J. Long vs. Clady
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008 at 12:21 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Second in a series regarding 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.
So Lane Kiffin keeps his trap shut for the better part of the last three months and then blabs to reporters that the Raiders are probably going to take a defensive lineman with the fourth overall selection in the NFL draft on April 26.
This is the same Kiffin who at last year’s owners meetings, claimed he’d never had a conversation with Randy Moss about a trade and said, “I think he’ll be on our team. I really do.”
Kiffin later admitted Moss told him in their first conversation he had no intention of playing for the Raiders and wanted a trade.
So while Kiffin gets points for being candid about his rocky offseason in the aftermath of a 4-12 season, anything he says about personnel is to be viewed with skepticism, and that’s exactly how it should be. Mixed signals and misdirection has long been a part of the draft process.
Besides, as Kiffin made clear Monday, coaches will have input but Al Davis, as always, will make the call. Davis has made three attempts at locating a left tackle in the draft since 1998, and none of them ended up at the position.
Mo Collins (1998) moved inside and became a decent power-blocking guard, Matt Stinchcomb (1999) came in with a bum shoulder and couldn’t hold a starting position at guard, tackle or center, and Robert Gallery started at both tackle spots but was dubbed a “square peg in a round hole” by line coach Tom Cable and is now the left guard.
If Davis wants to try again, Michigan’s Jake Long (6-foot-7, 313 pounds) and Boise State’s Ryan Clady (6-6, 309) are considered the top two tackles, in that order.
Long is the classic Big Ten power-blocking tackle. He gave up just one sack as a senior, to potential top-five pick Vernon Gholston of Ohio State. In his entire college career, Long gave up two sacks and committed two penalties, a hold as a redshirt freshman and a false start as a senior.
He is also an honest man.
“I’ll admit that I hold. I’ll get my hands inside and hide it that I’m holding,” Long said. “I try to hide it so that the refs can’t see it.”
Long hopes to have the same effect Cleveland’s Joe Thomas, the No. 3 overall pick last year, had as a rookie.
“He’s a great player and represented his school in the Big Ten very well. He had a great rookie season. I’m going to have to follow in his footsteps and represent for the Big Ten,” Long said. “He showed me and all the other rookies that you can come in and make a huge impact, have a great season. That’s encouraging to me and to other players I’m sure.”
Most people believe Long won’t last until No. 4, which means if the Raiders wanted a tackle, Clady would be the most likely pick. Considering Clady already has experience in a zone blocking system, he might be the better fit anyway.
“We were primarily a zone team, I’m kind of like a Denver Broncos type offensive lineman, we cut a lot and position block a lot,” Clady said.
Offensive linemen on roster: LT Kwame Harris, LG Robert Gallery, C John Wade, RG Cooper Carlisle, RT Cornell Green. Reserves_T Jonathan Palmer, T Mario Henderson, T Mark Wilson, G-T Paul McQuistan, C Jake Grove, C-G Chris Morris, LS Jon Condo, C Jesse Boone.
Kiffin on the offensive line: “There are still a couple of things to look at. We’re going to give Kwame Harris a shot at left tackle. He’s already been working with us the past two weeks at left tackle on the field. Gallery will still be at left guard. At center, adding John Wade from Tampa was very important to us. Four of the past five years he’s played 99 percent of the snaps. Very intelligent, very tough, kind of like Jeremy Newberry was for us at center as far as a leader. Hasn’t battled nearly as many injuries as Jeremy . . . Cooper Carlisle returns at right guard . . . he really has become the leader of the group as far as the most playing time there. At right tackle, we signed Cornell Green, who was the starter before he got hurt. And then Mario Henderson, who was drafted last year, through a trade in the third round, will get a shot to compete with Cornell.
The bottom line: The Raiders haven’t had much luck identifying tackles in the draft. Henry Lawrence, who succeeded Art Shell, was a first-round pick in 1974. John Clay, a first-rounder in 1987, was one of their great draft busts. Don Mosebar, a first-round pick in 1983, eventually became a center.
Cable is a coach in the mold of a Bobb McKittrick or Alex Gibbs, who favor linemen who can move and cut block. Both McKittrick and Gibbs rarely had premium draft picks, often using castoffs from other teams and later-round picks that fit their scheme.
As much as the Raiders future depends on protecting JaMarcus Russell, don’t expect the Raiders to use the No. 4 overall pick on a tackle.
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April 2nd, 2008 at 12:22 pm
uno
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Tres? Draft Gholston or Ellis 4th. Dorsey and the Long brothers will likely both be gone. Plus, we don’t want J Long given we run the zone. Team can get better zone blockers later in teh draft.
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:32 pm
i am here!!!!
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:34 pm
OG -
are you still around?
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:38 pm
someone please call the meeting to order…
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:39 pm
first item of business…
the complete and utter destruction of the AFC West…
do i hear a second???
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Jerry, you’re starting to sound a bit less hostile towards the Raiders. Great job! I was starting to shift my blog loyalties to Jason Jones.
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:41 pm
I second that with an addendum:
The destruction of at least 1 QB from the AFC West as well…
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:42 pm
word
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Dogg, just got back. And let me ask all of you something??? Why stop at just one mashed up QB from the division???
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Terp, are you around? What say you now?
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:45 pm
I like Clady better than long, but I agree with Jerry on this one. I don’t think we’re gonna pick a left tackle with the first round pick, esp after the Gallery disappointment over the years.
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:45 pm
AFC rival QBs? Kill ‘em all!
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:46 pm
The Raiders future totally depends on Jamarcus Russell.
Draft Jake Long if he is available.
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:47 pm
OG -
I figured at least 1 QB, with Phillip Rivers as the one I had in mind. Other AFC West QB’s getting smashed would be bonus, but I would love love love to see Phillip Pissing Rivers go down hard.
I gotta go now, but I wanted to chat with you a minute OG. I will be back on later, hopefully you will be around.
What up Dakota
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Howdy Dogg.
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:51 pm
We need a kick ass run stopping beast on the D-Line period. Dorsey or Ellis can make an impact. I’m still angry at the state of the Raiders. Just win baby! Make it finally happen. Kiffin finally speaks out. Sounds like he isn’t going to get much say so for anything. Great, hope the team buys into the “team”. I’m impatient. I want some glory so that I can proudly spend my money on my team Silver and Black!
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:51 pm
okay…
we have a concensus…
the dismantling of one Philip Rivers…
is there a doctor in the house?
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Always my pleasure Dogg. Yeah, something about seeing cry me a Rivers writhing in pain on the coliseum turf somehow warms my cold dark heart.
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:53 pm
there is a new issue… subtending to the dismantling thing…
do we hear unanimous approval of making Philip Rivers cry???
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Just a word of caution boys….
Our success is riding on the broad shoulders of Jamarcus Russell.
While he has shown all the skills…it is not going to happen right away…
Look at the following HOF QB’s
Aikman - was on one of the worst teams of all time and got the crap beat out of him
Young - While with Tampa….he got the crap beat out of him as well
Manning - Don’t know for sure, but didn’t he suck at first too?
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:54 pm
I second that notion. Cry me a RIVER! Big D is in the house. Draft the DT’s!!!!
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Ivan, the bad news is last year showed how far away we really are. The good news is last year showed how far away we really are so WE DID SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!! The FA signings are going to help no doubt. The defense has been upgraded, the WR position upgraded, QB will be upgraded, everyone has another year in both the offensive and zone blocking systems. We should all see marked improvement.
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Jamarcus will get through some pain, learn and adjust to the game just like all good QB’s do and then witness the domination of the AFC west. Hopefully this year.
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:56 pm
wait a minute…
didn’t Rivers cry when they lost to Indy last year???
lemme check…
yes!!!!
yes he did cry!!!!
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:00 pm
All right Oakglenn. Making me want to chance buying season tickets again. I pissed them away last year with another god aweful season. We definetly have upgraded. Game 1 is going to be a blast. Might as well piss off the wife and keep up the attendance at the Coliseum. Or regret I spent my few bucks on a whole season watching Jamarcus adjust to the NFL. What a dilemma!!!!
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:00 pm
BJH, I have probably a little more experience evaluating QB play than most, and while you are exactly right, Jam comes in incredibly pro ready. Way more so than John Elway or Mike Vick. He’s been here, basically the whole time in Oakland at his home, watching film and lifting, so the organization could not ask more of him. He’s been a model player. I don’t know if you picked this up, but when Jam was asked who was going to catch his first TD pass, Jerry Porter chimed in and said “ME!!”. Jam then said he was going to throw his first TD pass to himself. Not quite a ringing endorsement. What I am saying by that is Javon and Drew Carter are HUGE upgrades over JP.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:01 pm
This is a HUGE rule change>>>>
from PFT
The biggest change is that the force out rule no longer exists. In the past, if a receiver jumped to catch a ball and was pushed out of bounds while he was in the air, officials had to make a judgment call to determine whether he would have come down in bounds. That rule, which many observers felt was enforced inconsistently, has been eliminated, and now it’s simple: If the receiver didn’t touch two feet or one of any other body part in bounds, it’s an incomplete pass.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:04 pm
I see Carter as the No. 2 and Curry in the Slot as the No. 3…any thoughts?
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Curry hears too many footsteps…
and i see dead people!!!!
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Al Davis has another blockbuster trade or free agency move up his sleeve. I’m sure of it.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I’ve been saying it all along, Trade down and get Clady and then Pat Sims and call it a damn good day. Both those guys would be impact type players and fit in our system better. Dorsey and Ellis are too sililair in size and style to Kelly. Pat Sims is a phat fat, run stuffing hog… Clady could be huge at left tackle.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Quag, I agree. I think Carter and javon will REALLY stretch the field for Curry and Zack underneath, AND the running game.
Kush, we NEED to get 2nd and 3rd rounders. Look for the Godfather to deal Fabian, Walter, and maybe one or two others.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Throw in Jay Culterless & motion for ajournment.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:18 pm
It’s great to see & hear Kiffin speak on just about anything nowadays. To me, that’s a very positive sign. My sense is that Ellis or Dorsey will be our pick at #4. And to my thinking, that’s the correct pick and the way it should be. We might also trade next years first round pick for a mid round 1st pick this year to pick up Clady. That move would not surprise me.
AD wants to win NOW as he doesn’t have all that many sunsets left. Trading away future opportunities (draft picks) for something this year makes total sense if you are AD. Just my opinion.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:18 pm
OG,
I just hope we have good enough protection from the o-line. The strong running game helps with this however. Play Action should be huge.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:21 pm
What Jerry Left Out, Nancy Gay did not:
Asked if Davis listens to him, Kiffin was very frank.
“Yeah, he does. I don’t know what he does with it, but we talk a lot,” Kiffin said. “Because of the fact that we don’t have a general manager, he’s really the general manager. He’s kind of the general manager, director of college scouting, director of pro personnel and sometimes the defensive coordinator.”
All at a feeble 78 yrs of age, amazing!
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Two tidbits from this post.
“…kind of like Jeremy Newberry WAS for us at center as far as a leader”
And Mario Henderson is competing for RIGHT TACKLE.
Interesting.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Trade……F. Washington…..Use the 3rd round pick for Pat Sims DT from Auburn…..
We would get DMAC and an AWESOME DT!!
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Pete…I agree that rule change has to be really great news to corners that play a lot of man coverage and puts more of a premium on bigger physical receivers.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:24 pm
OG I think you’re right. AD is likely to trade several players to get 2nd and 3rd round picks. And I’m convinced Tom Cable et al are eying some ZBS O-linemen in later rounds, and therefore J Long, Clady etc all seem unlikely. But that allows them to shore of the D line with pick #4. Here’s hoping …
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Trade down. Get OT Gosder Cherilus and the best player available whose either a DT, DE, LB (Curtis Lofton?), or KR/PR (i.e. DeSean Jackson).
Pete,
That’s a stupid rule change, IMO. So now a defender can just get under an airborne receiver anywhere near the sideline (even if it’s 5 yards from the edge) and push him out of bounds? Why is the league so afraid of letting the refs use their own judgment? Mark my words, this change will lead to some controversial plays this season.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Kiffin does not sound like a happy camper!!
Does he??
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Pat Sims is projected to go in the early 2nd round…
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:27 pm
I cant remember the Raiders ever trading down in the first round!!
Not very likely!!
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Interesting. Suddenly, Henderson is competing at RT, trying to unseat Green. The same guy Cable said, “Has never worked hard.” I also thought it was interesting, that Mcquistan was not mentioned about competing anywhere. Nor was Grove mentioned at competing at C. Interesting indeed…
Jerry,
Any new word on Ekejiuba, Jarrod Cooper, or Newberry, or are they as good as done as far as the Raiders are concerned?
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Quagmired,
Well, maybe we can get a second round for F Washington and throw in Shweigart to boot!!
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Glory, adding Scweigert to the trade actually weakens the overall value of the trade….lol.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Yea, what happened to Newberry…..
I guess they dont think he fits in their plans anymore, especially after picking up J. Wade!!
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Quagmired,
SSHHHHH!!!
Maybe we can get one over on them!!LOL
You’re RIGHT!!!
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Wade is definitely an upgrade, unless Newberry can play as a back-up center or another position. Has he played anything other than center before?
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I liked the way Newberry over Grove last season!!
The only thing Grove has over Newberry is youth!!
I guess Newberry is just too beat up!!
His best days are way behind him!!
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:35 pm
NC, I think you are right on. Just imagine getting back into the 2nd round or even third round, you might get a Sam Baker, Oneil Cousins, Trevor Laws or Red Bryant in addition to a Gholston/Ellis/ or Dmac. Pretty impressive.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:35 pm
What about McQuinston (sp?)?
And Mods, that post about Anna, Maria and Alyssa was totally Raider related. I resent having my post tossed, lol.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:37 pm
I am relieved Newberry is gone, that dude gave away the snap every time with his consistent head motions. He was like a MLB pitcher tipping his delivery.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Newberry was solid. The Raiders probably just figure they were lucky to get through one season without the guy blowing his knees out and would rather not press their luck again. He was arguably the best run-blocking OL on the team last year.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Yea,
Newberry and Culpepper had major problems with the snap last season!! I always thought it was C-Peps small alligator hands that were the problem, but perhaps not!!
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Kiffin to me sounds a little naive. He acts like he doesn’t know that Al basically runs things. He’s always been the general manager and has a say in alot of the things that go on there. That doesn’t mean that he’s always right…..not by a longshot. But I’m surprised that Kiffin is surprised that all the major decisions have to go through him.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Oak, yep, that’s what had in mind: best D lineman at #4 and I agree Sam Baker at OL would be a great pickup in a trade-gained #2. (Fabian Washington? Walter?).
I am curious what is going to happen with backup QBs for JR. Haven’t heard a word lately about those Dilfer rumors, or for that matter, about any outside interest in Culpepper.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Oh, and whoever gave the shout out yesterday for Dexter Jackson (WR-App State), just saw the man walking by moments ago. He’s even fast when he walks. And I keep picturing him not only as WR but KR or PR …
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Kiffin also said that it is unlikely that the Raiders will take a running back at #4, which almost makes it a sure thing that McFadden will be selected by the Oakland Raiders. I would rather see that happen than see us pick a LT in rd. 1. Somebody sid it earlier- this blocking scheme turns another teams rejects into solid gold. Isn’t that the raider way after all? If we dont take Ellis or Gholston, I would have to say that McF is the man.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:45 pm
I motion that we paramedic AFC QB’s according to when we play that team, and not wait til we see them again.
We all know the schedule so cutler gets it first.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Thanks Jerry. Glad to hear from LK.
I disagree with SB…BV that Kiffin sounds naive or surprised at the way Al runs things. I don’t think he sounds naive or surprised at all.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:47 pm
I think that Kiffin wanted to create the impression that Kwame Harris is getting the shot at LT — no competition there? This speaks volumes that Mario Henderson is not living up to expectations. I don’t think you sign K Harris and then draft another tackle — especially when you have the chance to create an elite defense by getting a premier run stopper DT or edge rushing — QB sacking — DE! With such an animal, the Raiders can be back to playing Raider smash mouth football.
Kiffin already showed last year that with the existing offense, he could run the ball effectively. This buys time for the QB and sets up the pass with play action. We have weapons now as our receiving corp has been upgraded and we haven’t even seen what J. Higgins might be able to do — most receivers don’t mature until their 2nd or 3rd year.
Al Davis was impressed with New Yorks tough shut down defense — do you really think he is going to do anything other than get a stud defensive lineman. The only way he goes another way is if he gets either a trade down offer he can’t refuse or he doesn’t like the remaining defensive lineman left when the Raiders pick at No. 4.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Culpepper will come skulking back on his knees begging to be JR’s back-up. Nobody will let him start, not even the Chefs.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:48 pm
#46,
I was thinking the same thing!
Green over McQuistan? I can see Wade over Grove if for no other reason that injury concerns. But Green over McQuistan is a head scratcher.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:49 pm
The great Raider offensive lineman were helped by Ollie Spencer, their offensive line coach who coached Jim Otto, Gene Upshaw, and Art Shell. At the time he coached,the assistant coaches took spring trips to scout college players. Interesting that they haven’t had great offensive lineman since he retired.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:49 pm
NC this is kind of interesting. My dad goes to the Walter Payton Awards Benquet for the best players in Div 1aa every year. I’ve gone a couple of times. Great players come out of 1aa, including Payton, Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens, the last year I went the offensive player was this QB out of Eastern Illinois, great kid, I really liked him, never heard of him tho, and his name is Tony Romo. The defensive player of the year that year was this other guy I just thought was a great kid, and his name is Rashean Mathis. The coach of the year who also is a good guy was Jim Tressel. So you can see what kind of talent we’re talking about here.
The reason I’m saying all of this is the guy we just signed Erik Meyer was runner up one year and won it the next year. My dad really had excellent things to say about him, so, he might be a fantastic back up for us!!
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Guess I’m out of the loop on Myer. Who is he? What pos?
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Honestly you guys regarding Kiffin I think, and I’ve said this here before, that Lane thought Lane did a better job than Al thought Lane did. And both are probably right, that where the conflict is. I am glad Lane thinks he did a good job. I think he did a decent job. Al thinks he did a 4-12 job. Can’t really argue with that perspective either. Bottom line is the coaching staff met with Davis after the season and to their credit told Davis we don’t have the horses to compete in the NFL. You admire the coaching staffs candor going straight to the personnel guy (Davis) and letting him know about his players. To Davis’ credit he then went out and got more horses on both sides of the ball. Basically, that’s it in a nutshell. No weird underlying strangeness, just some old fashioned straight talk.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Erik Meyer. QB.
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:02 pm
If the Raiders don’t take the best available DL with the aim of improving the run defense, it’s time to give up on the Raiders and root for, i dunno, the Sharks. They aren’t run by a feeble idiot.
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:17 pm
How mad would youll be if Mr Davis traded the 4th pick in the draft for OchoCinco
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Dakota Says:
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Terp, are you around? What say you now?
******************
I say Jerry doesn’t know what the Raiders are gonna do anymore than any of you. He’s merely stating the obvious. That the probability is that they’ll go Dline. I consider the probablities in this order: DE, DT, OT, sue the NFL. But if his contention is that the Raiders will NOT, absolutely no chance, draft a OLT @ #4 he flat out doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Lol, I thought that you might say that…only time will tell. I for one can’t wait until we can move on to some other subject.
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Dakota - If you referring to Jerry statements beforehand referencing Kiffin, I found them to be a lil’ biased and vindictive to be honest. His adjectives says it all - he paints a negative picture.
But dont worry, we’re still not gonna draft McFadden.
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Oakglenn,
I’ve seen you say that and you’re right. I also think that Kiffin tried to throw more weight around and Al put him in his place and firmly established that Kiffin is the coach and Al is the owner/gm/president/god. I can imagine the following conversation.
Kiffin — “I was talking with Rob and we decided it was probably better that Rob pursued another opportunity elsewhere, so I think we should release him from the last year of his contract and bring in ___________ who will be a great hard nosed DC.”
Davis — “What do you mean, you decided? You are the coach, and at 4-12 and you are in no position to decide who stays and who goes.”
Kiffin: “You brought me in here to win and turn this franchise around — so let me win. I need coaches that think the way that I think and I need more talented overachieving players that use all their talent and effort to do things the way I want them done.”
Davis: “That’s right, I brought you in here to win and at 4-12 you can’t say you have done it. Moreover, you seem to want to return so badly to college coaching you couldn’t wait to sniff out Arkansas and UCLA coaching jobs. If you want to go back to college ball, why don’t you just quit!”
Kiffin: “If you’re not going to give me the tools to win, why don’t you just fire me! With the record of this club and your reputation, its next to impossible to get the talent you need to compete. You want to win, so do I, but I can’t if I don’t have the players and I don’t have coaches that believe in what I believe.”
Davis: “If you want to quit, then quit. If you want to coach, then coach. Don’t worry about the players, I can go out and get you players — you just worry about coaching and winning damn it! I’ll take care of the rest.”
Kiffin was put in his place, Al was required to do what he said he would. Al may have overpaid, but he did go out and he did upgrade the talent. Lets see if Kiffin can turn on the Wins!
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:24 pm
ok then, feeble idiots don’t RULE!…Sorry, “i thought this was America” (Stan’s dad).
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
“So while Kiffin gets points for being candid about his rocky offseason in the aftermath of a 4-12 season, anything he says about personnel is to be viewed with skepticism, and that’s exactly how it should be. Mixed signals and misdirection has long been a part of the draft process.”
This tidbit Terp.
Just saying that just because Kiffin made that statement yesterday, you really cannot give it any credence.
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Silver Blood … Black Veins Says:
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Kiffin to me sounds a little naive. He acts like he doesn’t know that Al basically runs things. He’s always been the general manager and has a say in alot of the things that go on there. That doesn’t mean that he’s always right…..not by a longshot.”
Silver,
I think Kiffin is justified in being surprised that One owner is: General Manager, Director of Scouting, Director of Pro Player Personnel, and part time Defensive Cooridinator. All from a man who doesn’t leave his wheely, what kind of collaboration is that?
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Al Davis just bought the Oakland A’s
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Al Davis just wet himself.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:00 pm
One other piece of information about the out of bounds rule change: The defensive player cannot carry the ballcarrier out. Apparently, he can push him out. I don’t know how much impact this will have, but receivers will now have to know that the field just got about 4 yards narrower. They will have to catch the ball with room to come down in bounds. There won’t be much point in going up for a pass right on the sideline, because all the defender has to do is give a shove while he’s still in the air.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:08 pm
The offensive line is the least of our problems. There’s plenty of depth and anyone who thinks we’re going to pick up a high priced lineman with our 4th overall hangs around more nuts than I do.
It would be nice to see Henderson win the right tackle spot (Green will not only provide great competition but will make an excellent back up) and see Harris develop his pass protection under Cable.
The question is: who will be battling Harris for the position? A good camp is predicated on strong competition and Harris needs to be pushed. McQuistan has shown so far he’s pretty versatile but I don’t know if he’s experienced enough to hold down one of the most important jobs on the field.
I’m very happy that there will be solid competition at center between Grove, Morris and Wade. It sounds like Wade and his experience and toughness will win out, but it’ll be great to see Grove get pushed and see what’s expected.
There are only a few offensive things we have to worry about - 1) how bad I smell after 50 min on the treatmill at 24 Hr. Fitness 2) another quality wide receiver to add to our corps.
We know Walker, Carter, and Curry - if healthy and motivated - could potentially form an outstanding threat, especially when Zack Miller is added to the equation. But behind them, we are paper thin. Higgins is the only true back up and he’s a total uncertainty.
As I’ve suggested on past posts, a trade down would be ideal so we can secure a defensive presence (either DL, LB or both) and a young explosive possession receiver. I’d like to see us go after Hardy from Indiana, personally.
But what do I know. I’m only a well worn, underappreciated male undergarment.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Itchy and scratchy,
“The offensive line is the least of our problems. There’s plenty of depth and anyone who thinks we’re going to pick up a high priced lineman with our 4th overall hangs around more nuts than I do”.
That’s funny.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:13 pm
lol….solid post, Itchy.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:15 pm
While I was killing moss, no not Randy, I was curious what we could get for Dom and/or Lamont.
Kevin Jones is sitting at home right now, we bundle Rhodes and Jordan for what, a 3rd?, then backfill with Kevin.
Any thoughts? Please don’t just hammer on Jordan.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Hopefully Madsen and Higgins gets more work this year as well Itchy.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:19 pm
I like the elimination of the force out rule.
First of all, it was another judgement call where the window for the Refs to screw up was wide open, specially since it was not reviewable. The less judgement, non-reviewable calls they have, the better. The Refs call games badly as it is, at least cut down their margin of error.
On the other hand, nice to see a rule favoring the DB´s for once, at least this evens the playing field a little for the defense. I´ve had enough of the pampering given to the QB´s, WR´s and the offensive side of the ball in general.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:22 pm
I really love seeing some people talk about smashing AFC West quarterbacks but I think I will never like seeing us smash on a qb as much as I used to enjoy seeing the Raiders beat up John Elway when I was a kid. Of course Elway always found a way to win the game against us even if we bloodied him up. I always respected Elway as well as dispised him prolly since he was almost a Raider but I guess now if I have to pick a qb Id like to see get beat up by our defense It would have to be Philip Rivers
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Interesting article on the raiders and D-MaC
http://bigbenlivingroom.blogspot.com/
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Bob, I think you bring up excellent points. Exactly my sentiments. good riddance to another non-reviewable “judgement” call. Secondly, it will probably eliminate some possible injuries because receivers are not going to go waay high for a ball on the boundary. Lastly, after a pass happy team goes 18-0, it might be time to rein in the passing game a tiny bit.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Koolkell at #80.
You sort of answered my questions. I and virtually everyone else on this blog, friend and foe alike could have told him that Davis was Owner, G.M. Director of Scouting, director of personnel etc. Shanahan actually said that it was his fault when he got hired by the Raiders, that he didn’t get the specifics of the job when he signed up. This coming from a man I perceive as ( rightly or wrongly) as being more than a little full of himself. Davis’s influence over the organization is common knowledge. Plus he’s buddies with Gruden and he should’ve asked him for more info before he got hired.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Always with the Next Adrian Peterson crap.
Man, McFadden’s stock is so much higher because of Peterson.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Oakglenn Says:
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Honestly you guys regarding Kiffin I think, and I’ve said this here before, that Lane thought Lane did a better job than Al thought Lane did. And both are probably right, that where the conflict is. I am glad Lane thinks he did a good job. I think he did a decent job. Al thinks he did a 4-12 job. Can’t really argue with that perspective either. Bottom line is the coaching staff met with Davis after the season and to their credit told Davis we don’t have the horses to compete in the NFL. You admire the coaching staffs candor going straight to the personnel guy (Davis) and letting him know about his players. To Davis’ credit he then went out and got more horses on both sides of the ball. Basically, that’s it in a nutshell. No weird underlying strangeness, just some old fashioned straight talk.
*****
Great post, Oakglenn. Of course, the question now is…”Will Al give Kiff time to get it done, or will Kiff join the ranks of Bugel, White, Callahan, Turner, and Shell (second time)?” I’m hoping Kiff gets a third year, but I also believe he has to get at least 7-8 wins to get that 3rd year.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Unfortunately, the elimination of the 5 yard facemask penalty is not a good rule imo.
I think the 5 yard penalty was a nice middle ground for incidental contact to the facemask, now the Refs have only 2 choices, stick the guy with a 15 yard penalty or not call it at all.
Again, this leaves too much room for judgement, I´m sure we´ll see a number of questionable calls all year long, some laughable 15 yarders and some awful non-calls.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Noshadowking, I concur with your last post. If you read my post a good percentage of them will in fact talk about “paremedic” the QB. I like you do not like rivers one bit. I live in SD county I dislike everything about the chargers even the colors, the staduim, the bandwagoe fan base, yes bandwagoe.
Smashing the QB in the near future will once again become a NATION tradition, cutler will be the first to get his but cant wait until rivers gets his though he is my QB to dislike.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:37 pm
I found the lack of Kiffin speaking of McQuistan as interesting as well. Especially since he addressed Cornell Green as the RT. I guess guys don’t lose their jobs due to injury.
We certainly need competition on the left side. I felt moving McQ over there would not be a bad idea. He played there in college, his twin brother was going to get the job in Dallas before they resigned Flozell, he was told he couldn’t play in college, he did well there, he was told he couldn’t make the leap from small college to the pros, he made the leap, he seems to meet every challenge thrown at him. LT??
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:37 pm
If Cable can get Harris right in pass protection then this team will go very far - Very Far. Harris is known for his stellar run blocking. Imagine how great this run game will be, heck, this offense will be if Harris can hone in his pass protection skills @ LT. The Run game will be off the chains.
With that said. He needs some competition and Kiffin mentioned no one above (or for as much as Jerry gave). Therefore, its not far fetch to assume a LT will be drafted IF we have enough picks.
As it now stands w/ the current staff (hopefully this lineup pans out): LT-Harris, LG-Gallery, C-Wade, RT-Henderson
This is virtually a whole new line from 2 years past.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:40 pm
not to mention the automatic 1st down with the 5-yd facemask penalty.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:40 pm
OG, you’re right about the talent available in I-AA. There are some gems out there. Since my local vantage point includes seeing the Appalachian State Mountaineers play every year, I have another name to keep an eye on: Corey Lynch. He’s been a 4 year starting safety and is the classic ball hawk. I don’t think he’s projected to be drafted all all, unless as a 7th rounder maybe. But he seems to always find the ball. He’s the guy who blocked the kick to seal the win over Michigan. But that wasn’t in anyway exceptional, more like routine type of play (in a not-at-all routine game) for this guy. Anyway, he’d be a pickup maybe for special teams.
And when sophomore QB Armanti Edwards, who is way too small to play NFL QB comes out in a year or two … he may never play QB, but he could be the next Devin Hester on returns.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Damn, left out Cooper:
LT-Harris, LG-Gallery, C-Wade, RG-Charlisle, RT-Henderson
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Desert Raider, YOU bring up the good point. Obviously, the Raiders in ‘08 are NOT going to pull a New England and go undefeated. So……where is Kiff on the bubble. another 4-12 season….GONE. 6-10???? Gone. What do you think Kiff has to do to get his 3rd year????? That’s a very good question. And remember if he goes 1-8 and then goes 6-1, he probably will get to keep his job.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Terrapin, good points on the newly emerging O-line.
And that’s a compliment from a dedicated TARHEEL fan … so y’know, that’s just got to be rare. Go ACC?
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:44 pm
NC how’s about that safety Darren Sharper from Div 1aa, William and Mary???? Yeah, that guys is no good!!
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:48 pm
I like bread.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:48 pm
mcfaddenmcfaddenmcfadden
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Turtle- You still want Clady at #4?
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:49 pm
here we go again…lol
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:50 pm
turtleturtleturtle
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:50 pm
sorry.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Gasol is back 2nite, eh Dakota?
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:52 pm
well, how about this trade:
Our number 4 and Rhodes/Stu (and maybe a pick next year for:
Ocho Cinco and their 9 pick, with that pick we can Pick Rivers, (or even Mc Fadden, since Jets its more focus in Gholston right now) and then we can add some DT with a pick that we receive for Washington.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Stu automatically diminishes the value of any trade that he is included in…
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:53 pm
One thing that really stood out as I looked at that lineup (Harris, Gallery, Wade, Charlisle, Henderson) is not only are the guys huge but there huge Athletes. This is a very athletic line.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Dakota is hearing voices again.Good afternoon Raider Nation
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
if D-Mac falls to the Jets, they will not pass him up
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:55 pm
And I was a moron for not wanting anything to do with Jake Long or Ryan Clady at the #4 spot.
Funny, just a couple of days ago you stated we should reach for Clady and now the line is set?
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Ocho Stinko is done dont whant him cant have him.We need to draft Gholston or C-LONG or trade nothing else
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:58 pm
USC Pro Day, Sedrick Ellis was on NFLN, he weighted 298 today down from 309 at the Combine, ran a lot better in the 40.
Said he´s heard he can go anywhere from 2 to 10.
I gotta tell you, I have now seen footage of both Dorsey and Ellis during their Pro Days and Ellis looks to be much better built.
Dorsey ran on spandex shorts and shirt and looked kind of flabby, Ellis ran without his shirt on and looked like he´s training for one of those world´s strongest man contests.
FYI.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:58 pm
I Really think Rivers will be great: Just Imagine River, Howard Morrison, and for bonus: OCHO CINCO!!!!!!
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Come on DSM, things that boring in Iowa??
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:02 pm
I really want to see OCHO CINCO in Silver and Black, he is NOT Randy Moss, PLUS I think Al and us deserves to see some fun TD
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
It’s always boring in Iowa man, what are you talking about?
With the turtle, he’s always arguing against therefore I argue with him as well.
I admit I made a mistake with regards to MB and the combine but I was certain he ran before the draft? Anyone know of that?
Other than that though I’m supposedly a liar per Trevjo and Turtle therefore I defend myself.
The last time I was on this blog I notated several RB’s height & weight but didn’t list the site and the Turtle & Trevjo kept going on about how I post BS.
That site by the way is the the NFL.com/combine.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:05 pm
I would take Roy Williams more heart than Ocho Cinco no class
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Trade down unless the Longs or Dorsey are there. If Kiffin is not happy its because he had his head in the sand when he hired on. Don’t let the door hit you in the rear on the way to your next college team. Lofton as HC will pick up the slack just fine and certainly be more grateful. If you were smart Kiffin, you would just keep your mouth shut, do your job and probably out live AD before your contract is up.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:07 pm
DSM dont let know one get you down to quote WAR gratest group ever
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:08 pm
I wonder who will take over control of the Raiders once Al expires….any info on this Jerry?
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
NC Raider, Boone is a cool little town. I’ve been there.
I hate to p** on the party, but Kwame Brown as our starting left tackle? That’s scary. He couldn’t even make with the 49ers. We need to draft a LT at #4 and then trade for a second round pick for some defensive line help. IMHO.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:10 pm
IMO we do need a LT, but in the zone I don’t think it’s necessary we take one in the 1st round.
A good LT can be had in the 4th, like Oneal Cousins out of UTEP.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Whatever dude? Next time just do your research, be consistent and actually make sense. That’ll get you a lot further.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:14 pm
DSM, you’re fine dude. First off, Terrapin is a good guy, knowledgable guy. TrevJo is maddenloser, so take him with a grain of salt.
I have Sedrick Ellis as my #1, so that does not shock me. Now, I’d rather have Chris Long, and if we drafted Dmac I wouldn’t be crying in my Patron and Grapefruit, but my feeling is throw Ellis in the 3, and move Kelly to NT. That would then be Richardson/Kelly/Ellis/Burgess on the dline. I would be fine with that.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Does anyone think what Kiffin has said was not scripted? Does anyone think that Al is not in charge?
if Kiffin said anything out of what is “approved” for media consumption what could happen? I honestly doubt Kiff said anything that was not approved by the Boss.
As i stated before all of this talk about who shot jon makes for good cannon fodder. Have enjoyed the day though most interesting.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:19 pm
GO LAKERS!
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Turtle- Whatever dude? Except for the MB combine comment you had to call me a liar for the height & size comment which I didn’t provide a link for, but did later.
For some odd reason all these sites list different attributes for weight & height for these players.
I’m still laughing that you actually wanted to REACH for Clady just two days ago and now our line is set?
That’s kind of funny to me.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Oakglenn Says:
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Desert Raider, YOU bring up the good point. Obviously, the Raiders in ‘08 are NOT going to pull a New England and go undefeated. So……where is Kiff on the bubble. another 4-12 season….GONE. 6-10???? Gone. What do you think Kiff has to do to get his 3rd year????? That’s a very good question. And remember if he goes 1-8 and then goes 6-1, he probably will get to keep his job.
*****
Appreciate you recognizing me, Oakglenn…but to answer your question, maybe we should go over the schedule…to wit:
I have posted previously that NO MATTER WHAT WE DO WITH THE FOURTH PICK, I have but two requests…
1. Have a winning division record.
2. Beat the Dolts at least once this upcoming season.
Now if that happens, that’s already 4 (hopefully 5) wins right there. I see no reason why we can’t sweep the Chefs (they have more problems than we do!), possibly sweep the Donkeys, and at least split with the Dolts. But let’s err on the side of caution, and say we get 4 division wins.
The rest of the schedule:
1. New England, Baltimore, Tampa Bay, Denver (in Denver), San Diego (in San Diego) (probable losses).
2. Buffalo, Houston, NY Jets, Miami, Carolina (probable wins).
Again, assuming we get at least 4 division wins, then Kiff has 5 teams that we can beat to help him get at least 3-4 more wins…
Add them up–we go either 7-9 or 8-8. The possibilities of upsets always exist, of course, but this is the easiest road I see for Kiff to keep his job, and get that 3rd year.
If we can get at least 7 wins, AND AL IS PATIENT, I see us getting to the playoffs in ‘09…
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Dont worry dude I got nothin’ against you. Sht you’re a Raider fan. Actually enjoyed the debate but like I said before “Love is a drug” and you got caught up in a love spell. Love will make you do some of the craziest sht and you didn’t disappoint - making up all kinds of cockamamie reasons why the team should draft McFadden. Sometimes it takes time to fall out of love. We’ll be here waitin’ - don’t worry - we’re still rootin Raider!
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Kwame Harris, sorry. It’s been a long day.
You guys know more about football than I do. Tell me what you think of these Kwame Harris lowlights.
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=12457884
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Oak, I agree with you. I had Ellis > dorsey. I watched a lot of both LSU and SC. Only thing that keeps dorsey in the convo is that he played injured.
to me Eillis hands down. Ellis IMHO is a lot stronger.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:22 pm
WTF is wrong with some of you? You’ve got the SD/KC/Den fans trolling you and then these idiots calling each other stupid like elemntary school kids. What the hell does any of that BS have to do with the team?
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Patron and grapefruit?
I’ve only had Patron with Patron. How is it?
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Damn Kirk,
We saw that a month ago and I’m still trying to forget it.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Jake Long will be in Oakland next wednesday and thursday.
Per Madam Schefter.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:26 pm
You misunderstand bro. You can call it a reach or whatever but if I’m “stuck” with the pick for those $$$ “I” would much rather pick an OLT that can last 10 years than a RB than may only last 5 years esp for a team rebuilding, don’t need a RB, and that RB in “MY” eyes is not THAT good. Simply put, if Cladys the best option there and Cable approves of him and we can’t trade down - pick ‘em.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:27 pm
R. Bush High School highlight reel > DMAC college reel
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Turtle- My love for DMac isn’t wrong nor crazy, hell even some of the comments I said about DMac (of course I’m not one of these guys comparing him to Dickerson or Allen or any other great back), but seeing the following quote was only music to my ears for it repeated some of the comments I had made about DMac:
more Kiffin per nfldraftscout.com:
- NFL Owners Meeting Transcripts, Lane Kiffin
04/01/08 - WILL THE INTEREST IN MCFADDEN HELP YOU GUYS DO THAT? “I don’t’ know that. I think McFadden is a guy a lot of people would like to have. But you really have to have him targeted and know how you want to use him because he’s a unique player. To me, he’s a unique player. Maybe you have a system where he’s not going to fit what you want to do.” HOW IS HE UNIQUE? “Like I said, we really don’t have a need for running back. But looking at McFadden, I think you could spread him out. That’s what I would do with him – we did that with Reggie (Bush) some at USC. I’d look at him in that role myself.”
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:28 pm
It was just my perspective but watching the 49ers coach the Oline at the Senior Bowl vs Cable’s coaching I can see why Harris sucked there. jmho.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:29 pm
DMac is still a topic of discussion? Oh well…we all have our opinions…just as long as dissent is respectful…
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Patron and grapefruit? Hmmm…sounds good…I’ll have to try it this weekend…LOL
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Kwame looks to have too high a center of gravity when pass blocking. Also he’s from Jamaca. Come soon, mon. Let’s smoke a fatty.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Man, I had mentioned USC´s Chauncey Washington before when there was talk he might not even be drafted, they just said he ran a 4.4 40 and looked good, I guess he´ll be gone in the mid to late rounds now.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Thec yeah I kind of think Cutler and Croyle if hes the man in K.C. this year will get theirs before Rivers does but I would love to see the Raiders just have an all out hatred for Rivers like they used to for Elway. That used to make my day even when we lost to see Elway getting smashed around. The Raiders do need to bring some of the nastiness back to the defense this year and what better way to start then dishing it out to the qb’s in our division. As far as the Chargers go they are like every other team in the nfl. They are not the Raiders so I could care less.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:38 pm
lst off, for those who haven’t had one, Patron and Grapefruit, with fresh lime, is pretty tasty. Breakfast of Champions.
2ndly, the Raiders CANNOT BLOW THIS PICK. CANNOT. CAN’T EFFING HAPPEN. As fragile as this franchise is right now, with a tiny, tiny, tiny amount of momentum, using the number 4 on someone that is not going to be a pro bowl player or worse a total BUST, would be a HUGE disaster. That being said, only Chris Long/Ellis/and to a lesser extent Dmac fit that bill to me, and Chris will be gone and Dmac is not an area of need. Sedrick is going to be a pro bowler for awhile. For the last month or so, he’s been my pick, and as of right now, I’m staying with him. JMHO.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:38 pm
IMO, the only way to go with the 4th pick is on D!!!! The Giants beat the patsies (or pasties) by bringing pressure with the front four consistantly. If any of you can look at our D-line right now and say that we can apply the same kind of pressure that NY brought in the SB, your really a Dolts fan!
Big Al doesn’t like to blitz, and with who we have now, we need to blitz! We now have two good cover corners but still need upgrades on the D-line.
BTW, I want to thank all you regulars on this blog for your insight. You’d be amazed at the amount of people I know in Iowa who peruse these pages daily.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:44 pm
[...] the Oakland Tribune’s Jerry McDonald points out, “This is the same Kiffin who at last year’s owners [...]
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:47 pm
We must draft dorsey or ellis, gholston would be nice but teams would mostlikely run to the opposite side he’s lined up. same thing with c.long and by the way he is most likely going to not be at no.4. Just imagine T.Kelly and Dorsey/Ellis collapsing the pocket from the middle and having burgess and edwards from the sides, that’s a scary thought
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Terrapin, I hope you are right. If you are wrong, we could have a $30 million dollar quarterback on injured reserve, and Andrew Walter getting pummeled on the field and throwing interceptions.
It is interesting that offensive line is the one draft possiblity that Kiffin did not mention.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Bob Marley re:#120
Based on your assessment and what I’ve been feeling all along since the Senior Bowl, Ellis is the pick. The fact that Kiffin should know this guy inside/out, should be enough to put this decision over the top.
He will be a GREAT acquisition who will make an immediate impact and help put a major stop to runs up the middle.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:04 pm
It’s impossible to determine what direction Al Davis is going to go with this draft. One thing we do know is that Kiffin will suggest who he likes, but Al will make the final decision. At least with the first round pick.
Last year Jamarcus Russell was almost certainly an Al Davis pick, but it was also a glaring area of need. So it’s impossible to know what Al Davis will do.
Previous history implies that Al Davis will pick Mcfadden. Even though this may not be the most glaring area of NEED,as several of you have reiterated, Davis may have his eye on certain free agent acquisitions that we currently have no knowledge of, that he feels will justify taking a player with the big playmaking potential that Mcfadden has.
Just my opinion, but I firmly believe that Al has more free agent wheeling and dealing going on behind closed doors. It will come to light in the near future. The Raiders return to Greatness is inevitable.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Terrapin–DSM
I have been fasinated by the dialogue between you to, even when it became word heated.
Terrapin as never budged from his convictions of the Raiders taking a lineman, either OL or DL since the season ended.
Your debate was real with a lot of knowledge of the Raiders and future players needed to move beyond the past season.
DSM you were like a salesman, as we all are on here trying to convince the mass why DMAC is our pick in the fourth slot. You provided endless objectives, facts and just personal evaluations into the discussion.
You may not believe this post as I write it, you were just doing what good salesman do, creating a desire of a product you believe in and trying to convince in this case Terrapin of why he should buy into your product, which is DMAC.
Your problem was Terrapin was not interested in your product, “DMAC” and no matter what you said and displayed to him he was not buying due to his needs were never associatd what you said, he was sold on the idea of a lineman at the fourth pick.
You pounded away, trying to get around every objective he posed and you never let up, that’s why he became word heated, and the post got dragged in the dirt, likely becoming irritated with you.
Terrapin is very knowlegable, and I usually read his posts, he is a true Raider fan.
DSM, I don’t know what you do for a living, your sales and passion towards DMAC was fun to read. I commented one night that I decided to skip a movie with my son as you pushed hard to convince others of your choice of DMAC. You may have thought I was a joke but it was the truth.
I say all this because we are selling to others on this blog who we want to be selected as the player with the fourth pick,we just don’t think of it that way.
How many of you have been swayed between your original player to someone else, Dakota was dead set on DMAC, he still is with other post convincing him to look at other possible players.
My last words are to some this is boring, and the 26 of April can’t come soon enough, but the debate was great and all of us share one common goal, as Raider fans, we want to win again and be in the Superbowl and win more Lombardi’s.
As Raider fans we must have a common bond with this comment from Terrapin:
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Terrapin Says:
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Dont worry dude I got nothin’ against you. Sht you’re a Raider fan. Actually enjoyed the debate but like I said before “Love is a drug” and you got caught up in a love spell. Love will make you do some of the craziest sht and you didn’t disappoint - making up all kinds of cockamamie reasons why the team should draft McFadden. Sometimes it takes time to fall out of love. We’ll be here waitin’ - don’t worry - we’re still rootin Raider!
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
RaiderDell says:
That’s why I like this blog, thanks guys, the debate is fun.
PS We should trade down, for an extra pick.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Partial Repost from earlier today
Still appropriate:
******************
My sense is that Ellis or Dorsey will be our pick at #4. And to my thinking, that’s the correct pick and the way it should be. We might also trade next years first round pick for a mid round 1st pick this year to pick up Clady. That move would not surprise me.
AD wants to win NOW as he doesn’t have all that many sunsets left. Trading away future opportunities (draft picks) for something this year makes total sense if you are AD.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:11 pm
If Al Davis didn’t have any faith in Kiffin, He would have been at the recent meetings with him like he was last year so he could hold his hand or play him like a puppet but that didn’t happen did it? If AD at all felt threatened by Kiffin and felt that he would say a bunch of bad stuff, he would have been next to Kiffin. Period. Sometimes I think those 2 are playing games with the media.
If what I say is true…then the person that has to worry most about his job is Rob Ryan. Granted, he already felt inclined to leave but Rob Ryan has been given the vote of confidence and the go ahead to turn this defense around so its obvious that Rob Ryan’s job is hanging more by a thread than Kiffin because AD obviously understands that this defense underperformed badly last year and the only reason Ryan is being given another chance is because of his contract.
You can say that gives AD a chance to replace Kiffin with Rob Ryan at the end of the year if Kiffin fails but Kiffin couldn’t possibly fail if the defense does a great job right? Its a win win situation for both coaches. If Rob Ryan succeeds, then the defense succeeds and Kiffin succeeds and Kiffin stays. Rob Ryan might still go somewhere else but maybe as a Head Coach or another team and Kiffin can build his own defensive scheme but with a more talented defense that many coaches would want to coach.
If the Defense does poor and the offense does good, then Kiffin can reason with AD and tell him that this was the reason he wanted to replace Rob, if thats really what he wanted to do and AD may grant him that wish since the contract of Rob is expired. Considering this team should go better than 4-12, I can’t see how Kiffin won’t be here for a 3rd year with or without Rob Ryan. If both of these coaches fail, then we’re starting back at zero but I seriously doubt that will happen.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Kush, I conpletely agree. With this kid Jam quarterbacking, the return to greatness is going to happen sooner rather than later. This coming year he is going to make a lot of mistakes (see first play versus Discharge in season finale), but if we all stick by him, this guy is going to be amazing for the franchise.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Raiderdell- Great point. Yes I love DMac and want to sell him. Turtle and I argued over & over and it got heated, probably too heated.
At least we are all one big Nation. I look forward to the draft ending so the arguing can stop and we can look forward to a better ‘08 and big time ‘09.
Like I’ve said before, in this blog I act like I’m the GM and talk about decisions I would make.
Everyone else is in the same boat as they are GM’s in this blog and state their desires.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Actually Huff let me add a few things to your post #162. First off, you know why Kiffin held that presser at the owners meeting????? That was because Kiffin is AT the owners meeting, and Davis isn’t. Think Davis doesn’t have confidence in Kiff now??
You’re wrong about Rob. First off, Rob has the full on support of all the Raider insiders. Up until the last month of the season, no one was calling for Ryans head, and that call came from disgruntled Raider fan, certainly not Davis or any insider. And then the media piled on. I DO think Kiff thought this was an excellent opportunity to put one of his own guys in there, all of us would’ve done the same thing, but the Godfather chose to retain Ryan for a host of reasons.
Now understand something, the offense REALLY didn’t play that well last year. And again, there was a variety of reasons, not the least of which is Kiff had nothing to start with. It seems outside of Al Davis everyone in 7 known galaxies knew that. But if the offense does not REALLY improve this year, and the defense plays well, it is conceivable Ryan could get the HC job here.
Your last paragraph I completely agree with. Both of these coaches are very good coaches. I realized how good a coach Rob Ryan was once I started breaking down the defensive film. Some Posters here want everyone to believe that Ryan is calling for a 4 Deep Prevent all game while opponents just run quick power blasts at us for 7 and 8 yards a pop. Let me tell you, that isn’t happening. I see perfect defenses called, and players not making plays 90% of the time. With better players at safety and on the defensive line, which we are doing right now, you are going to see a MARKED improvement on both sides of the ball. JMHO.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Actually Dell, DSM, and Terrapin, now you know exactly what happens in those draft warrooms minutes before the selection is made!!!!
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:40 pm
I find it funny how much Raider fans want D-Mac versus how many Raider fans want us to pass on hi. But the reality is that half want D-Mac and the other half dont know who they want!!!
It’s B.S…..Take a stand and state who you would like the Raiders to pick and tell us why they should take that player, But NO, all you do is gripe for some one else, anybody else, except DMAC!!
Pretty sorry stuff!!
Reminds me of some of my dates…….
I ask them where they would like to go for dinner……there answer….”Oh anywhere is fine with me……So I choose Olive Garden and they have fit saying they dont like that place”…..lol!!
WTF???
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Dorsey and Ellis are three techniques…Rob Ryan has just declared via Kiffin that Kelly is the “best three technique in the NFL”….we’re not going to draft either of them becuase then we’ll have three 3 techniques making huge money (kelly, warren, dorsey/ellis).
Unless, as I’ve previously posted, Al wises up and trades burgess for a 1st or second round pick (his contract is very nice for a trade) to snag a NT and we move Kelly where he belongs…at the strong side DE position opposite the RT. The best move is to grab Gholston or Long:
RDE Long or Gholston/Edwards (Rush Ends)
DT G. Warren/Joseph (3 techniques)
NT Draft Pick/Sands (Nose Tackles)
LDE Kelly/Richardson (Power Ends)
That’s what a sane GM would do. That would be a great D line with everyone playing thier natural positions, the people best players on the field, and the highest paid players on the field (except for Sands).
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:41 pm
I want someone who can stop the run.
Can DMAC play DT? If so, pick em.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:41 pm
I must admit that was some good analogy usage there Raider Dell.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:44 pm
JediRaider
What would a sane GM do if Long and Gholston are gone?.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Jedi, don’t think they won’t move Kelly to the nose. Or see if Ellis or Dorsey could adapt there, OR, draft a big body in the later rounds. Remember that Warren is only under contract for one more year.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Oh, by the way, I disagree about Burgess,
Why would we trade a proven player for a late 2nd rounder (at best) NT who may or may not be able to play in the NFL, let alone contribute enough in 08 and 09 to justify getting rid of a double digit sacker who is under contract for the next 2 seasons?.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:52 pm
I disagree about Burgess too. Bob Marley I agree with you.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:52 pm
What was the consensus opinion last year?? Who wanted JMAC?? I know some wanted Quinn. But, by enlarge everyone wanted JMAC!! I for one did!!
And before that I wanted Leinart, that did’nt happen…..We got Huff…..
Who knows???
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Terrapin thanks,
Thanks, also to DSM.
You remind me of me, when your mind is made up, nobody is going to change my thoughts for any reason, the focus should always be what you see as a need.
Also your post was well, “great” about the debate.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Off topic:
Just read that Adarius Bowman busted for pot. This is second offense and the sole reason why he was released by North Carolina and transferred to Oklahoma State. If he drops to the fourth round I say we grab him.
Sorry for the off topic insert.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:56 pm
OakGlenn
So this occurs in the war room during the draft, I can see why Davis and Kiffin get heated, but the bottomline is “How do we get the players to win”, the argument is what players are needed.
Just my take.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:56 pm
They call me assassin,
Why would yopu want a “loser” on this team. Theyose type of players become a “cancer” and the whole team ends up suffering…….
Forget about it!!
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:59 pm
RaiderGlory
Olive garden, lunch or dinner is pretty inexpensive.
I see your point.
I disagree, I believe the blog wants DMAC or a lineman, most have wanted C Long, or Gholsten, and in the rear is Ellis.
April 2nd, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Glory
I don´t think there was a consensus last year, there were plenty of people who opposed the selection of JaMarcus for a variety of reasons.
From the Davis never selects QB´s in the 1st round, to the get CJ or AP and Stanton, Kolb, Beck or Edwards later on………To the ”wait till´next year” when we can choose a much better QB (Brohm, Brennan, Booty…) than the overhyped Russell, I´m just glad we didn´t go that way.
Not that JR has done anything yet, but he will.
April 2nd, 2008 at 6:00 pm
DSM, thanks for the link, I can see why you believed Charles was 6′1″. Rest assured though that the profiles like http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/jamaal-charles?id=925 do not have the actual measured combine height times, those profiles were up before the combine and were height/estimates probably based on the NCAA media guides.
Anyway it’s not so much that I consider you to be a liar so much as you appeared to be lying (or intentionally not making the effort to provide accurate information) on one issue. My comment was overly harsh, but it was mostly out of exasperation because I did not understand your obsession with having a sub 4.4 back of a certain size to begin with. It didn’t make sense to me for you to be listing a bunch of very small backs and using that as a case for a small (but not quite as small) back in McFadden.
April 2nd, 2008 at 6:01 pm
assassin, he was already projected as a 4th or 5th rnd pick, he’ll be lucky to be drafted now, i’d take him with our 7th if he’s there, which he probably will be, virtually no investment so if he slips once we can cut him, but he would have been a 1st rnd pick had he never touched pot at UNC and stayed out of trouble, he’s extremely talented, it’s a shame he doesn’t appreciate his own gift