Dorsey vs. Ellis
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Sunday, March 30th, 2008 at 2:05 pm in Oakland Raiders.
First in a series of players the Raiders are evaluating as the NFL draft approaches April 26-27. The Raiders currently hold the No. 4 pick in the first round.
Even if Tommy Kelly becomes all the Raiders hope he will become moving inside to defensive tackle, there is a need for a young, energizing presence in the middle of the defensive line _ one they hope will be more of a two-way threat than the departed Warren Sapp, whose job description had little to do with stopping the run.
Barring a trade down, there are only two of those Oakland will be looking at with No. 4 _ LSU’s Glenn Dorsey and USC’s Sedrick Ellis.
Dorsey is considered the top prospect almost by acclamation.
“I have Dorsey ranked higher (than Sedrick Ellis), but with the caveat of his injury concerns,” NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said. “I put the national championship tape on and it was the best defensive tackle tape I’ve seen in a couple of years and that was the first time he’d been healthy all year long. It was a dominating performance. So he’s difficult. You want to love the kid because he’s a warrior and played hurt. But you better make sure you’re not buying damaged goods, and I’m not saying they are. I’m just saying you better be sure.”
Of course, Al Davis has his own ideas which are seldom revealed until the day the Raiders draft. The Raiders coaching staff had Ellis in the Senior Bowl, with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan noting, “We liked him a lot. He made a lot of plays for us.”
Ellis was also recruited under Lane Kiffin’s watch as recruiting coordinator at USC, for what that’s worth.
Talent evaluators who favor Dorsey believe his standard of play can lift an entire defense. Mel Kiper Jr. likens him to Ray Lewis in that regard.
“I think he’s an impact guy, an every down guy, first second and third. He elevates people around them, makes them better,” said Rams exec Billy Devaney, whose team owns the No. 2 overall selection.
Said one NFC general manager: “I think Dorsey is the better player, but if the Raiders get either one, they’re coming away with an instant starter and a very good player.”
Dorsey had what he called a hairline fracture of his right tibia as a junior, and there were rumors he his foundation could be an issue for the longterm.
He insists he is not concerned.
“I always try to set myself up to hear wild things. Some stuff I just wonder where people get it from. Even the reports saying I was not coming (to the combine). I don’t know where know where that came from,” Dorsey said. “It is what it is. I’m just trying to enjoy myself and make sure I’m taking care of my responsibility. Everybody is going to have their opinion on what they think about me and my game, but as long as I’m taking care of my business, that is all that matters to me.”
He received advice from college teammate JaMarcus Russell.
“He told me to stay within myself and don’t listen to all the hoopla,” Dorsey said. “People always have opinions. Some like you, others don’t. He just told me at the end of the day I’m taking care of my responsibilities and working hard.”
That Dorsey played through his injuries at LSU and was productive rates him even higher in the eyes of some scouts.
At a shade over 6-foot, and in the 300-pound range, Ellis is an inch shorter and about 15 pounds lighter than Dorsey, but plays with a similar motor and explosion. He had 8.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for losses at USC and shrugs off concerns about his height, believing it to be a weapon rather than a problem.
“A lot of people like taller tackles, but I think my height is just great,’’ Ellis said. “You can get these 6-5 linemen and I can get underneath them and uproot them out of what they’re trying to do. Great footwork, great hands and the leverage I think works to my advantage.’’
Although Ellis believes he can play on the nose, his strength is probably more suited to being a Sapp-style three-technique.
Defensive tackles on roster: Tommy Kelly, Gerard Warren, Terdell Sands, William Joseph, Josh Shaw.
Kelly is being paid as one of the best at his position and now must play like it. Warren did what he has always done _ looked terrific one game and was invisible the next. Sands was a huge disappointment (both figuratively and literally) after signing before the free agent deadline for big money last year. Joseph is a former first-round draft pick signed for the veteran minimum who is worth a look. Shaw is a fringe player.
The bottom line: The Raiders will need to determine if Ellis is worth the No. 4 overall pick because Dorsey won’t make it that far.
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
March 30th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Nope.
March 30th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I love you Jerry.
Go Raiders.
March 30th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Thanks for not saying it.
March 30th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Has anyone else noticed the change in Jerry’s posts?
This blog is titled : Inside the Oakland Raiders - a look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders-
Inside?
When I originally started reading this blog, Jerry would always let us know when things were brewing with the Raiders. Some things came to fruition and others didn’t. But if something was in the wind, Jerry would give us the scoop. He would often throw in his opinion and other tidbits about the players that you could not find any where else. I was instantly addicted.
Times have changed. What happend to the inside look?
Jerry is presently giving us the bare minimum and only after the fact.
I don’t blame Jerry. He is simply giving his audience what they’ve asked for.
I think it all stems from the combine when Jerry dutifuly sought out Kiffin to get the story we all were interested in. Jerry reported what he got (which wasn’t much) and let us have an INSIDE taste of what was swirling around the combine in regards to the Raiders coaching situation.
Some of you questioned Jerry’s ethics, and motivations.
Jerry did not appreciate it. I cant say I blame him.
Why do you think he bothered? Don’t you think it would be easier for Jerry just to get drunk with the rest of the hacks and simply phone it in. Instead, Jerry was loyal to his readers and he took a stab at the story and reported his fruitless attempt.
So what did he get for his dedication? So called people on this blog accusing Mr. Mc Donald of “making up stories” because Kiffin gave him the high hat.
Absurd.Not suprisingly. Jerry’s posts became less ans less frequent with far less insight and random details.
I believe the final straw came when some people here complained when Jerry brought up the risk involved in the Hall aquisition.
So to all the ingrates that ruined this blog- thanks. Now I have to watch BSPN to get the latest on my beloved Raiders.
And to Jerry- I don’t blame you at all. Let them eat cake.
Go Raiders.
March 30th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Kman:
Bugs the hell out of me too. My pleasure.
March 30th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
ELLIS WOULD BE LIKE DARELL RUSSELL JR NO THANKS
DORSEY TAKES OFF MORE PLAYS THAN RANDY MOSS DOES NO THANKS!!!
AL IS KNOWN FOR FINDING THAT LATE ROUND D-LINE MAN SO NO NEED TO JUMP THE GUN.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Kiffin knows Sedrick as both a person and a player.
JaMarcus knows Glenn as both a person and a player.
Inside evaluations for the Raiders are available on both DTs and if they choose to go there with the 4th pick they will be drafting with the best knowledge they can have.
Jh,
Al throw everyone a curve by drafting an OT? That’s not a curve. Davis always wants to draft O-line and and D-secondary. It’s his nature. But O-line is Cable’s province now. If J. Long won’t fit the scheme… if he does, sign him up.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
The Raiders need to trade down and get more picks. If they are not able to than DT makes the most sense and Dorsey is the obvious top choice. Im not a big Ellis fan. I think it should either be Dorsey, C Long or Vernon in that order.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
SMALLS,
Comparing Ellis to D. Russell is a compliment. D. Russ was a probowler until he started screwing up off the field. He was very dominate.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
And, THANK YOU Mr. McDonald for offering a topic of discussion which had no mention of a certain Arkansan.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
DRAFT MCFADDEN!
March 30th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Dakota!,
I thought that there would be two minutes of non-DMc peace here in blogdom.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Stop it Dakota!!!
I haven’t been in here in awhile, but I’m starting to jump on the bandwagon…
The guy looks enticing.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I don´t think Jerry was actually comparing both guys as options for the Raiders, he made clear what his point was:
”The bottom line: The Raiders will need to determine if Ellis is worth the No. 4 overall pick because Dorsey won’t make it that far.”
March 30th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I still prefer Chris Long.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Everyone prefers Chris Long.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Afternoon Everyone.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
M,
That’s why I said for this board. J Long has got to be running a distant 6th as far as popularity on this board for the #4 pick.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
The Oakland Raiders will have a college superstar running back playing his first game in the NFL this season.
As a junior, this phenom rushed for 1,143 yards and 23 touchdowns on only 205 carries. In his last performance, he rushed for 128 yards and three touchdowns…in the first half! You can’t forget about the tight spirals and touchdowns being thrown while he was playing quarterback either.
He’s 6-foot-2, 245 lbs, and has some of the quickest feet of any player in the country. Wait a minute. Those numbers don’t match up to Darren McFadden. As a matter of fact, he already has a number.
So who is this player?
His name is Michael Bush. His last game was the first game of the season versus Kentucky, where he had the infamous right tibia break during his third touchdown run at the beginning of the second half. That was supposed to be his Heisman season.
Luckily for the Raiders, this sure lock of a top 15 pick dropped to the fourth round at pick number 100. He’s a product of the Male High School Bulldogs, where he played quarterback, cornerback, safety, running back, linebacker, defensive end, and wide receiver. He played quarterback in the state championship game against fellow Louisville teammate Brian Brohm, and threw for 468 yards, six touchdowns passing, one touchdown running, and another 116 yards on the ground.
His solid frame and quick feet have him drawing comparisons to Jamal Lewis. In the hole, the short, choppy steps that are taken to find the proper lane and then be gone, are the ones that separate these two backs from the likes of others.
Except Michael Bush has an insane amount of explosiveness. His initial burst and sudden change of lateral movement to elude and then power over not only defensive backs, but linebackers, make him a rare find. Coming out of the backfield, his hands are exceptional on the swing pass.
We already have Justin Fargas, who isn’t a “home-run hitter,” but can always find the right lane, and gained 1,000 yards in only eight starts. Don’t forget about the veteran Dominic Rhodes either. LaMont will be cut on the first of June, so I do not need to include him on this. If it wasn’t for Denver and Kansas City in serious running back trouble, LaMont would’ve been gone and we could’ve got an insight on Bush then.
Unlike McFadden, who runs through gaps, Bush makes gaps. Ask anyone, especially Reggie Bush. Those holes in the college level aren’t there in the NFL.
In the zone blocking scheme, you patiently wait, then make the hole and break through the hole. Those short, choppy steps that grind through opposing defenders, make him inevitably a threat to change direction at any time with fantastic reflexes. He fits our zone system better then any running back in the draft.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve never seen McFadden go anywhere except through a gaping hold in the middle or run to the outside then just run on a straight line. That is not our system my fellow Raider fans. Let’s stick with the runner who can break a tackle.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Chris Long before McFadden;
Dorsey maybe before McFadden;
Gholston only if McFadden is gone;
Ellis only if somehow McFadden, Dorsey, Chris Long, Gholston and Jake Long are all gone!
Ellis just would not fit for us.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
tooshay, Bob…
March 30th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
I prefer offensive left tackle. Don’t care whether he’s named Long or Clady or the kid from Vandy (don’t care if the prognosticators say “reach”).
If Cable thinks we already have our LT then I would also say I prefer Chris.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
G-raider,
nice post.23
March 30th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
I was hoping we could have picked up Trevor Laws in the 2nd round…no more 2nd rd pick. But man it was worth it.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
If Lane Kiffin is really, truly calling the shots on offense, we could utilize a star running back. If not, forget it. If I’m an opposing Raiders defensive coordinator, I’m playing the pass, regardless. The Raiders, without a strong head on the offensive coaching staff who’s also unafraid of Al, do not run the ball more than 15 times per game. In many games they’ll run it less than 10 times. They’re much more inclined to throw deep and keep the old man off of their back. It’s common knowledge Davis would rather lose throwing deep than losing running the ball. So it’s a safe bet. Just lose chucking the ball downfield, and Davis will at least give you kudos for trying. He might even blame the quarterback for getting the ball like one centimeter off. We know he won’t blame the receivers, even if that thing lands right in the bread basket and pops out.
If I’m an opposing Defensive coordinator, and I feel Kiffin has been “put in his corner”, I’m in zone coverage and blitzing, all day long. Time tested formula in NFL circles for facing a Davis ran Raider offense.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Our starting LT is on the team … you can believe that!
Not quite sure who it is, but we’ve already upgraded by getting rid of Sims. I’d bet Gallery would be twice the LT Sims was under Cable and his ZBS.
And C Long could very well be there at 4. Dorsey could work his way back up to #1 with momentum he getting. J. Long #2, and Ryan #3 …
March 30th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Don’t give up hope on a 2nd round pick …
Remember we got a #1 for Doug Jolley?
Remember we got a 2 and a 3 for Phil Buchanon?
Al may have another Jedi mind trick lurking up his sleeve.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Two points of correction Jerry: 1. Ellis weighs more Dorsey, 2. DT/NT can be had later (Red Bryant) but I understand your point wanting to focus on the 1st pick.
It all depends on where Kelly is sched to be lining up. If he’s at the 3, does the team think either Dorsey/Ellis can hold up at NT? If he’s at the nose, Dorsey/Ellis become very viable candidates (If he’s to alternate between two positions, likewise.)
March 30th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
oopps let me correct myself…Dorsey may weigh more than Ellis …as given by NFL.com but I could’ve sworn Dorsey came in at 295 and Ellis like 305-310 or so.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
http://mvn.com/nfl-source/2008/03/30/raiders-interested-in-jackson/
Intersting.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Who’s dumb enough to give up a 2nd for Lamont Jordan???
March 30th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Wow Handlebars,
guess you never watched much Raider football over the years. Just heave the ball long very play and either score or punt. Stereotypical gibberish.
Daniels, Dixon, Smith, Hubbard, Van Eghen, Davis, Banaszak, King, Allen, Jackson, et cetera… nope, they never carried the ball at all. Just go long every play.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Terp, I have seen Dorsey listed anywhere from 295 to 320 pre-combine. Easy mistake.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
That’s the biggest problem I see with either Dorsey or Ellis….I don’t think that either can hold up at the NT position. Both seem to be 3 techniques and I think that’s Kelly’s “natural” position.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Dakota,
That page is blocked here at work.
Which Jackson???
March 30th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
LARD, here you go:
John Clayton of ESPN reports that the Raiders are considering signing defensive tackle Grady Jackson.
This comes after signing Kalimba Edwards last week. If Oakland was able to ink Jackson, than they wouldn’t have to move defensive end Tommy Kelly to tackle, pretty much ending their pursuit of defensive linemen.
If this were to happen, than in the draft, they could focus on other areas of need such as running back in the first round. Instead of taking someone like Glenn Dorsey, they could get Darren McFadden, who should be there at number four, or an offensive lineup, such as Jake Long if he’s there.
Even though if he were to sign with Oakland Jackson would be the number three tackle, he’d still help the Raiders greatly with his run stopping abilities, which they need. He’s not much of a pass rusher, but at three hundred forty-five pounds, he’s fill up the holes . They need to get someone to do this, and the veteran Jackson would do a solid job.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
grady
March 30th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Thanks, Dakota.
Go Lakers…but lets not get started on that. PISSED I tell ya…PISSED!
March 30th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Dakota,
thanks for the link. Grady!
March 30th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Of course it’s BSPN’s Clayton reporting that we’re interested in Grady Jackson.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
BRING GRADY BACK!!! All we need is a few snaps from him.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
All you can eat buffets in the Bay Area are altering their prices as the news filter in.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
i think we restructured Rhodes to get ready to trade him..I’m thinking more that our backs next year will include McFadden, Fargas, and Bush…We’ll definitely need all three..I’m not really for drafting McFadden but I think this year we’re taking the best available..I hope we can get that first pick from Parcells to get little Howie..
March 30th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Signing Grady would really show that the Raiders are not interested in Dorsey or Ellis. McFadden, Long, Long, or Gholston baby.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
M, I’ve been watching Raider’s football since before you were born.
You’re bringing up players from the Madden/Flores era. It’s well documented that Madden did what he wanted on offense. He had Stabler run his own plays, which Davis was never a big fan of because Stabler was a control passer. He rarely forced the deep ball. Davis was a Lamonica guy and Stabler even says in his book that the vertical game was Lamonica’s downfall, and he vowed not to make the same mistake. He had Madden’s blessing, and he called his own plays right in the huddle, many of them running plays behind Shell and Upshaw. That was a different time and I only wish Davis was the same man today that he was then. Back then, he put winning above all else.
Kiffin is the only coach on our sideline with the balls to second guess crazy Al and do whatever it takes to win. If Lofton is in charge, forget it. Lofton will just throw the ball to make the old man happy. We’ll run the ball an average of 15 times a game, maybe less. And, our opposing defensive coordinators will be all over us. Go ahead, try again to bring out running backs from last century to refute that. Since the late ’80s, Al Davis has been on a power crusade and forcing people out of the organization who aren’t “loyal” to him and his philosophies. Things are different today. Lofton, Ryan, Knapp, Cable…none of these guys have the balls to stand up to Al…sans maybe Cable. But he’s only an offensive line coach. Kiffin is our only hope. With him, we can really get a lot done with a star running back. Without Kiff, or with Kiff being restricted, which is likely the case, we will not run the football. Mark those words. Believe me, I’ll be here to tell you that I told you so, this fall.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Dakota,
D. Fisher. Karma is unrelenting.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Cursed.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
I posted in the previous thread referencing Red Byrant for NT giving the following lineup:
DE: Burgess/JRich
DT: Kelly/Warren
NT: Bryant/Sands
DE: CL or VG/Edwards
Bryant is known to be a Stellar run stuffer - just what the doctor ordered. Bring Sands off the bench as its been noted that he performs better that way (I don’t really get that though). Draft the DE if he’s there. OR trade down if possible or if Dorsey’s there go with this lineup:
DE: Burgess/Edwards
DT: Kelly/Warren
NT: Dorsey/Sands
DE: JRich/??>>>
>>>For real though, the team will need a better pass rush than this lineup delivers. I just don’t know what great pass rusher can be had later if we don’t draft one at the top. To be sure, that person would be 1-dimensional and quite frankly I’m tired of these situational players we have on the line. Give me an everydown lineman - give me that lineman in the 1st.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Handlebars,
you could not have been watching the Raiders from before I was born because I was born before the Raiders.
Your reasoning is unsound.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Grady Jackson? Alright!
Now all we need to do is roll the clock back to the year 2000, then maybe we’ll get production out of him, too.
Why are the Raiders the only team in the league that don’t take so much as a second to at least consider why the previous team is either not signing a player or putting him up for trade? Why do we never consider that maybe these players are past their prime?
The only real successful free agent moves are when a non problematic player goes into a contract year, and you win a bidding war with other teams. Who would we be winning a bidding war against for the FAs we’ve signed so far? DeAngelo, that’s it. And the only team who wanted him was Dallas, they have a tendency to sign problematic busts, too. The difference is that they at least have a decent system and lot of horses left over from Parcells, so they can afford to take the risk. We don’t have that luxury.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
At the combine Dorsey was measured at near 6′1 and 297 and Ellis was 6′0 and 309. It was reported live on NFLN.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
M, if you are old enough to remember the Raider teams of old, why are you unable to grasp the contrast between how much we ran the ball then, and how little we’ve ran it since ‘86, sans the Bo Jackson and Gruden years? And, the one Kiffin year (before he was put in his corner and reduced to a lame duck)? Other than that, it’s pass, pass, pass, pass, run, pass, pass.
How could you not notice this? That’s why I assumed you were like 21 years old; You make the kinds of points that people that age make.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
With every pick in the top pick in the draft it’s definitely tough to say who we’ll pick..jlong doesn’t fit zone blocking..the d-line men aren’t usually good until the next year..it’s hard for me not to see Al taking McFad..I just hope Lance Kiff makes it though the whole season..
March 30th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
So Bob, they are not just midgets, they are skinny midgets that NFL linemen will handle without a double team. Sounds a bit like Warren Sapp last year.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I even wrote it down so I would not forget it.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Sign Grady, draft McFadden, J. Long or one of the two DEs and then attend to DT in next year’s draft. Give Turn another chance to show if he can play, and if not Grady will take his place for the year.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Make that Dorsey was measured at 6′1 (not near) and 297 and Ellis 6′0 309.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
If you say so, must be it. Geez, I’m certainly
inobservant.
10-15 runs/game. Go find the yearly stats and get back to me, I must learn.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Turd, not turn.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Marley, what do any of those numbers have to do with their ability to play football? Are opposing offensive linemen going to be scared of Dorsey because he’s 6 foot one? As if they’re 4′3? This is the NFL, not high school. No player in this league is going to give a rats ass about their opponents size. Every offensive linemen in the league has a trick or two to deal with a raging giant on the other side of the ball. So forget it. Can Dorsey play football? Can he pass rush and stop the run? Does he have the character to persevere when double teamed or when he’s just having a bad day, for any reason? That’s all that matters. Take his numbers and put them right with the Raiders won loss record since 1963. They’re both meaningless.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Grady doesn’t have to start just come in to plug the hole on running downs, and rotate him with Sands.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Dakota,
#61. That made sense. What came over you?
March 30th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
I must have hit my head on something last night.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Only idiots put any kind of stock into the scouting combine.
It was invented by the media (with their puppet, the NFL, doing their bidding), and the teams only have to show up to avoid the negative press they would get if they shunned the event. Only clueless GM’s like Al Davis really take it seriously.
The scouting combine will finally mean something when they actually put skill position drills on the 16 game schedule. As long as you’re lining 11 guys up against 11 guys, it means absolutely squat.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
MaddenRaider
I´m posting their measurements because there was confusion earlier with Terrapin and Dakota and I was actually watching the combine when their official numbers came up.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Handle Bars - Besides being a complete buzz kill, do you have a point?
March 30th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Dakota,
trying to throw out your back again I suppose.
Marley Esquire,
I had the very same impression as you had when the size no.s came out at the combine for both Ellis and Dorsey. Small.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Marley Esq.,
I derived the same impression after a few.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Lol, yeah, the scouting combine means nothing. The NFL spends millions of dollars on the combine just so the media will stay off the team’s backs, lol. Ludicrous.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
# r8r4fer Says:
March 30th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Grady doesn’t have to start just come in to plug the hole on running downs, and rotate him with Sands.
…….
What don’t you get?
Grady is worthless. That’s why he’s available. Is Grady a pro bowler? Do you even recall seeing highlights of him on Sportcenter last year? Me neither.
All you know of him is that he was a decent utility plug on our defensive line a decade ago, and he wasn’t even great then. Now he’s in his 30s, fatter, and slower. And that’s why he’s available. And only Al Davis would be dumb enough to believe that he could be some kind of great reclamation project.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Dakota,
Natrone County, Wyoming isn’t it?
March 30th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Natrona County Wyoming…clearly a Broncos fan.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
The combine is worthless. And, ever heard of the NFL network? The combine is now a marketing bonanza, part of the NFL’s plan to make football a year long event. That’s why so many clueless fans are in here talking about it. You guys took the bait. It’s worthless. And, the great GM’s put absolutely no stock into it. They want football players, who can outplay other guys in full contact, with 21 other guys in the field running full speed and knocking each others head off. They don’t care how well a player does…against a bunch of cones. Except for Al Davis. And we know how well his genius team building plays out, anymore.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Dakota,
It’s him.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Don’t mind MaddenRaider.
His mother didn’t love him.
Pity him.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
As long he is only here attempting to harm this site everyone is better off than if he took his venom elsewhere. We move on. Next.
No pity.
Kudos to Marley Esq. for early identification.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Hey MaddenRaider, if I lived in Wyoming I would probably be a bitter, pathetic Broncos’ fan too. You guys are brainwashed over there.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Early identification is key.
Marley is the man.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
“it’s MaddenRaider” = The idiots on this blog are out of gas, and have no more arguments to put forth.
Soon as you guys start playing Joe Friday with the identities, it means you’ve got nothing left in your arsenal as far as talking football goes. Otherwise, you’d just make football related points to refute what I’m saying. But you have none. So now it’s, “Whaaa, whaaa, I thought MaddenRaider was banned. Whaaa, not fair, Jerry! Whaaaa!”
So then it’s settled.
The Raiders will not run the football with Kiffin being shelved.
Grady Jackson is an even bigger joke than he was when he played here almost a decade ago.
The combine is an NFL promotional event, only taken seriously by owners who really believe that they’ll have a game on their schedule the following season…against orange cones. Only Al Davis is senile enough to believe it. The rest of the owners just show up as a formality.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
MaddenRaider, what exactly have your Broncos done to improve their team? Is that why you are always such a whiny, boring blowhard?
March 30th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
# Bob Marley Says:
March 30th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
MaddenRaider
I´m posting their measurements because there was confusion earlier with Terrapin and Dakota and I was actually watching the combine when their official numbers came up.
…..
Then you agree?
All of this discussion of size and speed means absolutely nothing, and is a complete waste of time?
March 30th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Dakota, the adults are talking. Go play.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Hey Prez W Bush tossin out first pitch in DC soon,..by the way, with the check W is sending me I bought another season ticket,..now have three…thanks W!!!!
March 30th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Carpe diem Nation.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Are you that afraid of being found out little fraud boy?
March 30th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
AI, with the check Bush is giving to defense contractors, they’re going to plan out the next middle east oil crusade for your kids to die in. Enjoy your extra season ticket, though.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Dakota, scram. Grown folks are talking.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Quiet fraud boy, no one cares what you think around here.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Dakota, grown folks are having a discussion here. What did I tell you? Beat it.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
lol
March 30th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Marley, what were the size and speed of our players over the past 5 years, en route to our 19-61 record? I’ll bet we had some good size, with some fast 40 times, did we not? Important stuff to discuss, indeed. It’s definitely the fact that our size and speed can use just a fractional improvement that needs to be discussed. Never mind our defunct system and our power driven owner.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Scare little Broncos fan, so pathetic that he has to come in here and try and bash the Raiders because no one is talking about how bad his team is, lol.
What a pitiable existence you live.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Dakota. What is wrong with you? Adults are having a conversation, here. Buzz off. Are you already tired of your xmas toys? Go to the park and play. It’s a nice day. Stop interrupting the grown ups.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Interrupting? No one is going to talk to you troll boy. I just like getting under your skin Bronco Billy. Why don’t you go upstairs and ask your mommy if she would like to go for a walk with you if you think it is such a nice day over in Natrona County?
March 30th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
WE GOT BUSH!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhEFxYxTXrk
March 30th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Dakota, where’s your parents?
March 30th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Handle Bars,
I would scram.
But you’re here.
So it’s all good.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
As far as the Combine is concerned
It´s good for evaluating a player´s athletic ability including agility, speed and strength, as well as injury history.
It also gives player and coaches the chance to sit down for interviews.
The combine is one tool, a part of the process, if you say that combine results are sometimes overrated, yes I would agree about that.
But when you are paying players millions of dollars based on potential, I´m sure you want to put a microscope on all the kids and find out as much as you can, hence, the scouting combine.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
R8R_ERN, you will only see Bush used like that with Kiffin in charge. Without Kiffin, Bush will be blocking, or will be going down field. As it stands right now, it does not look like Kiffin will have any say so. He’s in a lame duck year, which puts Lofton and Knapp, too cowards that wouldn’t dare undermine the old cook, in charge of Bush. They will play it safe, and throw the football beyond 10 yards. They’ll do anything to stay out of Al’s dog house. Al would rather lose throwing the ball than lose running. And since our personnel is a joke, we’re likely to lose no matter what. So Knapp and Lofton will lose the right way, in Al’s world. They’ll lose throwing the ball. Enjoy that Bush youtube vid, because you will not see those kinds of plays being called for Bush when he’s in a silver and black uniform. Mark my words.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
lol, you are too easy. Sad little Bronco Billy fraud boy…
March 30th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Handle Bars,
Oh.
During the Gannon/Gruden years,
We were an extremely pass happy team.
And we didn’t go deep much.
As I recall,
Last time we won a SB, we had a running game.
So, if Al wants another trophy, the way is clear.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Marley, the combine is a complete joke. It does nothing to measure a players’ ability to play the actual game of football, which is a physical battle of men. If we lived in a world where size and speed made people tougher, then maybe the combine would matter. Since it doesn’t, the only people who take the combine seriously are stat freak fans, and Al Davis, who in the last 5 years is the least successful owner in the league. Go figure.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Mikey, pay attention if you’re going to enter this discussion, or you’ll get smacked around. I excluded the Gruden years, and the Bo Jackson years, and last year, where Kiffin had at least some kind of control. I also pointed out that we did run the ball up until about the mid ’80s. Since then, sans the years I pointed out, we have been losing throwing the football. That’s how it was with Shell. That’s how it was with Norv. That’s how it was with Bugel. That’s how it was with Mike White, and basically all of the coaches who put loyalty to Mr. NutJob over winning. Kiffin wants to win, but it’s likely he’s been snipped of any power. He’s probably in a lame duck status. Which means Knapp and Lofton will be running our offense. Neither of those bozos will undermine Al and run the football. They know we’re going to lose, with the ponies and loud mouths we have, so they’d rather lose throwing the ball. That keeps them out of Al’s dog house for at least a year or so, until they’re eventually scapegoated.
March 30th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Is Dakota’s dad here, anywhere? Can you please take him now? Thanks.
March 30th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
lol, come on sad little man, bring something new, just once.
March 30th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Dakota, I’ve got something for you to do.
Add up all of the posts from the past week, and if you get it right, I’ll buy you a soda. Ok, kiddo? Now let the grown ups talk.
March 30th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Gosh MaddenRaider, that was a good one. It took you 3 minutes to come up with that?
March 30th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
How far along are you on adding up the posts, Dakota? You can’t be done yet. Buzz off.
March 30th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Lol, I am done with you troll boy. I am starting to feel a little guilty for picking on someone that obviously rode the short-bus to school.
March 30th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Jerry, who told Sapp he didn’t have to stop the run?
“one they hope will be more of a two-way threat than the departed Warren Sapp, whose job description had little to do with stopping the run”
Rob Ryan must go!
March 30th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Dokota’s parents,
Thank you for getting that little rugrat out of here. In all honesty, he’s a great kid. But he just doesn’t know how to shut up when the grown ups are talking. That’s all. Thanks again, really.
March 30th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Hear, hear Mista. I will second that. Rob Ryan must go!
March 30th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
MistaBrown, it’s obvious that none of our defensive linemen are expected to stop the run. Where have you been the past 5 years?
March 30th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
You going to behave yourself now, Dakota?
March 30th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
I’m out of here, everyone. I’ll be back tonight to see if any of you tried to make a case for Grady Jackson, Kiffin’s status, the scouting combine, or Al Davis in general, while I was gone, and I’ll respond to each point thoroughly. So, choose your words.
See ya tonight!
March 30th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
I am man enough to let you may have the last word MaddenRaider, you have such a pathetic existence that you need every little possible advantage, lol. Just remember, we all know what you are, and no one here takes you seriously. Now have your say, and we sill get into it another day.
March 30th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I’ll try. Signing Grady Jackson would give us depth and insurance at the DT spot in case Turd continues his downward spiral and Warren pulls another disappearing act. It would also buy us a year to see if we can find a better DT option in the 09′ draft. If the price is right, sign him up Al.
March 30th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
W/o handle bars sounds like she is going to buy tickets with her stimulis money too
March 30th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
I think there is a conspiracy afoot, driven primarily by the bay area media and “Raider Haters,” to convince Al Davis to waste a pick on a great athlete who isn’t much of a football stud and then overpay him at the end of training camp. Jigs up traitors!
March 30th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
i want c long or glen dorsey drop to us somehow
March 30th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
i think 10 wins is not out of the question this year.the defence should be sick with either cl or vg.cl or vg at one end burgess at the other kelly ,sands,warren,joseph at dt,morrinson howard,thomas at lb and the best secondary in the nfl with hall and nnami at cb and wilson at ss huff at fs and routt in the nickle.offence will be much better also with jruss starting and having weapons like bush fargas rodes walker curry carter and the up and coming miller.were set at fb all we need is for the o line to hold up and we could have a top 5 defense and top 10 offence.we also have the best punter in the league and seabass has the strongest leg in the nfl.just win baby!raiders till i die.in davis we trust.
March 30th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
G-Raider, nice. that’s what i’ve been trying to say, cept you said it better.
March 30th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Rathman is going to make Bush into a beast (assume he’s in good health of course). Look at what he’s done w/ Fargas. Look at what he did for Detroit’s RB - when Rathman was there he was producing at a high level - after Rathman left he fell off, now he’s cut. With a talent like Bush ….I just can’t wait to see the product on the field.
March 30th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
McFadden and Bush will be quite the combo Terp.
March 30th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Why’s everybody so dang negative around here??? Anyway…
G-Raider:
I like what you bring up a bout Michael Bush. this time last year I was huge on him for all the same reasons, only thing is he was still questionable to play at that time. Now the guy’s been out of FOOTBALL for a full two years just about. As talented and athletic as the guy is, I doubt he’ll be able to come back and make as huge an impoact as some seem to expect given his two year layoff. Just like any rookies in this year’s draft he’s an unproven running back entering his official rookie season. I’d love to see the guy tear it up for us, but I’m not gonna be expecting that to happen.
As for the other draft options I really don’t feel the Raiders NEED a defensive player as much as everyone’s suggesting. Remember: defense hasn’t been losing us games over the last few years. It’s time to stack that offense so the talented d we do have doesn’t have to win games all on their own. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Jake Long, but won’t complain if Howie’s son, Chris, ends up in silver and black.
March 30th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
I just hope all the pieces fall into place and we win some damn games people.
March 30th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Someone explain this to me…
If Kiffin is calling the shots again…he is most likely to stick with Fargas instead of platooning…remember how Rhodes was a fixture on the bench?!?! So I don’t see these guys rotating.
March 30th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
I say draft Ellis if both DE’s are off the board. al loves USC. Kiffin and co. all got a good look at Ellis at the senior bowl and that is when he solidified being a top ten pick and being a solid pick if taken in the top 5.
I don’t want mcfadden, but I didn’t want D. Hall either, so if he comes i will cheer: probably loud if he scores some touchdowns.
March 30th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Until Fargas gets hurt…
March 30th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
That is a good point Dick V. we will cheer whoever wears the Silver and Black!!!!
March 30th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
hey kidz,
DAKOTA- ummm when did RB become an area of need? Are we following the same team here ??…I like to find maturity scouts and rank some of these fans and their butt- kissing delusional comments here.
G RAIDER (advice) go to Bleacher Reports..there you can write your own articles..I am giving it try too..a alot of well written articles on the Raiders are On BLEACHER REPORTS
SMARTEST MOVE - JAKE LONG
We have BUSH !!! not the president, the RB from Louisville!
THANKS JERRY FOR DELETING NUMERICAL EMPTY REMARKS
March 30th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
awh. Looks like I missed out on all the fun. Damn. I mean dag nabbit.
March 30th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Turtle: What I can’t comprehend with your analysis of Michael Bush is you compare him straight up with DMac and think he’s better? Had Bush been 100% healthy, I wouldn’t even state the case for bringing DMac aboard.
He’s not healthy and there’s a far greater risk Bush won’t succeed in the NFL compared to DMac simply based off of rust alone.
Until Bush gets smacked in a game and shows no ill effects I’ll continue to doubt his health.
DMac hasn’t had any off time due to an injury therefore he’s in more GAME SHAPE than Michael Bush can be in.
Unless of course you consider running every day in practice on the PUP list, game shape?
March 30th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Move Clady up one notch….
I do not think it is worth it to spend a top 4 pick on a DT in this draft. Dorsey if absolultely healthy then maybe. Many Mocks have Clady at 5 going to KC. I say move him up a notch at 4. He is a system fit and an elite LT in a zone blocking system. If not him, and if Gholston or Long is around, then go that way. I hope we do not fall for a McFad when Bush may be nearly as good and already on the roster for cheap. I think he McFad can help other teams a lot but RB is really honestly not a need here.
My best shot of the top 5…
1. Miami - Jake Long
2. St Louis - Chris Long (this could be reversed)
3. Atlanta - McFad (Turner is not enough!) Matt Ryan is not worth the pic…
4. Raiders Clady or Gholston (Both could help immediately and if Gholston I would not be surprised to see Burgess traded…
5. Cheifs - Dorsey or whoever the Raiders did not take
March 30th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
It’s common knowledge that Mike Bush is 100% healthy, that he sustained a clean break of his leg, 0 ligament or muscle damage and that bones rarely break twice in the same place because when they heal they are actually stronger than before the injury.
It’s going to be a real treat to see him play.
Fargas and Bush are going to be a bruising combo with Rhodes and Ech giving them a blow. We are very fortunate with who we have in the backfield and I support them 100%. Yes, Lamont as well.
I’m in
March 30th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
ESPN mock draft has us getting baby Howie. Falcons taking MFAD. Now that would be a strange change of events,
http://sports.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/story?page=snmock08
March 30th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Regardless of whom we may draft, I have two simple requests:
1. Have a winning division record.
2. Beat the Chargers at least once this fall.
If we can get 4 division wins, then reaching 7-9 wins is not out of the question, and well within our reach.
We can debate all we want whether we should get DMac, Dorsey, Ellis, Long, Gholston, etc…. (and the debate should continue to be spirited and lively–NOT INSULTING), but to quote our famous leader…
Just win baby…
March 30th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
that mock is based on fan voting
March 30th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
i can see a 9-7 mark this year
March 30th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
For all the McFadders out there…
1. Why waste a 4th round pick (Bush)?
2. Fargas and Rhodes are at least an average tandem even without Bush or McFad
3. Ecu was good in preseason in the ZBS… Why are we so fixated on fixing something that is not broke…
4. How are we going to address real areas of need, OL and DL if we draft another RB?
5. Honestly McFad is not AP not even close… I wanted us to use our #1 traded down on AP last year but it did not work out. He is also not Bo Jackson or anyone like that. He is the best RB in the draft but nothing historic coming out. Some of you guys act like he is Barry Sanders or something… There are no off the chart players in this Draft like there are from time to time - that you just say “wow this guy is a man among boys and will dominate.” I mean I know McFad is good but really he is not that…
March 30th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
luckily AFC WEST
is up for grabs
March 30th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
personally i want to see Dorsey. He is explosive and will always have to command a double team.
March 30th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
There is truth to that Eric
March 30th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
1960,
I’ve heard everything from that it guarantees us 1 more TD per game to that he’ll throw TD’s to a 2000 yard season!! They are talking about all of this happening in ‘08!!
I don’t believe the kid is even the best RB in the draft.
Not that we need one of course.
I’m fine with Clady as well. That is a real need pick and worth the extra $.
March 30th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Back to the debate…I would agree with you 1960AW. With all of the activity on the D-line, I have moved away from my thinking that Dorsey or Ellis would be our probable pick. I still believe that we need D-line help, but now at DE.
However, if Al decides to go offense, I’m also of the thinking that we should shore up the O-line. I don’t believe that Jake Long will be available–St. Louis needs to replace Orlando Pace–but everything that I’ve read tells me that Clady is a a better fit for our ZBS anyway.
Good to see others in the Nation looking elsewhere besides DMac…however, if he ends up a Raider, so be it…
March 30th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
If C long or Dorsey are gone, than grab the big o-lineman J Long to solidify line for years to come.
March 30th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
I just hope that we commit to either pressure or run stopping. Last year had neither.
Dorsey or C Long would be awesome!!
March 30th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
If Kiffin is in I think we have a chance at a winning record this year - much better than last year. Last year I thought we could go from 6-10 to 10-6 but I way over estimated the defense thinking that they were above average when they were not. Davis addressed two major areas 2nd CB and SS in FA. I think the LBs will only be better this year. The DL really really concerns me. Last year Burgess did not play like his heart was in it. Showed up late and left early type of crap. He can only be even more ticked off after the large contracts doled out. However he is in a contract year so maybe he will turn it on for next year? Unless Sands, Kelly and Warren improve drastically we are going to get run over. Edwards is situational pass rusher like Clemons and I am not sure Richardson will improve either.
Offense which played about like I thought it would should be better this year if JR is the real deal if not = long year!
March 30th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
I believe that though we need other things commissioner Goodell is still going to go to the podium and say with the 4th pick in the draft the Oakland Raiders select Running Back Darren McFadden Arkansas.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Not sure that the AFC West is up for grabs…we haven’t done ANYTHING the last five years to scare the Dolts…sure, we’ve made moves, and while the Dolts have been off the radar screen with respect to FA, until we start coming up with more effective ways of containing LT, we’ll be behind them again…
However, I WILL BE GREATLY DISAPPOINTED if we don’t sweep the Chefs–they clearly stink, and we need to sweep them. I’d love to sweep the Donkeys as well, but we’ll see…
March 30th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Yes, we can always count on Al doing something unexpected…it IS his club, after all…
March 30th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Is it April 26th yet?
March 30th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
J Russ is the real deal i guarentee it and i also believe that Jay Richardson will improve not to pro bowl caliber but to a decent run stopping D end and then on passing situations bring in Edwards and let him and Burgess (who i believe will have about 12 to 16 sacks this year) collapse the pocket.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
I’m out Nation…good night…
March 30th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Either way i think that this year the Raiders will be a very competitive team just because they were always in tight ball games with the exclusion of green bay and jacksonville last year and they are already a uch improved team
March 30th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Eric,
McFadden, Chris Long, Gholston, Jake Long, any of those players would make me happy on draft day. But I ask you, why write off the best offensive weapon in the draft when we have spent the entire off season addressing defense and our offense is still well below average when it comes to the all important scoring element of the NFL game?
Our RBs consist of:
1. Fargas: injury prone career underachiever that can’t catch and can’t score TDs;
2. Rhodes: one drink away from a year long suspension;
3. Jordan: Hopefully gone, but if not, unreliable and also has an injured back;
4. Bush: coming off of a two year long hiatus.
TOTAL 2007-08 TDs: 8
Sorry if I am not as infatuated with our RB situation as you might be, but none of the above really impresses me.
I would not lose sleep over Al Davis drafting McFadden, and neither should anyone else.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Good night fellow fans
March 30th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
All I can say is I’m glad there is not some overhyped QB coming out of college or some of you would be clamoring for him.
Dakota, McFadden does not have WMD’s. You’ve been duped!
March 30th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
No, but he certainly has seeds of mass conception!
March 30th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
I hope Al does not forget the all important sterilization clause in McDadden’s rookie contract.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Anyone goin to the A`s game tuesday?
March 30th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
The seed with speed!
March 30th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Wow…all number one seeds won.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
I think Jerry McDonald writes generally neg-head stuff about the Raiders because they never give him the time of day.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Hey Dokota,
Who are your #2 and #3 RB’s in this draft?
If we work our way back into the 2nd round would you take one of them?
March 30th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
The Raiders wont draft a RB in any round.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Saint,
In my view the only RB you take is McFadden because of his potential. If we decide to pass on McFadden it means we are drafting for need and we have other needs to fill.
I just feel like you should never pass on a potentail star at the top of the first round in order to fill a need with a lesser player (Ellis or Dorsey) unless that potentail star’s position is already filled with a star player. We have nothing special at RB so we should pick McFadden if he is the best player available.
You fill needs late in round one and through the rest of the draft.
So, I do not think we should draft a RB if we pass on McFadden, so it is moot in my mind. We can get by next year with what we have and hopefully Bush will pan out.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
I guess we will find out in 26 days or so…
March 30th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Some people say McFadden is the best running back in the draft in twenty years, others say he has speed but no other tools. Will he be one, the other, or something in between. I think there are four players on the DL in this draft who are going to be dominating players, and I hope we take one of them. If we do take DMc I hope he turns out to be as good as all his supporters think. If not then I hope he’s a bust.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
I hear you Dakota.
How about Mbenga? DE??
Kobe is really pressing tonight. WE NEED BIGS, BIG TIME!
March 30th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Dakota,
I hear what you’re saying, my friend.
But McFadden guarantees nothing.
Nor does any other draft prospect.
Our boyz need to play sound, fundamental, mistake free
football.
That’s all.
One Raider Nation under GOD
March 30th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Saint,
DE definitely. Must win game tonight.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
# Don Nelson Says:
March 30th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
I think Jerry McDonald writes generally neg-head stuff about the Raiders because they never give him the time of day.
…………
Oh, poor Jerry. Oh, wait, he’s not the one who’s 19-61 over the past 5 years, is he? Jerry’s riding high. What Al Davis isn’t giving the time of day to is winning, evidently…
I rock the funky beats from here to Acapulco.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Mikey, you are right, there are no sure things in the draft(maybe Chris Long), but McFadden’s potential return vs that of the two midget DTs really makes me hope and pray that we go for broke with McFadden and pass on the two guys that are not going to do a thing to improve our defense due to their size.
IF McFadden pans out, our offense will be revolutionized.
Dorsey and Ellis are not franchise DTs in the NFL. Either of them would be a huge waste at #4.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Welcome back trouble, lol.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
They left too much time on the clock….
March 30th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
dang it…
March 30th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
[...] Read more. Posted in Blog, Oakland Raiders | [...]
March 30th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
I’m sick of this 3 crap! We look like the friggin Suns!
March 30th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
WTF? Take it to the hole and get fouled.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
On TV?
March 30th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
fuk me
March 30th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
King Tee,…Ican see you dislike Davis,…but what has Jerry ever done?…hes a nobody…the Trib is a pretty meaningless paper nowadays anyway…Jerry lives on fast food and candy bars…if he didnt have this blog he wouldnt have a life,..as for Davis, if you need to get some more info on him to bag on, take a trip to Canton, Ohio,.theres practically a wing dedicated to him there.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
The W’s havent lost back 2 back games in 3 months thats a nice stat to take to post season!
Go W’s
I cant wait for the draft because McFadden talk 24/7 is giving me a fawkn ULCER !!!!!!!!!!!!
March 30th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Has anybody else in here read the rotoworld post re: Grady Jackson? May have already been spoken about but it said the Raiders seriously considered him over the weekend but the signing of Kalimba made it less likely to sign him.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Brown
Have a glass of wine, and more if need be to get over the draft talk.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Don Nelson, I don’t respect Al Davis enough to dislike him. I dislike Al Davis about as much as I dislike my neighbor across the street, who takes an hour to back his boat into his driveway, usually giving up and just going right over the curb. Sure, I laugh my ass off at him, but dislike? That’s kind of harsh. I look at Davis the same way. With pity and disgust. He hasn’t even earned his way to ‘dislike’.
And, kudos for Al being in the Hall. He accomplished a lot between the early ’60s and the mid ’80s. Since then, he’s been a complete moron. Believe me, he’s lucky that people can’t be voted out of the Hall. Because if they could, he would be the first person on the ballot.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Mista,..it will be Chris Long,..one way or another.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
YESSSS!
March 30th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Nevermind. It’s old news. Just finsihed catching up on previous posts.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Some of us raider fans are suffering from amnesia. I agree we need DT & DE help, but let’s not forget that in 9 of our games last year we didnt score more than 17 points.
Let us not forget those painful afternoons sitting at the Oakland Coliseum last season watching our offense struggle for 6,7,8 straight possesions. With NO threats to score and NO pressure on the opposing defense.
So I DO agree we still need help on defense, but please don’t dismiss the need for EXPLOSION! on the other side of the ball.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
I’m fittin’ to act a fool…
March 30th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Walton just saved my poor dog from a serious booting!!
March 30th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
I had 3/4 of a bottle already Dell thats my limit.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Right on CT. I have the same feelings. We certainly need DL help but an offensive threat is an even bigger need. I don’t think JR is a threat by himself.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
King Tee,..some free advice to you,..chill out and enjoy life,..because its short…dont waste another precious day thinking about your neighbor and his boat, or how you have no respect for Davis,..how can that even matter when Davis doesnt even know you exist?
March 30th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Brown
i bet most W fans would never had expected Baron davis to play in every game this year, I wonder what the over-under was on games played.
I believe this is his first healthy year ever.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Dell,
You just jinxed Beard!
March 30th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Mistabrown - What did B.WRight do tonight? Haven’t watched the replay yet.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
What do you guys think of the new ESPN News format? I think it sucks.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Dakota
Davis that is Baron does not know I exsist.
Besides as long as he is off the cover of SI he is OK.
No jinx here.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Dell, if you just jinxed BD with that bit of information!!!
I dunno what the over/under was but he came in great shape this year. Nellie should give a few more minutes to Watson or hes going to be spent by playoffs.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
CT, how can we get any “explosion” on the offensive side of the ball when Davis won’t let Kiffin build an offense?
Kiffin wanted either Peterson or Johnson. Davis drafts Russell, a 300 lb. slug who’s only talent is throwing a football accurately for further than 30 yards. Underneath 30 yards…kind of sketchy. Would be ok if 90% of the modern day NFL offensive game wasn’t played within 30 yards of the line of scrimmage… But of course, Al Davis doesn’t build teams for 2008. Be builds teams for 1963.
If we had an AD or Johnson last year, we would have had more explosions than you could handle. Ron Jeremy style explosions, every offensive possession.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Dell,..Baron never was hurt,..its actually worse then that,..he has always hated ex coaches, mainly Scott,..wouldnt play for him…so basically hes a jerk who faked injuries to prove to coaches whos in charge,…Im a Warriors fan but Im hip to Baron Davis.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Don Nelson, I am enjoying life. I take great joy in laughing at idiots like my neighbor, Al Davis, and people who are loyal to Al Davis. There’s not a dull moment. You guys provide non stop entertainment, and I enjoy every minute of it!
March 30th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
B Wright played about 4-5 mins I think, he didnt do much.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Ron Jeremy. LOL!
March 30th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Of course Baron Davis is healthy this year…it’s his contract year…gotta get paid homey!