In a press conference following the Raiders' selection of Darren McFadden in the 2008 NFL Draft, head coach Lane Kiffin went on to tell the media, "It was McFadden all along."
During that press conference he also went on to say, "I knew months ago, that this was the guy we had to have."
In the midst of rampant talk and speculation, there were many Raiders fans and reporters who were way off-target, and had a belief that they knew what the Raiders would do with their fourth overall pick.
Today's Must Reads
Many believed the Raiders would trade down, but Kiffin's response to this was simple.
"The only chance we were going to trade down was if McFadden was gone at number four...We were considering trading up to pick him, but luckily he fell to us."
Lane also went on to add, "(Former LSU defensive tackle) Glenn (Dorsey) is a great player, but doesn't quite fit our three-gap technique. To take him fourth overall to replace Tommy (Kelly) at the three gap doesn't make much sense."
This proclamation from Coach Kiffin goes on to solidify the prediction that I made almost two months ago, when I thought the Raiders would select Darren McFadden, the best running back to come out of the SEC in quite a while.
McFadden will add a lot of possibilities to our new, explosive offense. This year, the Oakland Raiders will not only be back on the map, their fanbase will be filled with high hopes.
McFadden was the right choice, and will electrify the Raider Nation.
comments (12) write a comment »
write a new comment
4 months ago
You called it, Greg. Nice job. Now to figure out what to do with that crowded backfield...
4 months ago
Rhode4s is already gone, and I believe Jordan will be traded within May, probably to the Chiefs, Jets, or Bengals
4 months ago
You called it, Greg. I felt that it would happen but that RB wasn't the teams biggest need. I don't have a problem with the pick or the entire draft just with the opportunity to acquire a SLB after the McFadden pick. All in all looking forward to the season. A question for you Greg did you get a chance to see any game clips on the drafted players or read any information on them besides what was listed on the Raiders site?
from 4 months ago
Well Chaz is a good pick up at WR, i like his speed, and his ability to go after the ball. There were quite a few balls that he MADE the catch. He can go after the passes that seem to be off target. Other than him, I haven't seen anything.
4 months ago
Yeah the "experts" ALWAYS know what they're talking about...truthfully they know about he same as you or me..its all hearsay.
4 months ago
we now have 2 great running backs that are very young... bush and d-mac.... we could have the most dominating running game in the nfl for many years with bush's power and d-mac's explosiveness... can't wait :D
4 months ago
Wow.
This sounds sooo familiar.
Raider fan: "We got LaMont Jordan. We're a force again. This is our year."
Raider fan: "Whooo hoooo...we just got Bush...he's a stud. He'll light it up."
Raider fan: "OMG...Fargas is da bomb. Watch out haters. We have our swagger back."
And now? lmao....
Raider fan: "We got a skinny legged, can't break a tackle, no lateral movement, fumbleKing RB to add to the above group......YIPPEE....THIS IS OUR YEAR."
Yeah, Raider fans...you'll be "just fine"...trust me.
Who cares if you had the 31st rushing D last year. I mean, how much further can you drop? To 32nd?
No biggee....right?
Yeah, don't you worry.
I mean, it's not like you're going into the season with a rookie qb who sucked last year, while putting back on the field an even worse defense......is it?
from 4 months ago
Our Defense is waaaayyy better than last years, plus our QB played in two games, even YOU can't be classified as "sucks" in two games...
4 months ago
Are you going to the niner Raider game in Oakland?
Watch what happens to Patrick Willis, when he leaves the field with a broken ankle after trying to stop/chase McFadden..
Why you hate anyways? You think the 49ers will actually be better than us this year?
Oh and by the way our defense is set, listen to the coaches, and Darren is the best running back to come out of college in the past decade. Is Gore better than McFadden? NO! Then why you making yourself look bad?
4 months ago
Defense is "wayyyyyyy" better than last year? How do you figure? You lost Sapp. You signed Kelly to a rediculous contract, that everyone on the planet states he's not worth..especially considering the defense was BETTER with Kelly in IR, than when he's in.
As far as "Is Gore BETTER than McFadden?""
Well...let's see.
Gore, in his first full season, won the NFC rushing title.
McFadden hasn't played a down.
Kind of a stupid question, isn't it? Even considering the source.
As far as that weak"Watch what happens to Patrick Willis, when he leaves the field with a broken ankle after trying to stop/chase McFadden.."???
Dude..that was even weaker than the above silly "Is Gore better than McF" take.
You're kind of new at this, aren't you?
You follow the players much?
Don't think so. If you had, you wouldn't have set yourself up like that.
See..one of McFumbles many knocks is he NEVER breaks tackles.
Goes down like a slapped on beyotch when he's touched.
Has no lateral movement.
You might not be aware that Willis was Rookie of the Year, for good reason.
Here...see what's in store for not only McFumble, but your rookie cement toe qb.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cn_Yw7mEpqg
BTW..while on YouTube, I decided to see if McFumble's knocks were warranted...lol...THEY WERE.
Yeah, he's fast..hits holes..BUT..look at the highlights..except for getting out of ONE ankle grab, I didn't see ANY runs where he ran over anyone, broke tackles to go on and score...hell, he's not even in Gore's league.
But that's not the point, is it?
Point is the Raiders took a RB, and passed on Dorsey, the most dominant player in college last year.
Thank you Al.:)
about 1 month ago
How is Dorsey "the most dominant player in college last year," when all of his matchups against Arkansas were a riot, when did they ever stop McFadden, I don't see the Chiefs doing it either.
about 1 month ago
hey mike49er.....I watched D-Mac for three years and youtube will show you what you want to see. I saw what the rest of the SEC is glad they won't have to see....D-Mac crossing their grill. Heck, once I saw him reach around a Miss St. player and pick him up to gain more yardage. Personally, I was disappointe when he went to Oakland. I think he will be wasted there. I would have preferred him going 6 or 8 just to get to a decent team. The problem starts at the top and the fact that they had enough sense to go for the boy is a least a sign that "maybe" they are coming out of their fog......maybe. In the meantime Darren will pay a heavy price to try and carry this bunch of clowns.
write a new comment