Writers mock _ Gholston again
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Monday, April 21st, 2008 at 8:44 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Thought for a moment I had a chance to get Chris Long in silver and black, only to be thwarted by the Atlanta Falcons.
So once again, I opted for Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston on behalf of the Raiders in a mock first round made up of NFL writers conducted Monday by conference call.
It works like this _ when your turn comes up, give a brief overview of the needs of the team you cover, how many selections they have in the draft and if there is a chance of a deal to move up or down. Then make the choice and give your reasoning.
With the No. 1 pick, Alex Marvez of Fox Sports, a former Dolphins beat writer, took Michigan tackle Jake Long. Miami has not had a shutdown left tackle since Richmond Webb and could select Long and move Vernon Carey to the right side.
If a deal cannot be reached with Long, Marvez believes Miami would opt for Virginia end Chris Long, who is considered less of a projection than Gholston.
At No. 2, I was mildly surprised when Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch took LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey for the Rams in a close call over Chris Long.
With Atlanta at No. 3, and in need of a quarterback to replace Michael Vick, I started to think maybe Chris Long would be available and was prepared to seize the opportunity to add an instant every-down starter.
Alas, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution is of the belief the Falcons aren’t that high on Ryan and will use one of their later picks to get a quarterback such as Louisville’s Brian Brohm or Michigan’s Chad Henne. Chris Long went to the Falcons at No. 3.
At No. 4, I opted for Gholston as I had in a previous draft, believing his stunning athletic gifts and pass rushing ability would be put to use instantly. Even if Gholston didn’t play fulltime, assuming the Raiders can get Derrick Burgess back to double figures in sacks, he could give Oakland their best pass rush in years _ and making the quarterback go down, and go down hard, is a time-honored Raiders tradition.
Yes, I passed up Darren McFadden, for reasons I’ll give in another blog at some point leading up to the draft.
Here’s how the rest of the first round ended up:
5. Kansas City: DT Sedrick Ellis, USC
6. New York Jets: RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas
7. New England: G-T Branden Albert, Virginia
8. Baltimore: QB Matt Ryan, Boston College
9. Cincinnati: OT Jeff Otah, Pitt
10. New Orleans: CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy
11. Buffalo: WR Devin Thomas, Michigan State
12. Denver: OT Ryan Clady, Boise State
13. Carolina: RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon
14. Chicago: OT Chris Williams, Vanderbilt
15. Detroit: DE Derrick Harvey, Florida
16. Arizona: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State
17. Minnesota: DE Philip Merling, Clemson
18. Houston: CB Mike Jenkins, South Florida
19. Philadelphia: Aqib Talib, Kansas
20. Tampa Bay: WR DeSean Jackson, Cal
21. Washington: WR Malcolm Kelly
22. Dallas: RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois
23. Pittsburgh: DT Ketwan Balmer, North Carolina
24. Tennessee: RB Felix Jones, Arkansas
25. Seattle DE Lawrence Jackson, USC
26. Jacksonville: S DaJuan Morgan, North Carolina State
27. San Diego: OT Gosder Cherlius, Boston College
28. Dallas: CB Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech
29. San Francisco: DE Quentin Groves, Auburn
30. Green Bay: QB Joe Flacco, Delaware
31. Vacant _ forfeited by New England
32. New York Giants: LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee
Note: Got off of the conference call after 20 selections, at which time USC linebacker Keith Rivers had not been selected. As it turned out, a few more picks went off the board without Rivers being selected. Because of the oversight, it was decided Rivers would come off the board altogether on the presumption he would have been selected earlier.
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April 21st, 2008 at 8:46 pm
MCFADDEN!
April 21st, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Jeez Jerry, you still don’t have a clue.
April 21st, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Perhaps Dorsey falls to us if the Rams take C Long. I like Gholston’s Big-10 experience. If he raised his game for tougher opponents, we can offer him all the challenge he wants!
April 21st, 2008 at 8:51 pm
But . . . we could trade down with New England (for their late 2nd and 4th round picks) and probably still get Ellis.
April 21st, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Just out of curosity how would you guys like if the cooks take DMAC. I know the argument of they dont have an oline yada yada. We would be facing him 2 times a year “potentailly”.
April 21st, 2008 at 8:57 pm
it’s highly unlikely the falcons would take Chris Long, they currently have John Abraham and spent last year’s #8 pick on DE Jamaal Anderson, very unlikely…..it’s possible the rams opt for dorsey over long, but also unlikely……
April 21st, 2008 at 8:58 pm
ideal situation, trade #4 for #22 and #28, trade #28 to a team seeking to move up into the late 1st for one of the QBs, acquire a 2nd and 3rd in the process, trade fabian washington for a 3rd and a 5th now we’re sitting there with #22, a 2nd, two 3rds, a 4th, a 5th, a 6th, and two 7ths, that’s 9 picks, i which we could in theory draft at #22 Lawrwnce Jackson or Phillip Merling, in the 2nd Sam Baker, in the 4rd, Dre Moore or Red Bryant, although AD may opt for Mario Manninghamor or Donnie Avery, then in the fourth, depending on whether we went DT or WR in the 3rd, we draft either Frank Okam or Dexter Jackson, then in the 5th we may add an OLB such as Jordan Dizon or Stanford Keglar, in the 6th we could gamble on a talent like Tommy Blake, and in the 7th look at Players such as Adarius Bowman, Chaz Schilens, Trevor Scott, Drew Radovich, Matt Spanos, or possibly even a backup QB like Colt Brennan
This would be the ideal situation, however, we all realize such a situation is far from likely, a trade down in which we would potentially acquire an explosive offensive player such as Chad Johnson or Roy Williams would also provide us with an opportunity to save some significant money and to consider players such as Sedrick Ellis, Ryan Clady, Chris Williams, and/or Derrick Harvey, in all honesty, if Atlanta was willing to part with all three of there 2nd round picks in exchange for #4 then maybe that would be a smart route to consider, looking at players like Sam Baker, Gosder Cherilus, Quentin Groves, Kentwan Balmer, Calais Campbell, James Hardy, Malcolm Kelly, or Early Doucet; any trade down scenario that would save us money and allow us to draft more players in the 2nd and 3rd round range, especially one that would still allow us to retain a top 10 or 15 pick, would be an ideal scenario this Saturday, but in reality the chances of such an occurance appears remote, so absent such a phenomenal transaction we will in all likelihood opt to take the best player in the draft, Darren McFadden, relieve ourselves of the dead weight on the roster in order to acquire more draft picks, use said picks as well as our current mid-to-late round draft picks to fill percieved needs at the LT, DE, DT, WR, and possibly OLB positions; hopefully these picks will yield at least one or two capable starters or at least decent competition for arguably adequate players already competing to fill said positions of need, as well as address the need for depth and an improved ST unit, we will likely be competitive in the division, finish at, around, or above .500 and next year fill any positions that still require, or appear to require attention in the draft, as we will have all of our picks in next years draft, assuming we do not trade them to acquire picks in this years draft, in which case we may fill those needs in this year’s draft, if we were to elect to take a Defensive Lineman with this year’s fourth overall pick, we would likely help our defense and still finish with a record at or resembling .500, having one less need in next year’s draft, in all likelihood, regardless of who the 4th overall pick is in this year’s draft, we will compete for a wildcard spot this year, and be a competitor in the playoffs next year……..but regardless of how the draf unfolds roughly 4 days from now, our team will be emmensely improved………
April 21st, 2008 at 8:59 pm
TT, Who goes he war brother?
April 21st, 2008 at 8:59 pm
TT, how goes the war? Cant wait for spell check!!!
April 21st, 2008 at 9:01 pm
TT, I have to disagree with your last post on acount of I dont want to b robin.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:09 pm
I hope we go D-line or O-line, but Gholston?? I’m really wary of those work-out warrior types. Davis’ M.O. is to select the best available athlete, but doesn’t he also go for need, more often than not. I don’t think that it’s arguable that our recent top round selections have all filled a need. Russell, Miller (who isn’t an ‘athlete’ per se, but much more of a complete tight end), Huff and Howard, Gallery and Grove… I still think that Big Al at least looks at the depth chart along with the 40 times
April 21st, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Here is Jerry the other night on the Radio:
http://950espn.com/Audio/tabid/183/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/840/Jerry-MacDonald.aspx
April 21st, 2008 at 9:14 pm
i’m not the one saying those things, nor am i implying them, i’m advocationg mcfadden over the available defensive lineman and the popular trend is to assume/insinuate.infer that i’m a psychotic mcfadden freak with a limited understanding of defensive concepts because my football philosophies are inconsistent with the more traditional institutions advocated by this board’s “brass,” however, while i believe mcfadden is the supreme talent in this draft class i will conced that chris long, vernon gholston, sedrick ellis, or even ryan clady would be good options for us, any of which would drastically improve our team, all fill percieved needs and mcfadden is percieved as a luxury because he is a running back, however, i prefer to see him as a general offensive weapon, a catalyst for an offense who can instantly infuse production, consistency and most importantly points into our offense, and points are far from a luxury, but this argument comes down to a fundamental fact which Huff24 pointed out: i’m an offensive coordinator and they, by which i mean those who oppose mcfadden and believe a defensive lineman at #4 is essential, are defensive coordinator, i believe that only the greatest of defensive players such as Lawrence Taylor and Reggie White can single handedly improve a defense in the manner that a offensive weapon in the mold of McFadden can……..which is why i support McFadden, although wi support any player who will support our team, and i believe the defensive lineman are all capable of doing that, but still believe McFadden will result in the greatest improvement to out team
April 21st, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Al Davis: “I’d rather be right than consistent.”
April 21st, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Defense is much more ‘team’ oriented than offense, but a strong defense supplemented by apparent top picks like a Long or Dorsey can carry a team to a Super Bowl title. Anyone watch the Giants win, or even a certain Florid team winning with a superior defense over the top offense in the league a few years ago?
April 21st, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Looks like a lot of the writers have no idea what their teams need, what scheme they run, or much else.
Let’s start’s with Ledbetter of the Journal-Constitution — no way with the needs that the Falcons have they take Chris Long. KC needs O-linemen desperately, so Ellis makes no sense. And so on.
Jerry’s argument for why the Raiders would be interested in Gholston makes sense, but I’d bet serious money that Kiffin would be able to talk Davis out of that pick, though, because Gholston is no more disciplined, and just as weak at the point of attack as Quentin Moses, despite being faster and stronger.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Well, you don’t sound like a tard Jerry, but your selection of Gholston makes one wonder, lol.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:22 pm
No one selected Keith Rivers? Interesting…
April 21st, 2008 at 9:23 pm
I hope the raiders draft darrin mcfadden.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Steve, the gienats did invest in their defensive line but not a single player on their defensive line was a 1st round pick, let alone a top 5 pick, it’s important to invest in the defensive line but not neccesarilly with a top pick
April 21st, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Jason,..see *note* following draft.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Trade the #4 pick for Albert Haynesworth.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:27 pm
dakota thats a dumb idea.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:29 pm
I would rather have Haynesworth than Ellis, Dorsey or Gholston.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:30 pm
well i wouldnt,..i like mcfadden.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:31 pm
RIP DB, gholston is the most explosive defensive lineman in the draft and is also the strongest defensive end in the draft and one of the strongest defensive lineman overall, he lacks the intangibles of chris long but is a far superior athlete in every aspect of the game and is capable of beating every single offensive lineman in the NFL both off the ball and at the point of attack, he is dominant, the onl question is “is he relly a football player?” is that where his heart is? can you keep him interested? he dominated against elite competition but los interest against the cupcakes, with very few cupcakes in the NFL will he be consistent in his efforts? if the answer was an emphatic yes than he would be the best player in the draft, but as is is the most physically imposing defensive player on the board and will have the highest ceiling for potential in the NFL of all defensive lineman but Mario Williams, he is a beast? he has questions but none of them have to do with his ability
April 21st, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Quiet down fraud boy…you should call yourself dingle berry eater instead.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:35 pm
no thanks tommy,..lets draft mcfadden.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:36 pm
It’s obvious that Jerry is well aware that the Raiders are very happy with the present situation at RB that all. So he’s just saying what he thinks they will do, no harm no foul. Seems as if we’re getting a little sensitive.
Guy’s this team is going to get a lineman offense or defense but it will be a lineman……………period
April 21st, 2008 at 9:37 pm
gholston wont be any good tommy,..hes a poop head..i wanna draft mcfadden.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:38 pm
i’ll take a 21 year old mcfadden over a 27 year old hanesworth because haynesworth has only had one truelly dominant year and has alot of questions about his intangibles and motivation, his talent is unquestioned but he’s a questionable character, and at 27 already is he worth #4? and will he be consistent? also what would he cost in comparison with the #4 pick? and i doubt he would be on the market anyway, if it were vince wilfork then i’m already sold, but the patriots would trade anyone on their team other than brady before giving up wilfork, hopefully we can trade down but noone is going to trade us their elite players to spend $20 M guarranteed for an essential unknown in terms of how these elite prospects will transition to the NFL, so it’s trade down or take the elite player
April 21st, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Did you guys see Emmitt Smiff’s mock draft? Funny stuff:
http://walterfootball.com/draft2008emmitt.php
April 21st, 2008 at 9:39 pm
bhp, we will certainly get plenty of linemen but not neccesarily at #4
April 21st, 2008 at 9:39 pm
i dont think so blackholepriest….we dont need any poopypants limeman…phooey on that…lets draft mcfadden.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:40 pm
yeah, it was hilarious
April 21st, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Don´t worry, it´s all here in this Draft.
We get McFadden, as well as a player with 1st Round ability at every need position OT, DT and DE.
The Oakland Raiders 2008 Draft:
With a little pre-draft side note for each player.
- 1st Round: RB Darren Mcfadden, 6′1 211.
McFadden is the total package, he has excellent size, speed, and athleticism. What makes McFadden special is that he is a gamebreaker, he has the all around ability to be a superstar in the NFL.
(Acquired) - 2nd Round: OT Sam Baker, 6′4 309.
Baker is an excellent all around offensive tackle prospect, since he is not a physical marvel, he will not command a premium selection. If he lasts long into the second round though, he becomes a steal.
- 4th Round: DT Frank Okam 6′4 347.
Okam has all the athletic talents you could hope for in a defensive tackle, ability as a run stopper and the potential as an impact penetrator. Okam has as much upside as any defensive lineman in this draft.
- 6th Round: DE Tommy Blake 6′2 272.
Blake is a big time pass rusher, with the ability to take over a game. Blake has the talent to be a standout pass rusher in the NFL and become a first round pick.
(Acquired) - 6th Round: WR Adarius Bowman 6′2 223.
Bowman is a big target, that also brings big play ability to the field. He has the potential to be an excellent intermediate and red zone option in the NFL.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:41 pm
TT
He is 26. Turns 27 on June 17, lol. And I would take McFadden over him too, just not Ellis, Dorsey or Gholston.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:45 pm
The Raiders will pick Sedrick Ellis
April 21st, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Isn’t it about time for a new post?
April 21st, 2008 at 9:48 pm
BOB the raiders aren’t exactly Frank Okam fans if you know what I mean.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:49 pm
bob, that would be a great draft, and if bowman can get back in shape he’d be a good deep threat as well with mid-to-low 4.4 speed
April 21st, 2008 at 9:52 pm
The Raiders will never select Ellis.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:54 pm
ellis is a possibility, just not an overly likely one
April 21st, 2008 at 9:54 pm
blackholepriest,..what do you mean by that?….why aint they okam fans?..what kind of silliness is that you dunderhead.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Freakin’ writers!! Who would let a great talent like Keith Rivers slip thru the cracks and go totally undrafted??? That never happens.
Signed,
Michael Bush
April 21st, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Please youtube Michael Bush. He’s great when healthy, and of any position, RB can be found later in the draft. And there are no can’t miss prospects, like McFadden. The draft is the biggest crapshoot going. So to all fellow Raider fans, just support whoever we pick, and blame management for the result on the field, as the best teams often have the strongest infrastructure, i.e. the Colts, Patriots, Steelers and others
April 21st, 2008 at 9:55 pm
They may take Ellis. he has long arms.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Sedrick Ellis:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a128/btheo/weird-people-fat-guy-eating-huge-ha.jpg
April 21st, 2008 at 9:56 pm
glenn it looks like you are stealing material from the jom rome show…thats low.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Blackholepriest Says:
April 21st, 2008 at 9:48 pm
BOB the raiders aren’t exactly Frank Okam fans if you know what I mean.
neither am I.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:58 pm
I have to go now, but I´ll check back in the morning.
BHP…I don´t know what you mean about Okam, but let´s hear it.
Tommy, I know you like it, do me a favor and defend it while I´m gone…haha.
Have a good night everyone.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Dakota Says:
April 21st, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Did you guys see Emmitt Smiff’s mock draft? Funny stuff:
http://walterfootball.com/draft2008emmitt.php
________________________________________________
Thank you, Dakota. LMAO
April 21st, 2008 at 9:59 pm
See I would just post as Mike Bush and Bobby Petrino and people got mad at me for not posting under my own name, so now I post under my own name and have them sign the letters. works for everyone.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:00 pm
who is okam you silly willy?
April 21st, 2008 at 10:04 pm
I think I found a picture of Jerry McDonald:
http://www.supportourniners.com/spotlight/images/eric.jpg
April 21st, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Okam, just takes too many plays off. He seems to coast on downs he thinks he can’t make an impact. He has obvious talent but it’s not always on display.
But if he should slip to 5th 6th most teams would take a flier on a monster run stuffer and see if they can motivate him. at 4th I don’t think so.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Let’s see …
Last year, Al passed on the “Al” picks of Calvin Johnson and Adrian Peterson, and took the need pick in Russell.
Year before passed on Leinart and Cutler and filled a need a safety.
2004? Passed on Larry Fitzgerald, Roy Williams, and Deangelo Hall among others to take Gallery, a need at LT.
It’s possible we could go with Ellis, especially since he’s from USC.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:05 pm
who would want his picture dakota?…you are odd.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:06 pm
what does usc have to do with it?
April 21st, 2008 at 10:10 pm
oh please let us get chris long
April 21st, 2008 at 10:11 pm
*begging to football gods*
April 21st, 2008 at 10:12 pm
chris long is a stinkerpants…we dont want that.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:12 pm
This is what I felt like after the Tuck game:
http://tanoryland.com/images/bull_fight1.jpg
April 21st, 2008 at 10:12 pm
bhp, how can you refer to a player as a moster run stuffer and claim him to be reach in the 4th?
well, i don’t have time to hear the answer…..
i’m out
April 21st, 2008 at 10:12 pm
u rather have mcfadden?
April 21st, 2008 at 10:13 pm
For $25 I’ll tell you who we will pick in each round before we actually make the pick. See I already know which players the other teams are gonna draft, so for $25 I can tell you ahead of time.
I have breaking news its gonna be … unless of course it’s … but it might also be… or maybe … either way im right.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:13 pm
chris long eats and sleeps football
April 21st, 2008 at 10:13 pm
poop heads
April 21st, 2008 at 10:13 pm
I’m watching some film on your darling McFadden against So. Carolina, the skinny HB got hit by a safety and almost got knocked out, fumbled the ball and went to the sideline holding his head. Two plays later Felix Jones takes it 45 yards for a TD.
That one play is the reason I would never draft that skinny kid at 4th overall he just can’t take the pounding.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:14 pm
he was conceived after his daddy kicked ass on th football feild
April 21st, 2008 at 10:14 pm
field*
April 21st, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Felix Jones just might have the better pro career I’m telling you he is more skilled as a runner than Mcfadden
April 21st, 2008 at 10:15 pm
he may be skinny,..but i bet youre a fatty blackholepriest,..you dumb dumb.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:16 pm
if you look at the dates he was concieved not long after the superbowl win against th redskins
April 21st, 2008 at 10:17 pm
same year
April 21st, 2008 at 10:18 pm
chris long has supewrbowl glory running in his veins
April 21st, 2008 at 10:18 pm
It is tough…When Fabe nets a second rounder or bottom first rounder (Trevor Laws)…McFadden will be the pick…Period.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:19 pm
part of me feels that he doesnt want to come here. he must be tired of the obvious media plug with his dad
April 21st, 2008 at 10:19 pm
If Fabe can’t net a pick that high..Gholston will definitely be the pick…I’ve taken him twice…
April 21st, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Darkhorse, here is a photo of the night Chris was made:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2352/1547242209_e07b11503e.jpg
April 21st, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Tommy he has talent no question, but he lacks fire and competitiveness. It’s not that he can’t he just doesn’t. If he would play as hard as Ellis he would go top 5 overall no problem.
Felix Jones just ran for another 72 yard TD.
Where’s McSkinny???
April 21st, 2008 at 10:20 pm
if not Chris Long then i’ll settle for Gholston.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:21 pm
thats great!
April 21st, 2008 at 10:21 pm
shinin th family jewels
April 21st, 2008 at 10:22 pm
Dude…Screw the Longs…Seriously…AD asked Howie as a favor to come back to Oakland with the team in order to bridge the gap between Oak and LA…Howie gave him the finger and stayed in LA LA LAND…
Gholston is MUCH better than the hyped up “Son of Howie”…MUCH BETTER!!!
April 21st, 2008 at 10:23 pm
yeh i know my infatuation with c long is based on 75, but if i am even 75% right then thats still pretty good
April 21st, 2008 at 10:24 pm
yeh but did gholston wake up everyday of his life eating breakfast with a hall of famer
April 21st, 2008 at 10:25 pm
with all the feel good pics we have made mistakes with,…ie gallery which one is a pure bred football blood through n through
April 21st, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Here is a picture of Gholston…can you say steroids?
http://a248.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/01518/74/20/1518730247_l.jpg
April 21st, 2008 at 10:28 pm
rofl
April 21st, 2008 at 10:33 pm
wud Al roll the dice on another ohio state possible bust?
April 21st, 2008 at 10:33 pm
GHOUL-STONE
April 21st, 2008 at 10:36 pm
bhp, mcfadden’s worst career game against south carolina was his freshman year when he had 187yds, then 219 as a sophmore, and 321 as a junior, you’re insane if you’re watching mcfadden against south carolina and complaining, that’s just ignorant contempt and has no basis in factual observation
now, i’m out
April 21st, 2008 at 10:39 pm
One of the most intriguing possibilities I saw was actually a post by Coach on Wheels in the last post about Chris Long. He brought up the possibility of drafting our number 4 pick, maybe a Chris Long, Dorsey, Mcfadden, etc…then packaging Burgess and maybe Routt, Washington,or Walter and acquiring another HIGH, top ten, first round pick.
I think that is brilliant actually. I am a big fan of Burgess, but bottom line is that he’s 30 and health is becoming an issue. If we can trade him for another top ten pick, we might be able to get a Mcfadden at number 4, and maybe a Gholston later in the first round. Thus we’ve addressed offense and defense at the same time.
I think it’s one of the best ideas I’ve heard yet to get two playmaking studs at the same time on both sides of the ball.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:40 pm
BHP….. do you think kwame harris is enough to protect jamarcus on the left side . the more i think of this draft the more i think we should trade down get extra picks ,draft the tackle from from boisie , a real zone blocking tackle. …
bottom line i want to see the franchise fling it deep, al wants to see him fling it deep i hope thats what the rest of the nation wants to see. but we won’t see it if the franchise is on his ass.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:42 pm
jake long wont be available
April 21st, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Just rewatched NFLN´s Total Access, Charlie Casserly talked about McFadden today……
Keep in mind this is the guy who passed on Reggie Bush for Mario Williams.
He said he has McFadden rated higher than Chris Long, that McFadden has a better shot of being a Pro Bowl player than Long.
He said back in January he asked 21 teams who was the top rated player on their board and 21 out of 21 said McFadden, and that he does note believe that has changed.
He said he likes McFadden, that he is explosive and can score from anywhere on the field and that he will run with agresiveness, that he´s not gonna knock defenders on their back, but he will run inside.
Last week, he said a defense playing against him would hold their breath every time he got the football.
Now about the Raiders….
Casserly was asked by Eisen, what IF the Raiders were to choose between C. Long, Vernon Gholston and Darren McFadden, he said he thought in that case Al Davis would not let Howie´s son not become a Raider.
In the end, his Mock Draft went like this…..Jake Long 1st, Chris Long 2nd, Glenn Dorsey 3rd and McFadden to the Raiders.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Bottom line is, instead of trading down for more picks, package Burgess and our 2nd and 3rd string cornerbacks for more picks. That way we can address multiple needs and at the same time bring in fresh blood that can contribute for hopefully the next decade.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:46 pm
charlie still gets a paycheck?! hahah
April 21st, 2008 at 10:50 pm
I´ll see you guys tomorrow, had to come back because I wanted to share that info with everyone….mostly because Casserly has been there and done that… unlike McShay, Kiper, Mayock, Schefter and all of us here.
Of course, that does not mean he´s right and we should agree with him, he had his share of hits and misses as a scout and GM but I think it´s interesting to hear from experienced and succesful people like him, it´s kind of rare.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:53 pm
jake long is not a zone blocking lineman….
personally i hope al has a plan to get back into late first or early second round then i believe chris long is the safest pick if he drops to 4. i’m having my doubts about the kid from ohio state.if we are not able to make a trade, heck i would drop down either for clady or ellis. but if we don’t protect the franchise hmmmm. ‘ we need a left tackle !
we gave up to many sacks last year and jamarcus deserves better than the line we put out for him last year.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Jerry’s pick of Golston is amazingly simpleminded - it’s clear he has never seen him play and is falling for the workout wonder trap that always trips up the lazy reporter. Beware of the players whose stock soars after the season ends- see Mike Mamula. By most accounts, Golston disappeared in about 75% of OSU’s games. I could care less how he looks in his underwear. To pass up the opportunity to take a player who definitively showed Marcus Allenlike skills because you have good, but not great backs already, would haunt the Raiders forever. The pick must be McFadden. McFadden-Bush-JR would terrorize the AFC for years to come. Don’t blow it Al. You know it’s true.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:59 pm
well at least barry sims isnt gonna be there givin us a false start every game
April 21st, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Look Tommy I saw what I saw and that’s it. Sure he gets a lot of yards with that hybrid system and two other great HB’s two get defenses off balance.
MY concern cookie is can he do it consistently in the NFL where h the hits come much harder and more often don’t quote a lunch of yardgae at that level when you NEVER quote Felix Jones’s yardage which is even more impressive than McSkinny per att.
Whenhe gets to this level he will have some impressive runs no question but can he take the pounding??? HELL NO
April 21st, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Hey Mad Stork What about Vernon Davis. I think he is a classic workout wonder. He improved all areas he needed to for the combine. He is just not a good football player.
April 21st, 2008 at 11:07 pm
an l.a sport talk show reported tha raiders have been offered d-lineman coleman and the #6 pick for the raiders #4 by the jets !! thats sound good to me but al is still stuck on McFadden according to souces close to the organization . has anyone else heard of this ?
April 21st, 2008 at 11:08 pm
BOB McFadden has outstanding talent IN SPACE there is a big difference in the NFL when you have to line up in the I and defenses gear up for you. This kid aint gonna run inside that often trust me. It’s very impresssive to watch him in space. Put him back there and give him the ball 25 times a game 16 weeks I gaurantee you HE CAN”T TAKE IT.
April 21st, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Dorsey or Ellis is the smart pick. Either would be a major upgrade in the middle of the D line where it is really needed.
I’m not a big Chris Long fan. Sure he’s a good player as was his father. But, he’s not world class and neither was Howie. He was consistent, and not consistently outstanding. I feel too many of you are in love with Chris because of his relationship to #75. I think Chris is now at the top of his game and I don’t expect all that much upside with him. What you see is what you get, nothing more. I just don’t think his star will shine all that great at the NFL level. Just my opinion.
Ellis & Dorsey are the closet picks to absolute sure things. I probably favor Ellis over Dorsey because of Dorsey’s injury and the fact that Ellis can go 3-4 or 4-3. That kind of versatility has great value. Ellis has a ton of upside and again, IMO, will end up beig the best pick of 2008.
April 21st, 2008 at 11:11 pm
What do you mean by “pounding”? I would think that Bush would fill that role for us
Wouldn’t you say he would split carries with Bush, and be put in a lot of isolation situations by way of spliting him out wide?
Now a 25-30 carry back he may not be, but a a vital piece (or weapon) of a puzzle shouldn’t be a problem. I can’t see Kiffin trying to use him like LT or Larry Johnson.
And 21 out of 21 GMs can’t be wrong.
April 21st, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Lee that’s why I’m scared of Gholston I lve his talent, he will flat out WOW you on certain plays.
Then when the plays gets away from him HE QUITS very scarry his motor just shuts off. You put the film on C Long and you never see that.
Ellis, Dorsey and C Long are extraordinary in that catagory. great motors with great talent.
April 21st, 2008 at 11:16 pm
You mean the same Coleman we drafed in the 5th round a few years back, and then traded to Dallas?
I don’t think he will be nearly enough for the Jets to move up to #4.
April 21st, 2008 at 11:21 pm
It’s not that they’re wrong they see what I see and I see what they see. He is an outstaning talent in space………..in other words on the perimeter. He has obvious talent, no question and fun to watch. But if you hit him he comes unglued. Do you have any idea how many hits Fargas took last year. I would say 25% of those would take McSkinny out or cause a fumble.
That hit he took against S Carolina was not overly violent but it knockedhis butt out and caused a fumble. I wouldn’t say he’s soft but he definitely aint hard.
April 21st, 2008 at 11:32 pm
mcfadden has some serious character issues… chris long wont be at the club hanging with strippers til 5 am
April 21st, 2008 at 11:34 pm
how mant kids does mcfadden have so far?
April 21st, 2008 at 11:53 pm
My point is Mcfadden is not and I repeat is NOT a feature back, he’s someone you bring in as a change of pace and you line up in the slot out wide and let him touch the ball 10 -15 times a game. That’s the best way to use him. If he Raiders get him and use him like that I can see it sort of the way we used Nap at first and he can be very effective in that role. But at #4 overall I just think that’s too expensive. At 10 - 15 yeah I’d do it in a heartbeat.
April 21st, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Didnt mcfaddden have the most fumbles in college football the last couple of years?
April 22nd, 2008 at 12:02 am
Didnt he have like 23 in the last 3 years? That averages to almost 8 a season. Thats the last thing we need is to have Mcfadden run the ball 30 yards and cough up the rock from a hit from a safety.
April 22nd, 2008 at 12:23 am
That’s the problem Grim he is going to fumble no doubt about it. You take the good with bad. I wish he were more like Marshall Faulk he has similar talent but Marshall was more compact and more elusive equipped to run the ball inside. We even questioned his ability to do that to a certain extent. But this kid is tall and gangly and not nearly as skilled an inside runner as Faulk. But he will make some huge runs and WOW you at times it just wont be as consistent as it needs to be for a 4th overall.
If we draft him him there a ton of pressure will be on him to carry the offense and he can’t do it.
April 22nd, 2008 at 12:25 am
Well Adios, I was just watching some film on him and thought I’d give my observations
April 22nd, 2008 at 12:30 am
Linds I’m sorry I didn’t see that post,
Yeah I agree I’ve said it over and over the best move is to trade down in the low teens and get a two for one deal. LT and DE or DT even Rivers this draft has some top talent but no phenms so yes I definitely agree.
Adios fellas
April 22nd, 2008 at 1:02 am
i have the solution to all our problems with this plan. ok if i were al id pick dmac at 4 overall giving us that explosive player on o. then id trade fabian for a round 2 pick n sign super mario or another wideout n the draft to add depth and give jrock another weapon. the make the trade for jared allen giving up 2 1st rounds in the future solidyfng the d with a proven de. satisfyng the whole nation. what do you guys thnk?
April 22nd, 2008 at 4:00 am
i can GUARANTEE you that even if chris long is on the board al davis will choose mcfadden and i agree with him…mcfadden played in the SEC agaisnt the best and long played in the ACC which is always weak…mcfadden will put points on the board which wins games and long will help the defense for sure but who cares if you lose 12-6…
April 22nd, 2008 at 4:44 am
I like the idea of taking Allen
He is 24, 1 year 1/2 older than Long, but he is a proven DE. If they really want 2 first round, the $th overall pick is more than the 22nd and 28th pick so it is worht 2 first round.
If you have to pay top money on draft player or a proven player, i choose the proven player.
Burgess, Kelly, Sand, Allen. Just dream baby
April 22nd, 2008 at 4:45 am
I totally agree that we shouldn’t take D-mac.It’s like this,Adrian Peterson is definitely better than D-mac and he was the #7th selection.Do we think that D-mac is worth a #4th selection.NO-WAY,we have other issues that needs to be addressed before we need another running back.How about STOPPING-THE-RUN for a change,DEFENSE wins CHAMPIONSHIPS.Every year a good running back comes out of college.If need be,we could address that issue in the 2009 NFL DRAFT.So ask yourselves,WHAT’S THE RUSH to selecting D-mac this year.
April 22nd, 2008 at 4:52 am
Lotsa new names in here. hello all. havent been here for a little while. My take on the draft.
I think if Dorsey is around he will definitely be our number one. Al has never been hesitant to draft a solid DT to clog the middle. I can’t see him going DE. Not in his resume.
As far as DMac goes. At first I thought he would be a more likely pick but now I’m havin trouble seein it. Al loves playmakers but I can’t see him just blatently overlooking team needs. I mean he drafted Jano first round when kicker was our need. can it be made more obvious? There’s just no room for DMac on the roster.
I’m thinkin either Dorsey or a trade. The paper made a point of how this draft was probably one of the worst in history to have a high pick because of the balance of talent. You can get the same talent for a lot less money if you are on the tail end of a 5 or 10 pick block. I couldn’t agree more and I think this organization knows it as well. Sittin at #4 we are at that tail end so should be able to get a decent valued trade if a decision is made to go in that direction. If we can pry away a couple good picks from someone i think it would be a no brainer.
Should get a couple mid rounders for Lamont Jordan to pick up some OL help
April 22nd, 2008 at 4:54 am
forgot fabian is trade bait as well.
April 22nd, 2008 at 5:31 am
McFUMBLE he he he he he
(23 fumbles in 2 years)
Tell me guys… What’s wrong with that picture?!?!?!
How can you so easily expect explosiveness to translate well into a drive killing fumble???
And please don’t be fooled, Mr McFAD-den will give us EXACTLY that, An explosive back with weak ankles and butter for fingers…
Remeber this name people Mc FUMBLE because it will be the chant all of the haters will yell at us every time he drops the rock.
I don’t know I could be wrong… BUT I don’t think so!!!
RAIDER NATION,
Can-You-Feeeeel-It!!!!
No thank you
April 22nd, 2008 at 5:33 am
McFUMBLE he he he he he
(23 fumbles in 2 years)
Tell me guys… What’s wrong with that picture?!?!?!
How can you so easily expect explosiveness to translate well into a drive killing fumble???
And please don’t be fooled, Mr McFAD-den will give us EXACTLY that, An explosive back with weak ankles and butter for fingers…
Remeber this name people Mc FUMBLE because it will be the chant all of the haters will yell at us every time he drops the rock.
I don’t know I could be wrong… BUT I don’t think so!!!
RAIDER NATION,
Can-You-Feeeeel-It!!!!
April 22nd, 2008 at 5:35 am
moss hater:
Al & the CHEF’s will NEVER deal with each other so forget about allen…
It would be awsome but even Al couldn’t pull that one off…
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:11 am
I’ll be glad when the draft is over and we don’t have to hear McFadden outta Dakota’s mouth anymore.
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:21 am
The reason Peterson fell to the 7th spot is because of his injury the year before. How many games has McFadden missed due to injury?
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:22 am
Raiders go WR.
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:30 am
Casper Says:
How many games has McFadden missed due to injury?
Yeah, if he did he would have fumbled twice.
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:39 am
Most of his fumbles came from returning kicks and punts’ and thanks for completely ignoring the question you copied and pasted.
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:40 am
He will not be returning kicks in the NFL.
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:42 am
He won’t return kicks for the Raiders.
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:44 am
Ok AL, thanks for the heads up… So who do we take then?
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:57 am
Hey CASPER,Adrian Peterson got busy at the NFL COMBINE last year that really showed how much he was injured.If he did all that at the combine and he was injured, man imagined if he wasn’t injured?Face it D-mac is just a skinny version of Ron Dayne a straight ahead running back who had gapping holes to run through in college.
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:58 am
You can’t call me Al. But to answer your question:
How many games has McFadden missed due to injury?
The answer is:
Don’t know, Don’t care.
He will not be drafted by the Raiders. That kind of pick is like taking another QB. Picking another RB when there are so many other desperate needs on both sides of the ball would confirm Al Davis is the mush head the Mediots keep thinking he is. That’s why there are so many people thinking this is his pick. If it was an outstanding CB I might waver but Al will pull every string & draft C Long, if not then Gholston is the pick. Sorry if my opinion offends you.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:02 am
Jon Clayton said on Mike n Mike this morning that as of yesterday, McFadden has the votes over Long and Gholsten in the Raiders’ war room.
However, he says that Al is the wild card because no one knows what he will do.
Clayton still believes McFadden will be the pick at 4.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:03 am
Bank, What I said was true. Everyone talked about him being injury prone in two years in college. His freshman year was the only year he did not get hurt.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:04 am
“The answer is:
Don’t know, Don’t care.
He will not be drafted by the Raiders.”
Glad to see that we have an expert on this forum. To bad you do not get paid for your opinions.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:11 am
4 days only 4 daze
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:12 am
Hobs Gnarly Says:
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:11 am
I’ll be glad when the draft is over and we don’t have to hear McFadden outta Dakota’s mouth anymore.
______________________________________________________
Oh, you’ll still hear me utter his name. If we take him I will be gloating. If we don’t take him I will be lamenting.
McFaddenMcFaddenMcFadden
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:13 am
Casper Says:
Glad to see that we have an expert on this forum. To bad you do not get paid for your opinions.
Actually, when Al picks C Long I will get paid. I have a wage of an authentic C Long jersey with someone on this blog. He will get a McFaddy jersey if Al picks him. So I have more on the line with my opinion than most.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:16 am
We will take the best in the draft and that is no other than McFadden. Why? because I have been praying for another big time running back since Bo Jackson went down aginst the Bengals. I am sure God will answer my prayers one day soon and I hope it is this weekend. : ) Silver and Black Attack. McFadden and Bush in a twin backfield package, J-Russ Duce at the QB position slinging the ball down field. Bring in Culpeper to back up J-Russ Duce. The threat of a running game can help the passing game and you don’t need the biggest lineman in the draft to work in Cables system. They have to be quick to cut block and pass protect. Trade away Rhodes, Fabian Washington, Andrew Walters, definately Lamont Jordan for draft picks. Fargas will not have to labor getting hurt and missing half a season , which will keep him up as well. Take the Home Run hitter D-Mac.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:18 am
TW Nothing wrong with Long but I think we have seen his ceiling. I see him as being average at best in the NFL. Of course that is just an opinion.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:18 am
M, LMN, Memo…
Where the heck are you guys?
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:27 am
Opinions are funny, 3wks ago C Long was out of reach because he would be gone by the 4th. BUT McF was “the best player in the draft” hands down (no contradiction there). Now C Long is dropping but we won’t get him because McFaddy will still be there. My wage & opinion is based soley on what Al Davis will do & he won’t draft a 6th RB with the 4th pick. Who did you think Al would draft last yr? The press said “he couldn’t pass up the best WR ever!!!”
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:35 am
My only fear is C. Long and Gholston will be available at 4. Whomever the Raiders take(which would be C. Long) would mean KC would have the other DE available to them to replace Allen. I don’t want to see Gholston in Red comming after Russell’s blind side twice a year for the next 10 years. It’s Derrick Thomas all over again.
I don’t think Atlanta would take C. Long at 3. Gholston is more of a system fit as a 3-4 guy while Long, who can play 3-4 is better suited as a 4-3 guy.
If Miami can’t get a deal done with J. Long, that knocks Gholston and Ryan out of the running, as well due to have the same agent.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:36 am
TW lol Sat. will be fun…
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:37 am
TW,
So because we have 4 Ford Tauruses and 1 slightly damaged F-150, we should pass up on getting a Mercedes?
Al, if Chris Long is gone…DRAFT MCFADDEN!
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:39 am
You should buy some tires FORGODSSAKE!!! LOL
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:44 am
Too bad the available tires don’t fit the vehicle. Gholston, Dorsey, Ellis…they don’t fit.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:45 am
Jerry’s pick is short-sighted…one needs to look a couple of years out. I would rather have a superstar-to-be at a non-need position than an underachiever at a position of need.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:45 am
Gholston is the only one I really hope we do not get.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:48 am
Al will draft McFadden in 08. The only other running back with his type of talent may be Bennie Wells of OSU coming out next year. Strong runner fast but I don’t think D-Mac fast but he can go. Now if Al thinks his team is going to only get 3-4 wins this year then he should draft Gholston this year and wait for his team mate next year. Why Gholston over Long? He has an upside, Long what you see is what you get. I am just not sold on his film.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:51 am
The biggest need for those Tauruses to be sucessful would be brakes (def. line) then you need tires so they will drive at all (Off. line) then you need a good GPS system(WRs) or you can’t drive down field.
I just think the driver (Al) believes his slightly damaged F-150 is more of a BMW & would love to drive it up the NFL’s tail pipe. Meanwhile Kiffen is driving Mr Davis if you get my meaning.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:54 am
don’t get it we got J richardson already, and Gholston played behind him for 3 years and never could beat him out for that spot. I could live with if you said Ellis, but McFadden sits #1 on most teams board. FAct is if Dorsey and C Long are gone, need to go w/ McFadden.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:54 am
Howie Long was a great football player, one of my favorite Raiders of all time! He was more than just consistant, he dominated!
Say what you want about his boy, but Howie was a monster!
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:56 am
Ideal situation would be Miami - Gholston, Rams - J. Long, Atl - Dorsey, Oak - C. Long.
I had a dream last night this was the order and Oakland spent 3 seconds on their turn to draft C. Long. The best part about that dream is KC wasn’t prepared to start their 10 minutes so quick and made a hasty, bad choice at 5.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:58 am
Dakota only if you say please on your knees.
STOP BEGGING, If you mugs think he’s so good you have no worries, but all you do is beg. What’s wrong with that picture.
The kid is talented and if used right can be very effective. But I just think with Bush and Fargas which the pronosticators never factor in I just don’t see him here. If he were a WR I could gaurantee you he would be the pick.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:01 am
If the F-150 (Bush) is really a BMW, it is a BMW that has been rusting away up on blocks for 2 years because Al didn’t want to throw away his Taurus with the bad transmission (LJ) because he was afraid that one of his neighbors (Broncos or Chiefs) would buy it and drive it by his house twice a year…strange way to handle your cars if you ask me.
The other Tauruses include one that could be impounded for a year if it crosses the double yellow line again (Rhodes) and one that has a bad U-Joint and is totally unreliable over the long-run (Fargas). The other Taurus is unproven (Joe).
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:06 am
John D
You make a good point, I never thought about that. I watched the Bucks for the last three or four years and there were games where Gholston was non-existent. Now with this being said, his build is freakish man. Very Hulk like on the line. He looks like a monster even from the stands. His speed and strength give him some upside but not at LB/OL, that is not his game. He is a defensive end straight bull rush. Id you try to switch him all around like Brayton that is what you are going to get another Brayton. There were a number of games like Kent State where he was just non-existent and aginst Florida the speed killed him and the whole team.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:06 am
John D
You make a good point, I never thought about that. I watched the Bucks for the last three or four years and there were games where Gholston was non-existent. Now with this being said, his build is freakish man. Very Hulk like on the line. He looks like a monster even from the stands. His speed and strength give him some upside but not at LB/OL, that is not his game. He is a defensive end straight bull rush. Id you try to switch him all around like Brayton that is what you are going to get another Brayton. There were a number of games like Kent State where he was just non-existent and aginst Florida the speed killed he and the whole team.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:06 am
BHP,
This is not begging, it is an attempt to enlighten you non-believers in the truth. Just trying to soften next Saturday’s blow for all you wanna-be football experts who doubt McFadden’s abilities despite all of the evidence to the contrary.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:07 am
Contracts are going to be harder and harder to get done for these high draft picks. Rookies are going to want more guarenteed money over the first 3 years due to the potential lock-out looming.
Next year will be even harder to get people signed.
Oakdell asked me to enlighten him on how it would be possible for the Raiders to trade up to 2 to get C. Long from the Rams.
I could see the Raiders make the trade up to get C. Long and offer up a high draft pick next year, like their number 1, or the number 3 and one of our players this year, like Washington to ensure we get C. Long.
I’m not saying this is the right or wrong move to make, I just get the feeling Al will not allow C. Long to be wearing anything but silver and black. Just a hunch.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:10 am
Ryan,
If Al Davis makes that trade he should be tarred and feathered.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:11 am
Ryan Says:
The best part about that dream is KC wasn’t prepared to start their 10 minutes so quick and made a hasty, bad choice at 5.
—So you mean they drafted McFaddy. lol
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:14 am
This should put an end to all the TRADE FOR CJ talk on this board. If the Bungholes refused this offer, they certainly are not going to take what some of you have suggested in here.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3358557
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:14 am
ENLIGHTEN!!!, you couldn’t me you had. Well skip that but dude we’ve all seen the kid no need. He’s a change of pace back especially with Bush.
Funny thing when I was watching the So. Carolina game the Gamecocks’ Cory Boyd is an NFL type feature back very physical tough pile driving capable of carying an offense. That’s an NFL HB, DMC is just a large sized scat back. Which has it’s merits if you have your main guy. DMC has a chance and we’ll see what happens.
But forget the enlightened/begging crap, let it happen.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:17 am
BHP says “…you couldn’t me you had…”
Did I finally make you stroke out BHP? Sorry dude.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:17 am
It would behoove us all to hunker down and roll with AD’s punches on Saturday because just like Mrs. Gump told Forrest,the same is true with AD, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you don’t know what you are going to get”
I still hope we trade down to get the tackles we need.
If AD does draft DMc then I have great expectations that KIffin will use this wonderful talent in multiple set formations, spreading him out at times at WR and definitely throwing to him a lot. Anything to get him the ball past the LBs.
I see us carrying 4 RBs but where do we get our backup QBs? Do we keep Walter? If so what the heck was last year all about? He is just now getting all the splinters out of his arss.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:22 am
Bro. I was just trying to stay cool. what I would’ve said would not have been nice, shall we say.
Anyway Adios!! talk to you after the draft
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:25 am
Dakota,
163, too funny!
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:25 am
I would love to see Dorsey in Silver n Black
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:30 am
Oh yeah, and if LO keeps it up, you might be right, Buss just might pay everybody. I wonder if LO will take the hometown discount.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:32 am
Dorsey, McFadden, J. Long, and Ellis.
These 4 players will make their future employers VERY happy.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:33 am
Dakota,
too much synchronicity!!
I pull up the Denver post & read this:
Denver needs to make some noise.
So take a running back. Make it Stewart. He’s built like a Hummer. He’s a load.
Or, if your preference runs more to a Mack truck with a Ferrari gearbox, then the rock-carrier for the Broncos is Rashard Mendenhall of Illinois.
Ignore what draft geeks are telling Denver to do.
Take a running back.
The only advantage Shanahan has is he can look both ways before pulling out without turning his head.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:40 am
Ryan and Oakdell why would you do that? Do you think Chris Long not the legendary Howie Long was that dominant outide of his name sake to move up to #2 and give up a draft pick next year when we are already short draft picks to take a 32 with all the potental that will still be there to take care of major needs. I don’t think so, come on wake up man!!!!!
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:42 am
Dont trade Washington we will probs only get a low 3 to be honest and its unlikely that we will be able to draft anybody as good as Washington that late on. If its cap room that were lookin to free up then fair enough but is not worth the draft picks.
Draft defense
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:48 am
Nothing new on the web about us, so kill time with this article.
A free agent wrap-up from Anthony Carroll at realfootball365.com:
“8. William Joseph, DT, signed from New York Giants:
Sure, Joseph could become the Derrick Burgess of the Raiders’ defensive tackle lineup. After all, he was a first-round pick in 2003. But the 308-pounder sat out all last season, and hasn’t put up the numbers anyone expected in the four years he was on the field. The 28-year-old has never recorded more than two sacks or 25 tackles in a single season.
7. John Wade, C, signed from Tampa Bay:
The signing of the 33-year-old Wade indicates the likely departure of veteran center Jeremy Newberry. If and when Newberry officially leaves, this signing will certainly become more significant. Only the 28-year-old Jake Grove and second-year lineman Chris Morris could then be considered viable starters at the center spot, neither of whom Oakland can afford to have snapping the ball to an inexperienced JaMarcus Russell.
6. Kalimba Edwards, DE, signed from Detroit:
The former second-rounder hasn’t worn any other jersey in the NFL outside of a Detroit Lions’ one. So if the six years spent in Detroit hasn’t rubbed off on him too much, Oakland may have found a steal here. The 265-pound end has played in 87 career games with 160 tackles and 26 sacks, with a career-high seven QB takedowns in 2005. Burgess is searching for a sidekick, and Edwards could become it.
5. Drew Carter, WR, signed from Carolina:
After a painful half-year with Mike Williams taking over the slot duties in 2007, Oakland wanted to make sure a similar episode didn’t occur in ‘08. Williams had seven catches in six games with the Raiders last season, which isn’t so surprising, considering he had eight receptions in all of 2006. Carter, though, put up a career year with Carolina last season, grabbing 38 balls for 517 yards and four TDs. At 6-foot-3, he’ll be a nice outlet for Russell to look to next season.
4. DeAngelo Hall, CB, trade from Atlanta:
If the Raiders hadn’t spent four first-day picks on defensive backs over the past four years, the addition of Hall would look better on paper. Still, bringing the 200-pounder to Oakland completes perhaps the best cornerback lineup in the NFL.
Fabian Washington and Stanford Routt — the team’s two backup CBs — would start on many NFL rosters. Instead, Asomugha and Hall — two Pro Bowlers — will be the top guys in Oakland next year.
3. Kwame Harris, OT, signed from San Francisco:
If Russell doesn’t want to spend his first full year as a starter on the run, he’d better hope for a reliable left tackle. With longtime Raider Barry Sims out the door, however, Oakland has a major hole to fill, and the 26-year-old Harris is the top option.
At this point, in fact, he may be the only option. The former first-round pick has started in 44 games over the past five years, and the Raiders will likely need another 16 of those in 2008.
2. Javon Walker, WR, signed from Denver:
With Jerry Porter’s departure and a very limited pool of free-agent wide receivers to work with this offseason, Oakland executed a major deal by locking Walker up long term. The 6-3 pass catcher will instantly become the Raiders’ No. 1 wide receiver, hopefully making both Russell’s and fellow WR Ronald Curry’s job a bit easier.
The Raiders haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver on the roster since Randy Moss left; this time, Al Davis is hoping things turn out a little better, though.
1. Gibril Wilson, S, signed from N.Y. Giants:
Oakland’s first signing of the offseason may turn out to be the best. The 26-year-old safety, who earned a Super Bowl ring with the Giants last season, will be as much of an asset to the team’s pass defense as to the run ‘D’.
The 209-pounder, with 294 solo tackles in four years, has more than any other safety in that 64-game span. In total, Wilson has registered 360 career tackles, six sacks, 19 passes defensed and 11 interceptions. He’s also started in every game but one that he’s played in, and is coming off a career-high four-interception season in 2007. DeAngelo Hall will dominate in jersey sales, but it’ll be Wilson whose jersey shows up most on Sundays.”
Anthony Carroll, realfootball365.com
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:49 am
Who is Oakdell?.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:54 am
Thanks Bob,
Gibril sounds like the real deal. I didn’t know he has more tacles than any other safety in this 64-game span. Wilson has 360 career tackles?? Give Stu 6 more yrs(prefferably on another team) & he’ll reach that.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:00 am
Wilson’s ability to tackle should cut down on the number of long runs against us, and Hall’s ability to tackle (70 tackles last year) should cut down on some of the outside runs. Our numbers against the run should be much improved next year. Now, if Kelly is as great as RR thinks, and Turd can play like he did in 2006, our run defense will no longer be our Achilles heel.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:13 am
Oh, I almost fogot we need to trade Stuart as well for draft picks. I am tired of watching him get burned every season. Stuart and Lamont Jordan are the biggest let downs on the roster for me right now.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:18 am
Ryan
Let me part the two of us or as they saw our differences.
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Bob Marley Says:
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:49 am
Who is Oakdell?.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$RyRyan Says:
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:07 am
Contracts are going to be harder and harder to get done for these high draft picks. Rookies are going to want more guarenteed money over the first 3 years due to the potential lock-out looming.
Next year will be even harder to get people signed.
Oakdell asked me to enlighten him on how it would be possible for the Raiders to trade up to 2 to get C. Long from the Rams.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Ryan thanks for your comments and appreciate your thoughts on the draft.
OakGlenn is a much smarter fotball person than I, he has the GM smarts and the astute ability to look at football players with a keen eye toward productivity and their relationship to the team.
He is vey bright, and straight forward and definetly has his bias towards players he likes to fit a type of player he likes.
I appreciate his comments and Raider knowledge of history as well as his passionate place on this blog.
He may be disliked for various reasons, and stands his ground on many occasions but you can’t change his beliefs about players or Raider history.
I on the other hand possess no GM smarts, I would place myself as the Vice President of football operations, I like numbers and the idea of balance of young and older players working together.
I don’t follow college players, and I only focus in on our team the Raiders.
My common sense approach to football is to look at the team as a organization and an entertainment product to
find the players we would enjoy being ourselves.
My football sense is less X and O’s but more of knowing just enough to understand what makes a great team.
I love history and the facts of the story they tell.
Football is history and how organizations are built vary, but one concept is true and will always be, players become great with hard work, dedication and teams drafting great players, coaching helps but has never made some one great it has to be inside you or the will to succeed.
The bloggers stand tall and always will in my mind, some of these folks I will never meet, but I know they are Raider fans for life and love.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:22 am
What up NATION bretheren?
J Long, Off the Board. will be signed before the draft.
Personally I was scsared of J. Long potentially playing at LT.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:28 am
BM…our biggest need on the Raiders is at LT period. “Turnstile” Harris was a pretty good run blocker but he cannot pass block very well. The same is true with Gallery and with both of them on the left side, the left side of the line becomes a sieve. Over the course of the season “Turnstile” will likely get JR hurt.
From what I have seen, the ZBS works well with the run blocking but not with the pass blocking if you don’t measure up to a minimum standard in pass blocking dept.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:44 am
dakota that emmitt mock draft was hilarious.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:46 am
does anyone know who are courting the falcons 4 the 3rd overall pick?
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:47 am
Honestly not sure what we will be. In my opinion we would be run first. ZBS works great so far, should improve, i expect raiders will be top 3 in rushing yards. With DMAC/MBUSH in the ZBS we will be 1 in rushing IMHO.
Does this translate to Playoffs or SB, who knows at this point. what i will say it does make us a lot less predictable.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:52 am
97 hours 6 mins.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:53 am
Its official J.long to Fins.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:54 am
Ted Sundquist, the former Broncos “GM” up until about a month ago wrote a column for espn.com about Draft preparations, he also talked about the Division he used to work in:
“With his unique perspective, Sundquist sizes up the first-round priorities for every AFC West team.
Oakland, No. 4 pick:
“Oakland took care of a lot of its needs in free agency. The Raiders have needs on both lines, but you got to remember in Oakland, Al Davis is making the call