Raiders: Stop all the DMC Talk
Every where I turn, and every mock draft I read, I can’t get away from people predicting that Arkansas running back Darren McFadden will go to the Oakland Raiders with the No. 4 pick.
These drafts are, of course, written by people who know little or nothing about the Raiders and the direction that the team has been going in the last 12 months. All they see is that McFadden is:
a) An explosive player
b) He has major character concerns
That, then, must make him and Al Davis guy straight away right? And Oakland will select him regardless of need? I’m sorry to disappoint all those draft guru’s out there, but there is no chance of Davis going for McFadden with the 4th pick. It just won’t happen, and there are very good reasons that it won’t.
Al now has Lane Kiffin at the helm of the team. Kiffin may be young, but he is strong minded and has his own ideas. When he was hired, he was given a much higher degree of autonomy than any coach since John Gruden as evidenced by the exodus of Raider assistant coaches last year. Many had been there a long time, and Kiffin brought his own guys in.
Despite the dispute between Davis and Kiffin, Kiffin was always going to be Oakland’s coach for 2008, and even before he came out and spoke last week, I had written it in my first article for this site.
Installing the zone blocking scheme under offensive line coach Tom Cable has been a big success, raising the Raiders in running offense from next to last in the league to 6th last year. What you don’t need in the zone blocking scheme is a superstar back like McFadden. Denver have proved that again and again.
Kiffin also has, even if you count out LaMont Jordan, three good Tailbacks under contract.
Michael Bush would probably have been a first round pick if not for his injury (he is now fully fit), and Justin Fargas is coming off a 1000 yard season. They will make a good tandem. Dominic Rhodes also has two 100 yd rushing games at the close of last season. Oakland does not need Darren McFadden to win.
What they do need is the ability to stop the run. They know that if they can’t do that, they won’t win games. They haven’t addressed the defensive line in free agency, with the only player retained being Tommy Kelly.
That means that there are only two players that Oakland will take with the No. 4 pick; Chris Long or Glenn Dorsey.
As I have already stated, I believe that Jake Long won’t get past St. Louis and No. 2, and Matt Ryan doesn’t get past Atlanta at No. 3. That means either Dorsey or Long will be available at No. 4, and both are worthy of that selection. That is where Al Davis goes this year, and I don’t see any reason to doubt that prediction.
If that doesn’t pan out for some reason and both are gone, the Raiders will look to trade down. Their most likely trade partners will be the Jets or the Patriots. Both, because of the defensive systems they play, will have a strong interest in Ohio State LB/DE Vernon Gholston. Al will look to play one off against the other to get maximum value for any trade, and get more picks in what is a very strong draft class.
The Raiders could safely trade down to No. 6 or 7 and still get the only other player who would be of use to them in stopping the run, Sedrick Ellis.
And no, Lane Kiffin hasn’t called a misdirection play in stating that Oakland doesn’t need Darren McFadden. He is just stating the obvious.
For those who are predicting DeSean Jackson, that prediction isn’t even worth addressing.
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4 months ago
His name is Davis NOT DAVID!!!!!
from 4 months ago
Wow, lay off. It has been edited, and the 's' key and the 'd' key are right next to each other. This writer, David Wilson, has been a huge Raider fan for 25 years. I think he knows the name of the Oakland Raider's president.
What a way to start off the comment section on a great article...
4 months ago
I been saying the same thing all offseason. Thanks for writing a article that takes a look at what really has been happening.
4 months ago
I been saying the same thing all offseason. You hit the nail on the head with this one, bravo!
4 months ago
nice writing, but not a strong understanding of the way of the raiders is present. 1) You spelled Al Davis' name wrong. 2) Sedrick Ellis is not in our top five picks. 3) Al Davis WILL NOT trade down. 4) We are going to take the best TALENTED player available. 5) Fargas isn't that young. 6) we WILL NOT allow the Chiefs the opportunity to take DMC.
Once you take these notes into condieration, re-write this article. It makes very little sense
4 months ago
So you think the Chiefs go for DMC? With Larry Johnson uder contract and an offensive line that is falling apart? I don't think so.
You never know until the picks have been made, but I'll stick with my prediction thanks.
from 4 months ago
You can stick with your prediction, but remember KC wanted to restructure LJ's deal this offseason because of his injury, they are unsure if he will ever return to full health.
4 months ago
You forget that the raiders have went somewhat for support on the d-line this off-season with joseph who i believe was a former first rounder who might be able to add some depth to a unit that was overworked last season, but not disagreeing that the biggest area for concern is d-line and a stong side backer to compliment the amazing duo of howard and morrison, hopefully rivers will be available if a trade down happends and he can be converted and create the youngest best and most athletic starting linebackers in the nfl. and i know thomas and williams are on contract but neither are a long term answer.
4 months ago
The Raiders run D is miserable. With such great linebackers, why in the hell would they pass up a chance to take Dorsey or Ellis? (I'd say Chris Long might not be the best fit for them because he's not a 2-blockers-occupied type.)
I do not think the Chiefs will take McFadden. I am going to write a mock draft of my own soon, and there's no way in my mind that he doesn't go to the Jets at #6, unless someone trades up to get him (the Cowboys come to mind).
from 4 months ago
don't the Boys have this cat Barber... Well what ever's his name the boy ca run and run over you... heck homeboys no boy!! This guys a MAN!!!
you guys see that 2 yard run he tallied last year against NE... Probably the best 2 yard run I have ever seen.
So no Dallas won't go chasing McFadden. If he falls that low maybe. But I don't really know what needs they have but RB aint one of'm
4 months ago
He is going to the RAIDERS, im willing and dealing on this...
4 months ago
Hi. I'm RAIDER STEVE. I agree with your article to an extent. Yeah we don't need McFadden. I personally don't want McFadden and I don't like McFadden. I think we should pick a D-Linemen or trade down. He's my take on this situation. Al Davis and Lane Kiffin don't see eye to eye. Lane Kiffin has said that he would like to draft a DT/DE with the #4 pick or trade down. Al Davis won't trade down and Al Davis is going to pick whoever he wants to. Al doesn't want Kansas City to pick McFadden at #5 and have to deal with playing against him twice a year. Al Davis likes "PLAY-MAKAS" as Al would say. If McFadden is there at #4 then Al will pick him. Al will probably pick McFadden just because Lane Kiffin doesn't want him. That's how things are in Oakland these days between them two. I think that the smart pick would be a DT/DE to help our poor run defense. But as we all know Al Davis doesn't always make the smart pick. Al picks what Al wants.... The only thing that would make me want to draft a RB would be due to the fact that Justin Fargas is 30 yrs. old and doesn't stay healthy. LaMont Jordan can't stay healthy and wants out of Oakland. Dominic Rhodes is over 30 yrs. old and didn't prove anything last year. And Michael Bush is coming off a serious leg injury and might not be the same RB he was in college. So there is some-what of a ?Question-mark? at the RB position. But I think that IF we do go RB at #4 then we should take the better RB who I think is Rashard Mendenhall. I'm praying every day that we pick a DT at #4 or trade down and get everything we need and save money at the same time.
4 months ago
Oakland needs to address stopping the run! We have got to get a LB or DL in this draft!
from 4 months ago
Umer, Here's what you need to know; if you can't score, you get run on. If you can score, you don't.
Can't score Can score
MIA 26 NE 32
NYJ 25 DAL 28
SF 32 IND 10
DEN 21 GB 18
OAK 23 SD 21
ATL 29 JAX 27
KC 31 ARZ 24
CAR 26 CLE 9
CLE 8 PIT 31
BUF 30 SEA 19
The teams that can't score are listed in order in rushing attempts against for last year, Miami had the most. The number next to that is that team's scoring offense rank. Conversely, the teams that can score are listed in order by offensive scoring rank and the number next to them is their rank in rush attempts against.
What's this all mean? If DMC can boost the Raider's scoring offense, he helps stop the run.
4 months ago
RAIDER STEVE says: Yeah I agree. Enough with the McFadden talk!!!!!
4 months ago
"What you don’t need in the zone blocking scheme is a superstar back like McFadden. Denver have proved that again and again."
yea denver sure does prove that again and again...... that they can't win with their crappy backs. lemme see who did they have the last time they won the superbowl, oh yeah Terrell Davis. (and don't come at me sayin he was a 6th round pick, i know that but he was one of the biggest steals ever as he was a super star like mcfadden will be)
get us a star runningback to go along with our star quarterback, that said i would rather trade down.
"Oakland does not need Darren McFadden to win."
maybe not, but it would sure make it easier to win
from 4 months ago
Terrell Davis was a star, but so was Clinton Portis before he left Denver. I have my doubts as to whether Davis would have had much success outside Denver's scheme.
4 months ago
all of this trade up/down talk is nonsense. Noone in there right mind wants to pay out the kind of coin these unproven rookies demand. That is why in this day and age of overpriced rookies and salary caps we see the same teams at the end of the season picking at the top of the draft. It is a viscious cycle, your team sucks cuz you pay high prices for rookies and have less to pay to other players which in turn go elsewhere (Clemons, Carr) the payouts for unproven rookies need to be managed so this cycle ends and we don't have the same teams winning every year and the same teams in the gutter.
4 months ago
all of this trade up/down talk is nonsense. Noone in there right mind wants to pay out the kind of coin these unproven rookies demand. That is why in this day and age of overpriced rookies and salary caps we see the same teams at the end of the season picking at the top of the draft. It is a viscious cycle, your team sucks cuz you pay high prices for rookies and have less to pay to other players which in turn go elsewhere (Clemons, Carr) the payouts for unproven rookies need to be managed so this cycle ends and we don't have the same teams winning every year and the same teams in the gutter.
4 months ago
all of this trade up/down talk is nonsense. Noone in there right mind wants to pay out the kind of coin these unproven rookies demand. That is why in this day and age of overpriced rookies and salary caps we see the same teams at the end of the season picking at the top of the draft. It is a viscious cycle, your team sucks cuz you pay high prices for rookies and have less to pay to other players which in turn go elsewhere (Clemons, Carr) the payouts for unproven rookies need to be managed so this cycle ends and we don't have the same teams winning every year and the same teams in the gutter.
4 months ago
no matter how much we don't need him, we will still draft him and I'm fine with that.
4 months ago
LJ is over the hill. We need blockers and pass rushers.
4 months ago
everyone seems to think we dont need dmac which is bull cause 1 jordan wont be here this year 2 fargas is coming off an injury and who knows how durible he is come this season 3 bush is unproven so who knows what his deal is and is also coming off injury 4 rhodes is not the answer !! how deep is our backfield now not that deep 2 injury ??s think about it
4 months ago
The way I see it is that with all the off-season FA activity, it makes sense. It really looks like the Raiders have been lining it all up to draft a bunch of guys for the defense, in the hope of getting Chris Long or Glenn Dorsey. I for one would be a very happy season ticket holder if I saw Chris Long sporting Silver and Black at the home opener on September 8th!
4 months ago
You heard it hear 1st... Al will go out the box and draft Jackson(CAL). We have our QB of the future. We need the guy he's going to hook up with over those years. I know it's a reach, but, if we draft McFadden, we are going to have an unhappy group of rb's who are all capable of being the No. 1 guy.
4 months ago
DeSean Jackson? It won't happen. Al is smart enough to know that a blue chip defensive lineman is last piece in the jigsaw that makes us competitive again. It's Long or Dorsey if either are still there.
My prediction is that one of them will be
But only time will tell.
Dave
4 months ago
And for the rcord, Fargas is 28, not 30. He is in his prime and doesn't have many miles in those legs.
I know he isn't the healthiest kid in the world, but as aprt of a two back set, I think it will work out better for him.
4 months ago
well said, a two back system with McFadden is unstoppable.
4 months ago
But we still suck at the WR position. Desean would move our offense forward. Then again, we'd have no defense. I agree, but NO WAY Dorsey! I say Chris Long!!!!!
4 months ago
Mcfadden is the dumbest pick for us
4 months ago
RAIDER STEVE says: DT Glenn Dorsey is going in the top 3 and so is DE Chris Long. So you all might as well forget about them. That will leave us with some good concalation prizes like DT Sedrick Ellis/ DE Vernon Gholston/ and OT Jake Long. All of which are areas of need for us. We don't need Darren McFadden!!! Our O-Line isn't even good enough to utilize him. If McFadden doesn't go to the right system then he will be a BUST!!!!! Our system can't use him. Did you all forget about us giving up 145 rushing yards per game last year. Yeah you guys are right our back field is old/injured/and unproven. But McFadden won't win games for us when he's on the sidelines with the rest of the offense watching the other teams RB rack up first downs and getting over 100+ yards on our defense. We need to draft a D-Lineman and a O-Lineman. Oh yeah who's blocking Russell's blindside? Hmmmmm oh yeah it's Kwame Harris. We either have to take DT Sedrick Ellis or OT Jake Long. Fuck McFadden!!!
4 months ago
RAIDER STEVE says: IF we draft Darren McFadden then we will be losers next year.....AGAIN
4 months ago
RAIDER STEVE says: I have no confidence in our D-line the way it is now. We need to add some extra fire power to it.
4 months ago
Who will pick Chris long/Glen Dorsey? Miami's picking Matt Ryan
Rams picked a DE in the 1st round last year
Even if the Falcon's pick one of them, we get the next
4 months ago
hjjok
4 months ago
Every thing's just speculation. We all know what we need but will we get it??? ONLY AL DAVIS KNOWS guys. We do not have an influence here... We really don't.
But I know some of you guys get off on fighting each other so go ahead and knock yourselves out.
Bottom line is it's all a fantasy because only Al really knows what he's going to do and even he probably is not sure until the clock starts ticking...
Long Live the RAIDER NATION!!!
4 months ago
The Raiders will draft DMAC if he is there at #4. As for the D-line and O-line; Davis will trade Fabian and Rhodes for a #2 and #4 respectively. With these picks he will draft a DT and a DE. With our own #4, #6 and two #7's we will draft an OT, OLB, SS AND WR. You will see. Al will make some trades for extra picks on or before the draft. Chris Long and Dorsey will be gone before we pick. With our zone blocking scheme we will not waste our #4 pick on an OT. All draft picks are a crap shoot. We will not trade down for a few extra picks that are far less talented and still a gamble. Don't forget. Kiffin says we're loaded at running back. Well who says that can't change. Jordan will be traded or released and Rhodes can be traded. Now we have DMAC, Fargas and Bush. DMAC is a good receiver also. Now you put him in the slot and have Fargas or Bush in the backfield. This will put alot of pressure on defenses. DMAC is the pick.
from 4 months ago
Congratulationd.. You said it perfectly... Well said, and even better thought out.
4 months ago
So what if the draft unfolds 1) Jake Long 2) Chris Long 3) Dorsey. then what? Also, Fargas has been injury prone AND his best games came against teams with a weak run D. Games against the Bears, Vikings ect he was held in check.
And what if they Raiders can't trade down? You state a lot of hypotheticals and "obvious" scenarios but what if they have to take the pick and it's between McFadden and Ellis/Gholston? Now it's the old Need vs Talent discussion and Portland Trailblazer fans will tell you it doesn't always work out to take what you need.
I really like Michael Bush but he's only got the dangerous "potential" now. Fargas has trouble staying healthy and Rhodes has never been an astonishing runner. Why not take a star RB? If he's the "consensus top player in the draft," when it's possible the DT you take there would be a stretch of a pick.
4 months ago
Anyone that thinks Al will pick McF if Chris Long is available (which sounds more and more likely) needs to check themselves. If SOH is gone, I'm thinking they might try and trade down, but with the rookie contracts, they might not find any takers... thus I think it will be either Dorsey or Ellis.
Al may be unpredictable but he ALWAYS attacks needs with his first pick. ALWAYS.
Name one time he hasn't. You can't.
from 4 months ago
BO JACKSON. (a star running back) where are you from anyways?
4 months ago
If Dmac can run like BO then I'd give up some run D......
from 4 months ago
so true ....
4 months ago
Go to youtube type in michael bush. Way better running back than Mcfadden. Plus bigger faster and not a fumbler. Also a nother negative about Mcfadden is his very small legs. Michael Bush is a BEAST! Best keeped seacret in the NFL. LOOK IT UP!
from 4 months ago
bigger legs... He is not faster than McFadden by any means. where did you come up with this. Plus Michael Bush is an inside runner. McFadden was an outside runner.
Look at who won the last few SB
New York - Brandon Jacobs (inside) / Derrick Ward (outside)
Indianapolis - Dominic Rhodes (inside) / Joseph Addai (outside)
Pittsburgh - Jrome Bettis (inside) / Willie Parker (outside)
please think about how much of a threat it would be to have
Oakland - Justin Fargas, Michael Bush (inside) / Darren McFadden (outside)
4 months ago
why do people keep saying bush is coming of injury?... that was 2 yrs ago. i'd bet my house that he is healthy. and like dude above me said he is a better back than DMC. just read an article today or yesterday where they quoted one of the raiders backers saying bush is a "monster"
4 months ago
Dmac can't run like Bo. Bo was strong and fast. Dmac is just fast.
4 months ago
Fargas-injury prone; Jordan-bust, gone; Rhodes-old, trade bait; Dorsey-short+fat, maybe injury prone too; DT-deep in draft; and Miami-negotiating with OSU LB and J. Long.
Did you not see the contract David Garrad got (Who?)? Who do you think helped him get that $$$-Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew (Lil' Hercules).
Amen to DeSean Jackson-not a good choice!
Unless C. Long falls his way, it will be McFadden and Al will trade off our castaways for some middle round picks to shore up the DL/LB and possibly QB (3rd string)....
4 months ago
hey i dont like mcfadden much but u know he is going to be overated as hell on madden09...so get him
4 months ago
Dude, where to begin….? KC is more loaded in the backfield than we are with LJ and that Kolby Smith kid. Fargas has been preserved over his career as a backup. You measure a halfback’s age in carries…not years. True, Ellis isn’t a top 5 pick but he would be the best DT available after Dorsey and if Davis trades down he would be an exceptional value. As far as “Davis won’t trade down”, last year everyone said that Davis won’t spend any money to bring in talent. The truth is nobody knows what Davis will do. What we do know is that that 4th pick comes with a lot of leverage and potential to come out way ahead of the game by trading for multiple picks (see Cleveland 07 draft). I think Al sees an opportunity to put together something truly special if Russell is what we all hope his is. He’s going to try to surround him with as much talent as he possibly can and if that means trading down he will.
4 months ago
You guys are so silly. And the writer thinks that Lane Kiffin is going to decide who is drafted. Duh! Al Davis alone will totally make the decision and he will take the best player in the draft, the player with the most athleticism, and the player with the most Buzz. He will take the player who is on the cover of the ESPN Magazine cover for the NFL Draft. He will take DMAC. Later he could trade him for any two of the best players that all of you guys think that you want. I have not heard so many naive comments in one location in my life.
4 months ago
How stipid can you be dude!! Al Davis will NEVER relinquish POWER to a 32 yr old PUNK COACH with a 4-12 Rec.......in the NFL!!
The pick will be MC Fadden!!
BANK ON IT!!!
4 months ago
If the Raiders take a DT, don't expect too much in the first year. Linemen tend to take time to get to the NFL speed. RB is a plug and play position.
My guess is Al wants instant results for his money this year, and Ryan has convinced Al to empty his bank account on the defense, so Al wants to see if Ryan was right about Kelly.
IF.... McFadden is still there Al will take him to take pressure off Russell, ( Al's last years decision) where he can help not only in the rushing game, but also can be a huge threat in the passing game. (which is a weak point)
We will see what we have with our existing D- line. Unless it's Long to bookend w/Burgess, the D-line pick won't be that effective for most the year probably anyways.
Like RBs, we have plenty of DL, and plenty of cash wrapped up in them. Both positions have quality/health questions. So Al go's with the guy who will sell more tickets. McFadden.
4 months ago
Compare this DMac's time in the 40 was 4.33 J.Fargas time (2003) in the 40 was 4.35....
4 months ago
I know we have Fargas, and our "Monster" RB Bush...... But still.... Gimmie Run DMC, "Championship" ! Remember the Saints picking Bush knowing they had a "Monster" RB already. If I remember correctly they went to the NFC Championship game that year even with a new QB, and head coach.
4 months ago
I stopped reading the article after the first two paragraphs where the author states that other writers and mock draft people don't have a clue...then he proceeds to spill his "expertise" on us. Seems kind of ironic.
Also, some commenter said Bush is faster than McFadden. ???
Fargas can not stay healthy for an entire season, Bush may be very good, or he may be post-leg injury Jamal Anderson: solid but unspectacular. Whatever you may think of McFadden, let's not pretend we're set at the rb position. Remember last year when we were so sure we were set at D because we were returning the top-10 ranked D? Never expect the same, always upgrade when you can. Again, whether you like DMac or not, it's silly trying to state he wouldn't help this team.
He's as fast or faster than Fargas, stronger, was more productive in college in a tougher conference, has better hands, doesn't get decleated half the time, and has more wiggle.
4 months ago
McFadden will be a partial bust... he isn't strong enough. He is Reggie Bush, round 2- fast, but not a true franchise RB. Mind you, I'm not saying McFadden wouldn't help the Raiders... he just isn't worth the pick when the Raiders could get Ellis or Dorsey.
If he's there, and he probably will be, Sedrick Ellis should be picked WAY ahead of McFadden. First-year DTs don't usually make a huge impact... so why not start the process this year? Oakland could run a 3-man rotation with Ellis-Warren-Sands and constantly keep their DTs fresh for an entire game.
That is half the battle right there- usually a defense's big plugs up front are the first to tire. Oakland is not going to the playoffs this year- not when they weren't close to 8-8 the year before.
The Raiders should plan on going about 8-8 this year and pick a player who will help them most the NEXT year when they make their run to go deep into the playoffs. Remember- it's always easier to add good "skill" position players than linemen because with good linemen the "skill" positions look much better. If the Raiders can stop the run this year, they'll be a much improved team because then they can focus completely on the offense in next year's draft and take the gamebreaker there.
4 months ago
hold up.... McFadden is not reggie bush.
He is taller
He is heavier
He is Stronger
And faster...
What about those comments says bust? He will be in silver and Black. Don't give me your ideas on how we need Vernon Gholston... We don't. Our defense is set, and we need to make our offense explosive.
He is a multi weapon player. A WR and RB, when utilized properly, HE DOES fit our system.. "We don't need a star running back in our system?" How ignorant can you get? We just have never had a star back in our new system.. You really think AL DAVIS gives a fliyin f--- what Lane wants, absolutely not.
McFadden 08'
4 months ago
I don't know about them drafting Dmac, but I do expect something stupid to be done with this pick. It should be great to watch.
4 months ago
i can guarantee you that if DMC is available at #4 he will be a raider. you got to remember who calls the shots in oakland. its al and its always going to be al. if kiffin was calling it then maybe you;d be right, but he's not so its DMC without a doubt.
4 months ago
Hey Greg..."Our defense is set" How do you explain our lack of run defense. We have done nothing to help our d-line in this offseason. Remember, games are won and lost starting at the line...not from an unproven RB. People are going to run all over us again in 08 if we do nothing to stop the run. We need Dorsey, period.
4 months ago
I was just remembering all of the grief Houston got for drafting Mario Williams over Reggie Bush a few years ago. And while I recognize the needs on both O/D lines, I would rather pay 1st round $$$ for a multi-thread back vs a lineman. Look what happened with Gallery.....perhaps we could address those line needs later in the draft or via free agency.
4 months ago
Dmac is the man!He's a stud! Anyway you put him out there he will get the chains moved,anyone who can Run,Pass,or Recieve,you better grab that Pick & Run with it!!!! Doe's L.T ring a bell ? Besides,Al Davis loves speed in his players.And hey,if the Raiders do not elect to make this pick,I say go with USC's DT/Seddrick Elliss, the man's a "Beast"and he can back up the chains! Is'nt USC is one of uncle Al's favorite Alumnis anyway?Either pick is fine with me, Raiders 4Life baby!
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