One year after the biggest move the Raiders made was bringing in QB JaMarcus Russell aboard; the main job of this off-season is building a team around him. Russell’s contract holdout was the first setback, but Oakland had to move on and play with who was there while the negotiations were ongoing.
On the surface it might appear that the Raiders merely doubled their win total from the lost season of 2006. However, that wouldn’t be viewing the complete picture. Another huge move for Lane Kiffin and the team was bringing in offensive line coach Tom Cable who basically worked a miracle.
The black cloud that existed over the franchise was lifted and the Raiders were in almost every game they played until they reached the “murderers' row” of games at the end of the season, playing four playoff participants—@ Green Bay, @ Jacksonville, home games against Indianapolis and San Diego. The Raiders could’ve easily had a 7-9 win-loss record which is respectable for a re-building team.
Despite a minimal amount of starts, JaMarcus Russell did get his feet wet toward the end of the season in a few uneven performances. Russell not signing until Week 2 showed when he finally got a chance to play with a limited playbook. A sign of his potential could be seen through the improvement from a bad game on the road in Jacksonville to an adequate home game against San Diego.
Under Head Coach Lane Kiffin and Tom Cable the Raiders had an offensive line considered by most the worst in the league. That same offensive line fueled a running game that went from last in the league in 2006 to sixth in the NFL in 2007.
The Raiders lost three games by a total of nine points and took a fourth quarter lead into seven of the first nine losses, which was a variation of a theme for a team that failed to finish games.
The Raiders were finally competitive in the AFC West and learned how to finish games in their division, even though they should’ve swept both Denver and Kansas City.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do and Russell is ready to go,” said coach Kiffin. “Now we’ve got to work at surrounding him with good players.”
That process has already started in Oakland as the entire WR group has been revamped. James Lofton, a Hall of Fame WR and former Chargers’ receiver coach, was hired; in free agency the team lost Jerry Porter. The Raiders signed two veterans WRs, Javon Walker and Drew Carter, to add to a WR unit of Ronald Curry, Johnnie Lee Higgins, Jonathan Holland, Will Buchanon, Todd Watkins, Drisan James, Chris McFoy, and John Madsen.
Coach Kiffin’s statement also referred to the defense, which has brought in several new players previously discussed in other Raider stories by this writer.
As a team, the Raiders rushed for 130.4 yards per game.
- Justin Fargas: 6’1” 220 lbs, 222 Att, 1,009 Yards, 4.5 YPC Avg, 4 TDs
- Lamont Jordan: 5’10” 230 lbs, 144 Att, 549 Yards, 3.8 YPC Avg, 3 TDs
- Dominic Rhodes: 5’9” 203 lbs, 75 Att, 302 Yards, 4.0 YPC Avg. 1 TD
- Justin Griffith: 6’0” 235 lbs, 7 Att, 27 Yards, 3.9 YPC Avg.
- Adimchinobe Echinmandu: 5’10” 225 lbs, 20 Att, 85 Yards, 4.2 YPC Avg.
- Michael Bush: 6’1” 245 lbs. Second Yr. Player from UL on Injured Reserve ‘07
- Reshard Lee: 5’10” 220 lbs. Fifth Yr. Player from Middle Tenn. State
Justin Fargas started training camp buried behind Jordan and Rhodes, didn’t start until Week 9, and missed the last two games with an MCL sprain. He still gained more than 1,000 yards to lead the rushing attack that was one of the bright spots of the season.
Fargas is one of the hardest runners in the NFL and prone to taking some vicious shots. He was re-signed by the team and will begin ’08 as the starter.
Griffith is a solid fullback and excellent receiver out of the backfield, but saw his time cut as the season went along by the rookie O’Neal, a punishing lead blocker who isn’t as much help as a receiver.
Jordan was among the NFL rushing leaders through three games. After a back injury in Week 4. he just wasn't the same; 2007 was supposed to be his year to finally show that he is an elite back in this league. It appears that he will be traded or released before the start of the 2008 season.
While Rhodes was serving a four-game suspension, Fargas went past him on the depth chart. Finally given an opportunity when Fargas was hurt, Rhodes gained 237 yards in the last two games, which was his best back-to-back performance since breaking 1,000 yards as a rookie in 2001.
The Raiders don’t have a need to draft a running back, but Al Davis could easily decide that Darren McFadden is a player he needs to have on his team. If the decision was mine, I would draft either DE/OLB Vernon Gholston or DT Sedrick Ellis with the fourth pick overall.
Oh, I didn’t mention Chris Long, Glen Dorsey, or Jake Long because my gut feeling is that they’ll all be drafted prior to the fourth overall selection. If the decision is to trade down and acquire more picks than I want to do so and still draft OLB Keith Rivers.
The Raiders are in need of early-impact potential Pro Bowl or franchise players; all of the above fit in that category. It would be nice to see the Raiders find a late round steal like OLB Gary Guyton or DT Marcus Harrison. I still feel that Al Davis might engineer one more trade to acquire picks in the second or third round.
The Raider Nation has plenty of room for optimism in 2008. If the Raiders can stay healthy, this team will be ready to make noise in the AFC West.
Questions for the Raiders: Will Darren McFadden be drafted or used to trade down? Will the Raiders go DT Sedrick Ellis or DE Vernon Gholston in the first round? Did the Raiders do enough this offseason to stop teams from attacking the middle of the defensive line?
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2 months ago
Jeff, to answer your questions I hope the Raiders don't draft DMac or trade down. DMac may be a good RB but we need to give Bush his chance to shine..As for Jake Long our O-Line did a nice job last year and we added some players so they should be even better..I have to agree with you on Chris Long and Glenn Dorsey not being on the board at #4 so the choice of Ellis or Gholston (either one I would be very happy with) I would have to lean toward Ellis due to the fact our coaches already had a taste of what he can do at the Sr. Bowl... With the #4 pick the Oakland Raiders pick Sedrick Ellis, the "Raider Nation" cheers.... Go Raiders... Jim
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the feedback, I agree with your takes as always much love to the Raider Nation!
2 months ago
Very good Article, I agree one hundred percent. I wish we could get Chris Long that would make the off season but I wouldn't mind taking a DT either. Go Raiders
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the comments, Go Raiders!
2 months ago
This guy named Jeff that posted first is more than likely a rookie at this sort of thing. The reason I say this is because how do you pass on drafting a running back that has been accused of being the best running back to come into the pros in the past 2 decades. Come-on man, you can't pass on a player like that. True, the Raiders need a bada$$ D-tackle, but with DMC available, you just can't pass on him. Imagine, Michael Bush, and McFadden in the same backfield, the defense would be
$h*%%ing razor blades. The power of Bush and the speed of DMC, Oh my !!! You go, Al, and get McFadden and I will watch the raider offense run all over the AFC West, as well as most of the rest of the league. I predict, that if the Raiders draft DMC, then Oakland has the #1 rushing offense in the entire NFL. Go Raiders !!!! RaiderDon
from 2 months ago
Well Don that guy named Jeff didn't post first he wrote the article. The level of football knowledge or the lack thereof was decided when you gave us the now infamous "a running back that has been accused of being the best running back to come to the pros in the past 2 decades" blast. So you want to call me a rookie because I'm not enamored with Dmac, I am not alone in that theory. Let me see best back in the last two decades, well that means that we should all forget about: Barry Sanders, Eric Dickerson, Herschel Walker, Roger Craig, Thurman Thomas, Emmitt Smith, Marshall Faulk, Jerome Bettis, Curtis Martin, Ricky Watters, Terrell Davis, Eddie George, Dorsey Levens, Robert Smith, Corey Dillon, Jamal Anderson, Fred Taylor, Stephan Davis, Charlie Garner, Ricky Williams, Edgerrin James, Ahman Green, Priest Holmes, Shaun Alexander, LaDainian Tomlinson, Jamal Lewis, Clinton Portis, Tiki Barber, Deuce McAllister, Warrick Dunn, Willis McGahee, Larry Johnson, Frank Gore, Steven Jackson, Willie Parker, Wrrick Dunn, Brian Westbrook and Adrian Peterson. All these guys have either lead the league in rushing since 1988, or were on the leaderboard. Not to mention having more rushing yards than anyone in the history of the game, the ACTUAL Heisman Trophy WINNERS, Being a part of 9 Super Bowl Championship teams & countless rushing titles because according to Don Dmac will be better.
from 2 months ago
Oh by the way, what wrongdoing is it exactly that Darren McFadden is being accused of? Since the swami also known as "Don" is predicting the future perhaps he can share with us when the cost of gas will go down. While you're at it, how about mixing in the winner of the next two Superbowls, NBA Championships, World Series, MLS Championship, World Cup and Nascar. At least you did stop what you're doing to mention that you do realize that the Raiders need a DT, that's good. However, if you were a true Raider fan Don that would've been the first thing out of your mouth because you would be sick and tired of seeing the rest of the league run the ball down the Raiders collective throats. You failed to read that on more than one occasion I said that Al Davis might decide he wants to draft Dmac but it would not be my decision. My reasoning for that Don since you weren't listening is because the team has a lot of money tied up in the Running Backs & the team has 6 running backs on the roster & the Raiders ranked #6 in the league rushing one season after being dead last. Memo to Don the next time you feel the need to call someone out it would be wise to have some facts to back up what you're saying otherwise it comes off as weak as the Oh My saying. If you can clean your glasses, stop burning blunts on Sunday and back away from the liquor on the table for a minute you would be able to see that. Your word for the day is indivisible learns it because I’ve already accused you of something else.
2 months ago
don, how you gonna call somebody out like that? our rush off was 6th last year and our starting 2 rbs suffered injuries, we already have one of if not the best rush off in the league. and who cares how fast dmc is? i can think of another back that came in recently who was crazy fast, reggie bush. let's ask the saints if they think that pick was worth the money. meanwhile our D sucked, it pains me to say it but ryan's group flat out sucked. we have made some significant additions this offseason, and call me optimistic but i feel wilson is gonna be a force against the run for us, but we still need a lot of help on the d line, burgess' sack total has declined each of the past 3 yrs, sapp just retired (though his role probably will be filled adequately by kelly), and clemons left for philly. i think adding a DE is the best option because of the stellar talent of Long and gholston, but a replacement for the terd could be found in ellis and this would be much appreciated by our backers. for these reasons we must draft d line in the first round, unless Al decides to protect JR with the addition of JLong.
2 months ago
Don who said Dmac is the best running back in decades? RunDMC is not even near as complete and dominant as Adrian Peterson and he just came into the league last year (unless of course you are judging them by nicknames because that is the one and only area i think Mcfadden has all current NFL backs beat!) I have read some say that he could be the best back the raiders have had since Bo, but that is a garbage statement because if we drafted Dmac he wouldn't even be the best back on our roster because Bush is gonna be an animal, mark my words. The only logical reason the Raiders have to take DMC is if we want to waste a first round pick and like 50 million on a replacement for Chris Carr.
2 months ago
I agree with Don, Draft McFadden, he can and will be the best player in the draft to score points! How many close games did we have? How many could we have won with an explosive back?The problem last year wasn't the average 4.5 yards per carry but being able to score. How many runs did we have of 20+ yards I can think of only 1 but there may have been a couple more. McFadden can be that scoring factor that we are missing being able to score from anywhere on the field. Think how much better the offense could be if we scored 1 extra TD per game we go from 4-12 to 10-6 (compared to scores from last year couple ties) This also brings up the argument of the defense but you can't tell me that type of offense (substaning drives) would not be a HUGE benifit for the D.
Anyways this is all mute if Long is available this is the only player I would hold in higher reguard but only marginally and only because I feel he is the only safe pick in the draft for D-lineman. The others all have some question marks which usualy go the wrong way for Raiders drafts.
2 months ago
It's "Murderers' Row", not murders row. See the 1927 Yankees lineup...
from 2 months ago
At least you got the point, hater
2 months ago
We don't need Darren McFadden!!! We have 7 RB's on the roster right now. We need D-linemen. Glenn Dorsey/ Sedrick Ellis/ Chris Long or Vernon Gholston would fit the our defense well. We didn't stop the run last year. And we lost Warren Sapp/ Tyler Brayton and Chris Clemons. We didn't add enough firepower to the D-line this off- season. Tommy Kelly will fill Sapp's role. Kalimba Edwards will fill Clemon's role. DT William Joseph is not the answer nor is Terdell Sands. We need 1 more DT and 1 more DE.
from 2 months ago
The reason Al got Joseph, and Edwards, and resigned Kelly is obvious, he believes he doesn't need to waste a draft pick on D-Line, he can fill the holes for this year, and take McFadden, and if needed there will be a DT in next years draft. A player like McFadden rarely comes around. His numbers in college weren't even the top of his potential. Quite often he was lined up as the quarterback giving the ball to felix jones. His upper body strength mixed with speed will make him shine compared to All Day Peterson. If AP is "better" than DMC, why did DMac put up better numbers in college? because he never got injured.
2 months ago
we need to trade the #4 pick and draft Keith Rivers.If they still want anouther RB after that,trade D Rohdes &F Washington to Cowboys for#22 & take Filex Jones.
from 2 months ago
Felix jones was a product of DMC, will not be the same without him.. He was running options, and off-tackle options with McFadden at QB.
2 months ago
We lost those close games because we couldn't stop the run. Put some power in the D-Line and we can hold those teams off. Our pass rush won't work without another DT or a DE. Our DB's will be more effective with a solid D-Line. Teams aren't going to pass on us so we have to stop the run. With a stacked D-Line teams will have to pass on us more. That will allow our DB's Asomugha and Hall to get those INT's. We only need to score like 20 points a game to win if our Defense is shutting the other teams offense. We draft offensive playmaker's in next years draft. We still can pick up a WR in the later rounds this year. Darren McFadden doesn't fit our style of offense.
from 2 months ago
that is not why we lost the close games. It was because our offense couldn't capitalize on the turnovers our defenseGOT for us, nor could we sustain a game winnin drive. We had a couple of game in which we were already up by 4 or 7 in the fourth quarter, with a chance to increase the lead, but instead we went three and out.. did you even watch the games?
2 months ago
Our Defense will stop the opposing offense. And we can run the ball and manage the clock. Play Action pass once and while and occassionally go deep. It will work.......
2 months ago
We don't need Keith Rivers either!!!! We already have Thomas Howard. We need a DT or another DE.....
from 2 months ago
No one really knows in what direction the Raiders will go on draft day until after if happens. But to say that the Raiders don't need Keith Rivers is really saying you're happy with Sam Williams & Robert Thomas at Strong Side Linebacker? One has never lived up to expectations and the other is adequate but far from elite. DT & SLB are two positions that the Raiders have neglected for far too long. Again no one but Al knows what will happen on draft day but there is a way Keith Rivers can be a Raider. If the Raiders decide to trade down with a team that wants to move to the top of the draft and provide the Raiders with draft picks to do so like a 3rd or 4th round pick or a player that fits a need the team could target Keith Rivers who would immediately start at Strongside Linebacker and improve the defense. You're right the team does have Thomas Howard, on the Weakside and Kirk Morrison in the Middle add another young fast linebacker and the defense improves. This is one of several draft theories. But that would then mean that the team doesn't want to pay the cost for the #4 overall pick and wants to save money. The team would then have to select a DT later in the draft as oppose to one of the two best at that position in this draft.
from 2 months ago
IF the Raiders trade down and we pick up... say a couple of 1st's #22 and #28 haha. I would more than anything like to see Keith Rivers and someone like Kentwaan Balmer or another DT taken. I believe a formula like this screams success for the Raiders defense for many upcoming years.
A name I would like to throw out though is DT out of Iowa State - Ahtyba Rubin. He is a very underrated player who will probably turn out to help an NFL team with some good coaching. If he is there in the later rounds, I pray the Raiders pick him up.
2 months ago
Yeah I would like to see us trade down and get more picks. What I'm worried about is Al Davis trading CB Nnamdi Asomugha. Asomugha hasn't signed his contract yet and if you look on the Raiders website you'll see that CB DeAngelo Hall doesn't have a #number yet. Hall wore #21 in Atlanta. It's been said that the Raiders can get a 1st and 2nd round pick for Asomugha. I hope that we sign Asomugha to a long term deal and trade CB Fabian Washington or CB Stanford Routt for additional picks. Asomugha is our best player and we need to keep him.
from 2 months ago
I doubt that happens the reason Asomugha has yet to sign is the team is attempting to sign him to a long term deal. DeAngelo Hall will wear either #23 or #32 and he will not wear #21. Fabian Washington & Stanford Routt could still be traded but if it was up to me I'd move Fabian Washington who was a #1 pick and perhaps bring more in return.
2 months ago
We don't need RB Felix Jones either!!!!! Do you want to WIN or look good? You guys want players that look nice and not players that we need....
2 months ago
Wucka-Wucka...
2 months ago
We don't need 9 fuckin' RB's on our roster!!!!!
2 months ago
AREAS OF NEED: DT DE OL SLB WR
from 2 months ago
I agree and feel that these needs will be filled in the draft.
2 months ago
wucka- wucka??? What the fuck does that mean? Who are you? Fozzy Bear or sumtin'?
2 months ago
From: "Autum Wind"
Regardless as to whom Big Al and Kiff select in the upcoming draft, the success for the 2008 season will ultimately rest on what "ATTITUDE" the starting 22 will bring to the table! Simply put, when our boys line up over the pigskin this coming fall, if they are down with the (ATTITUDE) "Force and Fury" made famous by the Snake, Wild Bubba Smith, Big Ben Davidson and Tooz, Mad Stork, "Blazing" C. Branch", Big "Jim" Plunkett, T. Christenson, Rod (My Favorite) Martin, Big Matt (in the Middle) Millan, and with the likes of Michael Haynes, George Atckinson, Lester "the Sherriff" Hayes, ... and JACK (The Most Feared Raider of Them All) TATUM!... cold fear will will once again flare-up in the eyes and souls of all the other NFL teams at just the mere sight of the warriors who are donned in the ... "SILVER and BLACK!!!!!
2 months ago
I have to agree we don't need a RB. Although McFadden is intriguing, I doubt he'll be anywhere close to the best RB in the last 2 decades. I'm guessing he'll be good. Though. We need to stop the run and we could potentially have a 10 win season with some of these new guys. Would love to see Chris Long, Gholston, or Ellis...probably in that order. Long is supposed to be beast at playing the run from the end, Gholston is just a crazy athletic speciman, and Ellis should be good against the run as well. I think we're good on offense for now. Maybe another reciever and improving the line could help. Anyway, I hope be stomp the donkeys and chefs this year. I'm be almost as happy sweeping the division as I would making the playoffs, even if we go 6-10.
2 months ago
Jeff, great article. I respect and agree with your views. I have watched every raider game for nearly the past 2 decades and I know my Raiders well. We desperately need to stop the run or we are going nowhere and that all starts on the D-line. However, I disagree with your draft strategy and here's why. I agree that the 3 guys available at the #4 pick and worthy of that pick are going to be Sedrick Ellis, Vernon Gholston and (in my opinion) Darren Mcfadden. Sedrick Ellis and Vernon Gholston will both do very little to help us stop the run. Sedrick Ellis is a three technique defensive linemen in the mold of warren sapp, tommy kelly and gerrard warren. We already have Kelly who we paid huge money solely based on the fact we think he will be one of the best in the game when we switch him back to the 3 technique spot (his natural spot) and we have gerrard warren to rotate there backing him up ( also a three technique). Vernon Gholston is a pass rushing defensive end whos lone weakness is guess what? stopping the run. He was repeatedly torched in college against the run but put up 16.5 sacks last year.We have Derrick Burgess and the recently signed Kalimba Edwards to fill those roles (Pass rushing defensive ends, suceptible to the run). So in my opinion, it makes little sense to draft either Ellis or Gholston. I think we should take a run stopping huge DT in the later rounds like Frank Okam or Red Bryant (both of which are projected to be around in the 3rd and fourth rounds and both are run stopping big boys in the ted washington mold) and draft the best person available with our first rounder regardless of position. In the eyes of most people(including myself), Mcfadden is the best person in this draft, so I say we take him.
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the comments, You made some good points. However, To say Vernon Gholston's weakness is stopping the run or that he was repeatedly torched against the run is misleading. It is debatable who is the #1 DE in this draft but I feel Chris Long is the best. Chris Long is a complete defensive lineman and will be an impact player. He is the guy I would love to see the Raiders draft but I don't feel he will be on the board by the #4 pick. He is the best pass rusher in this draft, at 275 lbs. he is disciplined and strong,plays with good leverage and there are no questions about his ability to hold up at the point. Gholston is in the Chris Clemons mold meaning he has held up against the run but at 260 lbs. he could wear down seeing as he is a pass rusher and going against bigger lineman that will engulf him if they can lock onto him. He is however a chiseled athlete with quick-twitch movements and the first step to blow by offensive tackles. He can also recover and counter inside with agility and lateral quickness. He is a relentless pass rusher with tremendous explosion. The minimum size of an Offensive Tackle is 6-4 295 lbs. the optimum size is 6-6 315 lbs.; when you're giving away 55 lbs. or better it is all about speed vs. power which is the battle to getting to the QB in the NFL. This is why I disagree with your assessment because if the Raiders draft Dmac and pay him #4 overall money which will be higher than what Gaines Adams $46 Million deal at #4 last year. One year removed from paying JaMarcus Russell $62 Million and spending $150 million in free agency is it really in the teams best interest? I don't think so not when the Defensive line isn't solid, the SLB position isn't solid, the offensive line isn't solid. To pay in excess of $46 million to a guy who will not help stop the run I don't think so. Alot of people are comparing Dmac to Adrian Peterson and he is not. I recall the game in arkansas a few years ago against USC and I saw what I wanted to see in regards to what Dmac would do when a talented defense had all the gaps covered an did not let Dmac get to the outside. You can't always rely on out running defenders and especially not in the NFL. I like Dmac and I think he will be good but unless the Raiders are going to bring back the wishbone offense they don't need 7 running backs. I'm not a Frank Okam fan his name should be casper the ghost because he has disappeared so many times. In my opinion it is simple you need a DT and have the opportunity to select one of the best in the draft (Glen Dorsey & Sedrick Ellis)at a need position, you need to have one. If you choose not to you must go with the best DE (Chris Long) if the three are gone your decision is now Sedrick Ellis, Vernon Gholston or trade down to be able to move back into the 2nd, 3rd & 5th rounds. Lets not forget two things 1) Darren McFadden doesn't come with a "Worry-Free Guarantee" 2) The Raiders are building a team for 2008 and the future and Dmac is a luxury that will difficult to afford. Especially when the entire AFC West didn't do a good job at stopping the run in 2007. The Raiders 31st, Broncos 30th, Chiefs 28th - all ranked near the bottom of the league at stopping the run and for the Raiders that needs to stop. The Chargers ranked 16th giving up 107 yards per game. But wait Charger fans before I am flooded with messages stating that your run defense is great let me remind you that Adrian Peterson ran for a single season record against your vaunted defense. Proving my point the the entire AFC West was horrible against the run.
2 months ago
I like the way everybody thinks drafting the best runstopper in the draft will automatically give us the rush defense we lacked. It doesn't matter who anchors the line in ONE spot, we could still be leaky in that department. When D-linemen are locked up with an offensive lineman the runningback's job is to hit the gap. We have great pass defending linebackers and run defense is just going to be our achilles heel folks. Morrison and company are good and I love them but along with them we get a weak run defense!!!!!!! sign Andre the giant if you want to as big as he was there's still the other side of the line to run at. We just need to play thru having a leaky run defense and win games for once with an offense for once. Or special teams or forced fumbles. Let the opponent's running backs get 10 yards per carry , but strip the ball afterwards and who cares about 10 yards gained if Hall or Morrison is running the other direction!!!!!! Draft Mcfadden!!!
2 months ago
I would love to have the talent of a DMC but if we cannot stop the run or put the heat on the QB what is the point of even thinking about a better record. Defense wins games and it has been proven of the last couple of years. Like i said i would love to have DMC but it is just flat out not what we need. I say if by the grace of God if Chris Long is there @ #4 you take him and if we cannot get a good deal to trade down you take the best D-Lineman there. Gholston would be my 2nd choice and Sed Ellis is my 3rd. Try to trade Fabian and Jordan to get back in the 2nd round and if you draft a DE in the first get a DT in the 2nd or vise versa. Look what the Giants did to the Pats in the SB, that is what we need to do and the offense will come around. Go Raiders.
from 2 months ago
Well spoken Brandon you make some outstanding points
2 months ago
I used to believe mcfadden would be an awful pick and we should go gholston. the more I think it about it Gholston doesn't seem to fit our 4-3 as well. He will be anohter Burgess that gets sacks but cant stop the run. Dorsey and Long will be gone but if either are their they should be the pick. Tommy Kelly got paid big bucks to be DT so I doubt #4 pick will be Ellis. I believe that if we are able to get a second round pick for Fargas or even Fargas and Washington together, the Raiders should grab mcfadden first and then use their second on a strong run stopping DE. Burgess and Edwards would be our two DE that get the sacks and Richardson needs to improve his run stopping ability as well as whoever the Raiders are able to get in the second round. Overall, draft Mcfadden first only if you know you have a second round choice for sure. Bush is a great running back to pound defenses and use up clock but mcfadden would be great to come in and run a 70 yard touchdown real quick. NObody will trade down for any pick under the top 6.
2 months ago
DMAC. I feel sorry for this guy, i mean i think that too much hype might actually destroy his chances at a high draft pick. Is it possible to have too much hype? Or too much talent at that. Listen, i strongly believe that we can stop the run this year with our DLINE, maybe the aquisition of another late will help. We all saw what happend with Q.Moses.
I think we should roll the dice and draft Mcfadden. I havent been watching the hype to support my desicion, i have been watching his games on tape from last year and those gaps he runs through are very simular to the ones i saw Fargas run through. Only he would be the only back we would have to take it to the distance.
I love a healthy Micheal Bush. And love a healthy Justin Fargas. But the fact is that Bush is coming off a serious injury and Fargas has been injury prone his whole carreer. Mcfadden would be a great addition and i believe Rob Ryan has enough weapons to turn that Run Defense around. Remember, its not always the player who makes the system, but the system making the player as we saw with our Oline and Tom Cable.
from 2 months ago
Interesting thoughts. I can recall several people saying that Fargas is injury prone, there has been talk that he doesn't have the size to play the position even though he's 220 lbs. the guy went out a played. He didn't start until week 9 and still had a 1,000-yard season. If he started from day one he probably would've reached 1,200-1,400 yards. Funny how the guy is un-appreciated and dissed by his alleged fans. Darren McFadden is a talented player but he is 205 lbs. and here's a news flash he will take hits as well. Football is a contact or better yet a collision sport, It sucks but injuries are part of the game. Everyone must deal with it and at some point everyone gets injured. This is the time of the year where we get beat up with all the hype of the it guy. Last year it was Reggie Bush this year Dmac. No one can tell me that Dmac's runs are better than Reggie Bush's runs? Things are different on this level and you can't just rely on your speed. The Raiders have 6 running backs on the roster right now but you feel that 7th will do the trick? You feel he is worth throwing $20 million guaranteed dollars at even though the team has other needs? Interesting thoughts.
from 2 months ago
Interesting thoughts. I can recall several people saying that Fargas is injury prone, there has been talk that he doesn't have the size to play the position even though he's 220 lbs. the guy went out a played. He didn't start until week 9 and still had a 1,000-yard season. If he started from day one he probably would've reached 1,200-1,400 yards. Funny how the guy is un-appreciated and dissed by his alleged fans. Darren McFadden is a talented player but he is 205 lbs. and here's a news flash he will take hits as well. Football is a contact or better yet a collision sport, It sucks but injuries are part of the game. Everyone must deal with it and at some point everyone gets injured. This is the time of the year where we get beat up with all the hype of the it guy. Last year it was Reggie Bush this year Dmac. No one can tell me that Dmac's runs are better than Reggie Bush's runs? Things are different on this level and you can't just rely on your speed. The Raiders have 6 running backs on the roster right now but you feel that 7th will do the trick? You feel he is worth throwing $20 million guaranteed dollars at even though the team has other needs? Interesting thoughts.
from 2 months ago
215 lbs.. Jeff, he is unlike all of our backs, faster, stronger, and a quick-to-cut back.
from 2 months ago
Greg,
Thanks for sharing the known fact that every prospect either puts on or loses a few pounds prior to the draft. You need to back away from the table where the Dmac Kool-Aid sits. I already know that we disagree on the need for the Raiders to draft Darren McFadden which is fine everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I want to know what proof do you have that states that he is Stronger than any of the running backs on the roster? I take it you mean, in your opinion? I wonder if you are taking into account that when Darren McFadden gets to the NFL he won't have the luxury of facing the defenses of Troy University, North Texas University, Chattanooga (Little Rock), Florida Inernational University, South East Missouri, Louisana-Monroe, Utah State. I've a question for you, is this the same opinion that feels that Raiders defense is okay, as it is? I want you to do me a favor Greg take a look at the Raiders entire Drafts for the last five years and tell me how many Defensive Tackles the team has drafted and then come back and talk to me about a Defensive Tackle being a wasted pick. Why wait until next year to draft a DT when you need one this year? This type of thinking is why the Raiders drafted Michael Huff instead of Jay Cutler or Matt Lienart in 2006 when we needed a QB. At this time of the year we are bombarded with a lot of hype about the imcoming draft class and their potential. The fact remains that other areas of the team need to be addressed and it would be wise to do so as soon as possible. Have you even entertained the fact that if the Raiders draft Darren McFadden pay him $20 million plus in guaranteed money that he will be on the sidelines while the opposing team is constantly running the ball on the Raiders? If you think I'm lying Greg check out the statistics and we can talk some more. To build a team you must address all needs which means BOTH SIDES of the ball and not get enamored with the new it running back, otherwise it is remaining in the cellar and constant losses without a glimpse of things changing anytime soon.
2 months ago
DT Sedrick Ellis will be there at #4. The Raiders still need another DT. We won't stop the run with the D-Line that we have. We need another solid body that can stuff the run and pass rush. It would be a "HUGE" mistake not to take Ellis at #4. My predictions say we go 10-6 or better with Sedrick Ellis and we will go 5-11 0r 6-10 with Darren McFadden. I think it would be stupid to take McFadden over Ellis. We lost Warren Sapp. Tommy Kelly is coming off an ACL injury and Terdell Sands / Gerard Warren/ and William Joseph are bums. Let's face it our D-line is weak right now. Our CB's won't be as productive without a solid pass rush and run stuffing ability with our D-line how it is right now. We will have another losing season if we can't stop the run. Last year our ability to stop the run was "PATHETIC". We had no problem in the rushing department. I think that Justin Fargas/ Michael Bush and Dominic Rhodes will do just fine. WE DON'T NEED DARREN McFADDEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE NEED A DEFENSIVE TACKLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2 months ago
Def. Cord. Rob Ryan and Head Coach Lane Kiffin both want a DT. But Al Davis wants Darren McFadden. Lane Kiffin says he plans to draft a DT with the 4th pick unless they trade down some how. Lane Kiffin says that he's not looking to pick McFadden. But the decision rest in Al Davis's hands.
2 months ago
If DT Glenn Dorsey is still available at #4 pick him. If not we should take DT Sedrick Ellis at #4. Ellis will be available at #4.
2 months ago
Darren McFadden at #4..... BIG MISTAKE!!!!!!
2 months ago
I agree that McFadden is a great threat. But he is not a complete back IMO. Our d-line is by far the most pressing need. With that said if Long is off the board that leaves us with Gholston. IMO we could do better to trade down. Cincy ic sitting #9. Thay have all there picks and a extra 3rd. I bet thay would be willing to give up there 1st and 2nd for our pick. Then trade Washington for a 2nd/3rd. Probably a 3rd. Harvey(1st),Mayo(2nd if lucky),Caldwell(3rd),and Ahtyba Rubin(4th). If Mayo is gone in the 2nd you go O-line there. This would help our team alot more IMO.
from 2 months ago
Interesting thoughts. I would say Phillip Merling or Lawrence Jackson over Harvey. I like Ahtyba Rubin & Jerod Mayo, Rubin will be a steal for someone.
2 months ago
Not to say those are the players we get just an idea.
2 months ago
Yeah, I see what you guys are saying that it makes no sense to draft a rb, but I just feel McFadden is a special talent. I am not completely sold on drafting Mcfadden either to tell you the truth even though I feel he is special because I like the potential of Michael Bush and Fargas. I just don't see anyone else there at #4 worthy of that pick other than gholston and ellis and I don't feel we need them for the reasons I stated above. Also, Gholston IS suceptible to the run. I have seen him play alot, a buddy of mine is a huge Ohio State fan and he is a classic pass rusher who is suceptible to the run. Not only that but he also dissapears (like casper lol) he will have 3 sacks in one game and then go 2 straight games with no sacks and no tackles. Frank Okam dissapears on statsheets because that is what he is suppose to do. He is a huge Ted Washington type player who simply parks his huge body in the middle of the field and occupies 2 offensive linemen freeing the linebackers up to blitz the gaps and stop the run. If you watch our games last year and even the year before this was a main reason we couldn't stop the run. Our linebackers who come up to aggresiveley find themselvces getting blocked by a rolling offensive linemen or fullback because no one on our entire four man front was double teamed leaving more of them than us, then once they were past our linebackers it was a missed schweigert tackle away from paydirt. Thats why they gave terdell Sands so much money was because they were reaching because they knew we desperately needed this. Frank Okam is no Terdell Sands, he has the same body frame but is a much much better player, exactly what we were looking for when we gave Terdell that big contract.
from 2 months ago
I wasn't even going to respond since you BleedSilverNBlack but then I read "Frank Okam dissapears on statsheets because that is what he is suppose to do." ??? I see where you going but no that doesn't tell the whole story. The things you mentioned kind of touch on the positives. The negatives are that he needs conditioning focus. Lacks the knee bend and change-of-drection agility to chase long distances. Inconsistent spin and bull-rush moves. Plays too high and can be washed out. Inconsistent hand placement. Too often leans on or dances with blockers, doesn't beat them. Does not compete with intensity every snap. More often than not, pops upright at the snap and gets pushed around. Tends to play upright and straight-legged, limiting his ability to move through trafic. Is basically an underachiever. I know this sounds familiar like Terdell Sands? He is worth a 5th round pick gamble if his motivation increases. Signing Terdell Sands to the big contract last year was a mistake and it should be immediately restructured for lack of performance and lack of technique. There are some mid to late round DT's out there like Ahtyba Rubin, Red Bryant, Marcus Harrison, Trevor Laws, Jason Shirley, Dre Moore has talent but is a huge risk.
2 months ago
Also, there is no way chris long will fall to us, but if he did, we would be absolutely stupid not to draft him. Gholston and Long are similar in their pass rushing abilities but Long is a far superior run defender. Like you said Jeff, he does it all, stops the run, pass rush, he is a complete player and dominates in all phases.
from 2 months ago
You know what, I would love to see a shake up at the top of the draft with the Dolphins taking Jake Long, Rams taking Glen Dorsey, the Falcons taking Matt Ryan and the Raiders taking Chris Long or if Chris Long is gone Sedrick Ellis. That would make my day.
2 months ago
We could trade down further and get either of those guys. But then we would be nowhere near getting Mayo. He might not even make it out of the 1st.
Also i cant remember his name off hand but there is a C from Fla that is in this draft that i wouldnt mind seeing us get. But we have no 5th.
2 months ago
People get to caught up in numbers and measurables and such when it should be about on field production. Gholston was predicted to be a mid first round pick at the end of the season until he went to the combine and put up 37 reps of 225 and had a huge vertical jump and all of the sudden he might go #4? Funny thing is, my friend who is the Ohio State fan told me that would happen. He said he felt Gholston wasn't worth a top 10 pick because he dissapears from games and is subceptible to the run but would be considered a top five pick after the combine because he was a freak athlete who would put up huge numbers on the weight bench and a blazing forty time and sure enough, it happened. He went from a projected #15-20 in the first round to a top five prospect after the combine.
from 2 months ago
You again make a solid point, it should be about On-Field production but we get all get caught up in this hype around this time of the year that kind of takes on a life of its own. A lot of guys put forth the effort in the All-Star games and the combine and can really make themselves some money by improving their draft stock. That is what Gholston has done. I can't be mad at him for that, he isn't a guaranteed success either but his potential is high.
2 months ago
Can Raider use Vernon Gholston as SAM LB??
from 2 months ago
Yes
2 months ago
I think that is what Raiders will do ... have Gholston as SAM
Then you have the front 4 of Burgess/Warren/kelly/Richardson
I think Rob Ryan and Big Al let Warren Sapp stay on even though he could not stop the run
With this healthy group, a beast at SAM and Gbril at SS and 2 lock down corners, like thew OLine did a 180 last year this D-Line will make the same turn around
2 months ago
I see Gholston as an OLB in a 3-4 defense. I see C Long as a DE in either the 3-4 or the 4-3. That is just my opinion and doesn't count as far as teams drafting go. I seem to have heard that NE was interested in jumping NY for Gholston. This may be the one year that Al decides to trade down. I wonder if 7 is a reach for Keith Rivers? I would love to see him in S&B. I wouldn't put any money on Al trading down any further though. So my prediction is the Raiders draft DMc. Not thrilled but both Long's are gone.
2 months ago
Jeff
Can I ask you your opinion on the better SAM LB Gholston or Rivers?
from 2 months ago
Good question, the better Sam Backer is Keith Rivers the better pass rusher is Gholston. Rivers is a complete Linebacker where as Gholston is a guy that will be a beast as a 3-4 OLB. Keith Rivers can play both and has been excelling at that position since High School. Gholston can have an early impact but Keith Rivers grades out as a Potential Franchise Player.
2 months ago
Jeff,
Rivers is a beast. However, he doesn't play the pass well enough to be a SAM. He got burnt bad during the Senior Bowl week and the entire Raider D coaching staff took notes. He is by far the best LB in this draft, but not the answer for a SAM LB that the Raiders need. He gets too out of position and a quick RB or shifty TE will have huge gains aginst him. (LT and Gates come to mind) I wouldn't be at all upset if he became a Raider, as long as they can fix his pass defense. As far as a run stuffer, he is AWESOME. Great block shedding skills, packs one hell of a punch when he lights people up. Did you see him knock the helmet off of a one of the O-linemen during a SCRIMAGE at a Senior Bowl practice? He would also make a nice addition to Special Teams to replace Cooper. (if he doesn't come back) Not to mention, his 42" vert would be nice to have blocking FG's late in the game.
Good Read.
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the comments, However I disagree with the statement that Rivers doesn't play the pass well enough. The word on him is that he is smart and instinctive, indentifying plays and accelerating to the ball quickly. Shows the speedto chase down plays sideline-to-sideline. Uses his hands well to defeat pass blockers and keep them from getting a hold of him. He can drop into zone coverage with his head on a swivel, he can get fooled by play-action and pump fakes andn does an adequate job of locking up receivers. Has the quickness to run with backs and tight ends in the short-area passing game, using his hands well to reroute. His read and react skills are very good as well that doesn't sound to me like a guy who has trouble against the pass. Don't believe the hype, he played well in the senior bowl and had a great week of practice as scouts & coaches from every team have said and he still grades out as the BEST OLB in the draft and a potential Franchise Player. You lost me at the end; I can't believe you used Keith Rivers & Special Teams in the same sentence. He grades out as a 1st round draft pick and the best OLB in the draft.
2 months ago
Trade down dammit
2 months ago
When taking someone early in the draft and with the high cost it is and always will be important to evaluate the choice by position.... taking a RB at such a high cost is not usually the right answer exspecially when the majority of the premier backs over this past decade have came from a late first round, second round and even third round at a significantly lower price....Very few RB's taken in the top 5 pics succeed... However on the defensive side of the ball the likelyhood for success and at a much lower cost generally has a better up swing... With this said... to take mac at the raiders 4th pick should be primarily for trade bait...Going after a destructive interior defensive line should be the focus of this years remaining pics as well as a pass rushing lb....The offense will be able to move the chains effectively with the less consurvative playbook that Kiffen has spoken off.....But truely if you cannot count on the defense consistantly controlling there side it will be difficult to maintain multiple options on managing the game offensively..... At this point, the raiders have done an excellent job this off season and clearly the defensive line is the key that has for multiple years been very week against the run...
from 2 months ago
Well spoken Joel, You're looking at $20 million or more guaranteed you need to be sure. The Raiders are building this team and that process needs to start in the trenches.
2 months ago
If we want to win this year then we need to draft DT Sedrick Ellis at #4. Glenn Dorsey will be gone by then and the next best thing is Sedrick Ellis. We need to stop the run or we will suffer the same fate as last year. I say that if we pick Darren McFadden it would be a big mistake unless we can trade back into the 2nd or 3rd round and pick up a DT there. Our D-line is suspect right now.
from 2 months ago
Well spoken, it is a MUST that the Raiders stop the run. Continue to re-build the Defensive Line.
2 months ago
what tha fck is wrong with some of our raiders fan. Everybody says we need a D.T WE NEED A D.E look at what we did in tha off season. pep this out u have tha most expolsive r.b 2 come out since bo jackson and u want 2 pass on him u guys must b on drugs. Justin hugga bear can't stay healthy 4 one year fargus and mr.bush who hasn't played in 2 years and everybody thinks he's going 2 b such a great r.b . did u c his leg snap in half he could b 1 hit away from tha retirement list. I would not trust those 2 R.B with a 10 foot pole. Please people if we don't draft him and he's tear'n up tha league don't complain and say we should have taken him. Our offence was so bad last year it was pretty much unwatchable. no team in this league fears tha raiders offence if u put mcfadden in tha back field it will put fear in teams.All loves speed so if i know big al u better go reserve your #5 yerseys because he's going 2 b a raider.
from 2 months ago
I can answer that, what is wrong with some Raider fans is that they were watching both sides of the ball and they noticed that the Raiders ranked 31st in the league against the run. The other teams in the league were attacking the middle or Defensive Tackle positions first and then the edges. Perhaps you haven't noticed Terdell Sands & Warren Sapp started early in the season and at the snap Terdell would stand straight up and get pushed back 3 feet, Warren Sapp who I loved, would either swim move or spin and attack the gap between the guard and tackle and the middle was wide open. Several times this opened the flood gates for the opposing lineman to easily reach the second level of the defense which means instant success. So what you're telling us is having Darren McFadden would change this? Can you explain then what you would tell your fans if you were in charge at the press conference if the same thing happening in '08 when the team had the opportunity to change things and chose Dmac? Funny to read you saying that the offense was unwatchable, that was 2006 my friend in 2007 the Raiders could run the ball and went from dead last to #6 in the league - oh yeah that's not worth watching. The Raiders were in and had a chance to win 12 of their 16 games but naw that's not worth watching. Never mind the fact that the team has 6 running backs on the roster already, the 7th one is the charm, right? A lot of hatred going on for the Raider running game oh and the "can't stay healthy & one hit away from the retirement blast was uncalled for and ridiculous. In case you haven't noticed Football is a contact sport my friend and injuries are part of the game. This is why you have depth or back ups to come in a play well when their opportunity arrives. Justin Fargas cashed in his opportunity, Dominic Rhodes ran for 237 yards in two games with his chance. But wait, putting up numbers and being productive that's not worth watching. This also means that your comments were two beers away from making sense.
2 months ago
Great posts, great article and great comments. I have just recently started reading thgese articles but I am now definatelty coming back. There are a lot of good posts on here with good ideas and I love to hear others opinions on the Raiders. I think we should take D-mac ( only because Long and Dorsey will be long gone) but it's hard to argue with everyones opinions on here because it seems everyone has a valid point. Whoever we go with, I just can't wait for the season to start so we can shut up all these critics with a team that is on the rise and competitive. I am so sick and tired of all the crap the media dumps on us every offseason when we have yet another bad year and they seem to find a way to bash everyone we pick up in free agency. If their beloved Patriots had traded for D. Hall, the media would have been saying that bellichick is a absolute genius for engineering a deal that sent a 2nd round pick for a 24 year old 2 time cornerback, but we make the move and all they say is "he's a problem in the mold of a T.O." and we "paid him way too much" and we are basically " picking him up to replace Nnamdi next year". It's all a bunch off Horse crap. There is no way Al Davis is letting Nnamdi go anywhere. He got Hall, to have someone on the other side that teams feared so they couldn't just avoid Nnamdi's side all day. Why would he let Nnamdi go when he is better than DeAngelo and we could have kept him for basically the same amount of money? Not gonna happen. The kid is a model citizen with a great attitude and a huge role model off the field as well as one of the 3 best cornerbacks in the entire league. Al Davis got Deangelo to Maximize Nnamdi's potential by making teams throw his way once in awhile, not to replace Nnamdi. But that didn't stop the media from writing story after story on how Nnamdi is leaving next year and we got Deangelo to replace him. I can't wait for the season to start so we can shut up the critics. Regardless of who we pick at #4, I still see us right near the top of the AFC west with the offseason additions we made and if we choose wisely with that #4 pick, it will be what puts us over the top. Go Raiders, Fu@k the haters!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2 months ago
^^oops, I meant 2 time pro bowl cornerback Deangelo Hall, not 2 time cornerback but you guys probably knew what I meant
2 months ago
Oh, one last thing on Frank Okam. Yeah, you are right with the negatives you posted and I failed to post about him. But that is why he will be available in the 4th round and not the first. Because he has negatives. I just feel those negatives are, something that can be coached and changed with motivation. Money is the ultimate motivator and they don't get paid in college. I could see the guy giving his all in the NFL trying to make that money and he has potential and size ( and is 10 times better than terdell sands) to be great at stopping the run. Or possibly Red Bryant. That guy was a beast at times also ( mainly against the run) and is an underacheiver due to lack of motivation. I just think when these guys get in the NfL and realize how much more money a great defensive tackle makes as opposed to a mediocre non-motivated one, it will motivate them to give their all, and when they were giving their all these guys looked great. That and the proper coaching, you were dead on about Frank Okams negatives.
from 2 months ago
I hear you because you've made some solid points and that you BleedSilverNBlack and I hope you're right about Frank Okam. I hate to go this route but a philosopher once said "You are what you repeatedly do excellence then is not an act but a habit." If I had a choice between Frank Okam and Red Bryant I would choose Red Bryant. He is a guy that repeatedly stops the run and so is Ahtyba Rubin who I would love to see the Raiders select with their 4th round pick.; with that being said Glen Dorsey & Sedrick Ellis are the best Defensive Tackles in this draft due to production on the field and after that there is a big drop off. The drop off means that these guys are the only 1st round DT's and the other guys mentioned will go in rounds 4-7.
2 months ago
Dorsey 6'2'' 297, Ellis 6'1'' 309, Okam 6'4'' 347. Huge difference (literally).We need a big dude like that in the middle of our line not named Terdell Sands to stop the run. If you think about it, we haven't been able to stop the run since big boy Sam Adams left.
2 months ago
Ted Washington was after Sam Adams also and did well in that role for us, but we haven't been able to stop the run since
2 months ago
First of all great job on the article Jeff. I just wanted to say that I think that we all know that we could use C Long, Dorsey, Ellis, Golston, Rivers, & other DL's and LB's to help out our run D but I would not be too dissapointed if we get a talent like DMac either. I think if C Long and Dorsey is gone by the 4th Al D will pick DMac for sure. Siver & Black in IRAQ!!!!!!!!!!!
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the comments, I'm happy to see you representing the Silver & Black in Irag the nation is worldwide. I would be even happier to see a photo of you back in the USA at a Raider game donned in silver and black with a beer in your mitt cheering on the Raiders! Do Thy Duty which is Best - From everyone is the USA that appreaciates what you're doing over there, thank you & personally keep your head down and stay focused while you're doing what you have to do.
2 months ago
Great article Jeff. As I was reading the the post I realized that maybe our front office is having the same debate as we are. Dmac or Defense. If you study Al Davis he's a defensive guy who has a good eye for defensive players. He took some gambles on players that many has written off. We can say Washington or Huff Or Stuart hasn't panned out, but if you really look at it Washington, and Stuart arent the worst at their position and by them having some trade value means that they aren't bad. Stuart isn't a tackler but if we had a stronger front 7 he could be an outstanding pass defendee. Or maybe he needs the zone scheme to be effective. Washington main problemis he's too short. He is an athlete but he is just too short to cover those 2nd wr's. He did well as a nickel why? the recievers he wen up against wasn't as tall. With that being said i see us trying to trade back to around 8 - 10 and get the best available on our draft board and get a 2nd or third rounder. the ravens might want dmac or ryan and willing to swap 1st round and a third maybe. Trading with dallas won't happen unless they give up a defensive lineman, their 2 1st round picks and their 2 round picks (based on the point system in which the value the worth of trading draft picks) which I doubt Jerry Jones will be willing to do. So we’ll prolly trade back a few picks and end up with Gholston but don’t be supprised if we some how end up with desean Jackson at the end of the draft. Oh we don’t need dmac because bush is a way!!!! Better back and is closer to bo Jackson than dmac. Just look at his film. He not only works gaps he creates them and drags the defenders with him. Not as fast but better feet work, better hands and better attitude.
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the comments, I hear what you saying this has got to be Michael Huff's year, now is the time, he needs to step up. I agree with a better front 7 the Secondary would be better. At this time I think that trading Stuart Schweigert & Fabian Washington can bring back either two 3rd round picks or a 3rd round & 5th round picks. As far as a trade down, that is a strong possibility. Atlanta is looking hard at QB's Matt Ryan & Brian Brohm which could shake up the top of the 1st round. Also Baltimore is really looking at Matt Ryan, these could be trade partners. New England is known to wheel and deal if it suits them and the Patriots are looking hard at Vernon Gholston, Keith Rivers & Beau Bell. This tells me that the Patriots are looking to finally add youth to their Linebacker group and anyone of the three mentioned would be excellent fits for them but the team selects one pick after the Jets. However, the Jets and Patriots will forever go at it and are looking at the same players due to running the same defense. The Patriots desire to get the guy they're after before he is a Jet makes the Patriots a solid trade partner and candidate to give the Raiders back that 3rd round pick to move up. Oh and before I forget, true statement about Michael Bush, and I like DeSean Jackson but I think he'll be selected before the end of round 1.
2 months ago
I forgot to mention that Gholston can be that strong side linebacker we need. because of his athletic ability he would be our best option. He can hybrid that position. He can play lb or de on any given play. As he wont need to play to much of the passing game with morrison and howard and he has good lateral movement and when I hear people say he's not good at the run is very untrue. The fact is that he disrupts running play timing. he gets to the backfield so quickly that the backs can't get full steam going. Before when Burgess was labeled a bus he was actually good versus the run he's not now because he constantly gets double team which is why his sack totals are getting down. With gholston at lb we may blitz more when they line up on the same side. Remember when Bush was the safe pick at number one a few years ago and the texans shacked everyone when they picked Super Mario. Look at what those two did last year. Mario had a better season and was a higher impact player. He was the top choice cause of his "freakish athletic ability" now look we have this debate now between Gholston and Dmac. Gholston will by far be the pick that will put fear back in our defense. If one of our dline fa's have a breakout year and Gholston can play more lb then we'll be a force beyond nature.
2 months ago
Jeff, i'm the guy who posted the first comment (Jim).. Thanks for ripping that guy/girl named Don i'm not sure if he/she was calling you or I a rookie, either way he/she can't read if he/she can read he/she just got a lesson on running backs by you.... Great Job.. Jim "Raider Fan since 1967"
from 2 months ago
Well welcome back Jim. You and I both know that some people get bent when someone doesn't agree with them. I have no problem debating or discussing any issue but to come at me like he did was uncalled for. He is (alledgedly) a Raider fan and football fan so I look forward to the opportunity to talk to him again. Raider fan since 1967 that means you remember the AFL championship game against Houston when the team was coached by John Rauch with a 13-1 record and the Hiedi game. Glad to have you aboard. Go Raiders.
2 months ago
I just have this feeling that McFadden has Marcus Allen ability. I Think the Raiders should draft, if we put up points, the ground defense will take care of it self????
from 2 months ago
You put a smile on my face mentioning Marcus Allen one of my all time great players. I wouldn't go as far as saying the McFadden has his ability at this point. A lot of people have been taking too many sips of the Dmac Kool-Aid. I think he is a talented player but I've got a news flash for you 31st in the NFL at stopping the run. How is throwing $20 million guaranteed at Dmac going to turn that around? Oh and there is no such thing as "the ground defense will take care of it self". In the NFL you either stop the run or get a steady diet of it. This is what has happened to the Raiders over the last 5 years. This is partly due to the Raiders drafting only 1 DT in the last five years. One! not a couple here and there One! I think it is time to change that, as oppose to just thinking that "the ground defense will take care of it self."It has to be addressed Now.
2 months ago
Just have to say great article jeff, I love you way you back up your opinions with solid facts. A lot of the replies have really opened my eyes on possibilities for saving some money by trading down, and still getting that vital run-d we need so bad. A quick question, last I heard the raiders are only 2 million under the salary cap at the moment. Even if Mcfadden were the right choice (You've convinced me otherwise) could we really afford him and still have money for next years draft? I keep hearing were rebuilding, wouldn't a move like that tie our hands for future acquisitions? If so that would seem to me a good enough reason not to grab him. Could you explain, if your able how exactly the salary cap system works? Or is Al Davis just printing his own money?
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the comments, that means I've accomplished one of my goals of stating the facts and letting the chips fall as they may. In regards to the Raiders room under the salary cap, the Raiders were $4.6 Million under the cap before signing DeAngelo Hall and now sit around $2.6 Million so you are correct on that. The signing of C John Wade has probably cut into that a bit. Keep in mind that there is a good chance the Raiders will cut or release Lamont Jordan, it also appears that Dante Culpepper will not return. Both of these guys not being on the roster will free up some cap space. If the Raiders choose to trade Fabian Washington & Stuart Schweigert both could free up some cap space as well. I've watched a lot of Dmac's long runs and I like the guy but I don't think it is in the best interest of the team to add $20 million more dollars to the RB position. Al Davis could say I want him on my team it wouldn't surprise me one bit. It just seems odd that the team would award Justin Fargas for having a good season, re-sign him and then draft a guy in the 1st round and pay him more. That's just my opinion by the way. I think that Sedrick Ellis or a trade down staying in the top-10 to gain more picks and Drafting Keith Rivers sound like two good scenarios for the team. Ahtyba Rubin, Red Bryant, Pat Sims, Marcus Harrison, Trevor Laws will all be available in rounds 4-7. The big thing is the best two DT's in this draft are Dorsey & Ellis and then there is a big drop off. The salary cap system in short is a certain Dollar amount every team has to be under and when the season starts and you've selected your 53 guys you need to be under said amount. However, in April you only have to count the top 51 salaries and in September the top 53. Several insiders are predicting that the Raiders will be in salary cap hell in 2009 but this shouldn't surprise you because everything the Raiders do is considered wrong by so many. You know the phrase damned if you do and damned if you don't?
2 months ago
What's up fella's? I'm RAIDER STEVE. I agree that we should trade down get more picks and save some money. If we trade down then we can pick up a solid DT or OL in the 1st round. If we can get a 3rd round pick then we should go with a WR. These picks should take care of our remaining needs and save us money too.
2 months ago
RAIDER STEVE says: If we do keep our #4 pick in the 1st round then we should take DT Sedrick Ellis. Ellis is definitely going to be on the board still. My ideal pick is Glenn Dorsey or Chris Long. But they both most likely will be gone by #3. I think the smart pick would be Sedrick Ellis or Vernon Gholston. But we should definitely trade down and get more picks. I don't want RB Darren McFadden and we don't need another RB. I also don't like McFadden's personality issues. I think picking McFadden is a huge mistake.
2 months ago
RAIDER STEVE says: The smartest and safest picks at #4 would be DE Chris Long/ DT Glenn Dorsey/ DT Sedrick Ellis/ OT Jake Long/ or DE Vernon Gholston. All of which are areas of need for our team and all of which should make immediate impacts for us and they have a lesser chance of being bust. Our 2 areas of need right now are on the D-Line and O-Line. These are the foundation of a good football team and we need to strengthen them both to be successful.
2 months ago
RAIDER STEVE says: Trading down would be better considering that there are plenty of D-Linemen and O-Linemen to go around. If we could get both and a WR in the late rounds then we are set.
2 months ago
RAIDER STEVE says: This is an example of what I'm saying. Assuming we trade down and get picks in the 1st/ 2nd/3rd rounds. 1st Round: OL 2nd Round: DL 3rd Round: WR 4th Round: LB
2 months ago
RAIDER STEVE says: This years draft is so crucial to our team. It's going to the difference between winning lots of games or losing more than we should. With our schedule being easy this year and only playing 3 teams with winning records in '07. We need to capitalize on this years draft and get good players so that we can turn things around this season. We won't see very many schedules like this years so this is the year to do it.
2 months ago
RAIDER STEVE says: NO McFadden in '08!!!!!