Oakland Raiders: Coaching Staff's Influence On NFL Draft Part 1

Durring this off season a big concern from Raider fans has been that the Oakland Raiders hae not made any big splashes in free agency. Something that not only fans, but also media outlets assumed would be a given taking in consideration owner Al Davis' recent free agency history, particularly in an un-capped year.

The biggest off season aquisition was Kamerion Wimbley OLB. However this was not from free agency but instead a trade with the Clevleand Browns.

Though this year was a un-capped year, this was probably the worst free agency market in the last five years. No team really has made gigantic free agency moves except for Chicago getting DE Julius Peppers and Miami getting LB Carlos Dansby. The biggest off season moves have been through trades, not free agency.

A big reason why I think the Raiders have been so quiet is because of their faith in their coaching staff, to develop very young and athletic players into legit football players and playmakers.

Head Coach:Tom Cable

I would describe Tom Cable's first two years as head coach the same way I would describe Michael Huff's first two years as a Raider. A good player but out  of position. Huff proving he was a better free saftey than strong.

Cable was a good coach, but a bad play caller. But that's okay, there are a lot of successfull head coaches in this league who dont call their own offensive or defensive plays but are proven "football guys" who have a knack for spotting talent and motivating men.

Tom Cable I feel is one of those types of coaches. Though the record may not show it, the Raiders as a team laid their hearts out for their coach.Something that before was not seen since Jon Gruden.

Offensive Coordinator: Hue Jackson

Cable's play calling has been an issue and he himself admitted that he stretched himself out too thin taking care of head coaching duties, the offensive line, and play calling. Now play calling goes to offensive coordinator Hue Jackson.

Forget the rumors of Davis going behind Cable's  back to hire this guy. Cable and Jackson have ties going back to their days as assistant college coaches on TWO different staffs, Cal State Fullerton and University of California. True, Cable may not have been the voice of reason durring the hire, but logicaly do you think that he did'nt keep in touch with Jackson when the rumors flew that Jackson was going to be head coach. Really? I think not.

Recently Jackson has been known for his development of QB Joe Flacco, but I think what is also a plus sign was his development of Chad Johnson(not yet OchoCinco)as Jackson was a WR coach for Cincinatti from 2004-2006

Keep in mind that not only must the Raiders find a way to develop Jamarcus Russell but also WR Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Defensive Line Coach: Mike Wauffle

You might recognize this name as he was a Raider coach in the recent past. Mike Waufle coached the Raiders in the Jon Gruden era, and helped the D-line get to a superbowl.

Most recently he was the D-line coach for the New York Giants actually winning the big game just three years ago. That unit was probably the biggest reason why the Giants not only got to the SuperBowl but also why they won.

With a vetteran like Richard Seymour and a second year talent in Matt Shaugnessy, who I think will lead the team in sacks this year, This D-line just needs another Tackle to help plug up the middle to stop the run, then they should be a great unit.

 Defensive Coordinator: John Marshall

Last year I think showed fans that  it was time the Raiders did things differently defensively. The first game of the season the Raiders played lights out against the San Diego Chargers, but then gassed out at the end to loose the game. A game that I think if we had won, would have changed the outcome of the season.

After that though, it seemed like more of the same man-to-man with zero blitzing. Until week 6. The Raiders showed that not only can they play Zone defense and blitz the quarterback, but they can do it well.

Moving Trevor Scott to Weak side linebacker was a risky move, but it paid dividens. I know that this move makes some fans believe we will be moving to a 3-4. Im not so sure about that, but I do think that the Raiders realize that they need to mix it up and may need to change the type of athletes they use at certain positions. Leaving Thomas Howard and Kirk Morrison's fates waiting in the balance.

Marshall I think has found his types of players and will use them to be as productive as possible.

The Raiders lack of free agency signings I think is a message that this years draftees not only need athletic ability, but also quality coaching. For the first time in a long time, I am impressed by not just the selection of head coach, but also the coaches around him.

This years draft I think will express that.

If there are any other coaches you are impressed with that I didnt mention, please let me know.