Antonio Brown!
Shades of Randy Moss with Antonio Brown donning the Silver and Black. That’s the last time we made a blockbuster move at WR. Let’s hope we get more effort and outcome this time. $30 GUARANTEED. Oh boy, is it too much too soon, or can we protect the QB and feed AB the ball and contend soon?
posted by Raider Take at 10:46 PM
155 Comments:
It is amazing news. They gave up little and got back the best WR in football and that they have had since Tim Brown.
Carr needs weapons, the WR corp last year was a joke. 18mm a year is reasonable for the best WR in the NFL. This was low risk high reward.
Before some of you start whining about his attitude---I say find me a WR who is not a little crazy. I also commend AB for what he did, Steelers were not appreciating him and he was way underpaid. No player should have to pay in the NFL without guaranteed money and. Its not indentured servitude.
I am sure some of the people on this site may find reason to hate but this is a fantastic move for the Raiders. Credit to Gru and May
Sandy
Not sure I understand what you're saying, Sandy. So a player should be able to unilaterally break his contract if he decides he's unappreciated or underpaid?
This has been a huge problem in the NFL for a long time. Both sides are guilty but it seems that teams are more on the hook for specific performance. Brown had three years remaining on a contract he signed. This probably means his three-year deal with the Raiders is only worth about two years before it implodes. Are you okay with that?
My personal opinion is that it's way too early in the rebuild to sign a superstar player like Brown. And his salary isn't much different than Mack, who we were told the Raiders couldn't afford. (Sure, Brown will make less than da Bears paid Mack.)
The obvious questions for me are:
Does signing Brown mean that Gruden will open up the offense? Actually pass the ball down field?
Can the Raiders make a legit run at the Super Bowl within the two- to three-year window of Brown's contract?
In order for these things to be true, Gruden and the Raiders will have to step out of character and do a 180 on what we saw last year.
Welcome to the Silver and Black, Mr. Brown!
P.S. in a social media posts, Brown, or his entourage, was heard referring to the Raiders as "Black and Gray" Proof that it's only about the money.
Go black and Gray!
Before the pile-on starts, I will say that the Raiders compensation for Brown was more than equitable, and probably favors the Raiders. Kudos for that! They traded Cooper for a #1 and replaced him with Brown for a #3 and #5. That's solid!
But remember it was less than a year ago that the Raiders gave the Steelers a #3 for Bryant. Maybe this is a little payback.
Just keeping it in perspective.
Meanwhile, Raiders still have their #1's and #2. That's 4 picks that need to be used for potential long-term starters!
Yes a player should be able to renegotiate his contract just like any other industry in the world. Yes NFL players should get guaranteed money just like the other major pro sports. Brown was significantly underpaid and he has every right to seek to be paid what he is worth.
Is he playing for the money of course he is and damn well he should, the man wont remember his own name when he is 50 how dare anyone deny him the right to make money now. It does not mean he wont work his ass off and be a great pro, in fact if he is happy with his compensation he will probably play that much harder.
Unfortunately in the racist, indenture servitude of the NFL billionaire owners with their terrible attitudes he had to pull a power play. Good for him, happy to see the Steelers get played. I did not hear you whining when Mack did it to the Raiders and refused to play on his 5th year option.
These guys destroy their bodies and brains and should maximize their earnings while they can. NFL makes billions so screw the owners.
Mack's cap hit is at least 5 mm more per year and the total dollars of his contract is almost 3x as much as Brown's
It was a master stroke by Gru and May. Your logic of they are not going to win the super-bowl in the next 3 years is ass backwards as well. So what does that mean don't try to win more games now? They have the cap room do it, they strengthened the weakest position of the team and they did not do it and the expense of the future. The contract has a two year out and they gave up very little draft capital.
Sandy
I didn't think the Raiders would pull it off, and they have. I'm not happy with the fact they are paying him what they should have given Mack, but then again, I'm not a decision maker. We just picked up one of the most elite WRs in the League, and one of the hardest working players in the League. I'm excited about this.
Now to get the Offensive Line right, because Carr won't get him the ball if he doesn't get adequate protection. ZBS destroyed our line last season, we need to break away from it, and get a combo of ZBS/Power. The O-Line has to be put in a position to attack first in order to succeed in this League. The more aggressive wins, period.
This also changes the draft strategy tremendously. I no longer think our #4 will be DK Metcalf. We lose a 3rd and 5th rounder as well. I definitely think that the Raiders draft a WR, but now it is just a matter of where. I'm re-calibrating and re-calculating, but extremely excited at this point. JUST WIN, BABY!
I don't feel as sorry for Brown as you do. Did you forget Brown's contract with the Steelers was front-loaded with bonus monies that the Steelers have already paid? His cap number around $21M is a reflection of that. So it's not like his scheduled lower salary for 2019 exists in a vacuum.
I never said anything about denying guarantees. Please don't put words in my mouth. Football is high risk, and players should always negotiate to the fullest extent possible.
Honestly, Sandy, you used to be very polite and reasonable on this blog. You've gone righteous and indignant. Now you're playing the racist card? Really?
It's a business. The Rooney's and the Davis's are the last owners I would label as racist.
As for two-year window to win a Super Bowl, I can't fathom how you think that's reasonable. Were you watching the same team I saw last year? Raiders don't just need better players, they need better coaching and better scheme. That may well happen over time, but two years? That's a reach and you know it.
WRT Mack, I said here many times that I blamed Mack for not showing up to camp and not trying harder to get a deal done. The fault lies in both parties but, ultimately, the Raiders made the decision. But by doing so, they also showed a weakness that others may try and exploit. Brown is proving that now with the Steelers.
I guess my take is that players and teams should not sign long-term deals because they are not worth the paper they're written on.
Raiders may get two solid years out of AB, but to what end?
In the long-run, the Raiders might have been better off with their 3rd and 5th round picks. We'll never know.
Nate, you're making my point with ZBS. If the Raiders can't figure out better scheme, I believe having Brown will only lower our draft value over the next couple years.
Also, I think this is worth considering: If Brown wasn't happy with the Steelers, what makes anyone think he'll be happy with the Raiders..., i.e., once the honeymoon is over? The Steelers are perennially better than the Raiders.
Raiders are 15 years in the tank. It's sad to think that kids growing up today only know the Raiders as losers.
NY
Your negativity is astounding. Already you are questioning the trade. Every comment you make is generally negative with maybe a little optimism sprinkled in. You really should root for another team.
This is an amazing trade for the Raiders. The guaranteed money between his and Macks contract is not comparable nor is the yearly cap number. I dont think the Raiders will win the Super Bowl in the next two years but they are a hell of a lot better with Brown than without. I think that is the goal of management to make the team better while not mortgaging the future?
Yes the NFL is institutionalized racism. Sorry to burst your bubble. Any league that does not offer guaranteed contracts is another form of servitude and a plantation mentality. I could not be happier for Brown to get money he 100% deserves based on his performance. It was good to see him stick it to the Rooneys and the way he worked the system. Good for him.
Sandy
Gregg Rosenthal
✔
@greggrosenthal
Amari Cooper, a 3rd and a 5th for Antonio Brown and a 1st is a hell of a trade
No. I was questioning the trade well before it happened, even before the rumor got hot. I'm just thankful it didn't involve a 1st or 2nd rd pick.
I'm not being negative for the sake of it. I think I'm being realistic, and have realistic concerns about a team that has for 15 years defied the odds and remained at the bottom of a league built for parity.
I will ask again; to what end did the Raiders trade for Brown? To simply make them better for a couple years?
I'd rather the Raiders focus more long-term. How nice would it be to have the success that the Patriots have enjoyed?
Brown will be 31 this year, and 34 when his contract expires. He's probably not in the long game, pun intended.
He should have had far greater value to a team which is one star player away from unseating the Patriots. But for some reason you think it was smarter for the Raiders to grab him as part of an expensive two-year rental. Sorry, I don't get that.
Brown is unquestionably better than Cooper. It will be fun watching him play but, again, to what end?
I hope I'm wrong!
If you needed more proof that the Raiders are sticking with ZBS, here it is:
"ESPN reports that the Raiders have agreed to trade guard Kelechi Osemele to the Jets."
Is Feliciono still available?!
I always thought that if the Raiders got Brown it would be at a high price, but it wasn't. It was beyond reasonable, to borderline absurd! The Bills were ready to give their First Rounder for him, but AB was not willing to go to Buffalo and nixed the deal. The Steelers had nowhere else to turn, and the Raiders had the upper hand and took advantage of it.
Now it they should focus on the O-Line, D-Line, LB, CB, and RB in Free Agency and Draft. I am happy with this move because it didn't break us. Again, my only complaint is the money they paid for him after saying they couldn't afford to show the same to Mack. It just proves the rumors true from the start that for some reason, Gruden was not impressed with Mack. That is something I'm not sure I will ever get over, and something I am not sure Gruden will ever get past. But it happened, nothing we can do but move on.
If the Raiders don't fix their O-Line protection and pass schemes, Brown will end up the way that Moss did with us. Nobody wants that, especially Gruden. Again, I'm not making decisions, but if I were, Cable and Olsen would be shown the door for the second time. I just hope this is the beginning of filling our positional needs with quality players. JUST WIN, BABY!+
Raiders gave the Jets Osemele and a 6th rd pick for a 5th round pick.
That makes no sense, even if the Raiders planned to move Osemele... which they did.
Nate, I agree, if Raiders don't figure out their O-line, Brown may not last long. Brown's relationship with Steelers became so toxic they had to move him.
Jon Feliciano will start at Guard, taking the place of Osemele. I like this move, and I hate it too. We get back into the 5th round. I love Osemele, and if you follow him on Twitter, you will see he is yoked, and lost some weight while recovering. He looks to be in the best shape of his career. He's a monster! That is where I hate this trade. At the same time, he is not a ZBS guy. He needs the first step against the defender to get the upper hand. Cable and Co took that away, so he is no longer a fit in the system. I'm afraid Gabe Jackson is the same, but he surprised me and seem to hold his own last season. Feliciano is just as monster as Osemele, and better at ZBS. That is where I like this move, he should be a starter on this O-Line.
Chiefs released Justin Houston. More vets to be cut, traded, or signed somewhere soon. I think the next best move the Raiders can make is to sign Trey Flowers (DE, Patriots). We will see.
" makes no sense" .....Raiders swapped a 6th for a 5th.....the negative nelly is alive and well. Jackson is the LG, The Brown trade is such a good move that the video game 'Madden' would not allow the trade to happen , too one-sided. Brown over Coop and a 1st Rd pick, no brainer. This off season is going to be another one for the ages. A splash has occurred LMAO.
Five fingers to the face
NY, you are right I may be a curmudgeon, but my man when the Raiders trade 3 rd for the best WR in the game. If you aint anything but happy its plain wrongs.
Sandy
P.S. WR was the weakest position on the team
P.P.S How about an awesome Sunday of reading articles about the Raiders that on its own worth a 5th round pick
P.P.P.S Moving on from Osemele for 10mm in cap space I can live with in exchange for a high end LB
Nate, Feliciano is an unrestricted free agent. I agree, Raiders should secure him immediately but, as of today, he can negotiate with any team. He's a legit starter and can backup at Center. If the Raiders don't sign him (at about half Osemele's salary) they may end up using a high draft pick on some hopeful. A bird in hand....
Sandy, it appears we disagree on many things. I disagree that WR is the weakest position. Plenty of holes to fill but none weaker than edge rusher. That seems glaringly obvious since Mack's departure. Conversely, when Cooper left, LaFell stepped right in and improved the WRs.
Raiders best receiver, Jared Cook, is an unrestricted free agent. Without Cook, the addition of Brown won't be nearly as effective.
...plenty of holes to fill.
WR is a weak offensive position for us. AB had 15 touchdowns last season, which was more than all the Raiders WRs combined last season (9). Still need to be effective on the O-Line, and still need to figure out the Tackle positions.
I didn't know Feliciano was a free agent. That makes me sad. He is actually not free to sign with anyone until Wednesday when the new league starts. He is certainly free to talk with the Raiders though. I hope they sign him.
NY you are always looking to argue. You are right we did not need a WR LaFell and Nelson would be just fine.
They got the best WR in the league for a 3rd and 5th. Its great news. We did not mortgage the future in terms of draft picks or salary cap. Stop complaining, it was an awesome move.
Nate75, Denzel Good will be the RG and Gabe will move over the left. Unless Felciano is willing to get paid 5 or less I don't see him back.
Regards
Sandy
High impact signing LT from Patriots, highest paid OT now.
Miller moves to RT
Sandy, it's one of those things that I wish you could hear yourself speak. You don't want me to form my own opinion, you just want me to use yours. I disagreed with you about WR being the weakest position of need, and you write that I said we do not need a WR.
You have become very bitter.
I said multiple times that we have many positions of need, WR is one. So many needs, in fact, that I questioned the Raiders for paying a league-high WR salary to acquire Brown. I'm also concerned that he might flame out in a couple years, like he did in Pittsburgh. Those are valid points but, for some reason, it's easier for you to level personal attacks and make false statements about my opinions.
I think Good was signed as a utility lineman. He wasn't signed as a starter, though, he will likely get a chance to compete now that Osemele is gone.
In effect, the Raiders opened another hole by letting Osemele go. But understandable given his $10M salary and move to ZBS.
Feliciano is ready to be a full-time starter. He's worth $5M a year, and he'll get it.
The Raiders obviously don't care about paying record salaries, so they would be smart to pay Feliciano market value to stay and take over of Osemele.
IMO - and some will love this - moving K Miller to RT and Parker out of the lineup only proves that the Raiders botched last year's draft, at least at the top. They reached for both players (even traded up for Parker), when plenty of talented D players were available.
Hopefully the combination of Gruden and Mayock will be more effective in the draft than Gruden and McKenzie.
You are the bitter one who is constantly negative and always criticizing the team. I am positive and supportive of what Gruden is doing.
You are the only one on this blog who never has anything positive to say. Is it any wonder you fight with everyone and the commentators are mostly down to you and NAte.
I think Nate pointed out that Brown had more TDs than all Raider WRs combined. That seems like a balanced, factual opinion.
You throw out the name Brandon Lefell is he your new Navvaro Bowamn---lol?
Who cares if they made him the top wr, its a two year deal. it does not hamstring the raiders cap for years to come, where is the problem?
I am out of here, RT I enjoy your blog but NY is way too much of a downer for me.
Sandy
Raiders are linked to sign Trent Brown (LT, Patriots) to a 4 year, $66 million, $36.75 million guaranteed becomes the highest paid O-Lineman. But this contract is covered with the Osemele trade, and possible Donald Penn cut. To center pieces a few years ago with the #1 overall offensive line. Bittersweet!
It is bittersweet to me because Dante Scarnecchia is the Pats' O-Line coach, who is impeccable. Tom Cable, not so much.
OAK O-Line Pass Pro Rank (adj sack %):
2014: #3 (4.4%)
2015: #4 (4.6%)
2016: #1 (3.4%)
2017: #7 (4.6%)
2018: #25 (8.7%)
Tom Cable should be out of the NFL if he cannot turn this around this season.
Wow! But I'm the downer? You can't have an exchange of ideas without crying foul?
Wouldn't be so much easier to disagree and say why you disagree? Or ignore my posts if you can't handle my opinions... and that's all they are, opinion.
Again, putting words in my mouth. All I said was that LaFell came in and outplayed Cooper. Do you disagree with that, or is it just easier to make a strawman argument?
In terms of TDs for Raiders WRs vs AB, it had a lot to do with lack of protection and scheme. Carr was harassed all last year, which is why Miller is being moved and Parker is out.
Of course Brown is better than anyone else on the Raiders. He better be. He's now the highest paid WR in the league.
My central point is that if the Raiders are rebuilding, then they should rebuild. Paying record-setting salaries to vet players seems more like a retool than a rebuild.
I half thought they should give Miller another chance to be their LT of the future, and just replace Parker at RT. Now, Miller will be moved out of his natural position, and the Raiders will expect better results. Not sure that makes sense to me. That's what they tried to do with Penn.
Seems to me they may still need a RT. Miller might not be the answer.
Brown is scheduled to make over $21M in 2020... against the salary cap. Essentially, Mack-money!
So the Raiders sign two free agents who will account for approximately $40M against the salary cap by 2020.
Is this how anyone pictured Year 1 of rebuilding would go?
Hard to believe Mack wasn't good enough to keep, after now knowing he was affordable!
Actually, Miller played RT at UCLA more than he did LT. So you could say he is going back to his natural position. Which is why I thought it was strange that they moved Donald Penn to RT, instead of Miller.
Now the deal with Trent Brown will be finalized on Wednesday, and both parties can back out of the deal by then too. Raiders are still in the hunt for Le'Veon Bell as well. Spending cash like they have a hole in their pocket, while spinning stories last year about not having cash at all.
Miller's history at RT makes more sense. That's good to hear.
IMO, Raiders seem a bit desperate making these big signings. I imagined something different, like:
-Miller's second year at LT (healthy and improved). After all, the Raiders did use a 1st rd pick on him.
-Warren III getting a shot to play a major role in the running game, with maybe Doug Martin also coming back. This could still happen.
-signing a vet RT to take over for Parker
-I'm Ok letting Osemele go, but hoping Feliciano steps up.
-draft focusing on D, including at least 3 of the top 4 picks... all starters!
I guess I pictured something more measured in approach.
Going after Bell next?
If Carr is staying as the QB, then this all makes sense. Carr is entering his prime, would it be fair to him to give him avg WR's and a so so OL at this time of his career? Carr needs a team around him and Gruden and Mayock are providing it. I like this approach, aggressive and adapting to situations at hand. The O-line will be better this year, WR will be better, that is good news, not bad.
Obviously, Raiders want to win now. Does the rebuild have to be a slow process? Would any of you accept that? The O is being set up to win now. The D has to catch up and they are working on it as we write. Rebuilds don't always go as planned, things change. Like Al Davis used to say, you need to adapt in the moment and don't hang on to ideas that can be changed.
Why would someone who complains about the years of losing want more losing in a long rebuild? Seems to me, that no matter what the Raiders do, this NY guy will always slam it. Some people love doom and gloom, they wallow in it.
Mack didn't want to be a Raider, let it go, or is it just a knife you like to wield?
5 more fingers
Jones, 15 years of epic losing can make any fan a little skeptical.
Gruden rolled the dice last year with an aging veteran team. That was a huge bust. This year's approach is clearly an upgrade in free agency/trade but will it be enough, e.g., knowing all the holes that still need to be filled through the draft?
Raiders just laid down over $60M in guarantees to two players. So yeah, the Raiders probably need to be all-in now to make it work. These players/contracts probably have a short self life.
Wrt Carr being in his prime, we have to wait and see if he ever really recovers from his injury. Granted, he was not well-protected last year, but he was also playing scared. Or is that being too negative?
You aren't the only Raider fan that has had to/still go through it.
Gruden didn't roll any dice, he saw that it wasn't what he wanted so it is being changed.
Yes, plenty of holes to fill, but being aggressive and making good moves to improve the roster is something to look at.
I know for your ego's sake, that you want Gruden to continue to look crazy so it will fit your on going narrative. It was his 1st yr, he had to make some big decisions and he did, won't happen over night, but like what I am seeing so far in the 'rebuild'. They are utilizing all options to get it done. Don't look now, the 'Gruden show' is getting good.
Slap
Sorry to disagree but Gruden absolutely did roll the dice last year with vet players. When it didn't work, players were released, including their MLB and the only true edge rusher they had. Other players were benched. It was bizarre.
Why do you think Mack didn't want to be a Raider? He was always a team player and had many close friends on the team. Why did he want out?
My take on Trent Brown is that the Raiders may have been better served going after Trey Flowers and giving Kolton Miller another season to iron out his skills at LT. He is big and athletic, and played through injury part of last year because the Raiders had no depth.
Plus, Miller was their #1 draft pick, which amounts to a one-and-done bust at LT.
Just a thought!
Can the Raiders compete without a decent edge rush?
Obviously, Raiders want to win now. Does the rebuild have to be a slow process? Would any of you accept that?
I think that is what the majority of us were complaining about last year, myself included. Why did we need to go through a rebuild when we had a pretty solid core with Carr and Mack to build around? A lot of us fans were devastated by the Mack trad (still hard for me to swallow, but I get it). Gruden is being aggressive in this rebuild too, both of the Brown's we picked up are risky picks. Trent Brown was struggling as a player in his development before the Patriots, and is now the highest paid player at his position in the history of the NFL! AB quit on a good Steelers team because he wanted a new contract, and wasn't happy with Big Ben or Mike Tomlin. Raiders' O-line needs to improve, or Carr won't be able to get Brown the ball, then what? Will he quit on the Raiders, ala Randy Moss?
Good news of these moves: Trent Brown is 26, and has a lot of life ahead of him, barring serious injury. AB is excited to be with Carr, and in the best shape of his career! When you try to trade the 3rd and 5th Round pick for AB on Madden straight up like we did, Madden rejects the trade. Think about that. Gruden and Mayock building competition to win now! I will take the risk to win now any day, rather than a long rebuild.
Gruden has always put together a good offensive show. In this League, you have to stop the opponent too though, and hopefully this is where Mayock will bring balance. Raiders need to start hitting on Defense now too. There is more depth in the draft at this position, and with Trey Flowers signed by the Lions, there is not much on the DE position with the exception of Za'Darius Smith (Baltimore). MILB is pretty much non-existent, and we need OLBs and CBs as well, which are pretty thin in Free Agency.
I don't want Doug Martin back, he's lost a step, cannot see the holes, and played sloppy with the exception of one play last season. I'd rather see D'Wash or Warren III take his place. I don't want to spend the $$ on Le'Veon Bell either. I'm sorry. I think I'd pursue LeGarrette Blount to get the "Big Back" aspect for Jalen Richard/D'Wash/Chris Warren III. If we want a feature back, I would pursue Jay Ajayi.
Here is something I've been thinking about too, not Raider related. A lot of noise about Foles going to Jacksonville, which I think is a great move too. But, who do you think is more of a Franchise QB? Foles or Bridgewater? I think I would take Bridgewater over Foles, and I think Bridgewater would fit in Jacksonville better. If I am a team looking for a franchise QB that is not going to hit the pocket book hard, it is Teddy B. I think he'd do well in Miami (another potential landing spot for Foles), I think he's better than Dalton and DeShaun Watson too. Rumor has it that Tampa may be done with Jameis Winston, if so, I'm on the horn with Bridgewater. I don't know why, but he really intrigued me in Minnesota, and the Vikings treated him like Drew Brees was treated by San Diego after his injury. I'd give him a chance.
Raiders signing these two mega deals only proves that keeping Mack was easily affordable.
Sure Trent Brown is better than Kolton Miller, but to have such little faith in your #1 draft pick in his second year is astounding. It's much easier to argue we needed a #1 WR than it is a LT - after spending the draft capital on Miller. Worse, the Raiders are left without a competent replacement for Mack. Flowers was the best edge rusher available.
Meanwhile, let's hope Mayock helps avoid the Miller/Parker mistakes of last draft.
I am so happy, I was ready to give up a first for AB. Great trade. Its good to be a Raider fan.
I wrote in for my first time a few days ago hoping for this.
Somebody needs to give this guy new york a hug, maybe he is a Chief fan trolling a Raider blog lol
Raaaaaaaaaaaiders
Jerome
It was called cleaning house. It was the start of a new start. Gruden came in and didn't like what he saw, so he blew it up and used older players to fill roster spots until they could be replaced. Why is your football iq still so low?
Miller played one season at LT on a team that was broken. Calling him a bust already? You really want him to be so it will fit your narrative.
There is still this thing called the draft....Raiders have 3 1st rd picks and will draft a replacement. AND, the guy wont cost 90+ mill.
It's an offensive league, Raiders are getting an O together that can compete. Who cares where someone was drafted, as long as they contribute and the team becomes better. Bitching about every move doesn't make you look smarter, it makes you look like a bitch.
Spank
Well said Spank
Calling every move a great move until it fails isn't any better. Jones, you went through this routine with McKenzie, telling us about all the great things that were about to happen.
Gruden's approach last year seemed very haphazard. Maybe this year will be more direct with Mayock sort of at the wheel. It only took 9 minutes into legal tampering period to get Trent Brown to agree to a deal, so the Raiders obviously knew what they wanted.
Still lots to do.
Would like to see the Raiders make a real push to re-sign Jared Cook. In a short pass offense, adding Brown and losing Cook might not net much, if any, improvement.
What about bringing Chris Long to the Raiders?
Man did you just say that getting AB and losing Cook is a wash? Foolishness
Sandy, are you just trolling now?
It's great that instead of offering thoughtful reasoning you can just make your points with personal attacks. Congrats. You're all class!
Gruden calls short game which relies heavily on TE and RB. Cook and Richard were the Raiders leading receivers last year. with 68 receptions each. Having Brown will certainly change that dynamic, but if you take away a 6'-5" target like Cook (Raiders have no other established rec'ing TEs), it will almost certainly net something less than what Brown could bring to the team with Cook on the Roster.
And not re-signing Cook just opens another hole for the Raiders to fill.
But thanks again for your thoughtful insights!
Bears restructure Mack contract and saved $11M in cap space. Something else that would have been available to the Raiders had they signed Mack.
Raiders need a good TE, Cook has been decent for us; but I'm afraid he wants more money than the Raiders will offer. Losing Cook will open up a new need, but cook is not irreplaceable either. Tyler Eifert is the only TE other than Cook to spend money on, but if worst comes to worse, I bet Gruden could talk Rickey Dudley out of retirement. Another aspect of Gruden's game is RB/FB. With Richard, D'Wash, and maybe Warren III coming out of the backfield, you really have to question whether or not you only need a blocking TE though. Especially if you get a solid FB. Those two positions can easily come out of the backfield and act as a TE receiving the ball.
I am also still thinking Gruden and Co. will go after another receiver in the draft, whether it be DK Metcalf, Parris Campbell, Andy Isabella, AJ Brown, Riley Ridley, Marquise Brown. Imagine though, 2 big WRs like Brown and Metcalf on the same team? I just uncontrollably drooled. It is just a matter of where they pick these WR's.
Defensively, the Raiders have agreed to terms with Safety Lamarcus Joyner of the Rams. So I don't think the Raiders will be drafting a Safety. They have to chase Feliciano, a RB, and TE. Not much defensively in Free Agency anymore. Za'Darius Smith signed with the Packers, CJ Mosely signed with the Jets, and Terrell Suggs signed with Arizona; all for crazy money too!
There are a lot of mumbles about Josh Allen dropping to #4. I think if he is there, the Raiders have to take him. If not, they can select someone else there, and pick up Clelin Ferrell later in the round. We have to hit defense, and build it up. I'm working on my draft selections, now that Free Agency has started, and it is not easy. But Gruden knows he has to do a lot of work on the defensive side of the ball. He knows he made a mistake by letting Mack go. He has to redeem himself in this area.
I call every move a "great move"? Nice lie, ny, but what else is new?
Reggie did his job as GM, bringing the franchise back from the dead is not an easy task. I did not realize the size of the task and that it would take this many steps to get a good HC in place, finally. Reggie set up the franchise to go where it's going now. Can't blame Reggie that Mark hired JDR and then forcing Reggie to draft players that JDR wanted. It had to take another step and hopefully Gruden is the answer. Like I wrote when Gruden was hired, if he doesn't get it done, then the Raiders are in for a long 'rebuild'.
Mack restructured already? LOL, did he sign the 'highest paid' thing just for his ego? He holds out and causes holy hell and then restructures....now that is funny. Something is odd about that? ny wants to spin it as "see, Mack just wants to get along"....yeah right.
Ya full of it
" Sandy, so you are trolling now?" SAYS THE TROLL. The resident troll who talks to himself daily on here, is calling out another, as a troll. You should be kissing the asses of those who dare to write on this retarded site. But not you, no, you think the best way to garner attention is to act like a complete dweeb. You have proven over time that you are nothing but a blow hard dummy that doesn't really have a clue about football or the Raiders. My suggestion to you, brother darkness, is to STFU and listen a little more.
You human paraquat.
Nate says Gruden knows it was a mistake to let Mack go.......well, if Mack had stayed, would the Raiders be signing all these good players now? AND a 1st rd pick to go along with 2 others......it's looking like a fast rebuild, the 'Gruden show' is gettin good , huh?
Slap
Gruden has admitted that he could have worked a deal to keep Mack. Yes, if they had sign Mack to the original offer than McKenzie laid out for him (which was less than the Bears paid), they'd still have money to make some moves. But maybe not enough to overpay for Trent Brown. No they wouldn't have 3 first round picks, but we would have had a key player at DE.
Anthony Barr cancelled his contractual agreement with the Jets to re-sign with the Vikings. Rumors are swirling that this may be at the cost of having to cut Everson Griffin (DE). If so, this could be a potential signing for the Raiders and a good pick up at DE. I'm gonna be watching this.
Bashaud Breeland (CB), Pierre Desir (CB), and Shaquil Barrett (LB/Edge) would all be reasonable pick ups in Free Agency. Tevin Coleman and Mark Ingram would be interesting at the right price, but I think both are looking to be premiere backs. Latavius Murray just signed with the Saints, I'm happy for him, but thought he'd be a premiere back by now.
NY,
I don't need to troll you I'll tell you you're a negative sour Nelly to out loud and sign my name to it.
I think slap makes a good point the Raiders committed 115 million dollars to Trent Brown and Antonio Brown and ended up with two first-round picks vs Chicago committed 140 million to Mac.
For a team that was not going to make the playoffs I say that's a pretty wise move let's see what those two first-rounders turn into.
Sandy
"well, if Mack had stayed, would the Raiders be signing all these good players now?"
Yes!
Did you miss that the Bears just restructured Mack's deal to move $11M off the cap?
Raiders started with about 70M cap space, and added 10M trading Osemele. That's 80M
Based on the news Mack restructured his deal (in its first year!), his cap figure is about the same as his salary was last year in the final year of his rookie contract.
So the joke is on all of us, especially fools like you who said the Raiders couldn't afford Mack. What a joke!
More proof that letting Mack go was wrong!
Stick around, Jones. You still have much to learn.
Sandy, I appreciate that take, but can still disagree. Raiders could have had their cake and eat it too.
They still need a potentially expensive FA edge rusher, or is this a position we can afford to ignore. I say, no.
I'm fully on board with winning now as opposed to later, but I reserve the right to render opinion, good or bad, on their moves. There are a million reasons to doubt the Raiders... if no other reason than the last 15 years.
thx
With big signings in free agency hit, here are my thoughts on the draft, and all of the Raiders' picks:
I'd love to see Josh Allen here at #4, but I think he and Bosa are #1 and 2. So, this is a difficult pick here because there are so many options. Clelin Ferrell (DE, Clemson) is an option here. I see Ferrell all over the place though in mock drafts. I have seen him in the Top 5, the top 15, and even with the last pick in the first round. It is hard to place him because he didn't have a good combine, but everyone knows he is a beast. DK Metcalf (WR, Ole Miss) is another option, and so is Devin White (LB, LSU). I think they go with Devin White (LB, LSU) here and pick up a DE/EDGE and WR later.
Jaylon Ferguson (EDGE/Louisiana Tech) with our second pick in the first. This is a steal that nobody is talking about. Yes, he is from a smaller school, but so was Mack. He has the record for 45 sacks at LA Tech, and ended last year with 17.5 sacks and ranked in the top five with 26 tackles for loss, 64 stops, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in 13 games for the Bulldogs.
Parris Campbell(WR, OSU) with our third pick in the first. DK Metcalf stole the combine at this position, and I like Metcalf a lot. But after trading for AB, Metcalf came off the table for us. But we still need a possession WR. Parris Campbell is the guy. Again, another player not making a lot of noise in the press, but had the fastest time in the combine at WR, and impressed a lot of scouts.
Deandre Baker (CB, Georgia) in the second. A lot of people like Greedy Williams from LSU, and have the Raiders selecting him with one of their first rounders. He has great speed, but I think he needed another year in college for development. Deandre Baker, like Jaylon Ferguson, is not getting a lot of noise in the press, but impressed a lot of scouts at the combine.
No 3rd rounder
Ben Banogu (OLB/DE, TCU) in the 4th
Corey Ballentine (CB, Washburn) in the 5th. Big, athletic CB from a small school who is going to impress in the nickel, and on special teams with his speed.
No 6th rounder
Trey Pipkins (OT, Sioux Falls) in the 7th, potential starting RT, or Guard.
Qadree Ollison (RB, Pittsburgh) with the last pick. Big back that can pound the ball for short yards. Could be the Wheatley kind of back the Raiders need.
Nate, some mock drafts have Allen falling to the Raiders. No matter what, the Raiders will have major defensive talent to pick from at #4. And there's always a chance that some early to mid-round talent falls to them late in the first round.
My biggest fear is that they reach for a project player because of some freakish measurable. For some reason, the fascination in Oakland for size and speed irrespective of experience survived Al Davis.
stick around? why? so you can continue to lie and provoke? Never said Raiders could never afford Mack. I said Mack didn't want to be a Raider and Mark wasn't going to shell out that kind of guaranteed money to one D player. Nah, I might drop in once and a while just to slap you around again. You could NEVER teach me anything about football, ny. Your narcissistic behavior and your pathetic 'takes' are no reason to waste time on. Thanks, but no thanks.
you can go back to writing to yourself now....have fun
"I said Mack didn't want to be a Raider..."
So aside from the money, Mack didn't want to play for the Raiders? Based on what?
NY said, "Nate, some mock drafts have Allen falling to the Raiders."
The only mocks that have Allen dropping that low are drafts that have Kyler Murray going to the Cardinals, and the 49ers or Jets taking Quinnen Williams and Bosa. I don't think that is going to happen. If the Cardinals don't take Allen, then the 49ers or Jets will. I think the first 3 picks are going to be Allen, Bosa, and Quinnen Williams. We need an above par LB, and Devin White is just that. We get Jaylon Ferguson with the second pick, and get the 3rd best pass rusher in the draft that may be a force in the League that outplays everyone.
I don't know about you, but these guys from smaller schools come in with a chip on their shoulder wanting it more than anyone else. Mack is this kind of player, Marcus Davenport was this way before getting injured last season. Ed Oliver Jr seems to be this way. I didn't know much about Ferguson until I saw some videos. He has a lot of similarities to how Mack was out of Buffalo, and he has turned a lot of heads at the scouting combine. If he has a pro day, I'm not sure if he does or not, we could possibly see his stock rise like Mack's did. The knock is, that since he's from a small school, he played against sub-par talent. It may be that he didn't get in a bigger school because he didn't have the required GPA.
Jones, Mack wanted to be a Raider, and his mind was changed when Gruden wouldn't even acknowledge him at his intro press conference; and then pulled back the offer on the table for half. I don't blame Mack, and it spoke volumes when he said, "I felt wanted by the Bears. They reached out to me, spoke to me through this whole process." Something Gruden didn't want to do. At some point, we both have to come to terms with: A) Gruden, for whatever reason, didn't want Mack. B) Mack is no longer on the Raiders. Both are pretty painful points to me.
Gruden has always had a chip on his shoulder. He is quick to put players in his doghouse, which he did in his last stint in Oakland and later in Tampa. In Tampa, he inherited Keyshawn Johnson and that relationship went sour. Of course Johnson is a diva, and Mack definitely is not.
Nate, Raiders signed Tyrell Williams from SD, which makes it less likely (maybe unwise) that they would use a high draft pick on a WR. Too many holes to fill. If nothing else changes, this draft should be an absolute run on defense. Still some decent FA edge rushers available.
NY, Tyrell deal is not done. Gruden said in the presser that he has no new information on that. Reports were last night that he was going to look at other options and chew on the Raiders' offer. That tells me he is not satisfied with the offer, or thinks he can get more. If the deal does get done, then maybe a RB gets picked up.
Not a lot of young Edge Rushers available. Justin Houston, Alex Okafor, and Shaquil Barrett are the only ones I'd consider in signing. You could get Houston and Barrett on the cheaper end, but I wouldn't consider Ansah.
I cannot believe the Chiefs cut Eric Berry. That is insane to me. He is one of the few Chiefs I respect. I hope he lands somewhere, good dude.
As I typed the last reply, the deal for Tyrell became official.
What is troubling is no defensive players signed.
There are several decent FA edge rushers available. Funny, the Raiders were reported to have made a legit offer to Bell before the Jets signed him. If so, they can certainly afford a vet edge rusher.
Justin Houston... even Chris Long if he wants to put on a Raiders uniform.
How bout that, Gruden and Mayock making short work of the rebuild. Offense is set (once Cook signs). DB's are set, D-line missing one or 2 spots and LB is weak but has some young blood that is improving.
Nothing troubling at all in Oakland right now, except for the move to Vegas coming. Gruden said players wanted to come to Raiders and they are. Draft is going to be real fun to watch, between Mayock and Gruden, they should rip it up.
From the signs of things, maybe it's time the whiners put their hankies away and realize that the Raiders will be relevant very soon and the Gruden show isn't the train wreck they thought it was. Time to change the narrative ....or are you going to beat the Mack horse some more?
Cold Blooded
After the draft this year there is no doubt that the Raiders will be a far superior team that the one Gruden inherited a year ago. I say that is pretty good 365 days.
WR- no comparison far superior
OL- already better and younger if Miller develops into a decent starter even more so
DB - Worley and Johnson additions makes this unit far superior as well
QB - the mere presence of Grudens coaching has lifted Carr already
post draft I am sure we can add the DL to this list.
Sandy
Initial moves were very aggressive. Trade for WR Brown, then the deal for LT Brown 10 minutes into the legal tampering period. Raiders were reported to have made a legit push for Le'Von Bell too, so they're not done.
Still plenty of holes to fill but the work (and pace) so far makes it clear the idea is to win now.
I like the idea of winning sooner rather than later. What Raider fan wouldn't?
But, to be sure, the honeymoon is over. Expectations have to be high.
Jones, wrt to Mack, he will remain part of the conversation regardless of whether or not a few people posting here bring him up. Players like Mack are few and far between. Raiders were smart enough to draft him, then dumb enough to let him get away. The draft picks they received as compensation have not even been touched yet, so this conversation is long from being over.
I am more confident that Mayock will make good on those picks than I was with McKenzie.
Meanwhile, we're still waiting for you to provide any proof (even an obscure reference) that Mack wanted to leave the Raiders for any reason other than money.
Have a good day!
I will eat crow here. I wasn't too happy with the Gruden hire. McKenzie and Del Rio built an aggressive/power play type offense, and was doing the same with defense power man-to-man. The problem, and error, was letting Musgrave go and letting Todd Downing be the OC. Downing took steps to make it a ZBS offense, and the Raiders flopped.
This is where Gruden was hired, and Gruden is a ZBS/West Coast offense type guy, and I didn't think it would work. He came in shooting to kill instead of working with what he had, and making a winner with the roster he had. Mark Davis gave him the authority to have his way or the highway; and I thought it would not turn out so good for us.
Let's be honest, the Raiders were a few games from Gruden's return being comparable to Art Shell's reboot; it was that bad. The Raiders defense broke records for the wrong reasons, the offense mostly went 3 and out, and Derek Carr looked uncomfortable and lost, let alone the rookie tackles. Yes, I wasn't happy that Gruden was hired, nor am I happy that he let Mack go so quickly.
Now I am surprised with the moves he has made. Tyrell Williams and Antonio Brown are legit weapons, and far above Crabtree/Cooper. If they resign Cook, Feliciano, and draft/sign a RB, the offense is set. I think they should sign Jay Ajayi. I would have taken Tevin Coleman, but he just signed with the 49ers.
But at some point they have to look at the defense. They have to look at several EDGE rushers, Linebackers, and a few CB's. In a previous post I said no defensive players were signed, but Lamarcus Joyner (Safety) was signed. Gruden and Mayock have turned things around pretty quickly on this front. It is clear they want to win soon, but now they have to go out and execute. I'm not sold on some of his coaches (Tom Cable and Greg Olsen specifically), and not sure how they will pan out there. Bottom line, Gruden has done well this offseason and things seem to be on the upswing.
Would you guys sign someone like Clay Matthews? I know he is older, but he still has a good motor and gets after it. I think he'd be worth the risk if he were to play DE exclusively, but not sure about a 4-3 OLB. I would still take a chance on Shaquil Barrett (EDGE, Doncos). There really is not much on the DE/EDGE side. I am not sure Chris Long wants to play anymore, he may be focusing more on his non-profit. But if he does, and wants to come to Oakland, I would welcome it in a heart beat.
Nate, IMO the Raiders should be careful signing aged vets to fill major gaps in their defense. They tried that last year and failed miserably.
Chris Long has been talking retirement for a couple years, but would he want an opportunity to play for the Raiders. If he plays, he doesn't do it at half speed... he's all-in. He's a Long!
Raiders released Jordy Nelson
Doubt anyone will be too disappointed after signing Brown and Williams but it's a headscratcher after the Raiders just paid Nelson a big signing bonus and leaves dead money. Sounds more like a case of mismanagement.
AJ McCarron has been cut as well.
McCarron, another Bills' reject. Raiders still have one more ex-Bills QB on their roster.
Time to find a legit backup!
Raiders reportedly have about $20M cap space left. The haven't adequately addressed Edge Rusher (IMO, the most dire need at the start of FA), and they still have their most valuable free agents on the market in Jared Cook and Dwayne Harris. Losing either of these guys creates another big hole in the roster.
Gruden wasn't around two years ago when Richard muffed every other punt return and, hopefully, he won't replace Harris with Richard. Harris is the best, certainly the smartest, return man the Raiders have had in a long long time.
Edge
TE
Returner
These should be top priorities prior to the draft.
Either TE from Iowa would be a score. My preference is Hoeckenson. Unless Allen is available at 4, I would love to see the Raiders trade down and end up with some combination of the following players: Hoeckenson or Faint for TE: Burns, Gary or Polite for edge, White or Bush at lb and Williams or Baker for cb.
With the Dolphins and the Giants both needing quarterbacks if the Cardinals don't take Murray Raiders are in prime position to trade down.
I love what Gruden's done at wide receiver they went from being slow and having nobody to some serious speed on the team the combination of Brown Williams and Jj Nelson can take the top off a defense
Good weekend and exciting times in Raider land.
Sandy
I couldn't remember the kids name, so I looked it up. Darren Waller, 3rd year TE out of Georgia Tech. He came on strong toward the end of last year. Maybe the Raiders saw enough in him to think they are ok without Cook. Waller, Lee Smith and Carrier.
Waller looks like he could catch the ball and run. The reason I like Hawkinson from Iowa's he's up here tight end who you can line up in tight to the formation any ragdolls guys in the Run game but can get down the field and catch the ball.
Sandy
Everyone in the media has forgotten about Waller. I think he will be our premiere TE, even if we draft one. Carrier started turning and burning too late in the season, so I think he and Waller will battle it out, with Waller winning.
I don't think we trade down from #4. I think Devin White is our first pick still at #4. Jaylon Ferguson (DE, LA Tech) is our second pick in the first. I previously had Parris Campbell with our third pick, but since WR is pretty much solidified at this point, I am going to have to bump DeAndre Baker (CB, Georgia) up to the third pick of the first round. So who do we get for the 2nd?
I think we can actually trade down with this pick, and get back into the 3rd round as well. I like Mike Weber (RB, Ohio State) here. Ohio State has a history of good RBs in the NFL, the last one being Eddie George. But Qadree Ollison (RB, Pittsburgh) has features more like Eddie George, which is why I like him. But he may end up more like a FB.
Inside LB at 4, the guy better be Butkus reincarnated or Ray Lewis.
Hard to see an ilb going that early in today's nfl.
Regards
Sandy
I disagree Sandy. Name the last time the Raiders had a stout MILB? I have Greg Biekert. It has been a desperate need for a long time. He's got to be a MILB who can do the job, Devin Bush is that guy.
Nate completely agree they have not had a mlb who could lead the defense since Greg. Unless you count half a season of Perry Riley, Nick Roach or Bowman lol.
That being said mlb is not a premium position anymore in the nfl. Bush in the late 20s or early 2 I would be fine with. Devin White at 4 I would puke.
Assuming Bosa is gone if they can not get Josh Allen I think they need to trade down as there are many edge rushers available outside the top 5
I figure Gary and Sweat go picks 6-12, then Polite, Ferrell and Burns 15-30. Your Ferguson guy is second round early
I also dont like Quinen Williams in top 5, DT are not worth that high a pick with the exception of Donald same goes for Oliver who I would not take him in top 15 in fact I would take Simmons from Mississippi State before Oliver.
My dream is trade down and get Gary, Hoeckson and then one of Byron Murphy, Baker or Greedy
Any interest in Jacobs form Alabama at RB
Sandy
A lot of "Mock" guys have Devin White going in the Top 10, White graded 6.2 in the Combine which is in the top 15 of all the positions(Quennin Williams the #1 grade of 6.7), and was the #1 grade among all LBs.
Ferguson is a guy who's stock is quickly rising among NFL scouts, but not on Mock picks, and had the 3rd highest grade at EDGE position. Mock draft guys don't like small schools, NFL Scouts love small schools. I am not sold on Gary, a lot of grumblings about him having the talent but not the work ethic, and it showed in big games for Michigan. His motor seem to run dry.
Hopefully, the Raiders do their due diligence. When you pick at #4, you can afford to make several visits to the top talents in the nation. This process has eluded the Raiders in the past, including when they were picking #1. We all know how that worked out. Right after the Raiders picked Russell, he told the media it was "time to get paid", then proceeded to hold out. Picking #1, Raiders were within the rights to negotiate with Russell (and other potential picks) before the draft.
Raiders re-signed Dwayne Harris. That's a huge move, IMO, and maybe more important than signing Cook, i.e., if we are to believe Waller is TE heir apparent.
Harris is the most consistent and smartest returner I can remember on the Raiders, and he provides depth at WR.
Still like to see Cook signed before he gets away. He and Carr have a chemistry.
Nate
Last time a mlb got taken in the top 5---AJ Hawk in 2006. Just sayin. It may be the least important position on defense in the nfl.
Sandy
MLB is the green dot position. He's the QB of the defense and plays virtually all the snaps, so I don't know how that could be ranked least important.
Sure, the NFL draft places a premium on certain positions, like QB, WR, Edge Rusher, etc., but it boils down to talent. Apparently, it's rare when a truly exceptional plug and play MLB comes through the draft. I would think most are groomed into the position.
Raiders have been looking at FA inside LBs, most recently, Brandon Marshall. More evidence to how important the position is... not to mention how the defense has failed over and over when young and inexperienced players are plugged in at MLB.
Brandon Marshall signed, Vontaze Burfict signed. More penalty flags coming our way.
is the bitching and whining over yet?
SLAP
well, it's looking like Mark Davis isn't a dope after all? Looks like Gruden still has some pull and savvy after all?
Did ya'll see that MIT analytics review stating the Raiders made a good trade (Mack)?
One by one the bitching points are being buried. Now what?
Double it up
Nate, Where did you see Brandon Marshall signed? As of Wed morning I don't believe that has happened.
Vontaze looked completely finished last year and a half. However, when he was healthy and on the field he was a dominant force.
Sandy
I saw the Brandon Marshall deal on Monday on Raiders' official twitter page. Can't find it now, so I wonder if it was premature.
I'm not sold on Vontaze either, I'm not sure what to think about this signing, but it is only a 1 year contract. George Iloka is also visiting. They are getting older on defense.
Burfict has a history of concussions, probably due to his aggressive style. So paying him $5M for one year is a gamble. Granted, there weren't a lot of options. Burfict is younger than Derrick Johnson, who didn't even make it through October before being released.
So Tahir Whitehead is still the Raiders top LB. Scary stuff!
Front 7 has to be THE major focus in the draft.
BTW, Jones, I'm not ready to concede the genius of Jon Gruden just yet. Dare I remind you, this is how you rolled when the McKenzie era started. And because one article suggests trading Mack was good for the Raiders doesn't make it true. Mack is a future HOFer and the Raiders haven't used the draft capital they received for him. Lot's of what-ifs still in play. The only thing we know for sure is that Mack can play his ass off.
Cheers!
Saints reached a deal with Jared Cook, Matt Bair said the Raiders weren't really expecting Cook to come back and that he was looking for big payday. Raiders sign Mike Glennon to back up Carr, and Safety Curtis Riley (Giants).
Here are the offseason moves made by the Raiders so far:
Antonio Brown, Tyrell Williams, Dwayne Harris, JJ Nelson (WRs), Trent Brown (OT), Lamarcus Joyner (S), Vontaze Burfict (LB), Nevin Lawson (CB), Erik Harris (DB), Jonathan Hankins (DT), Mike Glennon (QB), Jordan Devey (OG), Curtis Riley (S).
Mock drafts are all over the place. One has the Raiders picking Clelin Ferrell at #24 overall. I don't think he falls that far. A lot of them have the Raiders picking Quinnen Williams, because yeah, the Raiders need another DT? There are several who have Josh Allen falling to the Raiders, but only if Kyler Murray is picked #1 overall, and the 49ers or Jets pick Quinnen Williams. I'm not sold that Kyler goes #1.
A lot of mocks have Devin White going #5 overall, so it is not unreasonable to have him go #4. Again, I would love Josh Allen to fall to #4, but don't think it will happen. I am going to stand by my picks here:
Devin White (LB), Jaylon Ferguson (DE), and DeAndre Baker (CB)
Raiders need Josh Allen in a bad bad way. IMO, he gives them the best opportunity to "replace" (i.e., substitute for) Mack.
Allen isn't as strong as Mack but he's very athletic. In highlight packages you can see his athleticism around the edge and even in coverage.
In terms of free agency, the Raiders did about all they could do. A bit disappointing they didn't go after Justin Houston but a decent first-ever FA period for Mike Mayock.
Antonio Brown is arguably the best WR in the league, and the Raiders made a good deal with the Steelers. However, he's a luxury for a good team, which the Raiders are not. Let's hope he doesn't flame out before the Raiders have a chance to actually make some progress in their rebuild. IMO, Carr will help keep Brown in check.
Trent Brown was a smart addition. Raiders biggest weakness on offense was at tackle. If Miller can step up in his second year, Raiders might have a decent line.
For me, adding Tyrell Williams and re-signing Dwayne Harris made the a lot of sense. Williams is big and can make contested catches that the Raiders badly need. Harris proved he is the smartest ST player in the league, and even outsmarted TV commentators who didn't understand his savvy.
Based on what I've read, Joyner is next best. He's versatile and will help in slot coverage.
Hankins will stick, and Devey is probably a solid backup, but the rest may be camp fodder or depth.
Amazingly, the Raiders front 7 remains status quo.
Will adding 3-4 rookies to the defense be enough to get them over the top, or even back to .500?
Josh Allen would be a great start!
Nate, Devon White is already talking about a big pay day following his rookie contract. Last time we had a draft pick running his mouth about getting paid, he flamed out on purple drank.
The kid might be talented but he needs some humility and should want to learn at the next level before collecting his reward.
He makes Josh Allen, a seemingly humble family man, look even better!
I might pass on White at the #4 pick.
I would love Josh Allen too, and I do hope he falls to the #4 spot by some miracle. If he doesn't, I really like Jaylon Ferguson as much as Josh Allen. Jaylon has the same tools and strength that Mack had coming out of college. He is not getting a lot of media play because he's from a small school. This is where media "mock drafts" miss. They do all the homework and video watching of the big school players only.
I know that Gruden and Mayock are doing their homework, and I will place money they both have their eye on this kid. I think if he has a pro day, and does well, Raiders may even want to take him at #4, especially if Josh Allen is off the board. Yes, he's that good.
I read recently about Devin White running his mouth too. I have concerns about that as well. I may rethink this. This draft is soooo tough. I'd hate to be in the "war room" this draft.
Devey is not going to be a backup, he is going to play Right Guard with Gabe Jackson moving to the left side, as Gabe Jackson mentioned earlier this week in an interview with Vic Tafur.
As it stands, I have: Quinnen Williams going first, Nick Bosa going second, and Josh Allen going third. The Jets are looking to trade down from the #3 spot. This could be a great shot for the Raiders to get Josh Allen, depending on who trades for the #3. This is going to be interesting.
Some believe Kyler Murray is worth the top pick and may entice the Cards to move on from their version of Josh Allen... Otherwise, a team could trade up for Murray, meaning Josh Allen could fall to the Raiders pick.
However, the Raiders have also shown interest In Murray, which I assume is just a diversion. It would be a huge mistake for the Raiders to draft a backup QB with their #4 pick. Drafting Murray only makes sense if he is to compete and possibly replace Carr. And even that's a leap.
I agree NY, you don't pick a QB #4 to be a backup. I don't think Murray will go that high, maybe top 10-15 if he even goes in the first round. I think QB's will go late first, or 2nd. I also think this talk about Murray to the Cardinals is fodder. It is based on what Klingsbury said before he was an NFL coach. So, I'm not buying that the Cardinals are going all in with Murray, and it could even be misinformation from the coaches to the media.
I think someone could trade with the Jets to grab Murray at the 3 spot, and that would let Allen or Bosa fall to the Raiders as well. The Jets are shopping their #3 for more picks, because like the Raiders, they have a lot of holes to fill, but they don't have the picks to fill them.
It's gonna be interesting to see what happens. Raiders are in a good, but difficult spot. Even if they don't get Allen, they can pick up Jaylon Ferguson later in the round. Something interesting in Phoenix today, Gruden hinted today that with Mahomes, the Raiders are going to need good DBs that are physical and can cover. I think that may be a position that is heavily targeted in the draft. He also said he cried for 3 days after trading Mack, but the Raiders wouldn't be in this position if they had kept him. I'm still crying that he traded Mack. I will continue to cry until the defense is in the top 10, and we have a pass rush without Mack. He still has to prove it on the field that this was the right choice. JUST WIN, BABY!
I would rate Pass Rush as a much higher priority than CB. I don't remember a Raiders team, or any other team for that matter, weaker at rushing the QB than the Raiders were last year. So far, the Raiders have been unable (or unwilling) to address pass rush in free agency.
Gruden cried for 3 days? That's as disingenuous as other statements he made about the trade when it happened.
Just keep your eye on the prize...
Josh Allen!
Brandon Marshall visiting the Raiders (again) on Thursday.
The Raiders can easily improve on a LB group that includes Whitehead, Lee, Cabina and Marrow.
Whitehead played more snaps than any Raider defender last year, despite the fact he absolutely sucks in coverage. So, IMO, replacing him makes perfect sense.
Talk is heating up that AZ might be willing to trade QB Josh Rosen. That would place them squarely in the Murray draft sweepstakes and give the Raiders even better opportunity to get edge rusher Josh Rosen with the #4 pick.
No matter how you slice it, it really boils down to two words for the Raiders: Josh Rosen!
Josh Allen is a Segal player, might be scratched because Mark doesn't like the agent.
If the Raiders rate a B grade in the draft, this team will be decent this year.
McKenzie grew the team to a certain level and now Gruden and Mayock are going to reach a higher level. Vegas will have a very good team by the time they move there. Last year was the tear down of a team that wasn't good enough. This rebuild is looking very solid so far. The 'Gruden show' is really taking off and it's good to see. Hope the team can put together a great year for the Oakland fans, they deserve it.
Yup
Raiders signed Brandon Marshall and Isaiah Crowell. Even with these moves, OLB and ILB are still a need, but not until later rounds.
DE, CB, RB are the top needs that Raiders need to focus on. If Josh Allen is not there, the next best is Jaylon Ferguson. I can see the Raiders using #4 on him too.
I wouldn't be upset if the Raiders used #4 to get DK Metcalf too. Imagine, AB, Tyrell Williams, and DK Metcalf in the slot with his speed and size? Sick!
Clelin Ferrill is not a wasted pick either, just not completely sold on him. He had a bad combine and a bad pro day. Makes me think something is wrong with him physically, or he is not even trying. Either way there is concern.
A prospect to keep an eye on that is rising is Memphis RB Darrell Henderson. May be an early 2nd round pick.
Ferguson better than Gary, Sweat and Burns? I highly doubt it. Nate last time you were promoting a small school guy it turned into potential bust PJ Hall.
Sandy
PJ Hall was doing well and getting good push into the backfield and, boom, took a shot and was injured in Week 3, and missed 2 games. He played in 14 games last season, but didn't start, and after his injury was put in situational football. He had to battle his way back into playing time, but by that time the season was lost and Gruden all but shelved him. He will be there this season.
Jay Ferguson definitely has better mechanics than Gary and Burns. I really dislike Gary, I think he is way over-rated. He got pushed around last season when Michigan needed him the most. It was almost as if he was playing to not get injured. Devin White is a better #4 pick than Gary. I doubt if Gary will even be drafted in the first.
Allen, Sweat, and Ferguson are my order for top DE's. I never really have given thought about Sweat though at #4. Not sure why. I don't dislike him, but really don't know much about him outside of what draft honks are saying. Guess I need to watch video on him...
It's kind of stunning that the Raiders are no closer to solving their pass rush than they were in Week 17 last year.
Marshall might still be a solid LB, but he also might be another Derrick Johnson.
Crowell is a decent back but he's been criticized for his pass protection and pass catching. Maybe he can improve in these areas. Still hoping Warren III can step up.
IMO, the Raiders secondary might be in better shape than we think. With that in mind, here are some other draft priorities.
Edge Rusher/DE x 2 or even 3 (edge rusher has to be the Raiders pick at #4)
TE (Raiders might have an opportunity to pick a top ranked TE before the Pats, who need to replace Gronk).
RB
OG/T (G and depth are huge concerns).
I don't know if the Raiders should even draft a WR, let alone use a high pick on one. Let's role with what we have for a year.
Gary is for sure going first round and I'd give you a 100 to 1 odds he gets drafted higher than Ferguson.
Sandy
Some mock drafts have the Raiders taking a QB with their top pick, or even trading up for a QB with Nick Bosa and Josh Allen on the board.
That has to be BS, right?
Raiders brass met with Kyler Murray today, and Gruden reportedly spent extra time with the kid picking his brain and delaying his workout by 90 minutes.
Some drafts now have the Raiders picking Murray, and even trading a 1st round pick to AZ so they can move up to get him. Others have them taking another QB in the first round.
That would make Carr expendable, and throw a huge wrench into any plans Antonio Brown and others had of playing with the veteran QB.
Sure, the Raiders could draft Murray and still play Carr this year, while he looks behind his back for a trade.
Please tell me this is a big diversion, and the Raiders plan to use two, maybe all three of their first round picks on defense!
Let someone else crash and burn with a rookie QB. Too many real holes to fill....
Why the Mack trade was a good one for the Raiders. From Peter King
Follow my math here. The 10 key Raiders right now—Carr, the four big free agents this year, and the five first-rounders over the next two drafts, averaging about a $3.5 million per player per year—will be a weight of about $99 million a year over the next three to four seasons. If the Raiders had kept Carr, Mack and wideout Amari Cooper and signed all the market contracts, that would be three players for about $65 million per year, on average.
I take 10 players for three
So I continue to evaluate what I think the Raiders will do in the draft, and what other teams will do. So here is my thoughts:
#1-I don't think the Cardinals draft Kyler Murray. If they draft an offensive player here in this spot, I think they go with an OT. But there is not an OT worth the #1 pick. I think they go Nick Bosa here. Nick seemed to interview well with the Cardinals, and Kingsbury likes him.
#2-I think the 9ers select Quinnen Williams, the Raiders liked him too (he visited today, btw).
#3-This is a tricky pick here. The Jets have made it known that they want to trade down. They seem to be pleased with their D-Line, but know there are holes there to fill and it's the deepest part of the draft. They desperately need O-Line and DB help. I think they trade down to pick up a later first round and second round pick. Whoever picks here may select Josh Allen, even if it is the Jets.
#4-I still think the Raiders best option here is Devin White. I don't know of a better option here, especially with Bosa and Allen off the board. Maybe Montez Sweat or even Josh Jacobs would be just as reasonable. After seeing film on Sweat though, I'm still more impressed with Ferguson. I don't think Josh Jacobs will be there later in the first round either; but Marshawn may not be back, and this may become a HUGE need. The only draw back is Bama RB's have not faired well in the NFL because Saban abuses them for 4 years in college.
#24-Jaylon Ferguson (EDGE/Louisiana Tech). This is a steal that nobody is talking about. You can scroll up to see what I've written about Jaylon, but the more I watch, the more I like him.
#27-Deandre Baker (CB, Georgia) I had him in the second round my last mock, and had Paris Campbell here. But with the plethora of WRs being signed, and Deandre's draft stock rising, I think we take him here.
#35-Miles Sanders (RB, Penn State). I don't think Marshawn comes back, with each day he is silent on the matter (hasn't even reached out to the Raiders), the more I think he is stepping away (again). Miles replaced Saquon Barkley last season, and he has performed well in the combine and pro workouts. Penn State has a history of tough runners in the NFL. He is silently turning heads of NFL scouts, and there is rumblings that he may be a high 2nd round pick. I think he will land with the Raiders. He is a tough runner who can get to the edge, and has good hands out of the backfield. Has trouble picking up the block, but is an intriguing scout.
No 3rd rounder
Ben Banogu (OLB/DE, TCU) in the 4th
Corey Ballentine (CB, Washburn) in the 5th. Big, athletic CB from a small school who is going to impress in the nickel, and on special teams with his speed.
No 6th rounder
Trey Pipkins (OT, Sioux Falls) in the 7th, potential starting RT, or Guard.
Qadree Ollison (RB, Pittsburgh) with the last pick. Big back that can pound the ball for short yards. Could be the Wheatley kind of back the Raiders need.
There is no way to judge the Mack trade at the present time. Except for Mack tearing it up in Chicago, it's only on paper in Oakland in the form of draft picks.
But let's take a look at the Raiders' draft bounty from last year, Gruden's first year at the helm.
Round 1 Kolton Miller. Raiders first order of business during free agency was to pay Trent Brown a record breaking contract to replace Miller at LT.
Round 2 PJ Hall. Hall could not have been more underwhelming. Even after the drafting Hall and Hurst, bringing back Ellis, re-signing Hankins, and getting Vanderdose back from injury, Raiders might very well end up using their top pick on an interior lineman... which probably means Hall is out the door.
Round 3 Brandon Parker. Parker is easily a bust after one season. Miller and Parker combined for 30 or more sacks surrendered.
So if Peter King or any other pundit is banking on the Raiders to make the most of their draft picks, well, I hope they don't disappoint him.
Raiders best chance to "substitute" for Mack will be with their own draft pick at #4, and not one they traded for. Neither the Bears pick at #24 and the Cowboys at #27 is likely to yield an impact player anywhere near Mack's level.
However, if the Raiders draft smart, they can plug several holes in the roster with their top 4 picks. Edge/DE, TE, OG, RB, S/CB all top the list. Plenty of talent in this year's draft.
If Raiders draft a QB at #4, the whole thing could possibly blow up again this year, like after the Mack trade last year. Lots of new FA WRs expecting Carr to throw them the ball.
Raiders still have $23.13M salary cap room, after counting enough money for the 2019 rookie pool.
Hard to imagine Mack could not have been retained in that space, with enough left over for a few more FA signings for fringe and depth players. Worst case, the Raiders could have restructured one or two contracts, or released another player. For example, Richard is scheduled to make $3.1M this year under his FA tender. That's excessive for a rotational player. By comparison, Cowell's contract is only $1.25M and he's probably the starter.
It all hinges on what the Raiders do with the Bears pick. Because trading Mack had far less to do with money.
Scott Bair of CSN Bay Area Raiders is Tweet-reporting that Charles Woodson will announce the 2nd round pick at #35 for the Raiders, and Shane Lechler will announce the 3rd Round pick for the Raiders; a pick they do not own, as they traded this to the Steelers for AB. This is telling to me, is this a tip that the Raiders will be trading #4 for a mid-late 1st Round pick and a 3rd? I think this is a HUGE slip on the Raiders PR front.
Also, the Raiders have released Seth Roberts, who I will forever remember him from the overtime TD against the Bucs. I'm washed on that move, I knew it was coming because of inconsistency. But when he made plays, WHOO!
Roberts was due to make around $4-5M with no dead money if released. That was an easy decision. A buddy of mine said that anytime Roberts caught a TD pass, the Raiders won. Seems that might be true but $5M is a lot to pay for a lucky charm.
I don't get why the Raiders would tender Richard for $3.1M. That seems excessive. He's not a good returner and he's not durable enough to be a starting RB. He's a situational RB that can catch passes out of the backfield... which he and Washington are totally interchangeable.
Per the other post I just read King's article and the point seems to be that the cap hit of cooper and mack will be equal to if not exceed the cap hit of all of the three 1st rounders (that came in the trades) and Wiliams, AB, Trent Brown and Joyner.
Given the numerous amount of holes on the Raiders 7 players for the price of two was a good tactical decision.
Yes they have to hit on the draft picks but that is not a reason not to use a strategy such as this. It least it gives the team a chance.
The known knows is that Cooper and Mack did not equal a good team. Hence I am okay with spinning the wheel on more players.
NY could they have signed all four of those FA and not trade Mack, thereby losing the 2 1st rounders. Maybe but not for sure and then they would not have been able to add depth such as Vontaze, Marshall, Crowell etc. The Raiders roster the past few years has been average and once you get below the core players it has been terrible. I think a good football team has to have depth.
Have a good weekend all
Sandy
Sandy,
It is really a point of perspective. Did the roster have average depth, or was it not up to Gruden's standard? Jack Del Rio and Bill Musgrave made it work in 16, and then Carr was hurt, and took the life out of the Raiders. Everybody asks, "Where was Mack?" in the playoff game against the Texans, but it is difficult for a defense to maintain sustenance when the offense continually goes 3 and out. Mack was there early, but faded away with the rest of the defense as the game went on.
I think any NFL roster has the talent to compete, but it depends on the coaching and players work ethic. The Raiders roster was full of gritty guys the past few years. The mistake of Del Rio was getting rid of Musgrave for Downing, and keeping Norton Jr as DC. I think we all agree on that. The Raiders front line was not getting enough push to the QB, except for Mack, and that freed Irvin up to get push. But after 16, they put him back to LB. The Raiders definitely had issues there, and CB, but we all saw it wouldn't take much.
Gruden came in with a demolition ball. Why? Because he can only coach a system, he cannot coach to the strengths of a player. He cannot formulate a game plan that way, he has his own way of doing things, and it has to be done that way. What makes him good at it, is he is successful. Dennis Allen, Todd Downing, Lame Kiffin, Greg Olson, and Tom Cable were, and continue to be, unsuccessful. Dennis Allen is doing a better job in New Orleans with their defense, but it is still subpar.
This was my complaint at the end of the 2017 season when they announced Gruden. I didn't think he could come in with the current Raiders roster and have an instant winner because he couldn't coach that way. I was right. I believe he has to players to be competitive this season, but still has a major problem on the Defensive Line; especially at Defensive End. He basically needs 2 DE's. One might argue Arden Key, but I am not impressed with Arden. He overpursues, and gets lost on play-action/rushes; something Mahomes does brilliantly. We do get Vanderdoes and PJ Hall back at full health, Mo Hurst, Jonathan Hankins, and Jelly Ellis at DT. So unless we go 3-4 defense, some of these DT's will not be on the roster, and maybe trade bait. I imagine it will be Vanderdoes if a trade.
We will see what he does with the draft. I am still praying that Josh Allen falls to us, but I just don't see that happening because I don't see the Cardinals, 49ers, or Jets taking Kyler Murray, or any other players than Bosa, Allen, Q Williams.
IMO, it really boils down to impact players. Mack has no equal, and certainly not on defense, where the Raiders have done almost nothing to change their pass rush.
You can do the math any way you want but after signing all the big-money contracts they're going to sign, and allowing for the rookie pool (which is set), there is enough cap space for Mack, and then some.
Mack's hit against the Bears cap in 2019 will be about $12M, partly because that's how they chose to structure the deal.
There can be no doubt the Raiders could have signed Mack for less than the Bears. Also, they could have front-loaded his contract with spare cap money from last year (about $8M), thereby, reducing the cap hit in subsequent years.
Lots of knowledgeable folks out there telling us that keeping Mack would have had little impact on this year's trades and free agency.
Sure, we got the #24 pick from the Bears, but we also have the Raiders #4 pick and the Cowboys #27 pick for Cooper... which had no bearing on the Mack deal.
So, again, it boils down to impact. Will the #24 pick (and whatever pick next year) make anywhere near the impact on the Raiders as Mack?
I think we can all answer that now, before the pick is made.
Nate, I largely agree with what you said, but I was fooled into believing Gruden could come in and make an immediate impact in 2018. Boy, was I wrong.
Sandy, be careful putting your eggs in the Vontaze, Marshall and Crowell baskets. If last year taught us anything, signing veteran players who may have had success in the past comes with no guarantee of success on the Raiders.
Derrick Johnson was supposed to be the cure-all at LB. He was gone by Oct.
IMO, after trading or cutting McKenzie's roster, and spending over $190M on news deals, including a whopping $78M+ cap space in 2019, Gruden has no excuses. This team has to be better than 2017-2018. Right?
The Vegas over/under on Raiders wins was around 6. That's pitiful! Raiders are overwhelming the underdogs of the division, behind Chargers and Broncos.
Not a lot of faith in the Raiders out there in the betting community, nor the media for that matter.
Well, that was quick. Seth Roberts signs with the Ravens, reconnecting with Crabtree.
I am not a fan of Vontaze Burfict, never have been. I am glad we only gave him one year. However, I am a big fan of Brandon Marshall, and think he has been consistent in his career as an above average linebacker. Not sold on Crowell, he has fumble issues, and that won't set well with Gruden. The good news is none of them are guaranteed to make the roster. One thing is for sure NY, in 2019 Gruden has nor more excuses. This is his team, and he better win more than 8.
IMO, Burfict and Marshall are both wildcards. No assurance either will make the team. I agree Marshall is probably better but he's a coverage LB more than run defender.
Cowell is a good downfield runner, but he is not a very good receiver, and may have issues pass blocking. If he's a fumbler too... yikes!
The truth is, the Raiders may not have resolved either position. LB and RB are probably still huge needs. Honestly, I don't think Lynch or Martin are the answer either. But if I had to choose, I'd probably bring back Martin. He's a better receiver and he's quicker. Plays to Lynch are telegraphed when he's on the field.
Raiders will need to watch the waiver wire very closely to finish the roster for 2019. Far too many needs to handle in the draft.
So far, Raiders have improved at WR and at OT but they also lost a pro-bowl guard and one of the best utility O-linemen in the league... who could have stepped in for Osemele.
DBs are serviceable for one year.
you are forgetting DB where they have improved as well
I didn't forget DBs. "Serviceable for one year," meaning I don't think DB needs to be a priority in the draft. They helped themselves at DB in FA.
I don't like all the talk about Raiders trading up to draft Murray. Reaching for a college QB and expending our draft capital instead of going in full speed to draft talented edge rushers would be a huge mistake, IMO.
Does anyone think we need a QB?
Shane Ray (former Donco) is visited the Raiders yesterday. I think he would be depth, not sure he would be a starting DE. His numbers have consistently dropped the past few years, maybe it is the coaching turnover in Denver and they didn't give him snaps and he's not happy; or he was dealing with an injury, and hopefully is healthy to produce again. Either way, if the Raiders sign him, I am not sure he will be a "starter".
I don't buy the hype about the Murray rumors. I don't think the Cardinals will pull the trigger with him #1 overall either. The first 4 picks of the draft could use some extensive D-Line help, with great talent at this position, I don't think any pass up the chance to significantly upgrade those needs. I think the Cardinals select Nick Bosa first. I think if Kyler Murray is drafted, he will be selected by the Giants who pick #6. As much as the Raiders may love Murray, they know what holes they have to fill, and QB, not one of them. I think it is all smokescreen, just like Murray visiting the Cardinals today. Smokescreen.
It happens every year. A lot of "Draft" experts were saying the Browns would use the #1 overall to take Bradley Chubb then Baker Mayfield at #4. Yet, they went Baker Mayfield #1 and Denzel Ward #4. Mayfield visited the Browns early, and Chubb was one of the last visits for the Browns. Every team uses multiple visits to smokescreen who they have interest in. These "Draft Experts" are guessing, just like I do. I base mine on what I would like to see the Raiders do, based on the need, and the talent I see. I'm not sure I could do every team in the NFL though. Then you have noobs like Chad Rueter of NFL.com who writes dribble like wanting to see the Raiders trade up to #2 with the 9ers to select?????? DREW LOCK (QB, Missouri) because Gruden likes him, and the Doncos might draft him. Really? I spewed in my mouth from the idiocy.
I think a surprise move would be the Raiders drafting Chase Winovich #4. That's making waves, and he is better than Gary. I'm excited to see what the Raiders do, but I am hearing more and more rumbles of them trading down if Josh Allen is not there, and getting back into the 3rd Round.
If the Raiders trade down from #4, please tell me they want more than a 3rd round pick plus swap of the 1st rounders. Raiders pulled this crap last year and wasted that draft capital.
In fact they blew two 3rd round picks. They blew a 3rd round pick in a trade with the Steelers for Bryant, and wasted an acquired third round pick on Brandon Parker.
They didn't do much better with their 1st round swap, selecting Kolton Miller with the #15 pick acquired from AZ.
Thank goodness Mayock is in Oakland this year. Hopefully, he's the voice of reason on avoiding stupid moves like these.
I am not cool with using the 4th pick on a QB. However, If the Raiders have identified a QB who can provide similar production as Carr that they can get with one of their 2 late first round picks I am fine with that. Given the significant $$$ they will save.
Nate, I want whatever you are smoking if you rate Chase Winovich at #4 and better than Gary.
Sandy
I'm not saying they should pick Winovich with #4 either, I'm saying it would be just as stupid for them to pick either Winovich or Gary at that spot. Winovich is the better player between the two. I don't understand why they would pick Gary there, and not Winovich. Gary has been inconsistent his entire college career, and if you watch film, his success was due to Winovich's play.
I'm still holding out for Josh Allen, but I don't think we are going to get a chance to get him. Devin White or trading out of #4 is our best option. I don't mean to think we will only swap #1's and get a 3rd rounder for that spot either, but it depends on the team trading up, and what they have to offer.
Teams trading up in Round 1 should expect to pay a premium. Right? Last year it was the Raiders fault that they failed to collect a premium from AZ when AZ traded up to draft their "franchise" QB. The Raiders second mistake was wasting the pick(s).
They recovered slightly by getting Hurst in the 5th... but that was more of a fluke.
Raiders really have to do much better in this year's draft. Any semblance of rebuilding depends on it.
Chargers are reported to be interested in Josh Rosen. A trade for Rosen should be all it takes to open the door for the Raiders to grab either Bosa, Allen or Williams with the #4 pick. Any of these guys is a significant upgrade to the defense.
There are no excuses to NOT get this right!
I don't think fans can ever blame the Raiders for drafting players like Michael Huff, Darren McFadden, Amari Cooper or even Robert Gallery. They were elite college players.
But we can blame them for stupid picks like JaMarcus Russell, DJ Hayden (due to injury), Darrius Heyward-Bay, Menelik Watson, Mario Edwards, Jr., Jihad Ward, and possibly Kolton Miller, who was a reach in the middle of the first round.
Again, there should be no excuse that prevents the Raiders from making a smart pick at #4.
DHB actually turned it around in Pittsburgh, but he's the only one out of that list. JaMarcus and Todd Marinovich were the worst picks in Raiders' history.
In NFL history!
... and yet another reason not to draft a QB in the first round.
Nate you are the only guy in the world who ranks Winovich ahead of Gary. Again, I offer you any odds you want that Gary goes well before Winovich or Ferguson. In fact I highly doubt either of those two go in the first round.
I Williams or Bosa are not there at 4 they shoudl trade down. Allen is not worth a 4 and does not fin with the Raiders defensive system. He is more of an OLB in 3-4. Gary would be a better fit.
Sandy
Since when has not being worth a draft slot ever stopped the Raiders? They trade up to get players that don't even belong in the same round. And not just historically, but last year.
SB Nation summarizes all the mock drafts and it looks like the consensus #4 pick is Q Williams. If he falls to #4, he will be the best defensive player available. So the Raiders probably should take him.
A handful of mocks have the Raiders taking a QB at #4, with Murray, Lock and Haskins all getting predictions.
One idiot has the Raiders selecting offense for all three of their first rounds picks. I think the entire Raider Nation would implode if that came true.
Raiders need someone to get to the QB. Josh Allen is a proven college QB killer. That's their best shot. If he's a situational guy, so be it. But my understanding is he can play the edge, not just rush the QB. He's a mini-Mack.
Mini-Mack? Mini as in size, weight? I'd agree with that if that is what you are saying. I like Allen, don't get me wrong, he has motor and never quits, and I'd take him if he's there at #4, but I don't think he is there. I also think Q Williams goes #2 to the 9ers, so he's not there.
Raiders do need some help at OLB, Devin White is projected to go in the top 5, and Devin Bush in the top 10. Both are excellent players. I wouldn't mind either at #4 there. Another possibility is they rock the boat and select Clelin Ferrell at #4. A lot of mocks have him falling to mid-to-late first round because he hasn't impressed at Combine nor worked out at the Clemson pro day due to a toe injury. He has since had some incredible workouts for teams, including the Raiders; and the reason he wears #99 is because he patterns his game after Aldon Smith. I think he is a safe pick for DE. I think I've been lulled by the "draft experts" on Ferrell, and I'm not sure I should be. He is definitely worth a #4 pick.
You guys already know how I feel about Jaylon Ferguson, I will give ya a link to see why for yourself. I think he is just as incredible at DE, and is the underrated, quiet player that NFL scouts are buzzing about, but owners/GMs/Coaches are quiet about because they don't want to tip their hand. One report has scouts saying, "the tall, lengthy defensive end fits into the 4-3 defensive scheme better, one scout said Ferguson’s ability to play three-down technique or stand up on the edge and get to the quarterback adds value to his draft stock." Here is a link to NFL's college highlights, and he holds the record for most sacks in NCAA history:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap3000001026309/2019-NFL-Draft-Breaking-down-Jaylon-Ferguson-s-college-highlights
If anyone DE in the draft is like Khalil Mack, it is Jaylon Ferguson, no question.
I also think the Raiders could select Ferrell at #4, and Ferguson with one of their other picks. I don't agree that he is not first round talent. If they do this, they would have a one-two punch at DE, and set up for Hurst/Hall/Hankins/Ellis to punch through the DT position, and have the strongest D-Line in the NFL.
Sandy, go talk with any Michigan fan about their feelings between Gary and Winovich. Michigan fans will tell you that Winovich is their favorite of the two. Gary is all show in practice, but when the curtain rises, he shows he is inconsistent. He disappeared in Michigan's biggest games the last 2 seasons (Ohio St, Michigan St, Wisconsin). I do not think he is top 10 talent in the first round. I don't think Winovich is either, but I do think Winovich is a better player than Gary.
Don't believe me? Don't want to take my word for it? Ok, read this article:
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-chase-winovich-is-a-better-2019-nfl-draft-prospect-than-rashan-gary
Chase Winovich is who scouts are looking at, and using Rashaan Gary as a smoke screen to their interest. Whoever gets Winovich is going to get a player that disrupts the game. I hope it is the Raiders.
This draft is a similar feel to what the Raiders would do when they drafted Mack. Nobody (but me) predicted the Khalil Mack pick before the draft. When I saw film on him, I was geeked out and knew he'd be a force. I feel the same way about Jaylon Ferguson and Chase Winovich, more so than Clelin Ferrell, Rashaan Gary, and Montez Sweat. I also feel that Devin White or Devin Bush would be a better pick than Rashaan Gary and Montez Sweat; but feel Clelin Ferrell would be better than either of those 2.
All that to say that I am changing the #4 selection of the Raiders. I think they take Clelin Ferrell, or they trade down and remain in the top 10, gaining a player, a future pick, and a 3rd round pick. I think they go after Chase Winovich and a CB with their next 2 picks in the first round. Gonna be exciting!
What I've read is that Allen has the edge moves and motor but is not as big and strong as Mack. We shouldn't expect him to be able to bull rush his way to the QB the way Mack does. Mack is Mack... a two-position All-Pro!
IMO, the Raiders should be ready to draft Bosa, Allen or Williams at #4, or trade back for more picks. Devin White has freakish speed but he's a converted RB and lacks instincts, per scouts. Even still, he's top ranked LB.
I found this interesting. SB Nation cited Khalil Hodge, Buffalo (another Khalil from Buffalo) as "pro-ready tackling machine". He doesn't have White's speed, but the kid has posted 154 and 144 tackles the past two seasons. Some of the best LBs to ever play the game were far from being the fastest players.
Less than two weeks and we'll have our answers.
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Devin White, Josh Allen, and Noah Fant visiting the Raiders this week.
The Raiders appear to be doing their due diligence. They coached at the Senior Bowl, attended the Combine (of course), went on the road for pro days and invited a lot of players to Oakland. Seems like more than usual.
This has been a busy off-season and the draft isn't even here.
I expect the Raiders to continue right til the end, searching all options including the waiver wire right up to the start of season.
Russell Wilson $35M per year average?
Derek Carr's contract looks like a bargain. I guess if a team can afford $35M for a QB, they should be able to afford $45M for a franchise QB and the best LB/DE in football.
Again, that would be a relative bargain on a team that has a history of setting new salary thresholds.
Jets are bringing in Ed Oliver Jr today. The buzz is they are looking for a DT, not a DE/EDGE. If that is the case, they are looking at Quinnen Williams, but I think 9ers select Williams. So the Jets have made it no secret they are looking to trade out of the #3 spot for more picks, and have now shown their hand as to who they are interested in, Ed Oliver Jr. I am now not sure they will be able to trade out of the #3, and they may be forced to select him there at the #3 spot (he is projected to go in the top 15). If that happens, then the Raiders may get the selection of either Nick Bosa or Josh Allen, whomever the Cardinals do not select; which I think the Cardinals select Nick Bosa. The Raiders hosted Josh Allen and Clelin Ferrell yesterday. I haven't seen a report on how it went. Very hush, hush.
Oliver has to be a reach at #3. I don't think even the Jets would do that. It's got to be best available player when you're picking that high in the draft. Right? That's why the Raiders might end up with Williams (assuming the Jets trade down or pass), and I'd be okay with that pick.
IMO, if Allen, Bosa and Williams are gone when the Raiders pick comes up, they should immediately trade back a few slots and let some desperate team pay them to draft Murray. Plenty of talented D players at the next level, i.e., after Allen, Bosa and Williams.
Raiders have a rough schedule man. The Doncos must've scheduled their games, because they travel a lot of weeks in a row. They are on the road weeks 3-5, 6 is a bye week, then on the road to Green Bay in Week 7, in Houston in Week 8 (which I may be attending with my son), then the last 2 weeks of the season against the Charger and Doncos in LA and Dunver. Tough schedule.
Draft next Thursday, super excited to see what the Raiders do. Take, I still love your site, bro. I am part of a Raiders Booster club here in Austin, the Silver and Black of Central Texas. I am going to share this site with them, hopefully get some new traffic for ya. Hope everyone out there is doing well. NY, Sandy, Jones, and I know Panty peeks in every now and then. I hope you guys are terrific. Raider Nation rules, and Just Win, Baby!
Man I just saw the Raiders schedule. Easily the worst ever. They don't have a home game for like 5 weeks in a row and then play 4 of their last 6 on the road.
To add insult to injury the last two home games ever in Oakland are against Jacksonville and Tennessee---wtf----why not an AFC west team or two. Hate the NFL.
Brutal
Sandy
Raiders have the toughest schedule compounded by excessive travel. Ugh! I just hope this doesn't become another excuse for failure. It's on Gruden to improve the Raiders and show us why he makes $10M per year. Vegas doesn't have a lot of confidence in that process because, last I read, the over/under for wins this season was only 6! So Vegas oddsmakers are predicting the same number of wins as Del Rio's last season.
In the end, Gruden and the Raiders need to step up and win games which they will clearly be underdogs.
Ian Rappaport is reporting that Gruden and Mayock have sent their entire scout team home until after the draft start, saying that "They don't know who they can trust" as they finalize their draft board.
A lot of people in the media are de-crying that the Raiders are in completely disarray and dysfunction from this. Reporting that the axe is going to fall because these are Reggie's scouts, not theirs. I think any moves for new scouts could be true, but won't happen until after the draft and undrafted free agency. I don't buy the dysfunction reports. The Patriots have been known to do this the past several years, so has Andy Reid. But then you get this golden nugget on Twitter from the Legendary Gil Brandt:
"We never cleared the room but sometimes we'd lay traps for scouts we didn't trust. In 1987 we showed our board to a scout with us taking Mike Junkin, a LB we didn't like. Two days later, Cowboys beat writer Jim Dent wrote story saying we were taking Junkin. Hook, line, stinker."
Mayock and Gruden have something up their sleeves. I haven't believed any of the recent Trade Down-select-a-QB reports. I think that was the hook that a scout bit on, and released. That gave Mayock and Gruden cause to dismiss everyone and put their board together without the possibility of a leak. I am excited about this, but I am also scared to death by this. Excited from the fact that these 2 clearly have a plan. Scared because nobody is going to get a whiff of this plan until it is too late; so for now, the 2019 Raiders draft is anyone's guessing game.
I read it's a timing thing. Scouts who haven't been replaced since the GM turnover were allowed to do their job and are now being sent home. I also read it's not that unusual.
This all boils down to Gruden. He is the $10M man with the final say. The pressure is squarely on his shoulders to get this draft right..., and rightly so.
This is the most interesting and important draft in a long time... 4 picks in the top 35. There's almost no way to screw it up, right?... uhhh, unless they repeat last year's mistakes.
-bad trade with AZ to swap 1st rd picks and acquire a 3rd rd pick
-wasted that pick on trade with Steelers for Bryant.
-1st round overreached for Miller
-2nd round drafted Hall from small school
-3rd round traded up in the third to draft Parker
I think the Raiders will be fine. The only truly dumb thing they could do is pick a QB with one of their top 4 picks... even dumber if they trade up to do it.
There's lots of depth at important positions of need for the Raiders.
DE
CB
TE
RB
This should be a slam dunk!
HAPPY EASTER to all!
A lot of media people have been talking with the scouts the Raiders sent home. The buzz is they are planning to trade down and do something "big". These from the guys sent home for leaking false information. With that said, I do think the Raiders are going to make some big splashes in the draft, and I expect them to get back into the 3rd round.
Also, I am seeing a lot of reporters saying they are targeting Josh Jacobs (RB, Bama) in the 1st round. I really hope this isn't the case, because Saban brutalizes Bama running backs, and they have nothing left in the tank when they get to the NFL. Their bodies cannot handle it. I am hoping they pick up Miles Sanders in the 2nd, or Darrell Henderson (RB, Memphis) later in the draft. (especially if they get back in the 3rd). I think either one will be the better back than Jacobs.
Another rumor going around is that if Nick Bosa and Quinnen Williams are gone by the time the Jets are on the board, they may select Ed Oliver Jr there. If either Bosa or Williams are there at #3, they will select one of them; but the consensus is they are real big on Oliver Jr, and are not afraid to take him at #3. They are also rumored to trade down. The other big surprise here is the reports that the Raiders are also huge on Ed Oliver Jr. I'm pretty big on the guy too, I've made no secret about it, I think he can transition to an NFL DE, and so do a lot of NFL scouts (Gil Brandt and Vic Tafur being the most recent to say it publicly).
I am fine with this too, especially if they trade down. I still feel if they want a player that is going to make an immediate impact on the D-Line at DE/EDGE position it is Ed Oliver Jr or Jaylon Ferguson. Montez Sweat announced he is skipping the draft, and there are rumblings that his medical concerns may drop him out of the first round (very much like Mo Hurst). This may be an awesome 2nd day pick up for us too.
I see a lot of drafts that have the Raiders selecting 2 offensive players with the last 2 first round picks (Josh Jacobs and Noah Fant). Not sure they take an offensive guy in the first. I think they have to select all defense in the first here. I think they have to select LB, DE, and CB. Devin White, Jaylon Ferguson, and Rock Ya-Shin are my picks. I think we trade down for Devin White and get back in the 3rd. Either way, come Thursday, we will see what happens.
There are so many options, the Raiders would have to try and screw up to not improve their defense in Round 1.
Willams
Bosa
Allen
White
Gary
Oliver (although, I don't like the idea of transitioning him to another position unless he excels).
Etc.
So many good choices to make something happen!
Alright! It is Draft Day!! Christmas in April! I have put a lot of thought into this, and have finished my picks for the Raiders, and have gone to NFL.com and am playing Predict the Pick where I have completed my entire first round. This post, I will predict what the Raiders will do for all 7 rounds. I will post immediately after this, and share my Predict the Pick NFL stuff. But first, more importantly, what are Gruden and Mayock going to do. I love how media is still shooting things about the Raiders, and who is moving up their draft board; especially since nobody knows. Ian Rappaport is saying Dwayne Haskins is now who the Raiders are targeting at #4. Really? This kind of reporting make ill. Anyway, here are my picks.
#4-Raiders trade down, possibly to #15 (Redskins). I don't know what exactly they will receive, but I know one of the compensations will be a 3rd round pick, and maybe a future 2nd round pick. As if it matters, Redskins select Kyler Murray here.
#15-Ed Oliver Jr. I go back to my original pick here. Raiders loved his visit (as reported by Las Vegas Review and JT the Brick). Paul Guenther absolutely loved this guy, and rightfully should (IMO). I would also be happy with Clelin Ferrell, but I think Ed Oliver Jr is the pick.
#24-Rock Ya-Sin (CB, Temple). He is the best shut down corner in the draft. Yeah, yeah, we have Gaeron Conley; but with Conley and Ya-Sin, we have the best CB starters in the League which will come in handy against Mahomes, Rivers, and Flacco.
#27-Jaylon Ferguson (DE, LA Tech). I can't say it enough, this guy is the DE sleeper in the draft. He has the most sacks in NCAA, ever! He has a motor that won't quit, doesn't overpursue, and is a great run stuffer. I think he resembles Khalil Mack coming out of college, and I think he will offer the same kind of play as a pro.
#35-Chris Lindstrom (G, Boston College) Now that the Raiders let Osemele go, and are possibly moving Gabe Jackson back to the left side, they still need a Guard. Lindstrom did well in the Sr Bowl with Gruden's team, well enough to be selected in the 2nd round.
3rd Round (#76 overall from Washington)-Darrell Henderson (RB, Memphis).
#106 (4th Round)-Kahale Warring (TE, San Diego St)
#140 (5th Round)-Bobby Okereke (LB, Stanford)
#218 (7th Round)-Sione Takitaki (LB, BYU)
#235 (7th Round)-Olisaemeka Udoh (OT, Elon)
Nate,
Oliver will be gone before 15. Personally assuming Bosa is gone I am hoping they get Williams at 4. If not trade down and get sweat or burns. I would rather one of those two and additional draft capital than pick allen at 4. In fact I would even take Hoeckne at 4 before Allen
A cb and a te later in the 1st.
Sandy
So here is what I put down on the NFL's Predict the Pick for the first round.
#1 Cardinals-Nick Bosa (DE, Ohio St)
#2 49ers-Quinnen Williams (DT, Bama)
#3 Jets-Josh Allen (EDGE, Kentucky)
#4 Raiders trade with Redskins - Kyler Murray (QB, Oklahoma)
#5 Buccaneers-Devin White (LB, LSU)
#6 Giants-Dwayne Haskins (QB, Ohio St)
#7 Jags-DK Metcalf (WR, Ole Miss)
#8 Lions-Jawaan Taylor (OT, Florida)
#9 Bills-Clelin Ferrell (DE, Clemson)
#10 Doncos-Jonah Williams (OT, Bama)
#11 Bengals-Andre Dillard (OT, Washington St)
#12 Packers-Devin Bush (LB, Michigan)
#13 Dolphins-Brian Burns (DE, Florida St)
#14 Falcons-Montez Sweat (DE, Miss St)
#15 Redskins trade with Raiders - Ed Oliver Jr (DE, Houston)
#16 Panthers-AJ Brown (WR, Ole Miss)
#17 Giants-Greedy Williams (CB, LSU)
#18 Vikings-TJ Hockenson (TE, Iowa)
#19 Titans-Marquise Brown (WR, Oklahoma)
#20 Steelers-Riley Ridley (WR, Georgia)
#21 Seahawks-Rashaad Gary (DE, Michigan)
#22 Ravens-Parris Campbell (WR, Ohio St)
#23 Texans-Noah Fant (TE, Iowa)
#24 Raiders-Rock Ya-Sin (CB, Temple)
#25 Eagles-Josh Jacobs (RB, Bama)
#26 Colts-N'Keal Harry (WR, Arizona St)
#27 Raiders-Jaylon Ferguson (DE, LA Tech)
#28 Chargers-Byron Murphy (CB, Washington)
#29 Seahawks-Nasir Adderly (S, Delaware)
#30 Packers-Deionte Thompson (S, Bama)
#31 Rams-Dalton Risner (OT, Kansas St)
#32 Patriots-Jeffrey Simmons (DT, Miss St)
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