Mock Draft Feedback: Rate The Oakland Raiders Picks
by Raymond St. Martin (Saint) on Feb 23, 2010 6:44 AM PST
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As some of you know, SBN has a Mock Draft Site called Mocking The Draft and the lead writer there has published his first Mock Draft for the first two rounds. or many reasons there is a BIG push to promote this Mock Draft and it will be laden with fan opinion as we try and get to the best possible scenario for each team.
Take a look at the draft, which has us drafting Rolando McClain in the first and Taylor Mays in the second round and answer each of these questions:
Good pick for the team?
How he fits with the team?
Alternative picks or positions the team could go after at the pick.
I will have them link back to us and our feedback.
Cheers,
Saint
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Hallelujah to Rolando, hellascrew ya to Mays!
I don’t care how physical they say Mays is, or from USC, we take this guy, and much of the nation is up in arms.
If we seal up the MLB hole with the first pick, the second must go on either the better of the DT or OT available. Campbell could fall to us in the second. Terrence Cody could be there. Iupati could be there. Any of these guys and I’ll be ecstatic. Gonna have to see how FA goes after any other holes.
I see how in this pick they’re taking at least one stud, and one guy folks are speculating Al will look at, but I’m banking on the fact our safeties are no longer a weakness, and therein not deserving of any high picks.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
by brhynno on Feb 23, 2010 6:56 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Campbell is a 1st rounder. He could get picked by the Seahawks as early as 8th overall. I do agree, however, that Mays isn’t a good value until the 2nd-3rd round. He’s the defensive version of Tim Tebow: overhyped, very strong, and not good against/for the pass. He had like 2 INTs in college. That’s not gonna cut it.
Kosuke Fukudome. Dickie Thon. Jung Bong. Pete LaCock. Best. Baseball Names. Ever.
You are correct, my friend.
I’’m afraid Al can be enamored by solid showings at the combine by USC guys with freakish physiques like Taylor, so I hope Al “don’t believe the hype.”
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
I think Bruce can still fall. His health concerns, and a poor showing at the combine
and he’s round 2 material for sure. His height will intrigue some NFL teams. And how will Seattle take him with our 8th overall pick?
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
McClain is dead-nuts on, just what we need on D - leadership, intensity, someone we can depend on
But, the second round suggestion is way off. We have three excellent safeties in Branch, Huff and Mitchell. This would piss me off. I’d even go for T.Cody – who takes some plays off like Kelly and Warren do – but with his team mate and leader, Rolando, behind him that tendency would diminish. So, yes a solid and true MLB is a great selection in the 1st round, but then we must go either DT or OT, it’s not even an issue … except when I see things like this far-fetched Mays item.
Leadership? doubt it, He is a rook he can't just come in and start barking orders or being vocal.
Don’t get me wrong he can become a leader but it’ll take time, The one way he CAN show leadership is in his Play, vocally not so much.(but we do need a vocal guy) maybe he’s the one but it’ll take time. On the other hand RT Okung or Davis will make impact quicker.
The RaiderLaker
And by the look of the Pic, how he is just clapping calmly makes me think he is a nice soft-spoken guy(Morrison)
I did some research on some interviews and he is soft-spoken and nice, low tone voice.(apperently He hates cut blocks) :)
Weaknesses: (Not trying to throw dirt on him, but is this true? PER SCOUTS)
Unimpressive speed
Overpursues against run
Questionable 4-3 inside linebacker
Average sideline-sideline range
Good, but not an exceptional athlete
Could be exposed in man scheme
Doesn’t have huge upside
A little uncomfortable in space
The RaiderLaker
Some of those negatives are the same issue rephrased and some are speculative
Unimpressive speed
Average sideline-sideline range (repeat of speed comment)
Good, but not an exceptional athlete (football players are what we need – not triathletes)
Overpursues against run (aggressive players may do this)
Questionable 4-3 inside linebacker (speculative – Bama ran a 3-4)
Could be exposed in man scheme (speculative – he could also excell in man scheme)
Doesn’t have huge upside (this, in scout parlance, means he hustles and is fit – so he plays at 100% is negative(?))
A little uncomfortable in space (that’s because he’s a closer – like Weatherspoon – he’s not acrophobia if that’s the concern)
by Sons-of-Blanda on Feb 23, 2010 11:27 AM PST up reply actions
Al davis only needs to see Unimpressive speed phrased one way to move on.
Only dull people are brilliant at breakfast.
by Rich Langford on Feb 23, 2010 11:38 AM PST up reply actions
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
The scary part is that we might actually draft Mays in the second round.
I’m ok with Rolando in the first round. He has all of the skills. I think he will be a disappointment until our defensive line is good enough to keep the offensive line from getting to him. In the long term, he is probably the best player available. My preference would be to get a right tackle or nose tackle.
Naw, y'all
what the raiders really really need is to take tim tebow and turn him to a WR orrrrrr… find the fastest guy in the draft, doesn’t necessarily have to be a WR (doesn’t necessarily have to be able to catch), and pencil him in at WR. we need more speed you guys. ignore all this bull about beefing up the d-line, Al can just sign ANOTHER fat guy to a huge deal in free agency – he’ll get it done if Al just overpays him (he wears #93…or #2) in all seriousness, though, can anyone be happy to hear news that JBUST has a shadow now? to make sure he acts right? do we have to watch another year of this? better cut gradkowski so he doesn’t hurt the big deuce’s confidence. thats the m0th3rf@ck!n raider way, baby
Dont Get Caught In The Hype!
McClain would be a solid pick, with us either losing Sam or Kirk this year. Id rather see a package to move up for Suh but I dont think the Rams or the Lions would trade out. 2nd Round is a give-me round in sorts. 1st round you get to cover your glaring needs. 3rd and up you can call your value rounds cause thats where you get those big O-line and D-linemen for cheap. Soo 2nd is the give-me round. Like Mitchell, Mays is an Al Davis give-me! Cant say just Al though! I bet if the Seahawks are drafting and he’s around Pete’ll scoop him up ! Taylors not a bad pick! I’ve been watching him since his early USC days out here in SoCal. Mays has worked with some our leagues best young guys like Troy Palamalu (who he use to battle to start in college), Clay Matthews and Rey Mauluga (who he use to supplant in blitz packages). I think if we take him we should change him to LB ! His size, speed, muscle and saftey smarts would make for a Hell of a LB! Also he could cover down when lil ole Branch back there…getting ran over at the end of the year.
I like McClain at the top of the draft
A strong middle linebacker to anchor this team would be a huge upgrade in terms of leadership and ability against the run. I also do not like the Taylor Mays pick, especially not in the first 2 rounds. He doesn’t fill any needs and doesn’t seem like an upgrade over any of the guys we already have. The trenches must be addressed early and often this draft.
No more raining on Bruins Nation's rainy parade, they took their ball and went home.
Leadership from a rookie?
Hey JaggerJaw, you ever heard of a fella named Matt Millen? As a rookie he was calling the Raider’s D and at the SuperBowl he threatened to beat the hell out of the entire team if they blew it because “I’ve been in the league too damn long to lose a SuperBowl!”
Yup, rookies can lead just fine.
Right, some guys have it and some don't
It’s more of a character trait than learned ability. Some guys can be in the league for 10+ years and never develop into a leader, whereas some guys will feel comfortable stepping right in and taking charge. I’m not sure McClain’s that guy, but would love to find out.
No more raining on Bruins Nation's rainy parade, they took their ball and went home.
by S Jay Bruin on Feb 23, 2010 12:38 PM PST up reply actions
Where would Mays play?
Not at safety for unless Huff goes to CB
Rookie: "Why did you bench me?"
Nellie: "You're a rookie"
Mays
That’s just a waste of a pick if you ask me. I wouldn’t even draft a safety and picking him would be a gamble that I wouldn’t roll the dice on.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Feb 23, 2010 11:31 AM PST up reply actions
I expect Carlos Dunlap to be 1st pick
I think the Raiders will draft DE Carlos Dunlap with the # 1 pick. I live in SoCal and have watched Mays play many, many times. I hate his tackling technique. He throws himself at runners but doesn’t wrap them up. If they don’t go down he’s left lying on the ground watching them running away. He’s overhyped. I’d rather see an O-Lineman chosen with the second round pick.
by Older_than_Moses_Shaq on Feb 23, 2010 11:15 AM PST reply actions
The " Mel Kiper Jr's " of the world
I belive Al Davis will draft Taylor Mays hes everything Davis wants in a safety hes big , fast , a powerhouse and he goes for those knockout hits plus I have read that Davis wanted him last year but went back to USC I still think that if Mays is there at the 8th pick Davis will take him i dont see Davis passing on Taylor Mays when Pete Carroll has two picks in the first round . Now as a Raiders fan i know the team has to adress other needs like the O-Line but drafting Mays aint going to hurt the team I belive it can only help and upgrade the safeties and the defense to the contray to people say that the safeties are fine which i dont think they are . Bottom line Davis calls the shots this is a Al Davis pick and it wont hurt the defense I rather have Mays in the backfield then some of the safeties The Raiders have now…
The only reason I think Al will pass on Mays is that...
he already has guys he drafted at safety and wants to succeed. That being said, I want all draft picks to aim at the O-line and bolstering run d and take the best player available to meet those needs with each pick.
Only dull people are brilliant at breakfast.
I dont think thats going to stop Al Davis from drafting Taylor Mays even when he may have some safeties on the team .We all know if Davis wants somebody he will get him plus dont think it will be all that bad him they drafted Taylor Mays
by DJ Romero77 on Feb 23, 2010 12:47 PM PST up reply actions
undisciplined DS prototype who pulled a Barrett Robbins before the biggest game of the year
Dunlap was arrested and charged with driving under the influence Florida coach Urban Meyer announced …Dunlap has been suspended indefinitely from the team and will not play for the No. 1 Gators against No. 2 Alabama for the SEC Championship on Saturday in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome. Meyer says he is “stunned” by Dunlap’s actions.
Meyer acknowledged that the situation was a distraction as his team prepares for a matchup that has national championship implications. Meyer said. “This is a rather serious one, obviously, so it is a distraction. Sometimes this team’s found ways to get a little tighter in distractions. We’ve had a few of them this year.”
Dunlap, a junior from North Charleston, S.C., was arrested at 3:25 a.m. near campus and was booked into the jail at 5:52 a.m., Gainesville Police Department spokesman Lt. Keith Kameg said.
Judge Mary Day Coker admonished Dunlap … and said he cannot possess alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription drugs that are not prescribed for him.
Kameg said officers responded to a reckless driving complaint and found Dunlap’s 2000 Chrysler stopped at a traffic light …officers found Dunlap’s car stopped at a green light. and found the suspect slumped over in the driver’s seat,"
by Sons-of-Blanda on Feb 23, 2010 11:42 AM PST reply actions
True, but...
He had a DUI. Lots of people partying at that age do. Consider this…Blessed with a rare combination of size, strength and speed — Dunlap has drawn comparisons to former No. 1 overall selections Julius Peppers and Mario Williams — Dunlap appeared capable of challenging to be the top pick in the draft based on his production in the SEC.
The first-team all-conference selection had nine sacks in 2009, including two against Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl blowout, a solid follow-up to his sophomore season in which he posted 9.5 sacks en route to All-American and BCS Championship defensive MVP honors. With Tim Tebow, Brandon Spikes, Joe Haden and potentially even Urban Meyer moving on, Dunlap chose to enter the draft after his junior season. He left ranked 10th in Gator history with 19.5 sacks despite only starting 15 games over his career.
I’d say he’s well worth the risk of one DUI arrest. I hope I’m right and he falls to the Raiders. We need a stud like that with tremendous football upside. Anyone who starts 15 games in the SEC and has 19.5 sacks is someone I want on my defense.
by Older_than_Moses_Shaq on Feb 23, 2010 5:15 PM PST up reply actions
Now, I ask all of you,
What’s more important? A DE (which we have plenty of), or a NT( Which we don’t) and a GREAT OL?
AL BETTER NOT GO AFTER DUNLAP. >_<"
by NFLanalyzerfromhome on Feb 23, 2010 5:22 PM PST up reply actions
there are what appear to be good-great DT in the second round
and OL are deep this year. If they have Dunlap available, I wouldn’t exactly complain if they get him. Ellis won’t stay here for a while. Maybe a season or 2 more.
Two things: 1st it was the context of Dunaps DUI - a few days before the SEC Championship, 2nd Florida
had an awesome team and many of its opponents were comparatively weak. So, when looking at carlos’ videos we need to consider the team he’s playing against and not just buy into the East Coast hype. He’s deep south [CI-9] – so he could fade when paid – like others born and raised there.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Feb 23, 2010 7:06 PM PST up reply actions
Anthony Davis OT
Good Pick for the Team- We do have a problem with our OL. Davis will fit that. Look at what Jake Long did on miami for instance. He helped make the OL successful, and hep make a stronger passing and running game. Davis can do that. He’s huge, and strong. He’s pretty quick off the snap too, an even if he’s a little late, that strong POP at the line will fix that.
Why he Fits- I pretty much explained that.
Alternate Picks- There are two alternate picks: one would be Rolando McClain, and another would be Bruce Cambell. Rolando we all know we COULD get him at the 8th pick. But maybe Cambell would be better. We can trade down to get him, and get more picks. He’s 6’7, and about the same weight as Davis. He has good footwork as well, which is important. He seems like a Sebastion Vollmer to me. And that’s very good. Plus he is likely to ask for less money than Davis or McClain.
Taylor Mays
Although hes known as a hard hitter, Hes really not. Hes huge and fast and needs a running start to lay a impressive hit. But if you catch him flat footed, He’ll lay some arm tackle on you
If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?
- Vince Lombardi
Mc Clain OK
but we need o line, o line and more o line.
I wouldn’t mind seeing a stud offensive lineman (Okung, Campbell, Davis,ect) in the 1st then pick Brandon Spikes in the 2nd
McClain would be the best pick in terms of value & a need being addressed
As a rookie, Napolean Harris took over Greg Biekert’s job at MLB & was good enough to be a Super Bowl caliber defense (not enough to win unfortunately). Rolando McClain is a better pro prospect at MLB than Harris ever was & noone can argue that. Also, I would hate the Taylor Mays suggestion at 8. He is considered a great athlete with superior speed but had a down year in terms of production last year which is why his stock dropped b y coming back this year. Sounds too familiar to recent picks if you ask me. Best case scenario, draft McClain. Cody will likely be there in round 2 & get another DE in the 3rd round. If the team resigns Gradkowski he can manage the team & limit mistakes (6 tds; 3 ints in 4 starts) while we play close games & keep the score low so it doesn’t get out of hand.
don't get cody. all he can due is clog up the lanes(which isn't a bad thing), but he gets tired easily, and he can't pass rush well.
Take a look at Dan Williams or Cam Thomas.
Of course we would all love a LT who could start from day one
If this is the case I believe 1 of the top 3 LTs will be there at 8. They could also trade down & get Price the DT from UCLA then in the 2nd rnd get LB Jason Phillips from TCU who could challenge for the starting MLB position in training camp & move Morrison if we keep him to ROLB. This team can shore up the defense this year & will keep the team competitive while the youth on offense continues to develop under Hue Jackson’s tuteledge.
Moving Morrison to ROLB would put Trevor Scott back at RDE and Seymour on the street without the $12.4 million
that we could put to better use. – keep thinking. But, let’s try for McClain, if he go’s earlier then we have contingency plans.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Feb 23, 2010 7:12 PM PST up reply actions
Draft a QB
The Raiders staff is a bunch of morons. We need a QB!!! Russell sucks and Grabkowski isn’t going to save the Silver and Black. Get that Central Michigan QB and build around him. But Cab;le is an idiot and can’t see or develop talent. They took Heyward-Bey over Percy HArvin. Idiots!
Almost no qb in this year's class will even start in the NFL down the road
You heard it here first. I’ll be freaking heated if we waste a pick on any of these guys. Not even Bradford. Not Clausen. Not Tebow. Not McCoy.
I don’t want anyone else.
And I know Bruce would probably be a number two on most NFL rosters, but I believe in him for the Raiders, and will until he gives me a reason not to.
And DHB will prove to be better than Percy Harvin when all is said and done, as well, but I’ll let his performance speak for itself. And we may not see it next year, or even on this team, unless we do get a line to protect our qb, and give him the ability to throw it to our guys without getting crushed.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Dan LeFevour?
I wouldnt mind snagging him in the 4th or 5th
If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?
- Vince Lombardi
preferably the 5th but yeah, sign him to a 2 or 3 year deal and see what the kids got or at the very least we can keep him on the practice squad for a season (this is if we bring back frye) and see what happens w/ jruss and grad.
by frank7da2tank on Feb 24, 2010 1:02 AM PST up reply actions
I would be delighted to have Dan Lefevour. We say good-bye to Charlie and J.P. and have LeFevour
in the wings just like Stabler was behind Daryl Lamonica (2.0 year understudy). LeFevour moves so well in the backfield that he’d even give Grad a run for the starting position in 2011 – if there’s a season.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Feb 24, 2010 10:56 AM PST up reply actions
Lefevour is maybe the one exception, but I'm still not sold he'll pan out in the NFL
Under the right tutelage in the right environment, it’d be highly unlikely he doesn’t find a degree of success, but I ask you: is this that environment? Not while Jamarcus is still here.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
the Raider culture works great with guys who have their own agenda and don't need drill sargents
telling them where to go, what to do, when to poo, and so on. Who knows who will make the grade from college, but from what I’ve seen, that QB is driven to be great – and that quality should stay with him even in a loose structure like ours.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Feb 24, 2010 3:45 PM PST up reply actions
That 2nd Rd pick
Really annoys me, Our Safety positions are fine in my opinion. Rolando would be a HUGE addition tho. I think picking up Terrance Cody would be something to look into as well
If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?
- Vince Lombardi
Bama chemistry baby!
I’d love to get two guys from the Tide. That Taylor Mays shit just has me ready to kill my TV. Bad television, very bad!
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Rounds 1-3, and a fullback
If Taylor Mays is available in the second round and Pete Carroll doesn’t take him it should be a sign that the Raiders shouldn’t, either. Of course, Al is smarter than everybody else so he’d probably think Carroll blew it and grab Mays anyway.
Obviously, this team needs another safety like it needs another punter, which is not at all. My fear is that Al will see Mays as a perfect fit as an outside linebacker, draft him, and expect the coaching staff to make it work. Not a bad idea if you’re a good team and don’t have a lot of holes and can wait for him to develop, but pure stupidity when your lines are terrible, you have no fullback, and your current middle linebacker is a huge liability in the run game.
There are several ways the team could go, and it all hinges on what they do with the first pick. If I’m the Raiders and am sticking to the ZBS I go with Charles Brown from USC in the first, Brandon Spikes from Florida in the second, Mike Johnson (G, Alabama) and Cam Thomas (NT, Carolina) in the third. I would want either John Connor from Kentucky or Rashawn Jackson from Virginia at fullback and would do what it took to make sure I got one of them. Can’t plug all the holes, but in my mind that’s a good start.
Brown isn't worthy of 1st or 2nd round selection. And if we convert back to Power Blocking and drop the lame ZBS he won't do
Here are two scouting reports on him
“[H]e is not a physical player. He also lacks explosive power and overwhelming mass, struggling to hold his ground against bull rushers when not playing with good leverage.The knock on him is his lack of strength, which downgrades his run blocking skills. Bottom line: he is a fine tackle with upside. With added bulk and more experience, he could start in the NFL within a few years. Brown projects as a middle third, early fourth round selection.”
“I really wonder how much bigger can he get and maintain as a comfortable playing weight. Brown is a great fit for teams like Green Bay, New England, and Oakland that use zone-blocking schemes that emphasize athleticism, mobility, intelligence and technique. Brown is a bad fit for teams that love size such as Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati.
- Lacks some serious upper body strength
- Lacks mass in arms/chest/torso
- Weak hand punch
by Sons-of-Blanda on Feb 24, 2010 11:06 AM PST up reply actions
Re: turning Mays into a Linebacker
Hopefully they will remember the failed experiment from another sc guy in Darnell Bing. Similar type of safety that just didn’t have a position in the NFL. Mays would be another wasted pick. The scary part is though, that Al Davis says he doesn’t believe in picking out of need, so the Mays pick is a real possibillity (even in the 1st round) if he impresses the old man enough.
No more raining on Bruins Nation's rainy parade, they took their ball and went home.
You're right, shit shit shit!
I’l be soo freaking pissed if they take Taylor. Doneskis. Totally reminds me of the Darnell Bing experiment. Bigger sized guy they figured they could plug in as an olb. Maybe he could work in a 3-4 as the hybrid standing lb, and hand in the dirt occasional DE, but we do not need Taylor Mays! Screw USC, screw the penchant for freak physiques, and screw picking a player in a position that is far from being a weakness on this team!
Let him remember that Darnell did not work out, and he still plays for no NFL team’s starting squad, or has even threatened to do so. This year has to be different; it just has to be! I’m so ready to break shit!
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
When The Raiders drafted Darnell Bing they got a good safety the problem was that The Raiders seems to do this often is draft a player and make him play a diffrent possistion which they tried to do with Bing make him play linebacker and ruined him . Now Taylor Mays if he is their at the 8th pick which is a good chance he will Davis will take him Taylor Mays is everything Davis loves and wants in a safety , But dont turn him into a linebaker if they try to convert him then it will be a waste . I think Mays will be a good addtion to the team but just like any player in the NFL Mays has his strengths and weaknesses so if or when The Raiders draft him they have to use Mays the right way and put him in the right defense . The Raiders safeties were ok Branch was the only bright spot and we dont know if Huff will have another year like he did last year so I think having Mays will only help and give the safties a up grade. Al Davis drafts his wants more then his needs and he wanted Taylor Mays since last years draft and I dont think nothing has changed with Davis . I am for the Taylor Mays pick I think he would fit well with The Raiders but as Raiders fan I do know the team has other areas to be adress such as the o-line and linebakers and that is a need I also know how Davis likes to draft but if they do draft Mays i hope The Raiders will also pick up some good o-linemen and linebakers rather its in the draft or free agentcey …..
by DJ Romero77 on Feb 25, 2010 11:39 AM PST up reply actions
Do you think Huff, Branch or Eugene would be effective enough at CB? Then Mays might play where he's best suited
by Sons-of-Blanda on Feb 25, 2010 1:13 PM PST up reply actions
Last year Mays would have made more sense
but since they bungled another high pick on Mike Mitchell, the need for safety is going to seem less than it was a year ago, and the upgrade on the surface wouldn’t be as good as it would at O-line, Linebacker, or even cornerback. I do not want to see Mays picked by the team in either the 1st or 2nd round (if he falls), because it would be another wasted pick on another overrated athlete and we would still be overwhelmed in the trenches.
No more raining on Bruins Nation's rainy parade, they took their ball and went home.
I am in full agreement. But, if it happens (heaven forbid) then a contingency plan is in place
also, it helps absorb the disappointing shock if prepared
by Sons-of-Blanda on Feb 25, 2010 2:54 PM PST up reply actions
Your right bro ! It did make more sense last year to take Taylor Mays but I just think and i could be wrong but I still see Al Davis drafting Taylor Mays i said before Davis wanted Mays last year and I still think he does and Mays is everything that Davis wants and loves in a safety . In the past Davis is known to draft players that he wants then to draft on what he needs bottom line if
True !
Your right bro ! Drafting Taylor Mays at last years draft made more sense but i think and i could be wrong but something tells me Davis is still going to go after him he wanted him last year and Davis is known for draft his wants more then his needs . Taylor Mays is everything Davis wants and looks for in a safety thats why i dont see Davis passing on Mays if hes their at the 8th pick which he will most likely still be on the board …Its just too much of Davis’s style to draft him . I wouldnt mind at all taking Mays but I know there are other areas The Raiders need to adress .
You're so right about Al's style, but I'm banking on this year looking different
simply because there is such depth at the positions of glaring weaknesses we have. Also, the Mitchell pick from last year will kinda trump him picking against that pick last year.
Too many stud MLBs, lineman on both sides, and even a skills player or two Al will find it hard to believe he was able to survive without all these years.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
THE OLD MAN WILL NEVER CHANGE HIS WAYS !!!!!
I look at like this! Is everybody going to be shocked if or when Davis drafts Taylor Mays and the ansewr is NO!!! it shouldnt cause thats Al Davis thats the way he is he calls the shots he hasnt and wont change .Even when his team needs to adress other areas he will always draft what he wants . I agree with you on Eric Berry he is the better safety and also rated as the top safety in the draft plus I wouldnt mind getting Berry but he be gone by the 8th pick . On Darnell Bing he could have been good but he had a neck injury and still has problems with it and I belive he is with the Texens now but still got him at linebacker and never got the shot at safety because they had Bing going back and forth on linebacker and safety . Not all USC guys struggle in the NFL some do but some have become great players and there are a few guys now that are tearin it up …. The point i am bro and I agree with you is I dont belive the old man has changed and I belive he never will he will always draft on his want list more then need list and he always has the say on draft day …
about that, I cannot argue
I’m just hoping he’s enamored by the athletic ability of guys at positions we really need, because the drafts is so full of nuggets!
I know I’m gonna be pissed again, tho. I’ll probably whimper like a little bitch if Mays happens, especially at 8. I don’t believe he’s changed one bit. I’m just banking on that it’s almost harder to fuck up in this draft, even with picks a lot of folks will question at the time, including many of the likes of us here.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
But if I believed this were true, than Bing would be starting at Safety elsewhere in the league
He’s on a practice squad, if I’m not mistaken, so… have to totally disagree with you here.
These safeties are great. Anytime you have a safety leading the team in tackles, you have glaring WEAKNESSES in your front seven. It’s the holes up there, and inconsistency by guys missing their assignments up front every other play. Mays might fit here, but I believe the wrong pick right now. Address the other glaring weaknesses, with the tremedously deep at those position draft pool in front of us.
I also believe USC guys more often than not struggle in the NFL, because they are surrounded by mostly great players on an unfairly stacked with the best scouted guys at every other position, in college games that are usually fortunate enough to boast maybe one or two Mays type players (men amongst boys, basically). That’s all Mays is to me right now, and I won’t be convinced otherwise until he proves otherwise.
Eric Berry is ten times the safety Taylor Mays is.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
I’ve seen some of those reports (usually in the “negatives” section, however, and not indicative of the overall scouting report and rating). I’ve also seen some that have him rated even with Campbell, Davis and Bulaga. I’ve watched him play, and I think he has great quickness, great balance and moves with tremendous smoothness. He also uses leverage very well; that may be why even though his upper body looks slender for an OT he does so well in the run game. I think he’s better than Bulaga for sure, and seems to stand up to a bull rush at least as well as Davis and Campbell do. He will be a first-round pick, as Green Bay is also trying to keep their QB from getting killed and would take him in a heartbeat. I agree with you that there are better fits for a different blocking scheme, but (and I mentioned this earlier) if the Raiders are a ZBS team next year, he’s the best OT in the draft for that. It’s also the reason I would take Mike Johnson from Alabama in the third; he’s the top-rated ZBS guard in the draft.
Personally, I’d take Maurkiece Pouncey from Florida. He’s been called the best center to come out of college in years, and can also play guard. All the good Raider teams have been strong at center (and so have all the great teams, period, for that matter).
The important thing, I think, is that Al takes guys at need positions that can contribute right away. I know that sounds obvious, but it hasn’t exactly been his MO the past few years. If he addresses the lines, MLB and fullback I think we can be reasonably happy that at least he picked guys that could plug some holes.
I like your thinking, I think the failure to properly address the center position
has had an effect on the Raiders as a whole. Until this run of futility, the Raiders have always had great play from the center position. It’s almost symbolic now, that untl the Raiders get another great center, they will have a hard time competing…I call it the Curse of Barrett Robbins.
Note: Yes I know Jake Grove and Samson Satelle are adequate centers, but neither are dominant or even compare in any way to the centers we’ve had in the past.
No more raining on Bruins Nation's rainy parade, they took their ball and went home.
yeah, and I think Satele has been a downgrade from Grove
I’d like a stud center if he could improve the position immediately.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Nick Mangold
I think he’s the only Center in the last decade worth a 1st Rd. pick
If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?
- Vince Lombardi
Pouncey's probably the best there. Is he worth a 2nd Round pick when our middle is weak and ROL is weaker?
I agree that every Raider team has had an excellent Center; but, we just can get every thing we need at once.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Feb 24, 2010 3:59 PM PST up reply actions
I understand those that say the Raiders should take an offensive tackle before taking a center, but I’m looking at it this way; there is no one on that line except Gallery that is absolutely a solid NFL starter right now. When I pick, I’m taking the best player I can get for that offensive line, and I don’t care what position he plays. I would rather have a center that has a real chance to become an All-Pro (I’m not making this up; he has flown under the radar because of the position he plays, but he is actually a higher-rated player at his position than any of the tackles, including Okung.), than the third or fourth-best tackle on the board. Centers run things on that O-line. It’s important to have a dominant one.
but did Florida run a ZBS? That complicated scheme isn't something one just picks up right away, e.g. Cable who brough
the infernal thing here with Kiffin (may their souls suffer the torments) and the Center is key in that scheme. Plus, Satele is mediocre but better than Green or Carlisle – some would also say Walker and a few would add Henderson. So, I understand your philosophy but it leads to things developing / improving at a slowed down rate.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Feb 24, 2010 7:15 PM PST up reply actions
The Question is...
Should the Raiders draft for need or should they draft the best players available?
Now I believe McClain would be a great player for the silver and black. I live in Alabama and he was truly the leader and the heart and soul of the defense. Mt Cody was only as good as he was, because opponents worried more about McClain.
Not a big fan of Joe Mays. He always seemed to have gotten big hype because of where he played. Now I personally think the Raiders should get a big possession receiver, someone like Bryant but he probably won’t be in the second round.
As far as QBs are concerned, although I do like Bruce, if the Raiders are willing to take a chance. They could sign Jarrett Brown out of WVU in the last round or as a rookie free agent. He has the intangibles that Davis likes. He’s 6’4, around 200 lbs, can run and has a rocket arm. The one issue that he does have is that he sometimes gets locked onto one guy and will throw into heavy coverage…ok two issues. And I’m sure he could have a higher completion percentage than Russell
Good Ideas
If the Raiders drafted Rolando and Cody, Then theres a D for the ages. But the OL has so many issues its hard to ignore. That Jarret Brown guy sounds like a horrible idea, No offence or anything, but he sounds like a fast QB with a strong arm. But bad decision making and has accuracy issues.. As far as Taylor Mays, Hes the last thing I want in this draft! Our safeties are finally making progress and Tyvon Branch might have a Pro Bowl year next year
If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?
- Vince Lombardi
Brown didn’t really have accuracy issues. His completion percentage was around 63%. True Russell had a around a 68% completion percentage in his last year at LSU, but had a 50% completion percentage the previous 2 years. And those two years, along with his last year he was a starter or at leasted played more than Brown. Brown’s completion percentage as a back up to Pat White was 73% in 08, 65% in 07 and 60% in 06, now grant you, those were back up numbers.
Now I’m not saying waste a high draft pick on him, at best, draft him in the last round heck sign him as a rookie free agent. The problems that Brown does have, can be fixed by a good QB coach.
Now I hope that Russell works out, but he seems to have the following problem in my opinion. He feels that he is entitled to be a starter in the NFL. They need to make him realize that he isn’t entitled to anything. Look at Drew Brees. The Chargers had no confidence in him, they brought in Doug Flutie, then bam, Brees started to play much better, like he had a chip on his shoulder. Russell might need that type of motivation.
Now as far as potential head coaches, i don’t think they are going to fire Cable, the fact remains, no big time coach available is going to want to work for Al Davis. Now there is one coach who said he wants to coach the Raiders and that is former Raider D coordinator Rob Ryan. If he’s anything like his dad and his brother, this can be a great move. He can bring a swagger back to th Raiders. Put that mental aspect that teams need to win. Look at the Jets. They went deep into te playoffs because of three things, a strong running game, a strong defense and a brash arrogant coach who believes that his team can beat everyone. I’m a fan of the trio of running backs the Raiders currently have, i might be the only one, they can add a few more pieces to the defense and if Rob Ryan i like the rest ofhis famity, well there is your brash arrogant coach.
I'm in favor of bringing Ryan back and running the 3-4 D and straght power blocking scheme for which we're far better suited
by Sons-of-Blanda on Feb 25, 2010 6:52 AM PST up reply actions
I am also, and if he can bring back that Raider swagger, even better. Like Vince Lombardi said, winning is a habit, but so is losing. In other words, losing teams lose because they are use to it and make it a habit and that permiates the whole organization. Sports is more mental than physical and the Raiders need our version of Rex Ryan who went to the Jets and basically said we are going to make the rest of the league our b*****. If hired and Rob Ryan does that, the Raiders will improve on their record and heck I’ll say it right now. Be in the playoffs.
Not sure about everyone else, but I became a fan of the Raiders during the mid 80s because of their swagger more than anything.
McClain would do more for us than anyone but Suh himself - and if Detroit really wants to sell its 1st Round pick and we
get Suh, and then McClain at 8 – we have solved a huge problem with the D-middle. Then we work on the Oline and get rid of Cable. It’s a 3-step program that opens the door to, at least, the playoffs.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Feb 24, 2010 7:19 PM PST up reply actions
Im not sold on Suh
Hes good. But all that for a guy who hasnt even played a down? I dont think so.. Take McClain at 8 and Cody in the 2nd
If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?
- Vince Lombardi
Yeah. I'd avoid the top overall pick just because of the contract that comes with it, too
but I can’t wait to see Ndamukong “house of spears” Suh, play the game of football in the pros. I cannot, freaking, wait…
The Rams will be wayyyyyy better defensively immediately. They will take him, too.
We’ll take the dynamic duo from the Alabama Crrrrrrimmmmmsonnnnn TTiiiiiiiiiidddde. We’d be way better. We’d need a second NT for depth, too. Where would he come from?
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Suh's weight is only 305lbs and he's already packed - so that helps me deal with not getting him here
Maybe just sour grapes, I think he’s great.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Feb 25, 2010 6:56 AM PST up reply actions
How about...
I looked at a website called National Football Post and they ranked the players in this years draft by those they believe can be starters, all the way down to the stay away players. I took the names of the players that they said could start an compared it to the mock draft. There are 8 players they peg as immediate starters or starters in their rookie years that wasn’t drafted in the mock draft.
So how about any of these players for the second round. the number is the NFP rank. The system goes from like 0-8 or something
Aaron Hernandez 7.5 TE
Jahvid Best 6.9 RB
Matt Tennant 6.9 C
John Jerry 6.9 G
Jason Worilds 6.9 DE
Anthony Dixon 6.8 RB
Brandon LaFell 6.8 WR
JD Walton 6.8 C
My 2 Wishes!
Taylor Mays sprains an ankle rendering him unable to run a 40
Rolando runs a 4.45 40 and automatically draws the eye of Al
If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?
- Vince Lombardi
may the wind have his back, and his hips be fluid that the connoisseur eye of the speed merchant be enchanted
by Sons-of-Blanda on Feb 26, 2010 8:58 PM PST up reply actions
Yes. Run Forrest, run! I mean Rolando!
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
"you might not believe this, but I can run, like the wind bloows!"
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
With you 100% Remix!
I do hope Mays recovers though and ends up somewhere else. I really don’t wish anything bad on the guy…just that he doesn’t become a Raider.
Combine Aftermath
Well after what Taylor Mays did at the combine am sure Al Davis had visions of him in silver and black so am sure its a 99.9% chance that Davis will draft Taylor Mays …..
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