Goodbye Nnamdi, Hello Stanford Routt? Oakland Raiders 2011 CB Draft Prospects
Well, like most Raiders fans, I felt certain Al would find a way to sign Nnamdi Asomugha.
Judging by the recent signings in Oakland though...it appears Mr. Davis has not only given up on signing Nnamdi, but has found his replacement.
Stanford Routt.
I'll let that sink in...
Potentially $31.5 million over three years, roughly $10 million a season, with $20 million guaranteed. WTF!
Talented, yes.
Unproven? Hell yes!
I initially hoped Oakland would shut down the draft board and use every pick on O-linemen, with possible prospects including Wisnewski, O'Dowd, Ijalana, Pouncey, etc.
Well, s#!% in one hand and hope in the other and see what happens.
Without a doubt, Oakland will draft a cornerback with their first pick (No. 48). Hopefully we land a serious prospect who can put that fear in QBs once again.
(Ed note. I'm leaving out PrinceA and PPeterson, cause they should be gone early in the first round)
Jimmy Smith, Colorado: 6'2", 205
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If there ever were a guy to replace Nnamdi, Jimmy Smith is it.
Similar size, speed and long arms of Nnamdi. Has shutdown corner written all over him.
Lacks the huge stats because Nobody throws his way...sound familiar?
Also played for a crappy team, which limited his exposure.
If somehow JS falls to No. 48, you can bet Hue Jackson and Al Davis will crap their pants (given Al's age, he might be used to it).
Oakland could fall in love enough to move up and try to land Smith, but unfortunately I don't see him falling past pick No. 23 with the Eagles.
That would be a huge move.
Brandon Harris, Miami: 5'11", 195
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Brandon Harris has the U written all over him. Classic attitude, swagger and, of course, speed.
Prototypical size for a corner, but a mean streak that finds Harris more than willing to make a tackle.
BH is the type of player that is all over the field, racking up a ton of broken passes and an unheard of amount of TFLs for CB's last season.
By no means a shutdown corner, Brandon Harris could provide Oakland with that missing playmaker in the secondary the Raiders have been lacking for years.
Can u say Pick 6 to the house?
Aaron Williams, Texas: 6'1", 189
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Not exactly an Oakland Raider prospect, but great size and instincts lands Williams on the radar.
Some have called Aaron Williams overrated or a zone-scheme corner only. AW has shown the ability to blitz off the corner position, and has all the physical tools.
Maybe a new D coordinator will institute more zone coverage (yeah right, lol).
Maybe Aaron Williams is the best cornerback avaliable on the board.
Either way, it would be surprising to see AW in a Raider uniform next season.
Plus, the jury is still out on the last Texas DB drafted by the Raiders.
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Ras I-Dowling, Virginia: 6'2", 200
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Ras I-Dowling is a supreme athlete who has all the physical tools to be great.
With the proper coaching at the next level, Ras could be a real steal for the Raiders.
Hey, we didn't hire Hall of Famer Rod Woodson for nothing. Get to work.
Ras is a beast physically, and has a desire to get better. He's hyper-competitive and thrives on the challenge.
Can he bring that to the next level? Who knows.
As I said, Ras is still raw and might take some time to get up to speed as far a technique and skill goes. Plus, the Raiders might want a more polished product for their first pick.
Still, I wouldnt be mad or surprised if the Raiders called his name.
Rashad Carmichael, University of Virginia, 5'11", 185
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Another Raw prospect who is a bit shorter, but a lot faster.
Rashad will probably run one of the faster 40s at the combine.
Did you say fast 40?
Yes, the Raiders love speed, but we also like size. I think the Phillip Buchannons and Fabian Washingtons might have taught Al Davis a lesson.
Carmichael has been compared to his alma mater-mate DeAngelo Hall. Oops, that's two strikes.
Ok, ok, lets get to the good stuff. RC has a ton of potential and might be a huge playmaking CB in few years.
Potential is great and so is physical talent, but will Oakland fall in love with a fast 40 again.
I doubt it that bogus stereotype needs to die. Sorry, Rashad.
Brandon Burton, Utah: 6'0", 185
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Steady wins the race, right?
What Brandon Burton lacks in excitement he more than makes up with steady consistentcy.
BB might be a reach in the second round, and the Raiders may indeed take an O-lineman with their first pick.
Burton would be a great prize from any team if he slips past the second round.
Burton does have good speed around a 4.3 and was the man in Utah, but he is only a junior with two years of real PT.
I dont feel Burton is gonna be a top-notch CB in the NFL, but could be a solid player for years to come.
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This is what were losing Raider Nation...screw the stats; Nnamdi is a great person! Period.
In the end, though, I guess he never fit the bill as part of the evil Raiders. But his services will be missed.
Hey, I could be wrong (wouldnt be the first time).
Always know, Raider Nation, that our future is bright. We might be better off...
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