There's still hope to be found in Oakland

by R3ZZ on Apr 18, 2009 6:33 PM PDT Comment 47 comments

Let's face it having Al Davis as an owner isn't exactly fun. Of our last 10 first round picks only two have made it to the pro bowl and one of them were a kicker. Al Davis once again hired an offensive minded coach to head us into 09' despite seeing coach after coach fail in this predicament. We just saw two of the better secondary men (Gibril Wilson and DeAngelo Hall) in the NFL leave Oakland for no compensation, and our huge investments in Terdell Sands, Tommy Kelly, and Javon Walker have all been for naught. Despite all the adversity there is hope to be had in Oakland.

Free Agency

Oakland has been extremely quite in free agency when contrasted to last off seasons spending spree ala Al Davis.
Signings by the Raiders include Jeff Garcia, Samson Satele, Marcus Johnson, Khaliff Barnes, Erik Pears, and Bruce Gradkowski.
That's four offensive linemen and two quarter backs. at least two of those offensive linemen will start in 2009 in Satele and Barnes. I'd say our LT position is pretty set with Henderson manning that spot after a surprising breakout season in 08.

The Draft

Speculation says the Raiders will take a WR in the first round in the draft next week. I personally would love to see that happen, however I don't want to see Oakland take Jeremy Maclin or Darius Heyward-Bey. I want to see Oakland draft Michael Crabtree. Could you imagine how much destruction Crabtree would cause with Zach Miller, Jamarcus Russel, and Darren McFadden on the same offense?
While Maclin and Bey are faster, Crabtree is the most NFL ready wide reciever in this draft. Heck people said the same about Tedd Ginn (Maclin), Robert Meachem (Bey), and Dwayne Bowe (Crabtree), and who panned out better? I think the answer is painfully obvious to us.
Many may argue that help at NT may be more imminent but I plea to you please stop sipping the Rajii juice. He's vastly overrated and his rushing buddy Ron Brace is much more effective and can be had in the second round. Help at RG can be found in third round prospects such as Fenuki Tupou and Herman Johnson.

Looking to the future

Oakland has a lot of reasons between the draft and free agency to believe it has an offense that could compete in the upper echelons in the league. If Al Davis shapes up and gives us a solid draft we could be in competition with San Diego for playoffs.
The Chiefs could surprise this year. They have just about every position filled out for their new 3-4, and their offense is starting to look down right scary. Still they've done nothing to adress the worst pass rush in NFL history so it may not count for much.
Denver is in shambles. McBonehead went and threw a perfectly fine playoff contender into rebuilding mode, the scary thing about Denver is that it has two firsts for the next two drafts.

Conclusion

The AFC West is getting strong and very young. Oakland, Denver, San Diego and Kansas City may very well be the next NFC East like divisional powerhouse, and Oakland has all the tools to be a top contender in this division for a long time provided Al Davis drafts well THIS YEAR.

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San Diago still has the upper hand

and if we dont address the defence we cant expect to beat them. That being said, If we cant make first downs it really won’t matter who is on defence

Michael Johnson DE #7
Darrius Heyward-Bey WR #40
Sen’Derrick Marks, DT #87
Jason Williams LB #126

"May the wind be at our back, here comes the Silver and Black "

by RUKidding on Apr 18, 2009 7:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Taking Johnson with the seventh pick is too early, especially when you can probably get Orakpo and Heyward-Bey will be gone by the 40th pick.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Apr 18, 2009 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We need an every down DE

Rak is a bit of a tweener, not big enough to be an effective run stopper AND pass rusher every down against pro tackles. Johnson is big and fast, and a good tackler.

"May the wind be at our back, here comes the Silver and Black "

by RUKidding on Apr 19, 2009 5:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

#7 is a bit hasty for Johnson

I’d be taking Brown, Sintim, Orakpo and Maybin before Johnson.

Darius Heyward Bey is never falling out of the first, he’s got too much talent and there’s too much teams in need of a WR for him to fall that far.

Sen’Derrick Marks would be pretty solid but better NT’s are available in the second. And you could get a solid pass rusher in Paul Kruger in the third.

Jason Williams? I don’t see how linebacker is a pressing need for us. We had to 90+ tackle performance linebackers last season. Plus we could find starter at guard in Luis Vasquez at #126

Z- "Look I know your smart, I'm just questioning your logic in trying to discover the identity of a masked swordsman"

by R3ZZ on Apr 18, 2009 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If we could get him at #126 he would be the steal of the draft

Ricky Brown had a lot of missed tackles last year and allthough he played well on special teams, we need an upgrade.

Jason Williams, Western Illinois
6’ 1" 241lb SSOLB Ran an AMAZING 4.42-4.44 at his pro day workout

Named to the AFCA FCS All-America Team and the Associated Press All-America Second Team … A first-team all-Gateway honoree … Runner-up for Gateway Defensive Player of the Year Award … Led the Gateway in three defensive categories … Sacks (8), tackles for loss (16.5) and forced fumbles (5), and ranked third in tackles (107) … Ranked among the nation’s top 50 defensive players in tackles for loss, total tackles and sacks … His five forced fumbles ranked fifth nationally and tied a school record … Helped anchor a defensive unit that ranked among the top-25 nationally in five categories — scoring defense (18th), total defense (21st), pass defense (22nd), sacks (23rd) and pass efficiency defense (25th) … Named the team’s defensive MVP at the annual awards banquet.

"May the wind be at our back, here comes the Silver and Black "

by RUKidding on Apr 19, 2009 5:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Take into account

that he played at western Illinois. Theres a reason he’s behind small school linebacker Daniel Holtzclaw. He’s the Colt Brennan of linebackers in this draft. Plenty of fluff no substance

Z- "Look I know your smart, I'm just questioning your logic in trying to discover the identity of a masked swordsman"

by R3ZZ on Apr 20, 2009 7:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Johnson at 7

there’s a chance he’ll fall to us at 40, and a good one at that.

V- "I'm not questioning your powers of observation. I'm merely remarking on the paradox of asking a masked man who he is."

by KA1Z3R on Apr 19, 2009 7:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice post but

Crabtree most likely will not be there. and its likely Orakpo won’t be there either that leaves Raji or an OL. Maclin and DHB are not worth the 7th pick and will not improve the TEAM this year.

In my opinion WR or OL are not priority needs
So that leaves DL, SS and LB. the highest projected player that will be available at a position of need is Raji.

I don’t believe the hype that JR needs a receiver to be good, the receivers were not the problem. The offense was to predictable we are a running team we didn’t start throwing more until later in the season that is why Chaz and JLH started to look good at the end of the season.
BUT
If its a receiver you want?
Ramses Barden
Robiskie
will be available in the 2nd

DEFENSE FIRST
1.Raji (if Orakpo isn’t there)
2.Gilbert (or Brace if Orakpo is in the 1st)
3. Brinkley or Vaughn
4. Kelly or Carr
Better play calling and a more balanced attack and a defense that won’t lose leads in the 4th quarter = winning games

by S-n-B4life on Apr 18, 2009 8:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Raji is so overrated

he made one good play against Notre Dame and they show that in just about every other clip of his highlight reel. Other that that his highlights consist of him getting stood up in a man to man competition then his fat @$$ gets in the way, tis won’t fly in the NFL because he’ll be getting blown up every play.

I’d tae Brace before I take Gilbert. Gilbert is too small to play DT in the NFL, he’ll end up switching to DE which isn’t exactly a huge hole for us. Plus your drafting two tackles in a row which doesn’t make any sense considering Tommy Kelly is a pretty solid option at DT.

Were going to be reaching for Brinkley in the second and we’ll be lucky to see him get past Kansas City in the third. They took Brinkley in for a workout and supposedly Pioli iked what he saw. On top of that Pioli likes versatile guys, Brinkley played every linebacker position and DE in college.

If Ramses Barden and Brian Robiskie are your hopes for Jamarcus’ primary target then it looks like were going to be relying on Zach Miller to carry the passing game again. Crabtree is the most NFL ready WR in the draft and Russel desperately needs a true #1 target before he sails into bust land. Plus a dominant attack in the air with Higgins, Miller, McFadden, and Crabtree all spelling each other will open gaping holes for McFadden and Fargas.

If our offense can stay on the field and create scoring drives frequently we won’t be relying on our defense in the fourth quarters because our offense will have the ball

Z- "Look I know your smart, I'm just questioning your logic in trying to discover the identity of a masked swordsman"

by R3ZZ on Apr 18, 2009 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i like this post

more than i like the article u wrote…nice.

Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up!!

by naq92 on Apr 19, 2009 12:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Crabtree will be gone

so he won’t help us.

No other WR should be taken at 7. I disagree that Barden, Robiskie and even Kelly would not help JR and the Offense. Good route running and sure handed receivers can always help.

A true No. 1 WR isn’t always needed to have an effective passing attack. Look at the Saints. Who is there No.1 Receiever? Good pass protection, good route running sure handed WR’s, and an accurate QB. is all you need.

With are O-line improvements in the offseason, JR in his second full season with Chaz, JLH and even Walker, the use of Bush and McFadden as receiver treats as well as RB’s and of course Miller in the passing game the Offense should be better without drafting a WR. Don’t forget we drafted Shields in the 3rd last year give him a chance. We can always go with a WR next year if the 3 young WR’s do not pan out.

The defense on the other hand needs help!

I think going Defense will make us a better team. I like our Offensive potential as it is, Sure a WR could help but not enough picks to do it as it is now.

Unless we trade Fargas, Walter, Sands or even Burgess (contract year) for more picks.

Defense should be the top priority!How does this look?
1. Rey Maualuga
2. Gilbert an every down DE
3. Vaughn
4. Dorell Scott, Taylor, Sammy Lee Hill
7. Best Available Player

by S-n-B4life on Apr 19, 2009 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

the saints #1 WR

is colston. he’s a beast..but i get wat ur saying. they don’t have one of those freak of nature type receivers.

Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up!!

by naq92 on Apr 19, 2009 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

YA a 7th rd pick

He earned it.
I like Chaz’s potential he could be very good. Even a No.1 Given a chance He has size speeed and hands just needs experience. .

by S-n-B4life on Apr 19, 2009 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Heres the thing...

We need a possesion reciever to keep defences honest. A big target, a guy with good hands, Quick cuts, a burst of speed to get into the open area’s, fast enough to consistantly beat single coverage.
These talents will cause defences to use an extra man, or get beat. Just like Timmy used to do all the time. this opens up the running game and will minimise the blitzes.

Chaz and JLH are average type recievers, but not the type to command double coverage

We havent addressed this area in free agency

There’s only one, possably two guys in this years draft who could fit the above criteria

Crabtree and DHB

"May the wind be at our back, here comes the Silver and Black "

by RUKidding on Apr 19, 2009 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Crabtree is the only Possession WR at the 7 pick BUT again he won’t be there at the Raiders Pick
DHB is a straight line WR that doesn’t like to go across the middle(according to the experts) I wouldn’t classify him as a possession WR

The raiders could use a possession WR agreed, but this year lets use Walker as that(let him work for the money we paid him). and draft D Unless by some miracle Crabtree is there at 7

by S-n-B4life on Apr 19, 2009 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Darius Heyward Bey!?? Really?

biffs on more passes than Al Davis does draft picks!. He’s got a ton of speed but he’s got no fluidity in his hips and can’t catch for crap. If there were two receivers that fit that category I’d say it’s Crabtree and Maclin.

Z- "Look I know your smart, I'm just questioning your logic in trying to discover the identity of a masked swordsman"

by R3ZZ on Apr 20, 2009 7:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree that...

We need to address the defense or we will not be able to contend with San Diego and will most likely get blown out if we do. So what I am saying is get:
1. Michael Crabtree
2. Jarron Gilbert
3. Clint Sintim
4. Emanuel Cook
7. Khalif Mitchell
If we do this we will address the positions of WR, DE, LB, SS, and DT

by L.A. Raiders on Apr 19, 2009 10:32 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Ambition is good in life

not in the draft.

If your hoping that Clint Sintim, one of the top rated DE/OLB hybrids in the draft falls to our third pick your going to be let down. But I guess if your putting in as a DE or OLB your opinion shouldn’t count for much. Sintim is too small to be an effective DE in the 4-3, his position in the NFL is 3-4 OLB

Z- "Look I know your smart, I'm just questioning your logic in trying to discover the identity of a masked swordsman"

by R3ZZ on Apr 20, 2009 7:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Raiders need a stud linebacker

It’s been forever since the Raiders have had a great linebacker…. I’d like to see them go after a good linebacker maybe Ray M. Look at all the great defensive teams with great linebackers – Pittsburgh, Baltimore, NE – solid in the middle – thats where the Raiders get killed. my $.02

by vmcarp on Apr 19, 2009 5:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

are you kidding me with this!?

maybe your up past your bedtime, hell maybe you judge all of the NFL players by turning on your X Box and looking at the overall stats on madden because that was a dip shit remark

Kirk Morrison had more tackles last season than Ray Lewis, Terrel Suggs, Bart Scott, Brian Urlacher, James Farrior, Teddy Bruschi, Jerod Mayo. all “stud” linebackers.. holy crap that was stupid

Z- "Look I know your smart, I'm just questioning your logic in trying to discover the identity of a masked swordsman"

by R3ZZ on Apr 20, 2009 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and Morrison was on the field twice as long

I agree 100% with vmcarp
In case you were not watching, “we cant stop the run”
Rey woild be a great pick but not at #7 I would hope we could trade down maybe with Tampa

"May the wind be at our back, here comes the Silver and Black "

by RUKidding on Apr 21, 2009 1:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

you would

I bet you two are the same person. Stupid asses

We can’t stop the run because Tommy Kelly is trying to hold down both DT positions because Terdell Sands is a piece of crap. We need Ron Brace in round 2 if we want a decent run defense next year, not a 3-4 ILB o replace the second best part of our defense. Go play madden this is football talk idiot

Z- "Look I know your smart, I'm just questioning your logic in trying to discover the identity of a masked swordsman"

by R3ZZ on Apr 21, 2009 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Look Buddy, we can do without the belligerent crap

we are all Raider fans and we love our team. So if your going to post on this site be a little respectful.

"May the wind be at our back, here comes the Silver and Black "

by RUKidding on Apr 22, 2009 2:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Both are scrubs...

The problem is both Kelly and Sands are worthless. Kelly’s production does not match up to his contact and Sands is big for nothing.

by kawelu on Apr 23, 2009 7:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ray Maualua is a MLB...

We already have a stud at MLB in K. Morrison. WE need a stud DT to plug the middle and help stop opposing teams from running all over us.

by kawelu on Apr 23, 2009 7:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed i think we should trade down and get rey..we could pick up another number 2 as well..which we could go both offense and defense in the second

by pablopaul25 on Apr 19, 2009 5:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That's The Way To Go

Trade down and then grab Rey Rey

Police Fucking Hate Me, Trying To Relocate Me To LA, But Like The Raiders, I' ma Bring It Back To The Bay! - Nump

by Rayder K on Apr 19, 2009 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

R3ZZ

This is a nice post. Was this your first one?

Police Fucking Hate Me, Trying To Relocate Me To LA, But Like The Raiders, I' ma Bring It Back To The Bay! - Nump

by Rayder K on Apr 19, 2009 5:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Rey M...

He is good and trust me I really like him not only because he is good but because I am from L.A. and I saw every game Rey Rey played adn trust me I like his attitude and his style of play, but for some reason I feel that he won’t be able to keep up with the players in the NFL. I think the LB’s that we should consider are:
1. Aaron Curry (if he falls to #7)
2. Brian Orakpo (if switched to LB)
3. Clint Sintim
4. Frantz Joseph
5. Jasper Brinkley

by L.A. Raiders on Apr 19, 2009 5:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think the only WR's...

That fit our system, and that could make the biggest impact on our team that we should consider are:
1. Michael Crabtree
2. Brian Robiskie
3. Hakeem Nicks
4. Mike Thomas

by L.A. Raiders on Apr 19, 2009 6:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

What about Ramses Barden?

I think he should be a nice fit for our offense taking the safeties deep with him when he runs his route which will open up people like Miller,JLH, Walker,and Chaz for those 20-30 yard gains not to mention the YAC that JLH ,Mcfadden or Chaz can rack-up when they burn the secondary and only have to face the two deep safeties. Another thing I like about Barden is his height gotta love that when you have the Biggest QB and the Biggest WR on the same side it will be hard to stop. The only way I won’t want Ramses is if we draft a WR in the first, kinda obvious. In saying that I hope we can get RAK or Raji first and then Barden.

"We want to Win. The Raider fans deserve it. The Raider players deserve it,even my organization deserves it. You have to Win and Win with a vision of the Super Bowl. That's our passion here"- Mr. Davis

by nishal26 on Apr 19, 2009 6:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ramses Barden

is SLOW! he’s more of a TE than he is a WR. Goodness it’s so Al Davidesque to fall in love with a guy based purely on measurables

Z- "Look I know your smart, I'm just questioning your logic in trying to discover the identity of a masked swordsman"

by R3ZZ on Apr 20, 2009 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That would be something

He could improve on in training camp but, his sheer size and height can’t be matched you can’t teach that. He would be a great pick-up for us.

by nishal26 on Apr 20, 2009 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

if receivers could improve on speed in training camp

why would we even watch the 40? Why would the 40 even exist!? Speed can only be taught to a certain extent, the rest is pure physical ability. If you wanna argue that why don’t we just raise Javon Walkers speed during training camp then we don’t even need to drat a WR!? You’re argument is lame

Z- "Look I know your smart, I'm just questioning your logic in trying to discover the identity of a masked swordsman"

by R3ZZ on Apr 21, 2009 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

My argument was a little lame but, my point was that he could improve on his speed in training camp and if you think that we can’t then put him on TE with Miller he needs helps he can’t be the only good threat at TE.

by nishal26 on Apr 21, 2009 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Barden...

Would be after Mike Thomas, so that would be 5th.

by L.A. Raiders on Apr 19, 2009 7:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Barden

has a greater potential than Thomas as a WR. At 6’6 225 and 4.5 speed he’s a good possession WR and a Great Red Zone Target. Thomas at 5’8 would be mainly special teams KR or PR

by S-n-B4life on Apr 19, 2009 7:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thomas...

is way faster than Barden when you’re talking about deep speed. But Barden would make a better target for Jamarcus. But are you forgetting how JLH made a great impact at the end of the season for the Raiders and JLH is only 5’10 or 5’11. So all I am saying is that Mike Thomas is the better overall WR between him and Ramses Barden.

by L.A. Raiders on Apr 19, 2009 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ya but we already have JLH

we don’t need 2 guys just like him. it’d be better for us if we got a bigger target that could be more of a possession type receiver.

Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up!!

by naq92 on Apr 20, 2009 6:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

wat i'm saying though....

is that mike thomas has the potential to become a steve smith JLH doesn’t.

by L.A. Raiders on Apr 21, 2009 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I want Ramses Barden

mostly for those red-zone passes because we finished last in red-zone TD’s and he could give Jamarcus and the Raiders a huge help down there.

by nishal26 on Apr 20, 2009 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ppl forget though..javon walker is 6-3 220 he was hurt last year alittle but him and schillens are already good redezone targets…im not against barden but dont reach or rely on him…hes not better than a 3rd round reciever..

by pablopaul25 on Apr 21, 2009 2:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Forget about Barden...

Because if the Raiders draft any WR other than in the 1st round, which is what I think they will do, it would be in the 2nd and that WR would most likely be Brian Robiskie.

by L.A. Raiders on Apr 21, 2009 5:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I've Stated in several posts

That Crab and Orakpo will not be there at No.7 and that we should go Mainly D this draft again my reasoning.

There 4 teams before us that need WR help
Rams have only Avery at WR and they released Holt, they also released Pace so 50-50 on what they do.
Seahawks they picked up TJ (31yr old) in FA, Engram is gone, everyone else can’t stay healthy.
Browns if they trade Edwards and with Winslow in Tampa the Offense needs help. If Crabtree is there when they Draft Then and only then will they trade EDWARDS

Bengals with OCHOCINCO unhappy, TJ gone they two could draft Crab.
Although they all need OL as well, but Browns and Bengals also need a Pass rush which means Orakpo might be gone.

If Crabtree, and Orakpo are there at 7 the best thing for the Raiders to do is trade down. Although with Al’s history that is unlikely. With a 2nd second round pick that could make for a good weekend. Plus I’m pretty sure Walter will be dealt for a 5th. and depending on how the RB’s go maybe a 3rd or 4th for Fargas.

Morrison is an elite LB however with that said I think he would be better on the outside not to say that Morrison wouldn’t be better with a better run DL he would. On the outside he would be better than on the inside.
Getting a true MLB is important. along with a beast of a run clogger. and a SS to battle Gates and Gonzales (the raiders are high on Mitchell from Buckeyes which should be available in the later rounds)
Raiders are also very interested in Barden so don’t be suprised if he is our 2nd pick.
DE is also important (because Burgess’s last year in OAK most likely)

I don’t care how they do just stop the run and improve the D

by S-n-B4life on Apr 21, 2009 6:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I understand your point

but we need a possesion reciever to keep the defences honest and we dont have one on our team. Jamarcus needs time to throw, and teams are blitzing like helln against us. We need a quick guy who can catch the ball well even in traffic. A guy who can get op[en on a consistant basis, who has some good upper body strength so he can snatch balls out of the air and not get jammed at the line.

Crabtree is a rare talent, and to pass on him would be a mistake in my opinion

"May the wind be at our back, here comes the Silver and Black "

by RUKidding on Apr 22, 2009 2:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

we need a reciever..and crabtree is the best reciever prospect in the last two years..why would we trade out of that spot?

by pablopaul25 on Apr 22, 2009 4:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Good news for Crabtre Hopefuls

I read that Crabtree wants to go to the Browns, But a insider close to the browns says the browns are not interested due to his “DIVA ATTITUDE”

It could be predraft Smoke screen!

Although I’m aware of his talent something tells me he maybe a bust. Like many college greats i.e Rodgers, Williams and Boston to name a few. Thats why I’ve been against drafting him. Now this comes out

If his Attitude is bad enough that a team that needs a WR will pass on his Talent. Maybe we should look closer into this (he didn’t visit Oakland) I mean we all know TO has an attitude tha’ts why no one wanted him in Oakland. After all we are building a TEAM Attitude if he is all about himself, He might not be a good fit.
If we draft him…. I hope I’m wrong

by S-n-B4life on Apr 22, 2009 5:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs