Future Raiders

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Click on Team for a List of Needs

ROUND ONE
1. Detroit (0-16)- Matt Stafford QB
2. St. Louis (2-14)- Jason Smith OT
3. Kansas City (2-14)- Aaron Curry LB
4. Seattle (4-12)- Eugene Monroe OT
5. Cleveland (4-12)- Michael Crabtree WR
6. Cincinnati (4-11-1)- Brian Orapko DE
7. Oakland (5-11)- B.J. Raji DT
8. Jacksonville (5-11)- Jeremy Maclin WR
9. Green Bay (6-10)- Everette Brown OLB
10. San Francisco (7-9)- Mark Sanchez QB
11. Buffalo (7-9)- Aaron Maybin DE
12. Denver (8-8)- Tyson Jackson DE
13. Washington (8-8)- Michael Oher OT
14. New Orleans (8-8)- Malcolm Jenkins DB
15. Houston (8-8)- Brian Cushing LB
16. San Diego (8-8)- Rey Maualuga LB
17. New York Jets (9-7)- Percy Harvin WR
18. Chicago (9-7)- Darrius Heyward-Bey WR
19. Tampa Bay (9-6)- Josh Freeman QB
20. Detroit (from Dallas) (9-7)- Brandon Pettigrew TE
21. Philadelphia (9-6-1)- Hakeem Nicks WR
22. Minnesota (10-6)-
23. New England (11-5)
24. Atlanta (11-5)
25. Miami (11-5)
26. Baltimore (11-5)
27. Indianapolis (12-4)
28. Philadelphia (from Carolina) (12-4)
29. New York Giants (12-4)
30. Tennessee (13-3)
31. Arizona (9-7)
32. Pittsburgh (12-4)

ROUND TWO
1-33 Detroit
2-34 New England (from Kansas City)
3-35 St. Louis
4-36 Cleveland
5-37 Seattle
6-38 Cincinnati
7-39 Jacksonville
8-40 Oakland
9-41 Green Bay
10-42 Buffalo
11-43 San Francisco
12-44 Miami (from Washington)
13-45 NY Giants (from New Orleans)
14-46 Houston
15-47 New England from (San Diego)
16-48 Denver
17-49 Chicago
18-50 Cleveland (from Tampa Bay)
19-51 Dallas
20-52 NY Jets
21-53 Philadelphia
22-54 Minnesota
23-55 Atlanta
24-56 Miami
25-57 Baltimore
26-58 New England
27-59 Carolina
28-60 NY Giants
29-61 Indianapolis
30-62 Tennessee
31-63 Arizona
32-64 Pittsburgh

ROUND THREE
1-65 Detroit
2-66 St. Louis
3-67 Kansas City
4-68 Seattle
5-69 Dallas (from Cleveland)
6-70 Cincinnati
7-71 Oakland
8-72 Jacksonville
9-73 Green Bay
10-74 San Francisco
11-75 Buffalo
12-76 NY Jets (from New Orleans)
13-77 Houston
14-78 San Diego
15-79 Denver
16-80 Washington
17-81 Tampa Bay
18-82 Detroit (from Dallas)
19-83 Green Bay from (NY Jets)
20-84 Chicago
21-85 Philadelphia
22-86 Minnesota
23-87 Miami
24-88 Baltimore
25-89 New England
26-90 Atlanta
27-91 NY Giants
28-92 Indianapolis
29-93 Carolina
30-94 Tennessee
31-95 Arizona
32-96 Pittsburgh
33-97 New England (Compensatory Selection)
34-98 Cincinnati (Compensatory Selection)
35-99 Chicago (Compensatory Selection)
36-100 New York Giants (Compensatory Selection)

ROUND FOUR
1-101 Dallas (from Detroit)
2-102 Kansas City
3-103 St. Louis
4-104 Cleveland
5-105 Seattle
6-106 Cincinnati
7-107 Jacksonville
8-108 Oakland
9-109 Green Bay
10-110 Buffalo
11-111 San Francisco
12-112 Houston
13-113 San Diego
14-114 Denver
15-115 NY Jets (from Washington)
16-116 New Orleans
17-117 Dallas
18-118 New Orleans (from NY Jets)
19-119 Chicago
20-120 Tampa Bay
21-121 Philadelphia
22-122 Houston (from Minnesota)
23-123 Baltimore
24-124 New England
25-125 Atlanta
26-126 Miami
27-127 Indianapolis
28-128 Carolina
29-129 NY Giants
30-130 Tennessee
31-131 Arizona
32-132 Pittsburgh
33-133 San Diego (Compensatory Selection)
34-134 San Diego (Compensatory Selection)
35-135 Tennessee (Compensatory Selection)
36-136 Indianapolis (Compensatory Selection)

ROUND FIVE
1-137 Detroit
2-138 St. Louis
3-139 Kansas City
4-140 Denver (from Seattle)
5-141 Philadelphia (from Cleveland)
6-142 Cincinnati
7-143 Atlanta (from Oakland)
8-144 Jacksonville
9-145 Green Bay
10-146 San Francisco
11-147 Buffalo
12-148 San Diego
13-149 Denver
14-150 Washington
15-151 NY Giants (from New Orleans)
16-152 Houston
17-153 Philadelphia (from NY Jets)
18-154 Chicago
19-155 Tampa Bay
20-156 Dallas
21-157 Philadelphia
22-158 Minnesota
23-159 New England
24-160 Atlanta
25-161 Miami
26-162 Baltimore
27-163 Carolina
28-164 NY Giants
29-165 Indianapolis
30-166 Dallas (from Tennessee)
31-167 Arizona
32-168 Pittsburgh
33-169 Pittsburgh (Compensatory Selection)
34-170 New England (Compensatory Selection)
35-171 San Francisco (Compensatory Selection)
36-172 Dallas (Compensatory Selection)
37-173 Tennessee (Compensatory Selection)

ROUND SIX
1-174 Detroit
2-175 Kansas City
3-176 St. Louis
4-177 Cleveland
5-178 Seattle
6-179 Cincinnati
7-180 Jacksonville
8-181 Oakland
9-182 Green Bay
10-183 Buffalo
11-184 San Francisco
12-185 Denver
13-186 Washington
14-187 Green Bay (from New Orleans)
15-188 Houston
16-189 San Diego
17-190 Chicago
18-191 Tampa Bay
19-192 Detroit (from Dallas)
20-193 NY Jets
21-194 Philadelphia
22-195 Philadelphia (from Minnesota)
23-196 Atlanta
24-197 Dallas (from Miami)
25-198 Baltimore
26-199 New England
27-200 NY Giants
28-201 Indianapolis
29-202 Carolina
30-203 Tennessee
31-204 Arizona
32-205 Pittsburgh
33-206 Tennessee (Compensatory Selection)
34-207 New England (Compensatory Selection)
35-208 Dallas (Compensatory Selection)
36-209 Cincinnati (Compensatory Selection)

ROUND SEVEN
1-210 Dallas (from Detroit)
2-211 St. Louis
3-212 Kansas City
4-213 Seattle
5-214 Miami (from Cleveland)
6-215 Cincinnati
7-216 Oakland
8-217 Tampa Bay (from Jacksonville)
9-218 Green Bay
10-219 San Francisco
11-220 Buffalo
12-221 Minnesota (from Washington)
13-222 New Orleans
14-223 Houston
15-224 San Diego
16-225 Denver
17-226 Pittsburgh (from Tampa Bay)
18-227 Dallas
19-228 NY Jets
20-229 Tampa Bay (from Chicago)
21-230 Philadelphia
22-231 Minnesota
23-232 Miami
24-233 Tampa Bay (from Baltimore)
25-234 New England
26-235 Denver (from Atlanta)
27-236 Indianapolis
28-237 Miami (from Carolina)
29-238 NY Giants
30-239 Tennessee
31-240 Arizona
32-241 Pittsburgh
33-242 Tennessee (Compensatory Selection)
34-243 Washington (Compensatory Selection)
35-244 San Francisco (Compensatory Selection)
36-245 Seattle (Compensatory Selection)
37-246 Chicago (Compensatory Selection)
38-247 Seattle (Compensatory Selection)
39-248 Seattle (Compensatory Selection)
40-249 Cincinnati (Compensatory Selection)
41-250 Jacksonville (Compensatory Selection)
42-251 Chicago (Compensatory Selection)
43-252 Cincinnati (Compensatory Selection)
44-253 Jacksonville (Compensatory Selection)
45-254 Arizona (Compensatory Selection)
46-255 Detroit (Compensatory Selection)
47-256 Kansas City (Compensatory Selection)

NFL DRAFT ORDER: SEVEN RDS.

Click on Team for a List of Needs

ROUND ONE
1. Detroit (0-16)- Stafford
2. St. Louis (2-14)- J. Smith
3. Kansas City (2-14)- A. Curry
4. Seattle (4-12)- E. Monroe
5. Cleveland (4-12)- M. Crabtree
6. Cincinnati (4-11-1)- A. Smith
7. Oakland (5-11)- B. Orapko
8. Jacksonville (5-11)- M. Sanchez
9. Green Bay (6-10)- B.J. Raji
10. San Francisco (7-9)- Jeremy Maclin
11. Buffalo (7-9)- Aaron Maybin
12. Denver (8-8)- Tyson Jackson
13. Washington (8-8)- Robert Ayers
14. New Orleans (8-8)- Malcolm Jenkins
15. Houston (8-8)- Cushing
16. San Diego (8-8)- C. Wells
17. New York Jets (9-7)- P. Harvin
18. Denver- Rey Maualuga
19. Tampa Bay (9-6)- Josh Freeman
20. Detroit (from Dallas) (9-7)- Michael Oher
21. Philadelphia (9-6-1)- Darrius Heyward-Bey
22. Minnesota (10-6)- Max Unger
23. New England (11-5)- Clay Matthews
24. Atlanta (11-5)- Brandon Pettigrew
25. Miami (11-5)- Everette Brown
26. Baltimore (11-5)- Kenny Britt
27. Indianapolis (12-4)- Peria Jerry
28. Philadelphia (from Carolina) (12-4)- Eben Britton
29. New York Giants (12-4)- Hakeem Nicks
30. Tennessee (13-3)- Ziggy Hood
31. Arizona (9-7)- Knowshon Moreno
32. Pittsburgh (12-4)- Vontae Davis

ROUND TWO
1-33 Detroit- James laurinitas
2-34 New England (from Kansas City)- Donald Brown
3-35 St. Louis- Darius Butler
4-36 Cleveland- Larry English
5-37 Seattle- Paul Kruger
6-38 Cincinnati- LeSean McCoy
7-39 Jacksonville- William Beatty
8-40 Oakland- Ramses Barden
9-41 Green Bay- Connor Barwin
10-42 Buffalo- Jared Cook
11-43 San Francisco- Jamon Merideth
12-44 Miami (from Washington)- Alphonso Smith
13-45 NY Giants (from New Orleans)- Alex Mack
14-46 Houston- Michael Johnson
15-47 New England from (San Diego)- Sean Smith
16-48 Denver- Ron Brace
17-49 Chicago- Brian Robiskie
18-50 Cleveland (from Tampa Bay)-Clint Sintim
19-51 Dallas- Jarron Gilbert
20-52 NY Jets- Andre Brown
21-53 Philadelphia- Louis Delmas
22-54 Minnesota- SenDerrick Marks
23-55 Atlanta- D.J. Moore
24-56 Miami- William Moore
25-57 Baltimore- D. Washington
26-58 New England- Erick Wood
27-59 Carolina- David Veikune
28-60 NY Giants- Duke Robinson
29-61 Indianapolis- Juaquin Iglesias
30-62 Tennessee- R. Johnson
31-63 Arizona- Cody Brown
32-64 Pittsburgh- Phil Loadholt

ROUND THREE
1-65 Detroit- Sharrod Martin
2-66 St. Louis- Louis Murphy
3-67 Kansas City- Troy Kropog
4-68 Seattle- Marcus Freeman
5-69 Dallas (from Cleveland)- D. Williams
6-70 Cincinnati- Chris Baker
7-71 Oakland- Jaspar Brinkley
8-72 Jacksonville-
9-73 Green Bay
10-74 San Francisco
11-75 Buffalo
12-76 NY Jets (from New Orleans)
13-77 Houston
14-78 San Diego
15-79 Denver
16-80 Washington
17-81 Tampa Bay
18-82 Detroit (from Dallas)
19-83 Green Bay from (NY Jets)
20-84 Chicago
21-85 Philadelphia
22-86 Minnesota
23-87 Miami
24-88 Baltimore
25-89 New England
26-90 Atlanta
27-91 NY Giants
28-92 Indianapolis
29-93 Carolina
30-94 Tennessee
31-95 Arizona
32-96 Pittsburgh
33-97 New England (Compensatory Selection)
34-98 Cincinnati (Compensatory Selection)
35-99 Chicago (Compensatory Selection)
36-100 New York Giants (Compensatory Selection)

Friday, March 6, 2009

Pk	Sel #	Team
First round
1	1	Detroit- QB Matthew Stafford Georgia
2	2	St. Louis- OT Jason Smith Baylor
3	3	Kansas City- OLB Aaron Curry Wake Forest
4	4	Seattle- DE Brian Orapko Texas
5	5	Cleveland- WR Michael Crabtree Texas Tech
6	6	Cincinnati- OT Eugene Monroe Virginia
7	7	Oakland- WR Jeremy Maclin Missouri
8	8	Jacksonville- DT B.J. Raji Boston College
9	9	Green Bay- DE/OLB Everette Brown Florida State
10	10	San Francisco- DB Malcolm Jenkins Ohio State
11	11	Buffalo- DE Aaron Maybin Penn State
12	12	Denver- DE Tyson Jackson Louisiana State
13	13	Washington- OT Andre Smith Alabama
14	14	New Orleans- CB Vontae Davis Illinois
15	15	Houston- OLB Brian Cushing Southern California
16	16	San Diego- MLB Rey Maualuga Southern California
17	17	N.Y. Jets- WR Percy Harvin Florida
18	18	Chicago- WR Hakeem Nicks North Carolina
19	19	Tampa Bay- QB Mark Sanchez Southern California
20	20	Detroit (from Dallas)- TE Brandon Pettigrew Oklahoma State
21	21	Philadelphia- WR Darrius Heyward-Bey Maryland
22	22	Minnesota OT Michael Oher Mississippi
23	23	New England- RB Chris Wells Ohio State
24	24	Atlanta- DT Peria Jerry Mississippi
25	25	Miami- OLB Clay Matthews Southern California
26	26	Baltimore- WR Kenny Britt Rutgers
27	27	Indianapolis- DT Evander Hood Missouri
28	28	Philadelphia (from Carolina)- OT Eben Britton Arizona
29	29	N.Y. Giants- OC Alex Mack California
30	30	Tennessee- DE Robert Ayers Tennessee
31	31	Arizona- RB Knowshon Moreno Georgia
32	32	Pittsburgh- DE Jarron Gilbert San Jose State

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Offseason Tactical Direction:

Oakland has found itself restricted in what they can accomplish in 2009 free agency due to poor financial decisions made in last years offseason. This, however, may be a good thing because it could force the raiders to make sound financial decisions and sign players who may not be stars, but can serve as solid starters and building blocks towards being competitive next season. To this point, Oakland has shown more players the door than welcoming players into the 2009 fold. DeAngelo Hall, Gibril Wilson, Kwame Harris, and Jake Grove are a few. The Raiders, however, have been smart to resign players such as Asoughma, Lechler, cooper carlisle and chris johnson to send the message that people who perform for this organization will get paid.

In FA, the raiders biggest acquisition to this point so far has been signing restricted FA OT Erik Pears. Hardly a major signing, but Oakland would be wise to follow a blueprint of continuing to sign cheap young players who have starting potential, like pears, in order to create competition and increase their chances of finding a few unrealized stars along the way. Here is a list of players they are either looking at or should be looking who could help them fill starting positions:

Ray Willis OT- started 10 games for Seattle last season at RT. Powerful young, 24, tackle who has starting potential and would come at a relatively cheap price. Through bringing him into the fold, the Raiders would then have 3 young potential starting tackles- Pears and Mario Henderson being the other two. The hope is that competition would be intense between these three throughout camp and 2 strong starters would emerge while the odd man out would serve as a strong back up who is sign at an affordable price.

Melvin Fowler OC- The Raiders were smart to let Jake Grove walk because they have too many holes to commit 5yrs/ 26mill. to a center who has had various injuries throughout his career. Fowler has served as a young starting center for the bills over the past couple of years and fits perfectly into the raiders zone blocking scheme. He would not require nearly the contract that Grove commanded and he might be a better player for the raiders system while being more reliable in terms of health.

Duke Preston OG- Preston has started games at G,C, and T for the Bills over the last couple of years. He is another young offensive lineman who provides more power than Fowler and would give the raiders great versatility at an affordable price. With the resigning of Carlisle, getting Preston would seem to be less of a need. However, if the raiders cannot sign Fowler or another OT- Preston would be a smart player to invest in bc he can fill multiple roles.

Kevin Burnett OLB- Burnett is an excellent special teams player who is capable of starting in spots and would be a great player to use on passing downs. I believe we need to acquire a run-stuffing MLB, via draft or FA, in order to shift Morrison to OLB. However, if we acquired Burnett, we could have him and Thomas Howard flank Morrison on passing downs. Then acquire a MLB who is a great run stuffer, but not good in coverage, to come in on first and second down to play in the middle and shift Morrison outside. Either way Burnett is young, athletic and cheap. Needless to say, we need as many players like that as we can get.

Angelo Crowell LB- After being injured the previous season, Crowell came back and had a solid season last year recording 126 tackles 1 sack and 1 int for the bills last season. He is an OLB, however, he is at his best attacking the line of scrimmage and many believe he could make a seamless transition to MLB. It is unclear how much he will command on the open market but the fact that he sustained a season-ending injury the year before could allow the Raiders to sign him to a bargain deal. If he comes at a reasonable price, pacing him in the middle to help stop the run and shifting Morrison to the outside would pay huge dividends and possibly serve to create one of the better young LB units in the NFL.

Jermaine Phillips DS- at 6'2 220 Phillips is a protypical sized SS who could fill the hole of the departed Wilson at a reduced cost. He had 3 ints last season and is generally more effective at playing close to the line where he can use his size and strength to help stop the run. The raiders should only pursue him if he comes at a reasonable price- I think he would. However, at 29, he would be a sure upgrade and allow the raiders to pit Tyvon Branch vs. super bust Michael Huff in a competition for the FS position. As it stands right now, the prosects of going into next year with a promising but young, 2nd year former fourth round pick, Branch and Huff, who can't hold the starting job even in the face of minimal competition, as our starting safety's is less than ideal.

James Butler DS- 6'3 215 another solid young player, at 26, who had a nice year last season with 3 ints for the Giants and would probably come in, at an affordable price, and fill one of the starting safety spots.

Sean Jones DS- 6'1 220 had 4ints for the Browns last season and at 27 yrs old he still has some potential to become an even better player. Of the 3 safety's I have mentioned, it would make sense for the raiders to due the dilligence on all these players to determine which one is the best fit for their scheme. However, because they all offer similar skill sets and production it would make sense to target the one who would come the cheapest. Jones is probably the most risky but provides the highest upside.

D.J. Hackett WR- Hackett was recently released from Carolina after spending one injury-plagued season with the team. Last year, I wanted the raiders to pick him up to become a solid number 2. Now we are in a position to sign him at a very afforable price and hope he can get over his injuries from last year to get back on track to becoming the solid possession receiver he was on the verge of becoming his last year in Seattle. This would represent a low risk/ high reward opportunity and the raiders should take advantage of as many of those as they can get.

Devery Henderson WR- I am suprised the Raiders have yet to kick the tires on Henderson to see if they can nab him at an affordable price. Last year, Henderson had 32 catches for 730 yrds and 3 tds; most importantly he averaged 24.8 yards per catch and represents the type of true deep threat that Al Davis can't resist. I would not want the raiders to sign Henderson if they had to overpay for him and we might already have a similar player in-house, in Higgins, which would negate the need for a player like Henderson. However, Russell has the strongest arm in the league and Henderson can get downfield with the best of them which could make the raiders an ideal destination for a player like Henderson.

Anthony Montgomery DT- a 6'6 315 24 yr old RFA who would cost the raiders a 5th rd pick to sign. With the redskins signing Haynesworth they might not put up as big a fight if the raiders were to try to sign him away. He represents a young developing player with starting experience who has the frame to take on blockers and stuff the run. A fifth round pick would be worth his services and give the raiders a cheap young starter or excellent rotational player.

Igor Olshansky DE/DT- at 6'6 309 Igor has started every game since he was a second round pick of the chargers back in 2003. Unlike the other FA's I have mentioned this signing would not come very cheap and this would require more analysis to from the raiders to determine if they have the type of financial flexibility to sign Olskansky and still be able to accomplish their other goals in FA. However, if they have the flexibility to sign Olshansky this would be the type of signing that would pay major dividends. Olshansky who previously played DE for the chargers, is best known as a blue-collar player who is excellent at stopping the run. He is still young, at 26, and converting him to DT, where he will be asked to take on less blockers, might allow him to blossom into an even more dominating player.

As it stands right now our needs are:
1. OT
2. DT
3. OC
4. MLB
5. #1 WR
6. DS
7. DE

After making cost-effective signings:
1. OT- Erik Pears 3/4.5mill; Ray Willis-sign to sim. contract; that should resolve OT issue
2. DT- Anthony Montgomery- 3/7-10 mill or Igor Olshansky 5/35mill if it doesnt hinder other signings from happening.
3. OC- Melvin Fowler- 4/16 mill or Duke Preston 3/10 mill- either would provide quality young center; fowler fits system better but preston prob. more effective against 3-4 NT's.
4. MLB- Burnett- 3/ 5 or 6 mill to be quality back; Angelo Crowell if comes at affordable price to be MLB.
5. DS- sign Phillips, Jones, or Butler to 3-4 yr/ 15-20 mill range.

With so many needs to fill it is essential for the raiders to take advantage of the strengths of FA to get bargain deals and fill holes with young players with starting potential in order to narrow the scope of their needs before the draft.

Ignoring the possible Olshanky signing- b/c I don't know if the raiders have the resources to sign him- the raiders should have the flexibility to sign OT Ray Willis, OC Melvin Fowler, DT Anthony Montgomery, OLB Kevin Burnett, LB- Angelo Crowell DS- Sean Jones.

That would make our starting units look like this:

QB- JaMarcus Russell
RB- Darren McFadden
WR-
WR- Chaz Schilens
WR- Johnnie Lee Higgins
LT- Mario Henderson/ Erick Pears
LG- Robert Gallery
OC- Melvin Fowler
RG- Carlisle
RT- Pears/ Willis

DE- Burgess
DT- Montgomery
DT- Kelly
DE- Richardson/ Scott
OLB- Howard
MLB- Crowell/ Morrison
OLB- Morrison/ Burnett
CB- Asoumgha
FS- Branch/ Huff
SS- S. Jones
CB- C. Johnson

As you can see, these signing go along way to fill needs and would allow us to narrow are focus in the draft. It is pretty much a foregone conclusion that our 7th pick will be used on a WR- Crabtree or Maclin. I still believe we should attempt to trade down. However, if the raiders follow a similar approach to what I am presenting; drafting a potential game changing receiver would be a wise choice. If these players were to be signed then are primary needs would become:

1. #1 receiver
2. DE
3. OL
4. DT

The raiders would then look to draft:

rd 1: Michael Crabtree or Jeremy Maclin

rd 2: After taking their future #1 WR in the first the raiders would have options in the second.
DE- Michael Johnson, Robert Ayers, Paul Kruger
DT- Evander Hood, Sen'Derrick Marks, Ron Brace
OL- William Beatty OT, Mack or Unger OC, Duke Robinson OG
- If Michael Johnson is available bet on al picking him because he has top 5 talent but plays like a 3rd rd. pick. Mack would be a strong possibility bc are current O-Line coach came from CAL. My pick would be Evander Hood bc he is a DT who can rotate with montgomery and kelly and has the talent to develop into solid starter in the NFL.

rd 3- The raiders would again have options:
OL- C's Eric Wood & Antoine Caldwell, OT's Jamon Meridath & Phil Loadholt (if the fall)
DT- Sammie Lee Hill, Terrence Taylor, Roy Miller
DE- Lawrence Sidburry Jr., David Veikune
DS- Pat Chung, William Moore
My pick- best OL that falls Meridath or Wood ideally

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Offseason Speculation:

Trade Nnamdi to Miami for their 1st (no. 25), one of their 2nd picks (no. 56), and their 4th.

Raiders Picks- First 3 Rds:
1. 1st (no. 7)
2. 1st (no. 25)
3. 2nd (no. 40)
4. 2nd (no. )
5. 3rd (no. 70)

Needs:
1. WR
2. OT
3. OC
4. DE
5. DT
6. MLB
7. CB

Draft Options:
1. Brian Orakpo DE
2. Hakeem Nicks WR
3. Duke Robinson OG
4. Max Unger OC
5. Patrick Chung FS

FA Options:
CB- Bryant McFadden, Leigh Bodden
DT- Rocky Bernard, Igor Olshansky
OT- Stacy Andrews, Max Starks, Khalif Barnes, Vernon Carey
MLB- Channing Crowder, Bart Scott, Jonathan Vilma, mike peterson

Sign:
Bryant McFadden CB, Igor Olshansky DT, Max Starks RT, Channing Crowder MLB

Offense:
QB: JaMarcus Russell
RB: Darren McFadden
FB: Orien O'Neal
WR: Hakeem Nicks
WR: Chaz Schilens
WR: Johnnie Lee Higgins
TE: Zach Miller
LT: Mario Henderson
LG: Robert Gallery
OC: Max Unger
RG: Duke Robinson
RT: Max Starks

Defense:
DE: Brian Orakpo
DT: Igor Olshansky
DT: Tommie Kelly
DE: Derrick Burgess
OLB: Thomas Howard
MLB: Channing Crowder
OLB: Kirk Morrison
CB: Bryant McFadden
CB: Chris Johnson
SS: Gibril Wilson
FS: Patrick Chung

Should the Raiders switch to a 3-4.....

I Know... I Know... Al Davis has a heavy hand when it comes to defensive philosophy. He is unwavering in his belief that the Raiders are a team that should run a 4-3 defense using man coverage, ohh about 95% of the time, and relying primarily on the defensive line to generate a pass-rush. I SHOULD NOT EVEN ENTERTAIN THIS IDEA BECAUSE QUITE SIMPLY... IT AINT GONNA HAPPEN.

But just because Mr. Davis doesn't believe change is needed doesn't mean a switch in philosophy isn't needed. A couple years back, with the addition of Rob Ryan as DC, it was widely believed that the Raiders were going to make the switch to the 3-4- and they did make a half-assed attempt to do so. However, the timing wasn't right. We had just signed Warren Sapp, who clearly was not suited for the the 3-4. As well, we had a very explosive DE in Derrick Burgess who could generate the type of pressure off the edge to justify the Raiders being conservative, in regards to blitzes, and rely primarily on the DL to pressure the opposing QB. Now, it appears Burgess is on the decline and it is unclear if we have a DT who can adequately collapse the pocket and produce 6-10 sacks- Tommie Kelly I'm looking at you.

It is apparent in the NFL today that 3-4 defenses are king; as most of the top defenses utilize this defense. As well, the last couple drafts have been loaded with undersized DE prospects whose skills are most suited to be used as a 3-4 rush LB; this upcoming draft may be one of the strongest in years in that regard. Needless to say, the Raiders might be smart to capitalize on the current strengths of the draft and find more creative ways to create pressure off the edge then pinning their hopes on aging traditional DE's and possibly finding a FA gem i.e. Burgess a couple years back.

Do the Raiders possess the current personel to make a seamless transition to the 3-4? The answer is probably not (then again their defensive play suggests they don't have the personnel to play the 4-3 either). Using the current personnel, we would have Kelly and Jay Richardson as the 3-4 DE's, Sands as the NT, Morrison as one of the ILB's, Howard as the strongside OLB, and use a combination of Burgess, Trevor Scott (5 sacks as a rookie), and Kalimba Edwards, as the weakside rush OLB. Our biggest areas to upgrade would be NT, a second ILB, and another Rush OLB.

After examining what is available through the draft and FA, it looks as if it would be relatively easy to fill out the LB needs, both inside and outside. In regards to ILB, the raiders could draft USC ILB Rey Maualuga in the first round or sign a ILB through FA, such as Channing Crowder or Bart Scott. To acquire another rush LB, the raiders could pick from a number of talented undersized converted DE's, throughout the first 3 rounds. Or, if they can find away to pony up the money, make a big splash by signing a sack artist such as Terrell Suggs. Filling the NT position might be more complicated. If the Raiders were to have a shot at drafting fast rising BC DT prospect B.J. Raji; that would quickly solve that problem. However, some draft prognosticators, including myself, have him going as high as number 4 to the seahawks or 5 to the Browns. After Raji, the pickings are slim in the draft and would possibly require the Raiders to reach for Raji's college teammate, Ron Brace, in the second round. Through FA, pickings are even slimmer, as there are not many massive NT's- with the exception of Hayensworth- who could adequately fill the void. Still, a good organization can adapt to the current environment and capitalize on the strengths of the draft and FA to put together the best defense.

As it stands right now, if the Raiders were to stay with their basic 4-3 defense, they need a DE, who is equally adept at rushing the passer and stopping the run; a run-stuffing DT; and a run stuffing MLB, to allow Morrison to move over to strongside LB. I will lay out the options the raiders would have at upgrading, through the draft and FA, in both a 4-3 and a 3-4.

4-3 Defense:

DE: Derrick Burgess (on his last legs)
DT: Tommie Kelly (might be better as a 3-4 DE)
DT: Terdell Sands (Raiders need a serious upgrade)
DE: Kalimba Edwards, Jay Richarson, Trevor Scott (These three collectively had decent production but it is clear we need another top DE)

OLB: Thomas Howard (he is a stud and we need to more effectively utilize him as a pass-rusher)
MLB: Kirk Morrison (Another stud, but if we stay in a 4-3, it would be wise to move him to the strongside)
OLB: Ricky Brown, Jon Alston (we need a serious upgrade)

Off-season upgrade options:
DE:
Draft- Brian Orakpo (rd. 1), Aaron Maybin (rd.1), Michael Johnson (rd. 2 if available) Paul Kruger (rd. 2), Robert Ayers (rd. 2 reach).
FA- Julius Peppers & Terrell Suggs (doubt we have money or those players have the interest), and nothing else terribly appealing.

DT:
Draft- B.J. Raji (rd. 1), Peria Jerry (rd. 2), Sen'Derrick Marks (rd.2), Ron Brace (rd. 2 reach), Ziggy Hood (rd. 3), Fili Moala (rd. 3).
FA- Rocky Bernard (could see this happening given that John Marshall is now our DC), Jovan Haye, Kedric Golston, Colin Cole, Shaun Cody, Tank Johnson.

MLB:
Draft- Rey Maualuga, James Lauriniatis (rd. 2 if he were to slip)
FA- Channing Crowder, Bart Scott, Jonathan Vilma, Mike Peterson

3-4 Defense:

DE: Tommie Kelly (played very well in this role a couple years ago)
DT: Terdell Sands ( Need to upgrade whether we play a 4-3 or 3-4)
DE: Jay Richardson (at 6'6 287 frame is much more suited for 3-4 DE role)

Offseason upgrade options:
OLB: Derrick Burgess, Trevor Sott (might be an intriquing player if used in this role), Kalimba Edwards
ILB- Kirk Morrison
ILB- Ricky Brown (need a serious upgrade regardless of 4-3 or 3-4 alignment)
OLB- Thomas Howard (would utilize pass-rushing skills in addition to his coverage skills)

DE: Richardson and Kelly would be more than adequete as the 3-4 DE's however their are intriguing options through the Draft and FA.
Draft- Tyson Jackson (rd. 2), Robert Ayers (rd. 2), Jarrod Gilbert (rd. 3), or convert smaller DT's Marks, Hood, Moala (available rds. 2 & 3)
FA- Igor Olshansky, Chris Canty, Antonio Smith, Michael Montgomery.

DT:
Draft- B.J. Raji (rd. 1), Ron Brace (rd. 2 less of a reach to fill as NT).
FA- Tank Johnson, Colin Cole, Grady Jackson, Gabe Watson (RFA)

OLB/ Converted DE:
Draft- Aaron Curry, Brian Orakpo, Everette Brown, Aaron Maybin (rd. 1); Larry English, Brian Cushing (if slips), Clay Matthews, Clint Sintim, Connor Barwin (rd. 2) Cody Brown (rd. 3) and a handful of potential steals in later rounds i.e. (Brandon Williams, Phillip Hunt)
FA- Terrell Suggs, Karlos Dansby

MLB:
Draft- Rey Maualuga, Aaron Curry (rd. 1); James Lauriniatis (rd. if slips)
FA- Channing Crowder, Bart Scott, Jonathan Vilma, Mike Peterson, Keith Brooking, Eric Barton

While there are multiple options at multiple positions, it is important to understand that the raiders are probably not going to have the type of financial flexibility to fill their needs through FA. As a result, filling needs through the draft is necessary. Looking at the draft, the best position to find cheap players, who will provide the same impact as high priced FA's, are OLB's in the form of converted DE's. That would allow the raiders to use their available capital to invest in defensive FA's who could stop the run (I really want the raiders to sign Crowder). So you tell me... is my argument justified?

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

MOCK DRAFT 3.0

Round 1

Detroit (0-16)- MATT STAFFORD
St. Louis (2-14)- JASON SMITH
Kansas City (2-14)- MARK SANCHEZ
Seattle (4-12)- MICHAEL CRABTREE
Cleveland (4-12)- EVERETTE BROWN
Cincinnati (4-11-1)- A. SMITH
Oakland (5-11)- B.J. RAJI
Jacksonville (5-11)- JEREMY MACLIN
Green Bay (6-10)- BRIAN ORAKPO
San Francisco (7-9)- MALCOLM JENKINS
Buffalo (7-9)- AARON MAYBIN
Denver (8-8)- AARON CURRY
Washington (8-8)- EUGENE MONROE
New Orleans (8-8)- VONTAE DAVIS
Houston (8-8)- REY MAUALUGA
San Diego (8-8)- CHRIS WELLS
New York Jets (9-7)- PERCY HARVIN
Chicago (9-7)- D.J. MOORE
Tampa Bay (9-7)- JOSH FREEMAN
Detroit - from Dallas (9-7)- JAMES LAURINIATIS
Philadelphia- BRANDON PETTIGREW
Minnesota (10-6)- MICHAEL OHER
New England (11-5)- ALPHONSO SMITH
Atlanta (11-5)- SEAN SMITH
Miami (11-5)- HAKEEM NICKS
Baltimore (11-5)- BRIAN CUSHING
Indianapolis (12-4)- ALEX MACK
Philadelphia - from Carolina (12-4)- EBEN BRITTON
New York Giants (12-4)- CLAY MATTHEWS
Tennessee (13-3)- DARRIUS HEYWARD-BEY
Arizona- KNOWSHON MORENO
Pittsburgh (12-4)- TYSON JACKSON

Round 2

Detroit (0-16)
Kansas City (2-14)
St. Louis (2-14)
Cleveland (4-12)
Seattle (4-12)
Cincinnati (4-11-1)
Jacksonville (5-11)
Oakland (5-11)
Green Bay (6-10)
Buffalo (7-9)
San Francisco (7-9)
Miami - from Washington (8-8)
New York Giants - from New Orleans (8-8)
Houston (8-8)
New England - from San Diego (8-8)
Denver (8-8)
Chicago (9-7)
Tampa Bay (9-7)
Dallas (9-7)
Arizona (9-7)
New York Jets (9-7)
Minnesota (10-6)
Atlanta (11-5)
Miami (11-5)
Baltimore (11-5)
New England (11-5)
Carolina (12-4)
New York Giants (12-4)
Indianapolis (12-4)
Tennessee (13-3)
Philadelphia (9-6-1)
Pittsburgh (12-4)

Future Raiders

Thursday, March 26, 2009

NFL DRAFT ORDER: SEVEN RDS.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Offseason Tactical Direction:

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Offseason Speculation:

Should the Raiders switch to a 3-4.....

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

MOCK DRAFT 3.0

Which player should the raiders draft with the number 7. overall pick?

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