for 1 or 2 years more, but that’s it. So the idea is to draft Gholston to be the long-term, more athletic version of Burgess. That said I agree with you that the pick would not do a lot to help us in 2008. But, I feel that McFadden would not do a lot to help us in 2008 either. And the problem with McFadden is, as a RB, by the time we get our team whipped up into championship contenders, he is going to be past his prime, similar to Larry Johnson.
I’m with you on Chris Long. I don’t buy the “Jake Long is a RT in the NFL” stuff, I am high on him as an NFL LT. Given our huge need with the Sims cut (and KC’s need for that matter), we cannot pass on Long if he is there.
The running game didn’t score TDs last year because the passing game sucked! Not because of Fargas. Pretty hard to score as a RB when your QB is not helping you get near the goal line. I agree that McFadden’s style is a fit for the ZBS, but so is Fargas’ style. The upgrade in talent that we would get is not worth the $50M contract.
Regarding Dorsey and Ellis, answer me this… if we draft one of those guys, what do we do with Kelly?
March 12th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
YOU GUYS HAVE TO READ THIS STORY!
http://rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2008/03/12/news/top/doc47d824ed59d01911877828.txt
Draft Beer,
This wasn’t your girlfriend was it? Just kidding…the Kansas connection, lol.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
TrevJo,
I think between our two posts, we can conclude that the Raiders have options.
As to your question, Kelly plays DT because Warren will probably be injured, lol.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Bob Marley, how can you say that there is not elite talent to be found when picking between 9th and 19th? Some of the players chosen in that range the last three years… DeMarcus Ware, Shawne Merriman, Leinart, Cutler, Ngata, Wimbley, Cromartie, Willis… there is definitely elite talent to be found. Maybe not as much at the glamour positions, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Furthermore, if we botch this #4 overall pick(and picking McFadden would definitely be a botch!), there’s a very good chance we won’t have to worry about picking as late as 9th next year!
One thing we can agree on… I strongly hope we are not picking in the top 10 next year! IMO These top 10 picks cost WAY too much money compared to the value of the player.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Gerard Warren is the backup to Sands at NT. Even if he is injured, that doesn’t help us much to have both Kelly and Dorsey/Ellis. We’d still only have one guy (Sands) who fits the bill as a NT, and two guys (Kelly plus the rookie) making $100M to play alongside Sands.
March 12th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
We do not have a NT, we play a 4-3 defense, we have two DTs. Are you saying we are changing to a 3-4??? Then we should certainly draft Gholston over McFadden.
March 12th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Al will sign her. only 2 mill’
March 12th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Wrong, the 4-3 defense DOES have a nose tackle. You can read about nose tackles and under tackles at wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nose_tackle It’s fundamental!
It does NOT make sense to put two under tackle type guys (i.e. Kelly, Sapp, Ellis, Dorsey, etc) together as the two DTs on the line.
March 12th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Broncos fired their GM…I didn’t even know they had one, lol, I thought Ratface called all the shots in Denver.
March 12th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
There is no way that lady did’nt want to leave that bathroom! That dude is screwed.
March 12th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Bob
Thanks for the update and reply.
I respect your gut feeling and realize were your going with the thought process.
I totally agree with the two above mentioned DT in your post, I also believe at a guaranteed cap of $22-$24 million dollars guaranteed is a steep price to pay if we miss at #4 whomever we pick.
I sense the long term future of the cap issue may be of no use in my argument due to the owners voting to opt out of the current CBA.
I also believe if the owners opt out and decide to have no cap in place the small market teams will be hurt with less money to spend on prospects or FA’S.
The Raider Organization is a small revenue generating team, and the cap helps them compete with other teams in the current market.
My scary thought is playing the 2009 and 2010 year with no cap and some owners throwing money at players that would be hard to turndown vs teams like the Raiders, who will not be able to compete with the likes of Jerry Jones, Daniel Snyder, Pat Bowlen, etc..
I have no doubt McFadden is a very good back and the often related issues outside of football can be managed, but for long term and a winning record we should try to trade our pick for more draft choices for the future.
Sign the picks to 5-6 year deals and lock them up due to the unknown future of football.
The reports are Upshaw is threating to strike and the 2011 football season is in limbo.
The owners want to reduce the revenue share to th