What Does Resigning Khalif Barnes Mean For Oakland Raiders?
by B.A.Armstrong on Mar 6, 2010 5:16 PM PST
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The Oakland Raiders are in no rush to sign anyone of the remaining unrestricted free agents in the league. They did, however, make a move to sign one of their own guys, offensive tackle Khalif Barnes.
So what does the signing of Barnes mean for the Raiders going forward?
Well, let’s start from the start. Originally, Khalif was brought in to compete with Mario Henderson for the starting left tackle position. Unfortunately, at the beginning of training camp in 2009, he suffered a broken ankle.
Barnes would not return to the practice field until about week six of the regular season. By that time, the Raiders had also lost starting guard Robert Gallery to a broken Tibia. Things were not shaking out well.
The Raiders had made a trade early in the offseason of 2009 for former Dolphins starting center Samson Satele. While Satele did not get injured, he was having a problem adjusting to the zone blocking scheme of Tom Cable.
Cable had actively pursued Satele in the trade, because when Cable saw the 2007 draft class from which Satele came, Cable thought Satele was the best offensive lineman in the class.
The line was becoming a big time question mark by the time Khalif came back from his injury. During or around the same time, the Raiders lost starting right tackle Cornell Green to injury as well. He would end up missing a good portion of the middle of last season.
The Raiders asked Khalif to train with them as a right tackle, and also tried to get him involved as a left guard, to perhaps replace the loss of Gallery.
I know, it’s all very confusing and complicated, but it is what it was…so to speak.
So soon after the Raiders tried to get Barnes to swap sides, reports surfaced that Barnes was complaining about the move. The speculation was that he did not want to play right tackle because they make significantly less money than left tackles that protect the quarterbacks blindside.
To the best of my knowledge, the rumors were never confirmed. It should also be noted that Barnes said after he was injured that he was told he’d be the starting left tackle regardless of the injury upon his return.
Amidst all the turmoil along the offensive front, the Raiders ultimately ended up calling upon the services of an old friend, former Raiders and Bills OT, Langston Walker.
Walker ended up bypassing all current Raiders lineman, and started a significant number of games at left guard in replacement of the oft injured Robert Gallery.
Whatever issues Barnes had with what went down last season, it seems that he, along with the coaching staff, have decided it would be in everyone’s best interest to push the reset button on Barnes’ stint with the Raiders.
So now that we have a history, let’s get back to the matter at hand…what are the Raiders going to do with two starting left tackles?
Will they still be prompted to pick another starting left tackle when the April draft rolls around?
Let’s examine what we’re working with here.
Khalif Barnes is was a second round pick in 2005 from the Washington Huskies. It didn’t take him long to establish himself as the starting left tackle for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Remember back when they were good for a little while, yeah this guy was their starting left tackle, their staple, their anchor.
It’s no wonder head coach Tom Cable wanted Barnes to be a part of the Raiders organization. In 64 opportunities, Barnes started in 57 games at that coveted position for the Jags. He has experience playing against some of the best defensive ends in the league twice a year.
We’re talking Javon Kearse, Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis, Kyle Vaden Bosch, and Mario Williams twice a year, if not more.
Barnes has played against these guys a lot in his career, and he is only turning 28 this year. You really can’t blame the Raiders for wanting to get him back.
Let’s talk about some of his accolades. From 2006-2007, the Jaguars led the NFL in rushing averaging 154.1 yards per game and scoring 46 rushing TD's on the legs of Fred Taylor and Mo-Jo Drew.
In 2007, the Jaguars led the league with six 50-plus yard runs, and ranked second in runs of 10-plus yards with 68. Khalif helped pave the way for a 4.7 average per rush, first in the AFC and third in the NFL. In 2007, they scored 28 TDs passing with only 8 INTs with Barnes protecting the quarterback's blindside.
Most of us remember the injury problems that the Jaguars had prior to the 2008 season. It’s kind of hard to forget that three of their five starting linemen went on IR before the regular season even started.
The reason Barnes was cut from the Jags was simply that they wanted to rebuild their line…the whole thing.
Now let’s talk about Mario Henderson. Henderson is Al Davis’ pet project on the Oakland front line. I guess technically, he is one of Tom Cable’s projects too.
The Oakland Raiders selected Florida State OT Mario Henderson in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. The 6'7", 310-pound Henderson played in 28 of a possible 51 games during his career at Florida State. In 2006, he played in all 13 games on the offensive line.
Graduated from Lehigh High School in 2002 and he was rated a three-star player by Rivals.com and one of the top 40 rated offensive guards in the country. He was one of Florida's Top 100 according to the Orlando Sentinel and earned all-district, all-region, and all-county honors as a senior in leading his team to an 8-3 record.
Many o us expected Henderson to secure his spot as the franchise left tackle last season. Whether due to injuries to his teammates, or his own personal problems, he was unable to do so in some people’s opinion.
Many of the fine folks in Raider Nation think Henderson can’t handle the left side, but would make a fine right tackle for the Raiders. If you asked me, I’d tell you that Henderson had a great end to the 2008 season, and a fine start to the 2009 season.
It’s my opinion that he tried to overcompensate for the absence of his fellow starting offensive line teammates, and that’s where he got into trouble last year. I think he is a solid option for either right or left tackle.
For what it’s worth, I think Khalif Barnes is a solid option for either side as well. And frankly, I’m not convinced that a starting tackle is the right way to go for the Oakland Raiders number eight pick in the 2010 NFL draft.
Perhaps the Raiders actually need a starting guard more than they need a starting tackle. With the constant injuries to Robert Gallery last year, starting with appendicitis, then the broken tibia, and finally a back injury that was not “career threatening” but required season ending surgery. Couple that with the fact that Cooper Carlisle is not the same guard he was when he came to the Raiders three years ago, and he is not going to get better with age.
Maybe Idaho Vandals guard Mike Iupati right choice for Oakland at 8. Or Iowa tackle Brian Bulaga, who many folks consider to translate nicely to a high caliber NFL guard is the right choice at eight oveall.
Or maybe the right move is to say, “Ok, we’re good at tackle, let’s take the best guard on the board in the second round.” Those choices would likely include either Illinois guard Jon Asamoah or Mississippi’s John Jerry.
Now, Oakland Raiders fans post your comments and convince me that the Raiders have to take a franchise left tackle with their first pick in the draft.
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Barnes
I’m not reading too much into his re-signing. He was on the team last year, of course, since it is a re-signing and he didn’t start. He provides some depth, but I wouldn’t rule out an offensive tackle being drafted with the eighth pick.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Mar 6, 2010 5:22 PM PST reply actions
What worries me
Is that Cable will defend the line like he does every year and will blame injuries on the lack of production from the line and will ignore the position in the first round when there are a small haandful of excellent options at tackle in the top 10 this year. I think it’s time we draft a sure fire lineman and let that pick, Henderson, and Barnes compete for both tackle spots. I think guard is a position we can take later on in the draft after we look at potential DTs in the 2nd or 3rd rounds.
"To me, MMA is like a ballet, except there's no music, no choreography and the dancers hit each other."
So
You don’t think either of these two guys is going to be able to play left tackle next year?
Don't Trade Nnamdi Idiots!!!
Bring Back Bruce!!!
If he proves himself,
The I don’t give a damn about where he plays. Henderson, since he is a project, could go to either side. It’s up to the players to agree to where they want to play, AND to PRODUCE. So if Barnes plays the Left, Henderson does the right, Gallery does Left Guard, and either Morris or satele does center, fine.
Point is, we need at least 2 O-Linemen in this draft for depth. And if it keeps our QB, WHOEVER it is up on their 2 feet, then FINE.
by NFLanalyzerfromhome on Mar 6, 2010 5:28 PM PST reply actions
Right
Barnes being re-signed, though, doesn’t mean we won’t take an offensive tackle with our first pick. Let’s not pencil him in anywhere right now.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Mar 6, 2010 5:34 PM PST up reply actions
Excuse me, but something is 'off' with this sentiment
“It’s up to the players to agree to where they want to play, AND to PRODUCE.”
… maybe in Cable’s world but not in any team with viable playoff hopes.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Mar 6, 2010 6:31 PM PST up reply actions
What did I say the slogan was for this year?
Don’t Blame Cable.
With other teams, if a player doesn’t want to play, they get CUT.
So..tell me WHY we still have Javon Walker?
by NFLanalyzerfromhome on Mar 6, 2010 7:22 PM PST up reply actions
or TRADED...or RELEASED.
Boldin?
Marshall (On his way to Seahawks)?
T.O.?
Porter?
by NFLanalyzerfromhome on Mar 6, 2010 7:26 PM PST up reply actions
That's your slogan, not mine. Also you didn't mention being cut as an option what you said was quite the opposite
If you’ve ever been in the military or played football you would know that soldiers and players don’t set the rules and the agenda – rather, the take orders and certainly don’t “agree to where they want to play, and to produce” they play when and where they are told. This is the kind of reckless inane comment that undermines your credibility and discredits your efforts to support Cable.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Mar 6, 2010 7:34 PM PST up reply actions
My credibility isn't what I am concerned with right now.
You are right about players doing what they are told. I will probably have to look deeper into the situation to give a credible comment.
I will say this though: If the player doesn’t take the orders, then they are dealt with. That’s probably the right sentence.
by NFLanalyzerfromhome on Mar 6, 2010 7:48 PM PST up reply actions
Because...
he is guaranteed his 2 million regardless, so it means nothing to cut him now or later.
"We can't stop here... This is bat country."
Nice pic of Mario
I really like Mario, Just not a LT. Im afraid of how he’ll perfrom at RT without a good RG next to him
If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?
- Vince Lombardi
We should bring back Walker to play RG that guy is as big and strong as gallery. At lest for depth also.
That would be a great way to utilize his size and strength. Power O-line Baby!!!
The RaiderLaker
If we don't take Iupati then Langston can play right guard and the better btw Henderson and Barnes plays LOT
But, Henderson did lead the league in sacks given up by a LOT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Mar 6, 2010 6:34 PM PST up reply actions
After Gallery went down
Before that, everyone can say he was playing incredible! As long as Gallery doesnt fuck up or get injured. Mario should play fine! Better than fine, He’ll be playing superb!
If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?
- Vince Lombardi
Yeah and a TE like zack should just come for slight help and bump the opposing DE to Henderson more confortably after the snap, then zach should run a route. as a bailout route if the QB needs.
Thats a page out of my playbook right there.
The RaiderLaker
oher gave up 8 sacks and had 6 false starts
and started all 16 games at both sides. henderson gave up 10.5 sacks 1 FS and 2 holds against him in 16 starts. personally i think 3 of the 4 sacks he gave up to Orakapu in the Wash. game was the fact Grads went out and Russell just didnt do shit. after that 2nd sack when russell was jacking off back there and green and henderson were jumping up and down like “make a fucking play or something” and you can see the other 2 he gave up were like free bees i think and i know henderson supports russell but shit does and will happen.
thx, Rodeo for the Oher info, :) and yeah I forgot about the Orakpo sax, that was just an emotional let down he experienced.
I still want Hendersonto start, We just need to look at a RT in the draft.
The RaiderLaker
I think Barnes will beat out any guy we take for right tackle
I’m trying to say that these two guys could be book ends. But anyway, if you just want to find a right tackle, then we shouldn’t take a guy number eight overall to play right tackle, should we?
Don't Trade Nnamdi Idiots!!!
Bring Back Bruce!!!
by B.A.Armstrong on Mar 7, 2010 4:26 AM PST up reply actions
I've like Mario, and still do, but taking an OT with the first pick (provided McClain, and possibly Haden are gone)is the right thing to do
You make a strong argument for Khalif, and I wondered why he was as invisible as he was last year. It would behoove us to take another guy and throw him into the mix, creating a fierce competition for the LT spot, and leaving us coming out with a great RT and some depth at the position. That said, I say we take Iupati if he’s there in the second, to improve the guard spot as well. Green can go, Carlisle is expendable too. We need a center like Pouncey too, as long as I’m on the subject.
It’s easy to miss some of the talent that’s there when all have to compensate for other guys failures at their assignments, but we have multiple weak spots on this line.
"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
Langston Walker provides competition at tackle
Walker was originally a tackle, and he was signed to us as a tackle. I don’t think you draft a guy at eight who could spend his whole career behind two young guys like Henderson and Barnes
Don't Trade Nnamdi Idiots!!!
Bring Back Bruce!!!
by B.A.Armstrong on Mar 7, 2010 4:28 AM PST up reply actions
i really hope we retain walker.
he really came into his own those 2 years in buffalo. gave up only 5 sacks in 32 starts and he is like penalty free. even as a backup to give guys a breather or keep getting him more comfortable at the guard position. i think he would be a very cheap and useful player, still.
I couldn't agree more
Don't Trade Nnamdi Idiots!!!
Bring Back Bruce!!!
by B.A.Armstrong on Mar 7, 2010 3:12 PM PST up reply actions
This is an interesting take, and one I'll be considering whether we use that first pick on tackle or not
I beg to differ on whether or not Okung or Davis would compete for the starting job and lose to either Henderson or Barnes, but don’t want to let Barnes, Henderson, or Walker go. I like all these guys, and believe they give you some depth and versatility on the line.
Guess I’ll have to wait and see on Barnes and Henderson. I’ve been a big Mario supporter, but not sure about your assessment of Khalif. I hope you’re right, and never really looked into why I heard virtually nothing noteworthy about Khalif last year, so I’ll entertain the possibility. I’m just not sold on him, and believe there’s only a few guys worthy of top ten picks, after that it’s a quick drop off. So if you’re right, and Suh, McCoy, and McClain are gone at 8, and only the tackles are left at the spot, then the thing to do is trade out of the round, or at least into the bottom of the first.
"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
Here's an optimistic way to consider our situation ...
we have multiple weak spots on this line.
… so better odds of filling a position of need. hehehee
I must say, Sons, this:
hehehee
when typed, looks like words written from one whose proverbial elevator doesn’t quite go to the top! lol
"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
yeah hehehee (in a deep bass) - everythings working great, thank you. HaHaaa
I owe you
by Sons-of-Blanda on Mar 7, 2010 9:43 PM PST up reply actions
I'm feeling it too, my friend. Although I believe the venting it out in Jamarcusisms relieved me, however temporarily...
I must also say, that I hadn’t quite figured out how to express that feeling that the, “hehehee” seemed to scream out right then.
More confused now than ever about draft day, but still positive on the great class of kids, and will stand behind the picks no matter what happens, until there’s real reason not to.
"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'm pissed off at the way they handled Justin. The bloated oaf told him "we've decided to go in a different direction"
the haggard HR cliche’ instead of a man to man exchange. Through in the bogus physical report and the Routt deal and it adds up to a pile of shit over in Alameda. Any player in the NFL through mid-season would fail a run-of-the-mill physical – these are athletes who have played injured for years and expected or required to do so. Damned hypocritical pussies. Like that PC bs reaction to Gannon’s remark about blowing the place up and starting all over again. Until Herera, Cable and any of the other cockroaches are driven back to their slimy rocks we will be seeing more of this.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Mar 7, 2010 10:00 PM PST up reply actions
+1
I tell you right now the injury reports never tell the whole truth. When pre-season starts the only 2-3 players that will be playing at 100% in terms of starters would be the kickers AND maybe the long snapper. Everyone else is 90% or less and as the year goes on it only goes down. ITs the nature of the beast playing the game at the NFL level.
Win at all costs! Winning ugly is still winning! Remember the past and what got us to the top before. Jim Plunkett and winning ugly......enough said!
by TheLyleAlzadoPunch on Mar 8, 2010 8:06 AM PST up reply actions
Absolutely. The equivalent of a car accident every week, and that's just from gameday.
Add in practice, and how often guys get hurt in no contact at all, and physicals are complete crap.
This is one of my biggest disappointments with the organization. Burning bridges with some of the best players who’ve sacrificed their bodies for this team recklessly, week in and week out, is deplorable.
"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
plus we have rodd
who will compete for a starting spot at guard. there was also that other huge guy on the PS all last year outta UC davis i believe. he was like 6’8 330 or something and he was a rookie lat year, but who knows how good these 2 are.
We need...
to completely restructure the offensive line. Gallery is the only player I think is solid enough to build around. We keep bringing in other teams rejects and trying to plug them in to this “zone blocking scheme”. It doesn’t matter how much duct tape and zip ties we use, this is broken, we need a new one.
Lets look around at the successful teams, they have strong lines built through the draft. The Jets are the best example. They have a solid run game behind a line that is built with 4 first round picks, and one walk on (rare find). THis leads to success. THe young QB doesn’t get pummeled every time he holds on to the ball for more than 3 seconds, he has time to think, throw, and make plays.
Oh, well, just my opinion, not that it matter to old Al. I’m sure he’s in front of the TV with his stopwatch right now drooling over Taylor Mays.
"We can't stop here... This is bat country."
Gallery is solid?
The guy barely played at all last year. When he is healthy he is solid.
I think if Cable likes the two tackles, then we need to take a guard.
Samson Satele will be a solid option at center this year, and Chris Morris is a solid backup for him and both guards for a game or two if needed.
Robert Gallery will hopefully be healthy and resume his role as left guard.
So any way you cut it we have at least three starting lineman there, assuming Barnes and Henderson compete for one of the tackle positions.
My question is, do you draft a guy at eight who could potentially be playing riight guard because he got beat out by Barnes and Henderson fot both tackle positions?
Don't Trade Nnamdi Idiots!!!
Bring Back Bruce!!!
by B.A.Armstrong on Mar 7, 2010 4:33 AM PST up reply actions
+1
As I have said many times before I am not sold on Gallery. He is not living up to expectations at all and I think we can get better.
Win at all costs! Winning ugly is still winning! Remember the past and what got us to the top before. Jim Plunkett and winning ugly......enough said!
by TheLyleAlzadoPunch on Mar 7, 2010 5:16 AM PST up reply actions
Of course hes not living up to
Expectations. He was a #2 overall LT. But, Hes having a solid career at LG and is a leader on the line. Yeah, he has injuries and after this year. I doubt Oakland will retain him depending on how he performs in 2010. But, Just because he isnt a pro bowler. Doesnt mean hes an issue. We have to many holes that need filling already. LG doesnt have to be another
If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?
- Vince Lombardi
Agree to disagree
We can leave him there for 2010 I agree. Is he solid….meh not really just better a G than T but not worth the cash laid out to him and seems to injury prone. I agree T is a bigger issue than G although we could draft one G or sign a FA one if there is one left out there.
Win at all costs! Winning ugly is still winning! Remember the past and what got us to the top before. Jim Plunkett and winning ugly......enough said!
by TheLyleAlzadoPunch on Mar 7, 2010 6:56 AM PST up reply actions
Well written post B.A.
as far as who the Raiders will draft?….I have no freakin’ idea and only one man knows for sure.
as long as Barnes doesnt get anywhere close to the field i dont care what they do with him… he could be backup kicker for all I care.
why?
Don't Trade Nnamdi Idiots!!!
Bring Back Bruce!!!
by B.A.Armstrong on Mar 7, 2010 4:29 AM PST up reply actions
Hmmm
You make some great points B.A. But, taking a Tackle is the safest and smartest thing to do in my opinion. Ive lost all hope in McClain, I dont know why, But I have an odd feeling he’s gonna pull a JR as soon as he gets paid. So, If Barnes really can step up at RT, why not take Buluga? You said that he can translate to playing G. And if not, he can play either tackle.
Ive never been that high on Lupati. From what ive heard, hes heavily penalized and doesnt have good technique. So hes a no. The only people that I would be actually happy about taking in the 1st is. Joe Haded, Brian Buluga and Anthony Davis. That is of course Suh is somehow available at 8 or we trade up haha
If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?
- Vince Lombardi
The DT need is glaring and now that Warren is gone it's blatant. We need Suh, McCoy or Brian Price in the 1st Round
if we don’t stop the run and get QB pressure we are destined to watch our O on the sidelines 34-38 minutes/game.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Mar 7, 2010 8:53 AM PST up reply actions
Unless we trade up
we’ve got no shot at Suh or McCoy so that leaves Price at #8 (seems early for him), or Dan Williams(ditto for him too)
yeah, one of those two guys will be there in round two
Don't Trade Nnamdi Idiots!!!
Bring Back Bruce!!!
by B.A.Armstrong on Mar 7, 2010 3:14 PM PST up reply actions
no to Davis
Don't Trade Nnamdi Idiots!!!
Bring Back Bruce!!!
by B.A.Armstrong on Mar 7, 2010 3:14 PM PST up reply actions
I’m very much 50-50 right now as to how we should pick. Defense or offense first. I’ve kinda given up on McClain since many are saying he won’t get out of the top-5. But if he does get to 8, we MUST take him in mind because he is the next Ray Lewis in my mind.
But, to me our safest bet is taking one of the top OT’s, preferably Okung if he slips by Detroit, KC, and Seattle (which is not too far-fetched) If it comes down to Okung and McClain, I say you have to take Okung simply because he’s the safer bet (plus he’s perfect for our ZBS)
Then of course there’s Anthony Davis and Trent Williams, neither of which I’m very much sold upon. If the draft shakes out to be Okung, McClain, Suh, and McCoy gone, I’d actually like us to draft Dan Williams, DT from Tennessee. Williams didn’t get the recognition that Cody did, but he’s an every down DT who is an animal versus the run.
His upside is limited, but he can come in and be a quality NT for years upon years upon years. He reminds me of Darnell Dockett back when the Cardinals were still 4-3 and he was a DT. Consistent mauler against the run with the occasional disruption of the QB.
So basically my first round wishlist in order is:
1. Russell Okung
2. Rolando McClain
3. Dan Williams
4. Anthony Davis (just seems the safer pick to me)
5. Trent Williams
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
Darnell Docket is an animal
Im actually against taking McClain now. I really really really feel like he’s in it for the money. I dont know though. That might just be me haha As far as calling him the Next Ray Lewis? No way! Ray Lewis is the greatest LB to walk onto the field and truely my idol. His play wont be matched for atleast another 6 years. I should be entering the Draft by then haha Wink wink
If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?
- Vince Lombardi
Found this excerpt on TFDS
Saban has one of the most complex/versatile D’s out there, constantly switching things up. McLain consistently adjusted the D calls based on what the O was doing at the line.
If you watch tape of our Defense this year, MANY MANY times we were running around not knowing how to line up as the ball was being snapped. We need a guy out there who knows what’s going on and can run the D.
Don't Trade Nnamdi Idiots!!!
Bring Back Bruce!!!
by B.A.Armstrong on Mar 7, 2010 3:48 PM PST up reply actions
atleast barnes mans up!
after the jets game he took it straight up like a man." i messed up, i got our qb sacked and i take blame for that first TD. that will haunt me" he said postgame. never said anything about his first play from coming off that broken ankle or his first time lined up at the right side since like H.S. no excuses is a great start and he might have something to prove this year. hell his worst year as a 16 game starter on, lining up on the left side was giving up 7 sacks and 5 total penalties in his third season. how about henderson this year??? 10.5 sacks allowed, most in the nfl and Green come on. give barnes a full year in silver and black then judge him, plus i know he can block for the run, go dig up jacksonville stats a few years back.
by rodeosnake12
I already dug them up ;)
Yeah, you make good points. barnes is a solid option at left tackle, and Henderson should be able to handle the right side. Don’t forget that 4 of those ten and a half sacks against Henderson came in one game against Orakpo.
Don't Trade Nnamdi Idiots!!!
Bring Back Bruce!!!
by B.A.Armstrong on Mar 7, 2010 3:18 PM PST up reply actions
o linemen-who is out there?
ok raiders signed k. barnes, cornell green is a free agent. sims and really is there anyone else left to sign? raiders do need o linemen and i believe in the draft they will get someone. in free agency the raiders should be looking to help protect the qb
by sports with steve on Mar 7, 2010 4:34 PM PST reply actions
So the Raiders sign Barnes, it doesn't matter as long as they draft a Tackle with the
8th Pick. Anthony Davis from Rutgers would be the ideal pick, or Okung. Bulaga’s arms are too short, (Gallery symdrone) From there I would take Treat Williams Oklahoma, not Campbell, not at 8…Those 3 are the guys and one of them will be there…We need to take a Linebacker in the Second round and Tebow if he is on the Board in the 3rd, not because of what he can do right away, but because he is a hard worker and will train until he is ready. Unlike JaMarcus “I would be surprised if he came around” Russell. I can care less about what Al does in resigning lineman as long as he drafts on in the first round…
by Rodney Sacramento on Mar 7, 2010 5:57 PM PST reply actions
what about Mcclain
roland would look nice running the middle for our team we need better LB to stop the run and play better support…
Waiting
To see if Barnes pouts about being put in another position other than LT. Or if he stays healthy and plays like a team player. As far as I am concerned the entire line can be a wide open free for all with no job secure. Khalif can be hungry and prove it or sit on the bench OR get his outright release if he decides to play half assed.
I hope he comes in hungry and drops some wood on some guys to make it so it gives a good vibe throughtout the OLine.
Win at all costs! Winning ugly is still winning! Remember the past and what got us to the top before. Jim Plunkett and winning ugly......enough said!
by TheLyleAlzadoPunch on Mar 7, 2010 6:53 PM PST reply actions
the main thing is
we need the right guy starting at QB. i think our oline were so mentally and physically drained from 9 weeks of a guy that, well do i need to say who or what he did, and they were sick of all the shit and just threw up their hands and said “fuck it !” if we have a committed guy that demands victory and takes command i think all of a sudden the oline would have life and something to play and block for. when we had a change of qb the WHOLE team picked it up. so to me we do have some talent on our oline but 2 more solid additions to it are in dire need to make any kind of run at a winning season.
upgrade o-line
who is there to add to the o – line?
by sports with steve on Mar 7, 2010 9:23 PM PST up reply actions
This is another great point
Don't Trade Nnamdi Idiots!!!
Bring Back Bruce!!!
by B.A.Armstrong on Mar 8, 2010 3:18 AM PST up reply actions
Agreed
Its pretty deflating when your QB destroy the team effort and mails it in every game and leaves you to hangout and dry.
Win at all costs! Winning ugly is still winning! Remember the past and what got us to the top before. Jim Plunkett and winning ugly......enough said!
by TheLyleAlzadoPunch on Mar 8, 2010 8:08 AM PST up reply actions
I'd like to see at least two OT's drafted
one with the 8th pick of the draft and another in the mid to late rounds for either depth or project. I do not feel good about where this team is with its offensive line depth and the starters on the right side. I think Henderson & Gallery are pretty good on the left, but Henderson needs to show some improvement next year. Gallery, although solid as a guard, has had injury issues playing there. I wonder if he has the body type to hold up at guard playing against Defensive tackles.
The Airman of Westwood
Build the damn thing right. Iupati or Pouncey. I know G & C needs are < T but Satele can play G also (C can move to G's)
so can Morris – they both are 300+. Bottom line, get the best OLman you can get – if we even go for one in the first. I’m lukewarm on the idea at this point for two reasons, first I’m not that impressed with Buluga, Davis, Campbell and anyone else after Okung, and more importantly, we need a real DT or we die on the field this season – this is a fact.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Mar 8, 2010 10:26 AM PST up reply actions
We've needed a real DT for years
and the run-D has suffered big time because of it. A good NT is like a good C or G, they might be able to be had in the 2nd or 3rd rounds. Tackles usually come at a premium and this year we should be in good shape to have one of the better one’s early on.
The Airman of Westwood
Big Bryan Price in the second! I'd be super stoked!
I’m beginning to wonder about anyone but Okung, too. Don’t like Williams, or Campbell, ambivalent about Davis but would take the risk if he’s the only guy still there (McCoy, Suh, McClain, and Haden will be gone, leaving going defensively with the 8 pick a bad move, as long as we positon ourselves for Price.) Even if he weren’t there, there’s that Linval dude, and some other guys that look like true Nose tackles that could make us better immediately. None in the first round except for the those we’ve discussed, who, for at least those we’re in agreement will be worth our pick, will be taken before our 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
Although Price may fall, I actually hope he gets picked up in the mid-first round
where he is projected. Maybe my selfishness of hoping a Bruin gets picked ahead of any sc guys (although Mays’ combine may trump that). However, I’d be happy getting him with our 8th pick, at least we’d finally have a good young d-linemant to build around.
The Airman of Westwood
I believe he may well go ahead of Mays, and don't see any other SC guys garnering attention higher than Price
So you could get your wish. Maybe he’s the guy we’ll end up with with the first, in which case I’d be pretty pleased too. So much depth this time around, and the first take will so much dictate the second one, it’s getting exciting. We’ve gotta be smart with the picks, and maybe trading down and packaging multiple mid rounders where Al works magic, or is at least lucky as hell.
"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
Brian Price & Dan Williams are projected to be gone
mid to late 1st round so unless Al is smart & trades down he can get either of those guys in the 10-16 range. With the extra picks Al could position us to get Bruce Campbell a little later. Kalif Barnes, Mario Henderson & Campbell competing for the 2 starting tackle positions would be something I can agree with. Also the loser can take Gallery’s spot assuming we cut or trade him since he is a solid LG but paid way too much for a guy on the decline with back problems. Campbell assuming he loses the starting tackle job could be a great Guard with his athleticism & experience in a ZBS with the Terps.
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