2015 Free Agency: Fizzle or Foundational?
The Raiders haven't exactly been very aggressive during this 2015 free agency (and trading) period marked by big names, loud headlines and major movements.
Now, whether or not that's a good thing is open to debate.
The one thing you shouldn't do in free agency--and especially if you're a rebuilding team with tons of money to spend--is spin your wheels or actually get worse.
That's a test that Reggie McKenzie failed last year, as the team didn't get better, and arguably took a step back, during last year's free agency period.
Just consider the running back position. We lost our best running back in Rashad Jennings in free agency, and retained McFadden and signed MJD, both of whom are now gone. Despite a few fireworks from Latavius Murray, we were dead last in the NFL in rushing in 2014. Epic fail, and an awful way to support a promising rookie QB. And now here come Richardson and Helu. Yay! Or more like: Yawn.
Last June, I penned a take called The Skill Drill, questioning the obvious lack of playmakers on offense. I don't want to have to repeat that take this year.
That said, Reggie had a questionable draft in 2013, and then raised his draft game in 2014.
If he can execute similar improvement on the free agency front (results pending at the moment, but I'm not exactly psyched right now), and continue to draft well, then he'll have the Raiders in a viable position for becoming a contender sooner rather than later. If not, the pace of improvement will continue to be glacial.
It's clear that Reggie's not overly anxious about making a splash in free agency, otherwise he would have done it by now (and don't give me this business that big-name free agents don't want to come here, if Reggie has this team on the right path, then prospective free agents will notice and buy in; if the Bills and Dolphins can get players, we can too).
You might rue some of the names that have passed us by so far, but it's pretty clear that Reggie is following the model of the Packers, Patriots, etc. Those teams don't make a habit of throwing big money at big names in free agency.
I think that this is the guiding vision of the Raiders right now. That's the only explanation for what has transpired (or not) so far over the past few years during free agency, short of some sinister secret shackles put on Reggie by Mark Davis.
So I think there's a definite plan at work. Whether or not it's a winning plan (and if it is, how long it will take to translate to wins) is up for debate. And that's where you come in. Fire away...
Now, whether or not that's a good thing is open to debate.
The one thing you shouldn't do in free agency--and especially if you're a rebuilding team with tons of money to spend--is spin your wheels or actually get worse.
That's a test that Reggie McKenzie failed last year, as the team didn't get better, and arguably took a step back, during last year's free agency period.
Just consider the running back position. We lost our best running back in Rashad Jennings in free agency, and retained McFadden and signed MJD, both of whom are now gone. Despite a few fireworks from Latavius Murray, we were dead last in the NFL in rushing in 2014. Epic fail, and an awful way to support a promising rookie QB. And now here come Richardson and Helu. Yay! Or more like: Yawn.
Last June, I penned a take called The Skill Drill, questioning the obvious lack of playmakers on offense. I don't want to have to repeat that take this year.
That said, Reggie had a questionable draft in 2013, and then raised his draft game in 2014.
If he can execute similar improvement on the free agency front (results pending at the moment, but I'm not exactly psyched right now), and continue to draft well, then he'll have the Raiders in a viable position for becoming a contender sooner rather than later. If not, the pace of improvement will continue to be glacial.
It's clear that Reggie's not overly anxious about making a splash in free agency, otherwise he would have done it by now (and don't give me this business that big-name free agents don't want to come here, if Reggie has this team on the right path, then prospective free agents will notice and buy in; if the Bills and Dolphins can get players, we can too).
You might rue some of the names that have passed us by so far, but it's pretty clear that Reggie is following the model of the Packers, Patriots, etc. Those teams don't make a habit of throwing big money at big names in free agency.
I think that this is the guiding vision of the Raiders right now. That's the only explanation for what has transpired (or not) so far over the past few years during free agency, short of some sinister secret shackles put on Reggie by Mark Davis.
So I think there's a definite plan at work. Whether or not it's a winning plan (and if it is, how long it will take to translate to wins) is up for debate. And that's where you come in. Fire away...
posted by Raider Take at 8:53 PM
160 Comments:
Hmmm, Reggie went after Suh, Cobb, Revis, D Murray etc...do you even follow the team, Mike? You aren't even close, tear this one up and rewrite it.
And if the reputation that precedes the Raiders has no effect on top players signing, why did the top players not sign when the Raiders reportedly offered more?....just you like you say there is no ref bias against the Raiders....you aren't even close and a Raider would not say those things, right Mike?
Me
You keep telling us how obvious and brilliant the winning plan is. If you know it, then free agents would know it, wouldn't they?
As for "going after" those guys, yes, I'm aware that they made their pitch and failed to seal the deal. For whatever reason. Despite allegedly offering more money. And despite, according to you, having an obvious winning plan in place.
We're well past the "preceding reputations" nonsense. This is year four of Reggie's reign. Ample time to establish a direction and compete with the likes of the Bills and Dolphins.
It's Reggie's job to have a plan and to execute that plan. Period.
If you think he's doing that, then say it instead of hiding behind more of the same old excuses.
Top Free Agents want to sign on a team they want to play for. So if they wanted to play for the Raiders, they would.
So why aren't they? ....obviously Reggie "went after" the top Free Agents, obviously they didn't want to come to Oakland...you want to blame that on Reggie, I put it on an Org still finding it's way and players being unsure about Oakland still.
Reggie had to go to plan B and he did that, signing 10 guys now and probably more. He's doing what he can under the circumstances you deny. He is going after some youth and signing them to cap friendly contracts as per his PLAN.
I have been telling you this stuff a long time now and here you are making out like you discovered gold, SMH.
The players decide who is signing who, they are making it clear that Oakland is still not an attractive destination at this time for top Free Agents. One day, you might get it....keep swingin for the fences....instead of jumping them.
Me
Raiders 2015 free agency grades for first week - Silver And Black Pride
http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/3/17/8238765/oakland-raiders-2015-free-agency-grades-for-first-week
Not every day a GM predicts 7 wins. Bet that goes over well with free agents. Reggie's perpetuating a losing culture.
Nate Allen was awful last year this is another example of Reggie's new secondary every year. This will be the fourth new secondary in 4 years. Not sure how that is part of the plan
Look, the reason we are finding out through several different stories of why big name players like DeMarco Murray, Suh, Cobb, and Revis didn't sign with the Raiders stems to two things.
First, the contracts offered were more than other contracts offered to them with exception of one thing. Guaranteed monies. The Raiders balked at offering a boat load of guaranteed money. Their contracts are incentive heavy, and players like Cobb, Suh, Revis, and Murray want a commitment of cash in their pockets.
So yes, it is ultimately up to the players to sign, but it is also up to the teams to guarantee some value for the players. If the Raiders really value the players, they would show it through guaranteed money, not incentive heavy contracts that are not guaranteed. Something the Raiders are low-balling.
The other reason players are not taking incentive heavy contracts with the Raiders are their poor training facilities. One of the reasons these are not guaranteed is due to possible injury. Look at all the injuries the Raiders have had on their roster in key positions. Why has this happened? Training facilities. When McFadden is out for two years with turf toe, D Moore and others are constantly out with hamstring issues; it tells you a few things. Either they are not physically capable of playing this game long term, or the out dated training facilities are keeping your players from excelling. I think that is a big reason why you see former Raiders going elsewhere and doing extremely well.
Second, they have gone out and overpaid guaranteed monies for under performing players. To big name Free Agents, that tells them that the Raiders don't really want them, and are content with under-performers (and overpaying them). To pay 2 million guaranteed per year to Trent Richardson is absurd. That is similar to what Knighton was asking (and got) with Washington, and said the Raiders were not even close. To me, that is dropping the ball; and is sending the wrong message to above average players.
No wonder TR is excited to be a Raider! He knows he can skate just like he did with the Browns and Colts and still get bank.
We had this problem once, with Al Davis, and to say that it is better now with Reggie is proving to be wrong. The only difference is Reggie hasn't made any long-term contracts like this like Al did.
"I think that is a big reason why you see former Raiders going elsewhere and doing extremely well" ...
Huh? Care to name a few?
How do you know they were short on guaranteed money? Because 1 beat writer writes an article saying it COULD BE about this....and there you go, now it's fact with the zombie.
Just like this quote of Reggie saying he wants a 7-9 team, where's the quote? But if you repeat enough, the dopes will believe it's true....another BS tactic used on this and other sites to promote their BS/Mike Silver agenda.....like this quote...."I think that is a big reason why you see former Raiders going elsewhere and doing extremely well." = you have no bounds in spewing BS.
Saying the training facilities were causing Raider players to play under their potential and when they leave they are much better....where the fuck do you get this shit? You will write ANYTHING, even if it's the dumbest comment ever....your shame has no bounds either.
I am a Raider
Yes, where is this quote of Reggie saying "7-9"?
Take...You know, as bad as this free agency period has been for Raiders.
If Reggie can pull off a trade for Adrian Peterson, and draft the better of the two WR's, White, or Cooper.
At least give Carr some bullets he can use on offense.
It would salvage something from this off season of picking up no name nobodies , that no other teams want.
Former Raiders Jay Richardson on TR signing:
"Trent Richardson better come to camp on shape and make the most of this opportunity...usually Oakland is the last stop for guys."
RaiderOO, that's where my "if" still stands, because there's still time.
Meanwhile, "ME," your notion that Reggie "had to go to plan B" already in his second free agency period flush with cash would seem to indicate that plan A wasn't terribly well thought out or executed.
You say there's a great PLAN, and then say he's already on PLAN B.
Obviously Reggie went for the big names, they didn't come, so, as a SMART GM, he was prepared for it. That is well thought out, if he had gone into the period thinking he was going to land the top FA's and resting on that, that would have been a bad plan. But again, you don't know shit, so I forgive you.
His plan is to build a young foundation and build off it. That is the plan, he wants it to be like GB and have a team of HIS PLAYERS. Do you understand, for ONCE? Or is your mind so pigheaded and full of hate for Reggie (Mike) that you just can't see?
Is your mind so clouded with "it was so great in the past" that you want to try and repeat that? Sorry, those days are gone, stop thinking BIG NAME signings are going to fix everything, it isn't. A steady approach and keeping with the plan will get the Raiders to where they need to go. You should be paying me to educate you, you really should. You should pay me for keeping your site going too. WRITE THAT CHECK.
Me
Jones
Instead of jumping on everyone's comment why don't you offer something of substance. I have never seen you once say I hope they sign this player etc.
Reggie saying the goal was 7-9 was a quote to Jerry Mcdonald. Check his twitter account
Regards
Sandy
Hey Guys
Check out today's AFC west blog. They profile each of the owners of each team in the division. When you read the parts about education, source of wealth, team revenue etc. its downright embarrassing that we have Captain Kangaroo running our team
He is a total Tommy Boy loser who has done nothing in life
Regards
Sandy
Around the same time this year from last years Free Agency period. Usual dipshit suspect thinking he is right. TIME TO CASH YOU OUT HOMEBOY WITH BLANK CHECK!
******************************************************
JONES2:04 PM
It isn't done yet, wait till it's over before waving your flag.
JONES
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JONES2:21 PM
Imagine you in a fight...." ok, put up your dukes.....you put up your dukes? I QUIT".....you have no heart, you just quit at the slightest problem....get out of here, Raiders don't need your type.
This rebuild will takes hearts of champions, not weasels who cry at every opportunity. Get some balls, straighten your back, get some pride in yourself.....let it play out.
JONES
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Anonymous3:30 PM
Jones why dont you say something of substance instead of the nonsensical drivel you usually spout.
Answer the question. Has Reggie improved the Raiders in the last 48 hours?
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Raider Nate 753:35 PM
Raiders lost bidding battle with Redskins over Jason Hatcher.
Lamar Woodley is scheduled to visit the Titans, could possibly lose bidding war with him as well.
Reply
JONES3:41 PM
I don't know, we have to wait and see until the play some games....you need me to change your diaper now?
Update, Raiders just signed Woodley = STFU ano troll.
JONES
Reply
Raider Nate 753:48 PM
Woodley signs 2 year, $12million deal.
Story is out by Vic Tafur that Oakland Docs told Raiders/Saffold/Saffold's agents, that he has a torn labrum and has a high possibility of re-injury if he doesn't have surgery, which he could have had and been ready for training camp. Saffold and his agents opted not to have surgery; and Reggie said "We will opt not to sign you."
Great move on Reggie's part.
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Anonymous4:53 PM
Jones your emotional tirades are that of a lesser intellect who has come to the realization that all the crap you talked for two years about Reggie's master plan was nonsense and that Reggie is not going to make the Raiders into a playoff team.
So sorry you drank the cool-aid.
Reggie and Denise will be gone this time next year. You know it
The Raiders actually downgraded at RB. I wouldn't have thought that was possible.
Now it seems the best hope they have to improve at WR is draft Cooper or White. If Michael Crabtree could stomach playing for the Raiders, I'd say that was an option; but it's not.
Status quo at TE.
So where are all the weapons McKenzie should be providing to Derek Carr?
"Reggie saying the goal was 7-9 was a quote to Jerry Mcdonald. Check his twitter account"
Provide it then.
could you be any more absurd?
Me
Hey Jones you douche look it up here it is. I don't make crap up like you and your tanking lmao theory
Sandy
@Jerrymcd: If Del Rio and Co. are as good as players, GM seems to think, they're at least 7-9 this year with what they've done so far. If not . . .
when I read what was posted by Jerry ac on his twitter account, 3 immediate things come to mind;
#1: It isn't a direct quote
#2: Context. What was the conversation about? What question was asked and how was it framed? Knowing the details of the conversation would shed light. Who knows the context of the conversation? Exactly.
#3: Keyword. 'at least 7-9' certainly has a different connotation than implying that Reggie is shooting for 7-9 as a goal. In other words, putting the floor at 7 wins but striving for more is a very different picture. In other words part 2 ... a minimum 4 game improvement with hopes and aspirations for more isn't how you guys tossed the quote around.
It has to be deflating to players to hear a suggestion in March of a losing season. Just one more reason why free agents won't sign with Raiders, and it has nothing to do with some preexisting condition.
Yet some how it's all part of a master plan. Plan C, I think.
It has to be deflating to anyone who lives around you......damn, what a black cloud. The hate is so clear, Reggie really must of pissed off your boyfriend, huh?
Get over it, Mike, Reggie has got the train goin in the right direction and now it has to pick up steam. There ain't no room for Hue lovin morons, ain't no room for those who scream 8-8. Just going to have to be patient, just the way it is.
You can be a MAN about it, or you can act like a prepubescent who just got told there was no Santa but there is a Satan. Your choice, just shows your character = nil. TAKE a hike, Mike.
I am a Raider
Hey 'sandy'....why the name calling, come on, can't you act like a grown up? This place would be so much better if you stopped with the personal attacks. Now go TAKE a timeout....
If you think that twit is proof of Reggie saying he thinks he wants a 7-9 season....LOL, don't know what to tell you, your IQ is so low.... what a shame.
Any Raider fan who agrees with your posts, you give the rest of us a bad name, thanks, asshole.
Me
I just read that Reggie predicted a 7-9 season for the team. That is friggin pathetic. What a weak ass bitch Reggie he is so political it disgusts me.
First two years it was blame Al, then last year they were beginning the reconstruction phase. Now in year 4 our goal is 7-9
This is the leader of the Raiders a guy with no balls not willing to take risks and more interested in keeping his job than striving for greatness
Regards
Sandy
nyraider said...
It has to be deflating to players to hear a suggestion in March of a losing season. Just one more reason why free agents won't sign with Raiders, and it has nothing to do with some preexisting condition.
Yet some how it's all part of a master plan. Plan C, I think.
------------------------------
Reading these 2 comments make me realize that these 2 guys have taken a twitter 'comment' and twisted it to fit their narrative.
To suggest that RM was quoted as saying 7-9 is the end 'goal' for the 2015 season is a complete fabrication.
If a GM told you that his baseline is to have a 233% improvement on the previous season's record would you think different?
For example: If GM whose team won 4 games in 2014 said that we are looking to win a minimum of 9+ games in 2015, what would you think? How about a GM whose team won 5 games saying that 11+ games is a min. yardstick? Both instances are 233% improvements.
#1 RM did NOT predict a 7-9 seaon
#2 RM did NOT state that 7-9 was the goal.
If you want to take "If Del Rio and Co. are as good as players, GM seems to think, they're at least 7-9 this year with what they've done so far." and suggest otherwise, you are a complete idiotic fraud.
"...you are a complete idiotic fraud?"
Fueling the Jones fire, huh Calico Jack?
233% improvement? Call it what you want, it's still a losing prediction, even it's only a baseline. You'd think lesson learned from teams like the Saints and Chiefs that turnarounds can be immediate. I think every Raiders player and fan would like the GM to gravitate to the notion the Raiders are on the verge of a significant breakthrough. Not 233% improvement to another losing season.
Wasn't 233% improvement the "baseline" last year too?
You and Jones are quick to call others stupid or idiotic instead of providing your own opinions as to why McKenzie has failed to add any decent skill position players, or when and where he might find the talent needed to help Derek Carr score points.
Well said NY.
Jones and CJ are not even defending Reggie anymore they are just criticizing what others write.
Bottom line 11-37. Seriously come on Pirate Boy CJ, I know you gave your blog up but you must have something more substantive to write about rather than criticizing other people's posts. What no cheers for the Richardson signing lol
Regards
Sandy
I'm willing to make a bet with Reggie.
If Raiders win 7 games this year, Reg can finish out his contract.
If Raiders win under 7, Reg should resign.
So, having mucked up free agency, again, short of drafting Butkus, Unitas, and Jim Brown.
There is no way this Raiders team will win 7 games.
My belief is confirmed. Reggie lives in a dream world.
SCAR
Drive by post here Raidertake.
Needless to say opinions are strong as always here on your blog, and it would take a whole chapter to address them all, so I won't even try to get involved.
As for me, I feel more positive about this off season then I do negative. Got younger, didn't throw money around like a sailor on shore leave, Upgraded at several positions(my opinion)Still have Jack Del Rio in the building...
My 2 cents.
SCAR
Sandy, isn't the GM's job every year to field a team and win the Super Bowl? The mere inference of anything less should be unacceptable.
Leave it to Mark Davis, the media and fans to establish baselines.
The bar is still very low around here.
One opinion per NFL.com
"It's been three years, and I still can't understand the Raiders' ongoing flailing approach to free agency. After watching Nate Allen get lost in coverage for five years, Eagles fans and beat writers are downright befuddled over the $11.8 million in guarantees on the safety's new four-year, $23 million contract. Oakland fans have to be equally as puzzled by the $3.9 million ticketed for Trent Richardson, one of the few running backs less effective than ex-Raiders tailback Darren McFadden over the past two years. Of 26 established veterans signed from other teams during the 2013 and 2014 offseasons, just seven remain on the Raiders' roster."
Exactly! At least McFadden has a strong work ethic. Richardson said he was was told "IF" he works hard, he can be the guy. Clearly, his work ethic is in question when a statement like that is made.
So far we have downgraded the RB position, second year in a row.
At best, we've moved laterally at some other positions. Plus, how many years in a row does Reggie plan to swap out CBs? Flailing approach, indeed.
Just imagine what the tool on here would write if Reggie told the world that the Raiders were going to compete for the SB this year? Not that the TWIT provided proves anything....So, as usual, it doesn't matter what he says because it's all poison to the tool.
Doesn't matter what he does, what he says, he is just a moron to the tool and nothing will change that. Gotta love 'Raider fans' who hate everything about the team as they are trying to rebuild it from the dead.
The tool wants it to be like when Al Davis was running the team. He wants the same kind of players with stupid contracts that would sink the team for another decade.
The tool, is not a Raider fan, the tool has admitted it's a patriots fan.
The tool's only fun in life is mocking the Raiders and trying to create hate. That's what this site is....just another outlet for MIKE the crazy eurojew who is in love with Hue Jackson.
No sense trying to defend Reggie, the tool is here to provoke no matter how much sense is written. The tool will never give in because Hue wouldn't want that.
This site is a joke and the freak on here is a real piece of shit and is the biggest fraud on the Net. Nothing sincere here, just mocking and lies.....have fun playing with yourself.
Me
"Fueling the Jones fire, huh Calico Jack?"
While you and your alias fuel your dumpster every day? Now 1 poster goes against you and you pull out the "Fueling the Jones fire, huh Calico Jack?"....you really are the worst piece of shit there is.
There is nothing good about you or your character...I know if we ever stood toe to toe....you would be destroyed, I would make sure of it. There is no place on this earth for fuck ups like you. Do the world a favor, just JUMP and get it over with.
Fuck You.
The tool here is YOU. Every Reggie move is a great one! How about stop being such a dung beetle to every drop Reggie makes and be a man of your own!? Seems like your more of a Reggie fan then a Raider fan? You add nothing to this site other than your hate for everyone who doesn't drink the Kool Aid Reggie has dispensed for you to drink everyday.
I would like to go toe to toe but am reminded that you are not a man of your own, and I don't fight the elderly, the insane, the autistic type or Reggie's self appointed bitch boy!
Fuck Off
Bitch Boy
Talk football
The tool here is YOU. Every Reggie move is a great one! How about stop being such a dung beetle to every drop Reggie makes and be a man of your own!? Seems like your more of a Reggie fan then a Raider fan? You add nothing to this site other than your hate for everyone who doesn't drink the Kool Aid Reggie has dispensed for you to drink everyday.
I would like to go toe to toe but am reminded that you are not a man of your own, and I don't fight the elderly, the insane, the autistic type or Reggie's self appointed bitch boy!
Fuck Off
Bitch Boy
Talk football
What a Waste.......I am a Raider, I back this regime because they are doing everything possible to bring back this team from the dead. That, seems to really bother you.
Seems you don't want the Raiders to do well. Seems you just want to mock....well, fuck you. You are a fraud, hence your new alias....AGENT ORANGE...what an asshole.
Me
Raider Take,
Hope you are well. I enjoy your blog immensely.
Normally I don't entertain Jones dribble but felt the need to this week as he is completely out of control.
Calling names is one thing, threatening people and racial slurs are another.
I am not sure you are the Mike he is referring to regardless you should find a way to remove him from the site. When he makes what seem to be anti-semitic comments (euro jew), he needs to be banned.
Regards
Sandy
LOL, what's wrong with eurojew? Obviously you are one. Antisemetic....you just showed yourself once again, what a piece of shit. Threatening? Wanting to go toe to toe is threatening? I am out of control? LOL, you are such a TOOL.
Fuck you
Sandy -- Congratulations on being a spineless, whining, tattletale, tool. Well done!
Sandy, Jones is threatened by the truth. The post above about Reggie failing at 75% of his free agent picks obviously struck a chord.
As you well know, he's not worth your time.
The best we can hope for is that JDR can do as he suggested, and coach up the players he has.
Cheers!
Here's J-Mac on Reggie's handy work so far in free agency.
http://tinyurl.com/k2592uz
If recent history speaks the truth, only 25% of these guys will be worth their salt in 2015.
Seems like a lot of guaranteed money for marginal talent.
Williams comes from 3-4, so that's a big gamble by McKenzie.
Hudson seems like a good move, but only time will tell if it's an upgrade. O-line, as a unit, is only as good as its weakest link... and that definitely wasn't Wiz. Plenty of blame to go around.
Nate Allen is a scary signing. J-Mac points out that Ross came into his own last year. Ross should be given every chance to start this year, which would make Allen a ridiculously overpaid backup.
Lofton could be a workhorse in the middle. We need someone better than Buris at Mike. Hopefully!
Helu is a dud. Raiders will have to completely step out of character and throw screens to Helu for him to earn his money.
TE Smith is a one-dimensional player. He can block... it fills a need.
Malcom Smith provides some depth. If the Raiders get lucky, he is more than that.
Richardson, IMO, is a mistake. Too many young talented RBs to bring in another underachiever. Good news is he's expendable at a low salary.
Christian Ponder. What makes this move smart isn't signing Ponder, but releasing Schaub.
Dockery... got to like him for being a Raiders fan. If he can't play for his favorite team, he's done.
Entering Reggie's 4th season as GM. We have to step back and ask, What part of the foundation has been built ?
QB...Good job Reggie. Derek Carr showed a lot of promise. Hopefully, he will continue to improve.
Left tackle...Don Penn played well, but he is an older vet. Raiders still need a LT for the future.
Corners...DJ Hayden is ok when he plays. But this risky gamble of a draft pick is often hurt, and not on field. Raiders still need some shut down corners.
Defensive tackle...Ellis played well, but you have to ask. Is he much better then Tommy Kelly ? Raiders seem to be going in circles here.
Skill positions....Tic, tic, tic..still waiting...WR, RB, TE, where are they ? Derek Carr is asking too.
It looks like, overall, Reggie has done a poor job of laying a sound foundation at key positions.
Entering year 4, with massive cap space last 2 seasons, Raiders should be much further along.
Reggie's grade ? ... D+....only drafting Derek Carr kept him from an F.
McKenzie was extremely lucky Derek Carr was still available in the 2nd round. Had McKenzie known Carr might be the franchise QB that he now appears to be, he would have had no choice but to draft him in RD 1.
On the flip side, think where we would be right now if Carr was not available. Remove this one player and grade out what McKenzie has done. Ouch!
At least Derek Carr gives Raider Nation some hope of winning.
This sites grade = D-....would be a complete F if I wasn't here, lmao. Yeah, Carr is the only guy....freakin moron, the same points made over and over by so-called different posters = just stop.
Me
Just one outstanding player that would impact our offense, and give a legitimate weapon for Carr. At WR, RB, or TE. That is what the target was coming into the offseason. Reggie couldn't pull in that one weapon.
I hate to say it, but if we were to go after a WR in the draft (White or Cooper), it is not a win. We still need a solid #1 vet WR to help our young WRs learn how to get separation (something Crabtree is not good at). This is why I was hoping for Cobb, or even trading for Wallace would have been a step in the right direction. We needed a solid vet-WR more than anything else, and failed to get one because Reggie is offering minimal guarantees.
In a world where we get what we pay for, it has left me with a bad taste for the offseason. I'm still in the same boat as I have been for the last 7 seasons, and that is the Raiders still have to prove it. All the talk and hype of the free agents they've signed, still has to be proven on the field if they did the right thing or not. Based on recent history, we've signed a bunch of under-performing players (exception of Hudson and Malcom Smith, who are average), which usually translates to another under-performing season.
If I'm wrong, then I will be more than happy to admit it. Why? Because then the Raiders will have proven their worth. So until then. JUST PROVE IT, BABY!
Hudson is Avg? A top 5 at position is Avg? No, avg is who he replaced.
WR is very deep this draft. JJ is the vet leadership at WR. No vet is needed there, but a playmaker is. The off-season isn't over yet, still more players to come.
Yes, it's all about wins....the last 3 years were trying to get this Org in shape to WIN. It was so depleted that it still isn't done yet, but it's getting closer.
I think the why and how has been clearly set. Now it's a case of it coming together....this year is BIG, we all agree. So why do you keep slamming them like you hope they fail? So you can be right? Or is it because you love the patriots? That's pretty fucking twisted. Either a Raider or not = you are not.
I am a Raider
Top centers in no particular order
Mangold, Pouncey x 2, Unger, Mack, Frederick, Kelce
long way from top 5 beeaaatch
I think Hudson and Wiz are from the same draft class, and rate about the same... slight edge Hudson... but possibly because Wiz played for the Raiders (poor O-line, rookie QB last year, etc.). It will be interesting to see if Hudson can perform as well with the Raiders as he did with the Chiefs. We've seen this play out before.
On paper, Hudson is the best FA signing by McKenzie, who has about 75% FA turnover rate in just the last two seasons.
PFF Rankings
27. Kansas City Chiefs (20th)
Pass Blocking Ranking: 22nd, Run Blocking Ranking: 27th, Penalties Ranking: 12th
Stud: With a season that warranted Pro-Bowl contention, Rodney Hudson (+13.0) was comfortably the best player on this line. Finished the year our third-ranked center.
3rd RANKED CENTER, asshole
Me
No, Hudson and Wiz don't even rate out close. STFU with your nonsense.
Me
Jones, it’s ironic how you bash others for using the media to make a point, but it’s ok when you think it serves your point.
Yet, you are too dumb to see how dumb you are.
As bad as the Raiders O-line was last year, they were ranked 16 in the PFT rankings, better in both run blocking and pass blocking than the Chiefs.
Also, the Raiders improved in the rankings from 29 to 16; whereas, the Chiefs slid from 20 to 27.
Not exactly a glowing endorsement for any player on the Chiefs line.
PFT Breakdown: ”The signing of Penn, drafting of Gabe Jackson and solid play of Stefen Wisniewski see a foundation laid for a line that has improved. Still a ways to go, though, if they want to make life easier for their skill players.”
Wiz has been the best player on the Raiders line since, well, Mckenzie let Veldheer go.
McKenzie could have resigned Wiz and spent more of his energy signing other free agents, like skill position players.
Of course that’s just my opinion.
You say this......
"As bad as the Raiders O-line was last year, they were ranked 16 in the PFT rankings, better in both run blocking and pass blocking than the Chiefs."
And then you write this....
"I think Hudson and Wiz are from the same draft class, and rate about the same... slight edge Hudson... but possibly because Wiz played for the Raiders (poor O-line, rookie QB last year, etc.). It will be interesting to see if Hudson can perform as well with the Raiders as he did with the Chiefs."
You are a fucking clown with NO credibility....you flop back and forth like a beached fish.
And if you had a fucking brain...the ranking I supplied is created by breaking down film, EACH PLAY and grading them. It's not BSPN or NFL network bullshit, it's factual.
Unlike any fucking thing you write, which has no facts at all. Just your pure speculation which has no basis in fact.
Wiz wasn't good enough, that was obvious, to have a good Offense, you need a good QB/C combo....Raiders have it. The Raiders O-line should be better than last years, upgrade at C and another year of playing together, plus a better O-line coach...but Reggie is really fucking things up, right?
Keep twisting, you twerp, you have no credibility, your OPINION is MUD.
Me
Wiz being the best O-lineman last year? You are a joke, fuck off.
I am a Raider
It's only flip flop in your mind because you don't understand what you read. That's ok, I can explain it again. The PFT rankings aren't a science, but you think it served your point, so you ride it like it's fact. Wiz was surrounded by inferior talent. It's possible Hudson was too.
The simple truth is, while Hudson might end up being an upgrade from Wiz, it might also have been an unnecessary use of time and energy by McKenzie, who had (still has) many other important positions to consider.
If McKenzie signed Veldheer last year, he wouldn't have whiffed so bad with Saffold. He took the same flat footed approach this year, and has yet to sign a decent skill position player.
Meanwhile, Jones, everything you write here is conjecture. There is no proof that the Raiders have turned their franchise around. It's all your opinion. I'm ok with that.
But why do you have to be such an asshole? You must not have many friends, huh?
PRO FOOTBALL FOCUS...ever heard of it? Maybe you should look it up...it's not subjective, it's factual.
I will put my record of assessments from the time I started posting on here, to yours, any day of the week. For you to judge me is so wrong, Mike, I have proven myself.
I stand by what I write, I don't change up every 2 weeks. I don't ignore points like you do. I have given plenty explanation as to why and how, no need to do it anymore.
It is playing out and the team is in a much better place than it was when they took over. So if you can't accept that, it's your problem, not mine, BECAUSE.....
I am a Raider
Like your "tank theory". That was one of your highlights for sure.
But you're right about one thing, Jones. You keep riding the same lame rhetoric, which is that MD and RM can do no wrong. They have a plan and they have followed it to the letter for four years. Your blind faith hasn't wavered one bit. It's very, shall we say, crew-like.
Good job!
It's not blind faith, you are blind, not me. Tank theory happens, I gave proof of it happening, just because you ignore the points, doesn't mean it didn't happen. You think that theory is outrageous because you don't have the knowledge that it happens often and has throughout pro sport history. Just more proof you are clueless.
Never once have I said Mark and Reggie could do no wrong. But I will tell you they have it going in the right direction. Oakland just voted on going ahead with plans on a new stadium.....they see it, they said the "baby has value".
Do you think they were saying that when Al was running it? Fuck NO, so they are rebuilding that relationship as well. It's going the right way and I am proud of what Mark and Reggie are doing = bringing the team back from the dead.
You on the other hand, just want to tear it all down because it doesn't meet your standards. What a fucking joke, by reading your posts, your standards wouldn't last 2 days in what Reggie has to deal with DAILY. So STFU because you don't know a fucking thing. You didn't even know about PRO FOOTBALL FOCUS and how they rate players = you are a tool.
Me
"Tank theory happens, I gave proof of it happening."
I must have missed that.
This is your standard post, Jones. You've proved nothing, and neither have the Raiders to this point (still waiting!).
The vision might be there, but the process has been questionable. That's what some of us are here discussing, but you keep ramming your version of the vision down our throats.
Unlike you, I don't claim to be right about everything. What I post here is only my opinion. You don't have to like it.
If there's one thing I have been consistently wrong about, it's responding to your rants. You are the most miserably person on the Internet with your tirades and childish emotions. Panty Raider has nothing on you.
Clearly, you bring out the worst in people. That much I am certain.
Cheers!
Well, Reggie was at the first veteran combine over the weekend, to see such quality veteran free agents like:
Michael Sam
Jamaal Anderson
Michael Bush (whom Reggie cut)
Felix Jones
Aaron Berry
Brady Quinn
What "high quality" player can the Raiders bring in from this is yet to be seen because of the lack of "high quality", but that hasn't stopped Reggie in the past, and I'm afraid it may not stop him now.
A lot of these guys were cut because they didn't show quality effort in practice, workouts, film watching/preparation. In college, these guys prepared the same way, but it didn't hinder their performance on the field. But the NFL is one of the few leagues that if you don't prepare just as hard off the field, it will affect your play on the field.
Charles Woodson is a prime example of this too. His first go round with the Raiders, he put minimal prep time in. He was good, but everyone knew he could be better. He became a HoF caliber player in Green Bay where he learned from other vets the value of putting in quality prep-time (his words). He's brought that attitude back with him to Oakland, and even though his best days may be behind him, he is still head/shoulders above others because of his quality prep-time.
That is the type of player that Reggie needs to sign. I don't know about the guys he's brought in this off-season, but they don't stand out, and there is a reason why they don't stand out. These guys have "potential" to be better players, but that "potential" translates to quality prep time. That is what bothers me about our free agent period. Trent Richardson being the prime example. If they haven't found the value of putting in quality prep-time by now, will they ever act/perform differently?
In a league based on "Wins and Losses" that is a big gamble to take.
AHHHH, shut up. When you can add something of value, then maybe you get my respect. You add nothing but your opinion's which have no basis in fact.
This is why you are treated this way, you continue to spew bullshit as fact. And when your bullshit is pointed out to you, you act as if it never happened.
And now when you are trapped in a corner, you attack me personally, as being... OVER THE TOP, PISSED OFF, full of hate, not proving anything etc......You are playing a game and I am just countering it with truth. We can go as long as you like, truth never loses.
If you want to have a sincere discussion, why do you harp on the same points = Veld, Wiz, Tanking......you are obviously trying to provoke, if you want to play that, then expect the results....until then, STFU, asshole.
Me
When the team is in the position the Raiders are in....every rock has to be turned. If you think Reggie is there to find 'stars'....it's this kind of shit....it's pure garbage and it's to try and take a smear at Reggie. Same old shit, so-called different poster.
If Reggie wasn't there, what would you have written then? That he slept in? You are the king of propaganda, I have to give you that. Propaganda is BULLSHIT, you must sleep in it?
If you even listen to Reggie, he clearly states that last year he wanted to sign vets who had a winning pedigree. This year, he felt the older players kept on the roster, provide that leadership to the younger players....sooooooo.....he then goes for younger players this year in FA to add to the core going forward who will take their cues from the vets still on board.
Class dismissed....when do I get my check? Ya cheap bastard.
Me
"When the team is in the position the Raiders are in....every rock has to be turned"
****************************************************************************************************
The trouble with Reggie is....
...Every time he looks under a rock...
....He finds more rocks....
Facts and truth are on my side, Jones.
You posted the Chiefs were 27th ranked O-line as "proof" Hudson will be better than Wiz, who played on the 20th Ranked O-line while being surrounded by incompetence.
How does that prove your point? Just the opposite!
As usual, you have your facts mixed up, Holmes!
PS nobody is trying to "smear" Reggie. We all wish he could do a better job!
"When you can add something of value, then maybe you get my respect."
Followed by: "This is why you are treated this way"
You're nothing more than a troll, Jones. You prove it with statements like these. (I stand corrected; you did prove something here.)
Honestly, that's the funniest thing you've ever written. So, essentially, when I start posting your opinions we can be friends.
Don't hold your breath.
Jones - "If you even listen to Reggie, he clearly states that last year he wanted to sign vets who had a winning pedigree."
Which again is exactly my point. You are not going to find "winning pedigree" veteran players at the veteran combine (players who have been cut because they don't put the time in with quality game preparation). If Reggie wasn't there it would give me better hope that he is trying to find "winning pedigree". To be honest, Trent Richardson should have been at that combine.
No, when you start posting TRUTH and not propaganda, we can have a decent discussion. It's impossible to communicate with you, you refuse the basic principles of discussion = sincerity and honesty.
Just like with Hudson, I provided a PFF ranking on Hudson that shows him as a top 5 C. Now you are still trying to spin it by using O-line rankings instead of individual PFF rankings?
Stating that the rest of the O-line is the reason why Wiz is as good as Hudson. It's ridiculous, but you spew this shit with every post you write. It is not factual, but you repeat it as if it is. This is why you are treated like you are. You are not factual, you are not sincere and basically, you are an asshole.
Me
So Reggie being at the Vet combine was a bad thing? Or was it his twin Bro, has that ever been established?
I don't think Reggie is at the vet combine looking for players that will take the team to the SB.
You really have no clue, do you? Talk about an embarrassment. It's like you are a child, pretending to be something you aren't and that is BEING A RAIDER.
Me
as far as 'trolls' that would be you, you troll your own site, how fuckin sad is that? I have always been here to discuss the Raiders. You on the other hand are trolling for responses because....you have no fucking life. I give you a bone so you won't kill yourself, see how nice I am? Where's my check?
Me
No. You didn't post truth; only your opinion, as shared with the author. You posted a stat that reflects the Chiefs as ranking 27th for O-line. The statement regarding Hudson was not fact, it was the author's opinion. Here it is:
"With a season that warranted Pro-Bowl contention, Rodney Hudson (+13.0) was comfortably the best player on this line. Finished the year our third-ranked center."
That's not steeped in fact. It's opinion. So stop presenting it as fact.
Hudson was the best player on a bad O-line, just like Wiz was arguably the best player on the Raiders bad O-line.
I have stated over and over that Hudson could be an upgrade, but that the time and effort that McKenzie spent doing this switch might not be worth the salt.
I think I am entitled to that opinion. It's not nearly as far reaching as the Raiders tanking.
Don't you have anything else to do but rag on people?
Wow, are you ever fucked up...PRO FOOTBALL FOCUS breaks down EVERY PLAY a player plays in. It's not subjective, you moron. PFT, your buddy Florio is subjective, you piece of STUPID shit. Wiz was not the best player on the O-line, not even close, again, STFU with your propaganda.
The QB/C combo is so important to a good Offense, I know, you don't know that....so getting that solidified when Wiz was so avg there. This is going to help the offense in a big way, but again, you don't know that so maybe you should STFU.
Your OPINION is mud because you obviously don't know a fucking thing about the game. So.....STFU.
Do I have anything better to do? Sometimes I do, you know my health.
Tanking, again, why did Sparano sit Jano in Denver on a 57 yrd FG in Denver? The team was looking around on the sidelines like WTF? That was tanking. So many calls screamed tanking.
The Buccaneers obviously tanked, are you saying they didn't? If you watch pro hockey, teams are tanking right now to try and get a #1 pick.....it happens all the time, but you don't know that, I get it, you are dumb trying TO ACT like you know because you are really stupid...I get it.
I am a Raider
Me
Jones, where's your so-called proof? Just because you type O-B-V-I-O-U-S-L-Y on your keyboard doesn't make it true. As we concluded earlier, you can't demonstrate even one obscure Internet reference that the Raiders tanked any games. Truth is, you stand alone on a planet of 6 billion people and belligerently insist it's a fact.
If the Raiders tanked anything, it was losing the opportunity at a #1 pick, which they had in their pocket and could have retained had they really intended to tank.
The Hudson excerpt you refer to as "proof" is author opinion. It can't be interpreted any other way. I don't care how many times they review the film. It's someone's opinion.
READ IT AGAIN!
"[Hudson] Finished the year our third-ranked center."
"OUR" third ranked center.
Get a grip!
Nobody announces they are tanking, you are such a child.
PFF is as close to an exact rating as you can get. Anyways, why bother trying to convince a tool like you. You obviously have an IQ of a squirrel...yeah, Hudson and Wiz are just about the same....that is why Hudson is the top paid C and Wiz is still trying to sign somewhere.
Your opinions aren't even close, Mike, so STFU until you can converse like an intelligent football fan. It's embarrassing to the NATION that idiots like you call yourself a RAIDER. You are a PATRIOT, ya freak.
Me
"Nobody announces they are tanking...."
Duh! I'm not talking about a Raiders press release. Show me one credible news or blog clip. If the media caught any whiff of the Raiders tanking games, it would be news.
So now you've downgraded the PFF rating from "fact" to "as close as you can get."
You're getting closer. Keep up the good work.
Chip Kelly may not be done getting rid of awesome players. ProFootballTalk is reporting that if they cannot trade Evan Mathis (Guard, and one of the best guards), then they will cut him.
If the Eagles end up cutting him, the Raiders better get on the horn, offer him great $$, and get him to Oakland. Somebody better start shaking Reggie to get him out of his slumber so he can start mumbling out a plan to get Mathis here when he is cut.
PRO FOOTBALL FOCUS....https://www.profootballfocus.com/about/grading/
How We Grade
There are two main processes that are used to come up with the grades: player participation and the actual grading process. Player participation is more black and white as it consists of which players are on the field, where and general information about the actions they performed (rush the passer, drop into coverage, stay in to pass block, etc).
This process is performed by two separate analysts on two separate spreadsheets. Each spreadsheet is then compared and any discrepancies are reviewed by a third analyst in order to ensure near-100 percent accuracy. We’ve found that both blind runs are generally at least 99.7% accurate and once the games are checked, we’re confident that our work is very close to 100% by mid-week (actually stands at 99.98%).
CONTINUED.....
As for the grading process, it starts as soon as a game is completed. Each play consists of two basic sections, one for the grading and one for stat collection, which would include detail such as (but by no means limited to) which gap the run goes through or which route was thrown on a pass.
The grading for each game passes through three individuals (two who grade every player on every play) to ensure that the grading and stat collection is thoroughly checked and critiqued. This ensures that both our procedures and the interpretation of each play is rigorously checked and consistently applied.
Using All-22
While we feel strongly about our ability to grade games based on the broadcast footage, the All-22 has been an invaluable addition to our processes. The original analyst is instructed to flag any plays from the broadcast footage that need more information or a better view from the coach’s film. The second and third analysts are then able to pinpoint these plays along with others to get a clearer, more decisive look at every play. The use of All-22 has also allowed us to expand our analysis of special teams plays into greater depth and breadth than is possible from broadcast footage.
When We Grade
Each game is graded within the first 24 hours of completion and new for 2014, our goal is to have every game completed and up on the site by 8:00 AM Monday morning. Our review processes are then completed no later than the end of Tuesday which allows us to finalize our grades and statistics for the week by the end of Wednesday.
CONT....
Normalization and What the Grades Mean
Once we’ve got the raw grades we could leave it there, but this would lead to a number of problems.
For example, our pass protection grading methodology is a fault based system, only negative grades are awarded. Consequently the “perfect score” as a raw grade is 0, However, what if a lineman plays half the number of passing plays of another guy and they both score 0? What allows you to understand the second has done the better job? This is where Player Participation comes in: To fully understand how a player has performed, we need to know how many plays he’s participated in and what role he performed.
So when we look at, say, a tight end, we need to know how many plays he spent out in pass routes, how many times he blocked for the run and how many times he stayed in to block for the pass. To this number we then apply a normalization factor to set the AVERAGE player in that facet of the game to 0.
What you may notice looking at the “By Position” tab is that not all of the average grades in each season comes to 0. This is because the same normalization factors are calculated from a number of seasons and are applied to all seasons. This allows for comparison of performances at the same position not only within seasons but across them.
Normalization gives the grades their full setting as a performance indicator for an individual over his full body of work on a per-game, per-season and per-play basis.
How subjective is the Grading?
Many people say that as soon as you start grading, you bring subjectivity into your work. Obviously, to some degree, that’s true.
However, there’s also subjectivity around whether a play was a QB run for negative yardage or a sack, if an assist on a tackle should be awarded and if a catch was dropped or not. Sure, you can come up with a set of rules to determine which is which, but in the end, at the borderline between one and the other, it’s always subjective. It comes down to a judgment call.
The real trick of grading is to define a clear set of rules, encompassing each type of play. If your rules are thorough and precise enough, the answers just fall out. It becomes as easy as determining the dropped pass that hit the TE right between the numbers.
Statistics in their raw form are considered objective. But in our opinion, with the small number of NFL games played each season, raw stats are very often unintelligent. If a QB throws three interceptions in a game but one came from a dropped pass, another from a WR running a poor route and a third on a Hail Mary at the end of the half, it skews his stats by far too great an amount to be useful. Our grading allows us to bring some intelligence to the raw numbers and with many different sets of eyes getting a look at each game, we’re able to avoid the individual biases that may arise if only one person was responsible for grading the game.
How accurate are the Statistics and Grading?
Our player participation data has been confirmed as 99.96% accurate. As for the grading, through our interactions with many NFL teams, we feel as strongly about the accuracy of the grades. Whether looking at teams in a broad snapshot or on a play-by-play basis, our feedback from NFL personnel departments has always been extremely positive.Although we are more than happy with the accuracy (and the constant improvement in accuracy) of the individual areas of our grades, the final “overall” grade is one that is cause for much discussion among NFL fans and the PFF staff as well.
For example, we’re happy with how the pass-blocking and run-blocking grades are constructed for offensive linemen, the balance those two skills are given to create an overall grade will vary from fan to fan, coach to coach and scheme to scheme. This is an area we are hoping to improve in the future, allowing fans to input their own weightings at the “By Position” page. This would provide the option to come up with their own overall grading depending upon how they view the different skills that make up an individual position.
Have you ever seen a press clipping of a team tanking? And are you telling me it doesn't happen because there isn't a press clipping? So nothing happens in this world if there is no press clipping?
You are a silly little boy/girl who has no concept of the WORLD, let alone the RAIDERS. It's like trying to converse with a handicapped child. You are pathetic.
Me
from PFF...
Do NFL teams use your grades?
Yes. We have a number of direct clients within the NFL that use our data for personnel decisions and game management, we also have non-clients that have used our grades as an internal check against their own pro scouts. Most, if not all, teams have at least the bare minimum website subscription.
Our grades and stats are also heavily involved in contract negotiations as agents and front offices use our data to build their case either for or against potential free agents.
That's a lot about nothing.
Where did I say a team would issue a press release for tanking games? I said the media would sniff it out like a dog in heat.
Yet, not even the faintest notion that was happening in Oakland. You are all by yourself, Jones. But you're probably used to that, eh?
from PFF:
"It’s easy to look at the offseason moves in Oakland and dismiss this as a typical Raiders free agent group. They have effectively exchanged Darren McFadden for Trent Richardson, swapping one disappointing first-round running back for another. They have also added an inside linebacker in Curtis Lofton, who struggled to a -21.5 grade in 2014"
Yep, that pretty much sums it up.
However, they do offer some good points on other free agents as well, good and bad.
Nate Allen is highly suspect, according to virtually everything I've seen written.
A lot about nothing? LOL, because it doesn't fall in line with your bullshit?
Media HAS NEVER accused a team of tanking, have they? And there have been plenty of instances of tanking. Get a clue.
I'm all by myself? that usually happens to those who tell the truth. We don't go a certain way because 'everyone else is' or because 'the press tells us so'. NO, people like me have a mind of our own and can figure things out without having to listen to Florio or Corkran, BSPN or NFL network or any other bullshit source.
This is where we differ, I can go off of experiences that lend to seeing the truth...you on the other hand, are just guessing and you look like such a tool doing it.
I am a Raider
Also......why do you think the NBA/NHL has changed their drafting procedures?
Thus the lottery system in Basketball, Hockey to try and prevent teams from tanking. But as we see, teams are still tanking in those leagues.
It happens and to say it has to show up in a press release to make it true....you ain't in my league, sit down and STFU.
Me
Jones, we're not talking about other teams or other sports. And that fact you keep mentioning something about a "press release" only proves you are pulling my chain because even you aren't that stupid.
You said the Raiders intentionally tanked games. There is zero validity to that notion.
You'll have to do better than that!
Cheers!
In an article titled, "Raiders have young foundation established for 2015" by Scott Bair of CSNBayarea, he states the following:
"Let’s take a look at young players the Raiders are counting on to contribute next season.
Major contributors with 3 years experience or less:
QB Derek Carr
RB Latavius Murray
RB Trent Richardson
WR Rod Streater
OG Gabe Jackson
TE Mychal Rivera
DT Justin Ellis
SLB Khalil Mack
WLB Sio Moore
CB DJ Hayden
CB TJ Carrie
CB Keith McGill
P Marquette King"
These guys solidified themselves last season as the foundation. At the same time, Scott Bair fails to talk about what the Raiders have done to add to that foundation this off-season so far. You have to balance young players with savvy veterans.
I want the young players for the Raiders to do more than contribute, I want them to excel and become better at their craft. They cannot do that without an impact player. Think about what it would do for our WRs by trading for a player like Adrian Peterson? It opens up the middle and deep patterns because the linebackers and safeties are sneaking up to stop the run.
Think about what a solid veteran WR would do for our young talent in helping them create separation, solidify their route-running?
Impact players are not just impact players, they help everyone around them become better players. The Raiders lack that kind of player, and quite frankly, it will not change until they make a move to get that kind of player. That is what I'm disappointed about with Reggie; his unwillingness to get after that kind of player.
LOL, funny guy...no I have already displayed my case, who cares if you believe it or not.
That tanking thing was a while ago and the fact that you keep trying to beat that horse....shows you have nothing else. Give it up, you suck and your OPINION is mud.
Me
I think most of those players improve their game in 2015. Lots of potential there.
However, how does Trent Richardson make that list. Is that a mistake? Richardson, IMO, is the most disappointing acquisition this year, mostly because there are so many options at RB. Hopefully, Murray steps up and becomes the man.
I was reading some of the significant departures from Philly, and I notice Nate Allen doesn't make the list.
****This just in, Breaking News****Florio, Corkran, BSPN, NFL network reporting Oakland Raiders tanking again this season with suspect moves from their GM Reggie. World Champion Patriots again favored not to tank this season to win it all is organizations mentality year in year out. Seahawks also reporting in, even after a disappointing lost in super bowl game are not set to tank it in this season. Per more sources coming in right this moment on the remainder of the league's teams. They are reporting no tanking is in the horizon now or towards the end of the season. Furthermore players for incentive of bonuses contracts to be achieved cannot count on a tanking season that would sabotage earning potentials? Also players with year ending contract looking to re-up next year/s can't tank it in for the season without hurting potential bigger contracts negotiated with year end performances achievements, possibly also hurting chances of not being picked up by other teams. Unless you are a RAIDER type player (Trent Richardson) the Gm Reggie loves and will not only pick you up but pay you for your tanking abilities!
Me
Tank I'm right Duh!
" That is what I'm disappointed about with Reggie; his unwillingness to get after that kind of player. "
Same old PROPAGANDA. He went after all the top FA's, what else is he supposed to do?
Mack will be that player, Carr will be that player. Yes they need a playmaker at WR, that can be addressed in the draft.
Obviously, as I have been explaining, those types of FA players won't go to a situation the Raiders are in. SO, Reggie has to take a route where he can land those players = the draft. Just the way it is. Blaming Reggie for it is child like.
Me
But what do you expect....just look at your mocking post...so child like. What a fucking tool.
Me
And no tanking has ever happened in pro sports and the Buccaneers didn't tank last year either, never happens, right? Ya clown.
Me
no I have already displayed my case"
But where's the beef? Still waiting for a shred of evidence to back up your claim.
Your case consists of you saying something completely out in left field then stating the fact that you said it as proof.
Don't you see the problem with that?
Man, if anyone else on this site ever said anything even remotely as far fetched, you'd be on their sh*t until they were old and gray.
You're lucky I'm so nice to you, Jones. I only bring it up when you crow how perfect you are.
Best regards,
More young WRs are not going to help our current group learn how to create separation and solidify their route-running. Reggie didn't even reach out to any WR free agent other than Cobb. They can still pick up a player like Reggie Wayne who still has gas in his tank, or Nate Washington, or Hakeem Nicks, or even Robert Meachem. Yet, they don't do anything. I don't understand this.
Maybe Reggie is looking at Uncle Rico to come in as veteran help for Ponder and Carr at the QB position. He used to throw a football a quarter of a mile, you know. I wonder if the Water Boy was ever drafted by someone? He would be an awesome DB. Has he reached out to Lester Hayes? Either way, he may as do something while he's doing nothing! He's going to have to mix and match!
Didn't Cobb re-sign with GB before free agency started? Not sure Reggie had any access to Cobb. Only a wish.
I don't care if you believe it, your OPINION is mud. It has no value. I could go on for days about your pathetic comments, too easy. Keep beating that horse, if it makes you feel superior....facts show otherwise.
Me
You don't understand this?....in your 1st point, you said you wanted a BLUE CHIP WR VET who can teach the young guys....(why in the fuck do they have coaches)? Then you name off a bunch of washed up vets and ask WHY? You are absurd, no matter what handle you use.
JJ is a vet leader, a playmaker WR can do wonderful things as a rookie, seen it happen many times.
And I would like to know how 'nate' knows who Reggie has reached out to? You guy, fucking clown.
Me
You aren't sure there was contact with Cobb? LMFAO, since when does Reggie report to you? Fucking clown.
Me
Reggie and Cobb did have a sit-down during the legal "tampering" period. Cobb eventually did re-sign with GB 3 days before Free Agency period started.
Jones, I never said to go after a "blue chip WR vet". I said to after a high quality WR vet, big difference. Coaches cannot always help during games, especially against individual corners like a high quality vet can. Coaches coach according to the game plan against the defensive scheme. It is up to the players to watch film on individual players they are going up against to find out their strategies and how they approach certain WRs, positions, and plays before and after the snap. A high quality WR would help other WRs recognize these tendencies of individual players and help them develop game time strategies to get them off their game. On the field, it is a mental game. Coaches can only do so much.
For example, compare the impact Tim Brown/Jerry Rice had on Jerry Porter, who went elsewhere and flopped because he thought he knew it all and didn't need them; as compared to Ronald Curry who solidified himself as a WR under the tutelage of Brown/Rice. That is the value of a high quality WR. I'd rather sign a washed up vet like Reggie Wayne, who can help our WR corp and draft a stud WR; than just draft a stud WR and expect him to adapt to the NFL on his own. Look at how Reggie Wayne helped TY Hilton develop.
You say that JJ is a vet leader and playmaker, but he is inconsistent like the rest of our WRs. He has trouble creating separating against talented CBs. In your words, seen it happen many times.
As far as knowing who Reggie has reached out to? You can read it yourself on CSNbayarea, they have several nice articles about Reggie and other players that he is reaching out to, and what type of players Reggie is looking for. They are not difficult to find.
Talk about a clown (Me/True Raider-Tanking Fan/I drive my own clown car every time I post). It's like talking football with my overly emotional sister.
"And no tanking has ever happened in pro sports and the Buccaneers didn't tank last year either, never happens, right?"
Bucs 2014 schedule results:
PANTHERS 20 BUCCANEERS 14
RAMS 19 BUCCANEERS 17
BUCCANEERS 14 FALCONS 56
BUCCANEERS 27 STEELERS 24
BUCCANEERS 31 SAINTS 37
RAVENS 48 BUCCANEERS 17
VIKINGS 19 BUCCANEERS 13
BUCCANEERS 17 BROWNS 22
FALCONS 27 BUCCANEERS 17
BUCCANEERS 27 REDSKINS 7
BUCCANEERS 13 BEARS 21
BENGALS 14 BUCCANEERS 13
BUCCANEERS 17 LIONS 34
BUCCANEERS 17 PANTHERS 19
PACKERS 20 BUCCANEERS 3
SAINTS 23 BUCCANEERS 20
Bucs had 11 close competitive losses out of the 16 regular season games. And only four blowout games. Where the fuck does this tanking job on purpose fit in that tight window of bullshit of yours!!??
Me
Tank on my own nonsensical opinions! Duh
Jones, you post crap like that and then blame me for perpetuating this nonsense. You are clearly out of gas. You think posting the Bucs game scores is proof they tanked? Really?
Raiders won two of their last four games. What do you make of that? Selective tanking to drop from #1 to #4 pick in the draft? They wouldn't want to make it too obvious, right?
This is why your statements like, "facts show otherwise," carry zero credibility.
You repeat over and over that you've proven something when all you've done is convince yourself.
Honestly, I've searched the Internet and I still can't find one statement made or shred of evidence that comes close to corroborating your tanking theory.
If it happens all the time, you'd think someone else in the world would be discussing it.
LOL, "You say that JJ is a vet leader and playmaker"...WRONG
Said he was the Vet you are describing....he can be that guy. Never said he was the playmaker....you really are a clown.
Name me the players Reggie reached out to, tell me their names, would love to hear it.
I pity your sister, no wonder she is so emotional, having a brother that is such a tool must be very taxing.
Me
I didn't post that, you fuck up, you did. Man, pulling out all the stops, hey puke?
Sometimes tanking teams don't always get the #1 pick ya tool. Man, you are going off the deep end, LOL.
And the games they won, they tried to win, you could see the difference in their play. The 1st was a nationally televised game, they played like a team that wanted to prove something and they did. The win over SF was wanted because they were trying to lure Harbaugh and wanted to show him what they had.....Buccaneers sat almost all their starters in the last game....that's enough, if you want more explanation, it's all written in the archives.
Fact is, over the years shows I have been much more accurate than you = too easy. You don't rate, you ain't in my League, no matter how you try to pretend you are. I know more about football/life than you will ever know. Don't cry, sweety, you can still pretend.
Me
Here is a great Reggie quote:
“We don’t feel it’s doom and gloom at the receiver spot,” McKenzie told Sirius XM NFL Radio. “We do know we want to upgrade at the receiver spot and some other spots also. We’re taking a positive outlook because there are some good receivers out there coming into this draft. At some point I’m sure we’ll get better at that position.”
At some point I'm sure we'll get better at that position...wow. There is a guy with a plan. I actually laughed out loud when I read it.
Bryan
"Sometimes tanking teams don't always get the #1 pick ya tool."
So the Raiders even screwed up tanking? Is that your position today?
Bryan -
How's this for a quote:
"Del Rio said that as Denver defensive coordinator, the Broncos weren’t particularly concerned about Raiders receivers getting behind them."
It's pretty clear Reggie has written off 2015 as another developmental year. To know you have a profound deficiency at WR and not pursue any WRs is quite a concession.
Jones,
Your own words from your post:
"JJ is a vet leader, a playmaker WR"
You did say it, scroll up and read it. Clown.
From CSNbayarea:
"The Raiders frequently used up-front roster bonuses, which hit the cap in one shot, over signing bonuses prorated against the cap over the life of the contract. That helps get cash and cap spending up and, as an ancillary benefit, generally avoids major dead money down the road."
Again, by sacrificing signing bonuses and guaranteed monies, the Raiders lost significant impact players early in Free Agency.
The article also talks about the Raiders, Jets, Jags, and Patriots are all currently below the spending floor of the Salary cap, and those 4 teams has accounted for 24% of all monies spent so far in free agency. The biggest portion of that percentage belongs to the Jags.
In another article about WRs, the Raiders are talking about how they have a good young corp of WRs. I agree with that, we have a solid corp of young WRs. But they need a savvy vet to help them grow and show how to create separation, and help give them insight to individual CBs they will be facing, and what tendencies they have during the game, and how to challenge them.
Drafting a top WR is a good thing, but they still need the savvy vet WR. Look at how Brown/Rice helped Ronald Curry develop from a QB to WR. Brown had Willie Gault, Mervyn Fernandez, and James Lofton to help him as a rookie, and he made the most of it. Look at how Reggie Wayne (who is still available) help TY Hilton develop as a young WR.
Reggie Wayne may have lost a step in speed, but he can still separate and be an asset to the young WRs we have, and he is 3 steps above James Jones.
The most damning comment in this article comes from our current coach, "Last year they didn’t have many guys who would scare you going deep, but I felt like he (Carr) could get it down there.”
It's not just about adding another young WR, it is giving them all the coaching tools and veteran experience that will help take the young WRs to the next level and be "scary." James Jones, though a vet, is not that type of WR, Reggie Wayne is (when compared to James Jones).
Nate, remember all the years AL neglected to bring in a vet WR? Nothing has changed under McKenzie. WR has been a terrible weakness of the Raiders since Brown/Rice left.
"Last year they didn’t have many guys who would scare you going deep, but I felt like he (Carr) could get it down there.”
JDR is revealing his hand a bit. This is why they will likely pick White over Cooper, which is probably a shame because Cooper is a possession guy that can move the chains. White is a deep threat but can he maintain that threat against NFL corners?
We already have enough (prolly not as good as Cooper) possession guys: James Jones, Rod Streater, and Brice Butler. What we need is a big body, fights for the ball, goes up high for the ball to anywhere in his vicinity, speed burner threat to secondary (Andre Holmes not a threat nor fast enough) Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson game changer types, that opens it up for the other WRs!
Draft Kevin White! He fits that bill we need badly to be filled! He will be our franchise WR with our franchise QB Carr in place for years to come!
If Reggie whiffs on him, he will be dead man walking in Oakland.....
Not sure I would call any of our WRs possession guys. Raiders probably challenged the league for top honors in dropped passes last year.
Cooper is known as a precise route runner, ala Wes Welker and guys like that. Carr has shown flashed of being a tremendous timing passer. These guys could have an amazing career together.
For what it's worth, Cooper had more receptions and TDs than White, as well as a superior ratio of catches per attempts (I can look it up again but his catch ratio is staggering!). The guy is a football catching machine!
That said, White is a dangerous combination of big and fast and may be just as pro ready as Cooper. Only time will tell.
IMO, the bottom line is, McKenzie should pick one of those two guys as his #1 pick in the draft, and hope guys like Jones and Streater can properly acclimate him into the NFL.
Otherwise, going into 2015 with little to no change at WR is inexcusable!
Leonard Williams won't be available, or I'd take him and sign a vet WR.
Here's my board as of today:
Williams
Cooper
White
Any one of these guys could immediately improve the Raiders.
The problem is we have a deep threat with Streater (if he can stay healthy); so adding another deep threat with White doesn't make sense unless the Raiders use his big body and speed in the slot against LBs and Safeties (ala Jerry Rice).
My concern is that the Raiders don't take a WR with their first pick, and try to move on another "edge" rusher like Shane Ray, and target a WR like Jaelen Strong, DeVante Parker, or Breshad Perriman in the 2nd Round.
There has been talk about the Raiders wanting another "edge" rusher to give Mack some help. That would be either Williams or Ray in the first round, and not much impact after that. Preston Smith would be a viable pick in the 2nd round, and with Del Rio coaching him, he could improve on his weaknesses.
I would draft Cooper (WR) or Trae Waynes (CB) first, Tre Jackson (OG) or Preston Smith (DE) in the 2nd, and Ty Montgomery (WR) or Chris Conley (WR) in the 3rd. The second round pick is the most difficult for me at the moment. I know we need a pass rusher, but Tre Jackson and Gabe Jackson at OG would be lights out (Jackson & Jackson security).
I wouldn't count Leonard Williams being out at #4 just yet. I think the Titans could pick Mariota now that they need a QB, unless they like Bryce Petty in the 2nd.
That's my draft take. Still hope the Raiders pursue a WR in Free Agency (Reggie Wayne).
Raider Nate 75 said...
Jones,
Your own words from your post:
"JJ is a vet leader, a playmaker WR"
You did say it, scroll up and read it. Clown.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
No Names? Where are the names Reggie reached out to...= you can't thus the out of context quote.
You have NOTHING, so all you have is mocking. Figures, that's what gutless pukes do.
Can't refute what is written = I win again
Me
Isn't Reggie's main focus of the draft that a team never, ever drafts for a need position, you always take the best player available?
nyraider - I saw that JDR quote as well. It goes back to earlier conversations. Biggest need positions were WR, DE, QB, OG...nobody added of significant value yet.
Bryan
Rod Streater has a Juron Criner, Denarius Moore, Jacoby Ford, Luis Murphy injury prone and inconsistent "potential big player" type. I'm done with those project players that never stick as a TRUE #1 WR that we need so badly over these miserable years without ONE? Kevin White is your Julio Jones type of PLAYMAKER we need!!!
Also forgot to mention Chaz Shillings remember that guy!? LOL
Opps and how can I forget DHB! Ugh
Bryan. Raiders are still in that dark place where best available is a position of need, QB aside.
If we go WR, as we probably should, I hope Reggie does his homework and knows which one of the top guys is the best fit for Carr. I'm guessing it's Cooper.
If it's White, I'm on board. I'm a fan of WV.
Jones said, "No Names? Where are the names Reggie reached out to...= you can't thus the out of context quote.
You have NOTHING, so all you have is mocking. Figures, that's what gutless pukes do.
Can't refute what is written = I win again"
I told you where you could go find the articles yourself. You don't give us links to articles, or other "proofs" to support your "opinions" so why do you expect me to, once again, hand you my proof? Go find it yourself on CSNBayArea, clown.
I would be very pleased with either Cooper or White with our 1st round pick. White is more explosive while Cooper is more polished -- both would be nice additions. Murray, Cooper/White, Jones, Streater, Rivera, and use of backs in passing game, plus a possible FA WR to be signed would provide plenty of options and big play potential to Carr to utilize.
By moving Howard to RT and adding Hudson, I expect significant improvements to our OLine. Penn-Jackson-Hudson-Barnes-Howard is a solid group.
Real strong case you build, 'nate'. " Go look at some articles" is real strong. Man, you are on fire today.
Me
I think Barnes will be a backup opening day. Has to be a better option there. Hopefully they can get some mileage out of Richardson, taking the load off of Murray or another RB there.
Me
Jones,
I'm using your strategy.
Nate, so you use all the sports writers as proof and you call that my strategy?
Nahhh, you can't even make up your own strategy, let alone your own opinion without some hack being the source of it.
This is where we differ. Mine comes from ME, yours comes from other people's opinion. BIG DIFFERENCE and that's why you can NEVER be in my league. Have a great day.
Me
"Mine comes from ME"
Exactly! Jones' posts are 100% conjecture, with an overdose of narcissism, and they don't evolve with new information.
But, hey, he's always right!
BUT, if you go look back in the archives of what has been written on this site = I blow you away. It's not even close.
Talk about evolving...you are STILL CRYING over Veld, Houston, Wiz, Hue, 8-8....yeah, you are so evolved...fuck you are a clown.
Me
So you ask everyone for "proof" of our arguments, then when we give you "proof" of our arguments (which really proof is from media sources and the team itself, which speaks to the media as well) you tell us it is not our own opinion?
Then you further say that you don't need proof because you're always right?
Get your head out of your @$$.
Hey Take, I have an idea about this the 2015 clown car, just post a picture of Jones' and his household.
Always spouting some made-up resume, eh, Jones. Napoleon Complex? Need to feel like you're better than everyone else.
Truth is, you never say anything. You just bash others. That's your MO.
Your record here is zero! You've been telling us the "table is set" for years. McKenzie is on his 3rd HC and has numerous documented failures, almost too many to list.
But hey, nobody's perfect, right, Jones?
Veldheer, Jennings, etc. These are relevant topics. They fit a pattern of free agency turnovers that McKenzie has demonstrated.
Ok. Forget the recent past. Show us one post where you discuss the 10 free agents McKenzie just signed, or any reference you've made to Raiders upcoming draft.
These are current topics that interest all of us. Yet, you're too busy bashing others and defending your resume, which will now always include your amazing tanking theory. That's one for the ages.
HI EVERYONE! been a while! here's what i'm hoping for:
williams (no way he fal;ls to us but it does'nt hurt to wish
white
cooper - although that reputation that alabama players don't translate to the nfl well kind of worries me...
i can't wait for this draft! i hope all is well with all my raider nation family!
Rich Gannon has a couple sound bites on Raiders.com, and was very complimentary of Derek Carr. He points to need for vet leadership, and speaks about the players lack of responsiveness to Dennis Allen, which improved with Sparano.
Sparano is a players coach, but Del Rio and Ken Norton Jr will bring much needed leadership.
Draft is the next critical step!
An ESPN panel assigned grades for each NFL team on the two-week free-agency period. The group likes the work done by the Oakland Raiders, who have been the most active team in free agency.
The panel gave the Raiders a B-plus grade. It was tied for the fifth-highest grade in the league. ESPN scout Matt Williamson lauded Oakland for using its salary-cap wealth (the Raiders had the second-most cap room to start free agency) on volume. He liked the way the Raiders shored up the core of their team.
"The Raiders got way stronger at the two pivots, right up the middle with their big guys, which was a huge problem," Williamson said. "Both (center Rodney) Hudson and (defensive tackle Dan) Williams are really good players in their primes. (Middle linebacker Curtis) Lofton and (outside linebacker Malcolm) Smith are upgrades, but not great. (Safety Nate) Allen is worth the risk as a free safety. But you see Oakland in that Jaguars/Browns category with a ton of money to spend, no one to spend it on and difficulties finding guys to go there. Ideally, they would have landed a Randall Cobb or Ndamukong Suh."
B+ with the caveat that nobody good will come to Oakland.
Sounds like it was graded on a curve.
By Mike Triplett | March 27, 2015 12:33:58 PM PDT
Releasing linebacker Curtis Lofton was both a football and financial decision, according to New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton.
Although Lofton was a team captain who ranked fourth in the NFL with 144 tackles last year, the Saints didn’t feel the value was right as he was due $7.25 million in salary and bonuses this year.
Sean Payton said every offseason requires tough decisions based largely on salaries.
Payton’s description of how the decision played out was reminiscent of the way Payton explained that the Saints decided they had to part ways with one of their expensive guards (ultimately trading Ben Grubbs to the Kansas City Chiefs).
Payton made it sound like Lofton, 28, balked at the idea of taking a pay cut. Meanwhile, fellow veteran linebacker David Hawthorne agreed to a pay cut to $3.25 million in salary and bonuses this year, and veteran linebacker Dannell Ellerbe agreed to a new, reduced contract as part of the Saints’ trade with the Miami Dolphins. Since Miami is eating some of the money, Ellerbe’s deal will cost the Saints only $1.2 million this year and a total of $11.6 million over three years.
Hawthorne will slide over to Lofton’s middle “mike” linebacker spot, while Ellerbe will play the other inside “will” linebacker position.
“I think overall, there were a few players we knew from a numbers standpoint, there was going to have to be something done,” Payton said during the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix. “It’s hard. Every offseason at some point your boss calls you in and says, ‘Look, we feel like you need to improve in this area, this area and this area. And you need to be better here, here and here. And by the way, we want to pay you 70 percent of what you made last year.’
“Essentially, to some degree, the market fluctuates within our game with contracts. We felt like an inside linebacker was going to be someone we definitely had as a ‘must.’ We didn’t know if it would be a mike or a will. I do feel like Dannell Ellerbe has played both and has that flexibility.
“With Curtis, there was obviously ‘X’ amount of dollars due to be made. We felt that was going to be the best way to go.”
Lofton, meanwhile, made out just fine by signing a three-year, $18 million deal with the Oakland Raiders that includes a guaranteed $6.5 million this year and $10 million in total guarantees.
Looks like RM aggressively going after and signing Hudson was a much needed move with the news about Wiz needing surgery.
Looks like RM is aggressively pursuing Gersham inspite of back surgery as well.
Have to wonder whether Wiz's shoulder injury effected his play last year and if the Raiders could have been smarter in the way this whole thing was handled.
Raiders played terrible at times on the line, and never got much of a push in the running game. It seemed obvious they needed to shift things around. Trying Booth or someone else at center might have been a smart risk, and perhaps allowed Wiz to address his injury prior to the off-season.
NYR,
As you know, injuries are a part of the NFL landscape. Speculating that Wiz was mis-handled is silly. If Wiz was signed and unable to go, you would have been first in line to say how our GM was negligent. The reality is that RM upgraded the center position. Wiz needing surgery gave him more impetus to ensure that the Raiders had the center position covered AND improved.
If you read my post, then you know I did not state anything as fact. Nothing is silly, and there are no absolutes when it comes to McKenzie and the Raiders, particularly now, during the off-season when everything tends to look rosier.
I think the possibility to re-sign Wiz is still there depending on his recovery time. If we do, does he move to RG?
The bottom line, I keep reading stories that the Raiders are not done with Free Agency, which is good. I think they are preparing their draft board and will focus on bringing in Free Agents afterwards. There are still a lot of good players the Raiders can and should target to bring in.
Good call, Nate. Bringing back Wiz to play G and backup C could be tremendous.
I read the Raiders may have several D-line players ahead of WRs on their draft board. Not sure if this is true but I can't see picking anyone but perhaps Leonard Williams ahead of Cooper or White.
At this point, I'm not sure I can say what order I'd put these three players, only that I'd be thrilled to see the Raiders get one of them. That would be a hell of a start to the draft.
The Raiders just released Antonio Smith.
"I read the Raiders may have several D-line players ahead of WRs on their draft board. Not sure if this is true but I can't see picking anyone but perhaps Leonard Williams ahead of Cooper or White."
Maybe something to it on having several D-line players ahead of WRs, Antonio Smith just released!?
Wiz visited the Jags yesterday.
Its the lull season as the teams start preparing for the Draft.
The Raiders need to add so much depth to their team that it isn't even funny anymore. And ultimately, if they truly want to grow this team for the long-term, they need to do it in the draft. Free agents only plug a hole here or there for a quick fix; but the Raiders have too many holes for 1 or 2 or even 3 free agents to solve.
McFadden says that the world hasn't seen his best yet. Yes, Darren, we have....when you played for Arkansas.
Oh, and thanks for nothing. Watch out for the Line of Scrimmage, it will trip you up every time.
Crabtree please no. Raiders need speed not that goof
Crabtree was hands down the better WR coming out of college when the Raiders drafted DHB ahead of him. At that time, Crabtree vowed not to sign with the Raiders if they drafted him. IMO, that made him look like a selfish, me-first player.
Of course, DHB is now a special teamer for the Steelers.
Both these guys kinda jump the shark since being drafted.
Hearing rumblings the Raiders might get Williams. He is a great player but Cooper would be the better pick for the Raiders. WR are critical in today's nfl and Carr badly needs weapons
I don't get this signing. Crabtree dissed the Raiders before being drafted by the 49ers. He is a me-first player.
"Crabtree said “I’m a third-down receiver. I mean, I’m like the third option. So I come in and do my job.” There was no expression of happiness that his team won a tough road game, just disappointment with his role in the offense. This is not the type of player that the Oakland Raiders need on their team."
I certainly hope signing Crabtree doesn't preclude the Raiders from drafting Cooper or White.
I think Crabtree's signing was a perfectly executed contract by Reg. This was a great value contract, that gives Crabtree incentives to step his game up and get a bigger pay day.
I wanted the Raiders to draft him, instead the ol' man bagged DHB (a decision I will never understand). I like the move. Ray Ratto said it best:
"The 49ers never knew why they drafted Crabtree, couldn’t figure out what to do with him once they did..."
They can still reel in Reggie Wayne on a similar deal, and that would stack the WR weapons in our favor. Especially if they draft a Cooper or White. Right now, from what I'm reading, that is a big IF too. Reggie has publicly said that they are willing to trade down (I think I saw that on ESPN). They have CB Marcus Peters coming in for a visit, which makes sense with Jack Del Rio since they both are Oakland natives.
I wouldn't mind this pick because the Raiders do need a shut down corner. Haven't had one since Nnamdi. CB and WR are the weakest areas on this team, and there is a possibility that the Raiders could nab Jaleen Strong in the 2nd round or later first round (if we get 2 first round picks with our trade with the Browns who at #4 select Mariota).
IF they go with a CB in the first round, the Raiders can also pick Chris Conley (Georgia) in later rounds. I think he may be the steal of the draft at this position. He doesn't have flashy numbers, but he has speed, size, and a good presence on the field. But the bigger question is do the Raiders draft Josh Harper (WR, Fresno St) in later rounds? He did well with Carr.
Preston Smith (DE, Miss St) would also be a 2nd/3rd round steal. If there is another area the Raiders are weak in right now, it is D-Line, and pressure. I don't think Leonard Williams is there at #4, but if he is, we snag him, and it would be the right move.
Currently, I think the Raiders trade out of the #4 with the Browns for their 2 picks in the first round. Here is how I think it will play out:
#1 - Bucs pick Jameis Winston, no surprise.
#2 - Titans pick Leonard Williams, passing on Mariota because he doesn't fit Whisenhunt's model, and Whisenhunt goes after Petty in the 2nd Round, who is a better fit, and the steal of the draft at the QB position.
#3 - Jags pick Dante Fowler.
#4 - Raiders trade pick to the Browns 2 first round picks at #12 and #19. Browns pick Marcus Mariota, and Manziel gets traded to St. Louis.
#12 - Raiders select Marcus Peters, causing a rumble in the draft like they always do, by selecting a guy they could have gotten in the 2nd or 3rd round.
#19 - Raiders select Jaleen Strong.
Here is the rest of my mock for the Raiders:
Round 2 - Josue Matias (G, Fl St)
Round 3 - Preston Smith (DE, Miss St)
Round 4 - Javorius Allen (RB, USC)
Round 5 - Jordan Richards (S, Stanford)
Round 6 - Josh Harper (WR, Fresno St)
Round 7 - Aundrey Walker (G, USC)
Strong is reported to have a broken bone in his hand that needs surgery. That probably means he can't participate in offseason activities and may not be ready for preseason, possibly longer.
That's a huge drop off from plug n play WR in Cooper and the deep threat in White.
If trading down can't garner more value than the Hayden/Watson result, it's not worth it, IMO.
As the draft approaches, I wonder if the Raiders would consider trading for Adrian Peterson? With plenty of cap $ to spend to take care of Peterson, it should be looked at. I will be happy to take Williams or Cooper with our 1st round pick.
Funny you say that. PFT just posted the Raiders showing interest in Peterson. It's a long shot but viable with all the cap space. Peterson is the RB McFadden only dreamed of being.
Peterson and Cooper would be huge upgrades.
Media suggest maybe Peterson doesn't make sense because the Raiders are so far removed from contending. Could be that Peterson would make the Raiders contenders.
The next 15 days or so could be interesting.
It would be interesting to see if we trade our #4 to the Browns for their 2 first round picks; and then trade one of those picks to the Vikings for Peterson. I'd be down with that.
Whomever gets Peterson will get a player with a major chip on his shoulder, plenty of gas in the tank, and strong motivation to excel.
How about Latavious Murray, and a 3rd round pick for Peterson ?
Would Vikes go for this ?
Vikes have got to have major fear of trading A.P to Cowboys.
If Cowboys get A,P. and win SB. They'll have Vikes to thank for 4 SB's, instead of just 3.
What about Trent Richardson and a 3rd and 4th Round pick for Peterson? That would be a better move for the Raiders.
Getting Peterson would be a game changer.
Bryan
New take is FINALLY up!
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