A New Dawn in The Nation
I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted. I liked all of our picks, with the exception of our last pick of the day. We got a QB, TE, DE and T? Bingo. I dig it. But a WR?
Did we really need another wide receiver in the third round after acquiring Mike Williams from the Lions? Moss, Porter, Curry, Gabriel, Morant, Williams, Whitted, Francis, Buchanon and now Higgins...Can we stop stockpiling receivers now? If we're so content with our offensive line but want more help on offense, then how about grabbing a running back like Antonio Pittman or Michael Bush? Or on the run-stuffing side of things, how about a DT like Marcus Thomas (warts and all) or Antonio Johnson? Maybe Sunday starts with one of these guys, but I might have liked to end Saturday with one of them. No offense to Higgins, but on a day when I thought we might shed a receiver (Moss), we ended up with two more (Williams and Higgins). At this rate, WR is becoming the new DB in Oakland.
Well, I'm going to sweep up the beer cups and refill the kegs, but remember that the lights are always on in the Raider Take 2007 Draft Day Lounge. Thanks to everyone for setting a Raider Take comment record on Saturday! I was blown away by your insight and humor as events unfolded. Free virtual beer for everyone! Now spike your coffee and settle in for round four...
Did we really need another wide receiver in the third round after acquiring Mike Williams from the Lions? Moss, Porter, Curry, Gabriel, Morant, Williams, Whitted, Francis, Buchanon and now Higgins...Can we stop stockpiling receivers now? If we're so content with our offensive line but want more help on offense, then how about grabbing a running back like Antonio Pittman or Michael Bush? Or on the run-stuffing side of things, how about a DT like Marcus Thomas (warts and all) or Antonio Johnson? Maybe Sunday starts with one of these guys, but I might have liked to end Saturday with one of them. No offense to Higgins, but on a day when I thought we might shed a receiver (Moss), we ended up with two more (Williams and Higgins). At this rate, WR is becoming the new DB in Oakland.
Well, I'm going to sweep up the beer cups and refill the kegs, but remember that the lights are always on in the Raider Take 2007 Draft Day Lounge. Thanks to everyone for setting a Raider Take comment record on Saturday! I was blown away by your insight and humor as events unfolded. Free virtual beer for everyone! Now spike your coffee and settle in for round four...
posted by Raider Take at 1:13 AM
235 Comments:
RT,
Thanks for the great blog & the sweet "Draft Day Lounge". Your site has become my go-to spot for all things Raiders.
Can't wait for the home AFC West WINS in 2007!
Cheers,
Raider67
Thanks for your kind feedback, Raider67! Glad you're here. Those AFC West wins will indeed be sweet, especially after our divisional starvation diet of the past four years. Bronco - it tastes like chicken.
This Raiders draft really has me puzzled.
Football games are won, and lost in the trenches, but the trenches were all but ignored on Saturday.
I know there's still Sunday, but it's curious.
No doubt the Raiders needed to beef up their skill positions, but they needed Rb's much more than Wr's.
And what's up with trading for Mike Williams ??
Well, I guess Jruss needs someone to go to dinner with. And man, can these two guys eat.
I don't know, it just seems like the Raiders are up to their old tricks of freakish athletes over good solid football players.
I hope I'm wrong. I hope that in addition to some of these guys being able to throw a ball 80 yrds, or being the fastest in a race, that we have some good football players too.
I guess we'll see soon enough.
MICHAEL BUSH
what about him?
Raider 00:
I wouldn't get too hung up on Mike Williams. It was an absolute steal for the Raiders to acquire both McCown and Williams for a 4th round pick that they picked up by sliding down a few slots in the 2nd round.
In other words, we got a vet QB which will give us insurance and added competition and a 1st round Top 10 talent (Williams) for a pick we didn't have at the beginning of the draft.
Yes I know Williams has been a bust ... so far. However there is ZERO risk in acquiring him. If he does well in camp, great. If not, he is cut. Where's the downside? Williams was AWESOME in college and was picked in the 1st round because of his talent & abilites that to date have been unrealized. Kiffin was his position coach at USC so you got to think that if anyone can get through to him, it would be Kiff.
I was very pleased with our draft day moves. I agree with RT that Higgins was a head scratcher. I would have liked for us to take DT Thomas or a OL prospect. The last thing we needed was another developmental WR prospect.
Needed a franchise QB. Check
Needed a complete TE. Check
Needed a pass rushing DE. Check
Needed a Vet QB. Check
Needed OT depth/comp. Check
Overall a very good haul. DE Q.Moses in particular was an awesome choice. He is a very impressive prospect. Henderson is a very good athlete (basketball background) with good agility and footwork which is well suited to zone blocking.
I listed all of the scouting reports of the Raider picks on my blog.
Good night Raider Nation. Let's keep things rollin' tomorrow.
everyone like Mario Henderson? And why did we get that pick?
Higgins to replace oft-injured Francis. His combine 4.53-40 is deceiving, because he ran a 4.29-40 with a stiff wind (“wind-aided”)... that’s a new one on me.
Turns out, Moss isn’t even worth a 3rd rd pick. Will it be a 4th rd pick or do we simply cut him? Al will likely resist both, but it needs to get done.
I see Williams as no risk, with solid upside. I imagine it would be easy to get fat and lazy playing for the Lions. We paid for McCown, Williams was just our change. Let’s see if Kiff can whip him into shape.
Overall, I think we should be happy with Day 1. No DB’s. That’s a step in the right direction. We still need to add depth at RB, and it would be nice to add a DT and another OL.
My wild card choice is DT/OT Walter Thomas from Northwest Mississippi CC. High risk, but upside is crazy. 6' 4" 374 lbs, hardly played because of academics. But, when he did play, he was an animal.
From NLF.com ”His short college career spanned just 13 games. He went on to produce 25 tackles (20 solos) with four sacks for minus-18 yards, 10 stops for losses of 43 yards and five quarterback pressures. He also blocked one kick and recovered a fumble ... Has very good explosion off the snap and is explosive penetrating the gaps … Lays it on the line every play”
Thoughts on #100?
I'd like to see the Raiders draft a Samoan
bigassasaurus to drop the coconut on LTII and Larry Johnson...
or a SAM 'backer 'cause Secret Sam is a potato chip.
RB Michael Bush wouldn't be a bad gamble at this point either, but if I had my druthers, this up and coming adult film star would be THE MAN - BWHAAA!
Bama7
Hope this receiver is a hidden gem because like RT, I just don't understand it. The kid does have a decent write-up and played in Mike Price's offense... a good thing, so who knows. But how the hell can you pass on Marcus Thomas DT of FL, here? Terdell Sands is good, but he obviously can't play but short stretches due to lack of stamina.
Plus there is an excellent guard out of GaTech, Mansfield Wrotto, who is a converted Dlineman that is pretty tough/physical... only played O-line his senior year but is very strong and flying under the radar.
I also like a couple of homers (Crimson Tide) that are left:
OLB Juwan Simpson... very good athlete and surely better than Sam Williams... plus Juwan's teamate, Leron McClain, FB, a carbon-copy of Justin Griffith our new FB. Would provide excellent depth at the vital FB position.
OL and/or RB should be our next pick. At RB, Pittman plays much bigger than his size, and knows how to hang on to the ball...only coughed up the pumpkin twice in like 550 carries. Bush might have the most upside, but some risk comes with that. Also, look at Jackie Battle. He’s big and strong and the fastest of the three. Pass-catching is his weakness.
Well, looks like running the ball and stopping the run are the two biggest priorities at this point.
So, my guess is either a DT from Tommy Kelly's school, Antonio Johnson
or RT's RB Michael Bush .
Thing about Bush is at 6'3" he's going to take a lot of hits... he may not be ready to play in '07 either.
Here is the profile on an absolute mutant DT, Walter Thomas.
One thing I don't get is why they traded down to get Zach Miller. Sure they could have used a tight end but they could have used Alan Branch at DT even more (who the Cardinals quickly snapped up).
Since we have the RBBC of Rhodes/Jordan we an take Michael Bush with the 1st pick of RND 4. He could be our Frank Gore. After that, OL/DT should be our priority. Blast Carolina for snatching Ryan Kalil!
Moss traded for a #4???????
Peter
Adam Schefter is reporting Moss to NE for a 4th Rnd pick contingent upon Moss passing a physical.
Did we send 'em Joey Porter too?
Seems like if the Pats are just sending a 4th rounder we should have been able to unload BOTH of 'em!
See ya, Mandy Moss!
Stick'em-
I like the idea of a late pick for the "mutant" DT. Big motor for a big guy.
Take a look at a NY-bred OL, Josh Beekman. He's s little undersized for guard, but solid.
PS, bye-bye Moss! Biggest blunder in Raiders history! Bigger even than a pot-smoking QB... based on $$ vs performance.
Score! Michael Bush. Excellent choice!!!!
Kiffin did it! We got Bush!
bama7
nice pick on Bush. Hope he is fully recovered, but with Jordan and Rhodes, Bush has time to get ready and is worth the pick. As one who in the past derided every fu-'d up pick as Al scholarships, It seems obvious that most of these 2007 picks are the coaching staff's. A very nice job.
I would have liked, however, to see Randy running deep after J-Russ's heaves.
A hand in the Bush is worth two on the bra strap, baby!!!
RT gets his "skill" players: QB, TE, WR, and now RB
Sweet! Lots of potential upside with Bush.
Yes, loving the skill picks. I could have done with a DT instead of another WR, however.
Hey RT-
Get the minty fresh air freshener! It looks like we dropped a 210lb load in the Patriots' commode!
Great News!!
It is Official Moss has been Traded!!
I am thrilled we are getting rid of the "unhappy" player that drops balls, whines and then quits. Moss doesn't have the right attitude to be "great."
No Moss, No Loss!!
WOW WHAT AN AWESOME MORNING! i completely forgot about the 4th round. i got a text from ESPN that the raiders got bush AND that moss was traded. got my butt outta bed and turned on the TV.
pitman was a smaller, quicker back who has speed to turn the corner. bush is bigger and can pound the ball but can also get outside. he
ll still be rehabbing and will probably spend the year in IR but we got him as insurance for jordan's big mouth and lack of production. i'm really happy about this!
did you guys see cam cameron get majorly booed when he announced the ted ginn trade?
I'm feeling MINTY MINTY fresh..
Ahhh, minty fresh!
With the possible exception of JRuss, this draft has Lane Kiffin written all over it. (No DB's and no track stars.)
A 4th round pick for Moss...That dude devalued himself even more than I thought.
Question: Can you think of a major superstar who came to a team in his prime, and subsequently produced less and aggravated the fans more than Moss? By the end, he was absolutely reviled by the Raider Nation. What a legacy.
AngelicRaider:
I think Matt Millen had made a deal with Al before the Draft, let me get Calvin Johnson and I'll give you McCown and Mike Williams for a forth. Williams is probably just Millen getting rid a bad taste in his mouth.
Stoked about Bush, hope that turns out real well.
dang, can't let a good jersey go to waste! maybe i can take my moss jersey to get the nameplate removed and my name put on, then swap the numbers around OR just turn it into a timmy brown jersey.
wait, Brandon Siler is still on the board? ESPN radio were talking about him possibly going to the Pats at the end of the first round
NY: This is definitely Kiffin's draft.
Mario the OT from FSU has Al Davis written all over 'em... as does Johnnie Lee the 40 time WR...
But everyone else - especially Mike Williams, Mandy Moss, and Zach Miller - are all Kiffin!
I get the feeling that this will be the most competitive training camp the Raiders have had in years. That could be why we now have so many receivers on the roster. I think Kiffin is going to take a hard look at everybody and finally start cutting the wheat from the chaff. Jerry Porter will REALLY have to be on his best behavior.
We've got pick #110 from NE. DT time?
Or you could juat patch a big L over the M, put it on a scarecrow, and lynch it the next time we play the pats.
we gotta face the reality that the patsies have got to be the favorite to win the superbowl this year. they are goin' after it with the addition of moss.
i HATE for this team to have more lombardi trophies than us.
Maybe instead of the Pats straightening Moss out, Moss will infect the Pats. Did we just take a speedy DB?!
WHAT? ANOTHER DB?
Stick'em-
Yeah, Al doesn’t do the "Mandy" Moss trade (for a 4th rd pick) without some serious persuasion.
Realist-
I wouldn't worry about Porter. He's got the talent he needs to be our top receiver... and now he has the coaching he needs.
told ya that would happen!
Well, he's safer in NE, because if anyone does what SD did to him when he got injured (pulled groin, bruised ribs, and somethine else?) the zebra's will throw a flag this time.
Sure wish we coulda got more for him. Minisotta is smellin' like roses on that one now. I'm sure Cpt Caveman would like to have Napo back.
John Bowie? he any good?
RT: My dream of turning over the roster is happening, baby!
- Walter, the only QB left from the wreckage
- Fargas and Jordan, put on notice by Rhodes and Bush
- Griffith, the versatile new FB
- Miller sends thousands of no-blocking TEs to the bench where they belong
- Mario becomes the new Lanston Walker
- Moss, sent to boot Hill
- Grove moves to Guard as Newberry gets bionic knees
Just gimme a couple of big uglies - an OT and a DT - and I'll be very satisfied with these two days.
Now repeat after me:
"I love BUSH! I love BUSH!I love BUSH!I love BUSH!I love BUSH!I love BUSH!I love BUSH!I love BUSH!I love BUSH!I love BUSH!I love BUSH!"
BUSH BUSH BUSH
I GOT MY WISH!!!!! HA!!!!!
Anon ~
It was a bad day for the Viqueens too...
Nap Harris is a Chef.
Troy Williamson is a Bozo.
The Vikings did get Adrian Peterson yesterday to drown their sorrows. That dude is FIERCE!
I like that breakdown, Stick'Em!
Umm...Do we need another CB? Isn't run stopping a bit of a lingering issue?
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RT ~
We just drafted Sam Bowie.
CB with a 4.24 Forty Time.
Al is back...
I think we picked the WR because he is PR/KR also.
Carr is proving to valuable on defense (we would be 1-13 last year if not for him).
Picking up the CB gives us flexibility in the other direction.
I do hope we roll the dice on that 370lb freak someone mentioned earlier.
I hear you, but I would like to have some of that flexibility and depth on our lines.
Bowie is probably a special teams pick.
Draft THE FREAK!
I'm into the added receiver from UTEP (and ADIOS to MOSS!!)--I like the idea of an incredibly fast third down guy stretching the defense, worried about JRuss tossing it 70 yards in the air to him, while Williams and Porter work underneath. Check out what Sportsline's research says about Higgins:
"Possibly the fastest player in the collegiate ranks, Higgins has that blue-collar work ethic and highly competitive nature that has made him a favorite of UTEP fans and a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators."
But I was just told Higgins was a special teams pick, too...
It's not that I don't like these speedy little guys, it's that I'm sick of seeing Johnson and Tomlinson breaking off 25-yard runs on 3rd and 6 late in the 4th quarter, and watching our offensive line impersonate weathervanes.
I saw something that said he ran 4.38, but 4.26! Hell yea.
You guys think Al and Kiff are doing 'paper-sissors-rock' each pick to see who makes the pick?
Here's one scouting report on Bowie: "A project in the works, Bowie possesses rare speed and solid size. Had not played much football until this season, yet showed enough skill to be stashed on a practice squad."
Said Bowie: Thanks for the scholarship, Al!
Rock paper scissors! Classic. At least we're not running with scissors (for the most part).
If we're going to draft projects, then draft Walter Thomas. He's the freak at DT and has played OT as well. 375 lbs with a non-stop motor can get it done. There's your project Al.
Raider Take said...
Question: Can you think of a major superstar who came to a team in his prime, and subsequently produced less and aggravated the fans more than Moss? By the end, he was absolutely reviled by the Raider Nation. What a legacy.
I can think of two, actually: Keyshawn and TO. Man, what is it with these WR's???
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There are 2 DTs named Thomas, Marcus & Walter. Wasn't it Marcus Thomas someone mentioned earlier?
Draft THE FREAK!
Cannibal DT bio here.
They found Smurf Bowie at the Texas vs. The Nation game... guess who else was there... that's right!
I want my 400# cannibal DT!!!
DRAFT THE FREAK!!! DRAFT THE FREAK!!! DRAFT THE FREAK!!! DRAFT THE FREAK!!! DRAFT THE FREAK!!! DRAFT THE FREAK!!! DRAFT THE FREAK!!! DRAFT THE FREAK!!!
Well, I'm not sure Keyshawn was ever so universally reviled by his fan base as Moss was in Oakland, and while T.O. was hated in Philly, he produced big time. I think the jury's still out on his tenure in Dallas.
But I hear you about these WRs in general. Even guys like Ashley Lelie overestimate their importance.
Marcus is slightly undersized for DT and was just drafted. It's Walter Thomas who is the freak... but very raw. He will need serious coaching.
Never mind, Denver just took Marcus Thomas.
Yes, Marcus Thomas, he's had some behavioral issues, but apparently he's got game.
DRAFT THE FREAK!
Marcus is out of the way. DRAFT THE RAW FREAK!
Think Walter Marcus will last till pick 138?
Walter Thomas was projected as a late rounds pick because he’s an unknown. He was held out of most of his college career due to academic issues. His physical traits are off the board. That’s what makes him Al’s pick! DRAFT THE FREAK!!!
Actually, the FREAK will probably last until round 7, if not go undrafted all together.
But I care little.
If Al can draft a 4.2 CB who weighs 150#s, then he can draft the 400# cannibal for us!
Draft THE FREAK! Draft THE FREAK! Draft THE FREAK! Draft THE FREAK! Draft THE FREAK! Draft THE FREAK! Draft THE FREAK! Draft THE FREAK! Draft THE FREAK! Draft THE FREAK!
Stick'em-
I couldn't agree more. He could last to the 7th, and he could go undrafted. Also, players like Beekman OL still on the board should have been our earlier pick. DRAFT THE FREAK AL!
Stick'Em's logic is ironclad here. DRAFT THE FREAK!
There goes Bushrod...There's a joke in there somewhere. I'm sure Stick'Em can elaborate.
lane kiffin was just interviewed via videoconference on espn. i didn't notice during his introductory press conference but i did notice yesterday in the video stream on the raider web site and todays interview with suzie kolber that he cannot keep a steady stare. his eyes dart everywhere and he doesn't really stay focused to the camera. they say that the eyes are the window to the soul. i don't see him as being shy. and so far it "appears" that davis has left him alone to make "most" of the draft picks and trades. i may be overly concerned, and this might not mean anything but you would think if a person was sincere, they would look you straight in the eyes.
OL Beekman just drafted... what a surprise. DRAFT THE FREAK!
Can anyone see this developing into an old Black and Blue offense? Can Russell just hand the ball off, while he is "developing". I like the tone, an offense that really does run downhill, and some pure smashmouth running game. The brainthrust just might have cured the blitz on every down syndrome we have been facing.
FB time.
Or is Zack and Griffith gonna cut it? If so, I'm OK with that.
I'ld like to see Le'Ron McClain but I'm a little biased.
Draft the Freak with the upcoming pick or in the 7th Rnd?
scorp,
He's talking to a crowd of people NOT THE CAMERA. When you talk to a crowd, you shift through the crowd as you speak, making eye contact with the crowd (NOT THE CAMERA).
So, it's actually a GOOD thing what you saw :-)
Realist-
Stick'em said..."If Al can draft a 4.2 CB who weighs 150#s, then he can draft the 400# cannibal for us!" DRAFT THE FREAK NOW!
RT ~ Actually Bushrod announced before the draft that he is quitting football to become an "adult" film star.
'Nawlins must not have gotten the memo. Wasted pick. The buffoons.
Bushrod says he was inspired by the legacy of Darrell Russell... which brings us back to DTs!!!
The cannibal is NOT a wasted draft pick, even if you can get 'em signed WITHOUT draftin' 'em (like we did with Tommy Kelly).
Hell, I think we should've drafted 'em first overall. JaMarcus could wait!
DRAFT THE D@MNED FREAK, AL! Draft the FREAK! Draft the FREAK! Draft the FREAK! Draft the FREAK! Draft the FREAK! Draft the FREAK! Draft the FREAK!
Thomas and Terdell remind me of Raven's the year Fat Bastard flopped on Gannon.
we got another DE. jay richardson from ohio state
Jay Richardson?
The Freak could eat 'em in a single bound!
Draft, the d@mned FREAK, AL!
Draft the FREAK! Draft the FREAK! Draft the FREAK! Draft the FREAK! Draft the FREAK! Draft the FREAK!
I knew you'd come through, Stick'Em...
According to reports: "Belichick and New England officials apparently have been candid in apprising Moss that there will be a zero-tolerance approach, and that the kind of behavior he has manifested at times in the past will not be acceptable."
Wow, what a novel concept. That's the kind of radical idea I'd like to see tested in Oakland.
Keep you eye on OL late. Maybe there’s another Boothe out there. Also, I think there’s a widely accepted notion that you try to sign (invite to camps) as many undrafted OL as you can. Next pick? DRAFT THE FREAK!
Please tell me Richardson is NOT a LB project. Has history taught use anything?
RT,
Thanks for the morning coffee. As noted in my previous posts, I have been in the Russell camp from day one and am pleased with the pick.
Both Zack Miller and Michael Bush were also on my wish list, as I watched Miller play in High School only 300 yard away from my house here in Arizona. I think Bush is an animal and will raise the level of competition at RB.
Despite not knowing our other picks (other than reading about them in draft mags) I am pleased that we addressed our needs with the exception DT.
All in all, I am very pleased with Kiff's draft as well as the departure of Moss.
Minty Morning to the Raider Nation
Yes, I'm feeling quite minty fresh right now...Love those AZ insights. Arizona is my home away from home.
Jay Richardson DE was just picked up.
I am very happy with what we have done for the last two days. We have added some skill and depth to some needed positions.
As far as JRock is concerned, it will take me time to warm up to him. Just hope Al made the right decision, since there were no takers to trade up so we could trade down.
Finally, Randy is gone, now give D. Burgess his money!!!
I sure hope Burgess doesn't hold out, I mean he is still under contract. To keep him after next year we would have to rework it this year, because we couldn't afford him on the free agent market ESPECIALLY if he goes to the pro bowl again.
..and as far as OL goes..
THE FREAK PLAYS BOTH WAYS!!!!!
Scorpio,
I have a different take on Kiff's lack of eye contact with the camera.
To me it appears his mind is racing with football thoughts of this upcoming season, unlike some of the robot stares and answers we get from other coaches.
He kind of reminds me of a mad scientist, only with football X's and O's running through his mind at all times.
IMO
Check this $h!+ out!!!
The FREAK does handstands and cartwheels!!!
DRAFT THE FREAKIN' FREAK, AL!!!
DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK!
Didn't someone say the FREAK did a front flip? I wish someone had a video of that!
The FREAK wears a size XXXXXXL and goes BOTH ways (no, not like that, that's Bushrod).
You hear that, AL?
The 400# cannibal can do a DADGUM BACKFLIP, AL!
Draft the FREAK, Al!
DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK!
Headstand, cartwheels, backflips, goes both ways, a 400 lb stick of destruction ... the legend of the Freak goes.
It is more than fitting after losing one sour freak (Moss) that we gain a sweet freak (Thomas)!
DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK!
Here's the scrouting report on Jay Richardson:
Strengths:
Has excellent size with a big frame and long arms...Pretty athletic...Solid against the run and stout at the point...Very strong...Has a non-stop motor...Tough and plays with a nasty demeanor..Had a nice senior campaign...Still has some upside.
Weaknesses:
Could stand to add some more weight but has plenty of room to do so...Plays too high with poor leverage at times...Is not real agile or quick with sub par change of direction...Is not explosive or a natural pass rusher..Bad timed speed and range.
Notes:
His father played college football at Tiffin University while his mother played rugby at Ohio State...Base type who just might be an ideal fit at defensive end in a 3-4 scheme...He's a interesting developmental prospect due to his size and potential
Quick, somebody call Al on the Pirate phone and tell him about the freak.
There is a HUGE, GROWING, SWELLING movement for the Freak!
Here's the bio:
Walter Thomas
Height: 6-43/8 Weight: 374 40-Time: 5.19
Strengths:
Outstanding size and a huge frame...Very athletic...Fast and quick off the snap for a man of his dimensions...Strong and extremely powerful...Fantastic feet...Upside is basically limitless...Was really impressive at the Texas vs. Nation All-Star game.
Weaknesses:
Extremely raw and he will need a lot of attention and coaching...Conditioning is a concern and he'll need to lose a ton of weight...Has very little experience at any level...Work ethic is very questionable...Has character issues...Workout warrior?
Notes:
Began his career at Oklahoma State where he played as a true freshman in 2004 before getting kicked off the team...Did not play football in 2005 and played saw little action in 2006 before opting to enter the draft as a junior...The definition of a long-term project but he'll get a few looks due to his rare size and measurables.
"Extremely raw and he will need a lot of attention and coaching...Conditioning is a concern and he'll need to lose a ton of weight...Has very little experience at any level...Work ethic is very questionable...Has character issues...Workout warrior?"
Perfect! DRAFT THE FREAK!
Just imagine. When the FREAK busts through the Browns' Joe Thomas... then EATS Brady Quinn... and does a backflip...lands...does the FREAKAZOID (yes, breakdancing is back in style)... and then lines up on offense (going both ways)...
Just imagine how the fans will go APE$H!T, AL!
Draft the FrEaKiNg FrEaK, Al!
DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK! DRAFT THE FREAK!
I said, "Sunday, Sept. 23, Walter Thomas will walk through Joe Thomas like a pair of squeaky saloon doors, munch Brady Quinn like a Ken Doll hors d'oeuvre, then do the FREAKAZOID in the HOT, Al!!!"
Just imagine how much loot you can make sellin' size XXXXXXL jerseys, AL!
Draft the FrEaK! Draft the FrEaK! Draft the FrEaK! Draft the FrEaK! Draft the FrEaK! Draft the FrEaK! Draft the FrEaK! Draft the FrEaK! Draft the FrEaK! Draft the FrEaK!
Eric Frampton? Does he play guitar? DRAFT THE FREAK!
Eric Frampton, SS. If you want the Freak, you'd better shout it out loud.
another DB?
Yep. Does this mean Huff move to FS now?
Because you can never, EVER, have enough DBs!
bama7
Sorry, but a guy that weighs in close to 400 pounds cannot last more than a play or two and then he's bent over heaving.
Leron McClain (FB) instead.
I absoluetly do not understand the CB selection we made. Oh wait, yes I do, that's Al butting in again... Al please stop it.
Peter Frampton? The guy with the talking guitar? F'em!
ThE FrEaK can eat Frampton like a handfull of Skittles and use his guitar as a toothpick, Al!
Draft ThE FrEaK, Al! Draft ThE FrEaK, Al! Draft ThE FrEaK, Al! Draft ThE FrEaK, Al! Draft ThE FrEaK, Al! Draft ThE FrEaK, Al! Draft ThE FrEaK, Al! Draft ThE FrEaK, Al! Draft ThE FrEaK, Al!
isn't bing a natural strong safety? there might be the possibility of moving him back to his natural position. huff might excell in his.
Maybe this was Kif's pick after all, as this doesn't sound like an Al Davis Scholarship kind of guy: "Frampton is an overachiever whose lack of ideal speed and athleticism limit his NFL ceiling a bit."
How about crunching Tomlinson like peanut brittle?
Bing played SS at USC, which is why I wondered why the Raiders wanted to make him an LB. I was thinking that this year Huff at FS and Bing at SS, but now we have Frampton as well.
from AP: "With the pick the Raiders got for Moss, they selected speedy cornerback John Bowie from Cincinnati, a former 100-meter Big East champion."
looks like al had his hand in the cookie jar.....
Bama7
Oh fu*& it... I can't watch anymore. Another DB. Screw it to he&%. Al couldn't keep his fat ass out of things. Could have taken more DL or OL bodies, or even a FB. Or an OLB to put Sam Williams on the bench once and for all. Way to go Al.
Al is many things, but a fat a&% I think not.
What do you think of Michael Otto, OT from Purdue?
Eric Peter Frampton..."Do you feel like I do? Voice box "Wah, wah, wah"
Here is our English guitar hero's scouting report:
Eric Frampton
Height: 5-11
Weight: 205
Position: Strong Safety
College: Washington State
OVERVIEW
Frampton lacks the prototype measureables, but he proved to be a consistent playmaker at Washington State. He'll need to smooth out some rough edges at the next level, but he has uncoachable instincts and ability to make big plays.
Positives: Lacks the size, but plays as an in-the-box strong safety … Aggressive hitter who flies to the line of scrimmage to get involved … Led team in tackles each of his two starting seasons … Improved his route recognition and break on the ball as a senior; led the team with five interceptions … Legitimate big-play artist … Has six interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two returns (both INTs) for touchdowns over his two starting seasons.
Negatives: Lacks prototypical size for an in-the-box safety … Despite production as an interceptor, Frampton lacks the footwork and pure speed for coverage … Highly aggressive and will bite on double-moves … Led team in tackles, but is more of a hitter than a tackler … Sometimes goes for the knockout blow and whiffs, allowing the runner to gain extra yardage
Here come the whiners. I step out for a minute and someones bitchin.
Doesn't anyone realize we are beefing up special teams with these DB's and the WR??
We're on the clock again, draft the freak!!
From what I can tell, we've now drafted the two biggest (based on weight) running backs in the draft (not including FB's).
This comment has been removed by the author.
Orenthal? What, you drafted O.J. Al?
Idjiot! Draft ThE fReAk, Al!
O'Neal racked up a total of 59 yards in 2006. Sweet!
SO WHY NOT DRAFT THE FREAK?
How could we draft only 1 OL and zero DT? Aside from some obvious needs at QB, TE, and DE, it seems as though our primary weakness on defense wasn't even addressed.
I'm still happy with the quality picks we made but, like every year, I'm left scratching my head.
One chance left to draft a DT... DRAFT THE FREAK!
We need more DBs! Back up the dump truck and load it with DBs!
Is the War Room even aware the Freak exists???
I can't see how they wouldn't.
I would have already drafted him. But that would have been on a video game, not with Raider Nation in the balance!
"It was a great experiment."
Lane Kiffin regarding being in draft room with Al Davis
Careful RT, lots of DBs left on the board. You might get your wish. As soon as I mentioned we hadn't taken a DB, we immediately did just that. Maybe, if we keep quiet and stop lobbying for the freak, we'll get him.
We've got enough picks.
So why not draft a DB or 5?
Exactly. We need cornerbacks!
After we draft THE FREAK, of course.
Maybe Cable wasn't "B.S.ing when he said the Raider OL on the roster had great talent to work with.
I guarantee Kiffin and Schnieder are beefing up the special teams squad.
Well, if Cable and crew know something we don't, then that's a good thing, I guess.
yeah ...how could they possibly know more than us?
Did we give NE Moss AND pick 211 (rnd7/pick1) in that deal ?!
Yeah, after last year, I would never think to question the ability of players or coaches.
O'Neil IS a fullback. A true blocking fullback in the Lorenzo Neal mold. I read his blocks are sick.
What's the Freak?
Frampton
Positives: Lacks the size, but plays as an in-the-box strong safety … Aggressive hitter who flies to the line of scrimmage to get involved
Sound like kick, punt return specialist
Frampton sounds like another Cooper
Alice Cooper? Oh...Jarrod. I thought we were talking about '70s rock stars.
The FREAK.
aka Thomas Walter
"Big Walt, as he is known, is a 6-foot-5 defensive tackle who wears a size XXXXXXL jersey. He bench presses 475 pounds and squats 800 pounds. Weight lifters at the Galveston Health and Racquet Club stop their workouts to watch him."
He was raised near a nuclear power plant and has been known to hunt wild game with his bare hands.
What is the FREAK?
Check this out:
For N.F.L. Draft, the Biggest (XXXXXXL) Sleeper
By LEE JENKINS
New York Times
GALVESTON, Tex., April 21 — On the edge of the Texas Gulf is a 370-pound football player who can execute a perfect forward flip.
When he lands, the ground trembles.
The player’s name is Walter Thomas, and as he kicked his size 16 feet overhead Saturday morning, onlookers studied the sculpted giant with curiosity and awe. It was the kind of reaction Thomas usually elicits from professional football scouts.
“I feel like I’m a big secret,” Thomas said. “The secret of the draft.”
The National Football League draft, which begins Saturday, does not really have secrets anymore. Prospects are timed and tested, interviewed and investigated, over and over again. Entire dossiers are prepared for second-string players.
Thomas is as close as modern football can come to an old-fashioned sleeper. In the past two years, his only playing experience was at Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia, Miss. He played in two games, both losses. Then he was arrested on a charge of conspiracy to commit robbery, according to the Tate County (Miss.) Circuit Clerk’s office, and never played college football again.
Judging by his credentials, perhaps Thomas should not be drafted. Judging by his dimensions, however, Thomas has to be drafted.
Big Walt, as he is known, is a 6-foot-5 defensive tackle who wears a size XXXXXXL jersey. He bench presses 475 pounds and squats 800 pounds. Weight lifters at the Galveston Health and Racquet Club stop their workouts to watch him.
Football teams everywhere are filled with big men, but many of them can barely move. Thomas has run the 40-yard dash in 4.9 seconds, faster than some N.F.L. tight ends. He is the rare tackle who can catch a running back from behind.
“The guy is a dadgum Russian gymnast,” said Randy Pippin, the head coach at Northwest Mississippi.
Thomas’s flexibility has become part of his lore. He does handstands and handsprings, broad jumps and cartwheels. When he gets excited, he will do a back flip.
“I never thought a body that big could flip in the air,” said Ron Holmes, who coached Thomas at Ball High School in Galveston. “I wouldn’t have believed it unless I’d seen it with my own two eyes.”
Three months ago, Thomas was little more than a novelty act. He declared for the draft as a 21-year-old junior, but unlike most underclassmen heading to the N.F.L., he had no highlight reel to send scouts and few statistics for them to analyze. The Web site nfldraftscout.com ranked him as the 74th-best defensive tackle.
“It was a different situation,” said Martin Magid, Thomas’s agent. “He was coming from the basement.”
Magid, who represents several professional football players, lobbied for Thomas to be included in a predraft all-star game called Texas vs. The Nation. When the workouts for that game began, Thomas was an afterthought. When they ended, he was an Internet phenomenon.
Draftniks found a new darling. Bloggers were breathless. Draftdaddy.com reported that Thomas was “unstoppable” and “nimble” and “drew reactions ranging from gasps to smiles to a simple shake of the head in disbelief.”
In the draft evaluation process, workouts are nearly as important as games, and Thomas is a workout wonder. He was invited to Mississippi State’s annual Pro Day and seized much of the attention, even though he did not attend Mississippi State.
N.F.L. scouts, always on the lookout for that unique blend of size and agility, were seduced by a dancing goliath. This month, Thomas was ranked as the 15th-best defensive tackle in the draft. He hopes to pattern himself after the N.F.L. tackles Ted Washington (6-5, 365 pounds) of the Cleveland Browns and Jamal Williams (6-3, 348) of the San Diego Chargers.
“He is definitely a topic of conversation right now,” said Gil Brandt, former vice president for player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys, who is now an analyst for NFL.com. “A lot of people are talking about him.”
Thomas represents the hard choice that every team faces at some point on draft day — to pick a player with supreme physical ability and a questionable past, or to go with a player who has limited talent but a proven track record.
Thomas would not be such a secret in the draft if he had not buried himself in college. He played at Oklahoma State as a freshman in 2004, but failed out of school before his sophomore season. He spent 2005 trying to regain his academic eligibility and went to Northwest Mississippi in 2006.
“People like to tell me, ‘As big as you are, you’ll always get another chance,’ ” Thomas said. “But I think I’ve used up all my chances.”
Thomas acts contrite and gentle, but his behavior can still be erratic. An interview for this story was scheduled for Friday morning in Galveston. Thomas arrived early Saturday, apologizing profusely that he confused the dates.
Thomas was accompanied by Martha Overton, a 54-year-old whom he calls his second mother. Thomas went to school with Overton’s daughter, Elizabeth, and steadily ingratiated himself in her family. Now, he appears in all of their Christmas pictures. When he leaves Martha Overton’s sight, he gives her two bearhugs.
“Walter has a lot of people who care for him very deeply,” Martha Overton said.
Thomas needs the support system, especially in the new N.F.L. Commissioner Roger Goodell recently announced a personal-conduct policy that threatens teams for repeatedly signing troublemakers. When Thomas visited the Jets, the Dolphins and the Browns, they grilled him about his arrest, he said.
He might as well have answered in rhyme. Thomas stars in a Galveston hip- hop group called Tre Side, and he recently wrote a rap about football, the mistakes he has made and his desire to correct them.
From the stereo of his first car, a Ford Expedition that he picked up Friday, Thomas blasted one of his raps. He repeats the same line in a husky baritone: “I’m tired of wasting time.”
As a prospect, Thomas is intriguing because of both his baggage and his potential. In the two games he did play last season, his numbers were mind-blowing: 16 tackles, 9 tackles for a loss and 4 sacks.
“You absolutely cannot run at him,” said Les Miles, the Louisiana State University coach, who recruited Thomas to Oklahoma State. “You have to go in another direction.”
Thomas cannot expect to be picked until the second day of the draft — rounds four through seven — but he should immediately become one of the biggest players in the league, and probably the biggest player on his new team.
Thomas has always been the largest guy in the room. In the fifth grade, he was barred from Pop Warner games in Galveston because parents felt he had an unfair advantage. By the time he entered Austin Middle School, he was pushing 300 pounds.
“He took up a whole side of the line,” said Jim Yarborough, a Galveston County judge whose son played against Austin Middle School.
More than any specific game, Yarborough remembers the first time he shook hands with Thomas. “It was like he swallowed my whole hand,” Yarborough said.
Growing up, Thomas was somewhat self-conscious about his size, so he befriended the smallest kids in school. They played a game called “Cut the Cake,” in which they found the biggest building in town and raced each other around it.
Today, Thomas still has many of the same friends, and few of them weigh more than 150 pounds. He could bench-press three of them at a time.
“That’s where I got my speed,” Thomas said. “I had to keep up with all those little guys.”
To demonstrate, Thomas took off his size 16 sneakers, slid into a white tank top and did one of his forward flips on the grass next to a beachfront apartment building. He stuck the landing. The expression on his face was part grimace and part grin.
A man watching from his apartment balcony came running. The man wore an Ohio State T-shirt and had many questions. Who is this specimen? Does he play football? Would he be interested in going to college at Ohio State?
But Thomas was already in his Expedition, driving down Seawall Boulevard, blasting music by the rapper Slim Thug, another performer who is not particularly slim.
For a few more days, Thomas can still keep himself a secret.
So he WAS raised at a nuclear power plant.
I've read about him before... surprised he's still there, and that we haven't taken him.
Take him, Al!
Damn. I thought the forward flip stories were just a mith.
no they're troo
Picture of the FREAK:
http://bolthype.blogspot.com/2007/03/put-walter-thomas-on-your-radar.html
The bolt's know about him!
I was confused why NE had our first 7th round pick , turns out we gave it to them to move up and get Gusta-Rymes:
http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2007/henderson_mario
Busta, not Gusta
Just got back. I've seen most of the picks, and I've seen the trades. All I can say is WOW. Just WOW!
I don't think I've been this happy with a coaching hire since Gruden.
I don't mind, at all, the stock piling of WRs. There is good talent there and great competition. This will light a fire under Porter's ass, give Williams a reason to regain his form, make Gabriel work harder, and keep Curry from getting complacent.
But I agree that RB would be good too. It could be that we might move a WR or two for a RB in trade.
I'm confident that the OL last year wasn't as untalented as they appeared. The confusion within the coaching ranks was the major problem. We may not have a great offensive line, but they will be far better than last year.
WOW!
Some lucky team is going to get an opportunity to bring the Freak into camp and see what he can do. If he keeps his head on straight, he could be a dominant player in the NFL.
The Raiders already took a freak in the first round.
can never have too many freaks... like DBs.
a couple of years ago, i absolute HATED the fact that KNBR manuevered to get the whiners once the contract with the raiders ended. at least in the beginning stages of the ticket 1050, before the merger of KNBR and the ticket it was ALL raiders. raider news, raider talk and we would have tracked the draft on radio the entire weekend.
now, it's ALL whiners. whiner/giant talk, whiner/giant news. every once in a while they throw in a liberal comment or 2 in what is SUPPOSED to be an all SPORTS station.
my point is, back in the day (not so long ago) we had all raiders all the time. NOW FREAKIN' NOTHING! where can we go to talk about this draft? the trades? KNBR? these people are all whiner homies. i didn't hear or I'm not even sure there was radio coverage locally on the current raider station ksfo.....
if anyone out there knows if there is maybe an XM/Serius station out there, i'd be willing to pay for it as long as i get my raider chat.
whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. stfu
i'll be whining if I don't hear, Da Freak's name come our pick...
Here it comes.
Will it be the FREAK to replace the recently departed Freak?
Will we have dominated this draft Freak to Freak?
Paco wants to know, "who wheel we peek?"
you guys know what an undrafted free agent is? The Raiders could still sign Thomas after the 7th round
yes - we know, but hey, after a solid 48hrs of draft, a man is allowed to get a little "Freak"y - seriously though, Kiffin knows best here
254... .DO IT AL!
he could be pretty popular come UDFA time...
Damn, there were a bunch of DB's left, to!
Another WR. Nice! RT, back up the dump truck.
another receiver?
Look for someone to be on the phone with the Freak right now! I hope it's Al.
seriously - no f'ing way.....
we now have the world's fastest special teams unit...
damn straight. He has a bunch of tackles playing gunner to.
I think we had a great draft.
Knock on wood that JRuss doesn't bust, and I sure hope we can get the FREAK on the practice squad sooner than later.
Who needs DTs to stop the run when you can just FREAK the other team out with all of the speedy receivers and DBs on your bench and practice squad?
hope russell goes with the no. 4 jersey...
I just special ordered a Johnathan Holland jersey.
Al Davis doesn't pick THE FREAK, Walter Thomas in the '07 NFL Draft!?!
What a maroon! If you ever needed proof Davis is indeed senile, now you have it!
I heard The Freak can throw the ball 83 yards while doing a backflip!!!
Who needs JaMarcus Russell when you got a 400# QB/DT with that kinda arm?
make sure you get it in his XXXXS size
Oh yea, as far as Moss goes.
I hope the Pat's enjoyed the 'Brady' era, becase it's all going to be about Moss now.
When we signed him. I was a little aprihensive, but excited.
My biggest concern was that all we will ever hear about now regarding the Raiders was Moss. And for the most part it was so (and I didn't like it).
Art and Jerry helped minimize the amount of Moss last year, as well as Moss' injuries and lackluster play.
Moss is gone. Nothing personal, but I hope he poisons NE.
Why do I feel this way? Because IT WAS A F'ING FUMBLE, THAT"S WHY.!!....but that's another story.
Bowie has his work cut out for him to be worth Napo, ?7th? overall pick, and whatever else it cost us to get Moss.
I vote that Da FREAK gets jersey number 18
Rob Ryan and Brian Schnieder are idiots....what do they think they're doing trying to upgrade the defense and special teams? Don't they know the draft requirements of the fans takes priority over the team's needs. Everybody knows the fans and sportswriters are the real experts.
We fans want stars to pick jerseys from, not an advantage in field position or speedy nickle backs and role players.
and if the commish gets bent out of shape about the number (see reggie bush and his new number 25) we will just line him up at Wide-out and showcase the skillz
When's the first minicamp?
Congrats to Randy Moss for finding a new home. Apparently, he renegotiated and signed a new one-year deal worth a whopping $3.5 mil. Ironically, if he kept his mouth shut and just played ball, he could have easily made his $9 mil plus salary next year, with the Raiders or somewhere else. In his short tenure with the Raiders, he managed to devalue himself from a 1st round pick (and a certain future HOF) to a 4th round pick with major sigma. He's as savvy as they come.
Heartland-
Mandy Moss jerseys just went on sale. Get 'em while they're hot.
Nice take from John Clayton: Perhaps the best choice of Day 2 was the Raiders' selection of Michael Bush, the running back from Louisville. He went in the fourth round instead of the first because of his problems with his fractured leg. Bush said he should be 100 percent in June. Maybe he will or maybe he won't, but Bush could be the Raiders' back of the future. Oakland coach Lane Kiffin compared him to LenDale White, whom he coached at Southern Cal. If he's healthy this year, he could challenge LaMont Jordan for playing time. The Raiders don't have to rush him. He's a powerful 243-pound back who is in good condition. Kiffin sold Dominic Rhodes on coming to the Raiders to be in a system similar to what Reggie Bush and LenDale White had at USC. If Michael Bush is a hit, he would take the White role and Rhodes would be the Reggie Bush, catching passes and running outside. For a fourth-round pick, you couldn't do much better.
I had hoped we would get Garrett Wolfe for that role.
RT,
Just wanted to give my 2 cents in on the Moss trade. I couldn't care less what we go for him, as long as he was gone. His attitude and quitting on the team was absolute unforgiveable. I just want to thank New England for taking him and freeing up $$$ for all this new talant that we've aquirred.
I'm not totally convinced that our line was all that bad. That coaching scheme last year was so foul. It almost seem like it was intentional to put us in possition this year to do what we did by taking JRock. So, with that perspective, we should all say a big thank you to Randy Moss for helping us get to this point.
I'm definately looking forward to next year.
lates
hey you guys, i just wanna chime in here and say that it's been fun tracking this draft with y'all.
in the end, we may or may not have gotten the player(s) we really wanted , we may or not agree with al davis and we all have our own opinions but we are all true raider fans. here we are in the middle of baseball season, basketball (woohoo! GO WARRIORS!) and hockey playoffs (GO SHARKS!) and we're spending time blogging and watching this draft. no question we are all ONE when it comes to the raiders. i think that's pretty cool.
as for russell, the jury will be out on him for a while, so we sit, wait and see. i was not for russell BUT and i say but, after listening to kiffin describe how in depth he researched him (going back to high school) i for one, place my trust in his good judgement as a coach. only time will tell if russell pans out.
over all it was a GOOD draft. with the trades we made, it made for an exciting and very productive weekend and hope for the future. whether we agree or not, i feel a sort of bond with you guys (and gals if any). this blog is not like the forums where they get personal, put you down or make fun of your opinion. here it seems that we all respect each other. i think that's cool too.
so let's all look forward to that mandatory mini camp. the season can't start soon enough. actually it can..... i need to get more funds to pay for my season tickets. but thats what they have student loans for right?
you guys have a great week! go raiders! :o)
mike williams better get his is in the weight room, he looks like a lineman in the picture on the Raider's site. if playing under your old college coach doesn't help, nothing will.
by the way, best pick of the draft..Michael Bush, rd. 4
best value pick of 2007 seeing as we have RBs good enough to allow him to get healthy 100% before he rips it up for us. if he comes through, that would be the number 2 RB in the draft for a 4th round pick...that may be my next Raiders jersey purchase
Bye Randy Moss, thanks for nothing. As in nothing, not only do I mean your performance, but New England gave us absolutely nothing.
I'm bittersweet about this deal. I'm glad to see Randy go, but New England? I think we just made them better, and received nothing for it. Thanks for that one, I guess.
Welcome Mike Williams and Cade McCown. If anyone can get Mike to play, it's Lane. I didn't really expect him to shine in Detroit like he did at USC. I gladly welcome him. I am also hoping that Wil Buchanon has some pretty good playing time.
I heard Kiffin told Courtney Anderson to look for another team now that we have Zach Miller. Hooray!
Mike Bush was a tremendous pick up. Quentin Moses was another tremendous pick up, and will be a nice addition with Burgess. Mario Henderson yet another.
The only disappointment was we drafted no Defensive Tackle. I hope there is plan to bring one in.
I do see a "Silver and Black" lining in the clouds ahead, and I'm grinning from ear to ear.
Wow--what a draft. Couldn't have imagined it better--pass catching TE who can block, 2 DEs from big programs, OT help, special teams help, Michael Bush, McCown and Williams for a four...and the Bayou Bomber himself, JaMarcus. Pass the Kool-Ade
Even ESPN -- one of the two networks covering the nationally-televised event -- referred to the Raiders' draft as a "dominating" force behind the two-day rookie extravaganza.
So much for Al Davis and the Raiders having "given up," as a couple of scribes said recently.
The Raiders will be rebuilt and born again. Every effort is being made to win. Bad fruit is being pruned, and new ideas are being fertilized. Given up!? Au contraire, we haven't given up, we're coming after you!
More pics of the FREAK if anyone is still lingering :-)
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/25/sports/football/25nfl.html?ex=1335153600&en=02bfdbf3c3ebeef0&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. I've heard several people say that, "well, if we can go 6-10 this year, that's an improvement." There is one thing clear about this draft and they way they prepared for it. Kiffin is not looking to make a 6-10 team, he's looking to build a winner.
There is no long term experience at QB right now. But we have three players who are competitive and all capable of being NFL starters. One will (hopefully) emerge as a franchise QB.
At RB, again competitors who have reason to compete. WR, the same. TE, getting there. OL, looking a hell of alot better.
Don't look for the D to do quite as well this year, because the Raiders will show the ability to move the ball and score. Opponents will not be able to sit on the ball. But the D will be competitive.
raidertake:
You sound like a farmer on your last take!
Williams was awesome in college, I believe that he is the guy that brought USC to what they are today, I think that with coach Kiffin he is going to be as spectacular as he was in USC.
Michael Bush, to me (and I never compare) will be the next Bo Jackson, embraze yourself, we have ourselves the most potent offensive player to come out of college in the last 20 years.
The pieces are in place, we will collect a couple of free agents to fill in the missing spots like DT and such, but we are ready to play some pigskin.
Randy Moss you left me like the Mona Lisa, without a smile but without tears as well, I guess that our biggest poison is out of town, I will appaude you next time you come to town, because you made me a true believer in what the Raiders are doing now and that is drafting dynamic kids rather than spoiled brats like you.
raiderdecoachella.
I feel like a farmer! I am plowing the nasty thistles and rotting moss (pun intended) into the earth, creating new til, from which will sprout new ideas and energy, resulting in a bountiful harvest of victory and righteousness while the Raiders Haters choke on their fields of weeds! Amen.
This quote is from Randy Moss...
"I have a microscope (on me) and my microscope is very big. The people that talk about me, as far as my work ethic and my competitive nature and me going out there and playing football, the best thing I can say to you, male or female, all you have to do is line up against me and see what happens."
Ooooo, Randy. So your saying that if you line up against a 53 year-old guy who hasn't played contact football since high school, you can kick my ass? I'm sure the folks in NE are doing hand springs over that.
raider take:
Don't forget to plant some mint we are going to need a lot of it to keep our mouths minty fresh throughout this new and exsiting season.
raiderdecoachella
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