NFL Draft 2011: Raider Nation's Plan for Free Safety

by Rich Langford on Apr 22, 2011 9:15 AM PDT

Alright, alright when it comes to the free safeties of the 2011 NFL Draft we have discussed the ones we like and/or the ones the Raiders have shown interest in. With Robert Sands, Jaiquawn Jarrett, Chris Culliver, Chris Prosinski and Marcus Gilchrist there seems to be no way the Raiders will pick a free safety we haven't discussed. So, they will probably take someone we haven't discussed.

All that is left now is a casting of the ballots (no hanging chads please). Consider your choice carefully and thoughtfully and I will be sending the results directly to Al Davis via pigeon air mail. I hope that is not too high tech for him and don't worry; I'm sure they'll get there—I got the pigeons from Mike Tyson. First a quick recap:

Robert Sands:

Sands has experience in the single deep set. He is a big hitter. He is just plain big. At 6'5" he has unusual height for a free safety. Of course, that is also part of the reason why he might not make it as a free safety. He can be stiff and slow in changing directions, which can be problematic as he lacks good speed for the secondary to begin with. He is almost certainly going to be available when the Raiders select in the third and maybe in the fourth.

Jaiquawn Jarrett:

Jarrett is another big hitter. He is much smoother in his movements than Jarrett. Jarett has solid instincts, which is good, because he is slow and can occasionally struggle with his angles. He makes up for his lack of speed with incredible balance, quickness and efficiency of movement. He plays with passion and intensity. He is strong in run support. The big worry with Jarrett is that he will not be able to cover enough ground. The Raiders should have a chance to draft Jarrett in third, but that is certainly not a guarantee.

Chris Culliver:

Culliver is an explosive athlete, but he has yet to put his skills to full use on the football field. He may be caught between positions and looks like he is better suited for corner. This could be of value to the Raiders as they could use the depth at corner, but ultimately we are searching for a free safety, and Culliver has some serious question marks there. Culliver's potential means he may be gone by the time the Raiders pick in the third. I see this guy as a poor man's Michael Huff. Which is bad, because Michael Huff is a poor man's capable free safety.

Chris Prosinski:

Prosinski is a surprisingly freakish athlete, but he has not yet figured out how to translate all of that athleticism onto the field. He covers a lot of ground, but he lacks explosiveness. He is a sure tackler, but not a big hitter. He would really struggle to get off blocks, and he lacks the quick twitch to change directions. He is, however, going to be available late—maybe even the seventh-round. He reminds me a little of Stuart Schweigert.

Marcus Gilchrist:

Gilchrist is another explosive athlete that is somewhat caught between positions. Scouts feel he could play corner and free safety in the NFL. He looks better suited for free safety to me. He is a solid tackler, but far from a big hitter. He has decent ball skills, and a fairly high ceiling, but he is raw and probably at least a year away from being a legit starter. For whatever it is worth he is a very accomplished return man.

There's are list of candidates. What do y'all think? It seems many are on the Sands-Jarrett bandwagon. Well, it is time to pick one or the other.

Me, I like Gilchrist, but I don't like the fact that he isn't likely to contribute right away. So, he is off the list. Originally I liked Sands, but I am off that bandwagon. I think he is going to be constantly a step late in coverage. So he won't mind when the Raiders are a round late drafting him.

Prosinski is easily worth a late-round look if the Raiders don't take one of these other guys, but there are a handful of players worth late-round looks

That leaves us with Jarrett. Of all the rookies he seems like the most likely to be able to contribute right away. However, I am not sold he is worth a third-round pick.

His big hits are nice, but given a choice between coverage skills and hitting, I'll take the free safety with coverage skills. I want a free safety that is going to help limit those wide open redzone TD passes. Jarrett is not a disaster in coverage, but I don't think he'd be an upgrade.

While I do believe he would be an upgrade in run support, I'd prefer they took a linebacker in the third so safeties weren't needed as much in run support in the first place.

So, after all of this, I say pass on 'em all. I don't like the value they offer. It is a slim free agent crop—take a look for yourself—but I say the Raiders try to bring in someone to compete and patch the defensive backfield together.

At this point, I think I am leaning towards a weakside linebacker in the third, or another offensive linemen (assuming they go OL in the second). They will be able to get a higher quality player, and a much better value.

Anyway, vote away. This wasn't the easiest thing to put in poll form, but I think I got a good representation of reasonable choices.

Poll

The Raiders free safety draft plan should be

Target Sands in the third

30 votes

Hope Sands falls to the fourth

26 votes

Target Jarrett in the third

11 votes

Take Sands in the third if Jarrett is gone

17 votes

Target Chris Culliver in the third

4 votes

Target Marcus Gilchrist in the third

6 votes

Just wait and take Prosinski in sixth

13 votes

Address other needs and make a play in FA

52 votes

159 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 37 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Your obsession with drafting a free safety continues at an unhealthy rate

I’m just not with you there, as I don’t believe drafting a safety high improves our team all that much. We seem to draft safeties early and often every other year, just to be stuck in the same position a couple of years down the road. I’m not sure if it’s our inability to develop safeties, or our scheme, but we seem to be trigger happy in moving past them. Every year I want offensive linemen early and often, and this year is no exception.

I know you disagree, but I’d rather see us get a cornerback if we are to take a defensive back early in the draft. Whether you believe in the guys we got now or not, having a good set of corners is like having a good set of linemen, you just seem to never have enough of them. I don’t think I’m alone in thinking the idea of McFadden and Ware as sole competition for Johnson’s starting spot is anything but ideal. I also wouldn’t mind seeing us improve our depth and competition at linebacker with guys who can actually play linebacker.

"I’m back to my first love – the Oakland Raiders and working with the Offensive Line. I’m a Raider for life." -- Steve Wisniewski

by S Jay Bruin on Apr 22, 2011 9:30 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs

Thank Yoo

People here still believe we can run a single High safety Those days are long gone. For some reason youtube has Made Robert Sands turn into Lott and Tatum. Robert Sands isn’t even the best Safety in a weak Safety Class. We need to change the system more than the players. Huff isn’t a Hall of Famer but he is better player in our system than anyone we can draft or get in Free agents this offseason. Sands is 6’5" tall he doesn’t have good feet nor has he played in a Cover 1. (For all you who say he has show the film) No College team play man even close as much as we play in Oakland. Petterson is the only up grade over Huff I have seen in the Draft and he plays Corner. Al Davis knows you can’t win a Super Bowl Running the same old Defense every down

by Micheal Y on Apr 22, 2011 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

All true, but it still doesn't mean that we won't draft another safety to replace Huff

Huff is as good as gone, and as far as Al changing the defense we play and how we play it…fat chance. So we will probably be drafting someone to replace Huff, from the guys the Raiders have been bringing in, it doesn’t look like it’ll be Sands or Jarrett, but somebody in the later rounds like this Silva kid from Hawaii they just had in.

"Now I know what your thinking, did he fire six shots or only five. Ive forgotten myself in all this excitement, but being that this is the 44 magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world and could blow your head clean off, you have to ask your question. Do I feel lucky? Well do ya punk!"
Dirty Harry Callahan

by rambis64 on Apr 22, 2011 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions

Unless Rahim Moore somehow falls to us in the 2nd round

Huff’s versatility is probably not replaced immediately. If we wait until rounds 5-7, we probably get someone to compete with Stevie Brown for a roster spot. Otherwise, between Mitchell, Branch, Eugene, and Brown you’ll get the same average safety play that we’ve seen played in Oakland that we’ve seen played since Rod Woodson was our Free Safety. I would hope a veteran safety would ultimately be brought in to compete with these guys, rather than another guy trying to adjust to both the NFL and the Raiders scheme in a shortened offseason program.

"I’m back to my first love – the Oakland Raiders and working with the Offensive Line. I’m a Raider for life." -- Steve Wisniewski

by S Jay Bruin on Apr 22, 2011 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

I would rather that, honestly.

However, looking at the Free Agent Market (under the old CBA rules) right now, Only Darren Sharper can do that. And, do we Really want to pay Michael Huff all that money for being okay? ….Not really.

In WHOEVER GIVES US THE WIN We Trust

by NFLanalyzerfromhome on Apr 22, 2011 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions

We can get into the FAs later there

There should be plenty of time to discuss that in the vacuum of NFL activity after the draft, but I will say Eric Weddle would be a huge upgrade, but he is likely going to earn a big contract.

I'm a freaky streaker like Winnie the Pooh—T-shirt, no pants and I dance the boog-a-loo

by Rich Langford on Apr 22, 2011 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Eric Weddle?

LMAO.

Eric Weddle is better suited at SS, NOT at the FS position. 1) He’s short. 2) He can’t play single high safety. 3) He would want to get as much as Huff.

In WHOEVER GIVES US THE WIN We Trust

by NFLanalyzerfromhome on Apr 22, 2011 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Since when do free safeties need to be tall?

Weddle is only an inch shorter than Ed Reed. He is a decent open field tackler, solid in coverage, and excellent in reading plays. There is no way he is better suited for SS than FS. I agree he may not be worth the contract, he is going to get more than Huff. We can get into all that free agent jazz later.

I'm a freaky streaker like Winnie the Pooh—T-shirt, no pants and I dance the boog-a-loo

by Rich Langford on Apr 22, 2011 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions

I mentioned Weddle a few weeks back

and was tore a new one on here. He has been an anchor on one of the best D’s in the NFL and would be a great upgrade. The catch is he has a first round tender, and I don’t think he is worth that.

"We can't stop here... This is bat country."

by Kwester421 on Apr 22, 2011 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions

True, but the tender may not mean anything after the new CBA

I'm a freaky streaker like Winnie the Pooh—T-shirt, no pants and I dance the boog-a-loo

by Rich Langford on Apr 22, 2011 11:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Darren Sharper

did good with the Saints because they played fast an Aggressive We don’t. We pretty much run the same play all game long. The only Young Player I would want in our Secondary is Petterson or Prince all these other guys will take some time. People think its easy to play single high well its not. People below even said get Eric Weedle that would be a major downgrade He plays in a Zone Friendly defense. You can get any Safety in the NFL and they won’t Shine playing Cover 1 with us. AL Needs to ditch this Defense and hire real DC. This team is right at the edge of being a playoff team but we didn’t Hire a DC, We have to upgrade at OLB and we need to resign Nnamdi. If we would have done those 3 things we would be playoff bound.

by Micheal Y on Apr 23, 2011 6:00 AM PDT up reply actions

You think Weddle would be a major downgrade over Huff?

I think not. Weddle has superior read and react skills, better tackling and he is just as fast. What exactly would make him a downgrade?

I'm a freaky streaker like Winnie the Pooh—T-shirt, no pants and I dance the boog-a-loo

by Rich Langford on Apr 23, 2011 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Yes

IF AL Davis Allowed The Raiders to have a Real DC we would have a Top 10 Defense. We play man to man defense all game long Huff has to stay deep and make open field tackles. How many times do the Chargers play man. For some reason you fail to realize it takes more talent to play in our system than others. Weddle plays with a top 5 defense he has LBs that make Tackle he doesn’t have to play in there spot. IF we had a complete LB core Our Safety’s would be better it’s easy to play Safety when you have LB’s. I watched the Chargers play and if Weddle left they wouldn’t miss much. If Huff leaves we would hurt more. Because you just can’t plug in a FS to play Single high Every Safety in the NFL can play Cover 3 and 2

by Micheal Y on Apr 23, 2011 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Again what would make Weddle a downgrade?

What skills does Huff has that Weddle doesn’t? I don’t see any part of Huff’s game that is better suited for single high than Weddle. Single high safety puts more pressure on the FS…that is not a revelation. Nor was it part of my discussion.

I'm a freaky streaker like Winnie the Pooh—T-shirt, no pants and I dance the boog-a-loo

by Rich Langford on Apr 23, 2011 7:33 PM PDT up reply actions

the only thing Huff has over Weddle

is that he’s played single high for a few years. He’s still learning the nuances of single high safety and what it takes to play there. With Weddle we’d be starting over in the learning process, with the distinct possibility of having someone who would be as bad or worse than Huff.
At least Sands and Jarrett have experience playing single high in college, and they would also come cheaper than picking up Weddle in free agency.

by rambis64 on Apr 25, 2011 9:02 AM PDT up reply actions

Well, I never said Weddle would be worth the price he'd command

I haven’t even begun to assess that.

You make it sound like playing single high safety is going from playing dance, dance revolution to NFL QB. You actually think rookies that rate out to third-round talents will be better prepared to play for the Raiders next year than a NFL veteran? A veteran that has gotten better each year and was selected in the second-round to begin with?

Also, I don’t see Huff as learning the nuances of playing single high. In fact, the Raiders began pulling him out of that role, because he was failing at it. Why do you think they were so willing to send him on blitzes?

Weddle would go through a learning curve, but he’d be better from day one than Huff.

I'm a freaky streaker like Winnie the Pooh—T-shirt, no pants and I dance the boog-a-loo

by Rich Langford on Apr 25, 2011 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions

I just meant that

neither Huff or Weddle had played any single high safety before and that at least these kids have some experience in that role. Weddle might be better than Huff eventually, but not right off and the cost makes it not worth it.
Your dance, dance revolution reference made me think of one of my favorite under-known movies “Grandmas Boy”

by rambis64 on Apr 26, 2011 8:15 AM PDT up reply actions

+1

im ok with drafting Culliver because he will be moved to corner.

by RyanTheRaider on Apr 22, 2011 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions

Hahaha I said not to draft a safety

I think it is worth looking at because the Raiders starter is likely gone and the free agent pool is so slim. Unlike corner where there are plenty of capable free agents. Still, despite that I said to not draft a safety. As for the offensive linemen I am all aboard that train my friend.

I'm a freaky streaker like Winnie the Pooh—T-shirt, no pants and I dance the boog-a-loo

by Rich Langford on Apr 22, 2011 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Damn, you are right

I blame my short attention span on the free starbucks coffee and the massive 7-11 mug I had them fill up that kept me from reading your last 3 paragraphs which you line up exactly what I wrote.

Cheers, Go Raiders!

"I’m back to my first love – the Oakland Raiders and working with the Offensive Line. I’m a Raider for life." -- Steve Wisniewski

by S Jay Bruin on Apr 22, 2011 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Since you got Starbucks for free we are all good.

Howard Schultz is like the Devil only more evil. And you just took money from his pocket. Nice!

I'm a freaky streaker like Winnie the Pooh—T-shirt, no pants and I dance the boog-a-loo

by Rich Langford on Apr 22, 2011 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions

Starbucks coffee

tastes like coal and urine… Don’t ask me why I know what that combo tastes like… It’s a long story.

"We can't stop here... This is bat country."

by Kwester421 on Apr 22, 2011 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions

did you

try to filter urine?

by RyanTheRaider on Apr 22, 2011 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Apparently I missed the deadline on safeties for this discussion

I wanted to also look at Quinton Carter out of Oklahoma, another guy projected to be a 3rd or 4th round guy.

Also the Raiders worked out a FS out of Hawaii named Keanemana “Mana” Silva. The National Football Post has the article with a link to his pro day video. The kid is rated as a 7th round pick or post draft free agent. He ran a 4.43 – 40, had a 42" vert. and pushed 225lbs 23 times at his pro day

by rambis64 on Apr 22, 2011 10:01 AM PDT reply actions

Oh now you mention Carter!

And the Hawaii kid! I know nothing about the Hawaii kid…as for Carter his ability to overrun plays scares the hell out of me. I think he would be a highlight machine…for the opposition.

I'm a freaky streaker like Winnie the Pooh—T-shirt, no pants and I dance the boog-a-loo

by Rich Langford on Apr 22, 2011 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm with you on Silva

I like the look of him. Has quick feet, can turn his hips, and goes after the football. Would love to build the line early and take a flyer on him later on.

by Emdub52 on Apr 22, 2011 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions

I saw this Kid against Brigam Young early in the Season !!!!

Forgot all about him, but one thing’s for sure !!! He’s all over the field, and Hawaii ran a form of the Single High safety, and from what I saw in that game is, when he comes up on the run plays, he makes tackles !!!! Oh Snap !!!! FYI: Mana was invited and has already met, and worked out for the Raiders !!!!!

by papabegood on Apr 23, 2011 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Mana - great name ... and "Silva" (!) that seems ominous. He played QB and WR then switched to Safety ... Honor Society

Coaches love him. I need to watch video.

S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
"I did the (2010) draft. ... I made a trade for Seymour. Gave up the first-rounder this year. I could tell you why. You may not think it was a good trade. I thought it was a great trade. Still do. [Al Davis 1/1911]

by Sons-of-Blanda on Apr 23, 2011 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions

I personally would love to draft Jarret. But you all know that. lol

I think he fits our scheme, and brings what we lack (a run defending FS who can also do very well in coverage.).

I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP

by Jack'sAxe on Apr 22, 2011 3:14 PM PDT reply actions

This is the year to strengthen the Offensive line with young talent, that should be our primary

focus in this years draft. Then we need to look at the best players available in the positions we need to strenghten while looking at the overall best selection at any given pick. Noontide, I agree the Raiders should NOT focus on Safety in the draft, however, in the scope of our picks should the OL be satisfied, I am open to drafting the best players available based on need, as well as the best overall available with any given pick…

by Rodney Sacramento on Apr 22, 2011 6:21 PM PDT reply actions

We need a FS

Eugene cannot be our starter, period. Branch and Mitchell will continue to progress and will solidify the SS position, but we need an open field tackler that can cover ground and make reads.
I wouldn’t doubt seeing some trades after the CBA gets worked out, and maybe some FA signings as well. We are all looking at the draft as the only way to fill our current holes, but we have too many holes to plug with the picks we have. I see the backfield as an issue, but place that behind OL and OLB.

"We can't stop here... This is bat country."

by Kwester421 on Apr 22, 2011 11:01 PM PDT reply actions