DeAngelo Hall Q&A
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, April 24th, 2008 at 9:33 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Cornerback DeAngelo Hall’s session Thursday with the Bay Area media:
Q: (Hall is wearing No. 23). Is that your new number?
Hall: Yep. That’s the number. New and improved. Numbers don’t mean a whole lot. Came out here for a new start so thought it’d be fitting to get a new number, too.
Q: Were you sure the Falcons were going to trade you?
Hall:You know what, for a long time it was kind of up in the air. I made it known that I definitely wanted another contract. They were just kind of going back and forth with the idea of going back and forth. For me, the thinking was if you have a franchise player, 24 years old, why wouldn’t you go ahead and lock him up and secure him? When they had a whole lot of doubt in their mind, that kind of let me know that maybe I wasn’t in their plans for the future. That was fine with me, I understand the business part of the game. I just wanted a quick fast resolution to the situation. That’s why I was at the Combine. They even arranged for a couple visits with teams while I was at the Combine. That’s when I kind of knew something was going to happen.
Q: Did you definitely want to go to a winner?
Hall: My whole thinking behind getting out of Atlanta was just going somewhere where I was wanted. When I was there, early on, I felt wanted. I felt like it was a good fit. My rookie year we played in the NFC Championship game. We had a lot of success early. After coach Mora left they brought in coach Petrino and things kind of went downhill from there. The situation there wasn’t so bad. It began to get bad as the offseason came about and they were releasing a lot of the veteran players and a lot of the guys who made a lot of plays for that team over the last couple of years. You could just kind of see the changing of the guard. With (G.M.) Thomas (Dimitroff) getting there, the new GM, you could just kind of see the mold he wanted in a player. A lot of us didn’t fit that mold, which is cool, which is fine. The whole thought behind coming out here was obviously teaming up with Nnamdi, Stanford, once Gibril signed, Mike Huff, Stuart, it was kind of a no-brainer. To be part of a secondary like that would just be amazing. It would be fun. I had a lot of teams that wanted me that were contenders. The Giants were up in there. Jacksonville was up in there. Did that play a part in my final decision? Not really. I feel like the moves this team has made opposed to the moves the Falcons have made, I feel like we’re light years ahead of them right now. That still doesn’t translate to wins. We gotta get out there on the field and get wins.
Q: Was it up to you to close this deal?
Hall: Not really. They tried to big-time me the whole time. They didn’t give me permission to seek a trade. They were kind of hands-on, talking to teams, telling them what they wanted. Once they got their side of the deal worked out then it was up to me to meet with the Giants to try to get something done or meet with Jacksonville, Washington, Dallas, to try to get something done. I just couldn’t get anything done with those teams.
Q: Any reservations about coming here with the coaching situation?
Hall: Not really because I had a chance to talk to Lane. I know him and I know his dad real well. Had a chance to talk to some of the players here and they never gave me the feel as though there was something bad going on. You can ask anybody last year who was a part of our organization, I think everybody knew what was going on. Even from the other coaches. Even the media knew what was going on. Here it’s a lot of speculation, he said, she said. But behind closed doors I don’t see a problem at all.
Q: Do the Raiders fit your personality?
Hall: Definitely does. This organization is built on so much tradition and so much honor. It’s just an honor to put it on, a honor to put on the silver and black and just come out here and compete every day. When I come here I don’t feel like I’m the lone star here to try to save everything. I’m teamed up with another great corner in Nnamdi. Stanford (Routt), God the kid can play himself, too. I feel like I have guys around me that all I have to do is just go in and do my part. I don’t have to go in and try to follow this guy around for the whole game or what I’ve been doing ever since I was 20 years old, 19 years old.
Q: Does the defensive style, primarily man-to-man, fit you?
Hall: Obviously it does. When your D-coordinator tells you just to go out there and check your guy, I think any great corner loves to hear that. There’s no gray line anywhere. It’s just go out and get your guy, period. However you want to get him, it don’t matter. Just get him. That definitely holds well with me because I can go out and attack a receiver, play off of him, and I can mix it up. It’s going to be fun. I’ve been kind of handcuffed last year as far as what I could do and how I could do it. Just to get here and be able to let my hair down and have fun, it’s going to be amazing.
Q: Have you been able to see any kind of leadership structure in Oakland?
Hall: A little bit. I actually saw Warren Sapp down in Atlanta a couple weeks ago and I was begging him to try to come back out for one more. I told the big fella, ‘I just need one more out of you.’ This team is young but definitely has some leaders. There’s some older guys here who definitely know how to play football. The offseason isn’t over yet. Hopefully we can bring in a couple more guys and get a couple more pieces solidified. I feel like this team is primed and ready to go. We are young but at the same time just because you’re young it’s not an excuse to lose games.
Q: What kind of role do you see yourself in terms of leadership?
Hall: I don’t want to come in and step on toes. I think everybody when they see someone come in with a big contract they expect the guy to be overzealous and just push himself into the door. I’m not like that. No matter what people might say about me, I’m not like that off the field. On the field I definitely can get a little scrappy at times but off the field I’m just as laid back as the next guy. I take whatever responsibilities are thrown toward me but you won’t see me fighting with anybody trying to break down huddles and things like that. I’m here to try to win ballgames and get the Raiders back to where they were.
Q: What did Warren tell you?
Hall: He started laughing at me but we exchanged phone numbers. I’m going to still be in his ear a little bit.
Q: Think Greg Knapp, Tom Cable or Justin Griffith, former Atlanta guys, had anything to do with telling the Raiders about you?
Hall: I think so. Knapp definitely knows the kind of player I am. He was there with me the first three years in Atlanta. Cable was there only one year. But Knapp definitely was around me from day one, from the time they were in the draft room talking about me until me making back to back Pro Bowls. So I know Knapp definitely knows a lot about me. Hopefully he doesn’t try to throw me on offense like they did in Atlanta.
Q: Is it important to you that the Raiders lock Nnamdi up?
Hall: Real important. I don’t want to get into contract talks but real important. That was part of the formula that brought me out here was being able to team up with him for a long time to come.
Q: Are you guys the best cornerback tandem in the league?
Hall: Hands down. Champ and Dre will attest to that too. I talk to them all the time so they’ll definitely tell you me and Nnamdi, we’ve got them beat.
Q: Have you talked to Nnamdi?
Hall: I have. I talked to him on the phone several times. My old DB coach at Virginia Tech, Lorenzo Ward, was actually out here the year that the Raiders were number one in pass defense so I had a chance to talk to him several times.
Q: Which game you looking forward to more, Atlanta or Carolina?
Hall: Oh man. Probably Atlanta. Me and Steve (Smith) obviously have a little tumultuous relationship but I love the guy to death. Me and him were at the combine together during the advisory committee with the commissioner. We talked, had lunch together. I don’t have a problem with Steve. On the field me and him get a little riled up but that’s just the game. That’s part of the game, part of the emotions. It’s probably what makes great players great. But Atlanta’s definitely one that I’m going to have circled. I trained a lot of those young guys, the receiving corps. So I can’t wait to get on the field with those guys and see if they’ve got a little better.
Q: Describe your meeting with Al Davis?
Hall: It was good. Very interesting. The first time I flew out here, I did the physical and did a couple things here. My agents were here with me. Really didn’t get a whole lot done. Then I think a couple days later they flew me back out and I just sat down and talked with him for about five or six hours, just in the room locked upstairs conversating about everything from football, where I grew up at. The guy’s just a sponge. He knows everything. He was shouting out high school stats and guys who graduated from my high school in 1980 when I wasn’t even born yet. It was just amazing.
Q: Important for you to get a pass rush for the secondary?
Hall: It’s big. Any time you have a pass rush it definitely covers up your secondary. I don’t think necessarily we need to be covered up. I feel like we can go out there and hold our own against anybody. I think we pretty much solidified the defense. I think it’s time to go out there and get more weapons on offense, help JaMarcus come into his own. Whichever road they take, it wouldn’t bother me one way or the other. If we get more weapons on defense, good. If we get some more on offense that’s even better. Whichever road they go down will be fine for us.
Q: Do you consider youself an all-around corner who can defend the run?
Hall: I do see myself as an all-around corner. By saying that, I’m not a safety though. I’m not a linebacker. I’m not going to be a guy that gets you 150 tackles a year. I’m not a linebacker in that sense but I am a guy, if you need a tackle on the edge, I am capable of coming up to make that tackle. I do feel like I can do that. But just being around a lot of the guys I don’t know how that’s a problem, stopping the run. We’re going to definitely get that fixed. We’ll be able to put a couple more down in the box. Definitely put Gibril down there, take Mike Huff and throw him back where he needs to be in the free, let him roam around a little bit.
Q: Do you want to return punts?
Hall: Want and I guess have to is two different things. I don’t know if I’m going to have to but I always want to. Even in Atlanta I wanted to but they didn’t want me to get hurt or this and that so they kind of kept me away from the action. I’m definitely looking forward to doing what they need me to do, whatever they allow me to do.
Q: How closely did you follow JaMarcus in college?
Hall: Didn’t follow him a whole lot in college. Started to watch him a lot when he was coming out for the draft. I love watching guys come out for the draft, watching guys rise to the occasion. I got a chance to follow him there. Didn’t really get to follow him last season when he got to play here but just looking at him, man, he has all the intangibles. The way he throws the ball. I can’t wait to get out on the field and try to break on a route, to try to compare his ball speed versus Mike’s (Vick) ball speed. Mike was a guy who no matter if you were breaking on that ball he still found a way to squeeze it in. I think JaMarcus has that same kind of arm strength, to just be able to throw balls into tight places.
Q: Are you in communication with Vick?
Hall: I haven’t talked to him in a while. I can contact him if I need to or if I want to. I haven’t talked to him in a while.
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April 24th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Thanks again, Jerry (and thanks to the Raiders orgainzation) for these insightful pre-draft reports.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
What are the latest wild blog rumors on who we are going to select?
I miss a day and a half and I feel lost!
April 24th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
I’m hearing a trade with the Jets is highly possible.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Dakota - The truth is…Kiffin isn’t going to draft McFadden. You left for a day and a half and missed the biggest news of all.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Doesnt matter what D-Hall is going to do,…Kwame Harris is going to be the player who will keep the Raiders from succeeding..hes a bum,..this sucks…Jake Long would sure look good protecting Russell…the seasons over.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Huff, You exaggerating, or mis-interpreted. Kiffin didnt say that at all.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Oh man Jerry is busy tonight, he must be getting warmed-up for the weekend.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Ice - I know nothing about James Hardy. I’m sorry. My question is…do we draft a WR or another position of need? I would draft an Offensive Lineman in the 2nd round if we had one because I think we need one. Maybe an OLB?
April 24th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Thec - I thought you went to bed?
April 24th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Bob Marley Says:
April 24th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Dakota
BHP, Terrapin and Huff24 are now in love with McFadden.
_________________________________________________
I knew they would come around!
April 24th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Dakota - You know nothing. =). That was obviously a rumored conjured up by some guy named Bob Marley. He was probably high at the time. lol.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Kwame Harris is Tom Cable’s Rich Gannon. We all said WTF when Gruden signed Gannon and he turned into a Pro Bowler. Who knows?
April 24th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Well, Hall answered some questions.
1. He didn’t mention Fabian = Fabian is gone.
2. Huff is moving to FS.
3. Al Davis is still crazy, spewing out useless crap about Hall’s high school.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
I was pissed when we got Gannon…I should have turned in my wanna be GM card the day Gannon won MVP.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
thats a nice angle Huff, hope you’re right. Cable will be up for sainthood if he is successful at this reclamation project
April 24th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
I did notice Kiffin admitted:
1. Kelly is going to play 3 tech; and
2. Dorsey is a 3 tech.
Hmmmm, sounds oddly familiar…
April 24th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
A year ago, I had been amazed by the ease with which JaMarcus Russell threw the rock around the field in the bowl game against Notre Dame. But I was freaked by reports that he showed up overweight at the combine, worried that this might translate into a lack of dedication to the arduous study required to succeed as an NFL quarterback.
What a joy to read Kiffin’s report of J-Russ’ obvious determination to earn the respect of his teammates, the organization, and the Nation. We know he has the ability. To see him demonstrate the work ethic needed not just to perform, but to lead, is exhilarating.
The other aspect of Kiffin’s comments is the demonstration that he is firmly in place as our head coach. This is essential to our success, and I’m thrilled to see it. At several points last season, Kiffin showed his guts as a play-caller. Now he has shown himself to be a man by keeping focus on his job after going a couple rounds with Al Davis, and I expect that AD respects that big time.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Dakota,
you should also add to that list:
4. Nhamdi is here to stay.
Sounds to me like contract talks are in the works to, I hope it gets hammered out before the season starts.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
yo Bart, that too
April 24th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
We better not trade down if Chris Long is available…he WILL go to the Chiefs and haunt us for 13 years.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Four quality CBs are not too much in this league. I heard a stat that teams played three CBs (nickle?) 68 percent of the time. Add a fourth for dime/injury. Bottom line: don’t dump Washington (or Routt) on the cheap.
Quality depth at CB could change the risk analysis in favor of letting Hall return punts. If Dominic Rhodes handles kick-offs, our return teams could be electric.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
we have two linebackaer that can cover really well, washungton is expendable
April 24th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Go Rockets…extend that series!
April 24th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
Dakota: I agree with your comment on Chris Long, although I could certainly understand taking Dorsey (who will not fall to us anyway) or Gholston.
Interesting to note Kiffin’s reference to C. Long ability to play linebacker “inside.” With his motor, you could see his playing a rover like Ted (the Mad Stork) Hendricks. Put Morrison outside (a more natural position for Morrison with his speed). Let C. Long rove the middle. I could see a three-man front on 3rd and long where - surprise - C. Long moves up and drops down to a three-point stance to rush from the inside.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Dakota - You also forgot to mention that Dorsey is capable of playing the nose. Did that sound oddly familiar?
Kiffin
“Kiffin said LSU tackle Glenn Dorsey, who most figure will be gone by the time the Raiders pick to either St. Louis or Atlanta, is probably better suited to a three-technique but is capable of playing the nose.”
April 24th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Here’s my top 6 prediction(s)
1. MIA Long
2. STL Dorsey
3. ATL Ryan
4. OAK McFadden
5. KC Long
6. NYJ Gholston
or
1. MIA Long
2. STL Long
3. ATL Dorsey
4. OAK McFadden
5. KC Gholston
6. NYJ Fans pissed off
April 24th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
you spoke too soon about the rockets
April 24th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
T-Mac is a fool, how can you get an offensive foul like that? What a f-ing loser. Snatching defeat out of the jaws of victory!
April 24th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Dakota - Will Chris Long haunt us for 13 years with the great and revitalized Tom Cable taught Kwame Harris at LT? lol.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Huff,
You hear what you want to, so do I. I heard Dorsey is a three tech, and might be able to play NT, but that would not be his best position, which means we are not going to pick him (or Ellis for that matter) to play out of position.
Don’t be mad because Kiffin came in and verified what I have been saying for months.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Dakota
Stay calm, don’t get banned before the draft, I want you on the blog when DMAC is not picked, just a little advice.
Bring it on, Saturday.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Who the eff cares about the Rockets?
April 24th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Huff,
C. Long v. Harris = disaster for Oaktown, lol.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Dakota
Ellis was never mentioned, looks like it will be Ellis, as our pick, unless there is a trade.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
There is no way we pick Glenn Dorsey, Kiffin is just hyping him up to entice NO to trade up.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Dakota - I’m not mad at all…just making sure you caught all the points and not just the points you wanted to hear. Don’t get defensive.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Al likes the elite athletes, its between DMAC and Gholston and he’s going DMAC.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Dell,
Ellis? Ellis?
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Where are we trading Kelly then? They play the same position.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Dakota - You yelled right off the blog. Damn.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Huff24 As I said before I don’t think AL will let KC get C.Long if he is on the board. What I think Al will do if we get a 2nd round pick is Ol or Ilb and move Morrison to Outside. Hopefully the Lb is a run stopper.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Crack-baby T-Mac’s mental lapse didn’t cost them the game…whew.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
J.long = Gallery
April 24th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Huff, that was my Darth Vader impression…
April 24th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Its interesting that the Raiders, specifically Lane Kiffin never mentions Sedrick Ellis ever, even though he dominated the senior bowl that Kiffin coached, was probably recruited by Kiffin, and seems like a good fit as a 3-4/4-3 hybrid DT. Why didnt any of these reporters ask him?
April 24th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Dakota - Ah. Gotcha. Great movies.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Cuz the reporters that cover the Raiders are dumb.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
BART - Thats why Kiffin never mentioned Ellis…the reporters never asked. Simple.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Yes, you too Jerry…Mr. Gholston mock drafter, lol.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Now i amasleep huff!!!
April 24th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Thec - No you’re not. You’re waiting for my response. lol.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Dakota
Ellis can play NT, he was worked out by many teams as a potential NT, he has the bulk and strength for the NT position, not a three technique.
Dakota let’s wait till Saturday, I will give you many props, if DMAC is chosen, if they don’t it will be endless talk your way.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Now you may go to rest. And rest you may.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
I dont know that seems like a no-brainer question for these sappy reporters, they love that human interest stuff.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Al doesn’t care if KC gets Long if he deems McFadden or Gholston better, this is about football not nostalgic family ties.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Trust me Dell, it will be Chris Long or McFadden, no doubt about it.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Dakota
Trust me, sounds like the IRS Agent I spoke to yesterday, now I’m worried.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
The funniest thing will be to watch the Raiders draft Darren McFadden, have all the McFadden loves say I told you so, only to watch McFadden get traded by the Raiders for more draft picks. That would be so sweet. The drama is alive.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
All in all, a very good day for us.
a).- We learned that Cable specifically recruited Harris to play LT for us, this means he believes he´s a fit and he has a plan for him.
“It’s a different way to evaluate people.” Said Kiffin today about ZBS OL prospects.
Let´s keep that in mind about Kwame Harris too, as well as the fact that he just turned 26 last month.
b).- DeAngelo Hall had a lot of interesting and positive stuff to say about the organization, Nnamdi´s future and his place in here.
c).- From Kiffin´s presser it´s evident he´s on top of things, working hard and getting ready for a big season next year. After everything that was said before, that´s gonna piss off plenty of people…..Lol.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Like when the dentist says, “Trust me, you will only feel a pinch.”
Lying friggin dentists.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
raiders2 Says: I don’t think Al would take that chance when we aready have speed rusher in Burgess. If C.Long is there Al will take him over Goltston.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Dakota
How was Denver?.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
The fact that DeAngelo Hall mentioned Stuart but never about Fabian spoke volumes. Schweigert won’t be traded but Washington will be.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Huff24 what do you think we could get for him?
April 24th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Bob
People will interpret what Kiffin said, like reading tea leaves, they will swerve around all the positive news and interpret it any way they want to.
Kiffin wore a red shirt , oh boy he is not wearing a Raider shield, he is leaving for Tampa or basketball coach for Stanford.
I can’t wait to see.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Bob,
It was fun. Cubs split with the Rockies. Exciting extra-innings game last night. Decent pitcher’s duel today (for Coor’s Field), so the game was quick and we got out of there by 3:30, so I was home at a decent hour. It was a good time.
It is kind of strange to be at an opponent’s stadium and see it dominated by the road team’s fans…Denver was a big Cub’s area (because of WGN or KWGN) before the Rockies came to town, so there is a huge following in Denver for the Cubs.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
RaiderDell - Crap…Kiffin was wearing a red shirt…on Christmas? Oh no…this must mean hes taking Nolans job with the 49ers at any moment.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Ice - I think we should be able to get a 2nd rounder for Washington because hes a former 1st round and has played well but his latest troubles and the fact that he was benched moves him into the 3rd round range so thats what I think he’ll go for.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Kiffin wore a red shirt? It means we are going to pass on Chris Long and the Chiefs will get him.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
GO LINCECUM! Barry Zito needs to go to the minors. Pathetic.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Anyone watch today’s Cubs game on WGN? I was on tv for a brief moment!
April 24th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Washington is not going to jail, so that helps his trade value.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Dakota - Why would anyone in their right mind watch a Cubs game? Why don’t we just jump in front of a bus or slit our wrists?
April 24th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Huff24 well at lest he will get us a good pick more then I can say L. Jordan or any other player we can trade unless we decide to trade Burgess. That would be a bad idea! He can still help us if he has the drive.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Dakota
Like in Ferris Beuhller’s day off?
April 24th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
I have had those thoughts myself Huff. Every Cub’s fan contemplates those actions once in a while.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Kirk - Goodell could decide his own punishment. Personally, Goodell should just pimp slap Washington for slapping his g/f.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Dell,
Exactly…except in Denver…and with my Dad and not my friend and a chick…so I guess, no, not at all like that Dell.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Nobody will trade for Jordan. He will be released after June 1st.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Dakota, why would you say that it is so wrong for a player of his caliber I would rather have him go to the falcons.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
So would I Ice, so would I.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Dakota
I just thought with your interesting dreams, that threesome, I thought you were with some chick.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Huff24 that is what he should get he has been a big waste of our time and will not be any better then he was with the Jets as a back-up.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Ok…I’m yawning way too much now. Peace out guys.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Dell Dell Dell,
You are obsessing on that dream! Focus on the draft man! FOCUS!
It WAS a nice dream though…mmmm
April 24th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Huff24
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
Peace
April 24th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Goodnight Cuddles (Huff).
April 24th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Dakota don’t be sad I still think McFadden is a good player but we will have to wait to see if he is are pick or not. Like I said before Al is unpredictible.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Peace out Huff24
April 24th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
We’d should of kept Q.Moses. Then Raiders wouldn’t have to draft for need in Chris Long. Moses would of been a top ten pick this year. JMO
April 24th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Huff, marry that woman already…you are not getting any younger, lol.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
OaktownRaider
We should of kept Alvis Whitted also, then we would have not needed Javon Walker.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I´m out as well, have a good night all.
And Dell….
Don´t forget to remind people who brought the Kwame Harris to the Raiders idea 2 months before he was signed…but only if he plays well, no need to bring it up if he sucks.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Exactly Dell, and we should have kept Aaron Brooks, then we could have passed on Russell and drafted Johnson last year!
April 24th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Bob
I will never forget, or tell if he sucks.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Dakota
We should of kept Simms and we wouldn’t have to read this blog entry about Harris.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
lol, night all
April 24th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Javon Walker is a walking hospital. The Raiders should of kept Whitted than overpay for Javon Walker. The guy is playing in his twilight of his career. We’d should drafted CJ last year.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Dakota later!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Night all, who’s left out there in cyberspace.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Oaktown Raiders so you say we should have gone CJ rather then JR. Who would throw to him?
April 24th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Hindsight … Russell is a Raider. We’d might as will root for him to succeed. I believe Walter is still a No.1 QB in this offensive system. We’d need to keep Walter in case Russell turn out to be a BUST.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Great interview with DH!
Even Champ and Dre concede that we have the best CB tandem??
Oh yeah, it’s ON Raider Nation!!
Sounds like Hall wants McFadden!!!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Oaktown Raiders I agree Walters can still be a good Qb if he has a line to block for him.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Walter would throw to CJ. For crying out loud, Kiffin benched Walter cause he did not fall on a fumble during last year pre-season game. I love Walter talent. He’s going to blossom with another team if not for the Raiders.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Weapons: Gholston, C. Long, vet WR, McFadden.
It doesn’t sound like Chris Williams or Clady is in the picture. If Cable is convinced that LT is solved with Harris, I am less convinced that we trade down unless we make a deal for Chad Johnson (or maybe Roy Williams). And then we look for whichever defender falls, e.g. Rivers, Ellis, etc.
The Redskins were not that attractive to Cincy because (1) at 21, their picks are down the food chain and (2) Cincy wants to bluster and test the market. We also have some players to put in a package.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Say Oaktown,…… 6 seconds left in the pre season game versus the Phony Whiners. All the fans are on their feet booing. McCown back to pass, scrambles, launches, hits Whitted with a perfect stirke right in the grill 5 yards deep in the end zone, AND HE DROPS IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my, lord, Whitted dropped a sure fire touch down with 5 seconds to go…. the next sound you hear???? Whitted getting cut off the roster…
April 24th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Andy Walter could be a very good QB. Just not here.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Russell have hard time reading the defense last season. He’d forced alot of jump balls. That’s a sign of having hard time reading a defense. He lock on to the receivers alot.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Obviously, Oaktown is high.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
with out a line we will never have a good QB.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
The Bengals turn down a 1st and 2nd for Chad Johnson. LOL.. the Raiders cannot afforn a Chad Johnson deal right now.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
I had faith in A. Walter and still think he could be the next R. Gannon for us if he could just get the time needed.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
I’m just not convince Russell is the real deal. Walter is good QB if given the time to throw. Brooks got wheels and he got sack alot while he was here. I just see things in black and white… JMO.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
I think Brooks would have been good to teacher for Russell if we could to kept him. But we had to move on in order to try to get to the playoff’s. Culpepper would have been go also but he is all but gone at this time.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
I just cannot see the Raiders giving millions of dollars to DMC with his excess bagages. I believe in trading out of the 4th slot this Saturday.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
I think Walter would be great in Baltimore. I also think the 8th pick would look good for sending Rivers to Oakland……..Walter, Rhodes, and Either Stu or Fab’s = 8th overall pick to Oakland.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
At least DC taught Russell something last season. We’d just need a dynamic running game to relieve the QB of incoming pass rush. Fargas, Bush and LJ are injury prone RBs. Maybe give Shaun Alexander a look. I read somewhere he got released.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Oaktown Raiders I don’t think we will go DMac we will be going with C.Long.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
Brooks is a different type of QB then JR. Brooks was more suited to teach walter. The only thing he did teach walter was how to take a dive, drop the ball, and throw picks in the NFL.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
Actually, oaktown I’m just kidding ya. You’re right about Chad, we can’t afford that, you’re right Walter will be a good QB, altho Russell is absolutely fantastic, and I agree not to give Dmac millions while we have other needs. JMHO.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Raiders will NOT get the 8th pick for the guys mentioned. Let’s be reasonable. The Raven are not dunces. They are professionel we’d dealing with in the NFL.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Walter will be good in a lot of systems. Just not here. He fits the tall immobile statue type QB like Peyton or Brady. Those guys have had success. I like more mobile guys. So does Kiff.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
We could bring Brooks back. I think he’s selling insurance in Lafayette, Louisiana.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Chad doesn’t show up in the 4th quarter unless it is to drop a pass that hits him in the hands.
Alexander couldn’t run through my daughters pop warner football defensive line.
Bush broke his leg taking one hell of a hit. I don’t think that qualifies as “injury prone”. RB’s take a beating. He is young and will bounce back stronger then he was before. Plus he has an extra year left on his body from not taking the punishment a terrible OL would have given him.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Oaktown Raiders with a passing game the running back will have a better chance of getting more yards per carry with out 8 to 9 players in the box. Fargas will be over 1500yrds this year. If he can stay injury free and start every game or Bush will become the #1 RB.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Too bad we’d didn’t see Bush in action last season. I read his leg got broken real bad. Bush might be outta this league if he gets hit again at the same spot within a year.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
I like the pickups that we got this offseason, but I just wish we could have gotten a proven left tackle. Of course, if Tom Cable likes Harris then maybe he will turn out to be O.K. I’m still wondering where Mario Henderson fits into the whole picture.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Kiffin is right on trading the pick. Too bad Davis never trade down, that’s his history, only trade up.. what do the Raiders have to show for so far… nothing.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Walter set every passing record in the Pac 10. He wasn’t thought of as a “top” QB prospect because he had no tallent around him in college. The Raiders got a steal with him in the draft. He has never had a chance to show what he could do. Look at the crap that the raiders have put on the field the last few years in the WR and OL possitions. I bet he is better/at least as good as ANY of this years “top prospects” only he has actual NFL playing experiance.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Maybe Al will see the error in his ways and actually trade down if no offers are taken for the players they are putting out there for picks.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
If C.Long is gone I would trade down for picks and the chance to get OL.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Bush will be the beast he was “projected” to be before he was hurt. He has had a full year to rehab, workout, and get hungry for his chance to hit the field in the NFL.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Man, Oakglenn has it down. that Oaktown guy is high!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Great Ceasar’s Ghost…I hope Hall can play LT because no way in he// is Harris athletic enough to play RT, let alone LT. Harris will be a fine guard and will be in that position in no time.
Lets see..Jlo to the Fins so the rest will play out like the following, Clo to the Rams, Dorsey to the Falcons, the Raiders trade down to the 7th pick where we get Clady and then Dre Moore in the 2nd.
I hope to a supreme being that Gholston is not our pick. I would rather have Ellis.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
LB, OL, or later round WR……..It would be great ANY of the previous 10 or so WR picks taken would actually see the field and produce for once. JLH needs to step up this year.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
I like Chad Johnson. If the Raiders can get him at a affordable price, then Johnson and Walker make great bookends! That’s if Walker still got game in him like he had at GB.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Mad Road Dog what make you think C.Long go’s to StL they have Dorsey higher in there standings then C.Long.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Mad
Right there with you on the ghost. Just say no to DMC and the ghost.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Remember fellas.. alot of guys are being hype right now, it’s the NFL draft time. Beware, unless the real scouts give their honest takes.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Wish list:
1) Long
2) Ellis
3) Rivers
4) Jackson (de)
5) Baker
Obviously everyone but long we would need to trade down to get and still feel good about the pick. 4 and 5 would be 2nd round guys from the trade down.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
The low down I’m predicting right now is the Raiders stay put and select the BEST player available this coming Saturday.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
Nice wish list 951. I can’t really argue with your choices. You may want to add more SC guys tho!!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Jason Cole of yahoo sports should get blasted one in the grill. He looks like he deserves a punch in the face. After reading what he had to write about duh raidezz, I’m sure of it.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
I have faith in Cable’s talent evaluation skills. He took the OL very far in one short year after the retread project blew the hell out of the team’s spirt and desire to play. If he says Harris is his LT, thats good enough for me……for now. Harris didn’t seem too confident in his own ability IMO. I could be reading too much into the article, but he seems unsure of himself. He has 4 months to get it though.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
So what if he had a tough time at SF, the Niners suck worse than the Raiders; their team has been in a tailspin for years, with no hope.
Nolan sucks, the whole franchise is weak.
Kwame will come to Oaktown and thrive.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
What….Not enough? That was just the begining…..we need to bulk up on USC guys like it used to be. Fargas and McFoy (WR) are the only two on the eff’n team! Where did the USC connection go? Come on Kiff!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Whoah, just kidding 951!! Kwame had the exact same problem that Rob Gallery had. rob had 5 line coaches in 4 years. Same thing with Harris. You can’t have that many different position coaches, and be successful!! New England and Indianapolis have the two best offensive lines in the conference. Scarnecchia has been in New England for 24 years!!!!!!!!!! 24 freaking years!!!!! Howard Mudd has been in the league for over 30 years and in Indy for over 10!!!! We don’t have coaches here for 10 minutes for gawds sakes!!! These are good linemen, if we can have a good coach, coach them for awhile, they will develop into excellent players.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
[...] much else from the Hall interview worth mentioning, but if you want read the rest of his Q&A, Click here. I found more quotes I felt were worth discussing in the Harris interview, but mainly because I [...]
April 24th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Well Raiders fans 3:00am so I’m out.
April 25th, 2008 at 12:07 am
We’re on the same page with that one Oak.
The consistancy, or lack of it, has killed any chance Gallery had to be the player he was destined to be. I think that is why Kiff and Ryan were pardoned this year.
If Ryan can’t pull a top 10 rush D and top 5 pass D, he’s done as the DC for the Raiders…..hopefully, as long as someone else is available that can work with the best CB tandem in the NFL, 2 top LB’s, 2 very good safteys, and hopefully a DE in Burgess that gets a long term deal to stay put. (if his production can come back up now that he wont be doubled all game long)
I don’t think that is asking too much.
April 25th, 2008 at 1:06 am
We must finish repairing the defense and the draft will get us much closer to that goal.
Talk to you after the draft. Adios
April 25th, 2008 at 1:59 am
Jerry…great interview. It’s sure an uplift to hear the different teams after him, and how he finally came here and that Cable is familiar with him. Apparently he feels there’s no coaching problems and he expects good things to happen here at Oakland. Great. Job well done…thanks again.
April 25th, 2008 at 5:04 am
Sounds like Hall wants McFadden to be drafted. I think he would have talked about the draft and thats an insight that DMAC will be repping S&B.
April 25th, 2008 at 5:25 am
NEWS FLASH:
Mike Bush hasn’t played a game in 2 years. He is NOT! going to carry the running load this year. He is NOT! going to get 20-25 touches a game. It’s not realistic.
Look for Bush to be used a la Zack Crockett during the Gruden era. Short yardage/goal line specialist and 4th quarter clock killer. Our best case scenario is he gets stronger and stronger as the season goes on…..so his role can increase.
And as for Fargas/Rhodes/Jordan:
What anti-mcfadden arguments forget is football is about situations (i.e. down and distance). Fargas and Rhodes are great options when you’ve got the lead and you’re just running down someone’s throat. But the Raiders have played from behind the majority of the past 5 years and haven’t had that luxury. When you’re down 10-14 points and you need a play and need it NOW, Fargas & Rhodes immediately become 2 of the worse options in the league. They lack explosion and don’t scare any defensive coordinators…….PERIOD!
Jordan is out….has played his last game as a Raider.
April 25th, 2008 at 5:27 am
that’s a hell of an interview…
there wasn’t a single thing said that i did not like…
welcome to the Raider Nation, Mr. Hall…
i heard this guy was a student of the game…
the interview confirms it…
Raider On, Nation…
April 25th, 2008 at 6:57 am
Alameda Insider #5 Jake Long is an IDIOT. did you not read his Q&A where he admitted to holding?!?!
How long do you think it will take before mr. (I got 2 penalties in my entire college career) gets his 1st of dozens of penalties with the Raiders…
I’ll tell ya, 1st play from Scrimmage. This IDIOT will be out of the starting line up in the second half & son… I’m being generous…
April 25th, 2008 at 7:13 am
If we draft Clady for LT and move Harris to RG that gives us a pretty good offensive line. Clady, Gallery, Wade, Harris, and ?
I hope we draft Clady.
April 25th, 2008 at 7:23 am
What they don’t need is another playmaking running back, Kiffin said over and over. It could be a smoke screen, but he sure handed critics a good argument against McFadden if the Raiders take him.
“As I’ve said it before, we’re so stockpiled at that position,” said Kiffin, who pointed out the team’s zone-block run game does not need a superstar athlete to succeed.
“Obviously, we’ve done a lot of research on him, but there’s so many different directions for us to go before we get to running.”
—Read it and weep, Thec, Sure Al Davis not Kiffin will make the pick but logic says Davis wants to win NOW & a SB in next 2-4 yrs. Can’t do that with no defense(except secondary) and 6 RBs.
Just say No to McFaddy!!!
4th & Long!
April 25th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Jerry McDonald - VERY nice blog entries (the last 2 Q&As). I always find transcripts the most informative means of written media.
K.Harris? Boy I hope we turn the guy into a gem. In Cable we’ve gotta trust b/c at this point we have no choice; Harris is the only LT on the squad. Henderson? Boy I hope he beats out Green and is legit at RT. That will make that 3rd pick a very damn good deal for the Raiders - to pick up a starting RT in the 3rd. I wouldn’t expect another Olinemen to be picked until late in the draft.
D.Hall? No.23 is not a bad number. Regardless of his confidence in the secondary we still need a pass rush (Ellis, C.Long or Gholston come to mind). Without pressure on the QB that golden (on paper) secondary it useless.
April 25th, 2008 at 7:25 am
I’ll keep the faith and hope for the best this season. I will say my daily prayers for Walker’s knees, Kwame’s pass blocking, Turd’s tackling, J Russ’s arm, Edward’s & Joseph’s production to be solid, Bush’s leg, and Jano’s foot.
I would like to see a Q&A with Rob Ryan, lol.
Media: How are you going to stop the run?
Rob: We are going to tackle the guy with the ball.
Media: How are you going to generate a pass rush with castoffs from other teams?
Rob: We are going to rush the passer. All of our guys have a good motor and give good effort and I wish we would have been able to keep Tyler Brayton.
Media: Are you going to play anyone out of position this year?
Rob: Don’t be stupid. Russell can play both ways, I mean he is over 270.
Media: Were you worried in the offseason that you were going to be let go?
Rob: Heck no, I told Mr. Davis that any team would be happy to add me to the staff. I mean, I’m no butt kisser so I told Mr. Davis that I really appreciated working for such a defensive genius and that I have so much more to learn from him and that I am committed to making his team the best defense in the league by using all of his suggestions.
Media: Would you be happy getting Chris Long or Vernon Gholston?
Rob: I would like either player. They have the atheticism to play strong safety and that would allow us to move Gibril to his natural position at DT.
April 25th, 2008 at 7:33 am
I love this little nugget. A direct hit on you Jerry!
“Here it’s a lot of speculation, he said, she said. But behind closed doors I don’t see a problem at all”
April 25th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Bush hasnt played for 2 years so he cant carry 20 times a game what kinda logic is that ? Have you ever heard of mini camps, off season workouts, pre-season football????
If Bush is a stud he will carry the load & fargas can carry his jock.
# CT Says:
April 25th, 2008 at 5:25 am
NEWS FLASH:
Mike Bush hasn’t played a game in 2 years. He is NOT! going to carry the running load this year. He is NOT! going to get 20-25 touches a game. It’s not realistic.
April 25th, 2008 at 7:38 am
Sapp was laughing at Hall because Sapp was high. Now that he doesn’t drug test, I’m sure he smokes up all the time.
Hall could be talking up Routt for trade value. I hope not.
April 25th, 2008 at 7:39 am
new post
April 25th, 2008 at 7:39 am
CT stands for cant think ? No problem son I’ll doit for you.
April 25th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Dakota you suck I was just having fun..
April 25th, 2008 at 7:57 am
—Read it and weep, Thec, Sure Al Davis not Kiffin will make the pick but logic says Davis wants to win NOW & a SB in next 2-4 yrs. Can’t do that with no defense(except secondary) and 6 RBs.
Just say No to McFaddy!!!
4th & Long!
ROFLMAO!!! Is thst what you gleen from this interview.
When has logic played into what Al will do? Whos Logic are we talking about AL’s? AL’s probably runs counter to 99.9% of the planet.
TW remember XXXL.
April 25th, 2008 at 10:08 am
We should trade down and take the best backup QB for JR, which is COLT BRENNAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 25th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Colt Brennan? Aloha, I respect your enthusiasm for a guy like Colt. He represented for the island but I don’t think the Raiders are looking for a rookie QB to back up a rookie. They need an establish vet.
They are drafting McFadden a receiver and a couple more offensive lineman and one defender in the middle.
April 25th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Mista “Doo-Doo” brown (post #165):
When the Raiders draft McFadden and Bush doesn’t get 250 carries this year I’ll remind you I was right.
April 25th, 2008 at 11:57 am
My opinion, Chris Long #1 if available
If not, Run DMC or Dorsey if available.
Reasons why we need DMC taking into consideration we’re “loaded” at the RB position:
Fargas: History of injuries, takes HARD hits, how many years can you take those hits as a RB and finally, it’s a THREE year contract, supposedly 3. Will he last? Is he a true #1 RB? I don’t think so.
Bush: We have no info on this guy, no guarantee he is recovered, no guarantee he won’t reinjure. Big question mark. Could be great but that’s speculation.
Rhodes: Older RB, never established himself as the #1, how long will he last?
Jordan: C’mon now.
In summary, if we take DMC we SHOULD have a #1 back for the next 5 - 8 years. If we go with what we have now, we may be here 2 years from now with NONE of the above due to injuries, lack of production, ae or inability.
April 25th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Furthermore, let’s assume BEST case scenario with DMC. Fargas plays great, Bush does as well, so what COULD that translate to?
Everyone needs a good RB, we now have trade bait for future picks and/or players AND we have solid RB’s.
April 25th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
I believe by the end of this day, we will hear breaking news that Fabian Washington has been traded for a 2nd or 3rd rnd pick. If not today definitely tomorrow. I cant lie, Im hyped up. there are 2 days out of the year I definitely dont work on,,, my birthday and nfl draft day. Im already making roster updates on Madden. YA KNOW?!
April 25th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
[...] Read more. Posted in Blog, Oakland Raiders | [...]
April 25th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
WHo is CT? I thought i was the only one? Michael Bush is a BEAST!
Did anyone else notice Fabian Washington was the only DB not even mentioned by Hall?>???? TRADE FOR A PICK BABY!
THe REal CT!