The Realist's Draft Scenario
By Raiderrealist:
Now that the coin flip is over and we know our draft position, it’s time to go over likely scenarios for the upcoming draft.
Imagine, if you will, that you are Lane Kiffin/Al Davis/The-Man-Behind-the-Silver & Black Curtain who decides whom the Raiders will pick on draft day. Decide what the team needs and prioritize them. Add Darren McFadden to the offensive punch or shore up the porous defense with Chris Long/Glenn Dorsey/Sedrick Ellis? Keep the 4th pick or try to trade down for more picks? Keep in mind that some of our needs can be met through free agency.
As for the likely draft day scenario, this is what I see happening:
- MIA: Chris Long/Glenn Dorsey
- STL: Chris Long/Glenn Dorsey/Jake Long
- ATL: Matt Ryan/Darren McFadden
Unfortunately I just don
As for me, I
RD1. DT Sedrick Ellis
RD2. LT Sam Baker
RD4. C Jamey Richard
RD6. SS Caleb Campbell
RD7. Best of what
Why Ellis over LT Jake Long? Tom Cable
The defense, however, was just the opposite in making nearly every running back that faced them look like the second coming of Jim Brown. Hence my pick.
As for wide receiver, I
Note: Thanks to Raiderrealist for sharing this take. This is the second in what promises to be a series of “guest takes,” with the intent of celebrating the different voices and perspectives of the Raider Nation. Stay tuned for PantyRaider's trade take.
Labels: Guest Take, Raiderrealist
posted by Raider Take at 10:03 PM
598 Comments:
Nice analysis. I actually think there is a 50% chance two of the three defensive linemen (Chris Long/Secrick Ellis/Glenn Dorsey) will still be available at #4.
I think St. Louis is taking a hard look at Jake Long, and Atlanta will go with either McFadden or Ryan.
After the latest round of info available on McFadden, I would pass on him. Since Moss, we don't need that potential for trouble. In fact, he might fall out of the top five all together.
One mock draft has us taking Desean Jackson at wide receiver with our #4 pick. I prefer one of the DLs but I would prefer Jackson over McFadden at this point. If he's everything they say he is, then you've got the potential on offense of Russell, Miller, Jackson and Bush, all young, all with great upside. Presents a much brithter future than two years ago on offense.
For me though, it's the defense.
H
Realist- nicely done.
Picking #4 doesn’t quite leave us the same control as picking #1. However, with rookie contracts so far out of control (insert JaMarcus Russell here), reports are that Miami would like to trade out of #1, but nobody is biting (the fish bait).
I’m sure the fish will be happy to pick Chris Long. I’m really surprised that critics argue SOH has limited upside potential. Isn’t it enough that he’s an every down player with a strong work ethic, and virtually a lock to continue his solid career as a pro? Some reporters just aren’t happy until they draw blood, as made evident by our recent discussions on this board.
Your point is well taken that the Raiders will choose from a solid group at #4, and hopefully they will lean to the D with that pick. If they can’t, then trading down should be a strong consideration. We only have 5 picks this year, half what we had last year. As Raider Take aptly points out, our margin for error is “razor thin.”
I think Al will trade up to get SOH... and he will prolly give up "too much" just to drive everyone crazy.
And another thing to drive everyone crazy... trading for Troy Williamson.
lol
That's some pretty good guessing, realist. Wouldn't mind Ellis & Sam Baker one bit.
I hope someone moves ahead of ATL to get McFadden, increasing our chances of getting SOH.
Jake long seems like the real deal but this draft is chaulk full of quality OT's and Sam Baker fits the bill as one of those guys who might fall to Rd2.
Hey Blanda, I saw Jordy Nelson only ran about 4.49 I think. He's still under the radar. Who knows, 4th round maybe? I'm hoping we trade up for a 3rd if he's there.
Psycho
***NEWS***
Kiffin denies rumors!
http://www.mercextra.com/blogs/
buzz/2008/02/27/kiffin-denies-
dancing-avoids-tap-dance-with-al/
Psycho (Gotcha)
Scott Wright wants his first 3 picks back! Just kidding, I agree, the first three picks will all be clean cut guys, I wish Chris Long would fall to us, oh well.
Also, if we resign Kelly, I would take Gholston over Ellis, and I have read the Raiders consider Ellis a top 15 pick, not a top 5.
Good one Psycho. Just my opinion, but it sounds like Kiffin is into tweaking the media.
They play games with him, he plays back. Not necessarily great PR as we know, but he's still there.
Also, if he has been stripped of so much authority, would someone explain why he's in the office everyday working? There's something not logical about the whole situation as reported by the media.
But then, logic never enters into the media's methods.
If Ellis, Dorsey or SOH fall to 4 I say take one. Kiffin knew Ellis at USC and coached him in the Senior Bowl and Russell played with Dorsey so it's not like we don't have some insight into either. Same goes for SOH. I'm sure Mr. Davis has kept up with his career for about 20 years.
H
After the Serior Bowl I'm really big on Ellis as an alternative to SOH. Top notch person and player. Dominant. I agree with Mike Mayock that he is better than Dorsey.
Man, we're on the verge of FA and Kelly isn't re-signed yet. I hope we don't let him slip away like we did with R.Coleman, L.Glover, G.Jackson, etc....etc....
This tells me we must have our sights on SOH. My main "CON" for drafting SOH was that we already have Kelly/Richardson/Clemmons/Burgess at DE.
Psycho
Psycho,
Current thinking on Kelly is the torn ACL has deminished his value on the open market.
The Raiders may be keeping an eye on how the rehab is going before making a decision. ACL has one of the longer recovery periods.
H
A free agent being mentioned today the Raiders should get that I hadn't heard a lot about is SS Gibril Wilson. Sounds like a sound tackler and a good hitter. Might be a great pickup so Huff can move to FS.
I'd also like to see Rod Coleman brought back if he can pass a physical.
No offense, guests posts are great, but I want to hear from RT himself. This is already a community site, I don't think we need to crank out a lot of guest takes.
RT, drop the logic!
H said- "Also, if he has been stripped of so much authority, would someone explain why he's in the office everyday working?"
H, not to be a ball-buster, but how do you know Kiffin is in the office everyday working?
I've not heard this from any reliable sources.
Com'on now, take a realistic look at the situation. Take everything the press has reported, and realize that 95% of it has already been proven false. All that remains is whether or not Kiffin may be headed out the door.
Also note something else about Kiffin's phone call to Ann Killion. One of the things she said in her article that Kiffin was responding to is that what seem like wild claims by the sports media, regarding the Raiders, are usually proven to be correct. Aside from the complete arrogance and utter stupidity of that statement, I wonder if you can see, as I do, that that assertion is what Kiffin was responding to.
"We always get it right," then Kiffin calls and says, "no, I wasn't dancing." No further comment.
Kiffin is having some fun here. He's playing games with the media. He's really acting kind of childish - unless we really do need him to be on his way out. This is not how Kiffin would be behaving if he was on his way out.
If all of this will be exploded simply by what is obvious come the beginning of the OTAs, what is the long term harm or damage to the Raiders? The media has created a story that they simply can't ignore when the story blows up in their face. They will be forced to explain themselves. Davis will have made complete idiots of them.
Why does Kiffin have this apparent contempt for the media? Let me count the ways.
1. Kiffin is so insecure with his age that he's going to release every player older than the is.
2. Kiffin is on his way to Arkansas. "No I'm not." Kiffin is on his way to Arkansas. "No I'm not." Kiffin is on his way to Arkansas. "NO I'M NOT!!!!"
3. Kiffin is on his way to UCLA. "No I'm not." Kiffin is on his way to UCLA. "No I'm not." Kiffin is on his way to UCLA. "NO I'M NOT!!!!"
4. Kiffin is going to fire Ryan and hire his dad. Monte: "I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying in Florida." Kiffin is going to fire Ryan and hire his dad. "I'M NOT GOING ANYWHERE!!!!"
5. Media: "Are you going to fire Ryan?"
Kiffin: "Everything will be evaluated."
Media: "Kiffin fired Ryan who is on his way to a job in NY."
Raiders: "Ryan isn't being fired."
Kiffin: "Ryan is the DC for this team."
Ryan: "I'm not going anywhere."
Media: "When Davis found out that Kiffin fired Ryan, he stripped Kiffin of all authority...."
You get the picture.
I know this is a stretch, but somehow I can picture Al and his kid protege sitting in Al's office having a conversation like... "Ya know kid, I know we've butted heads many times the past year, but lets have some fun with those fuckers in the media... it will be great fun watching them spin around in a hamster cage trying to figure us out!"
NYRaider,
Simple. It's one of the easiest provables there is. All some enterprising member of the media has to do is stake out the parking lot. I'm sure he pretty much would drive the same vehicle every day.
If he's not showing up for work, then report it. The way the media likes to pound on the Raiders, this would be something they could see with their own eyes as opposed to relying on anonymous sources.
Gary,
Rod Coleman is pretty much toast. He was very ineffectual the last two years with Atlanta.
H
nyraider, I believe that Jones and/or McDonald have said several times that Kiffin is always seen going about business at Raiders HQ, but he refuses to talk to the press. He made the call to Killion from Raiders HQ, and the call was put through by a Raiders secretary. Further, he would have had to work with the staff on both the Senior Bowl and the combine. There's really no question that Kiffin's been at work.
Tim Mo, thank you for your vote of confidence!
I will be back on the front page soon, and in the meantime I'm still pretty active here on the comments pages (see previous take).
This will be a week of guest takes. I recently sent the invitation for guest takes, and got more responses that I expected, and I want to honor those responses.
I believe that other viewpoints will keep things lively and fresh. Comments were piling up by the hundreds before I could write my next take during these slower news months. It was getting unwieldy waiting for the pages to download, so I'm very appreciative of guest takes that will help keep things fresher.
I would love to feature a Tim Mo take at some point, just let me know!
Blanda makes a good point that I have alluded to in the past.
Why give the media any more time when they keep repeating stories you have already denied.
Kiffin may, in fact, be on the way out. However, based on the media's track record I just don't believe it.
If the free agency period proves reasonably fruitful we will then have the first OTA before the draft. If Kiffin is running things on the field then we will know.
But, I will guarantee you this. If Kiffin is the coach next season and has a pretty good season (8-8 or better), there will not be a peep from King, Gay, Schefter, et al, about why they were wrong or even and admission they might have been wrong.
H
At some point we'll have to get another Western movie script started.
"The Tales of 19-61 Valley Days." Narrated for Boraxo, of course, by Ronald Reagan.
>>>>
Rod Coleman is pretty much toast. He was very ineffectual the last two years with Atlanta.
>>>>
Hmm, isn't that pretty much what everyone said about Burgess?
His most serious injury was a ruptured quad... not like he doesn't have any knees left or something. I'd give him a chance with an incentive laced contract... just for this:
"Coleman, 30, may be extremely difficult to replace. The eight-year veteran is one of the premier interior pass-rushers in the NFL and leads the league in sacks by a tackle (44½) over the past five seasons. Noted for his quickness and ability to penetrate through the inside gaps, Coleman possesses a rare skills-set."
realist, very nice take, by the way.
The obvious choice says defense first, but last year we said offense first and look where that got us.
I have the funny feeling we're going to trade down. Yes, yes, I know - Al never trades down. Well, that's more a matter of not being in a position to trade down effectively, not an edict. As we only have five choices this year, and some considerable rebuilding to do, I think we may trade down for more picks and rely on the depth of the draft this year, and not the top five. There are some good O-linemen and WRs to be found in the late 1st, and 2nd and 3rd rounds. I suspect that we may trade our #4 overall to around the high twenties in the 1st round, plus a 3rd round pick.
Bama7
I still say McFadden will be one of the top two RB's in the NFL within a year. You can't pass that up if given the opp. Look how damn productive he was at Arkansas with a backyard/HS offense and no passing game. Now he has topped off the production aspect of judging him, with an AWESOME workout at the combine. He's sub 4.4 time with power & moves? You got to be kidding me. There's never been a bigger no brainer.
If we have a chance at him and pass because of re-signing Fargas, you can go ahead and add that to the top three greatest Raider blunders of all time... one slot ahead of Jano in the first and one slot behind Shell/Walsh redux.
As for free agency, I'm still craving PRODUCTIVE, PHYSICAL players. Lance Briggs is as productive and physical as they come and would add nasty to our young atheletic LB corp. I don't know how we'd pass on having our own "ray lewis" come in to lead our defense. We need a physical leader for our D above anything else. Kawika Micthell is also very productive.
Flozell Adams has proven to be an above average nfl LT and we need someone to protect our 60 million dollar man.
Back to the draft, Quenten Groves is a VERY physical football player.
Gary,
Coleman will be 32 this August. Burgess was in his mid 20's when we picked him up.
That description you posted sounds like it was written a couple of years ago.
If I were going to bring in anyone form the Atlanta Parakeets I would take a look at Wayne Gandy. We need help at LT and though he may not be a pro-bowler, he is already familiar with Cable's blocking scheme.
H
Bama,
McFadden could very well be one of the top two in the next few years. He could also be the next Travis Henry or Lawrence Phillips.
He already owes child support to three different women and has had two run ins with the law and he's not even 21 yet.
Just pointing out the other side of the coin.
H
BTW, I'm still predicting that Jerry Jones trades his two first round picks for Miami's top spot. From there they will take McFadden.
McFadden won't be there at four, and it would be dumb of us to try and trade up for one player. And we certainly to want to pay #1 money two years in a row.
I still say we trade down for one or two extra picks, focusing on D-linemen and WRs (perhaps an 0-lineman). The rest we cover in free agency.
H, I think Gandy would be an okay addition. He knows Cable's scheme, and he's an effective blocker in that scheme.
Exactly Blanda. And, if we pick up a starter he would be a decent backup. We need depth also.
The more I see, the more I don't think Fozell Adams would fit the zone blocking scheme.
H
Ok H... as painful it is to me to think that 32 is old, you might be right... he might not have anything left in the tank... just seems that we did ok with Parella when we picked him up at 33.
As far as McF... I read a Raider fans opinion that watched his career in college and he said he gets knocked down too easily to be a stud in the pros. Thats enough to clinch it for me... fast RB's that can't break tackles aren't worthy of top 4 picks... and certainly are far from a "sure thing."
Blanda... I'd be amazed to see Al trade down, but it might happen... especially if SOH is gone.
And the only reason I say this is that after the Russell signing fiasco, Al might want to take a breather from trying to get top picks in camp.
The more I look at this, the only way I see us going wrong is with McF or a speedy WR at 4.
Gary, that sounds like Kauffman. Every time Kauffman got the ball it was either going to be a two yard loss or a touchdown. He was very elusive and fast, but if you breathed hard as he went by you could knock him down. Surely McFadden is more physical than that.
In my highly optimistic, wishful ways of thinking, I want to believe that the Raiders are just screwing with the media and creating a sense that we're the most messed up franchise in sports.
Al Davis is certainly not above that, and I don't put the rest of the staff above that either. Obviously we know that there is a buttload of misinformation being spread by either the Raiders spokespeople or the media, is it impossible to think that it's above them to be the ones spreading the rumors too?
The only question is why they would do this: a) they hate the media, e.g. look at what they said last year about Art Shell:
"Adam Schefter has always been a false rumor monger with respect to the Raiders and anti-Raider based upon his relationship with Denver and Mike Shanahan"
Now obviously this turned out to be "true", but uh who didn't see that one coming?
b) The Raiders are always playing games with the media, opposing teams, fans, etc..again like last year when they made the starting QB decision a secret up until gametime, and even Al Davis chimed in and hinted that the QB against the Lions was going to be Jamarcus.
c) It's in their history to be the rebellious team..it's an identity that's been lost over the years, and may be this is a way to bring them back to those days (this one's a stretch I know).
On top of all that, all the rumors I've heard have been quite unsubstantiated, and rarely have I seen actual legit sources for them--e.g. Kiffin to Arkansas.
And as has been discussed here, the one time Kiffin has talked to the media and said anything more than "no comment", was to deny rumors that he's been dancing.
I'm probably being extremely naive here to think that this is all a huge practical joke the Raiders are playing on the media here, but hey, it's the easiest way to cope through the offseason now.
Being a Raiders fan in the past few years meant only having to suffer 16 weeks out of the year (while enjoying 4 of them--the preseason)--why should I have to suffer for the other 32?
Gary, this isn't a good year to have the #1 pick. This might be the last year we pay rookies without some sort of scale, so whoever signs this year's number one will be stuck with the contract. That's another reason why I think Parcells will bite the bullet and trade down to pick up the Cowboys two first rounders.
And plus, we've been making the right moves this offseason too. Resigning Justin Fargas, bringing back "Joe" who'll be a nice backup to him, franchising Nnamdi, and um..hiring James Lofton. So obviously someone in there is working this offseason to prepare for next year.
Draft...
Sense 2001 we have only had 2 drafts where we address the "O" in the first round...and 2nd round..."04"-n-"07"....I say we need to continue to build our "O" at this point....the high drafting of the "D" has not produced the desired effect...Infact...It may have contributed to our "LoosingWays"...
At this point I believe the best way to help or strugling "D" is to put a superior "O" on the field that takes the preasure off the "D"s weakness at stopping the run...
2007
1. JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
2. Zach Miller, TE, Arizona State
2006
1. Michael Huff, S, Texas
2. Thomas Howard, LB, Texas-El Paso
2005
1. Fabian Washington, CB, Nebraska
2. Stanford Routt, CB, Houston
2004
1. Robert Gallery, OT, Iowa
2. Jake Grove, C, Virginia Tech
2003
1a. Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, California
1b. Tyler Brayton, DE, Colorado
2002
1a. Phillip Buchanon, CB, Miami, Fla.
1b. Napoleon Harris, LB, Northwestern
2001
1. Derrick Gibson, S, Florida State
2. Marques Tuiasosopo, QB Washington
PantyRaider..."O"-1st..."D"-2nd!!!!
***NEWS*** (For real this time)
Speak of the devil, we signed T.Kelly to the largest contract ever given to a DT. Check it out:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/
news/story?id=3269154
They say we plan to switch him back to DT in Sapp's spot.
Although I like Kelly a lot, I didn't expect such a huge contract. I'm scratching my head a little bit wondering if this is a mistake. We have a LOT of money tied up in him and Sands, for a LONG time. So much for Dorsey/Ellis I suppose.
Psycho
Tien:
The other big factor here is the free "Pub"...the Raiders don't have to pay a dime for it and they have their names out there everyday...just like last year when we had the #1 pick and took time to sign him...that saved us tremendous $cash$...just take a look at "JRus"s 1st yr of the contract...Cheap...
"MrD" loves the spot light and he will certainly be remembered...They all want him to just go away but without him how do they sell their league...The Dude has "Color"....although many don't like it he is the most popular bastard on the planet...and I personally love to see him pulling a few "Mediot"s strings....And it's "GoodBusiness"....
I want to say it's really great to here that many of you have come back to the "HappyPlace" where I have been waiting...Just put in your "EarPlugs" and really "DarkGlasses" and you will be just fine..."IGNOR da MEDIOTS"...
PantyRaider...Blinders-On!!!!
Psycho... if you look at your list, there is one thing glaringly missing.
Not a single DT, and one DE.
Compare to the Patriots draft...
Three DT's in the first two rounds since 2003.
Al has neglected the D-line... and that is where we need fixing. Al usually attacks the weaknesses in his drafts... I'd be very surprised if we don't get a d-lineman in the first round.
Gah... Kelly is signed? Hmm... SOH all the way now!!
He's trading up for it... I can just feel it! lol
The key part of the article Psycho posted...
"Kelly was going to be a highly coveted defender in free agency because he could play defensive tackle in a 4-3 or defensive end in a 3-4."
Guess they thought his knee is fine... and maybe this means they are looking at a 3-4 with SOH?
Regarding Kelly, Sapp said he had the potential to be better than Sapp. Sapp called him a natural DT. He said he was okay at DE, but would be a pro bowler at DT.
That's one of the reasons I thought it was possible that they'd bring Sapp back for one year as a spot player while helping to coach Kelly and Sands.
This leaves us currently with Warren, Sands and Kelly at DT. Plus I think it possible that the Raiders split time in a 3-4 with Richardson and Kelly as the DEs, but we'd still need to do better than Sands at NT. Perhaps in those situations, Burgess and Clemons slip outside to OLBs while Howard and Morrison man the middle.
Don't forget that the NT in a 3-4 needs to just about be the size of a brick house.
3-4 or 4-3, SOH makes perfect sense now unless we're targeting a Free Agent DE. Destiny indeed.
Psycho
So Kelly is re-signed. Somebody over there must be workin'.
Hainesworth is on the way....See in my NFL "TradePridictions"....
Philadelphia Eagles 2/28 Jevon Kearse (DE) cut.
Indianapolis Colts 2/27 Anthony McFarland (DT) cut.
Do we want any of these players...
Kearse played crappy in Philly, but he was a monster when he came out. Anybody know if Kearse has anything left? Wasn't he the first guy they called "The Freak?"
Team Needs: Oakland Raiders
1. Wide Receiver
Jerry Porter is a free agent, leaving Ronald Curry, who was actually their leading receiver last season, as Oakland's go-to guy. Not good. Mid-season replacement Tim Dwight quickly injured himself and is another free agent who seems unlikely to return. 2007 third-rounder Johnnie Lee Higgins is a work in progress. The Raiders need to acquire not just a number one receiver, but a number two as well.
2. Defensive Tackle
Warren Sapp has said he's retiring. Terdell Sands, after playing well in 2006 and receiving a new contract, couldn't even hold down his starting job. Gerard Warren, brought over in a trade with the Denver Broncos, claimed Sands' starting spot but was his usual inconsistent self. Tyler Brayton is a free agent coming off of his poorest season. And the best of the bunch, Tommy Kelly, is a free agent coming off of an ACL injury.
3. Defensive End
Without solid play from the guys inside, the undersized Derrick Burgess was exposed against the run. Jay Richardson has prototypical base end size, but lacked production. Pass rushing specialist Chris Clemons played well but will likely be lost to free agency.
4. Left Tackle
Barry Sims is 33 and the Raiders have been trying to replace him for years. 2007 third-rounder Mario Henderson struggled mightily and didn't look like the future here.
5. Strong Safety
Michael Huff would be better off at free safety and it finally looks like the Raiders will find a way to play him there. Rashad Baker, who was picked up after being released by the Patriots late last season, isn't ready to be more than a backup.
6. Cornerback
Nnamdi Asomugha is one of the best in the league and the Raiders will keep him from seeing free agency, at least this year. But former first-rounder Fabian Washington regressed in 2007 and lost his starting job to Stanford Routt who himself didn't look up to the task. John Bowie, the infamous fourth-round pick acquired in the Randy Moss trade, is still a ways from challenging for a starting spot.
7. Strong-side Linebacker
Robert Thomas did a decent job when asked to step in and take over for the struggling Sam Williams, but the Raiders would be best off with Thomas as a backup who could fill in at any of the linebacking spots. Williams was re-signed to a one-year deal, but it would seem his role would be limited to playing in the occasional 3-4 alignment or as a nickel pass rusher.
PantyRaider....CopyPoster!!!!
As to the Kiffin incessant "no comments"... I'm trying to apply myself into the situation. It seems the quickest way to get into deep doo doo with Al is to say shit to the media he doesn't want said.
Perhaps Kiffin, as an inexperienced and cocksure coach, the only time he had problems with Al was after meeting with the media... so how does one correct this? Stop saying shit to the media.
It's EXACTLY how I'd handle it myself. If the only time my boss climbed on my ass for something was after doing a particular act, I'd stop doing the particular act.
http://www.mercurynews.com/raidersheadlines
/ci_8394490
Nice artical for a "Change-0-Pace" after reading all the stupid "Crap"...
Bama7
Gary, regarding your Raider friend that says McFadden gets knocked down easily. You have got to be kidding me. Mcfadden finished his SEC career with more yards than Bo Jackson, Herschel Walker and Emmitt Smith. That's not just good, that's legendary. I don't think it is an accurate statement to say he went down easily, pal.
Gary,
Good point on the "no comments". Hopefully that is all there is to it, hence problem solved (I hope). Well if that's what keeps Kiffin in town then I'll be happy to remain in the dark.
Psycho
Off topic, I just saw the Raiders signed Tommy Kelly to a seven-year, $50.5 million contract that has $18.125 million in guarantees. This is the largest contract given to a defensive tackle.
Okay back on topic!
See Tommy leap, see Tommy roar, see Tommy count his $18 million as he stuffs the run with girth, force and menace, making L.T. sandwiches.
That's not a haiku?
It's more Big Sur-style free form poetry.
TOMMY! TommyZilla, in the footsteps of QB Killa, back in black and on the attack. Boom! Little Rivers goes down.
It's a big contract on the surface, but we will have to see how the guaranteed portion is structured.
H
***News*** (Real again)
Isaac Bruce was released. He would be a good guy to have. He's still productive and would do wonders for whatever youngsters we have around next year.
Also Lorenzo Neal & Marlon McCree of SD were released. Not that we need or want them.
Psycho
i,m pretty torn hear when it comes to this raiders draft.
i do think mcfadden will be an excellent nfl running back, but i think the raiders need other positions more then Rb.
on the other hand, we just watched the giants defeat the "greatest team ever", with defense, defense, defense.
but, with rob ryan as Dc, any defensive talent we get will probably be wasted with non aggressive, passive, gameplans.
Raider00,
You are correct. Defense, Defense, Defense. Much like the Ravens of 2000. And, we are still trying to get over that one.
Having said that, SOB may be seeing the writing on the wall. This is his last hurrah. If he doesn't show massive improvement he will be shown the door. I look for a more agressive scheme, with emphasis on stopping the run.
Having the top running back in the league will sell tickets. But, it rarely wins championships. Walter Payton was one of the best ever, but look what finally got him to the Super Bowl - Defense.
H
Blanda- if we were to trade down, I would expect more than a 1st round pick in the high 20's and a 3rd round pick (presumably also high 20's).
On a points system, the #4 pick is worth 1800 pts. That should be worth 1st and 2nd round picks around 9th, 10th or 11th in the draft order, or somewhere between 1720 and 1840 points.
Besides, I'm not sure trading out of the top five into the 20's makes sense for a team that needs immediate contribution from the draft.
The obvious advantage of having the #4 pick is we will get to choose from Long, Long, Ellis, Dorsey and McFadden, all players that should be able to step in Day 1 and contribute.
Plus, our activity in FA should have a tremendous impact on which direction we go in the draft.
So far, by many accounts, we shouldn't lean toward RB (McFadden). And despite signing Kelly, all the remaining players listed above would be golden for us.
ThankYou RT...
"Little Rivers"...
I have started writing another article for the new season....This time about "da-Last-o-da-Moh-Chieftains" -n-
"da-FireFlies"....Last season I picked on the "Donko"s....
"The Evil Empire Strikes Back"...
Now I have a good tribal name for the QB...."Little Rivers"....Great name for the QB of the little flies...now for a name to call the coach who is "lord-o-da-Fleas"....any suggestions....
Also the coach of "da-Last-o-da-Moh-Cheiftains" -n- dair QB...
PantyRaider...OffSeasonFun!!!!
>>>>
Gary, regarding your Raider friend that says McFadden gets knocked down easily. You have got to be kidding me. Mcfadden finished his SEC career with more yards than Bo Jackson, Herschel Walker and Emmitt Smith.
>>>>
With stud college defensive players suddenly swooping up mega-buck contracts early (unlike the days of the players above) the defenses these RB's are now seeing aren't as fast as they see in the pro's.
Thus comparing yardage statistics may be deceiving. Thats why people that look untouchable in college like Reggie Bush suddenly struggle in the pros.
The speed difference between college and pro defenses are much wider these days than ten years ago.
I admittedly don't watch much college football, but perhaps the reason McF has more yardage than Bo Jackson is he didn't get touched until ten yards down the field?
i don't think we are lucky enough to get soh. but, if we are smiled upon by the BIG RAIDER IN THE SKY, and soh is there, we take him without question.
if not, we take ellis or desean jackson.
i agree baker in rd 2
rd 4, we take jordy nelson if we don't take desean; if we do take desean, then i think we take a dt.
then we go after safety and possibly more wr's.
Trade down for Al Hainseworth..
>>>
Besides, I'm not sure trading out of the top five into the 20's makes sense for a team that needs immediate contribution from the draft.
>>>
Thats a good point. And is this draft stellar enough to attract any traders?
If McF is still on the board... and there is a team willing to part with a motherload to get him... I'd do it.
There's lotsa owners that prolly think the way to build a dynasty is through RB's, even though there hasn't been a team to do it in this millennium.
If you look at this list I see that most of the top "O"s are also "Play-Off-Teams"...and as for the Giants the "D" won the first 3 1/2 quarters but it's the "O" that come threw at the end and won the game....the "D" was slippin away...Giants had the #8 "O"-n-#4 "D"...That my friend is balance...
Total Offense (YPG)
1. Indianapolis Colts 446.0
2. San Diego Chargers 357.3
3. New England Patriots 341.3
4. Pittsburgh Steelers 340.0
5. Dallas Cowboys 336.0
Passing (YPG)
1. Indianapolis Colts 402.0
2. Pittsburgh Steelers 297.0
3. San Diego Chargers 267.0
4. Washington Redskins 244.0
5. New England Patriots 228.3
Rushing (YPG)
1. Dallas Cowboys 154.0
2. Green Bay Packers 131.5
3. Tennessee Titans 119.0
4. New England Patriots 113.0
5. Jacksonville Jaguars 107.5
Total Defense (YPG)
1. Dallas Cowboys 230.0
2. Pittsburgh Steelers 239.0
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 277.0
4. New York Giants 286.2
5. Green Bay Packers 288.5
Passing (YPG)
1. Pittsburgh Steelers 104.0
2. Dallas Cowboys 140.0
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 177.0
4. Green Bay Packers 207.5
5. Seattle Seahawks 208.5
Rushing (YPG)
1. Tennessee Titans 68.0
2. New York Giants 74.0
3. Washington Redskins 77.0
4. Green Bay Packers 81.0
5. Dallas Cowboys 90.0
PantyRaider..."O" First!!!!!
Earlier today H raised a very interesting & pertinent question:
H: "Why give the media any more time when they keep repeating stories you have already denied."
Under normal circumstances H, I would agree with you. Where I differ is on a few points:
#1 The man in charge hasn't uttered a peep to deny the rumor.
We all know full well if Davis made a brief denial comment that this rumor wouldn't continue to have legs.
#2 The media, like the Raider fans, knows who signs the checks, who hired Kiffin, and who is the ultimate authority.
Therefore this rumor will continue to persist until Davis does right by his HC, players, and fans and squashes this rumor.
#3 This is not a run of the mill, everyday type of rumor. This rumor involves a HC in the NFL and is mentioned on a daily basis by wide cross section of the sports media including local beat writers.
I acknowledge that it is only a rumor until proven true and the vast majority of rumors have been false. Yes it could be a payback FU move by Davis to the media.
In my mind this is damaging, short sighted and completely unnecessary. Lets put this in real terms that we can all relate to in some way.
The Scenario:
Company XYZ is a distributor with 75 employees owned by Mr. Sivad (Davis spelled backwards). XYZ's Operational Manager is Lenny Huffin. Lenny is in charge of all of the operational staff members
including training his entire staff. In addition, Lenny deals with the vendors who do business with XYZ. When Lenny was hired 1 year ago, he moved his family to the city of XYZ. Further, when Lenny was hired by Mr. Sivad, XYZ was struggling mightily. Over the course of the past year, Lenny has worked tirelessly to improve the performance of XYZ. He has also forged many new relationships with members of the community. One of the local newspaper scribes caught wind that company XYZ might be facing layoffs and possibly restructing of the management team.
FAST FORWARD to to my point:
If Lenny's job isn't in jeopardy in the immediate future, doesn't Mr. Sivad have a moral, civic, and business responsibility to publicly support Lenny who deals with the staff, vendors, and community on a daily basis?
I know some will say this scenario is comparing apples to oranges with the Raiders scenario but let's not kid ourselves.
If Kiffin is our HC for 2008 he deserves to be publicly supported by his boss.
Without the public support, the uncertainty and doubts change the way Kiffin is perceived by his staff, the players, the fans, his colleagues, the media, and the community.
The doubt & uncertainty diminishes Kiffin's authority to command the respect and undivided attention of the men he is suppose to lead.
Use your own life to draw your own conclusions on what is "right", proper, and sound judgment.
In my case, I work 55+ hours a week. If there was a rumor going around my office that I was going to be shit canned, I would be livid if my boss didn't unequivocally back me 100%.
If my boss didn't back me 100% and left me twisting in the wind, I would think twice about my motivation to continue to bust my tail each and every work day. I also would be inclinded to start seeing whatever opportunities are available in the job market. This is basic human nature/leadership 101 stuff.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/11364-NFL-Oakland_RaidersWill_Al_Davis
_Provide_a_Second_Chance_to_Jevon_Kearse_-280208
Will Al Davis Provide a Second Chance to Jevon Kearse?
CalicoJack:
Nice try but that does not fit the personality of the owner....he is a Maverick that does not want to be manipulated by the "Mediot"s or anyone else....so in your scenario he has to hold a press conference each and every time some "Mediot"s decides to write "Crap"....I don't think so...
Now I am retired but I spent 30 years in the construction steel trades -n- 7 years trucking and we had constant situations where rumors got started about the companies I worked for but rarely ever came true...when I was young it was an issue for me but later I learned not to listen....the only times something bad happened was when we had no word at all and it just dumped on us....like 2 times that a company was sold and we were let go....
PantyRaider....Can't-Hear-You-Attitude!!!
Questions:
Why do fans think they deserve more than the players and coaches themselves....Not a dime of our money has been invested in any of the teams but we feel so important that we need special treatment..."Tell us what is going to happen"....
The only dime we spend is on ourselves for our costumes and our beer and our tickets....That's our own selfish pursuit....NOT money invested in the team...It's invested in ourselves and in our happiness and enjoyments.....
Does the "Turk" warn the player before he comes in the darkness of night to dash his life-long dreams to pieces...Does he warn a coach before he is cast off and terminated publicly....humiliated and laid a waist for all to see....I think not...But we are so special we deserve better....
Get a grip...We are just "Fan"s which is short for "Fanatics" and don't deserve any special treatment....
Now it just so happens that our team owner is "FanBased" and has established "Raiders Booster Clubs" threw which fan members are given special privileges....like DraftDay celebrations every year....tickets available for the away "HomeCommingGame"...opportunities to meet with current and past players who attend the events....Youth Football Camps....Cycling and running events which support charities....Raider Basketball games with the local high schools...opportunity for club members to attend the cheerleader competitions each year as judges and to serve as security at Raider events...These and other opportunities are offered by the Raiders "ONLY"...no other team is so "FanBased" as our team....And regular visits from team executives like Jim Otto to explain situations that are developing with the team or the NFL...
So do you want special treatment...than dammit...get involved....
PantyRaider....RealityCheck!!!
>>>>
If my boss didn't back me 100% and left me twisting in the wind, I would think twice about my motivation to continue to bust my tail each and every work day.
>>>>
Are you 31 years old and doing one of 32 possible jobs in the world in your trade?
I think not.
Al's simply demanding Kiffin do the same damn thing that all of you are demanding... win some frigging games.
Once he accomplishes this, I am pretty sure you will get your wish and Al will tell you how much he loves his coach.
Until then, I'm afraid you will just have to suck it up... same as Kiffin does.
This passage from Jerry Mac speaks volumes to what I’ve been saying all along. The players don’t know anymore than we do.
“The Raiders haven’t gone out of their way to clear up the coaching situation to their players, but then again that is not their style. As for any talk that the players are rallying behind Kiffin or anyone else, forget it. They haven’t been together as a team since the end of last season.
Some players who live locally may stop in from time to time, but that’s it. They’re in the dark, like most everybody else, until the Raiders intentions are made clear.”
I believe Lenny (I would have called him Lance) Huffin and his staff deserve better, even if this valuable (dare I say, critical) information is to be kept from the rest of the world.
There’s a buzz around the media that the Raiders way overpaid for Kelly. He’s now the highest paid at his position. Hope he’s not another Turd in the Sands after his big payday.
PR & Gary: You are missing my points entirely.
PR - I didn't say Davis should run to the microphone each time there is a rumor. I'm saying he should do it for this one only due to the unique circumstances and damage it is causing.
Gary: No, I'm not 31 years old (44) and my job is very common (corporate recruiter). What does that have to do with my central points? I was using myself and a hypothetical (XYZ) to try to convey the point about leadership, motivation, human nature, etc.
I'm not asking for Davis to say "he loves" his coach. I totally agree that winning games is how you get true recognition. The entire gist of my previous post is this:
If Kiffin is the HC for 2008, Davis has 2 choices:
(1) Leave him twisting in the wind by not squashing the rumor
or
(2) Say he is our HC for 2008.
Let's not make this complicated folks.
Calico,
A lot to digest there, and some good points. I’ll try to be succinct in my rebuttal.
#1 - Spokes people within the organization have denied the rumors, including Mike Taylor, Rob Ryan and, on occasion, Kiffin himself when dealing with the Arkansas and UCLA rumors. Yet the media persist. Why does it have to be the Big Guy? Plus, how many times in the past has an owner’s public “vote of confidence” in his coach been the kiss of death.
#2 – The rumor persist primarily because the media wants it to persist. There have been denials. I will concede they haven’t been loud pounding the table denials, but they have been issued.
Players have expressed public confidence in Kiffin and, as we know from the past, that has a lot of sway with Davis. What is public and what is internal can be two totally different things. Unfortunately that doesn’t help the average fan since we are not privy to what is internal.
#3 – Correct, it is not a run of the mill rumor, but as I stated before how many times has the vote of confidence been followed within days or weeks with a dismissal?
As to your scenario, and maybe it’s just me and my background speaking, but in dealing with those types of rumors and support, I would be more concerned with my internal support. That has more meaning to me when relating to the people under my direction.
I may have discovered in my one year that I have little tolerance with the public end of the job, and do it only gurglingly. This would then require a shift in those responsibilities to others. That may be what is happening since Rob Ryan has been more available to the media of late along with the statements from Taylor.
In my military background going back to the early 70’s, the public and media perception of what we did and how we did it was 180 degrees out of phase. It didn’t matter what we did, how we did it or how many public denials or explanations were issued. The media continued to support a false public perception with little to no regard for the facts. Nor did they expend much effort to uncover the facts and tended to rely on rumor mongers who had little to no inside knowledge and were passing along third and fourth hand rehashed rumors or outright lies.
So, at this juncture in the off season I feel Kiffin is the head coach and will be next season. And, until I see different I am operating under that assumption. Do I think there are internal differences? Absolutely. There hasn’t been a successful organization in history that hasn’t had any. It’s up to the organization to resolve them internally and move on.
For those players who drop by "from time to time," why don't they knock on the coach's door and ask for themselves. And, if they have, it's possible they are being asked to not comment pubically.
A lot of questions will be answered by the time of the first OTA. If I’m right Kiffin will be running the show. If I’m wrong, well it won’t be the first time for me or any of us.
Well, I tried to be succinct.
H
Quick quote from Sapp on Kelly:
"I've trained that monster, and he's coming (along)," Sapp said of Kelly last season. "There's nothing I can do to stop him. It's going to be his spot, and I'm going to step the hell out of the way gracefully."
I hope he right.
H
>>>>
I'm saying he should do it for this one only due to the unique circumstances and damage it is causing.
>>>>
The only damage we actually know about is that Raider fans are even more paranoid than normal.
I know of only one Raider fan that is actually canceling his season tickets, and that is because he is in danger of losing his house. I think most Raider fans know this team is close to exploding in the coming years because of the talent (Russell, etc) and don't want to miss it. At least thats how I would be with season tickets.
What other "damage" do you have any proof of?
Calico, you make two big assumptions. One is definitely wrong, the other is a coin toss.
Assumption one is that Davis' statement will have the effect of making it all go away. What planet, exactly, do you live on? Calico, welcome to Earth, where Davis is viewed as a congenital liar. It was pretty much taken by all that the team statement issued under Shell, that Schefter was a rumor monger and no decision had been made to fire Shell, was issued and written by Al Davis. Schefter publicly called him a liar, and said that if Shell wasn't fired it was only to prove Schefter wrong.
Assumption number two is that Kiffin WANTS Davis to step forward and support him. My feeling about the phone call to Ann Killion is that Kiffin is enjoying this.
The only way the Raiders can make this go away other than ignoring it is to have Davis and Kiffin hold a press conference to publicly French kiss. Now - how about that for image to start your weekend with?
H said,
"For those players who drop by 'from time to time,' why don't they knock on the coach's door and ask for themselves. And, if they have, it's possible they are being asked to not comment publicly."
My one concern is that McCown is reportedly going to visit Miami. I think it was JMac who said that he was going to look around until the coaching situation in Oakland was fully determined.
I don't know if McCown told JMac that, or if JMac is assuming it. As for me, I ASSUMED that McCown would look for offers regardless. He still wants to be a starter if anyone will give him that job.
Did McCown check with Kiffin, and now he's looking? Or is McCown just looking because he wants the opportunity to start if the opportunity is out there? Personally, even as a back-up I want McCown to work to be the starter. Kiffin said he wanted that for every player on the team. If McCown didn't care about whether he started and just wanted to be the JaMarcus back-up, would we really want him?
Two issues here. We'll have to wait on the OTAs to find the answer.
Gabril Wilson is interesting.
I just hope we don't give him the biggest contract ever given to a FS.
Psycho
>>>>
Gabril Wilson is interesting.
I just hope we don't give him the biggest contract ever given to a FS.
>>>>
Why not??? This would be one of the best FA pickups for the Raiders since Romo and Rod Woodson, especially since he's so young.
A good tackler, with speed and a HITTER!!!!
He's been near the top of the team in tackles?
My gawd.. he could turn this franchise around!
Bama7
Vintage Al. Paid a fortune for one of his "finds" that has potential. Kelly is a decent nfl lineman. Not even one of the top ten in the league. Top thirty maybe. Yet another mistake. We are coming apart at the seams. I asked before, can they take back someone's HOF status? At the rate Al is going, they'll put an asterick plaque on his bust in Canton... explaining that he was woeful the last twenty-five years of his career. Can anyone on this board honestly say they think Tommy Kelly was worth that kind of money?
And Gary, it's obvious to me at this point that you know nothing about Mcfadden's career, so don't even comment on it anymore. Who had the toughest defenses in the nation... faster than defenses have been in years? The SEC. The same defenses that destroyed OSU two straight years... and also made a mockery of undefeated run and gun Hawaii. Mcfadden eclipsed Bo & Emmit Smith against tough defenses and without the help of a PASSING GAME.
Oh, BTW, he's a SS. Absolutely perfect for our needs... goodbye Stuey... Huff to FS!!! I can't think of a better signing... hope it happens!!
Yea Bama... if Kelly was signed elsewhere and he became the pro-bowler he is projected to become... you'd be on your hands and knees banging your little fists on the ground about how "Crazy Al" let such a great player with all that potential go.
Find a different team to whine about... please?
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And Gary, it's obvious to me at this point that you know nothing about Mcfadden's career, so don't even comment on it anymore.
>>>>>
You are correct about one thing... I don't know about his career, but I am not stupid enough to think that college careers have anything to do with pro careers.
And you keep ignoring the valid arguments we are making to NOT draft him to simply boneheadedly say he is a sure thing.
Name the last franchise RB that was instrumental in winning a SB ring and get back to me... and while your at it... tell me why you think Bush is done.
Or keep banging your fists on the floor saying we should draft McF.
It's your choice.
My basic impressions on the Kelly deal.
It ‘s the 50 million that makes him the highest paid. Just over 18 million of that is in guarantees. That averages out to just over 2.5 million plus base salary. Having said that in the first three years it appears to average just over 8.3 million per year.
Keep in mind Sapp is supposed to be retiring and it is expected that Jordan will be released. Those two items alone should recoup the first year’s expenditures.
Based on Sapp’s previous comments concerning Kelly’s upside I wouldn’t be surprised if he was acting as Kelly’s agent.
The main impact the signing has, as I see it, is we are not now targeting a DT in the draft. Unless Warren or Sands will be shown the door. Based on last years contract it would be Warren. I believe the target now shifts to DE (SOH), thus the reason for allowing Clemmons to try the open market, or possibly trading down for additional picks.
Current speculation is we will be signing Gibril Wilson of the Giants. On one of the Giant web polls he was the FA the fans wanted resigned by a very wide margin. I found it interesting that one of the still photos of him posted showed Randy Moss committing offensive pass interference on him. I don’t remember that penalty being called.
So, we’ve locked up Kelly, which everyone wanted, we seem to be on the verge of signing a physical SS, which everyone wanted and we appear to pursuing Bernard Berrian, which many on this site have lobbied for.
Vintage Bama, Al can’t get anything right.
Up or down, it’s rarely ever boring with the Silver and Black.
H
Bama7
Gary, uh, Marcus Allen maybe? How could you set yourself up so easily? You can't watch an nfl highlight of SB 18 without seeing Marcus juking the entire redskin defense. I can't believe you keep belittling a franchise rb's importance. It makes you look like Forrest Gump.
And Emmitt Smith won a few with the Cowboys too. So consider your argument there utterly destroyed.
But I suppose you'd rather have Al's boy Fargas and be 4-12 every year. That's brilliant.
And H, only you, Gary or Blanda could spin the Kelly fiasco positively. Meanwhile the Broncos will probably sign a productive NFL defensive player like Boss Baily.
And Berrian is awful. Ask Bear's fans.
Cause for celebration: Porter is a Jag. Hooray. helps us tremendously if we will fill his spot with someone productive.
And yes, saddly it is all Al's fault. If you can't see it, you probably think everything is all okay in Alameda. Blind.
H, if we're no longer looking for a DT, that could indicate that Al/Lane aren't planning on trading down, but up. It could indicate they are after SOH. If they are moving Kelly back inside, they need to replace him at DE. That LE position might be just perfect for SOH, and likely free up Burgess a bit at RE.
If we get those projected targets, and also draft Jordy Nelson, and pick up a Sam LB, a dream off season might be complete.
Or we could make life easy by forgetting everything else and just signing McFadden. Apparently there's a rule that if McFadden plays, the other side isn't allowed to put their offense on the field so we won't have to worry about defense. :)
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Gary, uh, Marcus Allen maybe? How could you set yourself up so easily?
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LOL! The last franchise RB to instrumentally help a team win a SB was in 1984 and this is supposed to HELP your point?
You aren't the sharpest tool in the shed are ya Bama? Thats ok. The Raider Nation is very diverse.
Bama is right about Berrian though.. Bears fans aren't fond of him. Although when all you have is the mutt QB's the Bears have, maybe he might be a diamond in the rough?
We for sure need to find a burner SOMEWHERE this off season, and he might be the only viable option.
Oh, and here's what Detroit fans think of Boss Baily "Replace Boss Baily....they guy hardly makes a play and can't learn this defense."
"I am not sold this guy is the answer but for a team with this many holes he is an instant upgrade to Boss Baily or LeHman even if he is at 75%."
If he can't look good in DETROIT??? please.
bspn ticker reports porter to jags a 6 year deal....
Off the topic once again but the Jacksonville Jaguars have signed WR Jerry Porter to a 6 year 30 million dollar contract according to NFL.com
memdf you beat me by a minute! LOL
You guys make it sound like things are really shaping up. Yeah, we let Porter go, so what. But, we're down to like two serviceable receivers and all we can hope for is Berrian? Ouch! IMO, we just made WR a priority with our first pick until something else happens.
Bama,
Barry Sanders, Curtis Martin, Eric Dickerson, Thurman Tomas, Edgerin James, OJ Simpson, Fred Taylor, LaDanian Tomlinson, Tiki Barber, Warrick Dunn, Earl Campbell, Eddie George – All franchise running backs, all in the top 25 all time rushing leaders, zero rings.
Walter Payton, Jerome Bettis, Corey Dillion – All franchise type backs who didn’t get their rings until the team built the proper defense to do the job or they left their original teams for one with the additional talent to get the job done. For Bettis and Payton it was late in their careers.
Emmitt Smith was surrounded by other hall of fame players and a solid Cowgirl defense.
In fact, having the rushing leader, or passing leader for that matter is less of an indicator in winning the Super Bowl than having a highly rated defense. The 60’s Packers, the Steel Curtain, the 85 Bears, the 2000 Ravens, this year’s Giants and all of Parcells’ Giants, the Miami Dolphins No Name Defense. Each of the Raider SB winners had exceptional defenses. What is lost on history is in SB III with all the Joe Namath hype, the Jets defense controlled Baltimore for most of the game.
Yes, Allen made that run, but I remember Jack Squirek picking off Joe Theisman and setting the stage for a stifling defense that didn’t get enough credit in that victory. Same goes for SB XV. Plunkett was the MVP and he is one of my favorite all time Raiders, but Ron Jaworski was beat up like the proverbial red headed stepchild that day.
From the first year Allen led the league in rushing until he left, zero rings.
We had the #6 rushing attack in the league last year and it didn’t help our defense in stopping the run a single bit.
You’ve been griping and complaining since September about wanting physical hitters on the defense, yet lately it’s been an incessant drumbeat for McFadden.
Personally I don’t want the guy for a myriad of reasons. I want the defense fixed first.
H
I would have preferred porter stay for one less hole to fill.
I don't think he wanted to go from things he said. He hit the FA market at the right time with no WRs available.
Whatever he gets he's not worth. This $ is crazy to me because it is not performance based. Look at the langston walker deal from last year. He sucked and got 10 mil or something...
I'll be POed if Clemons goes. I'll actually be bothered if McCown does. I thought McCown wanted to stay. I also thought he could help with Russell's development. I would imagine culpepper is gone so that would leave only walter to mentor.
Plus we get nothing for the mcCown-williams trade...
If McCown leaves I hope it has nothing to do with Kiffin's job status and it's just a chance to start somewhere else.
H - I also vote D but we have a lot of O holes to fill too-geez.
Bama,
By the way. I didn't spin the the Kelly signing in any way. I never stated whether I liked it or not. I just offered my analysis of it and broke it down on a yearly basis.
You're the one who, in knee jerk fashion, spun it as a "yet another mistake".
H
Sims is cut!
http://www.ibabuzz.com/raidersblog/
2008/02/29/raiders-say-goodbye-to-
sims/
Psycho
I'd rather re-sign Kelly than Porter. Porter's contract is based strictly on his size and "up-side." He's always had the propensity to disappear during games.
Also, Porter didn't want to be here. memdf, after the last game in '07 Porter was dancing around the locker room, in anticipation of free agency, singing "I'm Free."
As for McCown, I think that was just JMac's little commentary on the side. I'd expect McCown to continue to pursue the chance to start, which he won't get here. Although he said he wanted to come back, I think he might have added, "if I can't land a starting job somewhere else."
McCown signed with Miami. They offered him the chance to start. So far McCown is the best Miami has at QB.
For the moves today, it looks like the Raiders may in fact go for Jake Long since they've released Sims. I think Harris is coming in for the purpose of depth, not to start.
Since we don't have McCown or Culpepper, I think we'll wait until Griese is released by the Bears and possibly sign him. He's never been a good starter, but he's not a bad back-up, and he has experience in Shanahan's similar offensive system. I also wouldn't be surprised if we look around for some formerly good QBs who are real old. That's something that seemed to work for folks last year.
Kelly signing puts the pressure on KC also, because Jared's longterm number just went up some.
I'm sure he would sign a cheaper longterm here than he would in KC.
And cutting Sim's clears the way for picking up Jake Long if SOH is gone already.
The way things are currently shaping up in free agency I suspect that the Raiders believe that either Jake Long or SOH will be available to them at #4. I don't believe they are looking at Harris as a starter, but to back up both tackle positions and to push McQuistan. I think the Raiders are settled on McQuistan for RT.
The mystery to me here is Richardson. He didn't play at all last season, wasn't injured to my knowledge, nor was he released. From the coaches I've heard positives, but why hasn't he had playing time?
I wouldn't be surprised if the Raiders pick up Javon Kerse with a minimal, incentive laden contract to see if he still has something in the tank.
So they way it appears to me right now is that if Long or SOH is available we pull the trigger. If neither is available (in view of how much money we've invested in DT) I'd predict we trade down.
The donkeys cut Walker. While Walker has had few injuries over the last year, he's always been a very reliable receiver. We ought to take a look at him. He's still relitively young. I know he's not the down field threat we're looking for, but at this point we only have Curry as a solid starter.
The Vikes couldn't land Berian. He's on his way to Raider HQ.
CalicoJack:
Why is this rumor any differant than those in the past like Coach Shell is fired...the team is for sell...Eddy will purchase the Raiders...and so on and so on...
I know the answer already...it's because this particular rumor upset too many of you...the fans...and you can't take it...but it is still just a rumor and needs to be ignored....and NO the "Mediot"s are not going to stop publishing their "Crap"...just like now...
"The players are in the dark"...
What player talked to the bastards....is there a name out there...Come on how much of this "Crap" are you going to eat....
Just reject it man and don't let these "Mediot"s give you an upset stomic...It's not "MrD" doing it to you...It's the damn "Mediot"s....
PantyRaider....Don't-Listed!!!!
With Sims gone, the only thing that makes any sense is Jake Long (unless SOH is still there).
What other LT is out there?
I hope they aren't thinking about moving Gallery back to LT. He's a horrible tackle, but might be a perennial pro-bowl guard by the time he is done.
A Jake Long/Gallery combo might be a Shell/Upshaw type combo.
I could get fired up for that more than I can an expensive, high risk RB (with Bush still an unknown quantity).
I'm hoping to see a Clemons and Wilson signing next.
If Clemons lands with the Eagles, that would mean Al is still eyeballing trading up for SOH... and we don't have ANYTHING at LT.
BlandaRocked:
The rule is that if we have a very good "O" that can score regularly on most all posetions as a result of having the #1 rushing team in the league which is also an "O" that swallows up the clock...than the oposing "O" will not have time and patiance to play conservitive ball and run the ball down our throats like they have the last 2 seasons...they will have to change their game plans and play agressive and throw the ball which could play into our striength...
One player can sometimes make a huge differance....I believe a strong runner can....just look back at when "Bo" came on board and what we looked like when he went down...that's a perfect example and we still had Allan....
PantyRaider..."O"-1st!!!!
If we trade down we are going for Haynsworth DT...
Asante Samuel Signing and a Larry Fitzgerald Trade...Filly posibilities...
Word is we signed Wilson. I suspect that we'll move him into the SS spot and move Huff over to FS (unless there is some traction on trading Huff). If we trade Huff it will likely be for more draft picks.
Gary, according to Jason Jones, Gallery has already been told he will remain at LG. Gallery looked pretty good at LG late in the season.
Blanda-
You scooped me on Wilson! It seems the old man is not asleep at the switch, eh?
Heres the link
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/29/SPMOVBJN9.DTL
Apparently the interest in Harris maybe for Fargas' benefit and not Russell's. Scouting reports has Harris being a good run blocker, but he gets frequently beaten in pass protection. However the 49er currently run more of a man-on-man blocking scheme, so this system might be better suited to Harris.
According to Cable, about two thirds of the O-linemen who come to visit the Raiders will be turned around right away. Cable is freakish about agility and body type.
Bama7
Blanda, for once I agree with you. Walker would be a nice pick-up.
I suppose to try to figure out what we'll do in FA and in the draft is to try to think like Al. Let's try it:
Hmm. If I'm Al I'm thinking first off that all of my past moves were brilliant and should have all panned out had sonmeoene else not f'd it up. So I'll trust mine and only my judgement. So, let's see... I've signed my all-star CB, I have my cannon QB and I've stocked the RB area with Fargas and Bush. Fb's okay and I, Al the genius, fixed the OL by bringing in Cable. And of course my current O-linemen for the most part should be more than adequate. Let's see that leaves WR and Defense. Oh yeah and a Left tackle... we'll Kwame can fix that. Now back to defense... Richardson and Kelly are two of the best Dlinemen in the NFL (in my warped opinion) so D-line is no concern. Hmm... and I really don't value LB's so that's no concern either... my schemes are so sound that we'll just keep what we have and repeat 2006.
Okay, I was thinking like Al as I typed and I have narrowed it down: Al will take a WR in the first round. Who is the fastest WR of the top ten WR prospects? That's who will take.
As for free agency, Al will repeat history and take someone off the Giants (superbowl winners) as his big free agency splash. He will also take someone that leaves us scratching our heads... like decent QB that has no chance of starting becuase of Russell.. or perhaps a really decnt RB that will make us wonder why jhe passed on McFadden. Something absolutely mystifying.
In the second round of the draft Al will take some defensive lineman that others have pegged for day 2. With the third round pick Al will take another d-lineman, this time one that is actually targeted for the third. It will be our best pick of the draft. The rest of the draft will be wasted on CB's and WR's that did little in college but were really fast, some of whom will probably hold a track record at their alma mater.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys will make a move for McFadden and will win the whole thing in 2008/09. Not becuase of McFadden but becuase they have drafted so well the last three years.
Miami's money talked and McCown walked. Culpepper already stated he doesn't want to be a backup. That leaves us with Russell and Walter. Any ideas on a veteran FA to fill out the QB ranks?
By cutting Sims it would appear that the Raiders have tipped their hand towards Jake Long, but there's still a good chance that St. Louis will take him at #2.
Even with the signing of Kelly to the big contract I could still see the Raiders taking a DT with the #4pick.
Hey Pantyraider:
The Titans put the franchise tag on Haynesworth, so he won't be coming to Oakland this year.
I see that there is no point in espousing the merits for why I think it is/was important for Davis to publicly support Kiffin, I will just "agree to disagree".
Some of you guys simply wear me out with all of the excuses, enabling, extraneous circular arguments, and "that is the Raider way" explanations.
Just do me a favor and give me a sincere answer to the following question:
If Davis shot down the rumor and showed public support for Kiffin, how would you feel?
Your possible choices:
(a) happy
(b) upset
Please no smart *ss replies.
I would be happy to see Al Davis show support to Kiffin....But then realize its Al FREAKEN Castro and the man can not be simply trusted on what comes out of his mouth, making me very upset all over again =(
RaiderRealist:
Non-Exclusive Franchise so he will just cost 2 first rd dfaft picks...Huh!!!...I wonder how we could get those picks to give Tenn....Hug!!!...I wonder....
Hallow Jerry....This is "MrD"....
PantyRaider...TradeDown-n-GetPicks!!!!
CalicoJack:
At this point indeferent....I already got my answer when Kiffin made his foolish little phone call to the "Mediot"s....
This last week it would have been nice to have the word from "MrD" so I would not have an up-set stomach from all the bad speculations from the posters on this board and the "Mediot"s....It was hell for everyone....but that's just from my selfish point of view not from the Raiders business point of view....They got the free "Pub" and lookey here are not having a problem bringing FA's to the table....and a very good one at that....and NO-Body knew they were making a move....Now how cool is that...."Dysfunctional"?????
"As the Autumn Wind Blows"....Never boring....
PantyRaider....HappyCamper!!!!
Question...
Why did the Raiders give such a big contract to DT Kelley...
http://mvn.com/nfl-titans/2008/02/29/the-
impact-of-tommy-kelly%E2%80%99s-contract-
on-titans%E2%80%99-free-agent-plans/
By up-setting the the tables on the open market they made it difficult for other teams to sign their "DL" "FA"s....So now they will be availabe to the Raiders for the taking....
PantyRaider....CrudeMoves!!!!
Bama7
Signing Wilson was a great move. The best move we've made so far.
He will go t SS and Huff will finally move over to where he can excel.
We have a hitter... finally.
Calico-
I would have felt a bit more reassured about things with a more formal "statement."
Looking back, and I say that now because a statement would be moot considering the Kiffin call into Killion and the FA statements the team is currently making.
The time to have said something may have been around the resignation letter tumult. A statement along with a more visible Kiffin at the combine would have allayed some of my concerns.
To come on nfl network live, no. A letter from Trask stating what the team has planned for the upcoming season, to season ticket holders perhaps. Nothing in detail but something to the effect, "Coach Lane Kiffin and staff are currently hard at work evaluating...We plan on making an impact during free agency...
My wife's company has a box at the United Center and once the Bulls fired Skiles all the suiteholders were kept in the loop in terms of what the team planned to do about replacing him. Just a gesture but certainly more than what you guys got as ticket holders...
I understand that the team works differently than all the others and I may have needed to be a bit more patient. Especially considering how long I have been around.
That length of time as a devoted fan is also one of the reasons I can't except that no matter what, things are going to be fine because it's the Raiders. I used to also think all they had to do was put on that cool uniform to win but that was when
I was 12.
The bottom line is winning will cure all. Witness the FA activity as a positive. A poll will find most happy with things in Alameda now would be my guess. (Number me among them.)
Blanda-
Please let us know when your newest blog is up.
There you go, Calico! Right there is all the response you need for your question - Check Ano 11:28.
That would be the media reaction to Davis going public.
As for me, why do I have to accept A or B. I don't determine my emotions from choices of two. Especially two choices provided by somebody else. If Davis came out and publicly supported Kiffin, I wouldn't feel any way about it, because I'd be expecting Ano 11:28's response.
Well, things have been quite busy since I shut down yesterday.
I looks like Long (take your pick) in the draft. By the way Blanda, I think you were referring to Henderson on your 3:04 post. Richardson did play and start later in the year.
Berrien has scheduled a visit, so we will see what happens. So far I’m reasonably pleased with the progress. Still a lot of work to do. I’m still concerned about LT and I don’t see Harris as the long term solution. Unless Cable sees something we don’t.
Maybe it’s just me, but with Gallery’s progress last year under Cable, perhaps he would have flourished from day one had he been under Cable from the beginning.
We’ve signed a safety that, by all accounts, was the one FA the Giant fans didn’t want to get away so Huff can move to free safety. We’ve re-signed the DT and RB that Kiffin publically wanted back, tagged Nnamdi so he’s back.
A lot of work left to do, but not too bad for a week’s work.
H
H...
I do like the signing of Wilson. But I've heard different reports on him and his position of play. He came out of college as a FS. Played one year as a FS then moved to SS the last two years or so. Then I read that he would be slated to start at FS leaving Huff at SS?
Well he definitely caught Al's eye in the SB. Davis watched the whole game and was impressed by the D's level of play. I believe someone else also posted this as well.
Mr. Duva
With an actual safety on roster, Al will now trade Stuey to pick up SOH.
Ok, one can dream, can't they?
And Calico... I'd be happy if Al said he is happy with Kiffin. And I'd be happy if I ended up in bed with hot bisexual twins tonight... doesn't mean anything really. Oh wait.. that was a smartass comment. Sowwy.
The bio I read on Wilson said he has played FS the 4 years he's been in the NFL.
Here is the scouting report:
"Wilson, a four-year veteran, was drafted in the fifth round out of Tennessee by the Giants and basically been a starter since Day 1.He has good measurables with athleticism, quickness and adequate speed going for him. He is a downhill player that thinks run first, pass second. He has come a long way in learning how to play under control and avoid missing plays by over running or whiffing in space. He plays like he wants to be an intimidator yet lacks the premier size of some safeties. He strikes a good blow and will wrap on tackles and can drive the ballcarrier back after contact. He is adequate in his backpedal and has a little tightness in his hips when he has to open and drive on the ball laterally, but he is quick to accelerate and can close on the ball better than most. If he guesses the wrong angle initially, he struggles to make it up, as he lacks a second gear to catch up. He can match up against most tight ends but will struggle trying to man up on some of the better ones. He is inconsistent getting a jump on the ball from zone and appears to guess where the quarterback is going with the ball at times."
Wilson is a definite upgrade over Stu and is a true playmaker. The questions I have are:
1)Is Wilson capable of playing SS?
If not ...
2) Does this mean we are stuck with Huff playing out of position at SS?
or ...
3) Will Wilson play FS and Huff be shipped off for draft picks? (with the Raiders targeting a true SS)
4) Is there a chance Ryan will go to a Right Safety, Left Safety system where the 2 safeties are responsible for 1 half of the field?
Blanda-
If Davis came out openly in support of Kiffin you would not think anything of it?
Question....
I heared on the radio this morning that a player was signed today by the Raiders but I can't see who it was....They were not talking about yesterday....All I can see is the "OL"men from SadFran comming to visit and a "WR" has schedualed a visit....
Anyone have an answer....Also the Draft "Geru" named a "DE" trying to go to the Raiders but I also missed his name....This was around 11:30am today....BSPN....
PantyRaider...Searchin!!!!
There would be a posibility of trading down with Dallas and picking up extra draft picks and being able to aquire Albert Haynesworth from Tenn...
#1) Haynesworth was given the Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag so it's posible to sign him but it would cost 2 1st rd picks...Dallas has those picks at #22-n-#28...
If we trade down from the #4 we should be able to aquire both #1's and an extra late rd #3...But if we package a player like Lamont Jordan with the #4 pick we may be able to aquire an extra late rd #2 instead....
Durring the draft we could trade down the #22 pick to a later 1st rd selection like #'s 29-31 and also aquire a late 2nd or 3rd rd pick...
Now we can give the 2 late 1st rd picks to Tenn for the rights to Haynesworth....and we now have our low 2nd rd...and 2 aditional 2nd or 3rd picks...
We also have the option of looking at the board to decide if we want to use the #22 pick in the draft and give up a 1st rd pick next year...
PantyRaider...TradeBait!!!
The Eagles signed DE Chris Clemons to a 6 year deal. The story is here, a few paragraphs down -
http://www.nfl.com/freeagency/story?id=09000d5d806f9041&template=with-video&confirm=true
This comment has been removed by the author.
Actually it is a 5 year deal, but Clemons is gone now.
My bad.
The choices should have been:
(a) happy
(b) upset
(c) indifferent
Never mind.
Wilson was a solid signing. A productive football player who is a sound tackler. YES!
Imagine how pissed everyone would have been if we had lost both Clemons AND Kelly? The IAAFers would have been going bizerk.
Nice to see a coupla positive comments about the Wilson signing... that musta really hurt!! lol
Well Berrian just signed a six-year deal. And Stallworth is very close to signing with the Browns. I guess Berrian didn't think playing with the Raiders would be worth his time? Who knows?
Who's left out there now? D.J. Hackett, Bryant Johnson, Javon Walker, Marty Booker. D. J. might be a good fit.
Mr. Duva
Ebenezer Ekuban in on the Raiders visit list...
Clemins is gone but I don't think Ekuban is a good up-grade and he is coming off a severe injury...I would rather we go after "TheFreak"......As a situational pass rusher he could have a few good years left and he is a proven camodity...
WR...."NoMoss" is still availabe...
Michael Turner RB -n- Lance Briggs-n- Michael Boley OLB's are available...We could go to a 3-4....
Junior Seau ML still wants to play...let's make him "PlayerCoach" for the LB's...
PantyRaider...JustLookin!!!
Jevon Kearse (DE) was the original "Freak"...
List for month of Febuary "08"...
http://www.nfl.com/transactions?transactionMonth=2&transaction
Year=&transactionTeamAbbr=
&prevTransactionTeamAbbr=&prev
TransactionMonth=0&prevTransaction
Year=0
Transaction
Miami Dolphins 3/1 Reggie Torbor (LB) signed/unrestricted free agent.
Charlie Anderson (LB) signed/unrestricted free agent.
Denver Broncos 3/1 John Lynch (S) re-signed (one-year contract).
San Francisco 49ers 3/1 Justin Smith (DE) signed/unrestricted free agent (six-year contract).
This is a complete list of FA from nfl.com....alot to choose from...help is on the way...
Calico - I'd say C) Indifferent. Reason being, we'd likely read about all the reasons why it really didn't matter, that things were one step away from going into the dumper, etc. Just consider the last report, where Kiffin contacted the reporter to say he didn't go out dancing. A chance to ask a PERTINENT question - "what positions are your pursuing in free agency", "what are your thoughts on the combine", "do you anticipate resigning players x, y, z", etc - but NO! All she does is try and pursue a story based on the speculation of others in the hopes of scoring something "big". You can't help but hear Kiffin thinking "what's the point!??!". Even if the answer was pure coach-speak, it would be something tangible, something that would indicate he had been working towards the 2008 season. If a supposedly legit reporter can't ask a question with some merit, why play into their games?
On another point, I don't think signing Kelly puts us in one position or another in terms of the draft. He seems to be more effective at tackle than end, but with that versatility we can still draft either Dorsey or Ellis, and put him back at end. And if we are looking at changing the scheme, his size and skill would allow him to play anywhere in the 3-4. I think SOH, as the second inside LB, would be a monster in the 3-4.
Gary:
In reference to your comment;
"Nice to see a coupla positive comments about the Wilson signing... that musta really hurt!!"
If this comment was in any way directed towards me than you haven't got a clue. If you are attempting to get under my skin, good luck.
Here are a few things for you to consider:
(1) Commenters who have been visiting RT's site the past 3 years know full well that my views are not extreme. I consider myself an optimist at heart but a realist in mind meaning I hope for the best but won't shy away from voicing my opinion when I'm disappointed in the organizations/players/coaches.
(2) I have been blogging about the Raiders the past 27 months. My body of posts (133) clearly and unequivocally shows how positive & hopeful I am about the Raiders. It also reflects the natural ups and downs of being a fan.
If this is too difficult for you to comprehend, I genuinely feel sorry for you. If you don't understand how a Raider fan could voice his displeasure in the context of an abominable 5 year run, on a blog no less, than I urge you to shed the blinders.
Reasonable and rationale thought should be the basis for giving credit when credit is due but also holding someone accountable when there are mistakes.
Celebrating the victories and disappointment in losses ... yup, a normal fan.
so now we have holes at DE, LT and WR. Maybe we will trade down and pick up Gholston in mid first and come back with LT/WR in rounds 2 and three [which we get for moving down]?
Calico... are you paranoid much? I was addressing the negative posters in general here since this ill-fated season began where the Raiders won only 4 games for you all.
And you seem very determined to impress me with your credentials as a Raider fan. Very nice. I am impressed. I don't have anything against you Calico... you sometimes appear BALANCED here... which has been my point all along.
I thought the Wilson pickup was outstanding. I think Al deserves more credit than a few token praises from the IAAFers here for it... but like I keep saying... to each their own.
And I think the point that you all would have raked Al over the coals if he had let both Kelly and Clemons leave... could you at least admit this is true? If the two youngest defensive linemen with the most potential got signed elsewhere, it wouldn't have bothered you?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Indifferent
Bama7
Gary, I don't hate Al. Sheez. I'm just sick of stupid decisions. You know how I talk about valuing production over potential? Well, considering our whole defnsive unit, Clemmons was pretty productive on our defense. Yet, we rush like madmen to sign the ultra-non productive Sam WIlliams, and let one of our sack leaders, Clemmons, go. So, yes, I don't understand that one. To you I'm just an IAAF or whatever you call it, to me you'd just, and I've said it before, rather LOSE WITH AL than without him. Period. It's really sad how close minded a few of you have become. It's almost cult like. Scary.
Clemmons is actually a decent LB too... and I'd bet a paycheck he's a better LB than Williams. Bet he'd be better on special teams too. It's just yet another case of nonsense... valuing Williams over Clemmons. And you mark my word, the Fargas deal will prove a mistake.
WR 21 Bernard Berrian UFA Chicago to Minnesota Signed....
PantyRaider....MarketWatch!!!!
Trade Down:
There would be a possibility of trading down with Dallas and picking up extra draft picks and being able to acquire Albert Haynesworth from Tenn...
#1) Haynesworth was given the Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag so it's possible to sign him but it would cost 2 1st rd picks...Dallas has those picks at #22-n-#28...
If we trade down from the #4 we should be able to acquire both #1's and an extra late rd #3...But if we package a player like Lamont Jordan with the #4 pick we may be able to acquire an extra late rd #2 instead....
During the draft we could trade down the #22 pick to a later 1st rd selection like #'s 29-31 and also acquire a late 2nd or 3rd rd pick...
Now we can give the 2 late 1st rd picks to Tenn for the rights to Haynesworth....and we now have our low 2nd rd...and 2 additional 2nd or 3rd picks...
We also have the option of looking at the board to decide if we want to use the #22 pick in the draft and give up a 1st rd pick next year...
PantyRaider....TradeSpeculations!!!!
http://www.star-telegram.com
/nflinsider/story/506215.html
The Cardinals aren't close to restructuring Larry Fitzgerald's contract, prompting speculation that they might seek a trade.
Mark this WR off the list of draft prospects....What a shame....
There might be a reason Oklahoma State receiver Adarius Bowman couldn't hold onto the ball at the Senior Bowl: He couldn't see it. Bowman, who had Lasik surgery last year, didn't participate in the receiver drills at the combine after having an adverse reaction to more laser eye surgery.
PantyRaider...MarketWatch!!!!
Wilson looks like a nice pickup, but where will he play, FS or SS?
Sims issued a statement thanking the Raiders for his nine years of service. I would like to issue a statement thanking the Raiders for NOT allowing him 10 years.
We are dangerously thin at WR, with options fading rapidly. WR Desean Jackson, with 4.35 speed and punt return capabilities (6 TDs) could be a serious consideration right now.
Jackson is not a top 5 pick. However, if a guy like McFadden is on the board at #4 and we’re leaning elsewhere (like, Jackson), we could get serious value for our pick. One area I credit Al Davis, he knows how to exploit other teams’ desperation, although trading down in the draft would be new territory.
Eagles signing Clemons leaves another big void. So far, more holes are opening than closing.
Too early to tell.
Gary:
I'm not paranoid just a proud fan annoyed with your petty and juevenile comment of
"Nice to see a coupla positive comments about the Wilson signing... that musta really hurt!!"
This comment was immediately following my post praising the Wilson signing. Coincidence?
It irks me when Raider fans are painted with broad, ignorant brush stokes.
Yes, it would have bothered me if both Kelly & Clemons weren't signed. But here's a relevant question for you ...
Do you think if we didn't make Kelly THE highest paid DL in the NFL, we might have had more $$ to sign Clemons too?
Something to consider:
Managing the cap space means spending the available dollars wisely and by priority. It also means getting your most bang for your buck.
We are now on the hook for a HUGE sum of $$ for 3 decent but inconsistent DLs (Warren, Sands, Kelly).
Further, we are on the hook for another disproportianate amount of money on 3 DBs (Wilson, Huff, Asomugha).
My bottom line:
I liked bringing Kelly back but would have loved signing him to a reasonable contract. The amount of money invested in Sands and Kelly is for perennial pro bowlers not inconsistent players with potential.
With the way the draft board is set up, I hope we can make a trade with the Cowboys. I can't see drafting Ellis or Dorsey. I don't think SOH or J.Long will be on the board. DeSean Jackson is a major reach at #4. Keep in mind that the #4 pick last year (Gaines Adams) inked a 6 yr/$46M/18.6M guaranteed contract. Who will be on the board? McF will be the BPA. Ghoulston would fill a need.
Drew Clark is said to be visiting Al. He has good size at 6'3" at 200lbs. But I am bothered by his knee injuries and torn ACL? He is molded like ie. Wes Welker, supposively?
I would also like to see Clark Haggans be added. He's got great size and he's a great tackler. We could use the depth at LB. He can play strong side LB as well as DE. The Steelers have yet to sign him.
Mr. Duva
Bama7
Here's what I think is shaping up with our team:
Al & Kiffin dueled to a draw recently. It WAS an ugly situation. Now the cold war has started. Al's letting Kiff have control over the O, Davis and SOB are in full control of the D. So far Kiff has whacked two Al fave's... Porter and Simms. Here's betting the O is a whole lot better than the D next year. Kiff & Cable are hunkering down, playing for their future contracts elswhere.
h said...
Since Clemons has been allowed to leave it could be they are expecting more from Richardson next year or they are targeting SOH in the draft. Or, possibly, both.
Burgess came back from injury last year, and though he did tie for team lead in sacks he wasn't much against the run. And a couple of his sacks were from running the QB down from behind for a one yard loss.
If we don't get SOH or Gholston, Wallace Gilberry may be worth a gamble in the third round. He's got a good motor and I think he was second in the SEC on sacks. Also, if we go to the 3-4 he is already familar with the system.
But my gut says SOH at the moment. Could just be gas though, sometimes it's hard to tell the difference.
H
>>>>
Do you think if we didn't make Kelly THE highest paid DL in the NFL, we might have had more $$ to sign Clemons too?
>>>>
From what I have heard, most of that contract is back-loaded so that the only way Kelly we see most of this record contract that everyone is hysterical about, is if he becomes a pro-bowler, which would make it worth every dime. Pro-bowl DT's are a hot commodity in this 3-4 ridden landscape.
The guaranteed contract works out to 2.5 mil a year over seven years, which is the only thing that goes against our cap this year (I'd guess)... so no. I don't believe this to be true whatsoever. I suspect that Al has his sights zeroed in on SOH, and thus deemed Clemons dispensable.
What he gives up to get SOH is going to have you guys bouncing off the walls... I am saying this right now.
lol
>>>>
But my gut says SOH at the moment. Could just be gas though, sometimes it's hard to tell the difference.
>>>>
Nope... I think he is focused like a lazer beam on him. I wouldn't be surprised to see him give up multiple draft picks to move up.
Bama,
A few of things wrong with your theory, or wild assed guess, if you prefer. Which, by the way, everything everyone says on this site is their own individual wild assed guess.
- Two of the defensive players you have complained about, as far as their re-signings have gone, have both been publicaly commented on by Kiffin. He wanted both back, and stated he is very interested in seeing what Williams can do if he could stay healthy.
- Porter wanted out, period.
- Sims was a goner by any stretch of the imagination. It would have cost the team a couple of million or more in cap space just to bring him to camp.
- If Davis is the control freak you claim, Kiffin couldn't do squat with the offense without his permission.
What I see is the continued roster turnover that started last year.
H
I really don't ever see Al trading down in his lifetime.
Al has never put much value in where a person is drafted IF it's someone he wants... so unless he doesn't want anyone (which I have never seen before in the first round) trading down to him is irrelevant.
I think he wants SOH so bad he'd do ANYTHING to get him. Its gonna drive everyone crazy... just wait.
>>>>
- Sims was a goner by any stretch of the imagination. It would have cost the team a couple of million or more in cap space just to bring him to camp.
>>>>
Actually H, his cutting only saved us 200K cap space, something that REALLY surprised me, but my amateur capologist Raider friend looked at it and said it was valid.
This doesn't really seem like an Al move at all... but like you said... everythings a wild guess right now.
>>>>>>
"From what I have heard, most of that contract is back-loaded so that the only way Kelly we see most of this record contract that everyone is hysterical about, is if he becomes a pro-bowler, which would make it worth every dime. Pro-bowl DT's are a hot commodity in this 3-4 ridden landscape."
>>>>>>
Uh, no. Not accurate by a long shot.
Of Kelly's whopping 7 year/$50.5M/$18.5 guaranteed contract, he will earn $25.125M in the 1st 3 years. Not exactly "back loaded" now is it?
>>>
Of Kelly's whopping 7 year/$50.5M/$18.5 guaranteed contract, he will earn $25.125M in the 1st 3 years. Not exactly "back loaded" now is it?
>>>>
Well dip me in correction fluid... I musta heard wrong. My bad.
That does seem like a lot... but it would have been WORSE to lose him.
We desperately need to stop the run, and he IS our best run stopper if healthy. Desperate times calls for desperate measures... and who else is out there, and who else do we have?
He will earn $25.125M in the 1st 3 years.....so that ='s about $8,350,000/yr which I think was around the average of the top 5 players if he were Franchise Taged...So what be the problem...We cou;d not "Tag" 2 so we taged 1 and paid the other....I'd say "Good Move"....Why wouldn't you....
PantyRaider....MoreMovesPlease!!!!!
Atlanta Falcons 3/2
Michael Turner (RB) signed/unrestricted free agent (six-year contract).
Well now...does that project that Atlanta will NOT be drafting McFabulous and he will fall to us....There are now several teams becoming shy of him because of his "Off-Field" problems....But I look at it a little different...."OutSide" the Box....
We have all seen the "SonsOff" coming out of colleges and entering the draft....now put yourself in the place of those dads....with their huge egos and desire for "Immortality"...."Family Legacy"...."Tradition"....So who will be remembered down the "BloodLine"...."SOB"s...."SO-Manning"...."SO-Payton"..."SOH"s....or the "SO-McFabulous"....The thing here is he is getting an "UnFairAdvantage" by overpopulating outside the family limits....But who could really blame him for living a "FamilyDream"....and getting his in abundance...
So...By my foolish standards "OutSide" the Box....AS long as he is NOT a "DeadBeatDad" and is intending to care for all his seedlings...."So Freakin What"....Just trying to insure he has at least one good "BloodLine"....
Now the interesting thing would be to look at his choice of "Breeding" mares and see what they bring to the "BloodLine"....
"Don't pull it my boy...Populate...Populate...Populate...
PantyRaider....DaJokester!!!!
"it could also be dangerous to put such a large financial boondoggle into the hands of a young man who might be headed to the baby-daddy Hall of Fame."
"McFadden runs a 4.3; his sperm does a legit 3.2."
"I'm not saying McFadden is virile, but Shawn Kemp is jealous."
Quoat of the day...This artical is just too much...
"This isn't to say that because he might be a serial baby daddy he'll become an embarrassment."
"Prophylactic?" says Henry. "What team does he play for?"
"And at the rate McFadden's reportedly producing children, he might be able to provide his own backups."
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/sportsline
/main10674626.shtml
Here is very good info on the available FA "DE"s.....From Minnesota's point of view...
http://www.twincities.com/ci_8432074
Raider Scuttlebutt....
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/11615-NFL-Oakland_Raiders-Oakland_Raiders_Remaining_Targets_in_Free
_Agency-020308
Gary,
Yes, it's only 200,000.00 in cap space this year. But, had he stayed he would have been owed his base salary and I believe he had a March 1st roster bonus that would have been due.
Those are the numbers I was refering to.
This just in:
Atlanta has signed Michael Turner. That effectively removes McFadden from their plans. With a lot of money tied up in Jamal Anderson at DT, I think they are looking at Matt Ryan.
It looks more and more like McFadden will either be trade bait for teams looking to draft him or he could fall to 7 or 8.
The main reason for his fall appears to be character issues.
H
Some of you guys think we'll trade up to get SOH. To do so would effectively reduce our draft to one player (excluding some long-shot late-rounder). Without more help in FA, I can't see how that would be realistic.
I suddenly had a thought. Could be a brain aneurism . I’ll know if I complete this post with any lucidness.
With the signing of Tommy Kelly, everyone was touting his versatility. He can play end or tackle. Currently there is a 75% chance of SOH, Dorsey or Ellis being available. If the Sheep take Jake Long at 2 and the Parakeets take Matt Ryan at 3, then 2 of the 3 will be available for the taking.
With that kind of talent still available at 4 the scenarios become numerous. When you throw in McFadden, the teams willing to trade also go up.
We could land a couple of players, and additional picks or still retain a first round pick and pick up a Gholston with that pick. If we got a first and a second from say, Baltimore, Cincinnati or New Orleans, then we could have three picks in the top 42.
It’s probably an aneurism, but it makes as much sense as the stuff the experts are cranking out.
H
>>>
nyraider said...
Some of you guys think we'll trade up to get SOH. To do so would effectively reduce our draft to one player (excluding some long-shot late-rounder). Without more help in FA, I can't see how that would be realistic.
>>>>
That's true... Al does like to have a pick in each round also. If a trade will happen it will prolly be a current player (which maybe why he is still hanging on to BOTH Jordon and Rhoads.)
I dunno... it's actually great fun trying to guess what Al is going to do... part of being a Raider fan! Maybe this IS the first year in 40 that he trades down if SOH is gone and they are asking too much in trade for him? And like I said, I'm sure he didn't like last years Russell fiasco to get him signed... he might be leary of breaking the bank two years in a row with unproven rookies.
Gotta love the NFL... no other sport has this much fun in the off season!
H, that wasn't a brain fart. That's the way Al does business in the draft. It's a good theory.
As for Kelly's contract... Davis and Kiffin made a statement in the contract on 2 levels. 1) The Raiders give performers a serious shot even if they are walk-on free agents; 2) If the Raiders value you, they will pay you what you're worth.
The statement is, of course, directed to those agents who feel inclined to direct their players away from the Raiders because of recent controversies.
My post is up regarding Davis, for those who didn't know, or haven't read it. memdf, thanks for the heads up regarding my Freudian Slip. The post is at: http://raiderhistory.blogspot.com/
For those who have, thanks for commenting. Calico, both panty and I make the point that none of the teams on your list have achieved their success in two different cities, two head coaches, and two starting quarterbacks. And none were distracted by continuing arguments with both cities, and the league in general. When each of those other teams had success, they had the full support of the NFL.
Ultimately, that is why a lot of us are Raider fans. It's not so much the success, but the success against the odds.
Bama7
I still can't get over what we paid Kelly. Is he suddenly going to become the best DT in the NFL?
What part of that signing am I missing? So far what have we done to upgrade our sorry defense? Added a safety that is probably more physical than any we had on the roster? Well, okay... decent move.
What else? Dumped one of our leading sackers... a very questionable move. Also resigned Williams who can't play the run or pass, nor hit. Made mediocre Kelly the highest paid DT in the NFL (?) Also Watched Sapp retire. Ignored Lance Briggs in FA.
Man, we'd better do something quick or we're liable to have the worst defense in the nfl next yar.
I see no true DE on the entire team. Not one real DE on the entire team. I see no strong side LB. I see only one possible hitter, and he's never played a down for us yet (Wilson). I see only one stout DT (Warren) and I'm not sure he's even on our team at this point. lastly, I see several, really fast CB's.
Same coach so I assume no new strategy coming there.
Anyone else see problems on the horizon there?
Bama7, you seem to want to judge our entire off season by the first weekend of free agnecy. Yes, we're still weak at DE, and we need some depth at LB. Further, we need to improve both the O-line and the WRs. No question that you're right. But it seems to me that we have until sometime in early June to resolve these issues.
Over the first weekend, we've solidified the DTs, found the hard hitting SS that can move Huff to FS, and put out feelers for WRs and O-linemen. Is that as far as you think we're going to go?
>>>>
Anyone else see problems on the horizon there?
>>>>
If the season began next week, I'd be panicking right with you.
BTW... I don't think St. Gruden has done anything yet this year, and they supposedly have more cap space than us. What could possibly be going on there?
Bama,
What you are missing is what we are all missing. The internal plan. How they are going to approach the draft. What others in the FA pool they are targeting. What trades they may be contemplating. How far along they consider Mario Henderson and Michale Bush are.
We are only three days into the signing period.
We have made some moves and still have some open questions that need to be answered. It's also the time when, as a team, you never want to tip your hand.
It's the time of the year, as a fan, you need either patience or Maalox.
H
New Orleans Saints 3/3 Bobby McCray (DE) signed/unrestricted free agent (five-year contract).
So another one is off the market...
DE Ebenezer Ekuban: Broncos Not Raiders....
So we miss this one too which does not really hurt my feeligs....
http://www.myfoxcolorado.com/myfox/pages/
Sports/Detail?contentId=5918627&version
=8&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=6.2.1
Oakland Raiders News: Are There Any Compensatory Picks ON The Horizon?
Interesting to look at....
http://www.silverandblackpride.com/story/2008
/3/2/202328/3197
Eagles, Cards discuss Fitzgerald trade....
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/
playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=NFL&id=1661&line=
113595&spln=1
PantyRaider....KeepinTrak!!!!
Falcons cut RB Dunn
http://www.insidebayarea.com/raiders/ci_8437535
All their eggs are in one basket now....will they still take McFabulous....
Parcells is a big one for character issues, so I think he'll avoid McFadden. I still say he trades that pick for both of the Cowboys first rounders.
I think we'll use our #4 pick only if SOH is still there. If not, we'll trade down as H described above. I'd like to see Al parlay that #4 to about a total of 4 picks for the first day.
Raiders Team Report: Breaks things down very clearly...
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=
sportsxchange-teamreports-2008-nfl-oak&
prov=sportsxchange&type=team_report
BlandaRocked:
If we could trade with Dallas and get their 2 1st round picks we could use them to get Haynesworth from Tenn and fill our needs at "DT"....Is there a player in this draft who is as good as him....
PantyRaider...Un-ProvenTerritory!!!
Panty, I think if we re-sign Warren, we're done with DT. Next up is the O-line. The size of Kelly's contract will likely cause us to look for a previously unheralded WR or look for a WR in the draft. While there are few, if any, "sure thing" WRs in this draft, by and large it's a good crop. I think Jordy Nelson might appear on our plate. There are likely others as well, known by Kiffin from his USC days but not by the other NFL coaches.
Apparently there is hardly a league rule unbroken by Parcells this off season (mostly tampering related), but I've only seen PFT mention it. Much better if the press just makes shit up about the Raiders. But Tuna is one of those guys the press just loves to gush over.
PFT also suggests that Tuna has a strong interest in Matt Ryan. He's asked Ryan's college to provide film of every pass Ryan through last season (and, of course, this is also against league rules). I can't believe that Parcells would use the first pick on Ryan.
However, Parcells loves Al Davis. He models himself on Al Davis. I could certainly see him swapping picks with the Raiders for a little added compensation. If Davis wants SOH, and Parcells wants Ryan and some added value, I could definitely see that trade in the works. Say, for instance, one of the Raiders' two left over RBs and the #4 in exchange for the #1.
Since Culpepper will be gone, McCown is in Miami, and Walter has no future here, I'm wondering if we might see David Carr in a Raider uniform. Keep in mind that no quarterback who comes here really has a chance to unseat JRuss. However, if you think about it, David Carr seems like a prime candidate for Jim Plunkett style handling.
When Plunkett was released by the 49ers, and he was considering retiring, Al Davis invited him to put on a Raider uniform and sit on the bench, just to watch how the Raiders do things. Plunkett did exactly that for one season and five games. After that he took us to the Super Bowl and was named MVP.
Warren Sapp officially retired.
BlandaRocked:
I don't believe the Raiders are going after Haynesworth either but sense everyone wants a "DT" I figured I would just through it out there....He is better than anyone in the draft....a proven veteran and more worth the #4 pick than the other "DT" out there....Even if we gave up Dallas's 2 1st rd picks it would still be just for a single 1st rd pick to us and we could also gain additional picks in the trade....
You all know who I want....and now that the "SouthernCanaries" have signed a "FireFly" away from "SD" the prospect of him being their at the #4 pick is even better....
The "OT" is a position with help in the FA market and a deep position in this years draft as is "WR"-n-"RB"-"DE"....
I will be happy is we can get 3 out of 4 of those picks in the first 4 rds....or 1st 3 if we can trade a player we don't want like Jordan....
1st rd..."RB"...McFabulous...
2nd rd..."OT"-"DE"-"WR"....
4th rd...1 of the 2 we did not get in the 2nd....
5th rd to 6th rd....the best player available...."D" or "O"....
There are a lot more trades this year so there is hope we can move a player or two....
PantyRaider....WarenSapp for "DL" Coach!!!!
The list is shrinking but here is a look at the players who are left....Rated as 3* to 5* by scot.com ...."DL"-"OL"-"WR"-"OLB"....
OLB 14 Michael Boley RFA 3 6-3/236 Southern Miss Atlanta
OLB 23 Calvin Pace UFA 5 6-4/272 Wake Forest Arizona
OLB 25 Landon Johnson UFA 4 6-2/232 Purdue Cincinnati
DE 39 Marques Douglas UFA 7 6-2/292 Howard San Francisco
DT 41 Anthony McFarland UFA 9 6-0/300 LSU Indianapolis
OG 42 Rex Hadnot UFA 4 6-2/323 Houston Miami
OG 43 Jake Scott UFA 4 6-5/295 Idaho Indianapolis
WR 45 Bryant Johnson UFA 5 6-3/216 Penn State Arizona
OT 46 Maurice Williams UFA 7 6-5/304 Michigan Jacksonville
DT 48 Chuck Darby UFA 7 6-0/273 South Carolina State Seattle
H-
I read something off another site addressing the Kelly contract, from bspn oddly enough. It compares the numbers to that of cory redding of detroit and claims the Kelly contract is not that far off.
It was too lengthy to clip here but I am sure you can find it.
We'll know 9 months from now if it's worth it.
What gets me is "they" should have signed clemons before throwing the money at Kelly. I'm not sure when Burgess' contract is up but it could get ugly.
MEMDF,
It appears Kelly's contract exceeds Reddings contract by only 3 million over 7 years.
The problem with Burgess is he is a speed rusher. He's reasonably absent against the run. That's probably the reason he hasn't been renegotiated yet.
That's why I think we are going SOH if available.
The wild card in the draft is who is willing to pull the trigger on McFadden. With Atlanta signing Michael Turner, that removes them from the McFadden derby and moves them toward Ryan.
If Dallas trades with Miami for McFadden, St. Louis then takes Jake Long, Atlanta takes Ryan and we then have our choice of three.
All blue sky conjecture, but if I'm right maybe they'll invite me to sit in next year with the Bristol Boys.
H
H- if you want to hang with the boys in Bristol, you'll have to become a Raider-hater. That just doesn't suit you.
D-line help will be available at #4, no matter who gets picked 1-3. And SOH isn't the only DE worth a high pick. Vernon Gholston could fall into the top five. He's also a player we could potentially trade down and get.
Gholston might be slightly one dimensional compared to SOH, but he could fill a void that Clemons left behind.
And if SOB again refuses to blitz in 2008, we will need all the help we can get rushing the passer with our base four.
NYRaider,
If I'm hanging with the Bristol Boys, part of my mission will be to show them the error of their ways.
H
By the way, if anyone trades with Miami, I don't think it would be for any of the DL's. And, it would come from someone outside the top 10.
I wonder, if McFadden is still there at 5 would the Chefs do it?
H
Bama7
Blanda, stop it with the Carr stuff. I think you were doing that in the pre-Russell days too. It makes no sense and would only create problems for Russell.
Panty, McFarland would be as better than Turd-ell and as good as Kelly. I think McFarland teamed with Warren might be a nice DT combo. Kelly could continue to shift around the line.
What about the receiver for the Texans that came in for Andre whatever his name is. I get them confused because their names are similar. But that guy came in and put up solid numbers. I think he's a FA. Andre Davis?
Thinking about our current needs I'm going with this in order of priority:
LT
WR (x2)
DE
C
RT
OLB
We can basically "get bye" without the last three, and upgrade either next year or right before the season when guys get cut.
I'm completely on the SOH bandwagon IF we still get our man at LT, but I'm still secretly hoping we attack our biggest needs instead. We do have a DE hole but Richardson is a quality player and we probably only "need" a backup.
With Sims officially out, and a shiny new QB to protect, we're now in desperate need of a quality LT. There is nothing in FA that eases my worries. So we MUST take a LT in the 1st or 2nd round and we can't "miss" on this one. Jake Long seems logical if available unless we're targetting another guy specifically for our system. I'm hoping we have confidence in a guy who will slip to Rd2 so we can use our #4 pick on SOH (or trade it).
Still, we'd probably be much better off trading down and getting a guy like Sam Baker and gaining picks to take more shots at WR's.
There are just so many "good but not great" OT's and WR's in this draft, we should do whatever we can to stockpile 1st day picks to take shots at the most promising ones. We could draft two OT's early and the loser competes for RT maybe? Like if we got to #4 and McFadden was still there, we trade for the Cowboys two 1st rd picks, pick up Sam Baker, a top WR, and get another OT in the 2nd.
Does anyone know of a good C who is possibly a sleeper we could get in later rounds?
Psycho
Oh and Favre retired
Psycho
Bama7, part of what I do here is to provide some "lessons of history" comment. I didn't want Carr last season, that was somebody else. Last season I was fully on the JRuss bandwagon. Ask Calico, he'll tell you.
So here is the lesson from history. Carr's situation is almost exactly the same as Plunkett's in 1978. Plunkett was a #1 draft pick by a weak team, and said weak team put all of their eggs in the Plunkett basket, asking him to be the face of the franchise in his rookie season. Sound like anyone you know?
Eventually said franchise traded him off to another struggling team without an offensive line. After being pummelled for season, Plunkett was benched by his new team, and then released, leaving a once promising quarterback with his career in shambles. Plunkett was ready to retire.
While the Raiders situation is vastly different than it was when we brought in Plunkett, we need back-ups and Carr needs a place to hide on the bench for awhile, and attempt to rehab his career.
And if a miracle happens to the extent that Carr finds what he once thought he had and shows his promise, who does that hurt? Most likely Carr would only keep a spot on the bench warm, and for a few times a year would hand the ball off and throw a few passes.
I doubt that it's likely, because I don't think Carr works in Kiffin's system any better than Walter does. But Carr has had his shot, and Walter hasn't really. I'd like to see Walter get traded somewhere where he can play, and not go the way of Tui.
>>>>
And if SOB again refuses to blitz in 2008, we will need all the help we can get rushing the passer with our base four.
>>>>
I'm hoping with an actual safety on our team now, SOB will trust his defense enough to blitz more.
As an aside, my capologist buddy looked at the Sims cut again and thought we might have LOST a lot of money getting rid of him based on the union website salary figures. My thoughts on this is if true, it doesn't sound one iota like an Al deal. When has he EVER been willing to part with a veteran starter and lose money doing it? Combined with the Fargas contract... it sure as hell appears to me that Kiffin is calling many of the shots right now... at least on offense.
...oh, and didn't I read here or somewhere that Kiffin said he liked Kelly? Porter is let go (Al's guy).
Kiffin's money guy is doing all the contracts... how much more evidence do the "Kiffin will be fired" guys need to be convinced Kiffin is calling the shots right now?
Blanda, I see your point about the Carr and Plunkett parallels, but the difference is he wasn't on the bench behind a young QB drafted number one overall to be the savior of the franchise. Plunkett was on the bench behind a veteran Pastorini.
Carr might be too much of a distraction for a young QB. I think Walter will be fine as Russells backup.
Gary,
I do believe Kiffin was very high on Kelly, and we all know how he feels about Fargas. Nnamdi is also on his good side obviously. I does seem like the team is being shaped in his vision still, good signs.
Brayton, Sims, Porter, Stew demoted. All this recent stuff is way overdue. Whatever is happening behind closed doors, at least we're moving along. But I'm still scratching my head on Kelly's contract.
Psycho
I don't recall the exact article, but as for Kiffin getting rid of Al's guys on offense.
Porter publicly showed he wanted out.
Sims was informed of his release by the big guy himself earlier last week.
Brayton voided the last year of his contract and Al made no effort to get him back into the fold. Looks like he will land with Peyton's Ponies.
So, the people Kiffin wants are being kept, and the others are being released or allowed to leave.
Hmmm, I thought the Al Davis scholarships were permanent.
Now I was hoping they would keep Clemons, but if they are targeting SOH (if available at 4) or a Gholston via a trade down while picking up additional picks, then allowing him to leave makes sense.
For center, it looks like it will be Gorve. There appears to be no effort to re-sign Newberry at the moment.
An interesting comment from Jason Jones blog:
"Free agency has been devoted to defense thus far. If the Raiders grant Lane Kiffin’s wish to pick up starters in the first two rounds, tackle Jake Long or tackle Ryan Clady could be a first-round option with a receiver coming in the second round."
Uhh.. if it's offense the first two rounds in the draft, this is clearly Kiffins team. CLEARLY.
Bama7
Gary, you said: it sure as hell appears to me that Kiffin is calling many of the shots right now... at least on offense.
I agree and typed it in an earlier take. I think the Al/Kiffin spat was real and ended with Al retreating to the D in FULL control and Kiffin being allowed the offense and NO SAY SO on D. I think that's what we're seeing now: Al on D and Kiff on O.
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