With rookie mini-camps underway, many NFL teams are getting a first look at their investments from this past April’s draft. The Oakland Raiders are no different.
Of course the highlight of camp in Alameda, California has to be former Arkansas Razorback, and fourth-overall pick, Darren McFadden, who had a stellar college career and an equally impressive pre-draft combine.
The Raiders' mini-camp was the first chance for the coaching staff and public alike to get a glimpse of McFadden in the pros, and the young rookie only confirmed what most already knew, that he is fast and versatile.
Head coach Lane Kiffin, who helped mastermind the “Thunder and Lightning” offence of USC’s BCS National Championship, was “wowed” at his new running back’s skill set, and has already begun discussing his plans to utilize the two time Heisman runner-up’s unique and versatile abilities, stating that fans and opponents should expect to see him not only line up at halfback, but receiver and possibly quarterback on a few gadget plays.
Last season at Arkansas, McFadden showed the nation he was truly a “jack-of-all-trades” by not only running the ball for over 1,800 yards and 16 touchdowns, but receiving it for 164 yards with a touchdown, and throwing for four more.
So, with his diverse skill set added with the creative mind of Lane Kiffin, what can Raider Nation expect from their newest addition? Well, he is currently the Vegas odds-on favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year, and I personally don’t think it is that much of a stretch to believe in the hype.
McFadden will be the number-two running back by the start of the season, behind last year’s 1,000 yard rusher Justin Fargas. This will play a major role for McFadden, giving the rookie time to learn the playbook, and also reduce the wear and tear on his body early on, thus making him available and even more dangerous later in the season.
Expect his first year playing-time wise to be a lot like last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, Adrian Peterson’s. Starter Justin Fargas has durability issues, and even though he improved on his stats last season, I don’t expect his streak of injuries to end anytime soon. Fargas will get injured and McFadden will swoop in and take the starting role, returning Fargas to his previously held number-two status.
Darren McFadden will have another effect on this offense, beside his ability to run and catch the ball from the backfield. With his blistering 4.3 speed, incredible vision, and homerun ability, it won’t be long before defenses realize they need to start keeping a better eye on him. Expect Oakland’s opposition to be forced to stack eight or even nine in the box to prevent Oakland’s hydra-like running-back corps from terrorizing their defense, which in turn will help free up last year's first-overall pick, quarterback Jamarcus Russell, to make more plays to his new wide receivers and running back.
So once again, what can we expect from Darren McFadden?
Only time will tell, but this writer's predictions tend to lean towards 1,200 yards rushing with 10 touchdowns, and around 500 yards receiving with four touchdowns. If given the opportunity, a kick return or a punt return for a couple of touchdowns can be expected as well, thus clinching him the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Also lost in McFadden’s ever growing shadow is a sleeper, last year’s fourth-round pick Michael Bush, who many remember as a potential first-round pick before his broken leg suffered at the beginning of his final season at Louisville. Bush has shown he is fully recovered and eager to play. He has also impressed coaches with his appearance at the rookie mini-camp, and fans should expect to see Bush to play an increased role this season as a short-yardage and goal-line back, much like former Raider Zach Crockett.
And trust me, this is only the beginning for Bush and McFadden. With Lane Kiffin lurking, this offense is starting to look a lot like USC’s of a few years ago or the Raider’s of old with Garner and Wheatly. And let’s face it…it turned out pretty well for those teams!
Until next time Raider Nation!
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5 months ago
Nice article....it's going to be interesting to see how the Raiders use McFadden, Bush, and Fargas in harmony, considering at this rate.....they could probably run all the time, and not run out of options to work with.
I remember, a couple years ago, that the Raiders in one game, started a drive, with 11 straight running plays. The result? Got the ball into the endzone.....hey, take the 7 how ever you can.
I enjoyed watching guys like Allen, Jackson, andven back to Marv Hubbard, and Van Eeghan.
While Al Davis has always loved having speed on the outside, it was the running game, that made teams wince, like when the Raiders had the Vikings for a super bowl opponent....when we controlled the left side, and punched in, with Art Shell and Upshaw leading the way.
It'll be funny to watch some team make the mistake, of approaching the line, finally getting past O' Neal, and then getting rammed into by either Bush, or spinned around by McFadden.
Who's ready for some football?
5 months ago
Hey Nick, you must of not watched the Raiders last year, because every team played 8 and 9 in the box about eighty percent of the time. Teams dared the Raiders to pass. The Raiders offensive line couldn't hold the line and the q/b had very little time to pass because of the weakness with pass blocking. They haven't done anything to improve their ability to pass block and just because they have McFadden doesn't change pass blocking ability. The line was so bad that the q/b didn't even have time to check down to a hot receiver because of the pressure applied by the defense. I am just amased that many fans forget how bad the offensive line was. The did fairly well with run blocking but that is to be expected because most offensive lineman come out of college with the ability to run block but the good lineman can pass block, and if you look at the current starting roster of o/lineman there isnt' one who is very good at pass blocking. I think the Raiders will be fun to watch but they will have the same problems they had last last year. The d/line can't stop the run and the o/line can't pass block and no players were brought in to improve their ability. Just look at the left side of the line and you tell me what to expect. Harris, and Gallery, is that reassuring? Here is a tip for you to watch. The first play of the regular season watch and see how many defenders are in the box and that will give us an idea of the respect opponents have for our offensive line.
from 5 months ago
I think you're overmaligning the Oakland OL and their team. In 2007, they often led in the 4th quarter only to blow it, or came within striking distance. The reason being that they could not make the big play or stop the big play, and would need to overcome costly mistakes by the quarterback. My belief was that the poor-pass blocking was more a result of lousing quarterbacks than it was the line. Just ask David Carr--remember him? When he was in Houston, everyone said--the OL was to blame for his sacks. Then the Texans acquired Sage Rosenfels and Matt Schaub and finished 2007 with their best record. Thus my belief is, that Josh McCown and Daunte Culpepper are more at fault than the OL. The Raiders did better with Culpepper behind center, but due to injuries, he struggled. Josh McCown has never been a truly good signal-caller--but let's face it, veteran QBs will keep getting chances, no matter how badly they play. It's a catch-22. And let's face it too, sports writers love to fawn over quarterbacks in order to get interviews; and they want those interviews because fans believe that the QB is the most valuable position; when really, it's just another cog.
5 months ago
Nice article Nicholas. While I think that your prediction is a bit too optimistic for him in his rookie year, I agree that he will do much to open up the offense.
Rich - Many times defenses put 8 in the box because they didn't respect the ability of the running back to take it all the way. With McFadden, that all changes. They will have to worry that putting that many guys in the box will open them up to the long run.
from 4 months ago
I personally know this from playing football collegiately, that many teams load up the defensive line due to the fact that they often have trouble stopping the run. The Raiders have running backs who are all capable of averaging 4 plus yards per attempt. If that is the case then teams will load up the defensive line up to 8 or 9 men to attempt to stop the run. It will truly be up the the offensive line, the offensive coordinators blocking scheme and play calling to protect Jamarcus Russell until he gets comfortable and adjust to the speed of the game. As Jamarcus Russell goes, so does the Raiders goes. One thing for sure, they must protect him and keep the play calling simple until he can handle more complicated play calling schemes. Also, the Raiders running game should assist in this and the defense must play well this season. They made alot of offseason moves on defense as well as offense. I truly believe the only reason they did not address the needs on both O-Lind and D-line is because they have talented young players that they believe are still developing and just need more time to gel. Afterall, they had Warren Sapp last year and a bunch of Older O-linemen with the exception of Robert Gallery and Jake Groves. But the rest of the O-line were up in age. I still believe that the coaches see something in the younger players they currenly have and are looking forward to continuing their development. However, they still could use some more help on the O-line and D-line. We will just have to see what happens. If the D-line can somewhat hold against the run, then I believe the D-backs will be able to make plays against the pass. But, this is a team that is on the rise. I truly believe that as goes Jamarcus Russell goes the Raiders. He really is the key to the Raiders success. RAIDER NATION BE PATIENT, OUT TIME WILL COME!
Mike
5 months ago
While I initially hoped the Raiders would select a defensive linemen with the 4th pick in the draft, Chris Long specifically, I have decided McFadden was the smarter pick. I am well aware of the problems stopping the run and have hopes that will improve this season. But even so, you can't win if you don't score TD's.That's basic Pop Warner football. And last season, unfortunately, despite huge improvements offensively with Kiffin and his system being the reason, Oakland still had serious problems putting points on the board. Fargas rushed for 1009 ys, but only scores 4 td's on the ground. Unacceptable. Passing was difficult due tio lack of talent/speed (Jerry Porter) at the WR position s well as Kiffin's bizarre QB carousel. I really believe that Al Davis and Lane Kiffin saw the need for a REAL playmaker on offense as their first priority.Or scoring points being the priority I should say. The talent pool for WR's in free agency was not very deep. But in my opinion Davis brought in, arguably, the best WR on the FA market( Randy Moss was never an option) in Javon Walker. Really the talent level margin between Walker, Bernard Berrian and Donte Stallworth ( the 3 best FA WR's IMO)is negligible. So we signed a better WR than Jerry Porter, who will inevitable piss off the fans in Jacksonvlle, and the best player in the draft in McFadden. This should translate into scoring and more wins than last season.
5 months ago
Get on board Rich or go find another team. You pessimistic punk!
5 months ago
McFadden is not the only "Jack of all trades" in the Raiders backfield. When Bush came out of High school he was an all-american at 5 position, and was recruited to Louisville to play QB. He played QB for a year & then was moved to RB to fill a void. Now imagine what Lane could do with the offense !
5 months ago
Marty, your the punk...and a stupid one at that.
Rich, you know what your talking about and it's refreshing to hear a Raider fan not steeped in denial and myopia. I can handle the DMAC pick but not adressing the OL (or DL) for that matter except for cast offs...unforgivable and stupid, stupid, stupid.
We will see the results or lack thereof soon enough.
from 5 months ago
Good comment. Bush was a stand out QB out of Male High School in Louisville, KY. He has plenty of experience at QB.
5 months ago
Rich and ET stick to teaching english!!! You forget the Raiders are rebuilding and to have JR and DMAC to build around is awesome. you can't pass on talent like that. This year we aren't going to win it all but even if we took 4 Oline or Dline we still wouldnt. The Oline did fine last year but yes we need some pass blockers. The defense wasn't bad it's just we weren't putting up any points. We had to much cancer on the team. It will be much improved this year and you will be back on that wagon again cheering for DMAc huh.. Yah I think so! Just accept it cuz thats what you do as a Raider fan cuz it's Silver and Black till I die!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5 months ago
Marty, I have watched the Raiders when they have been both good and bad. You seem to forget the Raiders won four games, I repeat four games. That is not good, so there must of been a reason for the losses. I gave an opinion, but I expect bozos like you never hear oposing opinions because only the opinions in your limited mind really matters. I could be completely wrong in my opinion but I was there last year and saw what was going on with the offensive line when they would run a stunt against the left side, or watch Galley be taken to the ground by a linebacker while he was trying to pass block. The q/b's were not very good but at the snap of the ball on passing downs they ran for the lives. They didn't even have a chance to read the defense because the protection was so bad. Maybe they will all become "All Pro' but as I stated, I have some doubts. I hope I'm wrong. Also, Kiffin made the remark after watching film about the 8 and 9 people in the box most of the time. We may of been 4th in rushing but where were we in passing? Kiffin has said they have to improve the passing game, and they have gone after some players he feels will help take pressure off the line. If you noticed he has brought in big fast w/r because they will be throwing quick short routes until they can improve their pass blocking. The offensive line was horrible at pass blocking and there is no other way to say it. They have to improve and give the q/b time and protect him, or else we will see a repeat of last year. All of us want the Raiders to win, but we also have to be realistic about their ability, and it doesn't mean we don't support them. Four wins in a weak division is not good. McFadden,Bush, Jamarcus is a beginning. What do you think made them lose, the coach or the roster? You make the call.
4 months ago
You, sir, are delusional. The committment to mediocrity will not waver until Davis is six feet under. The Raiders will not be measurably better next year.
4 months ago
I was one of the pessimistic DMC fans that wanted him to go to the Jets instead of the Raiders, but it didnt happen. I wanted him to run behind a real line, but instead he went to the raiders. But the more I looked at there line the more I was impressed. I mean they were 6th in rushing last year were they not? So I think you guys should give there line a break. Last year they sat out JR, and that was the best thing that could happen to him. Those who sit out there rookie year usually are going to be pretty good, because they will know the playbook, and get to see the plays and how they are supposed to be ran. Just take Aaron Rodgers for example, he sat out behind Brett and this year will break out. The only prob with JR sitting out is he didnt have a good QB to watch. He has the size to be great and the arm. Here is what I asked some people and will ask you all, have you ever seen a QB 6'5 or taller in the NFL not be good?(Peyton, Derek Anderson, Ben Roethlisberger, even Jason Cambell is coming along)
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