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