How to Fix the Raiders in 1 Simple Draft
by Raybin on Oct 6, 2009 11:03 AM PDT
29 comments
I posted this over on Mocking the Draft and I thought I'd share it here. Let's face it, whether Russell comes out of his shell or not, this season is already basically a wash and it doesn't hurt to look ahead. Plus, I admit I'm a total dork when it comes to fantasy GMing. In any case, with Kaizer already looking for ways on the front page to help the team, I thought I'd weigh in on what I think the best draft the Raiders could do that would help them out the most: Oh, and obviously I know one draft has never fixed any team....I just thought it was a snappy title. :-)
And from here on out, I'll replicate my Fanpost:
Okay, I know It's going to take several seasons to turn this ship around. But, if I could somehow wave a magic wand and make myself Oakland Raiders GM, this is the draft I would try to put together in 2010. I'm not saying this is anything close to what they will do--God knows what Al Davis has in mind--but this is what I think they should do. I'm going with the assumption that the Raiders will be drafting 6th I will offer comments on why I think Davis might take the player that I would.
First Round - Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
For me, this is virtually a no-brainer. If I'm in charge of the Raiders draft and Brandon Spikes is available, I'm taking him. Kirk Morrison is an excellent linebacker, but is miscast at MLB. He'd be much better starting on the strong-side where Ricky Brown is currently out of his depth as a starter. Enter Spikes who can start on day 1. Plus, he's the kind of fiery, vocal leader this team desperately needs.
Why Al might actually pick him: Davis likes his linebackers to be in the 6'2"-6'3", 240-250 lb. range, have good pursuit speed and defend the pass well. That's Spikes to a "T".
Second round - Ciron Black, OT, LSU
For all the struggles of JaMarcus Russell, the biggest disaster on the team might actually be Cornell Green at right tackle. He's a penalty machine, he doesn't run-block particularly well and is an absolute catastrophe in pass protection. Ciron Black isn't the best pass protector, but he's certainly better than Green. Even better, he's exactly the big, nasty run blocking mauler the Raider running game is in desperate need of on the right side. Like Spikes, Black can be a day 1 starter.
Why Al might actually pick him: Davis can see as plainly as anyone else how bad Cornell Green truly is and how the team needs a dominating run blocker. Early in the second round, Black will be the best player available who can do all that.
Third round - Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
The Raiders are pretty set at the starting corner position, especially with Nnamdi Asomugha. Their cornerback depth is just ugly, however. Former second round pick Stanford Routt may be the worst nickel corner in the entire league. Even worse, compared to the people behind him on the depth chart, Routt looks like Darrelle Revis. Kyle Wilson can fix all that. He is an excellent option at nickel corner and may even be good enough to push Chris Johnson as starter. Plus, he's a brilliant kick returner and the Raiders are lacking at that right now. Though he wouldn't be starting on opening day, he could contribute right away.
Why Al might actually take him: Wilson has the speed Davis loves in his corners, has the athleticism to play man-to-man and there's a good chance Davis might fall in love with his playmaking ability in the return game.
Third round (from New England) - Dan LeFevour, QB, Central Michigan
JaMarcus Russell obviously needs a nudge. At this point in the draft, with some of the biggest needs fulfilled, LeFevour would probably be the best choice to take. He doesn't have a rocket for an arm, but it's definitely NFL worthy and stronger than some higher prospects. He has NFL size at 6'3", 230 lbs. and his accuracy is solid. He can also beat you with his feet on the scramble or buy time to keep the play alive. Unlike many quarterbacks who play that style, he also usually limits his mistakes. He could provide a true playmaking force at QB, which is something that's been altogether lacking in Oakland for a long time.
Why Al might take him: Honestly, I don't think LeFevour is Al's type of QB. If he would take him, it'd be because he was attracted by his big playmaking ability and accuracy.
Fourth round - Jay Ross, DT, East Carolina
Ross is a big space filler and Gerard Warren isn't getting any younger or more motivated. He's been very productive stats wise from the DT position. He can join the DT rotation and maybe push for a starting gig in the future.
Why Al might take him: He knows the middle of the defensive line needs bolstering and Ross is as good an option, value wise, as he'll find at this point.
Fifth round - Brandon Carter, G, Texas Tech
He's huge (6'7", 360 lbs.!), he's a leader, he's a badass. The last two are in desperate need on the Raiders offensive line right now. I think he has talent to go earlier, but because of his (frankly ridiculous) suspension, he will probably fall.
Why Al might take him: Have you seen this guy and how he looks? He was born to be a Raider. Davis also likes monsters at the guard position.
Fifth round (from New England) - Chris Hall, C, Texas
Samson Satele has been a woeful disappointment and Chris Morris has been uninspiring to say the least. Hall is a superb value pick at this point and could make for interesting camp battles.
Why Al might take him: See above. He also has the size and versatility Davis likes in his centers.
Sixth round - Chris Chancellor, CB, Clemson
Remember what I said about the atrocious cornerback depth? This pick can help. I really like Chancellor, but a lot of people have him projecting into the later rounds. If he's available early in the sixth, he's a steal. He's a team-oriented, intense personality type in the Asomugha mold and I would like those guys on my team if I'm a GM.
Why Al might take him: Chancellor fits the profile of a Davis cover corner. You could do a lot worse in the sixth round.
Seventh round - John Fletcher, DE/DT, Wyoming
A mountain of a man at over six and a half feet tall, Fletcher is definitely a project, but what else can you expect this late in the draft? He's the kind of guy that could surprise in camp and if he doesn't, you can simply cut him without too many regrets.
Why Al might take him: He can play both DE and DT and Davis seems to like those kind of guys with versatility along the D-line. Tommy Kelly, Richard Seymour and Desmond Bryant can all play end or tackle.
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I hate to say it... but if JaMarcus plays like this the entire year without any progress....
we need a QB in the first or second round… Sam Bradford please
by Wern on Oct 6, 2009 11:59 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Simple economics forbid it
They are simply not gonna pay top 10 money to two young QBs at the same time, especially since one will be sitting on the bench. If they throw in the towel on Russell they’ll go after a veteran free agent or search rounds 2 and 3 for a replacement
by Raybin on Oct 6, 2009 12:59 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with both of you.
Russell doesn’t need a nudge; he needs a replacement.
But you can find the right quarterback in rounds 3 or 4 as you can in the first two rounds.
If you do your homework.
The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.
by clarkpojo on Oct 6, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll also add that...
…Mid round QBs generally aren’t first game starters. So no matter which way you slice it, it’ll have to be a veteran if they give up on JaMarcus
by Raybin on Oct 6, 2009 1:06 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I really like your draft
but DT needs to be taken sooner. Like second round. Third round should be where OT is taken. CB to me should be resolved from FA pickups because there’s always good corners in free agency year-in and year-out.
Needs in order of importance other than owner and offensive playcaller:
QB
MLB
DT
OT
CB
and since Seymour won’t be back, DE. Though we have some good youth players at the position like Scott, Richardson, and Shaughnessy.
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
by KA1Z3R on Oct 6, 2009 1:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Seymour will be back...
….whether he wants to or not. They’ll franchise him so fast, it’ll make his head spin.
I’m for taking a DT in the second round, if Ciron Black is off the board. I think way too highly of his run blocking ability to want to let that escape. Even if Black is gone, I’d be tempted to take Adam Ulatoski out of Texas in round 2.
However, I really think highly of Dan LeFevour…..probably more than most scouts. He’ll probably still be here in the fourth round, so I could be willing to spend the first 3rd rounder on a DT.
Possible revision
1st round – Spikes
2nd round – Black or Ulatoski
3rd round – Boo Robinson, DT, Wake Forest
3rd round (2) – Stephan Virgil, CB, Virginia Tech (if Wilson is gone)
4th round – LeFevour
Or, how about this:
1st round – Spikes
2nd round – Vince Oghobaase, DT, Duke
3rd round – Selvish Capers, OT, West Virginia
3rd round(2) – Wilson or Virgil
4th round – LeFevour
by Raybin on Oct 6, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
both of those scenarios are very good
Boo Robinson would be an immediate impact guy, he’s built to be more of a pro player than a college player. Stephon Virgil is a nice pick as well and one Al Davis would definitely take.
Capers is a nice balance of run and pass blocking, though he wouldn’t be an immediate impact guy.
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
by KA1Z3R on Oct 6, 2009 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's going to take more than one draft to get the Raiders going again
and really this team already has several young players.
The great Raider teams have always been veteran teams but for whatever reason the last few years the Raiders haven’t brought in many veteran players.
I’d much rather see the Raiders get a quarterback whose been in the league for awhile than another rookie who may or may not work out.
In the history of the Raiders they have drafted and groomed one quarterback who won for them and the Kenny Stabler era has been over for awhile.
Who knows maybe JaMarcus Russell will figure it out and realize that he needs to work harder to at least have a chance to make it in the NFL but I’m sure not holding out much hope.
by sirbed on Oct 6, 2009 1:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The title of the post was firmly tongue-in-cheek, don't worry
If the Raiders ditch JaMarcus, I’d prefer a veteran too, but the list of free agent QBs next season is thin:
Jason Campbell – doesn’t have it
Kyle Orton – a possibility, but I have a hard time imagining the Broncos don’t re-sign him
Chad Pennington – injury prone; doesn’t have the arm strength Davis wants
The rest of the bunch is nothing but has-beens and never-weres. The only exception is if the Raiders would want to give Daunte Culpepper another kick at the can .
by Raybin on Oct 7, 2009 5:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Draft
If you build through the draft, it takes more than just one to make you even just an average team.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Oct 6, 2009 2:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't be suprised if Spikes slips to the second round....
Look he’s a great player and I, like you, would argue that he could definately have as big of an impact on defense- his rookie year- as any other top defensive prospect like Carlos Dunlap Suh or McCoy.
But recent draft history has shown us that he is a prime example of a linebacker who could slip. Just look at Maualuga, Puz and D. Ryans who all carried similar grades coming into their senior years but ended up falling out of the first round. I think Maualuga is the most comparable example b/c he clearly fell out of the 1st due to a dissapointing 40 time.
By all accounts, Spikes is not expected to run in the 4.6’s in the forty and could, therefore, fall behind prospects like Rolando McClain and Sean Weatherspoon who carry mid to late 1st round grades and are expected to post better forty times.
Even if he still gets selected in the first, the fact that he will not run well in the forty makes it, unfortunately, unlikely Al Davis would strongly consider him.
Here’s how I would like to see the draft go:
Round 1- Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska-
He could really be a disruptive force up the middle against both the pass and the run. I like him more than McCoy b/c McCoy basically does all the same things Tommy Kelly does and starting McCoy and Kelly together would not do much to fix the run defense. Carlos Dunlap is another player who Al Davis might covet- he’s 6’6 290 DE who is expected to run in the 4.6’s ala Mario Williams- but he is definately still raw in talent and it might take him a few years to reach his potential. I think Suh is the most ready, the most complete, and possesses just as much potential as the other two.
Round 2- Tony Pike QB Cincinnati-
Honestly, I still haven’t completely given up on Russell. But this pick is more about how highly I think of this 6’6 QB who seems to share many of the same characteristics as Matt Schaub- very tall, cerebral, extremely accurate, can make all the throws, not overly mobile but shows good awareness in the pocket. I think that when it is all said and done, he will be a first round pick, but the QB pool is potentially very deep and currently he is ranked as a round 2-3 QB so it may be difficult for him to move up draft boards.
Financially, it would be feasible to invest second round money in a QB and, IMO, a good decision in order for the Raiders to hedge their bets in the increasingly likely event that Russell does not pan out. It doesn’t mean I think Davis would make this pick neccessarily. But I had to put this pick in because I truly believe it is the right thing to do.
Round 3- Jake Fox OT Miami-
I have watched this guy a couple of times and he seems to be an extremely solid prospect with great size (6’7 316) and above-average mobility. He is, in large part, the reason you see all those Jacory Harris highlights where he has 7-8 seconds to throw the ball and Fox has been equally good in the running game, as well. He currently plays LT but Miami has shifted him to LT and RT depending on where they think they need him the most- so you wouldn’t have to worry about an adjustment period if he was asked to compete for the RT spot.
Round 3- Kyle Wilson CB Boise State-
I really like this pick Raybin so I feel no need to change it. He seems like a real heady corner who could probably step in as our nickel corner right away. Very similar to former Boise St. (current Cowboys starting corner Orlando Scandrick).
Round 4- Sergio Render OG Virginia Tech-
I think there are tons of guards who could slot into this spot so this is more indicating that they should go guard here than that they should take Render specifically. But Render has tons of starting experience and is the kind of player who could step in and start within a year of being drafted.
Round 5- Micah Johnson MLB Kentucky-
He is a big MLB at 6’2 258 and is someone who could be a good 1st and 2nd down player to bring in to stop the run. At this point in the draft, you are looking more for situational players anyways and it would be wise to bring in a pure run-stuffing MLB if you don’t get a more complete one earlier in the draft.
Round 5- Trindon Holliday WR/RB/ Kick-Returner LSU-
I would be exttremely excited if they got Holiday b/c he is another situational guy who could find a way to make an impact on the game. At the very least, he would be great as a potential game changing PR/KR guy which is an area where we have been struggling to this point. He may also provide something from time to time in the form of another explosive presence in certain offensive sets.
Round 6- Chris Hall C Texas-
again, looking at the prospects hall seems like a strong late round pick, so there is no need to put in another center just for the sake of doing it. You have him in round 5, I have him in round 6- but the fact is he could fall anywhere from rounds 5-7 depending on how many teams are targeting centers.
Round 7- Cam Thomas DT North Carolina-
at 6-3 328, he offers good size to be a pure run-stuffer and space-eater for our D.
Lastly, I just want to say that given the fact that we have 2 third round picks, if Spikes were to slip, we may be able to flip one of those picks to move up a couple of spots to get him. After all, I think that if we had had to 3rds last year, we would have done the same to get Maualuga.
by MAC Attack on Oct 6, 2009 3:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice draft
Would totally be in love with Suh, but if we draft 6 or 7 (a possibility since I could all see the Rams, Browns, Chiefs, Lions and Buccaneers all picking ahead of us) he may be gone. That being said, if Suh is on the board, you have to take him. He’s dominating.
Didn’t even think of Jake Fox, which would be another awesome pick. Went with Carter over Sergio Render, but I really admire Render’s skills too. I’d be all about him.
I see your point about Spikes dropping and if he’s still sitting there in the early second round, the value would be off the charts for him. You’re right about the 40 time though. Sigh.
Another possibility for a high first round pick if he keeps producing: Rolando McClain out of Alabama. A straight up beast. You could trade down a bit to get him too, since as you say, he currently projects in the mid-first round as far as I know. Of course he also has to decide to enter the draft and not come back for his senior season.
by Raybin on Oct 7, 2009 6:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I totally agree Raybin....
That if we are not picking in the top 4, our chances at Suh are slim. I think he has established himself as the top DL and maybe the top overall defensive player in next year’s draft- maybe even ahead of Eric Berry. Obviously, the prospect of us not picking in the top 4 is an outcome I would like to avoid. However, their play to this point has showed that such an outcome may be in the cards if they don’t quickly improve. With Suh I think we would potentially have one of the best front fours in the league- which is what we should have considering we don’t look to generate pressure from the LB’s or DB’s.
In regards to Jake Fox, the main reason I chose him was the fact that from the start of the college football season I have been observing OT prospects who I think will land in that 2nd-3rd round area b/c I felt that though RT was a need it was probably unlikely that Al would use a first on a RT. So I watched OT’s like Sam Young (Notre Dame), Ulatoski (texas), Calloway (Iowa), and Fox who all have good size and mobility to play in our ZBS but for some reason or another are ranked as 2-3 round prospects instead of 1st round prospects. I came away most impressed with Fox from his build, his mobility, is versatility, and just what looked like generally good awareness- so I got hooked on him more than the others.
In regards to Rolando McClain, you’re not alone in you appreciation in how much of a beast he is. A 6’4 256 linebacker who is extremely athletic. You don’t see many linebackers nowadays who weren’t converted college DE’s and who project to play in a 4-3 as opposed to a 3-4…. He’s a unique specimen. He also has (to my knowledge) the 40 time to justify being a top 15 pick so you’re dead-on that if we pick it up the rest of the season and hopefully pick outside of the top 10- he would be a prime target.
Lastly, Raybin or any one else, how do you feel about the Tony Pike QB pick?- more importantly how do you feel about the slotting of a QB with the 2nd round pick? My personal feeling is that there seem to be a lot of QB’s who potentially could come out this year which may cause some good QB’s to slide into the second round. This list includes Sam Bradford, Jimmy Clausen, Jevan Snead, Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow, Jake Locker and Tony Pike. That’s 7 QB’s who could conceivably be 1st round picks and while Bradford, Clausen, Snead and Locker are juniors- the Bradford injury may cause each of these QB’s to think strongly about coming out as juniors as opposed to risk coming back and getting injured.
I think this presents a great opportunity for the Raiders to potentially get a first round talent at QB in the second round and the extra 3rd would give them the mobility to move up a couple of slots to secure one. By the end of the season they should have a solid determination on whether or not Russell is the future, so it would be far from a potential waste of a pick if it is determined that he won’t pan out.
What do you guys think?
by MAC Attack on Oct 7, 2009 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really like Raybins draft
except if we have a chance to take DT Suh we should take it. If we don’t, then we should trade down and get Spikes. I’m pretty sure we’ll have a high pick, so we would get good value in return.
by duballers23 on Oct 6, 2009 4:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
If Spikes looks to fall...
…trading down in exchange for some more mid-round picks or a couple decent veterans is a good idea.
But Suh is so amazing, you have to hold firm and draft him if he’s available, I agree.
by Raybin on Oct 7, 2009 6:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And if Locker comes out
we should take him
by duballers23 on Oct 6, 2009 4:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Not sold on Locker yet
Now if he returns for his senior season and we’re stuck drafting high again in 2011 (god forbid!)….then I’d be more for it.
by Raybin on Oct 7, 2009 6:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Locker is a stud...
I am against drafting any QB ’til the Raiders get a line and a system to stick with, but living in Seattle and watching the guy every week, I feel good in saying he is the real deal.
I am shocked how well and quickly he has adapted to Sark’s pro style system. His accuracy has improved leaps and bounds. He still has some room for improvement on his accuracy with the deep ball, but that is his only knock.
The kid can run, has an arm riffle, and good size. He also is everything you want your QB to be leader wise. Obviously this is saying a lot but when I watch him play I really feel I am watching the next Elway.
Wherever I go, that's where I am.
by noontide on Oct 7, 2009 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like the way you are thinking Raybin...
I hate to be thinking of the Draft already, but damn the play is forcing our thoughts that direction.
MLB is the only spot I would tolerate a top pick over O-lineman at this point. Also, the Raiders look set at LT and spending a high first rounder on any other line position is hard to justify…. My point being I want O-lineman in this draft!
I like the addition of CB depth although I would probably just spend one pick on that as there is almost always a serviceable nickel corner available in free agency for a decent price.
I also like the mid round selection of a DT. Young and hungry DT’s can make an instant impact and exceed expectations.
Wherever I go, that's where I am.
by noontide on Oct 6, 2009 5:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Whoever they draft at QB
He’d better be a damn good scrambler.
by rightnasty on Oct 6, 2009 5:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That's one reason why...
…I’m so high on LeFevour.
by Raybin on Oct 7, 2009 6:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love some of those guys, but seriously dudes! you're killing me
Things are looking pretty dismal but I can’t start looking at next year already! And what makes us believe we’ll all of a sudden actually draft any of these guys we really need. I love Raybin’s top picks, but it’s a moot point!
There are personnel issues, coaching issues, and injuries to key players. This team will win some games, but our troubles won’t change even with a stellar draft. Who’s gonna coach?
by brhynno on Oct 6, 2009 10:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It's a for fun exercise
Something to distract from all the unpleasant drama, you know?
by Raybin on Oct 7, 2009 6:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I feel you Raybin, and still appreciate your insightful posts
It’s just that so little actually works to distract us from the monumental doldrums we remain in, and seem destined to look forward to.
Especially when it’s discussing guys we know would solve some serious troubles, and watching them slip through our fingers with yet another horrible draft.
Pretty sad when we’d rather have a blogger be our GM than a guy whose been doing it since the merger of the leagues, and know that the results would be better!
by brhynno on Oct 7, 2009 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I feel ya
i think we have gone more towards style over substance as far as our drafts have been concerned, and BIG AL needs to stop worrying about forty times and more about productivity…. ala DHB over Harvin, Mauluaga, Raji… hell, Russell over everyone else was a doozy…. BIG AL loves fast and flashy. Guess its seeing the mirror of himself…. lol. Seriously, BIG AL needs to draft a GM…. and LET HIM DO HIS JOB…..
by VaderBDCRaider on Oct 7, 2009 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Boy, you said it
Sitting here watching a replay of the Steelers-Chargers game on NFL Network, and watching Pittsburgh’s offense move through them like they’re not even there, Oh, to have an offense like that. And smirking a little bit at the sight of the Chargers’ defensive coordinator screaming at his guys on the sideline.
by rightnasty on Oct 7, 2009 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
was looking like Pittsburgh was gonna give up another one at the end there
if you kept watching. Not sure I’d be so high on my offense when the defense got worse as the game progressed, and barely came up with the stop. Onside recovery and back in Rivers hands? Right after they scored 21 on the Steelers in the fourth quarter. And the SD defense has lost any real identity it ever had. so they’ll give up a lot of yards to worse teams; they gave up a lot to the Raiders even.
by brhynno on Oct 8, 2009 12:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But we're not alone
Bucs fans are probably thrilled to get Leftwich out of there. We’ll see if Freeman can handle being thrown to the wolves like that.
Meanwhile, in Tennessee, Collins is once again the least popular guy in town. Some are even calling for Vince Young to start, if you can imagine that.
by rightnasty on Oct 7, 2009 6:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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