DLD 07/14/09: Trying to Make Sense of It

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 14, 2009 12:00 AM PDT

Stryker, we ~~hardly~~ didn't even know you! [via www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com]

Yesterday, the Oakland Raiders released 2009 sixth-round draft pick Stryker Sulak, a defensive lineman from Missouri. Today's quick hits takes a look at why it isn't a surprising move.

One, the Raiders drafted Sulak at a time when they were trying to trade defensive end Derrick Burgess to the New England Patriots and defensive end Greg Ellis still was a member of the Dallas Cowboys. Burgess still is with the Raiders, and Ellis since has signed with the Raiders. Sulak’s chances of making the 53-man roster would have been much greater if Burgess and/or Ellis weren’t around, for sure.

Two, the Raiders entered Monday with 87 players on their roster. They can’t have more than 80 when training camp opens July 29 in Napa, Calif.

Game
It looks like Derrick Mason really is calling it quits. [via media.nflrush.com]

Here are some quick-hitting links:

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason admitted that he isn't 100 percent about retiring in an interview with ESPN on Monday. He has not yet officially retired, mind you.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall hinted in an interview that he doesn't plan to hold out of training camp.

Adam Caplan suggests that the Baltimore Ravens could restart their pursuit of Anquan Boldin closer to the start of the season.

Mlb_u_princewins1_576_medium
Prince Fielder put on a powerful display at Busch Stadium last night. [via a.espncdn.com]

Last night, Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder won the 2009 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby on ESPN.

He defeated Nelson Cruz of the Texas Rangers, Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies, Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals, Carlos Pena of the Tampa Bay Rays, Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins, Adrian Gonzalez of the San Diego Padres and Brandon Inge of the Detroit Tigers. Congratulations, Prince, you were my pick.

Buy and stimulate the economy, or something. [via adsatt.espn.go.com]

I saw this advertisement last night. I just thought that I'd post it. The ad was towards the bottom of ESPN.com.

Poll

Will you be watching the 2009 MLB All-Star Game tonight?

Yes

3 votes

No

23 votes

Maybe

3 votes

This poll is ridicuous and I want Rodney Sacramento to do DLD's from now on

0 votes

29 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Sryk

You will be missed. Man, I really wanted all our draft picks to make it on the team/

R.I.P - Michael Jackson

by Rayder K on Jul 14, 2009 12:57 AM PDT reply actions

I don't think he's the only rookie that'll be dropped

watch for Norris and possibly even Joesph to fall next.

Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God

by KA1Z3R on Jul 14, 2009 6:23 AM PDT reply actions

87 players before camp

Now with the new roster limits requiring 80 players to start camp with, the Raiders have 6 more to disposition prior to July 30th.

I don’t think that either Joseph or Norris will be cut before they show what they can do with pads on. The Raider have too many QB’s right now, so one for sure will go (Walter), they have an extra punter (Ricky Schmitt), he will be cut. They have O’Neal and Shields, both candidates for the PUP and then probably one more WR and TE, John Paul Foschi. That would get the Raiders to 80.

Your team is your child...You love it no matter what.

by TheRaiderWay on Jul 14, 2009 6:47 AM PDT up reply actions

I'm thinking if a receiver goes

it’ll be either a UDFA or Parker. I think Franklin will get a chance because he went to Russell’s passing camp which shows he definitely wants a spot on the roster. Cable loves hard-workers so he’ll stay. I don’t think O’Neal will be on PUP. Unless there’s something I didn’t hear about his injury, he should be in camp.

Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God

by KA1Z3R on Jul 14, 2009 7:53 AM PDT up reply actions

O'Neal

It was a very serious knee injury, one that could take more than a year to recover. O’Neal has been rehabbing hard but has been slow to recover and may not be ready until later this year. That is why I say the PUP.

Your team is your child...You love it no matter what.

by TheRaiderWay on Jul 14, 2009 8:02 AM PDT up reply actions

The safety Davis

was also released
I see 2 QB(southwick, walter) punter (schmitt) I agree O’neal to PUP, parker and shields gone as well possilbly a TE

The future is uncertain... and the end is always near. JMorrison

by S-n-B4life on Jul 14, 2009 10:02 AM PDT reply actions

From today’s quick hits (the link is at the top of the post):

He [Arman Shields] hasn’t practiced yet this off-season as he recovers from a knee injury. It’s a stretch to imagine that he will be ready for camp, so it makes perfect sense to place him on the physically unable to perform list, as well, and give him time to round into shape.

The speculated players on the “chopping block” are clearly a few quarterbacks, punter Ricky Schmitt, wide receiver Samie Parker and then, fullback Oren O’Neal and wide receiver Arman Shields would go on the PUP list.

The Raiders have to make five roster moves before now and the start of training camp on July 29th.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 14, 2009 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Two years

not even practicing cut the strings now, a knee injury this bad will be a lifelong problem it will never be the same. Why pay his salary for a player that hasn’t even played and probably never will! Give a healthy WR a chance.

The future is uncertain... and the end is always near. JMorrison

by S-n-B4life on Jul 14, 2009 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions

ARE YOU KIDDING ME

holy crap another move that boggles the mind why would you bother drafting a player just to release him later. thats a waste. hope he gets his chance to make an nfl team.

by nationofblack on Jul 14, 2009 11:04 AM PDT reply actions

Sulak was a wasted pick. God damn it.

Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.

by CoachConnors on Jul 14, 2009 12:08 PM PDT reply actions

There has to be more to the Sulak release...

There were plenty of extra UDFA QBs, WRs, and others to pare down the roster to 80 without waiving one of our draft picks, even if it was a low draft pick. I understand that Sulak was drafted at a time before we picked up Greg Ellis, but that alone can’t be the reason for releasing a guy before he even has a chance to put the pads on. The beat writers are going to be all over this when training camp commences.

Even with Sulak’s release there are 5 guys vying for 4 53-man roster spots: Ellis, Burgess, Richardson, Scott, and Shaughnessy. The Raiders should continue looking for a trade partner for Burgess.

Slade Norris destroyed the periodic table, because he only recognizes the element of surprise.

ESPN’s draft coverage missed the moment when Al Davis and Tom Cable each took turns using Mel Kiper’s mock draft as toilet paper. - Chris Shellcroft

by LiveAdam on Jul 14, 2009 2:46 PM PDT reply actions

Gunheim is still in the mix there

and don’t underrate him. He played surprisingly well in the Bucs game (not just on the sack) and if Shaughnessy doesn’t play up to par, Gunheim will very easily get himself a spot. Actually to me Gunheim is ahead of Shaughnessy until Shaughnessy proves me wrong in camp or preseason.

Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God

by KA1Z3R on Jul 15, 2009 6:53 AM PDT up reply actions

Let's be honest here

A lot of 6th round picks never pan out. This shouldn’t be surprising considering how many first round picks bust. While some are pleasant surprises, most are just long shots. You have to figure once they get to the sixth round, there’s not much left of value so might as well just take a chance.