4th and Long
Maybe it’s time we all took a deep breath and a look back….at least as far back as “06”….da “Art Shell” Era.
But first a little of the “NOW“….at present fans are calling for SOB’s head and Kiffin “Run-Out-a-Dodge” and MrD’s funeral….Wow!….What up wit all da “HateTrippin” bro’s?
March “06” newly hired HC ArtShell attends an award banquet put on by the “Raiders Booster Clubs” and the “Steering Committee” for DE Derrick Burgess along with several “D” players….Could be a relationship was formed in the process….I don’t really know but that’s just my speculation….During the season Coach Shell preached “Toughness” and it appeared that his “D” bought into it….However all the credit was attributed to “SOB” by posters here saying it was “Hands-Off” the “D” for Coach Shell….Remember…I surely do…
The “O” did not buy into it and Coach Shell and his “B-n-B” Coordinator were blamed for everything bad with the Raiders….But remember “SOB” was praised for everything good about his “D”….Interesting….because just a year later when that “D” with the same players and the same Coordinator (minus Coach Shell preaching Toughness) fell on it’s collective freaking asses and “Crap”ed all over the field the “Postah”s are calling for “SOB”s head….Yap!…Must have been “Hands-Off”…Right???..Can’t argue with history…or the record…or stats….or that big “Egg” in the middle of the freakin field “07”….
Now let’s look at the end of “06” when posters were campaigning for “SOB” as Coach….But instead “MrD” brought us his youngest coach ever in Kiffin. The Mediots had a field day…..The big word was “It’s a Mistake”…Should have promoted “SOB” because now we will lose him to some other team and he will “Kick Our Asses Off”….Remember?
OK…So in March of “07” the “Raiders Booster Clubs” -n- the “Steering Committee” hold an award banquet for CB Nnamdi Asomugha and guess who was NOT at the banquet….That’s right….Coach Kiffin….Now did you here anything big-n-bad coming down from his absence……NOT that I can recall….In fact I doubt that most hear even knew it happened….At least not until lately when I searched the “Net” -n- Posted it…..Yap!…Unforgivable…a NO-Show….
The “07” record is history and that “D” was one of the worst ever by a Raider team….What else can be said about that except ….(they must have really missed Shell’s influence)….Coach Kiffin was unable to inspire them….Whoops!….I’m sorry….”SOB” was unable to coach “HIS” freakin “D”….(must have had a brain-fart and lost all his ability as coach).
So now we get to the “NOW”….That thankless “HC” of the Raiders was unwilling to show respect for his players-n-fans and did not attend an award banquet put on by the “Raiders Booster Clubs” -n- da “Steering Committee” for RB Justin Fargas….That is totally inexcusable and we want his head on a platter…..-n- Yada!! Yada!! Yada!!!!….
Bet ya all missed the point didn’t ya….It was a freakin “Fan Event”…..NOT a “Team Event”…..In “06” “SOB” was invited but did not attend….So freakin what….Did you hear anything about that….NO….It was his “D” player and he was a “NO-Show”….Inexcusable….Right???….Guess what…he was also a No-Show in “07” for another “D” player….Ya’ll hate his ass yet….
So now to the point of this whole stupid thing….”How long are some of you fans going to keep allowing the Mediot’s to play you like “Puppets"…Every freakin' time they write some sort of ridiculous “Crap“ ya‘ll become “Dysfunctional“….Myself….I‘m kinda glad to see Coach Kiffin-n-”MrD” playing the Mediot's like Puppets and getting all that free “Pub”….
I believe the “HC”-n- Owner showed all the love needed when they awarded that RB with all that “Cash” and that new contract that I heard so many people “Bitchin” about….That was appreciation where it counted….
“Dysfunctional Raider Nation”…Raidah Style…
PantyRaider….Just-Supportin-Baby!!!!
Note: Thanks to PantyRaider for sharing this take. This is one in a series of “guest takes,” with the intent of celebrating the different voices and perspectives of the Raider Nation.Labels: Guest Take, PantyRaider
posted by Raider Take at 8:14 AM
114 Comments:
What happened to the take I sent ya, RT?
Sorry, I'm trying to catch up with my inbox! It's on deck.
Hey Bama, how do you know Kiffin’s not involved? Have you called around?
As an addendum to PantyRaider’s take on the previous two seasons, lets do a quick review on the offseason thus far:
Kiffin wanted Fargas back – Done.
Kiffin wanted Kelly back – Done.
Kiffin wanted to see what Sam Williams could do if he was healthy for an entire season – Williams has been brought back and a new strength and conditioning coach has been hired.
Kiffin said “We will attack free agency” – There may not be the same volume as last year, but three (including Hall) were the top talent available at their position. And, we may not be finished. Conclusion – Done and Doing.
One rumor is Tom Cable WANTED Kwame Harris and told Kiffin so.
Doesn’t appear to me Kiffin is not being listened to. But, what do I know, I didn’t call around. I just went with what was stated and what actually happened.
For the draft I’ve read several “mock” drafts. Very few agree on who we will pick. I wish I could get paid for writing my guess as to who will be drafted where. Most of these “experts” will be wrong.
We may in fact draft McFadden. I don’t see it. But, if it happens I will not hold my breath, stamp my feet and rail about how stupid it is that they didn’t listen to me.
After all, I’m not a football expert, but I pretend to be one on the internet.
H
Nice job Pantyraider. Interesting perspective, no doubt.
I would argue that SOB was given too much latitude by Kiffin last year (perhaps not so much by Davis), because Kiffin absolutely had his hands full transforming the B&B offense. The result on defense, well, “that’s life in the big city.”
I don’t remember ever lobbying for SOB to become HC, for the very reason that our offense needed extreme measures. So bringing in an O-minded HC made the most sense.
Now, I don’t think it’s too extreme to call for SOB’s head after four consecutive years of inept run D. Add to that, consistently weak sack totals and turnovers, and you have a bad defense. Either get it right, or else.
I truly believe the “statistical” success of our D in 2006 was an anomaly due to the ineptitude of our offense. Therefore, I’m not prepared (as a loyal fan) to give SOB a free pass for that year.
If Mark Jackson is involved, Kiffin is involved. Jackson is Kiffin's hand picked man, not Davis'. Even if Kiffin and Davis are not speaking, then Kiffin talks to Jackson, and Jackson talks to Davis.
Also, there is absolutely no question that the free agency period and the draft are happening according to Kiffin's philosophical design (actually the way I think it usually works with the Raiders, but you get arguments if you speak such heresy).
On a more cheerful note, it appears things are not well in Gelding land.
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_8629051
While Al Davis is spending money like a drunken soldier loose in Honolulu (speaking from personal experience on that), the Geldings are so cash strapped they are laying people off and not bringing in outside coaches to replace top assistants who have left.
Chef fans are also all a twitter (not a manly verb I know, but we are talking about the Chefs) because the team is doing practically nothing thus far.
The Dolts appear to be standing pat in the off season and they lost LT's primary backup. And, we got their receivers coach who was credited with the improvement of their receivers.
How many times can you look at bad news and feel good.
Just doing my part to cheer everyone up.
H
Bama7
NY Raider, you are absolutely correct on all points, particularly about being wishy washy on SOB. For others to suggest that many of us have went back and forth on SOB, like marionettes held by the mediots, is simply not true. Many of us never bought into the 06 SOB squad.
I blogged many, many times that I thought that defense was benefitting from no one having to game plan against us because we were so terrible on offense. And I am not jumping up and down about the defensive signing of late either because I still don't see our "enforcer". I see no "intimidator". I don't see one guy that flys around looking to earhole people. Not one. I see no leader on that side of the ball. I see a glaring disregard for blue collar football players, still. Contrary to what some of you may think, I hope that I am wrong. And honestly, I would like the Hall/Namdi combo if:
1) I was sure Namdi was really a top CB (I'm not)
2) We were to front those two CB's with a few Romonowski/hendricks/Ray Lewis types. The list of FA enforcers is dwindling down to almost nothing now. I am intigued by haggans, rucker & spikes. I even think Randall Godfrey is an upgrade over S Williams and Thomas. But Al simply does not sign this type of defensive football player anymore.
It was reported and I posted it on the last thread that Hall met with "MrD"-Kiffin-n-"SOB" last Friday in OakTown....So now here is the proof that I posted last Saturday that "Kiffin Lives" and is involved...in Hostilities....
“The Inside Scoop”
I received info from my bartender’s niece who use to date a janitors son who was an understudy to “Custodian International” who had bid on but failed to acquire the maintenance contract for the Raiders Training facility in Alameda California….That is to say on the Island of Alameda….That would be on the south side….Anyway…I knew her from my shipyard days as a “YardMonkey” working for the Alameda Ship Yard way back in the 1990‘s….That would be on the north end of the Island of Alameda….Use to be Todd’s but later it became “Bay Ship & yacht Co. Inc”….Well she ate too many burritos and became so fat her boyfriend left her for someone else…but she still gets the news threw the “Gossip Mill”…So now to get to the info it appears that a young janitor overheard a conversation that DeAngelo Hall had with one “MrD” and the consequential meeting which took place later at the training facility on the south side of Alameda Island last Friday night….that would be 3/14/08.…That evening….
Sorry but they did not have a recorder so I will have to paraphrase what went down at the training facility Friday evening the 14th day of this month….March….
“DeG” calling….“Now lookie here….I ain’t a fixin ta escape one mess fer another….ya hear….So hows about ya’ll meetin wit me somewhere sos I can put a eye-ball on whoever I’ma gona be workin fer….Hearin those romers and all got’s me worien….”
“Fridah night, ya boss, I can be thar fersure….”
Meanwhile back at Raider Headquarters “MrD” -n- Lance are giving the “Evil-Eye” at each other across the hall….”SOB” acting as the “Go-Between” is trying to get them both to sit down in the same room without overturning the tables….
Now DeAngelo Hall is brought into the room and given a safe place to sit a far distance from the two combatants….
“MrD” speaks….”DeG” you would look damn good in “Black”….
“Well now I tell ya “MrD” I’m all about playin hard…I ain’t about doin no lay down thing….ya hear what I’m sayin….”
“Ya we hear ya “DeG”” say’s Lance….”I came here to build a winner and you are one of my missing pieces and “SOB” here has been demanding that you be brought in and given a contract so that’s why were all here tonight on the same page…”
“Well now that sounds real damn good ta me after bein round all them damn “Birds” -n- all….I’ll do ya’ll real proud me warin that “Black”….Speaks “DeG”….
“Caveman” tells him…”You see all that money the big boss has been throwing around….why…You may as well come in here and get your fair share too while it last….”
“Hell….Where da ya’ll want me ta sign….”
“MrD” says….”We will prepare the paperwork and send it to your agent….Hows say….$20 mil garenteed on a $60 mil deal sound to you….I got lots more where that came from and I can‘t take it all with me….”
“Yo “MrD”…Now that’s what I’m talkin bout…”
“DeAngelo steps out into the hall and closes the door….Lance picks up some sugar lumps and throws them in “MrD”s coffee…..”MrD” says “Why you damn young PUNK….Sign that damn piece of paper I gave you….the one that says Resignation on it” and he throws his hot coffee -n- cup at lance….
Lance ducks as the cup -n- coffee splatter on the wall….
“I’m not going anywhere you senile “Old Coot”….I came here to do a job and by damn I’m going to stay right here and see it threw…”
“SOB” escapes the room with his hair all a flying and shaking his head looking like a “CaveMan” and sees DeAngelo still standing in the hall and listening….
“Hell….It’s all one big happy family around here “DeG”….don’t you worry about a thing…”
“No sir….”SOB”….Why I recon it’ll be great hangin here afta putin up wit all dat “Cherpin” from them damn “Birds” and all….Why…a little con-fern-tation never hurt my feelins….Not a bit…”
So now you know….That’s just the way she said it to me….I didn’t change a word…Swear….
PantyRaider...."Raider-Gate".....
OK..So maybe I was misinformed about the money....It is $70 mil not $60 mil....Sorry...My mistake...
In other news,
The Raiders restructured the deal of quarterback JaMarcus Russell in a way that lowers his base salary each of the next four seasons in exchange for activating a $19.905 million option bonus.
We got's more cap space Baby....
Holy crap! Al ain't done yet.
H...
Wish I was in "MuleHigh" now just to see all the "HappyFace" Heads rolling off their desks..."ShanaRat" just got a contract extension too...Maybe that explains why LamBard was not being paid for "07"....And why they cut their starting "C"....
All the players will now be pushing "Hung-Dong-Donkey-Dick" Winnie Carts to pay for their Ugly-Ass uniforms and holding "Donkey-Tail" Gate parties as fund raisers...Rockey-Mountain-Oysters are very popular but I hear from the fillies, Juicy RockyMountain Clams fried in virgin oil until their open are the fan favorite...UnShaved....
Totally Neutered Donkeys "08"...
I know, it's from the rumor mill, but I thought I'd post it, thanks to Oakland65 on the RaiderForum.
---Jeff
pft
HALL GETS $24.5 MILLION GUARANTEED
Posted by Michael David Smith on March 20, 2008, 5:55 p.m.
Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting that the Raiders’ acquisition of cornerback DeAngelo Hall is finally, officially done.
According to Schefter, Hall has agreed to a seven-year, $70 million contract that includes $24.5 million in guaranteed money.
That would be more money than the Eagles guaranteed Asante Samuel, and it would be just the latest sign that the Raiders are serious about spending big money to turn the franchise around. It would also set up the Raiders to have the most expensive pair of cornerbacks in history if Nnamdi Asomugha either signs his franchise tender or signs a lucrative long-term deal with the Raiders.
Schefter also reports that the Raiders will send the Falcons their 2008 second-round pick and a 2009 fifth-round pick, not the 2008 sixth-round pick that had been previously reported. The Falcons now will have four of the top 48 selections in the 2008 draft, putting them in excellent position to get a big influx of young talent.
Oh!...I am so ashamed...But I just had to do it...Couldn't resist the temptation....
I just posted a reply at the "DonkeyPost" to their article crying about loosing their jobs...
Word out here in Cal is that a local TacoBell is in the process of purchasing the Bronko's....The plan is it to move the team to LA where they will be known as the "LA Burros"....You know....That silly Donkey looking critter with the big flippy ears poking out threw a Sombrero....Reportedly the menu is already being change to include "Rocky-Mountain-Oyster" Burritos and "Old-Gray-Mare" Tacos fried in virgin oils....Enjoy your meal....
PantyRaider...The HateMailer
Oh!...So much fun to hear all that MuleHeaded Crying echoing threw the Rockies....He-Ha!...He-Ha!...
PantyRaider...PreSeason-Pot-Stirin!!!
ArkansanRaider
Great news....
We will now have the best "Shut-Down" Secondary in the West sense that "84" "SB" Team....We can now make their "O" one-dimensional....They can still run the damn ball down our throats....But we can play 7 in the box and if our "O" puts up good points we will be able to dominate...
That means the Raiders will be paying about 25% of their annual salary (cap) to three players (2 CBs and a QB). Wow!
Our exposure to risk right now is picking #4 and not being able to sign that player due to cap restraints and/or holdout, ala JaMarcus Russell last year.
The NFL should do something about rookie contracts, which are still way out of control.
NYRaider....
I may be wrong but I think a certain amount is added to the sallery cap for draft picks to each team depending upon where they draft....I don't think the draft money affects the sallery cap the same as "FA"s players already under contract...
"JRus" restructured his contract so less money will count against the cap for the next 4 years....He get's a $19 mil bonus of some sort as a result....
As BlandaRocked put it...Al is not done yet....
NY, That won't happen if they can the cap. In fact, rookie contracts may get worse!
Posted: 1 hours 31 minutes ago
Raiders, Hall agree on seven-year deal
NFL.com Wire Reports
Who will Al go after next....
QB Culpepper...
QB Gray...
CB Carr...
OLB Spikes is long in the tooth...10 years and his production is slipping each year...
Take a guess...I will say QB Gray becomes a Raider next...
Panty is right. The cap is adjusted for each team, and the adjusted cap for the Raiders is about 121 million.
I've been going through the mock drafts, and most have the Raider picking either McFadden or Gholston. But the thing about Al being so predictable? Those mocks are ALWAYS wrong.
In view of that, it's time for me to go out on my limb, and see if I can predict from what I know of the Raiders and Davis.
The Raiders will try and trade down at least a couple of notches - likely trading with the Jets.
The Raiders will use that draft pick on...
are you ready for it?
here it comes....
Keith Rivers, OLB USC (nicknamed the Shark).
Kiffin is gonna have his work cut out for him developing Jamarcus this year. The passing offense will likely look horrible at the start of camp. Hopefully it pays off by the start of the season, because the games should be easy by comparison. Flip side goes for the D - they can't plan for the season based off dominating the O in training camp.
“We’re very pleased about the acqusition of DeAngelo Hall to the Raiders," said Raiders Head Coach Lane Kiffin. “This, following offseason signings of Tommy Kelly. and Gibril Wilson, we feel have one of the most talented defenses in the league.”
All the proof you will ever need right off the raiders.com web site...Kiffin Lives....
How have Vick -n- Hall helped the Raiders Run "D"....When the "Bird"s won the coin flip all reports were they would take "McFab" at #3....Then came the "Baggage"....So the "Bird"s went out a stole the "RB" from the "FireFlies" and as a result there is no more M Turner in the AFCW....Nor do we have to face "McFab" when we play the "Bird"s...They still have a recent Black-Eye from Vick -n- Hall...That is improvement in 3 games this year....
Panty,
Saw the Take sitting there all day but couldn't read it until now. Great post. And I can tell RT didn't "touch it up". :)
One quick note on our unbelievably talented secondary. Hall will no doubt make a point of showing what he can do this off-season, and Nnamdi brings it in practice every day. If JaMarcus can take his lumps and improve his game against the very best tandem he'll be that much better on Sunday. Hell, it should be "easy".
I just hope it doesn't backfire and affect his confidence not being able to hit his key guys and develop that chemistry.
Don't you think JaMarcus will look at the TE a little more now in practice when given the option? He and Miller were already hooking up on a regular basis, and now it might get even more "hard-wired" to check down to his TE when nothing is there on the outside.
Getting Hall might be the best thing to happen to the '07 draft class, the JaMarcus to Miller connection. And and much as I dislike Hall's personality, I'm kinda' justifying it in my own mind as him being the polar opposite of Nnamdi. They just might compliment eachother, kinda' like a good marriage. Well, I'm married, but maybe one of you can verify the "good" part? I've got nothing to base it on. :)
Psycho
Who do we play "08"...Run "D"...
2 Baltimore Ravens
10 New England Patriots
13 New Orleans Saints
16 San Diego Chargers 2 games
17 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
18 Carolina Panthers
19 Houston Texans
25 Buffalo Bills
26 Atlanta Falcons
28 Kansas City Chiefs 2 games
29 New York Jets
30 Denver Broncos 2 games
32 Miami Dolphins
Now how exciting is that if we have the #1 rush in the NFL...
“Run ‘O’ Run”
We now have the #4 pick and a low 4th-5th-6th-7th round selection on the 2nd day….I am only targeting one player on the second day to accent our #4 pick….“Run DMc”….Now a lot of you are going to hate me for this but I will explain….5th rd the Raiders select “FB” Jerome Felton from a small school who is more of a big “RB” than a “FB”….Described as the second coming of Natrome Means but with better feet….Was only tacked for a loss 15 times for 22 yds in his 4 year career….Greatest Goal-Line -n- Short-Yardage runner in a long while to enter the draft…Also has good hands….
The Plan….
The best way to take pressure off a young rookie “QB” like “JRus” is with a superior running game…The #1 rushing “O” in the NFL could do just that…A punishing running game that is also very explosive later in the game….
1st Quarter)….2 back set -w- O’neal -n- Felton….Power down-hill running attack pounding the “LB”s -n- “S”s….Truly a “Beat-em-Up” “O” that moves the chains and scores points….”QB” takes a couple small shots at the “WR”s -n- “TE”….
2nd Quarter)….2 back set -w- Felton -n- Bush…..Power down-hill running attack with more speed and cut-back ability that pounds the “LB”s -n- “S”s….”QB” takes a few more aggressive shots and also throws to his backs…
Last position of the 2nd Quarter….2 back Set -w- Bush -n- McFadden….Power/Speed rushing attack that takes advantage of the “LB”s -n- “DB”s tired legs….”QB” throws down field off the Play-Action….
HalfTime…The “D” is battered and knows what they will have to face in the second half….spirits are low….bodies are tired….The Raiders are up….
3rd Quarter)….Several combinations of the running game -n- passing game using the speed of the “WR”s and Power/Speed of the “RB”s….Everyone is kept fresh….”QB” opens up the play book and plays off of the Play-Action….
4th Quarter)….More of the same but returning to the Power Run of the first quarter to run down the clock and keep the ball away from the “O” while still scoring points late in the game…
The “O” scores on 75% of their possessions….34pts per game average….8 Offensive Possessions per game….6 Scores….Plus points by the “D” -n- “ST”s…..With our schedule this is a true possibility against most of our opponents...
PantyRaider……Raiders-Dominate-the-Line!!!!!
He’s alive. As posted previously by Pantryraider, Kiffin is quoted on the Raiders website regarding the Hall acquisition. Maybe it’s a ploy to ease Kiffin back into media circulation.
PFT is now reporting (through Nancy Gay, so interpret with caution) that the Raiders are actually almost $5 mil under the cap, and could improve that by signing Nnamdi to a long-term deal. Also, they could (will) dump Jordan and save several million.
Regarding all the spending and back-loaded contracts, PFT has this to say.
“In our view, however, owner Al Davis doesn’t care about 2009 through 2014. He knows that he only has so many years left to try to restore the glory of the franchise. So he’s pushing all of the chips — and all of the cash — into the middle of the table right now.”
“It might not lead to a Super Bowl trophy, but it should be fun to watch.”
That’s it! The new mantra should be “ALL IN” to replace “I’m in”.
You've got that one right, NRRaider! This is going to be a high stakes, world seriers of poker.
Davis, Kiffin, Ryan and Jackson have all been laying low, working the back rooms, focusing on obtaining the perfect shuffle.
The pile of chips on the table is rising, and guns are laid on the table top.
Davis peaks out from behind his hand of cards. "I raise you 70 million."
Man the content is great, but your grammar/writing style made this hard to read. No offense cause you're right on with the information you gave.
am i supposed to think its cool to have mutliple period after every freaking sentence? congrats i didnt even read most of it because it was so annoying.
We had the 6th rated running game in the league last year and it garnered us a whopping 4 wins... not sure why having the number one rated would help that much. Minn got last years McF in Peterson, and missed the playoffs.
Also... RB is clearly not a NEED (if Bush is healthy) .. can someone please tell me the last time Al hasn't drafted NEED with his first pick?
I'm going back to the 90's, and not thinking of anyone.
The McFaddenites are simply setting themselves up to be disappointed... ya all need to get over it now. AL IS NOT GOING TO DRAFT MCF.
Deal with it.
Gary,
To expand a little bit. I think it was Madden who said the Raiders always use the 1st round on someone who can help immediately.
That logic agrees with what you said, since they wouldn't leave Fargas on the bench for any signaficant ammount of time with that big contract.
Psycho
Interesting...
But if you look back you should see that the Raiders take at least one "RB" in every freakin Draft regardless of need until the "99" draft where they missed it...But did it again in "01"-"03"-n-"07"...Tridition Baby...
As far as need I believe Al takes the best player with the most up-side that can imeadiatly help the team..."JRus" was need but so would have been the "WR" or "RB" taken after....Huff was need but why....We had already spent 1st-n-2nd rd picks on the secondary in very recent years...He was wanted and that's the bottom line....
No-One straps "MrD's arms to the table and says..."Just take the card that's on top of the deck"...He just happens to be a "Card-Shark" that can deal from the middle if your not watching real close....And he might just "Trump" ya in another game...
Anno 8:52...9:09...
That's just me Bro and I ain't bout to change...Your not the only reader who has complained..."BUT"...It is what it is..."ADD"-n-"Dyslexia" are my attributes -n- run in the "Blodd-Line"...I also had a terrible problem with Stu-Stu-Stuttering
...I just fine a comical way to deel wit it....And I cain't spell either...
PantyRaider...."DOT"-Poster!!!!
Texans, QB Gray Will Meet Sunday
RealGM.com, IL - 4 hours ago
>>>>.
Huff was need but why...
>>>>
Have you SEEN our safety play since RWood retired?
It's been some of the worst in the league.
In contrast... name a successful team that doesn't have great safety play lately. Fer instance, Indy didn't win a ring until Sanders started blowing the league apart.
Pitts and Polamalu?? NE and Harrison?
Giants and.... HEY!!!
Great take PantyRaider.
i have to agree with gary. i like mcfadden, but the raiders have enough rb's with bush/fargas/rhodes.
we really need help on the d-line.
we need either dorsey/soh/or, gholston.
remember, the giants just won the sb with DEFENSE, and right after their "star" rb, tiki barber retired.
on draft day, al/kiff, think defense...pleeeezz
I'm sticking with my prediction from yesterday. The Raiders trade positions with the Jets (picking up their 2nd round pick as well), and with their first round pick they'll take Keith Rivers, OLB USC.
What an obnoxious, repetitive take. Learn to punctuate.
Gary...
I understand that why...I was making reference to the fact that we keep drafting for the secondary but it was not getting fixed...Other positions became neglected while trying to solve one problem....
I don't want that to happen now by spending everything on the "DL" and neglecting the "O" which needs great weapons for our Rookie "QB" so he does not have to carry the team....
Pro-Football-Weekly Draft Guide has a very good article about “Run-Dmc”….Very worth reading…They talk about his attitude in depth…Love of contact and desire to lay the wood to a defender….Commitment as a player who will play threw injuries….Respect from every player who has played with him and against him and every coach who has had any contact with the boy….
He played threw the “07” season as a target of every “D” they faced….Teams game-planed specifically at him and sometimes had as much as 2-3 spies that followed him where ever he went….Goal #1 was stop “McFab” at all cost and don’t allow him to embarrass your “D”….Despite all that attention on one player he still broke his own records and gained over 1800yds….And he was out for one game of the season…And “KO”ed from another with a concussion but he would NOT stop or slow down…
Now that is the type of toughness and commitment and attitude we need on our team….That boy was born to wear the “S&B” of the Raider-Nation….
PantyRaider….Commit to Draft the Best Player Available!!!!
Now it seems too quiet around the RaiderNation....What will Al do next...Any ideas...
The Mediot"s can't figure "MrD"-n-Kiffin out and they ran out of ammo for their "Trash-Smack" Attacks....And now they are "Cut-Off" and get NO-Thing....I love it...
This is worth a read, by Jerry McDonald. IMO, it demonstrates why many of us respect his commentaries. He's just keeping it real.
http://www.ibabuzz.com/raidersblog/
Kiffin said in a statement. “...following the offseason signings of Tommy Kelly and Gibril Wilson, we feel have one of the most talented defenses in the league.”
Translation: If the defense screws up again this year, then will you believe me that it’s a defensive coaching issue?
Bama7
NY Raider, the Jmac article nails it... particularly when he compared Hall/Namdi to Hayes/Haynes but disocunted it by talking about the front seven Hayes/Haynes had working with them. This is EXACTLY right. Jmac asks when's the last time the '07Raiders were seen knocking a QB around. So true. Still no intimidators on our defense.
We have done nothing to improve the two biggest problems on our defense: 1) no hitters, & (2) scheme,/SOB. Nothing. It's money wasted until we get at least 1 physical LB and 1 physical d-lineman... preferably a tough DE.
And Gary, don't be so sure Al would be logical and not take Run DNC in Rd 1 simply because he has RB's and we had good rushing stats last year. He also had three high draft CB's on his current roster and a good pass defense ranking last year, yet still spent his most money on yet another CB. So your argument works against itself too well.
None of us know who Al will take in Rd 1. The only thing we know is that AL WILL SELECT IT. Yet since Al appears to still be punishing Kiffin by sending him to his room with no dinner, I doubt he'll do Kiffin a favor and give him a LT in rd 1 or Run DMC as an added offensive weapon. The best guess here is Al will continue to feed his chances of looking good though his defense next year. Dorsey and SOH will be gone. So, Al takes either Ellis or Calais the giant.
Question on Ellis though, since many of you are big USC fans. What were the two or three best offenses Ellis faced last year and who were the QB's and RB's on those teams?
Bama... name a team with the ZBS that has drafted a RB in the top ten. Hell.. or even in the first round.
Thats why the Texans passed on Reggie Bush... its one of the benefits of the ZBS. You can plug in players to it.
I know you think Al is senile and completely off his rocker, but I think your hope for this is misguided.
NOBODY is nuts enough to draft a player that high that they have absolutely no need for.
Bama7
I wasn't saying he should draft McFad, I was challenging your earlier assertion of Al using logic in the draft. As for the money, I'd take Run DMC over a shut down corner.
The question still remains... who is our intimidator on defense? Who is our romo? Our Tatum? Our A;zado?
Gary....
Desire is a living commodity in RaiderVille..."MrD" loves his "RB"s just as much as he loves his "CB"s....His hands are not tied by what other owners do when they run the "ZBS" and that scheme would work better with the top backs in the NFL...Wouldn't it...
Who was our "RB" when we took Nap Kaufman in the 1st, and we also took Aska in the 3rd...
We had Allan when we took "BO" in the 7th....But in the 3rd we took Smith and 2 more "RB"s after "BO"... We had taken Napoleon McCallum and 2 others just the year before....And in "84" took McCall just 2 years after Allan....
Who was our "RB" when we took Allan in the 1st....
Mark van Eeghen was taken in "74" with 4 others that one year....
We have now passed on taking a top rated "RB" sense "95" and are well overdue...."MrD" loves his "Toy"s and is filling all the needs he can with "FA"s so he can have what he wants..."Run DMc"....in the 1st...
PantyRaider....Rushing-Title!!!!
The following exclusive rights free agents have been re-signed: LB Ricky Brown, LS Jon Condo, TE Jon Madsen, WR Chris McFoy and OT Mark Wilson.
Atlanta Falcons 3/22 Jason Elam (K) signed/unrestricted free agent (four year contract).
That's 3-9 pts a game the Donkos will now have trouble scoring...
Here is an artical that looks at the best remaining "FA"s on the market....
1. Brandon Chillar, LB, St. Louis Rams
2. Rosevelt Colvin, LB, New England Patriots
3. Grady Jackson, DT, Jacksonville Jaguars
4. Daunte Culpepper, QB, Oakland Raiders
Bringing back Jackson could give good help at Run"D"...He is long in the tooth but still a healthy starter and cheap...
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?
columnist=clayton_john&id=3297724
For the Raiders to maximize their investment in 2 highy paid, man on man, press corners, we need another pass rushing DE.
Based on our current personnel, team needs, and the way the draft selections of Mia, StL, and Atl are shaping up, our choice at #4 is quite obvious ...
DE Vernon Gholston
Everyone should be excited about having the best CB tandem in the NFL. I would feel much better about our new CB tandem making a significant impact if we had 2 of the better bookend DE pass rushers in Burgess & Gholston.
As it stands today, Burgess is our only legitimate pass rusher. Teams will naturally double team and chip block him. Add Gholston to the other side and watch the opponent's QB start heaving the ball up for grabs or violently being drilled to the turf.
CalicoJack.....
You are right of course but.....
Wait until next year....This is the year of the "O" because we need weapons for our Rookie "QB" and field position for the "D" and time to develop the young players we now have and to see how well they hold up...
"DE" Jay Richardson played well in his 1st season and should be improved this season...
"DE" Tommy Kelly will be healthy...
"DT" will be maned by Terdell Sands...Josh Shaw...Gerard Warren...William Joseph....
We may still bring in another player threw the draft...."DE" is a deep position this year and draft picks are on the way via trades for Walter..Jordan..Rhodes..Schweigert..
I think we keep Fabian Washington -n- Stanford Routt....It was Nnamdi's 4th season that he developed so there is still hope...Routt also has the size to play back-up "S"....And we need "Injury-Insurance"....
PantyRaider....Best player available regardless of pure need...."McFab"!!!!
Bama7
I'm with you Panty... I really like Mcfadden too, mainly because I think Mcfadden would help Russell a whole heck of lot more than J Fargas.
But Calico is right need-wise. DE is the biggest need. And does anyone really think Al is going to pass on 6'8, 280 lb Calais Campbell? Do you really think Al will pass on a shot at reincarnating another old Raider great... Stork Hendricks? Al's all about the physical measurables.. just like Jemarcus last year. Now we have an athletic, 6'8 DE entering the draft. I think it's a slam dunk if SOH isn't available when we pick.
Panty- your 1:17 post offers sound reasoning, however, I lean with Calico on this. We need a DE. Our current roster of DEs isn't gonna get it done.
And based on our activity thus far in free agency, it doesn't appear that Al Davis is waiting until 2009 to finish assembling his team. He wants to win now, at any cost.
It will be interesting to see what he feels is more critical, adding a DE to a depleted roster, or adding a flashy RB to an existing stable of backs.
DE 4th rated Quentin Groves SR 6-3/252/4.43 Auburn
Now is that a guy who could play "DE" or "OLB" in the 3-4 with that speed....
DE 6th rated Calais Campbell JR 6-7/280/4.75 Miami (FL)
There are 11 highly rated "DE"s at scout.com....And 7 more average players who would be available late on day #2....
The thing with drafting for the "DL is that it usually takes time for a player to develop at that position....They need to learn all the techniques needed to combat the NFL's "OL"ers....The "OL" seems to pick things up faster than the "DL" in recent years...
Immediate help comes at a different position unless we get the very best at a position and he lives up to the hype....
There are NO absolute sure-things...But a "RB" like "McFab" is about as close to a guarantee as one could imagine....And could you just imagine him getting off behind that "ZBS"....WoW!....I man could get "Wet" just thinking about it....That is to say "Excited"....
PantyRaider....Hype! Hype! Hype!
Campbell is a big stiff, never happen. I'm with CJ, if SOH is gone, it'll be Gholston, with outside chance of trading down for multiple picks
With one month left until DraftDay we should have a contest...
Who can pick the Raiders selections the best....Instead of using names in the later rounds we could specify the position and also possible trades....
Like we take "McFab" in the 1st and we trade Jordan to "NE" and get our 3rd rd pick back....In the 3rd we select....I still have to look for the answer....
RT could come up with some sort of Bonus to the Poster who wins...Like some sort of Prestige on the site or being able to post his takes during the year to help out our "Over-Worked-n-Absent-Brother"....
After the draft we could have another contest to see who can depict best how the Raiders employ their new acquisitions from "FA"-n-Draft....
PantyRaider....Just-a-Thought!!!!
Watching from the sidelines.
I have to tell Panty I like the
take but I like the running game, "game scenario" just as much.
shifter said the Hall deal was 50/50 and (little)peter king says the Raiders are cash strapped. They never cease to amaze.
I think NY posted this earlier but the significance can't be over emphasized.
elam leaving will really hurt the donks O. That f-er never missed. AMF!
Panty maybe you can go behind enemy lines again and check the pulse in donkey land on the elam thing!
Draft day is always a fun day for the Nation.
My guess is they score a few more picks via trade(s).
I agree with CJ on the need pick but there is no way AD passes on McFab. JMHO
Panty... in 1995 Al drafted Kaufman 18th overall. In 1994, we were 21st in rushing yards (remember, there was only 28 teams) and 25th in rushing TDs.
In 1982 Al drafted Marcus Allen 10th overall. In 1981, we were 14th in rushing and 21st in TD's rushing.
AL ALWAYS DRAFTS NEED WITH HIS FIRST PICK.
We were 6th in rushing last year.
..oh btw, I'm pretty sure I have correctly predicted the correct position Al has drafted every time this decade... and the correct player every time in the top 10.
This year: He's drafting d-line... and I'm guessing Gohlston.
You can call me on it if I am wrong.
(The above is just for Al's first pick, I don't usually have a clue where he is going after that..)
This pick has all the earmarkings of everything coming together to make it a "no brainer".
The Raiders are bare thin at DE.
Gholston should be available at #4.
Gholston is the type of athlete that Al covets... a super freak athlete who looks good coming off the bus. Incredibly athletic, strong, fast with tremendous potential. A good comparison would be Gholston and Merriman.
Here's the bio on Gholston:
Vernon Gholston is a remarkable talent, but he's only just begun realizing his vast potential.
He never picked up a football until his sophomore year in high school and had just one season of defensive experience as a linebacker before being converted to defensive end when he arrived at Ohio State.
Blessed with incredible speed (clocked at 4.56 in the 40-yard dash), long limbs and superb strength, Gholston is the prototype pass rusher that professional teams look for -- big, fast, strong and explosive. An avid performer in the weight room, he boasted the best bench press on the team at 455 pounds. He also put on an impressive performance for teammates, squatting 405 pounds 20 times.
How Gholston was lured into football will one day make a nice story, if he becomes the legendary pass rusher many personnel experts are predicting. Walking in the halls of Cass Technical High School, football coach Thomas Wilcher spotted the 14-year-old strapping youngster, who stood 6-3, 240 pounds at the time. He convinced the player to join the football team.
Gholston was too big to play in Detroit's Police Athletic League and the elementary public schools did not offer an organized football program. From the first time he ever stepped on the field, the coaching staff knew they had a natural talent.
As a sophomore at Cass Tech, Gholston was first tried at linebacker, but he was overwhelmed by the plays he needed to know to play that position. One of the offensive coaches "stole" the youngster away from the defensive squad and had him play offensive guard as a sophomore. His junior campaign was limited by ankle sprains, which forced him to stay on the offensive line and scrap plans to also play linebacker.
By his senior season, he had already earned All-State honors as an offensive lineman and gained experience playing linebacker for the first time in his career. In just one season on defense, he was regarded as one of the best linebackers in the Midwest region. He would go on to record 75 tackles with six sacks in his final season, as Rivals.com rated him the 11th-best defensive end prospect in the nation and the 12th-best overall prospect in the state of Michigan.
Gholston enrolled at Ohio State, becoming the only player from Michigan on the squad. He turned down scholarship offers from Michigan, Michigan State and Iowa to join the Buckeyes. The coaching staff immediately began giving him a crash course in playing the "Leo" position, which incorporates dropping into pass coverage and rushing the passer from either side of the field.
He mentored under Mike Kudla his first year with the team, appearing in six games as a true freshman in 2004, but did not record a tackle. In 2005, a broken hand suffered in the second game vs. Texas earned Gholston a medical hardship. He had one tackle in that game and spent the rest of the year on the sideline.
Gholston used that time wisely in the weight room, bulking up from 238 to 264 pounds, as he took over "Leo" duties in 2006. He garnered All-Big Ten Conference second-team honors, as he ranked fourth in the league with 15 stops for losses of 86 yards and was fifth in the Big Ten with 8.5 sacks. He added a quarterback pressure with two pass breakups and an interception. He also finished sixth on the squad with 49 tackles (21 solo).
In 2007, Gholston earned All-American recognition and was a finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award, given to the nation's top defensive end. He posted 37 tackles (25 solo) and was a terror in the backfield, ranking eighth in the nation with 15.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage and second nationally with 14 sacks. He also scooped up a fumble and returned it for a 25-yard touchdown.
In 34 games at Ohio State, Gholston started 25 times. He registered 87 tackles (47 solo) with 22.5 sacks for minus-184 yards and 30.5 stops for losses of 199 yards. He had two pass deflections and an eight-yard interception return, as he also recovered a fumble that he returned 25 yards for a touchdown.
CalicoJack....
Nice to see you as high on a player as I am on "McFab"...
I also read the other reports...It's said that he is too stiff in the hips and that restricts his ability at the next level....The reason for this was his extreme muscle bulk...He has un-realized potential but there is speculation that it is not due to physical problems but due to the mental side....he could be great but he could also be a bust....He has those "Un-Knowns" that scouts and coaches worry about....
I don't personally believe AL will take the second rated player at "DE" while he has access to the top rated player at "RB" or "DT" if available....Dorsey is said to be slipping but from production is clearly the best talent at his position....
The knocks on "McFab" about baggage issues and up-right running style have not caused him to slide down....His talent is so great that it strongly out-weighs any negative that can be thrown at him....This is very unusual...
As you remember "AD" slipped quit a bit to #7 and Bush slipped to #3 and the "QB"s behind Vince Young slipped all the way to #10 and below that year...Young climbed the board to where the Raiders had no shot at him...And there was a lot less bad to speak about them than there has been about "McFab"....
So it's fairly clear you and Gary are on-board with the "DE" position and Gholston....It's going to be interesting to see how things develop....Last year on this board I was pumping "JRus" and most were telling me "NO"...We have "QB"s and need the "WR"-n-"OT"...I got my wish and will again....Al loves me and finds another way to fill the needs...Like bringing in the "ZBS" to better utilize his "OT"s talents which enables him to get my player for me....
PantyRaider...Please-Mr-Please!!!!
"MrD" that is...
Trying to remember...."06" I was pimping Vince Young but he was off the board at #3...
Several were pimping "OT" D'Brickashaw Ferguson who went at #4...Also "QB"s Matt Leinart -n- Jay Cutler who we passed on...But I don't recall anyone pimping "S" Michael Huff....After all we had taken "DB"s in the 1st-n-2nd rds in "05"....
After Michael Huff was taken I hared several very good comments about how he was really going to change things on our "D"....Well...Another year has passed and an he ain't so super yet...But now I expect him to be much more productive sense he now has quality help....
"05" I was pimping "WR" Mike Williams....Ha! Ha! He went to the "PussyCats" at #11 and we drafted at #23 and took Fabian Washington who may still develop....Well...I got my player in "07" but he was not worth having....Thanks Al but NO thanks...Not every gift I receive from "MrD" is a good one....But I thank him for trying anyway....
"05" 1st rd pick #7 was given away for "NO-Moss"....Regrettable...
"04" I was pimping "QB" Ben Roethlisberger but got "OT" Robert Gallery at #2....Al just sometimes wont listen to me....
PantyRaider....Lookin-Backwards!!!
QB Quinn Gray says he's set to sign with Texans
By JOHN MCCLAIN
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
GARY QUIT YELLING-
You go where angels fear to tread stating that Al's first round pick is always, your word, based on need.
Essentially working from memory of the existing Raider roster of that year,
here are a few examples that I think move away from your rule.
95 Kaufmann
96 Dudley
97 Russell
98 Woodsoon
99 Stinchbum
00 Seabass
01 Gibson but I'll leave that out to discussion
02 Buchanon
03 Aso
04 Gallery
05 Washington
06 Huff maybe...
If the Raiders do not take McD it might be because Bush is the real deal.
Or does that matter to AD?
I don't think so.
I am not sure what would be best. Fill the need with Gholston or light it up with McD?
I just want to win and prove the critics wrong while doing so....
>>>>
95 Kaufmann
96 Dudley
97 Russell
98 Woodsoon
99 Stinchbum
00 Seabass
01 Gibson but I'll leave that out to discussion
02 Buchanon
03 Aso
04 Gallery
05 Washington
06 Huff maybe...
>>>
WTF? You just listed a bunch of players... is this supposed to prove something?
We didn't NEED an LT with Gallery at the time we drafted him? We didn't need a safety with some of the worst safety play in the history of the NFL before Huff?
We lost 4 games because our kicker sucked when we drafted Jani.
We had no CB's when we drafted the ones we did because Woodson left.
Please... explain your shit... thanx.
Here... I will lead by example:
>>>
95 Kaufmann
>>>>
Already prove n clear need.
>>>
96 Dudley
>>>>
Andrew Glover the year before at TE had 26 catches. Please.
>>>
97 Russell
>>>
96... 15th in the league vs the rush.
>>>>
98 Woodsoon
>>>>
Starting CB Albert Lewis was 37 years old the year before. Please.
This is comical.
>>>
99 Stinchbum
>>>
Rushing offense 16th in the league.
>>>
00 Seabass
>>>>
Lost 4 games by shitty kicking.
>>>
01 Gibson but I'll leave that out to discussion
>>>
Holy crap... POPE AND DORSETT? Is that what you were HAPPY with? I'm sorry for shouting... but JFC... thats retarded.
>>>
02 Buchanon
>>>>
Allen was 36. Please.
>>>
03 Aso
>>>
Woodson was franchised I think... hedging his bets.
>>>
04 Gallery
>>>
No brainer at the time. Please.
>>>
05 Washington
>>>
Replacement for an unhappy Woodson.
>>>
06 Huff maybe
>>>
MAYBE? Were you happy with Syuey and Gibson? Please.
"MrD" drafts his desire....Sometimes that is to fill need and the player in not very flashy....Other times it's almost pure desire with justification that we had a need at that position if a player that "AD" loves is available....And that's the key here....Availability....
As for this year it can be argued that we have a need at "RB"...Not as big a need as at other positions but a need exists...And it could be argued that is each of the past years we had a need at the position "AD" drafted in the 1st rd....It's easy to argue a point without all the info on the table....
Take a year like "2000' and list all the Off-Season additions and subtractions and the stats from "99"....Now look at our greatest need and the position drafted...."K"....I will wager it was NOT the greatest need for our team....We drafted at #17....Who was available and a bigger need for the team....
#19 Shaun Alexander "RB"
#30 Keith Bulluck "LB"
#38 Marvel Smith "OT"
#39 Mike Brown "SS"
#40 Ian Gold "LB"
#44 Chad Clifton "OT"
"PB"s taken between "K" "SeaBass"-n-"WR" Portster...
>>>
As for this year it can be argued that we have a need at "RB"...Not as big a need as at other positions but a need exists.
>>>
Explain what this need is... I have yet to see it.
Thanx.
>>>>
#19 Shaun Alexander "RB"
#30 Keith Bulluck "LB"
#38 Marvel Smith "OT"
#39 Mike Brown "SS"
#40 Ian Gold "LB"
#44 Chad Clifton "OT"
>>>>
You are playing games now.
There are 31 other teams you can cherry pick every draft with.
Sure, Al might have been better off drafting Jani in the 2nd round, but we NEEDED a WR, and there were none that became any better than Porter... unless your point is that Al should look back at the draft every year after all is said and done, and we can get the best player that actually played in the NFL.
I prefer the reality-based world.
Gary....
Al took who he wanted and I am NOT going to argue that he was wrong...It's his team to do as he wants....And I like most of what the man "Tries" to do....
We were talking about need and I am asking was the pick our "Greatest Need" as in the "DL" needs that we have now....
If "Run DMc" fills (a) need for the team and "AD" wants him and he is available he will be a Raider @ #4....Period....
That is to say "Period" regardless of what our "Greatest" need may be at the time....
"AD" has opened his wallet to put other players in the "NEED" positions....Now he can open his wallet and take the player he loves the most....And he will...If that's "SOH" or "McFab" so be it....All I can do is submit my "Wish-List" and let "AD" do the rest....
I will argue against the notion that "AD" has limited himself to the "Greatest Needs" on his team at the time....If in fact he had like many other teams than it would NOT be so difficult to project who the Raiders select every freakin year...If you look back rarely are the Scouts-n-"Mediot"s correct....Last year was the best they have done in some time...."QB"-"WR" was the call but some also said "OT"....Last year all the reports were about how much "AD" loves "JRus"....This year the reports are about how much he love "McFab"....
PantyRaider....NO-Second-Guessing!!!
>>>>
If "Run DMc" fills (a) need for the team and "AD" wants him and he is available he will be a Raider @ #4....Period....
>>>>
I am not arguing that. I am just saying that is not what he has ever done.
He picks the biggest NEED first... period.
If someone can explain to me how RB is the teams biggest need (or at least in the top 5) we can go from there.
Anything else just seems to be arguing for the sake of setting yourselves up for something to complain about all next season.
Gary...
Listed in many reports the Raiders current needs are...
"DE"
"DT"
"OT"
"WR"
"RB".....
That is the top (5) Bro....So now what other position need takes away from the "RB" being listed...We could lump the "DE"-n-"DT" together as one player...I believe we also have a need at "OLB" but that is not on very many boards...
The fact is that "AD" already addressed all those needs except the "RB" in "FA"...
Most Draft Boards have us taking "DL" or "RB" at the #4 pick....A few say "OT"....
The ideal situation for a high 1st round pick is for the player that we take is both a vital need AND the BPA.
Further, it is ideal if the player taken plays a high impact position such as QB, LT, and DE.
Drafting at #4, Vernon Gholston would fill the most vital need AND be arguably 1 of the 2 BPA AND plays a high impact position.
If we let Rhodes go ... or if we didn't resign Fargas ... or if Bush wasn't 100% ready for takeoff, I could see more merit in taking Run DMc. As it stands now, Gholston makes them most sense to me.
CalicoJack...
You are correct...BUT...Another option is to take a player who best sparks the team toward "VICTORIES" is his first season....And that player would be....
"McFab"...
The "DL" pick will take time to develop as in most recent cases...But the "RB" most likely will not and bring "IMEDIAT" help to a loosing team....
“Greatest Need”
Our Greatest need in “08” is to become a winning team….”PERIOD”….For several reasons…
#1)….Save our coach…
#2)….Attract “FA”s without having too pay so much $$$$$…
#3)….Make money for the franchise…
#4)….Save our fans from jumping off the Bay-Bridge….Suicide is so ugly…
#5)….Shut Up “Mediot”s….
The player we select at #4 needs to be a player who can deliver wins in his first season….Not next year or the season after as in the case of drafting “JRus” in “07”…That was a “Luxury-Pick”….This year is quit different…
Let’s take a real serious look back…
”06” the 1st player selected was “DE” Henderson….In his 1st season he had 6 sacks but did not get his 1st until game 11 and he led ALL rookies that year in sacks….So he produced less than the “DE” we let go who gave us 8 sacks last year….If we had taken him instead of “S” Huff how many more wins would we have had in “06”….Kind of a wash I think…
In his second year he had 14 sacks and was 2nd alternate to the “PB” and he will most likely make the “PB” this year and add several wins to the Texans….But NOT his 1st year…
“07”…if we had taken “AD” instead of “JRus” how many more points would we have scored and how many more games would we have won…I think that answer is Farley obvious….Minn was the #1 rushing “O” with that guy and we would have been also and would possibly have had a winning season….
“08”….There is (1) player on the board who can and should score multiple points this season and give his team several opportunities for victories as a result….That is NOT a luxury pick….It is the “Greatest Need” pick in our draft….We need him to help stop us from being losers….
Next year several “DL” players will be available as “FA”s including Albert Haynesworth and the rest of the “RFA”s who were given the “FT” in “08”….They will not want to sign with a losing team like the Raiders unless “AD” gives them Huge $$$$$….Winning solves several problems and we need it….”NOW”….We need “McFab”….