Roster Musings
2011 Oakland Raiders Free Agency: 4 Guards That Could Shore Up the Raiders O-Line
The 2011 Oakland Raiders free agency train has yet to reach full speed. In fact, I am not even sure it has left the station. We just previewed the possible offensive tackles on the market. If I've said it once, then I have a horrible memory because I've felt like I've said it a bunch, but I want a tackle up I'grade first and foremost. If not than I'll settle for an upgrade at guard.
And to be honest, at this point I'll settle for an upgrade at any position. In light of that lets take a look at some guards. The scouting reports on each player comes to us via ESPN.
1. G Justin Blalock Falcons 6'4" 330 lbs
Blalock is a massive lineman with a lot of natural power and strength. He has above-average initial quickness and does a good job of getting initial position on blocks, but can struggle when trying to react and adjust to movement in space. He is not a natural knee bender but does a decent job of working to keep his pad level down to leverage and sustain blocks. He can be a road grader who engulfs opponents but still needs to improve his competitiveness and do a better job of finishing blocks off. He has heavy hands that can shock and stymie pass-rushers, but could be a bit quicker at getting refit after opponents get free of his fit.
Blalock is a solid guard. He would be a great addition to the run game.
Jump over for the rest....
Oakland Raiders Free Agents: 5 Tackles to Help the Raiders Forget About Jared Gaither
Alright, so Jared Gaither is not on the Oakland Raiders and they are back to looking at the 2011 free agents for an answer on the offensive line. At least I hope they are. The Raiders re-signed Khalif Barnes yesterday, but I am hoping this is just for depth. Anyway, hopefully the Raiders realize that upgrading the tackle position is still a priority, and seeing as how Khalif Barnes was a third string tackle in 2010 starting him is an upgrade in the wrong direction. The good news is there are still some options out there.
Here is my wishlist with analysis provided by ESPN.
1. T Jammal Brown, Redskins 6'6" 313 lbs
Jammal Brown was a perennial starter for the Saints before being injured and missing the entire 2009 season. He was acquired in a trade in 2010 where he returned to his starting role at the right tackle position for Washington. Brown is a long limbed lineman with good strength and athleticism. He is a solid knee bender with good initial quickness to gain leverage as a run blocker. Brown has an effective kick step and balance as a pass blocker to maintain proper body position. He shows good awareness and agility to react well to stunts, twists and counter moves off the edge. Jammal Brown is a good football player that brings experience and attitude to Washington's offensive line.
Brown is No. 1 on my list by a wide margin. I want this guy in for a visit yesterday.
Jump over for the rest....
Terrelle Pryor: Is He a Good Option for the Raiders or the NFL at All?
Terrelle Pryor is likely taking his tattoos and memorabilia business to the pro game. There is still serious speculation as to which pro league that will be. Pryor has yet to declare for the NFL's supplemental draft, and with the lack of a CBA there are legitimate questions if the league would even be able to have a supplemental draft. Some people will certainly try to persuade Pryor that he shouldn't worry about the NFL or their supplemental draft anyway.
Like this well placed UFL source of Adam Schefter, who suggests he would be best served to go to the UFL. Or the Saskatchewan Roughriders who acquired the rights to negotiate with him. And according to a quote by Pryor's attorney Larry James in the St. Petersburg Times it is an option he'd be open to:
It's like I told (the Roughriders). My house is not for sale, but at the right price, it's on the market.
Of course, that quote actually tells me there is no way Pryor is going anywhere but the NFL—as long as a team will take him. The scouting reports suggest he should consider those other options—especially if he wants to play QB. Jump over for the rest....
Campbell versus Gradkowski, My Final Verdict
It's been a while since I last wrote, but I gotta put my final statement on this debate. I'll say right off the bat that I love Bruce Gradkowski and Jason Campbell equal, however I'm largely on the Campbell side of the fence here.
I won't do much of an intro here, but read ahead to see why Campbell is clearly the best option as the starter for the Raiders.
70 comments
|
1 recs |
Tweet
The Oakland Raiders 53-man Roster Projection
With the third preseason game in the books, the Oakland Raiders are just about done in terms of who makes the team and who doesn't. The 53-man roster will be finalized on September 4, just over a week before the Raiders open up the season. Now, who will be on the team and who won't be? Hit the jump for my roster prediction.
Training Camp Battle: Third Running Back Position
We know that the Oakland Raiders are moving into the 2010 season with Michael Bush and Darren McFadden as their top running backs, but who will be the man behind them both? In training camp right now, there's a very good battle taking place between Michael Bennett and Rock Cartwright. Both have been performing well in training camp (then again, it is just training camp) despite harboring a different skill set each. So, assuming the team can only carry one, who should be kept and who should be told to look elsewhere? Let's take a closer look at Bennett and Cartwright with their past endeavors and divulge into their skill sets.
Michael Huff and a Possible Move to Corner from Safety
Michael Huff is a funny guy. If you don't believe me, just check out his Twitter feed. (Yeah, he needs some work on the background.) Anyway, he mentioned in a reply to Tyvon Branch on Twitter that he should play cornerback after today's workouts. I don't know if he was joking, but that seemed apparent with the "hahaha" and "lmao" going around. It really had me going for a second and then the replies came in and it became apparent they were kidding, but I think Huff is confident he can make the transition if need be. Still, Huff possibly changing positions has come up around here before so why not discuss it again?

by 
by
by 












