2014 Draft Thread
Let's get this draft party started early! Thursday will be here before we know it, so let the pontifications and prognostications begin.
Now, regarding the pre-draft statements and rumors surrounding the Oakland Raiders, this is what I have to say: Smoke, meet Mirror.
One recent report declared that the Raiders have zero interest in drafting a quarterback in the first round. Today, Reggie McKenzie said there's not a bit of hot-seat urgency impacting his draft board. Okey, dokey. We'll see about that.
“You draft for the future...You don’t draft for right now," Reggie said.
But I would say that drafting for the future and drafting for right now aren't mutually exclusive. It's possible to draft immediate impact players who also elevate your future. It happens all the time in the NFL.
Elite talent tends to assert itself pretty quickly in the NFL. So when you are savvy enough to select an elite player, you're not drafting for the future nor are you drafting for today. You're drafting for both.
In other words, it's high time for an elite player to be identified and selected by the Oakland Raiders, and for the Raiders to find their gem and outsmart the competition, be it in the first round or beyond.
So go ahead and draft for the future.
Just remember that the future is now.
Now, regarding the pre-draft statements and rumors surrounding the Oakland Raiders, this is what I have to say: Smoke, meet Mirror.
One recent report declared that the Raiders have zero interest in drafting a quarterback in the first round. Today, Reggie McKenzie said there's not a bit of hot-seat urgency impacting his draft board. Okey, dokey. We'll see about that.
“You draft for the future...You don’t draft for right now," Reggie said.
But I would say that drafting for the future and drafting for right now aren't mutually exclusive. It's possible to draft immediate impact players who also elevate your future. It happens all the time in the NFL.
Elite talent tends to assert itself pretty quickly in the NFL. So when you are savvy enough to select an elite player, you're not drafting for the future nor are you drafting for today. You're drafting for both.
In other words, it's high time for an elite player to be identified and selected by the Oakland Raiders, and for the Raiders to find their gem and outsmart the competition, be it in the first round or beyond.
So go ahead and draft for the future.
Just remember that the future is now.
posted by Raider Take at 8:43 PM
91 Comments:
This is one of the reasons why Reggie went after experienced players in the FA period. So the team wouldn't have to depend on it's young players to carry the team. He wants the young guys to learn from the Super Bowl/playoff talent Reggie brought in in FA. With the young players watching and learning.....it's the plan to set up this team for LONG TERM SUCCESS. Trying to build a team with a core of 1st year 2nd year players won't work. This will give you understanding in how Reggie is going about building this team for long term success.....Reggie doesn't want to have to depend on his 1st and 2nd yr players to carry the team. He wants them to learn how to be an NFL player 1st = long term success.
JONES
Here's my top 5:
1. Texans - Johnny Manziel. I think the Texans greatest need right now is not on Defense, but at QB. Manziel will also put butts in the seat, a problem they have had since not draft VY who fell to the Titans.
2. Rams - Jake Matthews. They have a need at OT, Jeff Fisher coached Bruce Matthews. Jake will be a first year starter, and has the capacity to be a pro bowler like his dad.
3. Jags - Jadeveon Clowney. A lot of boards have a Manziel going here, but with the Texans taking him, the Jags need a pass rusher. Clowney will fill seats in Jacksonville, and the Jags will scramble for a QB in later rounds.
4. Browns - Sammy Watkins. The Browns signing VY and Thigpen negate the need to draft a QB with this pick. I think they like Derek Carr with the #26 pick.
5. Raiders - Khalil Mack or trade. I think the Raiders have their eyes set on David Fales, QB of San Jose State. They need an OLB, which is why Mack goes here. If the Raiders are not interested in Mack, then they trade down for a WR (Marquis Lee). It's hard to know what the Raiders will do here. They may surprise the crap out of everyone and pick Kirby Van Der Kamp (P, Iowa St). Stranger things have happened. If we trade down, I think we will pick up another 3rd, and possibly a 5th Round pick as well.
With the other picks, here is who I think the Raiders select:
2nd Round (4th pick): David Fales (QB, San Jose St)
3rd Round (3rd pick): Jordan Matthews (WR, Vanderbilt)
3rd Round from potential trade down: Scott Crichton (DE, Oregon State)
4th Round (7th pick): Ed Reynolds (S, Stanford)
5th Round from potential trade down: Gabe Jackson (OG, Mississippi State)
7th Round (4th pick): Chris Davis (CB, Auburn)
7th Round (20th pick): Dustin Vaughan (QB, West Texas A&M)
7th Round (32nd pick): Cody Bauer (DE, Rice; more than likely will move to OLB)
There seems to be a lot of unpredictability with how this year's Top picks shakes out.
Personally, I think we are well positioned at #5 to secure a significant foundational piece to the team's short and long term goals.
Don't really follow college football very closely but from what I've read on the draft sites, Watkins, Clowney, and Mack (in no particular order) would have the best chance for an immediate impact.
I think Reggie trades down....He wants his picks, as many as possible....are the top ten so elite, that another player of equal value, can't be picked below them?
Reggie wants his players, he wants to build his team with his drafts. The more picks, the sooner that can be accomplished, IMO.
JONES
Let's hope "draft for the future" isn't code for "I'm selecting another obscure pick in the first round."
In order for the Raiders to trade down, they need a partner. They fell short on trade value last year but proclaimed to get the player(s) they wanted all along. Both Hayden and Watson have yet to prove they can help the Raiders.
IMO, there are 5-6 players at the top of this year's draft that immediately improve the Raiders.
Really, how hard is it to scout the top 5-10 players in the country. Yet the Raiders history of picking in the top 10 is alarmingly bad, at least over the last decade... a period during which they have had more than their fair share of opportunities.
As RT said, the future is now!
It looks to me like the Raiders have plugged all the dire holes in the roster. That leaves them free to actually pursue a "best player available" strategy - which they could really use. They need some seriously good, over the top talent. It doesn't really matter where. Watkins, Clowney, Mack, Matthews and Robinson all fit that bill, so they should take whichever one of them is there. If there's more than one left at #5, all the better.
Don't take one of the top 3 QBs. They are all flawed. Get a decent prospect in later rounds - maybe even round 2. A stud at #5 and a solid QB prospect and I call the draft a success. More players that make the roster are a bonus.
Lets remember where we started.
RaiderTake said, "It's all about the QB"...And it is.
So far, Reggie has underwhelmed with Qb's.
Year one, he let Palmer play. Palmer fell flat, and was traded away for nothing.
Year two, he signed Flynn, and drafted Tyler Wilson in round 4.
But Flynn couldn't even beat out Pryor, and Wilson couldn't even make the team.
Pryor was the default starter, but stunk up the joint, and was eventually replaced by non drafted Matt Mcgloin.
Mcgloin had some good moments, but more bad ones.
Soooooo, Reggie traded Pryor....for nothing. Waived Wilson, and traded for Shaub.
The Raiders current Qb's are Shaub, and Mcgloin. Not the stuff Super Bowls are made from.
So I think Reggie"s mission in this draft is, ... Find the Raiders QB of the future.
I don't care if it's in round 1, 2, 3, 4, Wherever...
Just remember where we started, and RT's words of wisdom.
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE QUARTERBACK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If the QB isn't there....then what? Use the magic fairy dust? It's about building a team that will win for many years to come. You better be sure that QB you pick is the ONE. Or else, you set the team back for a few more years. Is that QB in this draft? Can't say any of these QB's are a sure thing.....more picks, keep building that foundation.
JONES
I think the Raiders will have options at QB in the 2nd or 3rd Round. I have Manziel going to the Texans (the Clown dropping to #3), Bortles going to the Bucs, and I think the Browns take Derek Carr with the #26 pick, so he is off the board. Those are the only 3 QBs selected in the first Round.
The QBs in the 2nd Round that I think are still going to be available:
Bridgewater, Garoppolo, Fales, Savage, Boyd, McCarron, and Thomas.
I think Boyd, McCarron, and Thomas are the only ones left after the 2nd Round.
With the Texans selecting Manziel, and the Browns getting Carr in the first, the only other team who picks before us in the 2nd Round is the Redskins who have RG3. So the Raiders will have their choice at QB in the 2nd Round. I think the Raiders choice will be between Fales, Savage, and Garoppolo. I personally like Savage over the other 2, but I think the Raiders love Fales, and that is who I think they will select.
I also love how Mayock projects that the Raiders trade with the Panthers to select Carr in the first round with (get this) our 2nd Round pick, our 4th Round pick, and our 6th Round pick. Okay, here's the problem. We don't have a 6th Round pick! Why would the Raiders give up a 4th Round pick? That would mean the Raiders would have 2 first round picks, a 3rd Round pick, and two 7th round picks (because they would have to give up one of three 7th Round picks in this trade scenario)! What a boob! This guy is supposed to be a professional, and he doesn't know that the Raiders do not own a 6th Round pick! Laughable!
Here is my complete 1st Round selections (btw). If I'm going to criticize Mayock, I better put my own out.
1. Texans - Johnny Manziel
2. Rams - Jake Matthews
3. Jaguars - Jadeveon Clowney
4. Browns - Sammy Watkins
5. Raiders - Khalil Mack
6. Falcons - Greg Robinson
7. Buccaneers - Blake Bortles
8. Vikings - Anthony Barr
9. Bills - CJ Mosely
10. Lions - Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
11. Titans - Justin Gilbert
12. Giants - Taylor Lewan
13. Rams - Calvin Pryor
14. Bears - Aaron Donald
15. Steelers - Darqueze Dennard
16. Cowboys - Timmy Jernigan
17. Ravens - Zack Martin
18. Jets - Mike Evans
19. Dolphins - Bradley Roby
20. Cardinals - Kyle Fuller
21. Packers - Eric Ebron
22. Eagles - Ryan Shazier
23. Chiefs - Odell Beckham Jr
24. Bengals - Jason Verrett
25. Chargers - Rashaad Reynolds
26. Browns - Derek Carr
27. Saints - Cyrus Kouandjio
28. Panthers - Marquis Lee
29. Patriots - Ra'shede Hageman
30. 49ers - Louis Nix III
31. Doncos - Xavier Su'a-Filo
32. Seahawks - Brandin Cooks
Given the option, probably the best move McKenzie can make is to trade down for more picks. If his intention is to build through the draft, trading down and making smart draft choices will be the quickest road to sustained success.
And if trading down means the Raiders still get a player like Aaron Donald or Mike Evans, then that's a win win.
Simply stated, the Raiders should try and get as many quality players into the building as possible.
it's almost here guys! the MOMENT we've ALL been waiting for for MONTHS!!!!
like i said before, reggie needs to hit a moon shot of a grand slam in this draft. NO QB or OT in the 1st round PUH-LEEZ!!! there is no andrew luck in this draft so let's please leave the QB's alone until later in the draft. if they pick an OT, then reggie is trying to save face and make up for the guy he should have signed to begin with - veldheer.
we need an IMPACT player who can contribute RIGHT NOW. a rookie QB will NOT contribute now. ie: mack or watkins. as for building for the future as reggie says, well - somehow he needs to balance this draft for players who can contribute NOW and later.
if they draft only for the future, then MD should shut his pie hole because they won't be going anywhere soon, especially with that absolutely brutal schedule.
let's hope for the BEST! good luck to US! and as always GO RAIDERS!!!
JJ Watt told the Texans he would mentor Clowney. Obviously, that was all they needed to hear. That was an outstanding pick for them...
Mack attack. I like it!
MACK!!!!!!
BIG MACK ATTACK TONIGHT!
AngelicRaider
I love it!
Mack, Tuck, Woodley, Moore, Smith....do you think Reggie wants to get to the other QB's in the division? Hell Yeah, Thought he might trade back....Reggie wasted no time in having his selection announced, it was done immediately = taking no calls on this one. Nice pick and will make an impact from the get go.
JONES
Last years draft wasn't very deep and it didn't have a lot of front end talent...this years draft looks much stronger. Manziel way over rated and I am glad he is still sitting, the little prick. 2 Texas A&M players go ahead of him, love it. Shows that these QB's are not the franchise types....maybe Carr in the 2nd?
JONES
OAKLAND–
Allen looked giddy. McKenzie was quiet and looked eager to get back to the draft room ASAP.
-McKENZIE: We’re very excited with our first pick. It was a guy that we had targeted for quite some time, and it was a guy that we’re very excited to have.
-Q: Are you surprised by the picks above you, surprised Mack fell to you?
-McKENZIE: Well, you know what? Anytime that you’re anxious and excited about getting a player, there’s always being anxious and wondering if he’s gonna come to you. I’m just extremely excited that Khalil Mack is a Raider.
-Q: Would you have taken him if you had the first pick?
-McKENZIE: I didn’t have the first pick. (laughter) We liked Khalil. We liked him a lot.
-Q: Did you have offers for No. 5?
-McKENZIE: We got some offers, even before our pick came. But no deal was presented, only interest. But once Khalil fell to us, we had a couple calls, at that point I wasn’t taking ’em.
He understands how to rush the passer, and yeah, I see a lot of similarities between he and Von Miller.
-Q: Did all the tape you had on him convince you the excitement level was there?
-McKENZIE: Yeah, we were very confident with not only the number of games but also in the league that he played in he was a real player on the field and he showed that. We don’t see anything but upside with him. He’s going to get better.
-Q: Do you envision him as an immediate starter with instant impact? How much did you get a chance to talk to him and what about his off the field?
-McKENZIE: Let me answer the off the field and us talking to him. Off the field he’s A-1. There’s no issues with him at all.
As far as having the opportunity to talk to him, we spent a lot of time at the combine, I spent time with him at his pro day, so we got to know him pretty well. We talked with people close to him so we felt like we knew the kid very well.”
-Q: And his immediate impact?
-ALLEN: As far as the impact, I don’t think there’s any question… when we started this process we were totally clear that we wanted to add some impact players to our football team.
This is an impact player. This guy will have an impact on our football team for the 2014 season, there’s no question about that.
-Q: You guys talk about versatility, how does Khalil Mack fit into that?
-ALLEN: He can do everything that we’re going to ask him to do. So, we’re excited about the versatility, he’s a three-down player, and he’s gonna be able to do a lot of things that we’re going to ask him to do and have a huge impact on helping this defense and getting this defense where this defense needs to be.
-Q: Reggie, did your background as a linebacker play any part in what saw in Mack?
-McKENZIE: The thing with Khalil is the one thing that he can do is rush the passer. He plays very well on the line of scrimmage.
And as far as what I look for in the linebacker is the physicality. He can play strong and he can play with good extension, he uses his hands, and the fact that he’s big and he can run, that just added to his value. He’s a football player and I think he’s the total package.
-ALLEN: (Smiling.) I think he’s a little bit better than Reggie.
-Q: When it got to you at No. 5 was it clear it would be him, any give and take, maybe Mike Evans, maybe someone else?
-McKENZIE: There was zero back and forth. We knew who we wanted.
-Q: Coach Allen?
-ALLEN: Absolutely. This is a guy we targeted early in the draft process that we liked, that we wanted, and to be honest we feel fortunate that he was there when we got to the fifth pick.
-Q: Does he slot right in as the weak side linebacker?
-ALLEN: Allen: I’m not going to get into exactly where he’s going to play. I’ll tell you this–he’s going to obviously have a big role in what we’re going to do and he’ll be a guy that we’re going to use to send after the quarterback in a variety of different ways.
-Q: His hand on the ground sometimes?
-ALLEN: He’ll have his hand on the ground some, too. I envision his role being very similar to what we did with Von Miller.
-Q: Are you done for today?
-McKENZIE: We’re never done.
-Q: How do you make all these new pieces mesh so quickly?
-ALLEN: I think it started in the offseason with the acquisition of free agents that we were able to acquire. Not just players but the type players we were able to acquire.
We brought in a lot of veteran players that understand how to win championships, that have been a part of championship teams and they have been great team players for their respective clubs. That was the first part of being able to do that.
We’re going to continue to add some pieces. We’ve been at this thing now for three weeks with the offseason program. I think the team is beginning to come together pretty well and that will be a huge part of the process is taking a lot of roster turnover and developing that into instead of a group of individuals a team that can go out and win football games on Sundays. That’s part of the process. We’re excited about it.
-Q: Was there one thing in particular besides his play that you really liked, maybe his football IQ?
-ALLEN: Well, the first thing I fell in love with was the tape. And I think that’s probably the most important thing.
But when you get an opportunity to sit down with a young man and visit with him and find out a little bit more about what he’s all about, he’s a real man.
He’s a real man, he’s a football first guy and he’s got tremendous work ethic and he’s a team player. Those are all things we look for in adding to our football team.
So this is not only a high quality football character guy but a high quality character guy off the field, too.
-Q: Reggie, you brought in Matt Schaub. But do you think the Raiders QB of the future might be in this draft?
-McKENZIE: Yes, there’s an opportunity for that. Yes.
-Q: Mack is somebody who maybe has a chip on his shoulder from not getting recruited heavily and you seem to have brought in a lot of guys like that this off-season? Is that part of this pick?
-ALLEN: I think the big thing is we identified that this was the type of player we wanted to add to our roster. He’s the type of player that we’re looking for and we talked about those things.
This is a guy that’s a football first guy. This is a guy that’s got tremendous work ethic. And this guy is a guy that’s a team player. And when you watch the tape and you see the production, he’s been a very productive player at the University of Buffalo.
He’ll be a great player and a very productive player for us.
-Q: How will he fit into this pass rush, will he be a wild card?
-ALLEN: He’s a nice chess piece to have. You can never have enough rushers in the National Football League. It’s all about affecting the quarterback and he can certainly do that. When you add him into the mix with some of the guys we were able to add this offseason I think we have helped out our pass rush a lot.
-Q: How Mack fit in with championship players?
-ALLEN:
Another reason why these guys are here is to help some of these young players to really develop the foundation for our football team as we continue to go into the future. I think adding those types of veterans will do nothing but help a guy like Khalil Mack have some success.
Banging the table for WR Marqise Lee in the 2nd round.
now we can get our QB... do you guys think texans re-visit another carr situation? either way, we will have a good choice to pick from...
I think the Raiders selected the best available player in Mack, which is what you expect them to do after back-to-back 4-12 seasons. But looking at it from a need perspective, aren't they kind of stacked at LB?
Plus, if McKenzie truly believes he has to build this team through the draft, how many years will it take to replace a roster that got much older during this offseason?
Rams have to be the winners of the first round, getting OT Greg Robinson AND DT Aaron Donald. They addressed both lines with early first round talent. Wow!
Reggie still has lots of work to do this weekend.
Mack is a rush end. He can play multiple spots. No, they are not stacked at LB, that needs to be upgraded IMO.
As far as building through the draft, he is building a youth foundation. Then FA will be used to plug until he gets his draft choice of a certain position. He wants the core/playmakers of the team to be his draft picks...this is the goal....not everyone will be a draft pick.
Who gives a shit what other teams are doing....easy to win the 1st RD when you have 2 picks. Did you see what Reggie said when the Reporter asked him if he was done for the Day? Reggie replied " we are never done".
JONES
McKenzie also said there are oppportunies still at QB. I expect he will draft one, maybe in the second round pick.
I like the Mack pick.
Do you think there's any chance we could trade up to get Carr in the second round? I think that would be awesome.
I think we pick a WR here. Marquis Lee or Jordan Matthews, whomever the Redskins don't take. They take David Fales or McCarron in the 3rd Round. I'm not sold that Carr is better than these 2.
Mack and Carr. I think the draft is going exactly as hoped... And no need for any crazy trades.
There you go....you wanted the QB of the future......there he is. Not only did Reggie get what many considered the #1 talent in the draft, he also snags the QB of the future in the 2nd......nice pick. We actually have a GM that is building a roster instead of trying to fill holes.
JONES
Solid! Liking it. No reaches, no head scratchers, letting the picks come to them.
At this point all my wishes have come true. And it didn't require any trades. Hopefully we keep hitting on picks.
PS
Nice, nice nice!! Yeah
!! And we didn't even have to make a move. I thought the Texans would have taken Carr.
Shows how much I know. :)
I really think Carr is going to be special. He >>>>> ∞ Manziel. Okay that may be a stretch, but I really like Carr.
We have had a good two days! Lets hope this makes us better immediately. I think it's nice to have the time to allow Carr to develop.
AngelicRaider
Watched the tape of Gabe Jackson vs Alabama....a team with close to NFL talent....the kid played as close to a perfect game as you could. Very strong, once he engages, the defenders just seem to stop. Little slow to secondary blocks but he will get faster. ANOTHER VERY GOOD pick by Reggie Fucking McKenzie.....ok, where is the anno goof, Sandy Beach, and all the rest of the twits who doubted what was happening. Hayden will have a break out year and Watson is going to be a mauler at RT. Schaub is smiling, I think this team is going to feel an excitement that it hasn't felt since 2002. You asked for it and Reggie is giving it....I want to see Manning ON HIS ASS all game long.
JONES
So does Reggie keep his job? Or does the lynch mob want him run out of Alameda still? When the talent is there, he makes good choices. Last year was a 'slow' draft...this one, wow, some very good talent and Reggie is snagging some. It is great to be a Raiders fan....never left and never will....come on Oakland Raiders....your time is now, we are in for some good football this year, last chance to get on the train....or get the f^$% out of the way....
JONES
Excited. Solid choices...
I like Jackson. Jackson has some of the qualities that I liked in Greg Robinson; namely, that he's a road grader for the running game. Plus, he has the advantage of already playing guard, where the Raiders will need him.
Mack is a solid pick. He just adds to an already vastly improved pass rush. I will go as far as to say the success of this defense rests entirely with Allen and Tarver. They have the talent to be well above average. They just need the right scheme and coaching to make it happen.
I know very little about David Carr. What I do know is that McKenzie has not made the best choices at QB (jury still out on Schaub) and I can only hope that he has adequately scouted Carr as the Raiders next franchise QB.
LOL. Derek! I'm sure I won't be the last to make that mistake.
The Raiders did all their homework on Carr....they have been all over him this off season. This is Reggie's guy, all the others were fill ins until he could get this guy.
Schaub will rebound, he will have a solid line to work with, 2 vet RB's with chips on their shoulders....he will be rejuvenated with the excitement that will be the OAKLAND RAIDERS. Stop with the "jury still out on Reggie" cause it only is to the dummies.
JONES
CRICKETS....where are all the complainers? What you going to bitch about now? I think all the whiners owe Reggie a HUGE apology.
JONES
So far a good draft. The reason? Reggie didn't try to play smarter than everyone in the world and pick head scratchers. He went with the smart, reasonable picks and hopefully it works out well.
Hayden, Watson etc..those were Reggie trying to be smarter than everyone and so far it hasn't worked out. Read an article the other day and the Raiders have the lowest percentage of picks over the last two years actually starting for their team (2) and have some of the worst post season draft grades of any team in the league. The hot seat might have cooked some sanity into ole Reggie.
The offseason is one piece of the whole pie. I'm probably not on the "Reggie is the best GM in the league" bandwagon quite yet. We still have a lot of older short term contracts in place and we have failed to fill one of the biggest team needs, a playmaker at WR. I'm hopefully optimistic. At the end of the day they will be graded not on potential but by how big that number is in the "W" column.
Bryan
To answer your question Jones, if the Raiders win less than 8 games after 3 years at the helm then yes, I believe Reggie earned the boot. If they win more than 8 games then that will reflect well on him and his staff.
Bryan
Really wish that they would have pulled the trigger on a big target wide out in the 4th instead of focusing on D. Snagging a guy like Brandon Coleman...that would have made it a near perfect draft for the Raiders in my opinion.
Bryan
I do think they did a solid job with both CB picks from a value standpoint.
Bryan
The wins will come when the GM is making the right moves....Reggie is making the right moves.
JONES
I was happy with the draft until the last few picks. I would have liked to see a WR, but in his pressor Reggie said one did not fall to them and he did not want to reach. I'll buy that. I'm disappointed that he took a DT in the 7th that has character issues and did not even play last year when the high character SEC defensive player of the year was still on the board.
This draft looks pretty good to me right now, a lot better than last year's draft.
Say it out loud: "In the first round of the 2013, we chose a cornerback coming off of a season-ending, life-threatening injury. In the next round, we drafted an English expat who played football for the first time starting in 2011."
For a team in the Raiders' state, those were rightfully considered head scratchers. Sheldon Richardson and Star Lotulei were selected right after Hayden.
But that's water under the bridge, and this year's draft looks promising. Looks like the whole team is improving, including Reggie.
anan - obviously you're talking about sam. that dude STILL needs to make the the rams team. there is no guarantees. and speaking of character, its too early to say that. what i'm saying is, what if he doesn't make the ram team? will he sue for discrimination? why is it that a player who happens to be gay is praised while another high character guy like tim tebow is villified for his faith by the liberal world? he is not only a high character player but he is a proven winner in leading his gators to 2 nat'l championships. why is it that he and other players like adrian peterson who speak and support "traditional" relationships criticized?
back to sam. that doesn't mean the raiders avoided him because of his being gay. it just means that (and reggie said this) they base their picks on who they feel is right fit for the team to put on their board. he's lucky he got drafted @ all...
Scorp....I'm with you....the only reason he is even mentioned is because he is gay. They push this agenda on us all, the NFL does it, media, politicians....studies say only 5% of the population is gay....so why are we being force fed this crap? Why are we being brainwashed into believing this NORMAL? 5%, that is fringe at best....take all your racism, your gayness and all your other hot button topics that the media loves and flush them, it's all they are worth....divide us and conquer us...is what the agenda is all about.
JONES
The Raiders did sign two undrafted WRs. Mike Evans (Texas), who has great potential, but is lazy at times. The other is DJ Coles of Virginia Tech who is 6'3", 225lbs. He has been a solid WR when he is on the field, which is why his stock fell to undrafted. He has a history of injuries.
They also signed George Atkinson III (RB, ND), Karl Williams (FB, Utah), Austin Flynn (DE, Arkansas), and Scott Simonson (TE, Assumption College).
Of all the players that went undrafted, I am surprised that the Raiders did not take Jackson Jeffcoat (DE, Texas) son of Jim Jeffcoat. I probably would have picked him over Shelby Harris.
Jeffcoat signed with Seattle if you think we can snag him. Maybe Reg was turned off by Houston, and his attitude, and saw something similar with Jackson. Oh well.
Overall, I think our draft was solid. I am hoping our guys drafted in the later rounds turn out to be solid guys. Man, was I hoping for Marquis Lee or Jordan Matthews in the 2nd Round, and Fales in the 3rd. But I will take Derek Carr too. I am happy with that. We will see what happens.
JUST PROVE IT, BABY!
That is what is all about now....going out on Sunday and PROVING IT. The table has been set with probably still more pieces to come after late cuts....it's time to put their mark on the League. This team has talent, it has an excitement because it's the OAKLAND RAIDERS and it's been a LONG TIME.
These players will be rejuvenated, they will feel young again in the confines of the Black Hole. Yes, they will be in a position to show they belong. No longer will they be running on the field knowing in their hearts that they didn't have the team to really compete.
The fans are ready to burst at the seams, the players are going to feed off it, the Org will feed off it....the City will observe it.....nothing but good days ahead for OUR OAKLAND RAIDERS.
JONES
I just said he might be a better football player and of higher character. After all, he did play last year. You are the one to mention his sexual orientation.
Solid draft. Overall, busy offseason, and lots of new talent. I think it now boils down to coaching. It's time for Allen and Co to step up and make this work.
So in other words, you can't bitch about McKenzie anymore, so now your target will be D.A. Just say it, don't beat around the bush.
JONES
Jones - Last time I checked, the Raiders haven't won any games yet. You post like they're already in the playoffs.
That's fine with me, but your crew-like posts are bit ironic, don't you think?
I'm glad the Raiders didn't take a late round WR. We have a roster full of #2 receivers with no #1. If we weren't going to sell out for an early draft WR there's not a lot of need there.
PS
LOL, so now I can't be happy because they haven't won any games yet? Fuck you, this team has turned it around, so sorry you are too freakin stupid to see it....go cry about Veld and Houston, piece of shit.
JONES
Jones - It doesn't matter what I post, you will spin it into obscurity, presumably because I haven't shared your every viewpoint.
Meanwhile, you allow your sensitivity to get the best of you. Take your meds, Jones. Leave rational discussion to others who can handle it.
Have a nice day.
lol, whatever, asshole. I don't have to spin anything...you are the spinner because you don't have a clue and you are constantly trying to make up for it. I have proven myself....all you have proven is you like to bitch till the cows come home. Do you wear a dress around the house?
JONES
Jones - the only thing you have "proven" is that you will continue to degrade this forum with your insults, and berate folks who post their opinions. You are a classless and spineless Internet bully want-to-be who exhibits classic signs of manic depression.
But, hey, keep up the good work! It definitely suits you.
So you are a psychiatrist too? You are just an arrogant little prick who THINKS she is an intellectual genius...when in reality, you are a just a pussy wanting to belong....all you can do is bitch like a wife who hasn't had dick for months. Go put your dress on and drink your white wine as you watch your classy football team....what a BOOB.
JONES
All that post did was prove my point. You've got yourself all worked up over nothing. Go back and read the thread and you will see how ridiculous you are.
If I might be so bold as to actually post football stuff. I thought a few things were interesting on PFT today.
Sam thinks he should have been drafted earlier, but teams "chickened out" to pick him. Duh! The sad reality is he made a bad business decision in making his pre-draft announcement. Maybe he's hoping to write a book.
Rams plan to move OT Greg Robinson at G. That's the beauty of the Raiders taking Jackson. They're both road graders in run blocking but Jackson's already a guard. If you haven't already, watch some highlights of this kid.
Here's the latest Vegas line for our division:
AFC West
Broncos: 2-to-7.
Chargers: 5-to-1.
Chiefs: 5-to-1.
Raiders: 30-to-1.
Go back and read any thread from this site and see how freakin clueless you are. You have proven yourself over the years that you are clueless. Especially when you took that bet and he made you think you lost....that was priceless. Talk about spineless.
JONES
Lol. Jones, you haven't posted football in days, yet you continue to post here and direct insults at me. Obsess much?
Have a nice day!
NY
I agree that some teams passed on Sam because they did not want the attention or controversy. At the same time I don't think what Sam did was a calculated business ploy. I think he was just being brave enough to say who he was. So he could not have to go through the pain of hiding it like most sports players do.
All the reaction to him kissing his boyfriend is ridiculous and homophobic at best. Every guy when they get drafted kiss their girlfriend or wife. Its the same thing, who cares?
I hope he is allowed to move on, be accepted and just play football like any other person.
JONES I admire you're loyalty to the Raiders, the players and the management team. Your faith in them is astonishing and not everything you say is bollox. But please, you really need to cool it. It's OK for someone to disagree with you, you do not have to be so vitriolic all the time. Calm down fella.
I find it curious as to why ESPN would have a camera ready at a 7th Round draft picks home.
The kiss didn't bother me as much as the cake feeding. Besides, I find Game of Thrones more offensive. But these "homophobe" jokes need to be said and gotten out of the way.
Saying that he fell to the 7th Round because he was gay shows he mistook what GM's meant when they said he fell to the 7th Round because he sucks.
All Rams' fans really need to be concerned with is that he penetrates the pocket and gets the QB's sack.
The only way it would be better for Michael Sam is if he were drafted by or traded to the Packers.
He is a pretty good ball handler for a Linebacker!
He will be the only player on the field who is oiled up.
The other players on the Rams have now requested to be listed as Defensive Ends.
Sam feels that he is wide open on every play.
HEY-OH!
Overall, I believe it was a solid, productive draft. My grade would be a B+.
The key to me though is how the new free agents (especially Schaub) and 2-4 year players perform.
If you don't think that Khalil Mack is excited to be a Raider, he just signed a 4 year contract; making him the first 1st Rounder to be signed by any team.
He did it so he can participate in the Rookie workouts this weekend.
Next up, Derek Carr.
JUST PROVE IT, BABY!
Chris Burke apparently doesn't think our FA's or draft picks can do anything against this year's schedule. He's already projecting that the first pick of 2015 will go to us. http://nfl.si.com/2014/05/13/2015-nfl-mock-draft-cedric-ogbuehi/#more-38701
Best and quickest way for Mack to make an impact in year 1 is to get to the QB. We shall see ...
Just had a look back at comments made in the 'Takes' just after this last season ended....man, no wonder no one is posting here any more. You guys were so way off...RT, NY, 00, all the ano goofs....it's ok, everyone makes mistakes....you don't have to be embarrassed, sometimes people think they know better....humble pie is not so fine, is it?
JONES
Yeah, Jones, that must be it. Back when you were painting lipstick on the pig of the 2013 season, I was telling it like it STILL is, as evidenced by the following outtakes from my last two postgame takes of the season:
Until John Fox pulled Peyton and started pumping the brakes, it was one of the most pitiful halves in Raiders history. After 30 minutes, Manning was on pace for eight touchdowns and 530 yards, aided not only by a biblically overmatched defense, but also by a pea-shooting offense that could barely scrape up a first down to keep the Broncos off the field.
I've been saying that a franchise quarterback is priority number one, and I stand firm in that take.
Personally, I'm thankful that the conversation will necessarily change in 2014. There will no longer be all of this talk about deconstruction and reconstruction, as if they are two wholly independent processes. There will no longer be any room for excuses about blaming a lack of talent.
The era of excuses is finally over. Now it's all about Just Win, Baby. The rubber is about to hit the road. It's going to be exciting and telling. We know that it can't get worse. How much better it's going to get, and how quickly, remains to be seen. Grab your popcorn. This is going to an offseason to remember.
Like I said before, I'm not feeling McGloin as a future starter for the Raiders. And that's okay. He was undrafted. He's doing a pretty good job under the circumstances. Asking more from him is asking a lot.
Cooler heads seem to be prevailing here at Raider Take with regard to keeping Dennis Allen around for next year. I'm okay with that, because coaching stability is something we haven't really tried before. Maybe it's what we need.
I don't buy that winning eight (or nine, who knows next week!) games over two years and concluding the second year with complete nosedive and a paper-thin roster is evidence of a well executed blueprint, no matter how bad things were at the start.
But I'm not convinced that management and coaching turnover is the answer, either. So my take is that EVERYONE needs to step up their game right now, management, coaches and players. The management and coaches don't get a pass. They all need to do better. The future is now.
lol, whatever...you da man.
JONES
Raider Take said....."It's increasingly unsettling how the "new" Raiders look like the old Raiders. I tell you, if we blow all of this available money and don't get a lot of excellence from it, then we're really gonna look like the old Raiders."......
"
Pay me a half million, send me to Indy for the Combine, give me access to player interviews and Wonderlics and a scouting department, then maybe I'd have a better sense.
Not my job. Reggie's job. He's got one draft and one offseason to turn the corner.
If he doesn't, he gets fired. And then maybe I'll apply for the job. ".....
"I don't know Mark Davis, but I guarantee you, if it takes this regime three years to finally win two less games than Hue Jackson after another full draft and $50 million to spend, then they're gone, gone, gone."....
just a small sample....notice how you haven't given Reggie one bit of props for the job he has done....not one bit of props for taking this franchise from the depths of hell and bringing it back to life.
Also, this will be Dennis Allen's 1st year with a REAL team....counting the 1st 2 years as 'normal'.....just shows you don't have a clue. Calling it an excuse...when everyone else in the football world outside of the TV bullshit....will tell you that the last 2 years were because of the last regime. To blame the new regime for what was left them....you have to be really stupid. To say that Mark knows better than Reggie, is very stupid. To say if the team falls short of what the great Hue did in a horrible division...is, you know.
JONES
As far as me painting lipstick on a pig....never did that. I just told you the truth and you still can't accept it. You still say that they did a horrible job the last 2 years because Hue won 8 games. Comparing Hue as the benchmark...once again, shows you have no clue.
Everyone in the world knew the Raiders needed a QB, patting yourself on the back for pointing that out is like patting yourself on the back for saying the sky is blue.
Stating that McGloin might not be the answer isn't genius, RT, I think the whole world knows that one too.
I think RT needs to step up his game and stop trying to out think or pretend he knows better than who is running the team. How many years did it take Take to realize what was happening with the last regime? How many years? When I came on your site and started to say that Al Davis needed to sit down, I was ridiculed. Then when I said that this Org was such a mess that it will take time to turn around...you claimed that was bogus. But as time passes, we see that this is exactly how it NEEDED to play out. And still, you and the meatheads still question and act like you know better......I'll just leave it up to what was written in the past....it says it all.
JONES
Thank you for re-printing additional true statements I've made.
And yes, all those folks screaming at me for years for criticizing Mr. Davis's Raiders, long before you showed up around here, were hallucinating my criticisms.
When I said this after the 2008 season--"I can handle losing. What I can’t handle is season after season of reckless organizational behavior that produces a sub NFL-level product"--I didn't mean it.
I was waiting for you to arrive and enlighten me.
NO NO NO....don't change history. You started to change your tune after I showed up and I was here before the 2008 season....you were still writing WHY I LOVE AL DAVIS articles. This is why this site is diving...too much bullshit. Fly straight, your ego is way bigger than your brain.
And let me guess, you still believe the Org is being run in a reckless manner?
JONES
Look, the first post I can find on here that I wrote under the name Raider Nate 75 was in November 2006. I know I posted here before hand, but it was probably under just anonymous.
Since I've been here, Take has been fair and honest in his opinions, and I respect his opinions because they are similar to mine.
I disagree that he is changing the history of what he has communicated with us, and is trying to change his tune after you showed up to make himself look good; or inflate his ego. I think that and the personal attacks about other people on this site is garbage and full of unnecessary venom.
This site is diving because of all the personal attacks being made by anyone who has a different opinion than you, Jones. Enough is enough, bro! Let it go, it's not a mountain to die on! This is a site so we as fans of the Raiders can share our opinions about how we view the state of a team we love and follow just as much as you do. What needs to improve, who should we sign, are we going in the right direction, etc.
Now, I can understand the personal attacks if you were on "Donco Take" or some other crap blog; but this is RAIDER TAKE! This is a place where "THE NATION" can come together and voice an OPINION about the team. You can disagree with someone's opinion; but dude it's time to put the personal attacks away.
I respect you Jones. There is a lot of insight you bring to the table when you focus on the team (positively or negatively). You and I see a lot of positive things taking place with the Raiders, and it excites me. For the first time in about 6 years, I feel this team has an identity again. I feel this team has the swagger they need to kick some @$$. As a Raider fan, I'm geeked about this!
At the same time, I can understand those who do not want to get excited just yet, because of the fear of being let down again. I feel that way too, which is why my motto is "JUST PROVE IT, BABY!" I'm excited, but for me, the Raiders, Dennis Allen, Reg, and company have to put up or shut up. If they don't have a decent year this year, the axe has to fall.
All I am asking is that you stop the personal attacks and unnecessary accusations about people here. Let's get back to having RAIDER TAKES. It's ok to voice a disagreement, but there is a right way to do it, and it doesn't involve the bullshit (to use your word) of flinging insults and personal attacks at people. Thanks
JUST PROVE IT, BABY!
BTW, Raiders just announced that Derek Carr has officially signed!
JUST PROVE IT, BABY!
Raider Take
Thanks for your nice commentary. I am one of the people who rarely write in anymore because of Jones. Your work is excellent but being sworn at and insulted is not worth anyone's time. Its too bad your blog has suffered.
All the best
Phil
Raider Take
Thanks for your nice commentary. I am one of the people who doesn't write in anymore because of Jones. I think there are many others.
Your work is excellent but being sworn at and insulted is not worth anyone's time. Its too bad your blog has suffered.
All the best
Phil
Alright, fuck it, I'm done in this pit of stupidity. I have been attacked since the day I came on this site as an anonymous as well. I was chided by many to show my name, when I did, the attacks were worse.
My stance was to have Al Davis sit down and hire someone to take over. I was treated like an asshole for even mentioning it. Then as time passed, Take became more of a REPLACE Al Davis guy.
I have shown that I am willing to be nice, but these fuckers never give the credit when I have always been very truthful and forthright as well as correct most of the time.
The only reason I attack assholes, is because I know their is an element here that just plays games....so when they play the game, they get treated as such.....you fuckers want to play with that shit? Go for it, fuck you all, my work is done anyways, I told you how and why and you still act like I am the prick....fuck you, none of you are worth my effort.
I gave this site some insight and you fucks pee all over it because you are just a dumbass CREW. Wallow in your bullshit and mental masturbation....fuckin losers.
last time
JONES
wow, just wow. i'll start posting again if this is real. still read ya every day Take.
frkyraider
When Davis lost his fastball, I wanted the Raiders to hire a GM.
When the Raiders had continuous subpar, non-winning, non-playoff campaigns, something had to change.
When Davis died, I gave him the respect he deserved for being the architect of our past history and glory.
We are now in a new era. This new era started in 2012 but required 2 years of heavy lifting and unsavory deconstructing to finally put us in a place to rebuild.
I understand the doubts and uncertainty of the future and severe disappointment of the past 11 years BUT ...
Now is not the time to let your balls shrivel up like a pair of marbles. If you are still visiting this site, you've obviously got a keen interest in the Raiders OR you are an internet troll.
What I take away from the post draft interviews with Reggie is that he is trying to restore the Raiders as a tough, physical team that we try to get back to the Raiders roots of bullying the opposition -- wearing them down and exerting their will.
Looking forward to seeing the new era Raiders blossom in front of our eyes with an "us against the world" mentality.
Hope you stick around Jones and continue to fly your passion flag.
One of the things I look forward most to seeing around this time are the reports about OTA's.
Now that they have kicked off today, it is somewhat disappointing that the media is not allowed to report who is lining up where, practicing with first team, etc.
They are only allowed to report general information. Example, the WRs made good catches.
At the same time, I am glad, because I thought too much information was being released in how they lined up, what specific route was being ran on an outstanding play, etc.
The bottom line, I can't wait for the official Raiders' pictures and videos to be posted on their website, so we can get a general feel to the OTA's.
JUST PROVE IT, BABY!
2014 is the proving ground for sure.
New take is up.
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