Raiders, Edwards agree
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Friday, March 28th, 2008 at 11:50 am in Oakland Raiders.
The Raiders are expected to confirm today the signing of Kalimba Edwards, who according to the NFL Network signed a two-year contract worth $5 million.
Edwards was released by the Lions along with running back Kevin Jones on March 13 by the Lions after being inactive for much of the second half of the season.
Assuming Edwards is coming aboard, it’s an interesting acquistion of an intriguing talent who was let go just a year after signing a lucrative contract extension. Not coincidentally, Edwards had his best game of the season in Week 1 against the Raiders, with a pair of sacks and a forced fumble against Josh McCown which helped the Lions put the Raiders away.
Lions coach Rod Marinelli, one of the most respected line coaches in the league during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, apparently believed Edwards underperformed.
Primarily a right end, Edwards, at 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds, has been described as either a “big outside linebacker or a small defensive end.” He has the skill set to play either in a three-point stance or standing up, which could put Rob Ryan in position to get Edwards in some mismatches on pass rushing downs.
A second-round draft pick by the Lions in 2002, No. 35 overall, Edwards was widely considered a disappointment by Lions fans who consider him as just another mistake in the Matt Millen era.
He had three sacks in eight games last season and three in 16 games in 2006. Edwards, with 26 sacks in his career, had a high of seven in 2005. He has been mostly a situational player, with 22 starts in 87 games.
It may not have bowled over the Lions, but compare Edwards’ production with that of Tyler Brayton, a defensive end the Raiders drafted the following season at No. 32 overall, the last pick in the first round. Brayton had just six sacks in 79 games.
In college at South Carolina, Edwards was considered a potential top 10 selection until a late-season knee injury dropped him into the second round.
The son of a bio-statisitican professor at the University of North Carolina, Edwards described in his combine interview six years ago what dinner conversations were like in his home.
“It’s only philosophical. I cannot speak slang,” Edwards said. “Only intelligent conversations. Only correct grammar, good pronunciation of your words, opening your mouth. It’s a beautiful thing because it kind of made me the man I am today _ disciplined.”
Edwards’ knee healed, but he had needed sports hernia surgery in 2003.
In other news, the Raiders have retained exclusive rights free agent Jon Alston, a linebacker and special teams player.
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March 28th, 2008 at 11:51 am
FIRST BEYATCHES!!
March 28th, 2008 at 11:53 am
LMN,
I think we agreed on that a few weeks back. I just have warmed to the idea of Dorsey or Ellis, especially since Kelly can rotate between DE and DT.
I think this may be Warren’s and Burgess’ last year with the Raiders so I’d like to see Kelly paired with another bona fide stud. Sorta like we like Odom to be the 3rd option on the Lake show, I;d like Sands as the 3rd guy on the DL.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Good potential signing. More Dline help. Wonder if this pushes the pendulum to McFadden at 4.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Maybe Edwards can come in here and teach a few grammar lessons.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:55 am
I knew it! ha! I told you guys weeks ago that the S & B would sign this guy! I really wanted him too. This is a series upgrade for the Raiders.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Repost…
Kalimba Edwards, some recent assessments on him:
”When you break down Edwards, everything points to a potential Pro Bowl pass rusher. The guy has excellent speed off the edge, great lean and balance and has added some good counter moves.
He’s a good kid with solid character and a strong work ethic. So what’s the problem? No one has been able to figure that out, but head coach Rod Marinelli is absolutely convinced that he can turn the corner (pun intended) with Edwards.”
Tom Kowalski, Lions beat writer and ”insider” written last offseason.
Obviously Marinelli wasn´t able to do it.
”In four seasons, the former second-round pick has 20 sacks and is a pure edge rusher, capable of beating a lot of tackles with his first step. Edwards might never be a full-time player, but he might be good for six to nine sacks if he’s in the right situation.”
Len Pasquarelli, espn.com, that´s from 2 years ago when he was a FA and re-signed with Detroit.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Maybe ours is the right situation?…we´ll see but nothing to get overly excited about, still a good signing at a need position. There´s always the hope he puts it togheter but I´ll be happy if he can put some pressure on passing downs, notch a few sacks.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Jerry, good research.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
post # 5 is not me either =)
fake LMN, you do a really good job imposing… LOL
is this the socalled tech geek? what a loser
March 28th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
tech geek…
if you grammar was worse you perhaps would go as the real LMN! and you quotations does not look like mine…
March 28th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
good signing, adds competition at the RDE position and high quality depth should he lose out to richardson or anyone else who may happen to be on the roster at the time, he’s a bigger clemons with more potential but needs to start showing it, all in all, a good signing
March 28th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
COULD BE WORSE
March 28th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Wether these signings pan out or not,at least there will be competition in camp.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Maybe a 3-4 scheme is in the future with the speed at LBer and a improved defensive back field. Its worked in every super bowl win
March 28th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Certainly a solid signing. $2.5mm per year for decent rusher. Nice job.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
I think we will see some 3-4 mixed in …
With Hall and Nmandi on the outside, Ryan will have a lot of options with the 8 in the box.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
tech geek, try again you are not evn a geek. Or is it EBR? No its probaby einstein r draft beer. Whoever it is let’s play fare ok?
March 28th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I’m just happy to see more depth along the D line.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I like the pick up.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
the 3-4 could be the cure to our stopping the run woes , it couldn’t get any worse. but you really need a terdell sands size player to play the nose tackle too bad he hasn’t lived up to that kind of player
March 28th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
….that eases the loss of Clemmons.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
If Edwards can come to camp 100% healthy I think he is a good addition. More evidence that Al is gonna take Dmac.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Id rather they concentrate on wide receiver than running back since there running
game was pretty good even without bush. Russell needs some weapons to light up the score board
March 28th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
#10 not me ;D
March 28th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
LMN, looks like you have reached important status when someone comes in posting as you. I just got one of my comments pulled, so looks like the mods are here. You may want to have them get rid of whoever is posting as you.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
If Rod Marinelli did not want this guy, how productive can he be. Teams keep good players.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
I would have rather seen them give this money to Clemmons but I am a fan of what they have been doing this off season. Looks like old Al is giving this one last shot and trying to get the players he persives to be the good ones. I hope it pans out for him.
GO RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!
March 28th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
It looks more and more like Jake Long or Glen Dorsey is coming to the Raiders.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Jon Alston is most likely the more significant, if less sexy signing. Alston was a key ST player last year, in the most improved unit in the NFL, really.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
With a DL of Burgess, Warren, Sands, Kelly, Richardson, Joseph and Edwards Al may not be thinking we need to draft there anymore. If they don’t pick Dmac then I say Keith River USC OLB would be a great pick. If not then trade down for more picks and get DeSean Jackson. Speed receiver and dangerous return guy.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
For comparison´s sake.
NYJ Calvin Pace, DE-OLB,
5 seasons, 14 sacks, 5 FF.
42 million contract, 22 million guaranteed.
OAK Kalimba Edwards, DE-OLB
6 seasons, 26 sacks, 9 FF.
5 million contract.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Rivers would be nice then we definitly could go to a 3-4 alignment.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
When are we going to start thinking about wide receivers?
March 28th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
special teams got a lot better when Cooper returned and Alston played well too
March 28th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Great pickup now how about some more stud DTs for depth.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Hopefully the new strength and conditioning coach gets Edwards on a good program to negate any future injuries, Al is really working his magic again.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
He must be thinkin’ “Shit 2.5 mil. I should have signed two weeks ago when they were signing other broke down, never have beens for 25 mil guaranteed!! AAAGGGHHHHH!” Just kidding fellas. I hope all these signings come through. Even if half of them pan out I would be satisfied. I’m crossing my fingers and hope it turns out like Newberry last year. Nobody wanted him, we swoop him up for the vet minimum and he has in my opinion a damn fine season. Speaking of which, are we still trying to sign Newberry?
March 28th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
There will be still more players to be had when teams trim down there roster late in the spring. Somebody always becomes available
March 28th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
is someone posting under my name? Son of a gun!
March 28th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Dakota -
Can I borrow your hand gun?
March 28th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Malso–picking up Jevon Walker and Drew Carter along with Curry, Higgins, possible Tim Dwight and a bunch of young guys I doubt Al is going to sign any more FA wide receivers.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
AND I like Dwight, maybe it’s because I’m from Iowa
March 28th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
looks like al is really in man love with mcfadden
he will be our choice
March 28th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
guys…esp Bob Marley
that little Forced Fumble stat is the biggest one that people for some reason tend to leave out…which I think is pretty funny and retarded…it basically tells you exactly how mean or how hard a Defensive player REALLY REALLY hits….what could be any more important than that when looking for a DE or LB…that stat and a bit of film I recently saw…has me dieing to see how Brandon Flowers CB from Va Tech does his rookie season in the NFL….and I am a bit sad that we are fully stocked at the position…because he is one hard hittin’ MOTHA !
March 28th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
http://www.profootballtalk.com/category/media/pic-of-the-day/
muahahahahaha!
March 28th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Looks like its going to be Jmak handing off to Dmac for the next handful of years
March 28th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Good signing of DE Kalimba Edwards. I think DE Burgess is trade bait now cuz he’s a similar player to Edwards. I bet the Raiders will package DE Burgess, CB Fabian Washington, RB Dominic Rhodes and maybe future picks to acquire one more major player. WR Ocho Cinco??? Watch for one more major move to happen with the Raiders. If this happens we would definetly trade out of the #4 pick. Possibly a later first round, a second, and a 3rd rounder. I would go DT Pat Sims with the late 1st. DE Lawrence Jackson with the 2nd. RB Steve Slaton with the 3rd round pick.
March 28th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Can someone please tell me why Lil Stui Schweigert still has a job in the NFL??? This guy is more suited to play point guard in the WNBA. The biggest puss I have ever seen. Why is he still on the roster??? You can pull someone from the stands blindfolded who has more talent and gives more effort. Guy always blames everyone else after he gets run over.
March 28th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
39, 40 and 45 is not me, fake LMN…
MODS!, please remove einstein or who the H this is…
from now until sunday noon danish time, I’ll be gone, have nice weekend guys, please dont reply to anything this FAKE LMN says in the meantime. peace!
March 28th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
There is a Lions fan here at work and he hates Edwards. Says he just never panned out, lets hope he works in Oak town!
March 28th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Marley’s numbers for Pace vs Edwards are interesting. Based on Edward’s pro-bowler like performance against the Raiders OL, he could really be something. It could be a real steal.
The reason Edward’s was cut, had mostly to do with his injuries. He spent far to much of his career healing. He could end up injured again or he could be dynamite.
The problem with keeping Clemons was the money for a player that only played on passing downs. Edwards when healthy can play 3 downs.
March 28th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
I was not sold on getting McFadden but W/Russell, McFadden and Zach Miller we would have a VERY good offensive core for many years to come. On a side note the Raiders don’t wast any time-Edwards’ signing is already on their homepage and he is already listed on the team roseter!!
March 28th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Raiderbuck….Dwight took away valuable on field time from Holland and JLH…we dont need him and he doesnt even care to be here…maybe he should sign up for arena league ball…he is getting a wee bit past his prime…LOL
March 28th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
#49 not me. Please stop this, what did I ever do to you?
March 28th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Did say that he plays primarily RDE… the same position that Burgess plays. This might be insurance in case Burgess holds out for more $$$. Wonder if they plan to switch him to LDE to replace Brayton and Clemmons?
I think that the Raiders are in a position to get either DE or DT in the draft and there still is a need. The Raiders are essentially the same DLine that they had last year…. the 31st or 32rd ranked run defense in the league… Still plenty of room for improvement. The Big Turdell Sands belly flopped and could be axed. Warren is set to get about 5 mill this year and could be axed. Burgess is not a strong run defender at the point of attack. He is a great pass rusher and effort\range pursuit tackler. Kelly wasn’t all that good against the run at the point of attack. Richardson didn’t have much range either. they have plenty of DLine players… But that doesn’t mean that they are good ones, at defending the run anyway.
Everyone is all on the McFadden bandwagon. We were a top 5 running team last year. (with center unsigned) We were a bottom 5 rush defense. Where would the money be better spent for a #4 overall pick? So what, we pay McFadden 40 mill on top of what we are paying Fargas and Rhodes. We MIGHT be the #1 running team with what 5-10 more yards a game? Our D-line will still S#CK and still give up 125-175 yards a game.. How does that make us a better team?
March 28th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
HeHe.. one thing is clear here from Big Als FA signings of 2008…we are the new “walking wounded” “black hole”…yuck yuck..of the NFL universe…for “potential” Pro Bowlers. I really hope they all work out..and by some miracle have an injury free year…and finish up their careers in glory and Silver and Black !!!
March 28th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Holland was on IR before season ever started. They brought Dwight in cuz JLH couldn’t hang on to punts. I would rather give all the young guys a shot, but also need to get a return specialist like DeSean Jackson or Dexter Jackson from App. St. Chris Carr is all but gone and he was never that great.
March 28th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
We haven’t addressed center (M.Flynn available and Newberry), QB will prob be Russ, Pepp, and Walter (unless traded), Booger McFarland is still available for DT; we can trade Rhodes, Wash, Routt, Schweig for 2/3/4 round picks where there are plenty of good WR’s available. No WR good enough to be a top 10 pick. Draft will go 1-C.Long, 2-Dorsey, 3-Ryan and 4-McFadden……
March 28th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
The words trade and Schweigert don’t go together because no other team is stupid enough to have this guy on their roster.
March 28th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Damn good research and post Jerry! I like this pick up, I mean finally we have taken some guys who have shown some production. With the exception of D. Hall (mostly talk… see Chad Johnson)IMO, most of our offseason aquisitions have shown they could do it at SOME recent point in their careers. They just need to do it again beginning in July! I just hope we hear SOMETHING from Kiff about all these selections before somebody puts his azz on a milk carton! Raiders4Life!!
March 28th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Burgess, sadly, plays LDE. Which is one of many reasons why we sucked against the run.
March 28th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
We now have officially 4 DTs and 4 DEs on our roster…and speaking of DTs I think I am having some right now…hahaha…my meds ran out again last night…Dakota…mail me a few Vicodin…you can just pop over the border there and buy them for me at the nearest Pharmacy OTC I bet…hahaha…
anyway…what that does is give us the “flexibility” to screw with a few nervous GMs wondering who the hell we are taking at number 4…and gives us the ammunition to trade down or dare I say….take our future franchise LT and turn everybodys draft boards upside down…who knows…we may trade down and pick up the top WR and LB instead…one thing I have learned about Al DAVIS and THE DRAFT…you can never guarantee what the heck he will do on Day 1 !!!
March 28th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Raiders draft Wide Receiver - Darren McFadden!
March 28th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
I like this move alot since it gives us more depth with Burgess, Sands, Kelly, Warren, Richardson and now Edwards. This opens us up to drafting either C. Long or Ghoulston who can play End or OLB. If this were to happen, I am looking at division title because who will score on this defense.
Still, best case scenario is to trade down and pick up a young WR and defensive depth, possibly players.
Things are looking up. GO RAIDERS
March 28th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Hell Bells Boys…
we have done really really amazing things in FA this year….as far back as I can remember we have never picked up so many quality “young” guys with talent and tons of potential…I think the “Pride and Poise” of yesteryear is defintely going to make a comeback this year !!!
March 28th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
The pick has 2 be baby HOWIE
March 28th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Tom–You are right, but I think its more that Al is sick of losing and knows time is getting short for him to get another ring. As long as the Kiffin issue gets resolved and JaMarcus can be solid I really think this team has a shot at beating out SD. No question on paper we are far ahead of the Donkeys and Chefs.
March 28th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Hmmm…yet another addition on the defensive side, and on the line to boot…this signing leaves the possibility of a Chris Long selection slimmer, but of course, a trade package is always a possibility…
DEs–Richardson, Kelly, Edwards, Burgess
DTs–Warren, Shaw, Sands, Joseph, Kelly
We franchised Asomugha, and signed Wilson and Hall. We have made major moves regarding the D-line and the secondary; the LBs are the only area left to work on…on the defensive side, that is…
March 28th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Very promising indeed. Another FA that will get a chance to smash rivers, croyle, and cutler. Nice very nice. I want someone to crack rivers helmet open.
He leaves the game with a concussion and a 12 advil a day head ache.
This blog is the best sports blog on the planet IMO!!! what really makes it for me is reading all the comments from the NATION. I try to read it all and
most of it is rather funny, but most of you guys have some really good post. I have to say the NATION knows it s football and tradition.
March 28th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Jerry !! Great to see you 2 days in a row! Edwards is another potential boom or bust pickup. No more busts please.
March 28th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
I still say trade down with New England. Get their #7 pick and a 4th or 5th round additional pick for our 4th. Then with the 7th pick of the draft the Raiders select LB Keith Rivers from USC. Then with a 2nd round pick from another deal pick DT Trevor Laws. The rest of the picks to address the offense.
With the signing of another DE it’s either trade down or draft Dakota’s lover. I will be happy for either one. Plus I know I am dreaming about Rivers, not like Dakota’s dreams, but I highly doubt that Al Davis would draft a LB that high. But a guy can dream.
Listen close, can you hear it?
Rrrrrrrraaaaaaaiiiiiidddddeeeerrrrssssss!
March 28th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I’m not on the DMac bandwagon; I do, however, know not to put anything past Al Davis. He will do whatever he wants to insure a winner…
Having said that, I believe now that it’s becoming more and more likely that we will do one of two things regarding that #4 pick:
1. Draft McFadden.
2. Trade it for more picks / players.
March 28th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
I have to admit I have never been this excited about our team in a long time. 5 years to be exact.
This whole offseason has felt diffrent. I hope te media keeps up its barrage of contradictions, insults, rumors and plain old hatred for the NATION. This will make it all the more sweeter as we return to the greatness that is. I really beleive we are going to be a good team this year.
March 28th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Hey Guys
anyone here NOT renew their tickets yet??? I didnt have the room on any of my credit cards until today and for the life of me…I cant get Theresa Collins my ticket agent to call me back….they said she was in a sales meeting…I cant quite see that being necessary with all these A+ moves that BIG AL has made in FA this off season…maybe they sold my tickets off already in this exciting atmosphere, and she is just afraid to give me the bad news…hell, I wanted to upgrade my seats this season and now I would be happy just to keep what I got….hahaha!!!
March 28th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Raiders select D-Mac with the 4th pick than
Trade Fabian Washington for a 3rd round selection
Trade Rhodes for a 4th
Trade Lamont for a 5th
and than let coach Kiff work his magic as he did last year
March 28th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
I believe Al will take Howie Jr. if he is there, but I don’t think Miami or St. Louis would pass on him. Al also wants to sell tix and Dmac would do that. Just as important as both lines is getting another young, fast LB. Sam Williams is a bust and Robert Thomas stinks. Lastly we gotta get a homerun type return guy.
March 28th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
you know what is getting particularly interesting from here on out…is who is initiating the contact these days…the players or us…I would not be surprised at this point for “the shoe to be on the other foot” now…instead of us chasing after players we want…3 show up on our doorstep to see what all the commotion is about…
March 28th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Doe– I think that’s wishful thinking, but it would be great if they pulled that off.
March 28th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Raider4life
didnt you know ????
Dmac plays LB too….LMAO
He is SUPAMAN !!!
March 28th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
What to trade for?
Maybe a deal is in the works to bring Chad Johnson here…
This is not as far-fetched as is may appear on paper; with Kiffin clearly on a tight leash this entire off-season, and Al clearly working many of the deals himself, I’m not dismissing anything at this point. Al has clearly demonstrated a willingness to spend, and SPEND BIG.
March 28th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
post # 74 robert thomas far from stinks!!!!!!! i dont know what defense you were watching we had alot of problems but he was in on almost everyplay.
March 28th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I would like Spikes as a LB. Would be another piece to the puzzle. I dont think AL is done shopping. The nose has gotten a little tighter on rivers, croyle, and cutler.
March 28th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Ray–Are you kidding? RT is slow and misses tackles right and left. Why do you think lots of us want Rivers? Howard and Morrison are two of the best young LB’s in the league, RT isn’t. Next thing you’ll say is that Schweigert reminds you of Jack Tatum and Ronnie Lott? And Barry Sims of Art Shell??
March 28th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Takeo Spikes? Hmmm…very intriguing indeed…some veteran presence to help continue the development of both Howard and Morrison…would love to have him aboard to complement the youth…
March 28th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Thec Says:
March 28th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
“I would like Spikes as a LB. Would be another piece to the puzzle. I dont think AL is done shopping. The nose has gotten a little tighter on rivers, croyle, and cutler.”
Thec -
enlighten me, how does one’s nose get tightened?
muahahahaha!
March 28th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
I am officially off the Mr Davis has lost him mind bandwagon,imo the team seems to think C Long will be off the board @ #4 and we will take whichever stud DT falls to us at our spot (Dorsey,Ellis) I’m liking these moves….would like to see us trade down for more picks on draft day though
March 28th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
ROFLMAO, LMN I meant noose. LOL
March 28th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
LMN, ROFL!!!!!
March 28th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
This off season has been incredible. with all the media bullsmack and the money being spent. Al Davis has put a fully loaded Mag into the silver and black gun!! lets hope the gun doesn’t jam!!
As for this signing. I saw some posts where people are saying if he didn’t make it in Detroit why pick him up?
Some players take longer to break out then others. Making a move from a brilliant college carrier to the pro style NFL is not as easy as some people think.
Coaching also comes into play…or a teams style of play for example.
Take Gerrard Warren for example…he was a cast off from Denver they didn’t like him…and yet he was a solid starter in Oakland and was very productive.
My thoughts are this, Al Davis Matured Randy Moss in his time with Oakland….He didn’t pull any of his typical trashy crap that he did with the vikqueens..ofcourse he didn’t play like he did there either. But Al Davis intimidates his players and they respond to and respect his authority.
I believe that Javon Walker is going to be a big playmaker for us. and I also think that Hall will be solid as well.
It’s just a fact that the Raiders take cast off’s and make stars out of them.
March 28th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
raider4life ANYBODY is going to look slow next to howard and morrison they are awesome im not saying hes an all pro im just saying he came in and did his job go back and re watch some games on tivo. we should worry about up front protecting are quarterback and other ares on offense with our defense were still going to need to score at least 10 points to win everygame!!!!!!
March 28th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
I dont think RT neccessarily stinks but i would much rather see Keith Rivers plaing that strong side linebacker spot
March 28th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
raider 23 exactly alot of guys including rivers are going to look bad next to howard and morrison and thomas at least hustles always.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Ray–Why do you think the Rams and Dallas both gave up on him? I guarantee he is not there this season. It is time to get rid of dead weight like RT, Lil Stui, Jordan, Sam Williams and Grove.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
1 - T.Kelly will play DT
2 - The team NEEDS to sign 2 DEs …now they have 3DEs and 4DTs …still need another DE really
3- The signing of 1DE will have little bearing on who’s picked #1. They’re still not picking McFadden imo. (D-Lineman still)
March 28th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
I would like to see 8 in the box at least once a defensive series. we are going to hurt some offensive guys this year.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Don’t start jumpin’ through the roof over every little signing. A lot of these guys won’t even make the team. All of this “we’re set” (at DE/DT) talk is ridiculous. And that’s not an opiniion.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
What about Cooper? We need to resign Cooper! Our special teams sucked while he was gone!! SIGN COOPER!!!!
March 28th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Thec–and maybe a blitz or two every now and then. RR needs to get aggresive with this defense. Start punishing offenses like Tatum and Atkinson did. That means getting rid of all the pusses like Lil Stui, RT & Fabian.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
http://www.nfl.com/news/story;jsessionid=9A22BB58BF4CB9B5EED464788245BB35?id=09000d5d8076baff&template=without-video&confirm=true
sorry gallery
March 28th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Hey Tom,
I got mine renewed. I am trying to relocate and cannot get Theresa to call me back either. Been trying for a week and a half!
March 28th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
RF–I’m glad they’re gonna enforce that. Gallery is another puss and doesn’t deserve that look cuz he’s weak.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I would let teams know we are coming right out the gates. we are going to unleash hell and guess what you cannot stop us. 8 in the box, and a blitz every series makes a great gift. Try audible or passing your way out of that situation, oh sorry can’t corners have your recievers on lock. Anihilation is within reach.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Robert Thomas was not part of the problem. He’s the reason William couldn’t get back on the field. He is kinda on the small side though, and might be better as an ILB in the 3-4.
Can’t argue that another playmaker to go along with Morrison and Howard wouldn’t be nice though. I just don’t see that being realisitic at #4. Maybe Ekuban turns out to be that guy in what his 3rd year?
I have to agree that it’s down to C.Long, Dorsey, or Ellis with #4. McFadden is out with Bush being 100%.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Did Ekuban resign with denver?
March 28th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I have mentioned on several occasions how weak we were depth wise at DE…(now addressed)I really went thru the roster with a fine tooth comb…and noticed that several of our LBs and WRs had no business being on a college roster, much less a professional sports team.
So…I hope that MR DAVIS also realizes this, and continues his efforts to get guys with “potential” that actually have experience in the NFL…as well as perhaps a pro bowl or two under their belts…
right now…if you are a Raiders Fan…you have alot to look forward to this upcoming season…AL Davis has shown the powers that be…exactly how he made a name for himself in this league 40++ years ago…and why he demands and deserves respect from those same “upstarts”…and one thing is certain, he is still going strong.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Thec–I think he means Ekejuba #50 who is a special teams standout.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Hate to break it to some of you, but if you think Stu won’t be on this team next year as the #1 backup to FS and SS, you’re dreaming. Eugene may even stick as the #4 guy.
They may not be quality starters, but they are surely good backups.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
R4L,
Thanks … I knew I butchered that name. I was too lazy to look it up.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Someone mentioned Antajj Hawthorne earlier, did we resign him?
Heck, if Will Buchanon got another look, WTF?
March 28th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Jhill–In that case why don’t we get Maria Sharapova to play corner, Marion Jones at OLB and Serena William on the DL. Lil Stui is THE biggest puss in NFL history. Ask Travis Henry, LT, and every other RB last year how much they enjoyed running him over. If he is still on the team during preseason I will ask one of the Girl Scouts to kick his ass so he’ll go on IR.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
R4L, thanks for the clarification.
Jhill, I wasnt coming at you bro on the contrary
I was hoping we went after ekuban, but he did resign with denver.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
I wanna get in on this Thomas debate. I gotta agree with Ray Wright (#87) on this one. The guy kept Williams off the field… took his f-ing job point blank! He seems to be a good character and worse comes to worse, if he loses his job to somebody better, he will re-assume his ST backup role!! All that at a cheap price! What’s not to like?!?
March 28th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
JHill
I would not count DMac out…but boy oh boy would I rather have Keith Rivers the LB from USC in our front 7 and one more DE or DT from round 1 instead…mmmm…mmmm…that would make for one hell of a defensive front 7 for the next 6 or more years…
we have 2 top LBs now…a fairly solid D line which with 2 more first day draftees would be scary….and a reasonable Oline which would look solid with a young Guard or Center and LT from this deep draft on day 2 and we have the makings of a perennial play-off team…
man…that Teresa from the front office better call me back today so I can add a seat for this season…
March 28th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Post #107, thats some funny ish R4L. ROFLMAO
March 28th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Yeah if we trade with dallas we could get Rivers, and Baker.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
BTW, all that being said we need to get some offseason work done on the O side of the ball. All of these defensive aquisitions shows Al’s not senile enough to see that Ryan’s pitiful playcalling (see final minutes of SR Bowl) needs all the help it can get! This is really making me believe all the “we’re drafting D-Mac” people now.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Al Davis is the Ben Franklin of football.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
American football, that is.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
It’s a good idea to bring Edwards into camp, but I don’t think it’s anything to get overly excited about. He was an underachiever in Detroit. Apparently, he has all the talent in the world and the brains to go with it, so what’s the problem? Mike williams and Josh McCown were both disasters, so I don’t really see any reason for optimism from getting any more of Detroit’s rejects. The same goes for Shaun Rogers who was like Edwards and now Cleveland has to rehabilitate. Very talented but underperforming. Maybe just living in Detroit makes one a worse football player or it could be a reaction to Marinelli. I do hope Edwards sees the light and gives it 110% while he’s in S&B.
Bringing in Takeo Spikes would be a good move if Al could pull it off. The Eagles liked him from what I heard. I agree with everyone that wants us to sign him.
Hey Jerry,
Great blogs as usual, with the exception of your Soviet style propaganda comment in yesterdays’ blog about labor peace. Goodell took a tough stand on “Spygate” ? Did you slip into an alternate reality or something? Considering the avalanche of crap the Raiders and Raider fans have had to endure from this corrupt league, I think you owe us all an explanation on that one. Even the mainstream media think the punishments were a farce. Congratulations to Raiderus Prime for commenting on this in yesterdays blog at #114.
If the Height isn’t too detrimental and the health works out, maybe Dorsey would be the way to go at #4 if he’s still available. Apparently, he has a lot of room to grow and projects well down the road.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
the real football you mean trevjo
March 28th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
thec, rivers is a top 10 pick, how would we get him if we traded down, ideally in a trade down we would get baker with either balmer or jackson
March 28th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Is Spikes injury Keeping him out of S&B. Look at his stats from last year. he is a savage. I can see him right now coing on a blitz to sack rivers POW. rivers gets up 5 mins later to be placed on a stretcher. thats would be a great present to the AFC west Takeo Spikes to the Nation.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
I’m starting to think we should draft Dorsey if he falls to us. I know his size and athleticism make him a prototypical UT in a 4-3, but I think he could start alongside Kelly to give us a slightly undersized but incredibly gifted and athletic DL. Then we can could put in Sands for those situations when a mountainous DT is really necessary.
And if we draft Dorsey, we can cut Gerrard Warren, who is slated to get a huge pay increase this season.
I might be way of, though. I dunno… food for thought.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Jhill,
I think you are spot-on about Stu, he will be our backup FS. I can’t stand the thought of him as a starter, but hey, as a backup, why not?
March 28th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
R4L,
I was the prez of the bench Stu club! Don’t get me wrong.
But Al is super loyal, we all know that. Dude is in good enough to have his own piece on the official website.
Plus, we are talking about him as a backup. Sure, he’s not a playmaker, but I think he is a solid player. Or at least better than Cooper and Eugene.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Tommy T, nice to hear from you. In my mind i was hoping he would slip on the board. You are right though he is a top 10 pick easy. I am also an SC fan so getting these kids who have allready played in a pro program would have an immediate impact. thats why I am biased to Ellis over Dorsey.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Oh, and signed Kalmiba is great news because means we don’t go into the draft needing to find TWO DEs. I mean, in all honesty, he’s probably not even going to start for us.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Will Edwards replace Richardson on obvious passing downs? Or is he just here for depth?
March 28th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Ok, I see it’s just personal with you and some of the players …
Gallery? Loose the false starts, and I think he played at a pro bowl level at LG.
Grove’s only problem was that he was hurt.
Robert Thomas? I’m missing that one.
Everyone else is already gone.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Dakota,
I’d say he replaces Clemmons. Barring C Long coming on board, I see him being used the exact same way.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
What puzzles me is why Clemmons didn’t just resign with us. He took less than Edwards got to go to the Eagles.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Tommy, I do like the Baker, and Jackson idea a lot. o I expect Al to continue shopping. My gut tells me that we are going to make one more HUGE splash, I just hope its not the food i ate for lunch. what are your thoughts on CJ wearing S&B?
March 28th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
If 100% Edwards I think is better than Clemons. Watch the game he played against us in week 1. Also half of Clemons 8 sacks were cheap ones. The guy didn’t even make a squad in ‘06.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
you’re right to have ellis over dorsey, he’s a better player with less questions
the problem with having stu as the backup is that he is making starter money, i agree he would be one of the best backups around(as he IS a low end starter) but he will not take a pay cut to be a backup when there are teams out there desperate for Ss and there are none in the draft
what’s funny is the same people who rip stu are the same ones who always seem to think roy williams is a starter caliber S
thomas is a starer caliber OLB, he is good at most things and bad at nothing, he is the definition of average, he is not as good in coverage as our other LBs and is somewhere between morrison and howard in terms of run support(morrison being good and howard being adequate), morrison and howard are both pro bowl caliber LBs and while thomas will probably never make a pro bowler, he’s at least as good as danny clark was in his prime, he’s a decent starter, grove is a good fit for the ZBS and will be the starter, gallery emerged as a very good OG this year and has never been a puss, he has always been tough and isn’t afraid to work, and he’s a character guy as well
stu and jordan will be the only significant players to be cut
fashington is a good starter but his role no longer justifies his paycheck with the talent and depth we have in the secondary, so he will be traded
March 28th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Tommy Trojan Says:
March 28th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
“thec, rivers is a top 10 pick, how would we get him if we traded down, ideally in a trade down we would get baker with either balmer or jackson”
see my post#69. That’s one scenario to land Rivers, who in my mind will be a dominant force in the NFL for years to come. Don’t know how likely my scenario is but it would be sweet.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
If we got Rivers we would have the best trio of linebackers in the league.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
amen Raider4life!
March 28th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Thec,
I think the Bungholes take an $8.4 Million Dollar cap hit if they trade CJ prior to July 1. If they still have the cap room and are willing to take picks next year, why not trade for him? I think he is a problem child, but not on the level of Moss. He reminds me more of TO with the attitude, but when Sunday rolls around, he leaves it all on the field.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Jhill-
It was a matter of pride. They broke the bank for Tommy Kelly and then offered him much less.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Well, if Stu doesn’t take that paycut then you’re right.
He’s as good as gone.
I thought he would take the paycut though. And if what you say is true, we should be able to trade him for at least a 5th or 6th.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Ryan
thanks for the info…I was holding off renewing until I got relocated…and I wanted to add an additional seat…but I guess I had better just renew for now..and hope for the best prior to paying the second and third payments ???
March 28th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
I have watched Ellis play a lot of games, he really uses his low center of gravity well. he reminds me of a pit bull, he is very strong, he is going to be a monster in the league.
Dorsey too many question marks with injuries, but ellis is better any way, IMO.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Tom,
When do you leave for the Third World?
March 28th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Tommy-
The notion that Ellis is better than Dorsey is pretty far off the consensus. Most experts I’ve read consider Doresy more talented AND more athletic than Ellis. I know you claim to have studied the draft relentlessly, but we’re not talking about two obscure picks here. So, your suggesting Ellis is “a better player” than Dorsey should at least include some sort of caveat — maybe a “IMHO” would work there.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
dakota, edwards will be a situational pass rusher and could develope into more, expect richardson and edwards to rotate in a similar fashion to what he and clemons did last year
remember that edwards was the most talented DE on the lions, so they never had much of pass rush, and that their secondary was the worst in the nfl, teams could sit back there with edwards being doubled when he was healthy and pick apart that secondary, edwards, by himself, had trouble getting to the QB before the secondary got exposed, which it did in a hurry put edwards opposite burgess and give him all day o rush and you can expect him to live up to some of that talent, he and burgess have until our secondary gets exposed, which would take a while, if it happens at all
and i hope cj doesn’t end up in s&b, obviously i would live with it and find a way to justify it, which there are several ways, but i don’t like the idea of a 28 year old loud mouth corrupting JR, and a larg part of his unhappiness is due to his contract, and if we pay someone, let it be someone who will be around when russell reaches all pro status, getting cj would likely mean giving up and opportunity for mcfadden, the most likely trade would be th 4 for cj and the 9, which i don’t really like, our WRs are decent and i’ll take a 22 yr old HOFer(run dmc) over a 28 yr old HOFer(cj), if we found a way to get both, which i doubt, i would like, but under such a circumstance, if we could get cj, we could probably get a LT, and i think OT is a greater need than WR, which i don’t think will be a need for about 2 yrs at least
March 28th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Stu has not trade value whatsoever.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Tommy,
I don’t think Al would trade the #4 pick for CJ. CJ is not going anywhere anyhow, so the point is moot.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Gotta go, see you guys later.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
kevn, the “consensus”, of which there never is one, means nothing
March 28th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Dorsey’s Best > Ellis’s Best…Period
Durabilty and luck? But when it comes to potencial, Dorsey gets the nod easily. The guy is great with out an injury.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
stu, jordan and rhodes will not be traded
jordan and stu will be cut and rhodes took a pay cut to stay, which he will be doing
washington is the only play with any trade value who will be traded, and he will fetch somewhare between a mid 3rd and a late 2nd
March 28th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
IMHO, Ellis > Dorsey.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
2
Dorsey = Ellis
March 28th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
dorsey’s best>ellis’ best(slightly) but dorsey has not been consistent, ellis has, and ellis doesn’t have the history of injury, and whether he has had any breaks has been the issue, but it is a fact he has had conistent stress fracture difficulties, which is not something to joke about in the trenches, and projects to a short NFL career
dorsey’s worstsand’s best
March 28th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Its good that we signed Edwards, I was wondering who was going to back up Gholston.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Agreed
March 28th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
This is shaping up to be a REAL interesting draft:
I can now see Kelly moving to LDE (against the ROT, holding the Point of Attack), trading burgess for a low #1 or high #2, drafting the run stuffer we need (Okam, DT Texas or Balmer, DT NC?)in round 2 and going after Ellis or Dorsey with the #1 pick (they’re both 3 techniques). We could also draft C.Long or V. Gholston and leave Kelly at the 3 Technique and daft the run stuffer in Round 2 again with the pick for Burgess.
Getting Burgess out of the LDE is crucial to fixing our problems in the run game - he’s a great pass rusher but terrbile against the run because he’s undersized on against the bruisers that play OT on the right side of the O line and he just tries to run around them which opens up a massive hole everytime between the ROG and ROT, thus exposing our weakest position, SLB, and making Thomas (undersized) or Williams (Slow and just plain bad) try to make the play - more times than not it would be Schweigert trying to hang on by the RB’s shoe strings to make the tackle 5-20 yards down the field.
RDE Long/Gholston
DT Kelly
NT Okom
LDE Edwards
or
RDE Edwards (drafting McFadden)/Gholston/Long
DT Warren (drafting McFadden or J. Long)/ Dorsey/Ellis
NT Okom
LDE Kelly
Either one of these scenarios would be a better line - Kelly is a prototypical LDE - big and powerful against the run, and can generate 6-10 sacks from the left side, maybe more because he’s also fast and strong vs. ROT’s, but slightly overmatched against the good LOT’s.
With DT, we need a NT and a 3-technique DT. Gerrard Warren, despite his size, is a natural 3 technique - a quick penetrator and he’s a good one too - he just couldn’t play there because of Sapp. Kelly is also 3 tech at that position and he’s good as well. Our only true NT is Sands, and he’s below average at best. That new guy we signed might be a more natural NT, but we need a better upgrade than him to start.
Edwards will definetly provide depth and give us more flexibility in the draft if we don’t get who we want when our pick comes up - Ideally, I’d like to finish off the defensive transformation, try to win with that and a good run game next year, and trade Burgess and Washington for picks, and field the following guys on Def. next season:
RDE (Rush End): Long or Gholston (#1 Pick)/ Edwards
NT (Run Stuffer): Okom or Balmer (#2 for Burgess)/Sands
DT (3 Technique): Warren/Joseph
LDE (Run Stuffing End): Kelly/Richardson
WLB Howard
MLB Morrison
SLB Thomas/Draft Pick for Washington or trade 4 player
CB Asomougha
CB Hall
FS Huff
SS Wilson
But I must admit, it looks like Al is going after McFadden, so we’ll get this on the D line:
RDE: Edwards/Richardson
NT: Sands/Joseph
NT: Kelly/Warren
LDE: Burgess/?
It’s an improved line, but it’s not much better than last year - we should get more sacks out of Edwards, Kelly should be an upgrade playing Sapp’s old position, Joseph can push Sands, and Burgess will still be a liability against the run but will give us good pressure on the QB. This improves our line quite a bit against the pass, and not much against the run if at all). Hopefully Al wises up and trades out of the #4 spot or drafts Long or Gholston and doesn’t take a DL because we’re overstocked on 3 techniques anyway.
AMEN to Thec - Spikes would be awesome.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
GRIM…lol
March 28th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
dosey’s worstsands’ best
it’s the floor v. ceiling argument w/ellis and dorsey, and with the extremely high probability of DT busts in the top 5, i’ll take a good floor w/ a consistent pro bowl(bubble HOF) ceiling(ellis) over a bust floor with a first ballot HOF ceiling(dorsey)
but it doesn’t matter because we mcfadden is the pick at 4, whether you like it or not…..but there is no reason not to like it
March 28th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Tommy -
There certainly is a consensus and it’s easy enough to see: Just spend a day looking at every draft analysis and mock draft available. You can even make charts and come up with percentages, but it’s not necessary because even a cursory examination of the data makes it completely evident that Dorsey is always slotted ahead of Ellis. Thus, the consensus would seem to be that Dorsey is a better player than Ellis OR he is at least widely regarded as having the most potential to be a great player in the NFL.
I’m not trying to give you crap, I just think it’s a bit outrageous for you to claim Ellis is a better player in such a matter-of-fact way.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
The draft is where its all gonna happen for us and it can go either way… the pick is going to be DMac… which is cool b/c we’ll have a potent a** run game. Jfargas hasn’t even made it thru a whole season yet so I won’t count on him just yet. he does need some1 to back hime up..and i don’t want to hear about Bush or Rhodes..Bush hasn’t done anything yet.. and Rhodes is ok but not the answer..The rookie d-ends take too long to develope and Al doesn’t have time for that…I say we trade with dallas take their 2#1’s and their second and try to see if we can get any other players with that trade or even more picks..the draft is supposed to be full of O-line talent…
March 28th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Raider4 life keep’em coming about lil stui swinegert
March 28th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
jedi, burgess is one of the best DEs in the league and we can’t afford to part with him, and okam will be avilable in the 4th
March 28th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
kevn, i do nothig but laugh at the kipers, mcshays and mayocks of the world, i find it amazing that someone can be so bad at what they do and still get paid for it…..ask any pro scout how seriously they take a mock draft, especially one made by one of those guys
March 28th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
DMAC is a good complimentary back to what we have…he will be the pick…his versatility will prove to be invaluable…he should be considered a situational running back/receiver….no need to sign or draft any receivers if the pick is DMAC.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
for some reason it will never post this right
dorsey’s best>ellis’ best(slightly)
dorsey’s worstsands’ best
and i expect a breakout year for sands this year
but like i said, the pick will be mcfadden so this debate is a waste of time
March 28th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Clemons got 4 million just to sign, which is almost equivalent to what Edwards will get for 2 years. Edwards came cheaper than Clemons.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
that should say dorsey’s worst is worse than sands’ worst while ellis’ worst is better than sand’s’ best
if dorsey reaches his potential he will be a first ballot HOFer
if ellis reaches his potential he will be a HOFer
if dorsey doesn’t work out he will be one of the biggest busts ever
if ellis doesn’t work out he will be a good starter
that is why i have ellis higher than dorsey
March 28th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
I have been thinking the pick will be Dmac for a while now unless one of the Longs somehow fall to us. If we do pick Dmac our run game should be much improved and yes Dmac can catch as well. Him and Fargas should be solid for us. the big question mark is still if Bush can come back healthy. If he can then we will have one of the best and most versatile attacks out of the backfield. I dont think a lot of people realize Bush was at one point a good QB as well. He also played a little bit of wr,safety,etc. He is a very versatile player. Even though some of these positions were in high school which happens a lot with a good althete in high school it means just that he is a good athlete overall. He could prove to be a very dangerous weapon for us if healthy and provide for some unique sets on offense that will pose a threat to defenses. I think Lane Kiffin knew what he was doing when he had the Raiders take a risk on this kid. Basically if healthy he would provide versatility on offense. Kiff and Cable did a great job last year in the draft. This year Al Davis seems to be taking the reigns on free agency and the draft and so far I have been pleasantly suprised at our activity. Hopefully this is the turning point for the nation.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Ryan
thanks again…the minute I renewed my existing seats online…Theresa called me…(shock) and told me to fax my relo request today…it is the deadline apparently….and thus you may have made it possible for me to add a ticket in a better section…thanks bro…if I hadn’t been somewhat encouraged to go ahead and at least reserve my current seats I may have lost them…Theresa said it has been an absolute madhouse there…but Ryan you should call her now and see what she can do for you…who knows we may end up with each others seats….hahaha. Ia m in sec 112..row 19 I think an dI am trying to get into row 21…the aisle for my 7 year olds sake…less beer spilled on him is a good thing…hahaha…nothing worse than taking your kid to a game and have him smell worse than you when you get pulled over for speeding…LMAO!!!
March 28th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
And I agree with Tommy
Dorsey has a stress fracture in his right leg, that´s a chronic condition, I believe. His durability will always be in danger. Ellis, doesn´t carry that risk, We´d sleep better with Ellis on board.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Tommy -
I think Okam’s off the board in round 2 - whether or not he’s that good, who knows, my main point is we need to upgrade our NT - the scout’s can decide who that is, but we need a good one asap.
I like Burgess but he a one-dimensional player - a major liability in the run game, the worst part of our entire team, and a lot of it is his fault (if he played the other DE spot and we switched to a zone defensive scheme he wouldn’t need to be good against the run). With our new secondary, we should expect to increase QB pressure via coverage sacks anyway, so his pass rush skills are not as important.
I gave up on a new def. scheme, so since we’re doing the man-to-man thing, we need pro-bowl caliber players across the board - and they can’t be one dimensional like Burgess - they must support the run and pass very well (except the corners, although hall and nnamdi are solid tacklers anyway). If we went to a 3-4 Burgess woulud be an awesome Rush OLB like Merriman, but since we’re not, he’s got to go so we can stop the freaking run.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
You guys got it all wrong. Al won’t pick another Def player in the first if DMac is there. D-Russell, Huff,? Al luvs Off studs and after his investment in J-Russell he will compliment him with another stud (WR core are not studs, good, but not studs). C-Long and Dorsey will be gone and there is no WR deserving a top 10 pick. The only way he takes a Def player or trades out is if DMac is gone before #4.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
JERRY JONES ANNOUNCES HES NOT MOVING UP TO THE TOP PICKS ON ESPN D -MAC IS COMING TO THE HOLE
March 28th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Tommy, I have no prob wiith the pick of Dmac. Our backfield will look like USC on roids. Matter of fact the Raiders have a stable of backs just like SC. Imagine
M.Bush and Dmac in at the same time lined up how ever slot dmac, I form, whatever you dream will be a nightmare for defenses if we take dmac and M.Bush is okay with leg. Very compelling.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Exactly! Dallas will get Felix Jones if Jerry has to have a Razorback in his fold.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
the great thing about having an elite pass rusher at LE is the QB can see him, and react to him, and QBs rarely react well to a DE in their face, they throw INTs, when burgess is in and healthy our d has more sacks and more INTs, the run d struggles were a result of burgess’ and kelly’s injuries as well as sapp’s weight loss, burgess has no run deficiencies, he is a more than capable defender, he attacks the run, he gets penetration and holds the outside, those are both qualities used in stopping the run and he uses them well to do so, he does not fill gaps he disrupts the play, but when kelly is injured and sapp is eaten up it’s difficult to capitalize on that disruption, and when burgess is out or not healthy that disruption doesn’t exist, with a healthy burgess and kelly and a fat guy in place of sapp you can expect a good DL and a great over all D
well i’m out
March 28th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Tommy, what else is Al working on. will we see another blockbuster anytime before the draft?
March 28th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Late Tommy be safe
March 28th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
get over it wimps……….d-mac is going to be a raider………i knew this since the season ended. those of you who put up BS excuses for him not being drafted need to quit. long will not be the pick, gholston wont and not undersized DTs will be picked by Al………. he loves guys with size
March 28th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
you can fight all you want……..fargas essentially signed a 1 year deal, but you morons dont know anything at all
March 28th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Tommy Trojan Says:
March 28th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
for some reason it will never post this right
dorsey’s best>ellis’ best(slightly)
dorsey’s worstsands’ best
and i expect a breakout year for sands this year
but like i said, the pick will be mcfadden so this debate is a waste of time
******
This has been pretty much my position since December, TT. I still feel that we need DT help, but with all of the moves done on the D-line, it seems more and more unlikely that we will draft either Dorsey or Ellis, and more and more likely that we will draft McFadden.
Maybe Al is working on a deal to move Jordan, Griffith, O’Neal, and possibly Bush for LT or WR help; this would clear the way for McFadden to be selected.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
I like the Edwards signing. Jay Richardson is strong against the run but he isn’t a great threat against the pass. In tandem, these two could give us a very capable right side to our DLine. I would still like to see us maybe use a 4th rounder to draft another Dline prospect, but the 1st round need has gone.
This suggests that the Raiders are now convinced that Chris Long and Gholston will be gone in the first three picks - probably along with Jake Long. I sense that Al and the crew don’t feel comfortable taking a DT as high as No4 and that we have now focused on only two scenarios:
1) We draft Darren McFadden.
or
2) We trade the pick.
Everything points to McFadden. Chris Long and Gholston are the only two players for whom teams would probably want to trade into the top 5. Dorsey and Ellis are fine prospects but there is a lot of DT depth to this draft - at least 6, possibly 7, DTs will go in the first two rounds. Why trade up for Dorsey when you could have Dre Moore or Pat Sims or Trevor Laws for a fraction of the salary? Nobody is going to trade up for Matt Ryan.
McFadden is a hugely exciting talent. The challenge facing Kiffin and Knapp will be creating enough open field opportunities for him to use his great pace and elusiveness. I can see us using him in a flank position, as the RB in the shotgun formation, plus lots of options, lots of play-action - anything that gives DMC some space, especially to the outside.
If Fargas and Bush, running behind Griffith and Mr Pain, can wear down the LBs and if the threat of JR’s arm can hold the Safeties off the line and back in coverage, then DMC, especially in the 3rd and 4th quarters, will have the space to do some real damage.
It could be great fun.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Tommy Trojan Says:
March 28th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
“that should say dorsey’s worst is worse than sands’ worst while ellis’ worst is better than sand’s’ best”
easy for you to say muhahahahahaha!
Hey M -
where are you old buddy?
March 28th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
what’s this about Stu making starter money? He’s on his rookie contract as a 3rd rd pick. The signing bonus is paid already. From what I can tell, his salary for this year 545,000, which is the about minimum salary for a player with four credited seasons.
Why on earth would you cut him? Who are you going to replace him with. He sucks, but he’s experienced, knows the system, and is making the minimum. You’ve got to have depth. If he were cut, he’d be signed by another team in no time.
I’m not fond of him and am not sticking up for him, but (news flash) football teams need depth. If he can’t make the team, then he can’t make the team. But it’s stupid to say cut him because you don’t like him or don’t think he’s that good.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
and here’s one for all the people wanting Dorsey or Ellis. How much cap space do we currently have tied up at the DT position? Please, add it up and give us the number. And remember, Tommy kelly is a DT. They didn’t pay him $50 mil to play out of position at DE where he wasn’t very good at all. So add it up and post please.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Stu stinks! Get rid of him.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Troll alert!
don’t reply to anything LMN says until sunday noon
TT, its not me..
March 28th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
OK Brein you know what Davis and Kiffin and the rest of the Organization is thinking. Dmac hasn’t even visited Oakland yet but Gholston is on his way to Oakland. So I hope your wrong and if anybody is a Moron it is you-little advise don’t get all butt hurt because somebody doesn’t agree with you… Even if you have insider RAIDER intel-which I highly doubt from a dumbA$$ like you..
March 28th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
If you watched the super bowl it sure looked like a dominate d line was more of a factor than anything else. Who knows what d mac will do in the pros. Build the defensive line and the qb will go down and go down hard . dominate defenses win championships
March 28th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
I agree R8r4fer 100%
March 28th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Will the Talented Mr. Tom Walsh be hosting the media Breakfast on Monday? I hope he serves his famous Aaron Brooks Omlette
March 28th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Nice Al Davis quote from the 90’s
March 28th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
come on man you really think kiffin isnt jumpin for joy…….he did recruit dmac in college and almost got him to SC…………..a month is left b!tch you think he wont come to for a visit then you are dumb
March 28th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
zzzzzzzzzzz the super bowl was lost becuz ofthe pats unwillingness to run the football……..know the game…..the teams that runs the rock better wins the big game….been like that 4 ever
March 28th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Maybe he will dumbA$$ but why would we pay 4th pick money to a RB…
March 28th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Dave Casper, don’t read too much into Gholston’s visit. Last year the Raiders kept JR back towards the end of the visiting season. They looked at the other options, the fall-backs, but they were locked on JR. They will want to get a look at Gholston because he is the most likely to drop out of the top 3 if McFadden goes earlier.
We are locked on McFadden.
March 28th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
This adds much-needed depth at DE. Edwards could be a decent replacement for the role that Chris Clemmons played last year.
All these additions are making me think the Raiders are poised to pick McFadden. I still think a trade down with Dallas would be our best move, but with all the players we’ve added this off-season, I wouldn’t be as opposed to taking a chance on McFadden.
I still think M. Bush deserves a shot, and Fargas definitely deserves his fair share of carries too. I guess we’ll see.
March 28th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
I don’t know we are locked on Dmac but you maybe right Scottish.
March 28th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Im about 95% sure that McFadden will become a Raider on April 26th
March 28th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
One thing to think about is the Burgess factor, he’s starting to scream for more money & he was injured and his numbers did decline.. A DE maybe in our future…
March 28th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Thats what we need…another running back.
March 28th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
McFadden to the Raiders at No4 is now the most certain of all the top 10 picks.
We will cut Jordan and, if Michael Bush is healthy, look to trade Rhodes, probably on draft day, for a 3rd or 4th.
March 28th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
fargas will be gone after 2008, rhodes will be traded……..bush/dmac are the running tandem in oakland for the future get overit
March 28th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Actually the super vowl was lost by the patriots becuase of 2 things. #1 the Giants defense especially the d-line stepped up there game big time and
#2 2 players on one play did what champions do they made something happen. Eli escaping the sack and the amazing catch by D.T. Thats what champions do they make something amazing happen when it appears they are beat
March 28th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
the draft is like a poker game who knows what any one is thinking unless you have a glaring need at a skilled postion . There are a number of senerios out there not just what the consensus thinks
March 28th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
LOL
March 28th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Brien,
you are 100% correct, but people are currently in the denial period, just like last year when people were having absolute sissy fits because the sky would fall and the world would come to and end if we didn’t draft Calvin Johnson, even though it was painfully obvious that J.Russ was the pick. Right now it’s painfully obvious that we’re taking McFadden. Time to face reality people.
March 28th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
al dont want no one else except mcfadden….we havent had a playmaker drafted in years!!!!!!!!!!
March 28th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Personally until Dmac is a RAIDER I hope your both wrong and did either of you think we would have drafted Huff prior to the 2006 draft.
March 28th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Thanks, Terrapin, for interjecting a bit of sanity unto our brethren whom wax ecstatic over the relative late FA signings.
Edwards, albeit a talent, is a bit on the inconsistent side. Perhaps his zeal to “bring it on” against the Raiders was an attempt to display what they were missing. Seems the Raiders offered the most competition in a “bidding war” for his services two seasons past.
Kinda like the Joseph signing. Perhaps a change of scenery can cure their injury plagued inconsistencies. However, they don’t really answer any questions. They provide question marks. Quintessential Al signings. Unrealized talent waiting to fluorish. I do hope they work out.
These signings in no way are indicative of any potential direction Al goes with his first round draft choice. If this was the case the fact the Raiders now have four running backs and a fifth, Justin Griffith, that offers value as a betweeen the tackles power would render this attempt @ logic moot. This would seem to mitigate any chance of drafting another RB in the first round. So, nothing means nothing.
Despite widespread “D-Mac” love have to think if the Raiders remain @ 4 they will take Vernon Gholston. He played DT, DE and OLB @ Ohio State and, I believe, possesses the most “upside” of any of the DE pack. Most so-called draft “experts” maintain he should be relegated to a pass-rusher only this season. However, some of the same “experts” (mainly the “War Room” correspondents @ TSN)believe he can play DT, DE and OLB @ the pro level. He has that kind of skill set.
If they entertain overtures from the Jets the Raiders may outsmart themselves. Ponder this one. Gholston seems tailor-made for the ‘Pats defense. Versatile enough to disguise his intentions he may become the ultimate disrupter.
They could offer the Chefs incentive in the form of the third round pick acquired from (you guessed it) our beloved Raiders to vault over Oakland and choose Gholston. However, they may still chafe over the Brandon Merriweather selection last year. Drafted as a corner last year they found wanting in the accompanying transition; now reconditioned @ his accustomed safety spot he still has to prove he has regained his confidence. They may want a “ready-made” player @ such a high spot. Therein remains the rub; the ultimate wildcard, the 18-1 ‘Patsies.
If the Raiders are successful in this gambit they will gain, in the least, an additional third round pick. If, as is popularly displayed across “Internetville,” the Raiders net a third round pick for Fabian (see Jacksonville Jags, whom will now deploy a more “attack” oriented defense, perfect for ‘Fabs), they will then reclaim two of their lost draft spots, both first day selections.
With the fact Burgess may be on fumes as he approaches the end of his contract the Raiders have to acknowledge their dearth of DE depth. With a combination of Gholston/Edwards @ the RDE this would allow Jay Richardson to line up @ the more customary “base” (LDE being the current home to the left-handed Burgess) end. Thus one of the weaknesses of the Raiders run defense could be addressed. Potentially.
Now, perhaps an offseason of rest/workout regmine can help Burgess reclaim his lost (sports hernia, torn calf muscle) step. That would be something. Four (five, if Joseph rotates between DT/DE) contributing forces @ DE.
For a return to reality. Dominic Rhodes will not be traded. He capitulated to the “team way” and renegotiated his contract. This now puts him in good standing on the team.
As much as I would prefer to see the Raiders salvage something from the Lamont Jordan experiment his performance (or lack thereof) has allowed his “upside” to become his (considerable) “downside.” Thus he has no value other than to provide (I believe, @ best after June 1) sal cap relief. So, bury any thoughts of a potential trade.
Stay with me on this one as I venture into presidential campaign humor in order to make a point. This was making the campaign circut when “Bubba” was first running for president. “What does Hillary do after she shaves her “Kuder” in the morining? She sends him off to work.”
Other than Brittney the most prevalent public “Kuder” display has been when the Raiders allowed “Stewie” (the baby on “Family Guy” is much tougher) to take the field. When on the road the opposition’s groundskeepers often complained that the field required “deodorizing” after Sweigert was allowed to perform. His last name should be Massingale. He, too, has no trade value.
And finally; as the draft approaches keep these four draft prospects in mind; 1) Tony Hillis, LOT, Texas. Just rounding into contention as a first round selection when his college career realized a premature conclusion due to a broken leg. Not able to display his considerable mobility to pro scouts @ the combine or his pro day; could be this year’s Michael Bush. 2)Tyrell Johnson, SS, Arkansas St. Just ask Texas and Tennessee how they fared against him. From a relative small school he could become a force “in the box” and immediately contribute on special teams. 3) Matt Forte, RB, Tulane. Perfect fit for the zone blocking scheme, he possesses many of the same attributes of the aforementioned Bush; size, quick feet and deceptive speed. 4) Jerome Simpson, WR, Coastal Carolina. This year’s version of Jacoby Jones (who? Small school wunderkind that really came on before suffering a shoulder injury). Possesses size, speed and an over the middle fearlessness. Also would contribute on st’s. Add Mark Bradford of Stanford (inproved his 4.7 “40″ @ the combine to twin sub “4.5’s” @ Stanford’s pro day) and Eddie Royal, dimunitive speed merchant fro Va Tech (also a WR) to this mix. Loads to choose from in the third and fourth rounds.
It’s been snowing in the “425″ the whole time I’ve been online. Gottal love the early spring. We live in the so-called weather “convergent zone” in my current locale. Which means this is where ban weather converges.
Positive vibes. The Raiders are even garnering positive press. Even the vultures are tired of wielding the poison pen!
Late (NCAA’s and nightly NBA beckons)!
antispy3
March 28th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
what is the best way to help russell develop?
the friendly ghost doesnt understand it tho
March 28th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
A left tackle and Coach Cable’s zone blocking
March 28th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Casper I figured huff was getting drafted cuz i hate usc players like overrated leinert….there was no other player to pick thatyear!!!!!!!!
March 28th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
people think we have Peyton Manning or something back there, not a rookie quarterback who needs weapons. People think Fargas had this great season, but go back to the game logs (nfl.con would be a good place to find them) and look at how many of those rushing yards resulted in POINTS. I mean, rushing 40 yards and punting might make your running back look good in fantasy football, but that’s not how you win games.
March 28th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Sorry antispy, its 78 degrees here in sunny Sin City.
March 28th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
antispy3 nice read…
March 28th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
antispy3 good read Bro
March 28th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha, that was funny B…
March 28th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Javon Walker changed his # to 17….does that mean Tim Dwight is no longer with the team?
March 28th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
casper huff was the right pick we just played him on the wrong spot thank you
March 28th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
pirate yes people dont know much
March 28th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
the minnesota and green bay games exposed that fargas is not a starter
March 28th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
What would be so terrible about entering next season with the NFL´s deepest, most talented and versatile set of RB´s?.
Fargas, Rhodes, Bush and McFadden.
Our HB´s ran the ball 442 times last season, throw in 62 catches and that´s 32 touches per game from that position.
Our OL strenght is run-blocking, we have a 1st year starter at QB, our best shot is to keep running the ball and the more options we have, the better.
We are set at RB some say, well picture this:
a) Fargas is 28 and has never been able to remain healthy for a full season, he could go down anytime.
b) Bush has not played in 2 years, it remains to be seen how much can he contribute, would anyone be shocked if he struggles?.
c) 29 yr. old Rhodes is more of a 3rd down back, if he´s forced to carry the load he could struggle, plus he´s one strike away from a 1 year suspension.
Fargas at 28 and Rhodes at 29 are the present, Bush at 24 and McFadden at 20 could the future, we can use 2008 as a transition year for our backfield and let the young horses take over in 09.
March 28th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
no bob it doesnt make sense since farglass is a pro bowler
March 28th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Bob
Good post, makes real sense.
I still say if we can find a team to trade with, and pick up a extra pick, and still be in the top seven to grab McFadden, I’m all for the move and player.
March 28th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
How can we trade both FB (Giffith/O’Neal) as Tommy said? Al will invite players to keep the radar a bit fuzzy (poker face). Has anyone seen Bush run in the NFL? NO, he was drafted in as an experiment (draft choice allocated by trade) to see if he can regain his abilities from his college glory days. He may be a bust, no one knows forsure, so why wouldn’t you take a known stud in DMac???? Al has built up the poor def thru FA, so it is obvious he will use his pick on off unless he’s gone.
March 28th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
no its obvious people wants mediocre talent in oakland just like 2003-2007
March 28th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
d mac instantly makes the raiders a playoff contender i care less what any moron like casper wants to say……….we draft any player over dmac we will be sorry just like the gallery draft
March 28th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Brien
You can call out anybody you want, I have a question for you, if McFadden is gone by the third pick, with a trade up to Atlanta, then who do you draft?
March 28th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Hey dumbA$$ all I said was I want Gholston, so wtf. I picked Huff what was funny is how you choose players by hating SC players-like Fargas.. So shut your keypad pie hole.
March 28th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Dmac is a fumbling no quickness-just speed BUST & Brein is a Moron
March 28th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
What would be terrible is entering next season with the least-deep and one of the least-talented teams at the other positions besides HB, especially since the importance of HBs is highly overrated.
March 28th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Nice point Trev…
March 28th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Thank You 92591 Raider
March 28th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Raiderkc asks how many NFL carries bush has.how many NFL carries does dm have?
March 28th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
TrevJo 233
And the selection of 1 DL will solve that?.
March 28th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
If DMac is gone then Al prob would take Gholston or the best player available. As I said there is no WR good enough for that high of a pick. Al better not waste it on that midget from CAL. He’s a waste as a top 10 pick!
March 28th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
We need to stop the running game & pressure the QB, not to mention protect Russell our franchise QB. The Cable zone blocking system would make almost any good RB a 1000 yard runner. My question is why the heck would the RAIDERS PAY 4th pick money to a RB?
March 28th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Because there is no one as versitile as DMac. Al hasn’t seen his abilities since BO! We wasted a top 10 pick on Gallery (OT) why wouldn’t you use it on a RB???
March 28th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
First of all Pirate, if we gain first downs with the rushing game, even if we don’t score, that helps the defense (and our defense needs all the help we can get). Also if we gain field position maybe it helps us score on the next possession.
Second of all, the rumors that if we add McFadden we are suddenly going to start scoring all the time just from the running game have been greatly exagerrated. Speed alone can get you a ton of TDs in college, but NFL is a different story. Hell, look at Fast Willie Parker, dude is crazy fast and gained 1316 yards in less than 15 games, but only scored 2 TDs. Also, let’s not forget Fargas himself is no slouch in the speed department (official 4.35 Forty time at the Combine). If all you needed was Tom Cable and a very fast RB to score touchdowns, we’d have put up more points than we did. But the reality is that what’s really holding us back from winning games is our passing game between the 20s, and our defense.
March 28th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Peterson was the guy in last years draft for RB’s, Dmac is a BUST in waiting. At the very least we could find a RB in the later rounds. Golden knows & Brein is a Moron.
March 28th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Bob Marley, depending on who that 1 DL is, it could go a long way to helping… it doesn’t make sense to me that people think drafting McFadden will solve an entire flood of problems for us but drafting anyone else is just a drop in the bucket.
March 28th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Drafting Gallery is not a reason to spend 4th pick money on Dmac a RB with a short shelf life. Gallery re-structured his contract and is the starting Guard-he really not that bad-and will be better in 2008.
March 28th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
“Versatile” is the last word I would use to describe McFadden. When I look for a versatile RB, I look for inside running, outside running, receiving, and blocking. I only see one of those being a strength for McFadden. I really don’t consider his passing results in college to be something that adds meaningful value in the NFL. Dude only threw 22 passes in his college career and some of you act like he’s a faster Kordell Stewart.
March 28th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Look at Reggie “the BUST” Bush, there is Dmac, lots of money in his pocket and nothing to show for the Team.
March 28th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Anyways enough Dmac the BUST for today OUT NATION!! Just Win Baby!!
March 28th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Later Casper. I’m out also. Go Raiders!
March 28th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
disagree that R. Bush is a bust. Team doesnt know how to use him IMHO.
March 28th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Trevjo…..
Well, if that 1 DL is Long, I´m all for it, I don´t know about the rest.
I don´t think McFadden solves an entire flood of problems, but I believe it can emphazise a strength. Build the best running game in the league, our OL has proven that they excel at run-blocking.
March 28th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
What the hell??? DMac does block, does receive, can line up at WR, he runs through tackles… Granted if he’s tackled low he goes down, but so does Vargas who is prone to injuries. We have a back up no one knows can even play then Rhodes. Jordan is done and good riddens, he was a “Bust”! There is no guarantees it is a crap shoot at best to know whether a young man can grow into an All Pro…
March 28th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
We were 6th in the league in running last season with a OK line at best. Build from the inside out Offensive & Defensive Lines…
March 28th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
The only player Mr Al Davis would pick over D-Mac @ this point is Chris Long - And Chris Long will be Long gone by than - So all the D-Mac haters just need to face that D-Mac will be in the Silver And Blak
March 28th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
“I have no intent at all of moving into the top five,” Jerry Jones said.
http://www.star-telegram.com/332/story/550044.html
March 28th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
“I have no intent at all of moving into the top five,” Jerry Jones said.
forget that reality stuff.
All the dreamers here KNOW that Jerry Jones will do absolutely anything to get McFadden (they both went to Arkansas, you know), so Jones is going to give us both 1sts, a 2nd, Chris Canty, and Bobby Carpenter, then we’ll trade those two first plus F. Washington and L.Jordan and get back four firsts, move up and draft both Dorsey and S.Ellis, then we’ll give some firsts for Ocho Cinco and Roy Williams. w00t Raiders.
March 28th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
92591 Raider Says: We were 6th in the league in running last season with a OK line at best.
yeah, running 40 yards and punting over and over really takes you places. Where were we in SCORING, but the way? (you know, those squiggly little numbers that some people deem important because they determine whether you win or lose the game).
March 28th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Alot of you are forgetting that Mcfadden can also throw the ball. Having him on the field with Jamarcus Russell is almost like having two quarterbacks in the backfield at the same time. Imagine the possibilities on offense with a running back that can run, catch and throw. Mcfadden instantly upgrades our offense, and strikes fear into opposing defenses. Opposing defensive coordinators won’t know how to gameplan for the Raiders each week.
Pirate and Brien, I agree with you both about Mcfadden.
March 28th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Anything to improve the Defensive line with some potential thrown in is something I am down with. Lets face it, we need depth and some talent to go with it. Maybe this can work? My expectations are low so I’m not bothered by it and Id rather have him over Kevin Carter personally. I’m just happy to see things getting addressed.
Retaining Jon Alston is only a plus in the matter.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
PFT.com
NO DAUNTE RETURN IN OAKLAND?
Posted by Mike Florio on March 28, 2008, 8:03 a.m.
As quarterback Daunte Culpepper waits for the phone to do something other than sit there and stare at him, his chances of returning to the Raiders apparently are shrinking.
The Raiders recently have signed quarterbacks Erik Meyer and Jeff Otis, giving them four arms on the roster as offseason camps approach. Four is the magic number for most teams when it comes to training camps and the preseason. Then again, neither Meyer nor Otis have played in a regular-season game. So it’s possible that they’ll be competing against each other in the short term, and that one of them will get the boot before too long.
Though Culpepper still shows up on the team’s official online roster, the transactions page on the Raiders’ web site makes it clear that Culpepper, who played under a one-year deal in 2007, has not be re-signed. No one has shown any interest in Culpepper. In fact, the only time his name has been mentioned came on the first weekend of free agency, when the Randy Moss camp, in an obvious effort to put pressure on the Patriots, leaked that Moss had reached out to Culpepper about possibly reuniting on the same team.
(I just wanted to comment on this. I find it funny that DC was unable to persuade people to get interested in him. I wonder if sitting down for the rest of the season made people weary of him? He should have continued to showcase his stuff. I don’t know about you guys but I’ll take him as a 3rd stringer. Its better than having Meyer and Otis.)
March 28th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Full Name: Kalimba Edwards
Born: December 26, 1979
East Point, GA
Height: 6-6
Weight: 265 lbs. Age: 28
Pos: DE
Experience: 6 years
College: South Carolina
Drafted: Year:2002 Round:2 Pick:3, Lions
YEAR TEAM G TOT SOLO AST PD SACK FF REC INT YDS TD
2002 DET 16 36 30 6 4 6.5 2 0 0 0 0
2003 DET 15 16 16 0 3 2.0 0 0 0 0 0
2004 DET 16 22 18 4 1 4.5 2 0 0 0 0
2005 DET 16 32 25 7 2 7.0 2 10 0 0 0
2006 DET 16 37 25 12 1 3.0 1 3 0 0 0
2007 DET 8 17 13 4 0 3.0 2 0 0 0 0
Career 87 160 127 33 11 26.0 9 0 0 0 0
March 28th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
but kiffin knows how to use r.bush.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Kalimba Edwards
2007 Scouting Report - Scouts Inc.
Grade: 68 | Key
Alert: UB
Comment: Edwards has a very good combination of speed and athleticism. He has fluid change-of-direction skills, explosive burst and an impressive motor. He continues to develop his awareness. He is a pure speed rusher who also has the ability to drop into a zone or even play some man-to-man. He has great snap anticipation and an explosive first step. He immediately puts an offensive tackle on his heels. He has the speed to accelerate in a high arc, squeezing the pocket and closing on the quarterback quickly. He has a strong up-and-under counter when a tackle overplays his outside rush. He plays with leverage against the run and has good functional strength for his size. He battles and has reasonable success at the point of attack. He is excellent in pursuit and makes many plays from the back side. But Edwards is undersized. He gets engulfed or overpowered too often. He can be undisciplined, running around blocks and opening up holes in the defense. He sometimes plays too upright and can be knocked off course by a powerful swat. His work ethic has been questioned at times.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Actually norm chow ran that offense better than the Kiff/sarkisian act.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
off to the kings game. later nation.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Norm Chow had Carson Palmer. Kiffin had Leinart and John Davis Booty. I’m just saying.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
John David Booty I mean.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
How does Kalimba Edwards do against the run?
March 28th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Huff, I actually liked Matt better than carson. but when they won the last BCS title Chow was the OC with Lienart Bush, and white.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Norm Chow
Chow served as BYU’s offensive coordinator from 1982 to 1999, during which time he helped coach the Cougars to their only national title in 1984, which is also the last time a non-BCS school (sometimes called a mid-major) won the NCAA Division I FBS (then I-A) national championship. He then left BYU for a short stint as the offensive coordinator at NC State, before accepting the position of offensive coordinator at the University of Southern California.
In 23 seasons as offensive coordinator, Chow coached 8 of the top 14 career passing efficiency leaders and 13 quarterbacks who rank among the top 30 in NCAA history for single-season passing yardage. The BYU Cougars scored 30 or more points in 106 of 181 games. His list of pupils include Robbie Bosco, Steve Young and Heisman Trophy winners Ty Detmer, Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart.
Chow helped lead the Trojans to the 2003 Associated Press title (their first since 1978) and the 2004 BCS Championship. He left USC in spring 2005 after being passed over for the Stanford University head coaching job to join the Tennessee Titans as offensive coordinator under head coach Jeff Fisher, a USC graduate. After being fired by the Titans following the 2007 season, Chow was hired by new UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel as offensive coordinator.[1]
March 28th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Don’t even consider Meyer and Otis as #3. They are there to throw passes to WR’s and hand off to RB’s during camps. If we don’t land a descent FA QB then we’ll keep Walter and if we can trade off some of our baggage then we can draft a 3rd string QB.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Thec…You seem to be right on that one.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Huff24, where did you get the scouting report in post 262? (espn insider?)
March 28th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Huff, I love SC football. Chow going to ucla is going to be very interesting. he will get to match wits against his former boss pete caroll.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Lane Kiffin (The MAN)
In 2005, USC head coach Pete Carroll selected Kiffin to replace Norm Chow as offensive coordinator. Despite being new to the role, Lane Kiffin helped guide USC to a 23-3 win-loss record during his tenure in this capacity (an 88% win percentage). During the previous four years under Norm Chow’s play calling, the Trojans achieved 41 wins and 9 losses (82%). Under Kiffin in 2005 the USC offense produced school records in virtually every dimension, averaging 49.1 points and 579 yards per game.
USC’s potent offense that season became the first in NCAA history to have a 3,000 yard passer (Matt Leinart), two 1,000 yard rushers (Reggie Bush & LenDale White), and a 1,000 yard receiver (Dwayne Jarrett). Steve Smith fell a few yards short of also surpassing 1,000 yards in receiving. With an all new offensive cast at the skill positions and in what was generally viewed as a rebuilding year for USC the offensive totals fell off to 30.5 point, and 391 yards per game, and 11 wins overall.
Injuries affected the team all year as three fullbacks went down to major injury by the third game of the year, several freshman running backs rotated as starting tailback, and wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett missed parts of the mid-season due to injury. Despite these losses and key injuries the team produced top 20 statistics in most NCAA offensive categories and concluded with an impressive 32-18 win over the then #3 ranked team the University of Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
Despite all the teams achievements, Kiffin’s work with the Trojans over his two-year period as offensive coordinator is sometimes harshly judged for what it did not accomplish – win national championships – as compared to the previous two seasons in 2003 and 2004. Furthermore offensive play-calling responsibilities for USC were shared during this period with QB coach Steve Sarkisian having on-the-field approval for Kiffin’s suggestions and head coach Pete Carroll maintaining veto power. Lack of clarity and final say over play calling responsibility has left some controversy over how much decision making power Kiffin wielded versus Sarkisian and Carroll during his two-year tenure as offensive coordinator.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
One point I have yet to view; regardless of the efficency of the zone blocking scheme in the running game you still need an effective LOT to protect the Qb’s blindside.
The LOT for the hated Broncos in their first Super Bowl triumph was none other than HOF LOT Gary Zimmerman (to be inducted this August). So, in addition as the highly acclaimed “one for John” this game was even parts for Zimmerman, who just happened to be participating in his final pro tilt.
So, unless Mario Henderson starts to realize his supposedly massive potential or Kwame Harris dislpays more mobility than a museum piece this position will have to be addressed, among others.
To me it doesn’t matter whom lines up in your backfield if your OL doesn’t represent. Trading down with the likes of the Cowgirls, if somehow leading to drafting Chris Williams, LOT from Vanderbilt would suit me just fine.
Just one more point; y’all maintaining that lamont Jorday will be any part in a trade need to put down the Kool-Aid. He possesses no trade value @ all. Als, even though Chris Canty would be a great acquisition he is in need of a new contract and, even if just a one year deal will be @ the top of the FA market next year.
Also, for you of the D-Mac set; if healthy (I believe he is, and champing @ the bit) Michael Bush has a cannon of an arm. I’ve never liked picking a running back that high in the draft. A player @ almost any other position (other than cornerback) can survive a debilitating injury and come back, even if just a semblance of his former self. Running back is another story. Ask Ronnie Brown later this year or, more to the point, Ki-Jana Carter. And, unless McFadden is motivated by his Shaun Kemp starter set, he’ll have a small village to support.
Still pelted by snow in the Pac Northwest. Time to break the snowboard out!
Halftime’s over! Back to the NCAAS’s (& nightly NBA).
Late
antispy3
March 28th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Pirate - Yes Sir.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
If you want stats or current info no one is faster than Huff. he is the man period
March 28th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
One point I have yet to view; regardless of the efficency of the zone blocking scheme in the running game you still need an effective LOT to protect the Qb’s blindside.
The LOT for the hated Broncos in their first Super Bowl triumph was none other than HOF LOT Gary Zimmerman (to be inducted this August). So, in addition as the highly acclaimed “one for John” this game was even parts for Zimmerman, who just happened to be participating in his final pro tilt.
So, unless Mario Henderson starts to realize his supposedly massive potential or Kwame Harris dislpays more mobility than a museum piece this position will have to be addressed, among others.
To me it doesn’t matter whom lines up in your backfield if your OL doesn’t represent. Trading down with the likes of the Cowgirls, if somehow leading to drafting Chris Williams, LOT from Vanderbilt would suit me just fine.
Just one more point; y’all maintaining that lamont Jorday will be any part in a trade need to put down the Kool-Aid. He possesses no trade value @ all. Als, even though Chris Canty would be a great acquisition he is in need of a new contract and, even if just a one year deal will be @ the top of the FA market next year.
Also, for you of the D-Mac set; if healthy (I believe he is, and champing @ the bit) Michael Bush has a cannon of an arm. I’ve never liked picking a running back that high in the draft. A player @ almost any other position (other than cornerback) can survive a debilitating injury and come back, even if just a semblance of his former self. Running back is another story. Ask Ronnie Brown later this year or, more to the point, Ki-Jana Carter. And, unless McFadden is motivated by his Shaun Kemp starter set, he’ll have a small village to support. So, he better (see mario Henderson & JLH) man up! Takes big cohones (well, by his bedroom performance he may already possess those, but better conjure a way to get ‘em on the field!) to make it on Sundays.
Still pelted by snow in the Pac Northwest. Time to break the snowboard out!
Halftime’s over! Back to the NCAAS’s (& nightly NBA).
Late
antispy3
March 28th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Thec - Hah. No…you’re the man.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
AntiSpy3 - You know what? I didn’t get that. Could you post that again for me please? haha. J/K.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Huff24
Can you post that article that Todd McShay wrote 3 days ago about D-Mac?
March 28th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Everyone:
Check out my new look site. Let me know what you think.
https://bowmaninc.wwdb.biz
March 28th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Arkansas RB Darren McFadden finished his three-year career as the SEC’s second all-time leading rusher with 4,590 yards in 38 games, second only to Herschel Walker’s 5,259 yards in 33 games. McFadden clearly had little to prove at Arkansas’ pro day workouts Tuesday, and he understandably opted not to run a 40-yard dash after posting a 4.33 time at last month’s combine. McFadden did, however, fill in the blanks in the short shuttle (4.05), three-cone drill (6.90) and bench press (13).
Darren McFadden has showcased his athletic ability twice and has assuaged character concerns.
The bench number is disappointing, especially as the average reps for backs at the combine this year was 21 and several people recently witnessed McFadden put up 20 reps. However, scouts really couldn’t care less because upper-body strength doesn’t have a substantial impact on a running back’s ability and 13 isn’t an atrocious number. The short shuttle time, on the other hand, is jaw-dropping. In fact, the second-fastest short shuttle time we’ve seen thus far is Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall’s 4.18 at the combine.
As expected, 6-foot-1, 211-pound McFadden also looked strong during an extensive position drill workout. Perhaps more importantly, we talked to four scouts and not one of them has an ounce of concern about McFadden’s character. This is a good sign, as it comes after teams have done their due diligence in investigating his off-the-field incidents. One of the scouts we spoke with went as far as to say McFadden has elite football character, meaning he is a tough player and an excellent teammate.
Speculation about his draft projection remains the same, however. Several NFL insiders indicated that, barring a trade, McFadden is expected to go No. 4 overall to the Oakland Raiders or No. 6 to the New York Jets. After hearing that, it came as little surprise to see Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum leaving the field and having a lengthy discussion with McFadden.
On hand to witness the workouts of McFadden, Felix Jones and the 15 other Arkansas prospects were more than 50 coaches and scouts from 26 of the 32 teams. Head coaches often avoid public workouts and hang around to work out a player individually, and the only visible head coach at the workout Tuesday was Chicago’s Lovie Smith.
As a side note, 6-4, 222-pound WR Marcus Monk ran a 4.45 40-yard dash, according to my stopwatch, after clocking in at 4.63 at the combine last month. Monk didn’t get much love in the Arkansas system and played in just seven games last year because of knee problems, but he has the skills to succeed at the NFL level, and the quicker time should give his draft stock a boost.
As for Jones, he went through position drills but didn’t do any of the running, which is understandable given his outstanding times (4.47 40, 4.19 short shuttle, 6.90 three-cone drill) at the combine. He dropped one pass today but looked very good otherwise.
Here’s a look at some other noteworthy pro day workouts that have taken place recently:
Penn State Nittany Lions (March 18)
Lost in the commotion surrounding Boston College QB Matt Ryan and Virginia DE Chris Long was the outstanding performance turned in by Penn State LB Dan Connor. The 6-3⅝, 231-pound senior was sent home early from last month’s combine after being diagnosed with the flu, making his on-campus workout that much more important. Fully recovered and seemingly unfazed by the additional pressure, Connor exceeded expectations from beginning to end.
For starters, he clocked a pair of 40-yard dashes in the high 4.6-second range (4.67, 4.69); only seven of the 26 linebackers who ran at the combine recorded faster times. Connor also notched above-average results in the vertical jump (35 inches), broad jump (9-foot-7), short shuttle (4.27), three-cone (6.75) and bench press (21 reps). The career tackles leader at “Linebacker U” also displayed outstanding instincts and quick feet throughout his position drills. Although the workout makes up only a small portion of a player’s final evaluation, it’s safe to say teams considering Connor in the bottom part of the first round walked away from his on-campus workout pleased.
Tennessee State Tigers (March 21)
Nearly half of the 32 NFL teams were represented, including at least a half-dozen defensive backs coaches, when CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie worked out at Tennessee State. The small-school product continued his exceptional postseason when he notched a 37.5-inch vertical jump, a 10-11 broad jump, a 4.14 short shuttle and a 6.63 three-cone drill. Rodgers-Cromartie asked whether he could run another 40-yard dash, but scouts said that would be unnecessary after he blazed a 4.33 at last month’s combine. Needless to say, he did nothing to damage his standing as one of the top three defensive backs in this year’s class.
Vanderbilt Commodores (March 21)
There were 25 NFL teams on hand to witness Vanderbilt’s pro day, the biggest crowd since QB Jay Cutler was on his way to becoming the 11th overall pick two years ago. Coincidentally, Cutler also participated in this session, throwing passes to middle-round wide receiver prospect Earl Bennett. But the Denver Broncos’ starting quarterback was obviously not the draw.
The majority of coaches and scouts were on hand to evaluate OT Chris Williams, who is likely to become the second Commodore drafted in the first round in three years. Williams once again displayed quick feet and solid balance throughout his position drills, but he elected to stand on his numbers from the combine. Linebackers Jonathan Goff, a middle-round prospect, and Curtis Gatewood, a late-round prospect, participated in the position drills and vertical jump but kept their remaining workout times from the combine. Goff measured 35.5 inches in the leap, Gatewood 30.
Stanford Cardinal (March 21)
The WR tandem of Mark Bradford and Evan Moore worked out for NFL scouts and coaches from more than 20 teams last week. Moore (6-6, 233), a late-round H-back prospect, had a solid showing with a best of 4.65 seconds in the 40 and 19 reps on the bench press. Bradford stole the show, however, as the 6-1 215-pounder improved his combine results in the 40 (4.49), vertical jump (41), short shuttle (4.25) and three-cone drill (6.95). Bradford’s durability remains an obvious concern, but for teams in search of receiver depth, his production when healthy and outstanding overall workout results will be tough to ignore in the Rounds 4-5 range.
Central Florida Knights (March 20)
RB Kevin Smith drew a huge crowd as the headliner, and the nation’s leading rusher in 2007 did not disappoint. Checking in at 6-1 and 216 pounds, Smith ran a pair of 40s in the high 4.4-second range and notched a 33.5-inch vertical jump. His performance on the bench press (15 reps) was a bit disappointing but was overshadowed by an outstanding position-specific workout in which Smith impressed scouts with his fluid hips and soft hands. Smith projects as an early second-day draft selection.
Texas Longhorns (March 19)
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that certainly was the case at Texas’ pro day, which drew 75 staffers representing all 32 NFL teams. Several prospects did well, but the performances of WR Limas Sweed and RB Jamaal Charles stood out.
After running a 4.55 40-yard dash and jumping 35 inches vertically at the combine last month, Sweed posted a 4.50 in the 40 in Austin and added 2.5 inches to his vertical. In addition, he ran a 4.33 short shuttle and a 7.14 three-cone drill as well as catching the ball well in position drills.
Charles didn’t drop a pass the entire workout and looked explosive after the catch. He didn’t do any of the running or jumping but didn’t really have to after he ran a 4.38 40-yard dash and had a strong overall combine last month. It’s also worth pointing out that TE Jermichael Finley improved his 40 time from the combine (4.85) by posting a time of 4.66. That’s a substantial jump, so scouts should go back to the film to evaluate his ability to stretch the field.
Florida State Seminoles (March 19)
DT Andre Fluellen made the most of his opportunity to make an impression on the NFL brass. The 6-1 294-pounder turned in an adequate 40-yard time (5.1) and recorded a 28-inch vertical jump. More importantly, he looked fantastic in position workouts. An elbow injury slowed Fluellen last year and caused his stock to drop, but now that he’s healthy, scouts are starting to look at him as an underrated prospect who could turn into one of the best overall values in this year’s draft.
Interestingly enough, one of the defensive tackles who projects as an earlier-round pick than Fluellen is college teammate Letroy Guion. The 307-pounder ran the 40 in 5.20 and posted a 30-inch vertical. Although he didn’t look as good as Fluellen in position workouts, Guion didn’t flop, either.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (March 19)
Scouts were eager to see how well TE John Carlson would run at Notre Dame’s pro day after he turned in a 4.88 40-yard time at the combine last month. Carlson came through with some damage control by improving his time to 4.72, but that’s just not enough to make him the No. 1 tight end prospect some had thought he would be. Purdue’s Dustin Keller and USC’s Fred Davis are left to compete for that spot.
DL Trevor Laws and OC John Sullivan stood by their combine numbers, and though neither was particularly impressive, both are considered better football players than athletes so their decision not to participate isn’t much of a surprise.
Upcoming workouts
Here’s a look at the most important remaining pro days on the schedule:
Wednesday: Connecticut, LSU, Rutgers, South Carolina
Thursday: Virginia Tech
Friday: Coastal Carolina, Kansas State
Monday: Arkansas State
Tuesday: Hawaii
April 2: USC
March 28th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
DoeDoe - This one?
March 28th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
The Raiders have resigned LB Akbar Gbaja-Biamila.
I think he was with Miami last year. He’s one of those “Potential” guys that never really busted out.
I think the Raiders are averaging .5 FA per day…
Competition….
Kiffin is big on the big C…
March 28th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
http://www.raiders.com/Team/Default.aspx?id=152
Thanks RosevilleRaider. Here is the link.
I’m starting to get the feeling that Rob Ryan may tinker with the 3-4 once again with the signing of these guys. Can anyone say Gholston?
March 28th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
I think Gholston is the pick.
If you take a look at the big picture, he’s a great athelete, a combine allstar, looks good getting off of the bus, fills a need, and will probably be available when the Raiders draft.
Too me, he is the obvious pick. I think he’s the missing piece of the defense.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
FIRST TIME ON BOARD. MY FIRST PREDICTION IS JOHN WADE WILL BE OUR STARTING CENTER NEXT YEAR
March 28th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
The 3-4 would suit this team better with the LBers speed and the quality in the secondary . sounds good to me
March 28th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
I would not be surprised if Tom Cable is getting a serious opportunity to evaluate whether he wants Jake Long.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
I’m out for awhile. Peace.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Jake Long would be a great addition, but I doubt that he will be available. He seems to be significantly better than the rest of the available offensive lineman.
Having a man like that at LT would solve a series of problems for the Raiders.
If he was available, I wouldn’t mind at all, if the Raiders picked him.
March 28th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
MY SOURCES TELL JOHN WADE WILL SIGN IN THE NEXT DAY OR SO TO BE OUR STARTING CENTER. SORRY JERRY FOR BREAKING THIS STORY BEFORE YOU.
March 28th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Notice Jerry Jones used the phrase of now trading up into the top five. He wants to trade into the top four. Al and Jerry will work something out.
March 28th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
According to PFT Chris Carr has just signed with the Titans. Raiders get no compensation (undrafted F?a) but have a week to match the deal. hate to se the feisty guy go, but. . .
Late (until much later)
All games suck tonignt. Keep finding my back to the keyboard. Looked out the window & I wasn’t in Sun Valley anymore.
Antispy3
March 28th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Pardon my ignorance, but who’s John Wade?
March 28th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
HE WAS THE CENTER IN TAMPA BAY LAST YEAR
March 28th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
WADE PERFECT FIT FOR CABLES ZONE BLOCKING
March 28th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Thanks
March 28th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Nice to see some attention on the offense side of the ball. I’m not sold on our wide outs ,we need a playmaker
March 28th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
P.S. Stop shouting.
March 28th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
WHO’S SHOUTING?
March 28th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
hehe…JohnWadeRaider.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
John Wade is 33, not a good number as everyone has been under 30.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Who’s this Akbar dude, I can’t find anything about him on the phins website.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
With the signing of Edwards, it’s more unlikely they’ll take Gholston due to having too many DE’s who aren’t good against the run: Edwards, Burgess, and if we draft him Gholston.
Miami is our wild card if we get a chance for C Long or not. Miami could go Ryan, Dorsey, C Long, or Jake Long. If they were to take Jake or Ryan, then it’s possible C Long could be available.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Gbaja-Biamila went undrafted in the 2003 NFL Draft and later signed with the Oakland Raiders as a free agent. He made the team out of training camp and played in 13 of the team’s 16 regular season games, while being inactive for three. He recorded seven tackles (four solo) on the season, with his first and only sack of the season coming against Daunte Culpepper, then with the Minnesota Vikings.
[edit] 2004
In 2004 Gbaja-Biamila split time between defensive end and linebacker, occasionally filling in for players such as Travian Smith and Tyler Brayton. He appeared in 14 games for the Raiders during the regular season and was inactive for two games. He accumulated a career-high 14 tackles (11 solo) and added a sack on the year. His lone sack came against Brad Johnson and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while he recorded a season-high three tackles in games against the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars. Gbaja-Biamila also recovered a blocked punt against the Carolina Panthers which led to a Raiders touchdown.
[edit] 2005
Battling injuries during the 2005 training camp, Gbaja-Biamila was released by the Raiders on September 3. He had a workout with the Green Bay Packers two days later, but he was not signed and spent the season out of football.
[edit] 2006
Gbaja-Biamila returned to the NFL in 2006 after being signed by the San Diego Chargers on January 12. The fit was a good one for him, who as slightly undersized yet quick defensive end was a perfect fit for the 3-4 defense employed by then-defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and the Chargers.
Gbaja-Biamila made the team out of training camp, but appeared in only one game during the season. He registered his lone tackle on November 5 against the Cleveland Browns. On December 2, he was released by the Chargers to make room for fellow linebacker Shawne Merriman, who was returning from a four-game suspension.
[edit] 2007
On February 6, 2007 it was announced that Gbaja-Biamila had been signed to a future contract with the Miami Dolphins. The move reunited him with new Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron, who was offensive coordinator in San Diego the season before when Gbaja-Biamila was a member of the Chargers. On September 11, 2007 he was released by the Dolphins
March 28th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Tuna would luv to have C.Long, he needs to bring in a big name to help build the phins back up. It’s not happening over night, but a good kid like C.Long with his pedigree, Raider Fans need to forget this pipe dream, he won’t be available. Al’s building this def with FA, not draft choices.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
KU up on Villanova (H.Long)by 17.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Kobe got 32 with 4:25 left in the 2nd quarter
March 28th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
For everyone in this blog who thinks Jake Long is going to be a Pro Bowl LT as soon as he mans the position, if he’s so good then why wouldn’t Miami or St Louis take him?
Using your love of Jake, if Miami takes Jake, St Louis takes Dorsey, Atlanta takes DMac/Ryan, this would leave C Long available.
IMO Jake is a RT like Jordan Gross.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
My BSPN insider article listed a group of players by tier written by Todd McShay:
Elite Tier
Prospect School Position Height Weight Speed Grade
1. Chris Long DE Virginia 6-3 272 4.75 98
2. Darren McFadden RB Arkansas 6-1¼ 211 4.33 98
3. Jake Long OT Michigan 6-7 313 5.22 98
4. Glenn Dorsey DT LSU 6-1½ 297 5.10 98
5. Matt Ryan QB Boston College 6-4¾ 228 4.95 98
6. Sedrick Ellis DT USC 6-0½ 309 5.32 97
Second Tier
Prospect School Position Height Weight Speed Grade
7. Vernon Gholston DE/OLB Ohio State 6-3 266 4.67 96
8. Ryan Clady OT Boise State 6-6⅛ 309 5.15 95
9. Rashard Mendenhall RB Illinois 5-10⅛ 225 4.55 95
10. Keith Rivers OLB USC 6-2½ 241 4.60 95
11. Leodis McKelvin CB Troy 5-10½ 190 4.38 95
12. Derrick Harvey DE Florida 6-4⅝ 271 4.85 94
13. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tennessee State 6-1½ 184 4.33 94
14. Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt 6-6 315 5.17 94
15. Jeff Otah OT Pittsburgh 6-6 322 5.56 93
16. Mike Jenkins CB South Florida 5-10¼ 197 4.38 93
Third Tier
Prospect School Position Height Weight Speed Grade
17. Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma 6-3¾ 224 4.50 93
18. Philip Merling DE Clemson 6-4¼ 279 4.71 93
19. Branden Albert G Virginia 6-5⅝ 309 5.17 92
20. DeSean Jackson WR California 5-9¾ 169 4.35 92
21. Jerod Mayo OLB Tennessee 6-1½ 242 4.54 92
22. Brian Brohm QB Louisville 6-4⅞ 230 4.83 92
23. Aqib Talib CB Kansas 6-0¾ 202 4.44 92
24. Limas Sweed WR Texas 6-3⅞ 215 4.55 92
25. Calais Campbell DE Miami 6-7¾ 290 5.04 91
26. Mario Manningham WR Michigan 5-11¾ 181 4.60 91
27. Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon 5-10¼ 235 4.48 91
Fourth Tier (Fringe First Round)
Prospect School Position Height Weight Speed Grade
28. Kentwan Balmer DT North Carolina 6-4½ 308 5.34 90
29. Dan Connor ILB Penn State 6-2⅜ 231 4.60 90
30. Devin Thomas WR Michigan State 6-1⅞ 216 4.40 90
31. Dustin Keller TE Purdue 6-2 242 4.55 90
32. Brandon Flowers CB Virginia Tech 5-9¾ 189 4.55 90
33. Gosder Cherilus OT Boston College 6-6⅜ 314 5.21 89
34. Pat Sims DT Auburn 6-2⅛ 310 5.09 89
35. Kenny Phillips S Miami 6-2¼ 212 4.48 89
36. Fred Davis TE USC 6-3 255 4.70 89
Fifth Tier (Solid Second Round)
Prospect School Position Height Weight Speed Grade
37. Curtis Lofton ILB Oklahoma 6-0 246 4.79 88
38. James Hardy WR Indiana 6-5⅜ 217 4.49 88
39. Chad Henne QB Michigan 6-2⅞ 230 4.92 88
40. Early Doucet WR LSU 6-0⅛ 209 4.56 87
41. Joe Flacco QB Delaware 6-6⅜ 236 4.86 87
42. Tracy Porter CB Indiana 5-10⅞ 188 4.37 87
43. Felix Jones RB Arkansas 5-10⅛ 204 4.47 87
44. Sam Baker OT USC 6-4⅝ 309 5.30 87
45. Lavelle Hawkins WR California 5-11 187 4.59 86
46. Cliff Avril DE Purdue 6-2⅞ 253 4.51 86
47. Trevor Laws DT Notre Dame 6-0¾ 304 5.13 86
48. Ray Rice RB Rutgers 5-8 189 4.47 86
49. Lawrence Jackson DE USC 6-4¼ 271 4.82 85
50. Antoine Cason CB Arizona 6-0¼ 191 4.45 85
51. Quentin Groves DE Auburn 6-3 257 4.57 84
52. Justin King CB Penn State 5-10⅞ 192 4.31 84
53. John Carlson TE Notre Dame 6-5⅛ 251 4.88 84
54. Reggie Smith CB Oklahoma 6-0½ 199 4.55 83
55. Mike Pollak C Arizona State 6-3½ 301 5.02 83
Sixth Tier (Fringe Second Round)
Prospect School Position Height Weight Speed Grade
56. Jammal Charles RB Texas 5-10 200 4.38 82
57. Carl Nicks OT Nebraska 6-4⅞ 341 5.22 82
58. Chilo Rachal G USC 6-5 315 5.23 82
59. Xavier Adibi OLB Virginia Tech 6-1¾ 232 4.69 81
60. Andre’ Woodson QB Kentucky 6-4 229 4.84 81
61. Anthony Collins OT Kansas 6-5 317 5.06 81
62. DaJuan Morgan S N.C. State 6-0⅛ 205 4.56 80
63. Patrick Lee CB Auburn 6-0 200 4.41 80
64. Jerome Simpson WR Appalachian State 6-1¾ 199 4.47
March 28th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
La Milicia Negra Says:
March 28th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Troll alert!
don’t reply to anything LMN says until sunday noon
TT, its not me..”
This troll is getting creative. This is an attempt by him to make you guys never respond to me. Get a life troll!
March 28th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
“The key is allowing the players’ skill level to dictate the size of a given tier. For example, I believe this year’s Elite Tier is six players deep, which is slightly smaller than the eight players who were there last year.
If followed properly, this list serves two important purposes. First, it can help a team avoid reaching for a position of need. For example, take the Chiefs. Assuming Michigan OT Jake Long is selected in the first four picks, it would be a lot easier for general manager Carl Peterson to reach for Boise State OT Ryan Clady if he’s looking at a generic printout that has Long ranked No. 2 and Clady No. 8. After all, Peterson would be taking the eighth-best player with the fifth overall selection. Not too bad, right?
Well, if he’s looking at the tiered breakdown below, it’s a bit more complicated because he’s passing on an “elite” prospect in order to reach for what is considered a second-tier prospect (according to my breakdown, of course).
Second, the tier system can provide a clearer sense for trading value in a given draft. While the famous “Trade Value Chart” is helpful, it must be adjusted annually to match the strength of each draft class, and that’s where the tiers come into play. If I believe there are six elite players in this year’s class compared to eight elite players in 2007, picks No. 7 and 8 overall should carry less value this year then they did a year ago.”
March 28th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Carl Nicks from NU would be a good p/u. He’s big and has fast feet.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
LMN: Notice where DT Pat Sims is located vs Trevor Laws?
March 28th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
“TITANS MOVING ON FROM PACMAN?
Posted by Mike Florio on March 28, 2008, 10:06 p.m.
Amid reports that the Tennessee Titans will soon trade cornerback/kick returner Pacman Jones to the Dallas Cowboys, the Titans have made a play for his apparent replacement. According to the Tennessean, the Titans have signed Raiders cornerback/kick returner Chris Carr to an offer sheet. Carr is a restricted free agent. Because Carr was tendered at the lowest possible level, the Raiders have only a right to match the offer. They will not receive any compensation is they choose not to match. The Raiders have seven days to decide whether to match.”
Yes! Finally get rid of Carr. He is just not smart player football wise. He’s fast and that’s it, he doesn’t have what it takes between the ears. I say good riddance.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
DSM -
You call it BSPN then you say that they are right with their assessment. Well then which is it?
muahahahahahaha
Laws is my man! He will be better pro than Sims.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
#315 good call on Carl Nicks, I like him too. But with the moves we’ve made looks like a trade for CJ or ROy Williams, ot DMC with 4th.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
I don’t care how good Chad Johnson is! He is a mental case that the Raiders do not need. He is crazier than T.O. and teamed up with Javon Walker would be a huge locker room cancer with each of the mad if they weren’t getting the ball. One or the other, but not both. He has skills, but the dude can’t refer to himself unless it’s in the 3rd person…
March 28th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Raiders.com has these two signings today, but no John Wade and Akbar was signed as a body for training camp he was released from MI Sept 2007.
03/28/2008 LB Akbar Gbaja-Biamila Signed
03/28/2008 DE Kalimba Edwards Signed
March 28th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
RaiderKC- He would be a perfect fit in our offense and wouldn’t have to worry about Walker getting the ball too much. Besides, Walker could be his west coast Houshyourmomma.
I could care less about the attitude because there’s one thing he does is perform.
Attitude is bad when it’s like Moss or TO and are forced to sit out games due to problems. Ocho Cinco doesn’t get benched for lack of production, nor did Hall or Walker.
We NEED some attitude on both sides of the offense.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Oops, we need attitude on both sides of the ball.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
But not certifiable…He’s all about himself. If Al can trade out our garbage for some 2/3/4 round picks, there are lots of good young receivers out there. We could land another Gonzales (OSU) like NE.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Or was is INDY?
March 28th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Indy
March 28th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Right on; peace…
March 28th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
DSM all teams rate players differently that teir system isn’t the bible it’s just someones rating system has nothing to do with each teams boards.
Ask each GM on all 32 teams and that thing would change dramatically. No one will let somene else tell them exactly how to rate players.
You have to understand all this stuff is subjective.
March 29th, 2008 at 1:18 am
Everyone is going overboard on the run d
Look at the last game of the season and LT getting stopped regularly by richardson burgrss and warren and i think sands one arm tackled him for a 2 yard lose.
William joeseph is a run stuffer too!
So burgess turdell joseph kelley on run downs
burgess warren kelly edwards on pass downs
Works for me I miss sap but this tea is ready with out him he gave these guys a little heart and soal it will be fun to watch them this year
My only consern going in to the year is hopeing buyweek comes latter in the season when we can use it and hopping the refs don’t cost us another 5 games like every year for the past 5
March 29th, 2008 at 3:40 am
upgrade over Chris Clemmons……good signing
March 29th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Jerome Simpson attended Coastal Carolina, not Appalachian State. Dexter Jackson is from ASU.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Sec 116
Our dfensive line is below average. When it came down to nutcracking time in 2007 we got the ball run down our throats. It is a big reason we were 4 and 12.
Edwards is similar to Clemons.
All of the off season defensive additions will be upgraded with the drafting of Ellis at DT in round 1.
The refs and the coaches are not the problem on a 4 and 12 team.
Look at our Dline and where they have come from and I am amazed we get the production we do. We need Dline help in round one of the draft.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
good cheap signing…this possibly means that even if gholston is there…that DMC will most likely be the pick. To me I’m happy with Gholston, DMC or Dorsey. C Long will be the #1 overall pick…don’t believe the Ryan smokescreens. I would however have a problem with Ellis being the #4 pick….because I think if they truly targeted him…then a trade down would be the way to go with the Jets or Baltimore and then still pick Ellis past the #5 position while adding a pick or two.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
McShay has Matt Ryan listed ahead of Gholston??
HAHAHAHAHA…..Thats a joke….
March 29th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
why would anyone label D-mac a bust waiting to happen?
He had far too great of production in a fast tough conference (SEC) for him to be labeled a potential bust. Unreal…
March 29th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
dsmraider,
exactly…if we pick d-mac….our offense will cause serious matchup problems to opposing defenses. Walker and Carter should be the wideouts….Curry should be in the slot…then you have an explosive playmaker like D-Mac being placed all over the place…along with Miller and Madsen…plus the pure RB’s like Fargas, Rhodes and Bush to pound it. The Raiders offense would have too many weapons and have too many weapons on offense in the NFL is a good thing! Adding Gholston to our DL would be a great addition as well. Having him on our defense would be similar to having D-Mac on our offense. Two guys that cause SERIOUS matchup problems and who are playmakers!
March 29th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Great signing, although not of monumental proportions. This guy was a beast in college at South Carolina until his injury but can still bring it today. He is the prototypical Black Hole-type player. You heard it here first.
March 30th, 2008 at 2:12 am
Why do some idiots talk about Miller and Madsen as playmakers. Both guys are trucks. Miller can be a good possession reciever, as for Madsen, he’s lucky to be in the league.
Don’t fool yourself Darkknight1
March 30th, 2008 at 7:47 am
Dmac a bust somebody knows nothing about c fball sec the best conf. in football in 3 years he is only behind hershel walker in all time rushing yards if thats a bust then im not a raiders fan lol sike raiders till death
March 30th, 2008 at 11:50 am
if we are going to switch to 3-4 then we should draft vernon gholston. which is good b\c the speed of gholston and howard. all we would need is another big linebacker like morrison and it would be perfect. move kelly outside with burgess and put terdell sands in the middle. sick
March 30th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
DMAC is not good enough to be selected #4. He is not elusive, and can’t break a tackle. He’s just fast, and that is not that important (just look at Tomlinson; he can’t outrun anybody, but he is oh so slippery!). If the Raiders want to take a RB at #4, they should take Mendenhall, if anyone.
The Raiders should stick with the RBs they have and take one of those defensive lineman in this order: Gholston, Long, Ellis, or Dorsey. What they most need is a consistent pass rush, and Burgess and Edwards are not the answer.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
back in town…yes, yes, Edwards is a good addition compared to keeping Tyler Brayton, but thats the difference between the once lowly Lions and the now Raiders. They don’t need his talents and we do, arrgh.
April 1st, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Good article on raiders and Darren Mcfadden
http://bigbenlivingroom.blogspot.com/