Our mantra under Hue Jackson has been "Play like a Raider".....................which means (if you know your history) Intimidating, Fast & Physical Football. This is what Al Davis is used to, this is what he want's and this is what he expects. Thanks to improved coaching, good drafting & the addition of veterans Richard Seymour, and Jason Campbell we have been able to see a change in team mentality and expectancy after finishing last season 8-8, 6-0 in the division. Our offense is looking good right now but could be a lot better in the efficiency department considering all the talent we have at the skill positions. On defense..........................(sigh)........................Everything behind the D-line needs upgrading plain & simple (Routt, Huff, Rolondo, & Mitchell are exempt for now) you cannot prepare or build with the wrong pieces and tools. With that said..........................................................................................................................

Let's take a look at some players to watch out for this year in College Football. Those selected from now up until draft day will be chosen based on a certain criteria & belief that there "attributes" fit into what we are building here in Oakland under Coach Jackson & Chuck B.

Vontaze Burfict 6-3 250 / Arizona State LB # 7 (NFL Comparison : Ray Lewis)

This kid could be "Special"! A natural all around linebacker who dominates and terrorizes opposing offenses every week from the middle of that ASU defense. He's big, he's fast & has a nose for the ball. He hits hard, talks the talk & walks the walk. Saying he is an every down non stop motor type of player would be a cliched understatement. You don't "Build a Bully" without guy's like this on your defense / team. This is one player i'm sure we have on our radar. We favor west coast players particularly ASU & CAL players who we routinely draft & sign at some point every year. (Don't believe me? Look it up)