FanPost

Random Raiders Rumblings


Living here in Donkeyland, it's fun to walk around in my Raiders gear for several months, rubbing their stupid Donkey faces in that loss in Oakland. Even when we lose, and even when we have lost big to the Donks, I have remained faithful and worn my fan gear. Silver and Black for life, baby! But when we win? I strut like the cock of the walk until the next game. Thanks, Raiders!

Our secondary is one the sorriest hot messes I've ever seen. Some of that is injuries, but lordy, we suck. If Seimian had played the whole game, it would have been a much tougher game.

One of the biggest reasons our pass D sucks is lack of a consistent pass rush. We are wasting Mack. He needs 2, and yes, I said TWO pass rush companions. One is DE and the other is WLB. With Obi and Conley starting over this offseason, and whoever we can bring in through the draft/trade/free agency, the best thing we can do for next year's pass D is get a couple fast, athletic studs at DE and WLB to wreak havoc on opposing offenses.

As Bitchmode's rushing demonstrated on Sunday, our offense is a different animal with a consistent ground game, but Lynch is not the answer. A young stud RB to carry the load is a must this year in the draft. There are really good options all the way into R3, so we should be able to land one. The Combine is going to be an insane lineup of talent this year. Some of my favorite candidates for the Raiders may shoot up the boards. Here are a few 2nd-4th round possibilities:

Ronald Jones II, USC

Really coming on at the end of the year. 6'1", 195. May look too small, but runs very hard and is a big weapon out of the backfield. Similar build and game as Le'Veon Bell. Can bulk up in the offseason and get stronger.

L.J. Scott, Mich State

Ditto on Le'Veon Bell comparison. A little heavy at 6'1" and 230, but like Bell could lose some weight and get faster. Good patience and footwork. A power back with great potential.

Damien Harris, Alabama

I've already mentioned him and think he can be a workhorse. Listed as 5'11" and 216, but may be a little lighter than that now. Another dual threat back with moves in space and toughness between the tackles.

Royce Freeman, Oregon

If not for injuries last year, he would have huge numbers. Over 1,000 yards in 3 out of 4 seasons, and last year had 945 even with injuries. Tough power runner with some good numbers in the passing game. 5'11'' and 230. Kind of reminds of Michael Turner of the Chargers and Falcons. A bowling ball of a runner.

Rashaad Penny, San Diego State

This 5'11," 220 stud could one of the steals of the draft. I think he's underrated and will shoot up the draft charts at the Combine. Needs coaching on some fundamentals.

I think the top 3-4 RBs will be off the board before we can reasonably have a chance at them. Because we have Richard and Washington, I'm not targetting guys like Bryce Love. We need a bulkier power runner.

More musings to come. Enjoy our win over the Donks and beat the Giants.