Every year several college juniors and seniors leave school with the desire to be drafted and play in the NFL. After promising college careers, several play in college all-star games and are even invited to the NFL draft combine.
Some of these guys still go undrafted, even with immense talent. There are no guarantees that if you’re invited to the NFL combine or play at a FBS school you will be drafted.
The Oakland Raiders had several needs going into free agency that the draft didn't completely address. Contrary to popular belief, some of these needs were addressed with the team signing several undrafted players.
Some have the belief that when an undrafted free agent is brought in he is just there as training camp competition and has no chance of making the roster. That belief will be put to the challenge during Oakland's training camp.
The Raiders' success will depend heavily on Offensive Line coach Tom Cable, who did a phenomenal job with the offensive line last year. The 2008 season will be the players' second year in his effective zone blocking system.
The Raiders, in need of offensive line help, signed two undrafted guys that could stick.
Brandon Rodd
Guard, Arizona State, 6’ 4” 303 lbs. 40-time: 5.22
He was the starting Left Tackle for the Sun Devils. Rodd is a solid lineman and is very versatile. He can play either the guard or tackle position.
He’s a very smart player and student. Rodd was given Pac-10 All Academic honors all four years and is a two time Second Team Pac-10 All Academic Football player. He was also on the 2007 preseason Lombardi award watch list.
He is a productive player and has started in every game in his career. He has a very good understanding of the zone blocking system. As a guard in the NFL he projects due to his lack of explosiveness and not being physically dominating.
Rodd is a guy who will fight for a roster spot at four positions. His versatility makes him a great fit for the Oakland Raiders; he was signed to a three-year deal.
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7 months ago
Great Job, Jeff! I was wondering when you would talk about the Raiders as for a while, its all been the lakers for you! I cant blame you nothing much has been going on while the NBA is in the heat of its playoffs. Anyways, good choice for an article. I have to agree about Marcel Reece. The man is big and still ran a 4.42! Just the type of player Al Davis thrives upon; Speed and Power! Lets just hope for the best!
from 7 months ago
Thanks for the compliments and the feedback, Umer! You know I will never turn my back on the Raider Nation. I had write an article to talk to the Nation and there'll be more to follow. There are no guarantee's but I think these guys have a good opportunity to make the team and play a role.
7 months ago
I agree with your analysis of these players. I tend to root for all of the rookies and unheralded players so I may be biased at times when it comes to a Brandon Rodd between a Mario Henderson. As a fan of the Raiders, as long as the best make the team and that makes them a better team, I'm all for it.
Good analysis.
from 7 months ago
Thanks for the comments and the compliments, Rob! I agree with your takes, the team isn't saying it out loud but the team wants Mario Henderson to win the starting Right Tackle position to move Cornell Green to a reserve role.
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