Draft wrap
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Monday, April 28th, 2008 at 11:40 am in Oakland Raiders.
The smallest draft class in Raiders history had great measurables. Now all they have to do is measure up.
Everyone knows about the skills of running back Darren McFadden. UConn defensive Tyvon Branch was one of the fastest defensive backs at the combine. Wide receiver Arman Shields ran a sub- 4.4 40-yard dash, and was a warrior on three-cone drills and the like at the combine. Wide receiver Chaz Schillens was another size, speed projection with moderate production.
Defensive end Trevor Scott ran a 4.54 40-yard dash in his private workout.
These guys not only looked good getting off the bus, they got off it faster than most.
With just five members in the Class of ‘08, the Raiders look to stock their roster for the rookie minicamp starting May 9, signing undrafted free agents. Teams will scramble for these guys, with the stone reality being that of all the undraftables the Raiders bring in, it’s possible none of them will make the 53-man roster.
You hope for a Barry Sims, Tommy Kelly or Chris Carr. Last year, the Raiders didn’t find a single undrafted free agent worthy of making a team coming off a 2-14 season.
So how did the Raiders fare this year?
Go ahead and give it your best guess, because that is all it is. Trash ‘em if you wish, give ‘em an A-plus, grades are meaningless and pointless until the players actually take the field.
It seems clear, however, that at least in Kiffin’s mind, putting together a team will be more difficult than it was last year because of free agency and the draft. It probably didn’t win Kiffin any points with Al Davis when he said it, but the coach allowed that the goal was to make it hard to determine the final 53. Last season, Kiffin said it wasn’t all that tough with the Raiders because they simply weren’t all that talented.
It was a classic Davis draft, but it’s up to Kiffin to fit the pieces together.
There remain huge question marks, as gifted starting quarterback JaMarcus Russell is little more than a glorified rookie. The defense still has to prove it can stop the run and looks to be at least one pass rusher short, unless you’re optimistic enough to see Scott as an instant impact player out of the Mid-America Conference.
But there is more talent on hand, with a head coach just getting back his sea legs as well as a defensive coordinator and several key assistants in the last year of their contracts.
There is also one of the easiest schedules in the NFL, although you could make the argument that a team with 19 wins over five years has no easy games.
A few notes and observations in the 22nd blog entry since Saturday morning:
– The rookie minicamp, which begins May 9, is not open to players with an accrued year of experience, according to offensive coordinator Greg Knapp.
That means even if Russell wanted to come, he couldn’t.
– Not so for Michael Bush, who spent the season on PUP and doesn’t have an accrued season. The drafting of McFadden had to be discouraging for Bush, with some projecting him as the Raiders feature back by 2009 or 2010. Now he’s fighting for scraps with Dominic Rhodes behind Justin Fargas and McFadden, providing Rhodes remains on the roster after accepting a cut in pay.
Bush is fully rehabbed, but the level of intrigue regarding his skill has changed in tone, judging from Kiffin’s off-hand reference to Bush Saturday.
“We’re kind of piled there with a number of really good running backs and guys coming back, including Michael Bush, who we really don’t know enough about yet,” Kiffin said.
The fact is Bush practiced for only a short period of time, during the season, when teams are looking for quickness and timing and not laying each other out. One sideline observer of the closed sessions thought he looked slow.
Still, some players look slow who actually are moving well. You never really know until they’re running from (or over) opponents during a game, and the Raiders never gave Bush that chance last year.
With Fargas’ running style, Bush can still be an injury away from playing time and will finally get the chance to show what he can do in training camp and the preseason.
The Raiders, by the way, didn’t overpay Fargas, and should he show signs of wear, Bush could still end up playing in tandem with McFadden.
– Ex-Raider personnel exec Mike Lombardi was floating the idea on the NFL Network that the New Orleans Saints might be interested in making a deal for LaMont Jordan, given Reggie Bush’s role as a change-of-pace back and the fact that Deuce McAllister is coming off a knee injury.
More likely would be the Saints simply waiting for Jordan to be cut and getting to him quickly with an offer far less than the $4.7 and $5 million salaries scheduled for 2008 and 2009.
– Most everything about McFadden’s skill set sounds fabulous, and perhaps it is. Just like it was supposed to be with Reggie Bush two years ago. In the draft, nothing is a sure thing.
– Good to know a single conversation with Tom Rathman has cleared McFadden’s fumbling problem at Arkansas, although I’m guessing the college coaches may have mentioned the same fundamentals a time or two. I like Rathman, but I doubt he’s the only running backs coach around who can teach backs how to carry a football.
– That said, fumbling can be cured. In his early training camps, Fargas was a frequent fumbler and now it isn’t an issue.
– Shields missed 10 games last season with a posterior cruciate ligament injury, but is in no way this year’s Michael Bush, a player who essentially lost his final year in college due to injury and was babied through training camp because of a badly broken leg.
Shields had great numbers at the combine and was shown running and jumping on the video presentation on NFL.com. He even wiped out on the field during one drill and popped right back up.
– Judging from the weight the Raiders gave the speed and strength workout numbers, I’m wondering who Oakland would have taken if someone had jumped up and selected McFadden before they had a chance.
I’m sticking with Vernon Gholston, given Kiffin’s assurances that Kelly is the Raiders’ three technique and that it didn’t make sense to take Glenn Dorsey, a natural three technique.
(I told you during my ill-fated mock draft I was sticking with Gholston and going down with the ship . . . glug, glug, glug)
– The trade of Fabian Washington was a dump job on a far smaller scale than the one that occurred last season when Randy Moss was dealt to the New England Patriots for a fourth-round pick.
Defensive back John Bowie became the man acquired for Moss, Shields came to the Raiders a year later at No. 125 in exchange for Washington.
Moss forced the Raiders hand through his insistence he wanted no part of the program. Washington nudged the Raiders to unload him based on his spotty play and general indifference.
In 2006, Washington might have been the Raiders best defender at training camp. He was all over the field, making plays. True, those plays were coming against the horribly inept offense of Tom Walsh and Art Shell, but I remember writing at the time it looked as if Washington was ready for a breakout year.
Instead, Nnamdi Asomugha was the one who blossomed while Washington ranged from below average to above average. He was nothing special at training camp last season and ended up losing his starting job to Stanford Routt.
Worse yet, it never really seemed to bother Washington. Even corners who deserve to be benched are usually proud enough to give at least a stiff upper lip and insist they are quality starters. Washington was fine with it, and seemed to coast through the season happy to be on the team and collect a paycheck.
He also wasn’t exactly what was advertised. His speed was undeniable, but Washington simply wasn’t physical enough to play the sort of press coverage the Raiders need. At one point, with a group of writers, Washington conceded he probably weighed 170 pounds and had never been 175 in his life. He was listed at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds.
Washington ends up as another Phillip Buchanon and Derrick Gibson on Oakland’s first-round defensive back scrap heap, except in Buchanon’s case, the Raiders manged to take Houston for second- and third-round draft picks.
– All the trade speculation was no more than a yearly tease. Jeremy Shockey, Jason Taylor and Chad Johnson (not to mention Michael Huff and Derrick Burgess) are all still with their respective teams. The Cowboys managed to complete a deal for penal code-challenged cornerback Pacman Jones.
– It’s only a mild surprise the Raiders didn’t draft any offensive linemen. They’re not looking for the same players as everyone else. The Raiders most consistent offensive lineman last season was right guard Cooper Carlisle. The Raiders got him as an unrestricted free agent last year with virtually no competition. He came from Denver, schooled in the zone blocking system.
– Once you get to the fourth round, everyone is a reach. That’s they they’re being drafted in the fourth round. So don’t even bother applying the “bust” tag to any player who has no better than a 60-40 chance to make the roster anyway. Once you get to the fifth round, sometimes you’re happy if they make the practice squad.
Johnnie Lee Higgins was getting glowing reviews a year ago. He may or may not be any better than Shields or Schillens. We’ll have a better idea in July.
– According to the University of Buffalo Web site questionaire filled out by football players, the three people Raiders’ draftee Scott would like to invite to dinner are The Rock, Mike Alstott and George W. Bush.
– Commissioner Roger Goodell, who pushed the idea of shortening the amount of time between rounds and making it more viewer friendly, should have made a unilateral decision Sunday to end the draft when a long-snapper was selected.
That would have been in the sixth round, No. 189, when Seattle took San Diego State long-snapper Tyler Schmitt.
– Either that or when the first person named “Pierre” was drafted. That was also in the sixth round, when Pierre Garcon, a wide receiver out of Mt. Union, was taken by Indianapolis at No. 205 overall.
– Remember how Davis made such a big deal over Kiffin’s recruiting acumen? Kiffin had been in the living rooms of the country’s top high school players, so in theory he had already done a great deal of background.
Ten USC players were drafted Saturday and Sunday. For the second straight year, none by the Raiders.
Chances are good there isn’t a single player drafted in the Class of ‘08 that ever had Kiffin in his living room as a USC recruit. Kiffin said McFadden wasn’t recruited because they knew he wasn’t coming West.
None of the other four draftees _ Branch, Shields, Scott or Schilens, had the look of a USC recruit.
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April 28th, 2008 at 11:42 am
What is DMAC going to have for a number? 32?
April 28th, 2008 at 11:43 am
present
April 28th, 2008 at 11:48 am
WHAT up?????
April 28th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Jerry,
Its been fun reading your blogs this off season leading up to the draft, and that includes the THOUSANDS upon THOUSANDS of comments from the rest of you fellow bloggers, so with that said,,,
I wanted C. Long. On saturday when C. Long went to St. Louis, I was already sauced on Petron, so while not thinking clearly I was upset that the Raiders didn’t take G.Dorsey. I cant stand that opposing teams have pillaged the Raiders on the ground these past 5 or so years, and folks can spin it any way they want to but our run D has sucked.
Still and all, DMAC is a weapon. I trust Lane Kiffin to get the most out of the new playmakers on the squad. I don’t have to regurgitate his USC tenure do I? Last year imo, on balance, including his own rookie head coaching mistakes, he got the most out of what he was working with on offense.
Welcome to the team DMAC. I have no doubt you will add to this team in a positive fashion, and that Lane will give you every opportunity to flourish ala Reggie Bush. I dream that one day, Darren McFadden will be talked about by Raiderfans in the debate as to who is the greatest ever running back for the Oakland Raiders!
Keep on keepin on Jerry and fellow Raiderfanatics…
April 28th, 2008 at 11:50 am
i think Dmac should wear #32 or #23. Both equal #5 his old #.
By the way did I mention that DMAC went RUN DMC all over some your guys boy Glen Dorsey in the LSU game…on LSU’s home field! Lol
April 28th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Darknight,
But didn’t LSU win the championship?
April 28th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Darkknight01,
I’m hoping DMAC goes RUN DMC twice a year now with the Raiders against the Dorsey and the Chiefs!
April 28th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
thanks for the update Jmac
-WR
April 28th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
# Coach on Wheels Says:
April 28th, 2008 at 10:25 am
The more I see the more I’m warming uo to the DMAC pick and here’s why -
I think Kiffin is a young inexperienced coach but has a future if given a chance. He is smart enough to bring in quality guys like Gnapp and Cable without feeling intimidated. He knows talent as it relates to scheme.
Case in point - He brought in McCown to manage games so the running game and D could win them. This was a spot-on evaluation. McCown threw ZERO INT’s when we had a lead and only 2 when tied. Even when he is “making due” with a guy like JM he understands their capabilities.
Kiffin is the young coach who could grow with our young QB and team.
Where does DMAC fit in?
Kiffin is saddled with the Ryan / Davis defense. To save his job he needs to score so many points they either win or there is no way he can be blamed. “Just give us 17″? Screw that! Run up a minimum of 27 and pray Ryan and the D can make a stop.
Ryan won’t stop the run? Score so many points most opponents will lose patience and abandon it on their own. The additions to the secondary seem in line with that plan.
………
Come on, Wheels. Not you too… Who got to you? Don’t let these guys push you around. You were dead on last night. Now, you’re signing on to the Davis kool aid approach that it’s all on Kiffin? Shootout football is for college. It’s all about balance in the NFL, and any team trying to suffice for a bad defense by attempting to run up the score (which doesn’t work in itself in most cases, as scoring in the NFL is harder than it looks…) is doomed to fail…that includes the 2008 Raiders. We’re already going into the ‘08 season with a losing philosophy. You guys want to find optimism in that? Be my guest. I’ll be here to console you in October when we’re already in the tank.
April 28th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
MONTE JUNIOR adds to the offense (which he runs).
Doesnt help the run defense (which Ryan runs). After the 08 season he will be able to go to Al and say, “see we need to get rid of Ryan”…Pure Genius!
At least the season will be fun with scores of 35 - 40…
April 28th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
wow, jerry REALLY did not like this draft………
April 28th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Jerry, great coverage on the draft. Keep up the good work.
Your daily updates are sometimes the highlight of my day. Good for you. Sad for me..
April 28th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
I guess we could have drafted Chris Long, Dmac and Dorsey in the first three rounds and Mr. Phony Whiner Fraud boy would still find a way to be down on the Raiders and Al Davis. Cody Wallace, and Reggie Smith. looking good fraud boy.
April 28th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
well, the eagles got adarius bowman and the rams got vince hall but tommy blake is STILL available…………we should be doing everything possible to bring this guy in
April 28th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Our primary run stopper is still Terdell Sands. The Chiefs, Broncos, and Chargers all still love to run the ball. Denver found a good system back in the 4th round with Ryan Torain. Zone blocking doesn’t need a track star running back like McFadden. Davis is still running the team, and it appears he is running it into the ground.
April 28th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
“3 technique”…LOL. Only Raider fans.
Judging by how bad our run defense is, I’d have to call Kelly a “zero technique”.
April 28th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Tommy Trojan, Jerry is just pointing out that this draft is another one of Davis’ mindless “Draft on 40 times” drafts.
April 28th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
What’s the only thing worse than being an Al Davis shill??? Being a SF Phony Whiner shill.
April 28th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Well, something must have happened. the odds makers had the Raiders at 100 to 1 to win the SB, now they stand at a mere 60 to 1
April 28th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Where does anyone get the idea that Rob Ryan is running our defense? Rob Ryan was schooled under Belichick’s 3-4 zone scheme, yet here in Oakland, he’s running a 4-3 man scheme, the same scheme Al Davis has sworn by his entire glory mongering tenure as a GM. The kool aid’s flowing today. Grab your cups….
April 28th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Kelly is good when he wants to give the effort. It’s Turd that spent 7 years on the bench before last year. He is the stinker of that group, no pun intended.
April 28th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
We’re going to kick butt!!
We have a 3 technique defensive lineman!
A 3 technique!!!
LOL.
April 28th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Committee, most people are drunk on kool aid because they saw a DMAC youtube clip.
April 28th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
When Ryan came to Oakland, I assumed he would implement a 3-4 which he tried and it didn’t suit Sapp
April 28th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I demand a Budweiser commercial ripping Raider fans and their “3 technique” talk.
April 28th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Sure, Gnarley. It didn’t suit Sapp….Kook Aid’s tasting good, isn’t it?
April 28th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Al Davis is a 19-61 technique…
April 28th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Kelly is good when he wants to give the effort…
Wow. There’s a ringing endorsement to make a guy the highest paid DT in NFL history!
He’s good….only when he wants to give the effort…
Thanks.
I’ll take tropical punch flavor, btw…
April 28th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
In 10 years we will all be eating way too much fiber and talking about Marcus Allen, Bo Jackson, and Darren McFadden, while the new kid is running the show.
April 28th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Who is dakota, and what did I bet him at? I see the Kool Aid is making people hallucinate, as well.
April 28th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
R8R_ERN has just compared McFadden to Bo Jackson, people. I don’t know if even kool aid can make someone that crazy…
April 28th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
“Commissioner Roger Goodell, who pushed the idea of shortening the amount of time between rounds and making it more viewer friendly, should have made a unilateral decision Sunday to end the draft when a long-snapper was selected.”
Jared Allen was drafted as a long-snapper…
April 28th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
in 10 years, McFadden will have been out of the NFL for 5 or 6 years.
April 28th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
he also compared McFadden to HOFer Marcus.
April 28th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
When he was in college I hated Marcus Allen, BUT when he was drafted by the Raiders he was my mine man. So welcome Mcfadden and get to work!
April 28th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Oh, I can’t wait until the Raiders actually build winning teams again, as opposed to picking mediocre players that fit this phony mystique. I don’t wish death on people…but let’s fact. Al kicks the bucket, the Raiders improve by default.
April 28th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
It’s not Kiffins fault that Davis was on meds that made him hallucinate and since trading Chucky stuck his head in the sand and believed he could win with Calla. Norvel and Shell 1.1! As great as Madden was he only won 1 Super Bowl! Anyhow now-days you have to be awarded a SuperBowl so good look AL getting a gift from the NFL!
If they stick to the plan of rewarding teams with new stadiums look for Dallas to win this year even with a Crapy secondary!
April 28th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
McFadden jersey are gonna be the hottest selling jersey this year. Just watch!
April 28th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
AFC West Offense Position Rankings
QB
I’d like to think:
1.Russell OAK
2.Rivers SD
3.Cutler DEN
4.Croyle KC
Which is probably true, but we don’t know enough about any of these guys to make a true breakdown.
At worst it’s:
1.Rivers SD
2.Russell OAK
3.Cutler DEN
4.Croyle KC
RB
1.Tomlinson SD
2.McFadden OAK
3.Johnson KC
4.Henry DEN
FB
1.Griffith OAK
2.Hillis DEN
3.Hester SD
4.Hoyte KC
TE
1.Gates SD
2.Gonzalez KC
3.Miller OAK
4.Graham DEN
Of course you could argue:
1.Gates SD
2.Miller OAK
3.Gonzalez KC
4.Graham DEN
WR1
1.Chris Chambers SD
2.Brandon Marshall DEN
3.Dwayne Bowe KC
4.Javon Walker OAK
WR2
1.Ronald Curry OAK
2.V.Jackson SD
3.D.Jackson DEN
4.Darling KC
WR3
1.Stokley DEN
2.Carter OAK
3.Davis SD
4.Webb KC
LT
1.McNeill SD
2.Clady DEN
3.Albert KC
4.Harris OAK
LG
1.Dielman SD
2.Waters KC
3.Gallery OAK
4.Kuper DEN
C
1.Hardwick SD
2.Wade OAK
3.Weigmann DEN
4.Niswanger KC
RG
1.Carlisle OAK
2.Goff SD
3.Holland DEN
4.Jones KC
RT
1.Green OAK
2.Clary SD
3.Pears DEN
4.Taylor KC
April 28th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I Fed-Exed McDadden 300 condoms today…that should get him through the rookie camp in May.
April 28th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
u know what we should have won more games last year but the more I think about the draft and FA pick ups we ARE going to be good next year you guys got used to losing get on my Kool-Aid its better
April 28th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
AFC West Offensive Position Ranking Averages
SD-1.66
OAK-2.08
DEN-2.83
KC-3.42
April 28th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Wel, I really wanted C.Long but this is looking good.
We can use McFadden/Fargas/Bush for sure. Fargas will just wear them down and Bush should be great on third and short and then there’s the McFadden element. The guy threw seven touchdowns at Arkansas. Kiffin is going to have fun with this group. Since Chris Carr is gone, Rhodes can prove himself on kick-off returns.
And then there’s Aso/Hall/Wilson/Huff!
During the draft, the San Diego Union was predicting that the Raiders would finish second in the division. Maybe we’ll suprise them.
GO RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!!!
April 28th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
maybe i should weight certain positions………
April 28th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
I have 12 positions listed, I’ll rank them in terms of importance and then find the averages.
QB-12
LT-11
RT-10
WR1-9
RB-8
C-7
LG-6
RG-5
WR2-4
TE-3
FB-2
WR-3
anyone see any problems with this weighting system?
April 28th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
that should say
*WR3-1
April 28th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Hardwick the discharger C is hurt and rehabing. H ewill be out the first few game his year depending on his reco time. Jury out on the center position otherwise argeeable.
April 28th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
or perhaps I’ll assign “madden” style ratings to each player…….that’s simpler and easier to understand……..or maybe I’ll do both
April 28th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Jump on the wagon boys, Im taking you to the Super Bowl by year 2.
We kick azz this year in the WEST.
April 28th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Here are the free agents we signed.
UNDRAFTED FREE AGENTS:
LB Shane Simmons, Western Washington
OC Adam Spieker, Missouri
RB Louis Rankin, Washington
OL Brandon Rodd, Arizona State
FB Matt Hahn, Penn State
LB Malik Jackson, Louisville
April 28th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
think about it 2 monsterWR flying down the lanes…
April 28th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
The top three needs unaddressed are 2-gap DT, SAM LB, and O-line.
DT: Grady Jackson, Frank Morton (Tulane), 2 different kind of UFAs.
O-line: Fernando Velsaco (Georgia)
SAM LB: Ezra Butler (Nevada)
80-20 odds Velasco makes someone’s practice squad or roster.
50-50 Butler makes a roster somewhere.
April 28th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
don’t care to much for marcus allen anymore,all those year’s with our raiders and he still wanted to retire as a kansas city chief, disgusting.
April 28th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
I like post 49 but I wouldn’t go that far not yet any way
April 28th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
QB
1.Russell OAK-86
2.Rivers SD-84
3.Cutler DEN-83
4.Croyle KC-76
RB
1.Tomlinson SD-99
2.McFadden OAK-93
3.Johnson KC-91
4.Henry DEN-88
FB
1.Griffith OAK-88
2.Hillis DEN-83
3.Hester SD-78
4.Hoyte KC-74
TE
1.Gates SD-99
2.Gonzalez KC-92
3.Miller OAK-89
4.Graham DEN-82
WR1
1.Chambers SD-93
2.Marshall DEN-90
3.Bowe KC-89
4.Walker OAK-88
WR2
1.Curry OAK-85
2.V.Jackson SD-83
3.D.Jackson DEN-80
4.Darling KC-72
WR3
1.Stokley DEN-77
2.Carter OAK-75
3.Davis SD-73
4.Webb KC-68
LT
1.McNeill SD-88
2.Clady DEN-84
3.Albert KC-83
4.Harris OAK-81
LG
1.Dielman SD-92
2.Waters KC-89
3.Gallery OAK-88
4.Kuper DEN-82
C
1.Hardwick SD-91
2.Wade OAK-86
3.Weigmann DEN-80
4.Niswanger KC-73
RG
1.Carlisle OAK-87
2.Goff SD-84
3.Holland DEN-76
4.Jones KC-72
RT
1.Green OAK-81
2.Clary SD-78
3.Pears DEN-74
4.Taylor KC-70
These raknings are subjective and arguably argbatrary, but are a good way to represent the relative gaps in talent at each position
April 28th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
who took Tatum’s nephew or Devon Bess from Hawaii?
April 28th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Per Mel Kiper
AFC West
Denver Broncos: GRADE: C+
Ryan Clady is the left tackle the Broncos needed to help Jay Cutler, and Clady should start right away. Eddie Royal is a decent slot receiver who has some return skills, Kory Lichtensteiger was one of the top centers in the draft and Arizona State’s Ryan Torain is an interesting pick at running back because he has the potential to prosper in Denver. Torain’s ASU teammate, safety Joshua Barrett, has great physical abilities, but does not always play up to his potential. I want to see how they use FB Peyton Hillis because he has great hands out of the backfield, and would be an ideal H-back if he were a couple of inches taller.
Kansas City Chiefs: GRADE: A
The rebuilding process is on. The Chiefs started the draft with 13 picks, and they made them count. After getting defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey — the No. 1 player on my Big Board — with the fifth overall pick, the Chiefs grabbed tackle Branden Albert, although he will be a work in progress. Virginia Tech cornerback Brandon Flowers would have been a mid-first-round pick if he had run better 40 times at the NFL combine. On Day 2, RB Jamaal Charles and Tennessee TE Brad Cottam — who has untapped ability — will be nice complements on offense. Cottam could be a diamond in the rough. DaJuan Morgan is a solid safety, Brandon Carr is another corner who might be a sleeper and Kevin Robinson can make his mark in the return game. Barry Richardson never materialized into a great offensive lineman at Clemson, but he could start right away with the holes Kansas City has on its offensive line. Defensive end Brian Johnston has long-range potential.
Oakland Raiders: GRADE B-
We all know what Darren McFadden can do. I really liked Oakland’s second-round pick, Connecticut CB Tyvon Branch. He can help out in the return game, and also has great catch-up speed. Wide receiver Arman Shields hurt his knee early in the season and fell off the radar, but he’s a developmental receiver.
San Diego Chargers: GRADE: C+
Antoine Cason played a lot of football at Arizona, which at times works against a player in terms of being overevaluated. Cason doesn’t have great recovery speed, but he has good technique in coverage and good ball skills. Jacob Hester could make up for the loss of Michael Turner. Hester was a fullback at LSU, but isn’t a prototypical lead-blocking fullback. UTEP RB Marcus Thomas has some ability and was a good fifth-round pick; CB DeJuan Tribble did not have great workouts, but he flashed second-round potential early in the season. One thing I didn’t like about the Chargers’ draft is they didn’t really address their need at right tackle.
April 28th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Wow a B-. I don’t know that I would have given that high.
April 28th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
AFC Offensive Position Rankings Talent Averages
SD-86.83
OAK-85.58
DEN-81.58
KC-79.08
April 28th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Bess is a Dolphin
April 28th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
TT, undrafted free agent?
April 28th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Tommy Trojan….
Dude, I am getting a little concerned about your health. People have blogged to death you know.
Remember, take at least one 15 minute break for every hour blogging. Drink plenty of water and get at least 6 hours of sleep every night. Blood clots can form in your legs and azz, so make sure you stand and walk around at least once every 2 hours. Baby asprin may be a good idea too.
Or…take a friggin day off from the blog. You are going nutz boy.
April 28th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
dischagers moved up to take hester and passed on Jamal Charles
April 28th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
It’s about as far from Storrs as one could get in the NFL, but that’s no problem for UConn’s Tyvon Branch. The cornerback from Cicero, N.Y., is heading to Oakland, Calif.
The Raiders made Branch the first pick of the fourth round during the second day of the NFL draft Sunday.
Branch was the 100th choice overall. Oakland moved up four spots, trading their choice at 104 to the Cowboys, to get Branch.
“That’s been my dad’s favorite team forever,” Branch said. “It’s a win-win for me.” The 6-foot, 204-pound Branch had been projected as a likely second- or third-round pick. Branch was the 15th cornerback taken.
“I was getting nervous there for a while,” Branch said. “I thought maybe they all forget that I was even in the draft.” Said UConn coach Randy Edsall: “It’s great for Tyvon and great for our program. It’s also exciting to see the Raiders trade up to draft him because it shows that they really want Tyvon. It’s is exciting to see him selected by a franchise with such a great history and tradition and I’m sure he’ll do well with the Raiders.”
Branch was the first of two UConn players chosen on the second day of the draft. Offensive guard Donald Thomas of New Haven went to the Miami Dolphins with the 29th pick in the 6th round, 195th overall.
Thomas is a former walk-on who wasn’t a starter until his senior season.
“Overall, I am excited to see this happen for Tyvon and Donald today. I can guarantee that neither of them were in anyone’s top 195 coming out of high school,” Edsall said. “I think it is a tremendous credit to our coaches, strength and conditioning staff, and especially the players themselves who ultimately made all of this happen. It is a real feather our cap as a program and shows that we can develop our people well once they get here.”
Branch, a state champion sprinter in high school, was getting little interest from big-time programs for his exploits on the field in high school. UConn was his only Division I-A offer. Syracuse came into the recruiting picture late.
At UConn, Branch quickly established himself as a player to watch as a true freshman, seeing action in every game his first year, mainly on special teams. By the end of the 2005 season, Branch had locked up a spot as a starting corner and continued to excel on special teams. By last season, Branch had cemented his reputation as a lockdown corner and one of the best kick returners in the country.
Branch finished the 2007 season 13th in the nation with a kickoff return average of 28.99 yards, which included two returns for touchdowns. He ranked fourth on the UConn defense with 89 tackles and had a team-high 10 pass breakups.
“Tyvon is a young man who had one Division I-A offer coming out of high school and he is a great example of the good things that can happen if you work hard and take advantage of your opportunity,” Edsall said. “He has shown that hard work can pay off. . . . I couldn’t be happier for him. The Raiders are getting a young man of very high caliber in Tyvon.”
Branch said he had no typical favorite team in the NFL growing up, but he likes the idea of the rough-and-tumble reputation of the black and silver.
“That’s the way I like to play,” Branch said. “I’ve got no problem with that at all.” John Sullivan, a Notre Dame center from Greenwich, went to the Vikings with the 21st pick in the sixth round, 187th overall.
Contact Shawn Courchesne at scourchesne@courant.com.
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April 28th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Dakota, post 62 ROFLMAO!!!
April 28th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
The Sacramento Bee reports that the Raiders will release RB Dominic Rhodes.
April 28th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Rhodes has trade value…Jordan doesn’t…
April 28th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
What do you all think about the signing of undrafted RB out of Washington Louis Rankin? How about the 3 undrafted WR’s from Hawaii Bess is from Oakland wouldnt that help us get younger in that department instead of having almost all our receivers coming off ACl injuries? Just some thoughts on our newest additions.
April 28th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
apparently though the saints are somewhat interested in jordan, he’ll likely be released too though
April 28th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
bess was signed by MIA
April 28th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
why don’t they release Adimchinobe Echimondu and ReShard Lee instead?
April 28th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Malik Jackson, OLB, Louisville
Name: Malik Jackson
College: Louisville Number: 11
Height: 6-2 Weight: 225
Position: OLB Pos2:
Class/Draft Year: Sr/2008
40 Time: 4.58 40 Low: 4.48 40 High: 4.67
Projected Round: Stock: High: PFA Sunday Low: PFA Sunday
Rated number 51 out of 232 OLB’s 676 / 2546 TOTAL
Combine Results
Pro Day Results
Combine Invite:
Height: 6016
Weight: 225
40 Yrd Dash:
20 Yrd Dash:
10 Yrd Dash: 225 Lb. Bench Reps:
Vertical Jump:
Broad Jump:
20 Yrd Shuttle:
3-Cone Drill:
Dates: 03/24/08
Height: 6016
Weight: 225
40 Yrd Dash:
20 Yrd Dash:
10 Yrd Dash: 225 Lb. Bench Reps:
Vertical Jump:
Broad Jump:
20 Yrd Shuttle:
3-Cone Drill:
Draft Scout Snapshot: DS Rating on 08/12/07: #12 OLB, #114/750 Overall, Projected: 4
13 GP; 13 GS; 57 TT, 16 TFL, 9 SK, 3 PBU, 2 FF, 1 BLK; second team All-BIG EAST in ‘06. 12 GP; 3 GS; 30 TT, 1 TFL, 2 PBU, 1 QBH in ‘05. 11 GP; 0 GS; 8 TT, 1 PBU in ‘04.
2006 Season
Named second team All-BIG EAST… started 13 games at linebacker… third on the team in tackles with 57… ranked second in the BIG EAST in sacks and second in tackles for loss… led the team in sacks (9.0) and tackles for loss (16.0)… recorded four tackles and two tackles for loss in the Orange Bowl… also registered a sack and forced and recovered a fumble… forced a fumble against Connecticut.
Registered six tackles and a sack versus Pittsburgh… recorded eight tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks against South Florida… recorded four tackles and one for a loss versus Rutgers… returned a fumble 13 yards for a touchdown against West Virginia… also recorded five tackles and a sack… tallied a career-high nine tackles and a sack versus Cincinnati… registered eight tackles and three tackles for loss against Middle Tennessee… recorded three tackles and 10-yard sack versus Miami.
2005 Season
Appeared in 12 games… recorded a career-best 30 tackles… made his first career start against North Carolina… recorded four tackles against the Tar Heels… tallied a career-best seven tackles in a win over Oregon State… recorded two tackles versus Kentucky.
2004 Season
Appeared in 11 games, mainly on special teams… recorded eight tackles… recorded a career-high three tackles in 52-21 win over Army… registered two tackles in win over Cincinnati.
2003 Season
Redshirted.
High School
Extremely physical, hard-hitting defensive back … three-year letterwinner and two-year starter at Dunwoody High School … logged 93 tackles, including 65 solo stops, two tackles for loss and four forced fumbles as a senior when he earned All-Region and second-team All-County honors … clocked at 4.45 in the 40.
Personal
Son of Romona and Anthony Jackson… born 6/10/85… Sports Administration major.
April 28th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
quag, thy need bodies to get beat up in camp
April 28th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
I have a feeling Rhodes might have another suspension pending that hasn’t been announced yet and I think the team is trying to get “character” guys in.
April 28th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Derrick Brown, CB, Southern Utah
Name: Derrick Brown
College: Southern Utah Number: 17
Height: 6-0 Weight: 188
Position: CB Pos2: FS
Class/Draft Year: Sr/2008
40 Time: 4.55 40 Low: 4.46 40 High: 4.67
Projected Round: Stock:
Rated number 140 out of 241 CB’s / 2546 TOTAL
Combine Results
Pro Day Results
Combine Invite:
Height: 6001
Weight: 188
40 Yrd Dash:
20 Yrd Dash:
10 Yrd Dash: 225 Lb. Bench Reps:
Vertical Jump:
Broad Jump:
20 Yrd Shuttle:
3-Cone Drill:
Dates:
Height: 6001
Weight: 188
40 Yrd Dash:
20 Yrd Dash:
10 Yrd Dash: 225 Lb. Bench Reps:
Vertical Jump:
Broad Jump:
20 Yrd Shuttle:
3-Cone Drill:
Draft Scout Snapshot: 11 GP; 11 GS; 50 TT, 2 TFL, 2 INT, 6 PBU, 1 BLK in ‘06. Played JC ball at Snow Junior College where he picked off five passes and tallied over 70 tackles during his career.
Junior College
Played JC ball at Snow Junior College where he picked off five passes and tallied over 70 tackles during his career.
High School
Prepped at Box Elder HS where he earned second-team all-state honors as well as first-team all-region and all-area recognition while helping the Bees to a pair of region titles and a state runner-up finish. Also lettered in basketball and baseball, earnin
Personal
Wife is Breanna, parents are Debbie and Jeff Brown. Served an LDS church mission to Rapid City, S.D. between his freshman and sophomore years.
April 28th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Dominich Rhodes to be released!!!
April 28th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Does anyone think the raiders will sign Erin Henderson? I mean the guy was projected to go in the top 3 rounds but went undrafted. I think he could compete for the 3rd linebacker spot.
April 28th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
i agree with post67. rhodes has some trade value. jordan has none whatsoever.he wil be released.
unless they are 90%+ positive about mike bush i dont see them trading rhodes until after they get some good looks at bush running & getting banged around.jmo.
April 28th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Someone remind me again. How many DB’s are on the field at a time?
Are we bring Grady Jackson in as our conditioning coach and we are going to play some of these guys on the line or what?
April 28th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
good one post 79
April 28th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
anybody want to give an opinion on Erin Hebderson?
April 28th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
I’ll tell you what …after reading the scouting reports on NFL.com, this Chaz Schilens guy is pretty intriguing. Great size (with room to bulk up), really good hands, fast and a vertical threat - a lot of what you need to be a potential dominate #1 in the NFL. Lofton’s gotta bust this kids ass to reach his potential. The problem they list for his among others is he’s too slow off the line - he hesitates repeatedly. I think that can be fixed …seems like there’s something going on upstairs.
Arman Shields looks to be a slot guy to challenge Curry based on his scouting report on NFL.com. Says his most comfortable and leathal working inside.
The immediate contributors will likely be McFadden and Branch who’s one helluva athlete too.
April 28th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
http://www.nfl.com/draft/tracker#tab:dt-by-team|team-oak
You can click on each name for their NFL.com analysis.
April 28th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Erin Henderson is already signed.
April 28th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
By the Vikings.
April 28th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Who signed him?
April 28th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
ok thanks
April 28th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
I have to agree with most of the people who hated our draft. The players we selected seem like good prospects, but where was the help on the lines? What are the Raiders going to do to shore up their offense and defensive lines? The O-Line is probably stronger than we’re giving it credit for. They have some guys like Wilson, Morris, McQuistan, and Henderson, that are in the developmental pipeline. And we are already a good run blocking team, so I expect the Pass blocking to improve somewhat as the year goes on. But what happened to adding some bodies on the D-Line? There are no young talented prospects to develop at tackle. The only thing I can think of ( short of insanity ) is that the Raiders think that the talent level at the draft was very low and/or that they can get some good players after the cuts, through trades, or off the waiver wire.
April 28th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Doesnt his brother play for the vikings?
April 28th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
EJ
April 28th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
did anyone see that the rumors have us releasing Rhodes? J Jones from Sacto cites an inside source.
April 28th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
The team’s biggest need was run-stoppers, so they drafted two running backs, two wide receivers, and a defensive end who played tight end during his first three college years. Bra-VO, Emperor Davis, bra-VO.
April 28th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Dakota # 62 & 40 classics!
McFadden!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 28th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3372456
On Rhodes being released
April 28th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
my bad. i was behind on the reading and see that Rhodes is old news.
sorry
April 28th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
If they are releasing D Rhodes you can bet they tried to shop him around during the draft but no takers I guess..
Mel Kiper made a great point. Jax traded up in the first round to get a unproven rookie why didnt they get J Taylor? Dumb move Jags!
April 28th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Rhodes out!
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3372456
April 28th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Apparently Al isn’t willing to eat Jordans salary so he will likely ride the pine till Fargas, Bush, Or Dmac go down with an injury.
Just be stubborn baby!
April 28th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Rone
They are giving the D line home works assignments now to try and improve there play. Each D lineman will be issued a running back to take home and practice tackling before camps start. This explains the additional RB signings.
April 28th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
You could argue that one drafts measurables and hype, when unable to eyeball the prospect yourself.
April 28th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Lamont will still get cut, Then we have a nice solid 3 rb’s, Fargas(highly doubt he plays all 16)/Bush and McFadden.
April 28th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Why didn’t they cut Lamont? Isn’t he the one with the bigger pay cheque?
April 28th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Does anybody know why Derrick Burgess was/is on the trading block?
April 28th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
it looks like we’ll have unto jordan in case we get an offer for him, or more likely during the offseason as a body until mcfadden is signed and we need the cap room
April 28th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Jordan will probably be gone on June 1st.
April 28th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
If he gets cut,Jordan can move to Brokeback MT
I’m sorry, that was bad…
April 28th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Fil: What kind of numebrs do you see Mcfadden have in Oakland
Jeremy Green: I think he is going to rush for 1,300 yards and catch the ball well. A lot of it will be determined on the outcome of the games. If they continue to get blown out it will hurt his production. But he is a great asset for Russell. He can be relied on by Russell to make a play when he needs to.
D Mac baby.
April 28th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Raiders23
Still there?
April 28th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
who from the west will take Rhodes? My guess is the Broncos.
April 28th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Surpise,Surprise!! The Raiders took the best player in the draft and most of the media still calls it a bad pick. “Ah they made a huge mistake not taking Dorsey, too many running backs”. Let’s see, we just let Rhodes go, Lamont (towel biting) Jordan will be gone. so thats 3 remaining rbs. wich is what all teams carry anyway. Look, we have our DT in Kelly. I love how everybody is on this “who is Tommy Kelly” campaign, but truth be told he was in the top 5 in the D-lineman FA list rankings but since the Raiders gave him the big contract instead of New England now its considered a terrible move. Had he not gotten hurt, his numbers would’ve been better as well as our run D. If you paid attention you all would realize teams ran up the middle and who was in the middle? Not Kelly. So lets allow Kelly to become a top notch DT the same way Burgess became a top nothch DE. And lets not crucify Sands for one bad year. I for one believe he’ll bounce back. And now that we’re playing guess the jersey # for MacDaddy, I still say he’ll rock #20. 1LUV. YA KNOW?!
April 28th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
my vote is for #32.
April 28th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Projected #s
Darren McFadden-#32(#5 in college)
Tyvon Branch-#33(#31 in college)
Arman Shields-#84(#14 in college)
Trevor Scott-#99(#89 in college)
Chaz Schilens-#81(#1 in college)
April 28th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
*barnch was #29 in college
April 28th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
McFadden is going to wear #49
April 28th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Dominic Rhodes has been released…
April 28th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
I think #33 would look great on D-Mac!
April 28th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
“I’m wondering who Oakland would have taken if someone had jumped up and selected McFadden before they had a chance.”
I think the Raiders definitely would have traded back and tried to pick up Ryan Clady.
I dont understand what Kiff mean that it will be harder to make the teams. You care saying the we dont have enough people for a 53 man roster??
April 28th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Rhodes odd man out…and we’re still holding Lamont? .. what’s his cap number I wonder….
April 28th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
no tay, he’s saying now there’s more than enough talent to fill out the 53 and it will be hard to judge which talented players are cut
April 28th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
The amazing thing is I talk to San Diego & Bronco fans and they all admit the Raiders have had a ridiculous offseason. They seem more impressed with our offseason than most Raider fans I talk to.
Although the offseason has been incredible, I think the only fumble was letting Clemons walk. I would feel a lot better about the defense if they were able to obtain him.
April 28th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
F DA CHEFS!
LSU shouldn’t have even been in the title game….and yes they won the title because Ohio St was weak….USC should have been in that title game. We should all know by now that the BCS is complete BS!
April 28th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Dmac should wear #32 or #23
April 28th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
i graded our draft as a…B….
we should have picked beay bell or ahtyba rubin….or dre moore….would have been nice to pick erin henderson or drew radovich as well…
April 28th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
I’ve been hearing McFadden will be # 20
# 23 went to D. Hall
I was hoping for 32
April 28th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
What ever the #s are,
I see a Bush and DMC Tandom.
The second comming of Bo and Marcus.
April 28th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
I say DMC wears #32. The great ones wear this number. OJ wore #32. Go DMC and get the TDs for the Raiders!
April 28th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
I say #33 for DMC ain’t bad. The #32 was worn by Allen. Gotta give Marcus Allen his due. Sell his Raiders jersey.
April 28th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Koolaid, what the heck are you talking about we lost the coinflip to Atlanta???? We never had a chance.We were never going to win that coinflip. I think it went something like this:
Cut to Meeting Room in Indianapolis Hilton.
NFL Exec “ok we have representatives of both the Atlanta Falcons and Oakland Raiders. Here we have a coin, heads Atlanta wins, tails, the Raiders lose.”
Raider Rep,”Oh, NO, you’re not gonna pull that crap…”
NFL Exec “Tails, Raiders lose.”
April 28th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
These guys not only looked good getting off the bus, they got off it faster than most. This is funny as hell Jerry
April 28th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
I must say I am very pleased with the draft
I admit I was sceptical of McFadden only in the sense that I was trying to be practical. To me trading down and aquiring more picks and players with this years deep draft sounded like the right thing to do, the smart choice due to the bad record and overall talent level, or lack there of from the Raiders.
What in Tommy Maddux’s name was I thinking?! I absolutely failed to to reach par with Al Davis, Lane Kiffin, or even Rob Ryan which no one fully understands. I pride myself as a knowledgable Raider Nation psycopath and have been correct in most presumptions with what they are doing and the direction they are going on and off the field.
Plain and simple I got in a rut! I was rocked to sleep by all the negative drama and b.s. and even some very true nightmares we constantly endured over the past 5 years. Then as Madden would yell BOOM! it hit me like Jack Tatum…
We have a chance to get of the Barret Robins Tijuana Bad News Band Wagon. I got to give it to Al, Kiffin and company. Mixing Darren McFadden in the same backfield as JaMarcus Russell, Justin Fargas, Michael Bush, Justin Grifith, and Oren O’neal could be absolutely silly!! The Luckiest team in the NFL could be the one that has the bye week in addition to prepare for all these weapons before they play us. If they can click on all cylinders this could be scary good.
This is a chance, not at practicality, or to increase the overall talent pool and make a solid working machine, but this is a bold move in greatness! With so much copy cat and parody in the NFL, you can get dragged in the mud with mediocrity. I was probably o.k. with this before but when I think of just how special this could be, to throw any look at the opposing defense and they have to fear so many weapons all game long. Just imagine you are the line backer who doesn’t know if you have to shed a stiff hitting O’neal so you want to get in early and get leverage so that the split second you may have to grab McFadden’s ankle and hope to bring him down before he fly’s by you meaning the quicker you feel the blow from the hit you just took and as you look on from being buried 2 inches in the grass you see Russell still has the ball. You look in the secondary and realize your are not the only one who bit down hard on the fake, then you grab your shoulder to straighten out your pads as you look to see Russell throwing a lazer to Zach Miller 35 yards over the safety’s head who reacted with the linebacker and McFadden and say to yourself mercy. All of their backfield weapons have a chance at being elite with superior skill sets.
The next few years can be really fun Nation.
On a side note Iove the picks of Branch, Scott, Shields, and Schilens because the theme is speed. Something you can’t teach and crave to coach.
April 29th, 2008 at 10:25 am
I do not hate Al Davis, but I think we are all on hallucinatory drugs if we think this team is going anywhere anytime soon. Al Davis, once the self-proclaimed–and perhaps rightly so–”genius” of American pro football, appears to be guessing at everything now in his old age. He can’t pick talent at the coaching level anymore, doesn’t do well in the Draft anymore, and is now taking huge risks by signing damaged free agents like Javon Walker. In addition, he seems to make the same mistakes over and over again, signing super-athletes who can run like the wind but who can’t play football. (Remember James Jett, Derrick Gibson, Rickey Dudley, etc?) The only success this team has enjoyed in the last 25 years is when Jon Gruden ran the West Coast offense, so what did Al do? Got rid of him and scrapped that offense so he could draft big-name athletes who, 50% of the time, will not be with the team in 3 years. I have lost faith in Davis, and he is relentlessly sullying his reputation as one of the best owners in the NFL. If this team were truly a business and Davis answered to a Board of Directors, he would have been fired years ago for ineptitude. Al, if you really love this team, can you please fire yourself?
April 29th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
I was suprised by the release of rhodes instead of jordan.As allready stated in this great blog,jordan will most likly be cut june 1st.We have turned the page and NOW its time 4 greatness 4 our great NATION!GOOO-RAIDERS 10-6 and second round of playoffs,maybe deeper!
April 29th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
I can’t think of a sports writer or talking head that has taken a single team they owned to the Super Bowl, much less five! How about winning three, no none come to mind. Flat out, Al Davis has more football know how in his little pinky than the whole group combined. Personally, I think Al Davis has finally grown tired of listening to every so called expert that comes down the road and starting last year and continuing this year is just doing it his way. It’s about time and this year every talking head is going to jump on the band wagon when the Raiders are running up and down the field seemingly at will. When the other team makes the mistake of bringing 8, Russel and the new lighting fast receivers are going to ring the bell! After the Raiders score the second touchdown in the first half the other teams will be forced to pass and then it’s game, set, match! Al Davis is the MAN!