1. Left Tackle
- It's simple. Russell is the franchise. He is a player who has a rediculous amount of talent but needs time to be able to make the proper reads and use his golden arm to make plays. If Russell has time, he doesn't need big windows to zip passes into tight zones or go over the top to his receivers. Strong pass protection will provide a much better aid to his development than even a strong number one receiver and most easily allow this offense to start to take off. The draft is loaded with top LT's. However, as evidenced by last years strong first round run on tackles, the raiders would be smart to nab one with the first pick instead of hoping one falls to them in the second round.
2. Wide Receiver
- There will be a strong urge to grab Michael Crabtree if he is available in next years draft. I am a strong advocate of going OT first and even I would possibly not be able to pass on Crabtree. However, Russell would have a hard time getting the ball to any number 1 if not given enough time too. The raiders need to resist this urge and do the smart thing and draft a Tackle first. Russell's development could depend on it.
3. Defensive Tackle
- In terms of need, acquiring a massive DT who can stuff the run might be as important as any other position. However, Russell's development trumps every other priority, so shoring up the OT and WR positions become of greater importance than getting that needed difference maker at DT. If the raiders were smart they would have traded a draft pick for one of the available DT's last offseason- Jenkins, Stroud, Rogers. However, similar opportunities will not be available via trade this offseason. If a WR who can come in and make a difference is not available in round 2 the raiders might be smart to draft a player like Peria Jerry in that spot and look to draft a WR such as Derrick Williams in rd. 3.
4. Defensive End
-If the raiders wisely start to incorporate a 3-4 look next year to generate more of a pass-rush- they might be tempted to grab one of the many available difference making rush ends in next years draft. In a 4-3 look, Burgess, their one true pash rushing threat, is on the decline so an air apparent is needed.
5. Outside Linebacker
- Depending on their defensive philosophy, they could fill this void with a true OLB or a converted DE. Regardless, they need to eventually upgrade the position as Ricky Brown is simply not an adequate starting OLB. Rulon Davis out of Cal might represent a good steal in the 3-4 rd. if they do decide to play a 3-4.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Raiders Position by Position Evaluation: Defense
Defensive End:
1. Derrick Burgess
2. Kalimba Edwards
3. Jay Richardson
4. Scott
- This is a serviceable group when healthy. Edwards, the team sack leader, has played well and Richardson is a decent big-bodied back up who provides decent pass-rushing and run-stuffing skills. Scott also has been effective as a pass-rush specialist. However, the one pro-bowl caliber player, Burgess, seems to be on the decline and needs an air apparent who can reak havoc on an opposing QB. The strength of next year's draft is in the available pass-rushers. However, most of them fit the mold of 3-4 rush-ends. So, with that in mind the raiders might be well served to incorporate a 3-4 scheme to take advantage of next years class.
Defensive Tackle:
1. Tommy Kelly
2. Terrdell Sands
3. Gerard Warren
- Tommy Kelly received a huge contract in the off-season and has responded by being relatively underwhelming. He needs to be force over the next couple years or else the raiders should consider sending him the way of DeAngelo hall in order to free up future cap room to possibly pick up a real difference maker at the position. Sands and Warren have been serviceable at best, but an upgrade is defiently needed. The next DT the raiders need to target needs to be one that can, first and foremost, stuff the run. In next years draft, Terrence Cody represents a very desireable target in the first round. Peria Jerry would be a good target in the second.
Outside Linebacker:
1. Thomas Howard
2. Ricky Brown
3.
- Thomas Howard is one of the few building blocks on defense and could really blossom into a probowl player if given better protection upfront. He has excellent speed, 4.4 forty, to go along with his 6'2 240 frame- and shows a great virsitility at stopping the run, as well as rushing the passer. He is also one of the elite pass defenders at the LB position as evidenced by his 6 picks last year. The raiders need to look to acquire another OLB opposite Howard, as Brown is not starting-quality OLB. OLB's as well as 3-4 rush ends is the strength of this years draft. However, the raiders might have to many other glaring needs to take advantage.
Inside Linebacker:
1. Kirk Morrison
- Morrison is another building block on defense. However, like Morrison he needs more players around him in order to maximize his effectiveness. If the Raiders start to incorporate a 3-4 look, another run-stuffing MLB will be needed.
Cornerback:
1. Nnamdi Asoumgha
2. Chris Johnson
3. Stanford Routt
- Addition by subtraction. Coming into the year the Raiders were expected to have possibly the best starting CB tandom in the NFL with Asoumgha and Hall. While, Asoumgha has started his assention to becoming the best CB in the league, Hall struggled mightly as teams folled Denver's opening-season blueprint and continually looked to pick on Hall instead of testing Asoumgha. Hall promtly received his one way ticket out of town and since then the Raiders have looked like one of the best pass defenses in the NFL. The reason- Chris Johnson. This burner, has done well in manning the opposite post, and essentially forced offenses to test the waters that Asoumgha roams by taking away the deep ball and limiting big plays. Hopefully Johnson continues to be solid and the raiders can rely on this two to lock down WR's for the next couple of years. Routt provides a decent option as a nickle CB, but depth is needed.
Saftey:
1. Gibril Wilson
2. Michael Huff
3. Hiram Eugene
4. Colin Branch
- This unit has talent but has not quite lived up to it. Gibril Wilson has not been the type of dominating presence he was expected to be when he was signed away from the defending SB champions. Michael Huff who was expected to benefit greatly from the switch over to FS has essentially lost his starting job to Hiram Eugene. Eugene has been serviceable in relief of Huff, but he is nothing more than an adequate starter. There are some good safety prospects in next years draft. However, the Raiders have more glaring needs and will probably be forced to make due with what they have for the next year or two. Colin Branch is a developmental prospect who could eventually step in an become a decent player.
Defensive Needs:
1. DT
2. DE
3. OLB
4. Safety
5. CB depth
1. Derrick Burgess
2. Kalimba Edwards
3. Jay Richardson
4. Scott
- This is a serviceable group when healthy. Edwards, the team sack leader, has played well and Richardson is a decent big-bodied back up who provides decent pass-rushing and run-stuffing skills. Scott also has been effective as a pass-rush specialist. However, the one pro-bowl caliber player, Burgess, seems to be on the decline and needs an air apparent who can reak havoc on an opposing QB. The strength of next year's draft is in the available pass-rushers. However, most of them fit the mold of 3-4 rush-ends. So, with that in mind the raiders might be well served to incorporate a 3-4 scheme to take advantage of next years class.
Defensive Tackle:
1. Tommy Kelly
2. Terrdell Sands
3. Gerard Warren
- Tommy Kelly received a huge contract in the off-season and has responded by being relatively underwhelming. He needs to be force over the next couple years or else the raiders should consider sending him the way of DeAngelo hall in order to free up future cap room to possibly pick up a real difference maker at the position. Sands and Warren have been serviceable at best, but an upgrade is defiently needed. The next DT the raiders need to target needs to be one that can, first and foremost, stuff the run. In next years draft, Terrence Cody represents a very desireable target in the first round. Peria Jerry would be a good target in the second.
Outside Linebacker:
1. Thomas Howard
2. Ricky Brown
3.
- Thomas Howard is one of the few building blocks on defense and could really blossom into a probowl player if given better protection upfront. He has excellent speed, 4.4 forty, to go along with his 6'2 240 frame- and shows a great virsitility at stopping the run, as well as rushing the passer. He is also one of the elite pass defenders at the LB position as evidenced by his 6 picks last year. The raiders need to look to acquire another OLB opposite Howard, as Brown is not starting-quality OLB. OLB's as well as 3-4 rush ends is the strength of this years draft. However, the raiders might have to many other glaring needs to take advantage.
Inside Linebacker:
1. Kirk Morrison
- Morrison is another building block on defense. However, like Morrison he needs more players around him in order to maximize his effectiveness. If the Raiders start to incorporate a 3-4 look, another run-stuffing MLB will be needed.
Cornerback:
1. Nnamdi Asoumgha
2. Chris Johnson
3. Stanford Routt
- Addition by subtraction. Coming into the year the Raiders were expected to have possibly the best starting CB tandom in the NFL with Asoumgha and Hall. While, Asoumgha has started his assention to becoming the best CB in the league, Hall struggled mightly as teams folled Denver's opening-season blueprint and continually looked to pick on Hall instead of testing Asoumgha. Hall promtly received his one way ticket out of town and since then the Raiders have looked like one of the best pass defenses in the NFL. The reason- Chris Johnson. This burner, has done well in manning the opposite post, and essentially forced offenses to test the waters that Asoumgha roams by taking away the deep ball and limiting big plays. Hopefully Johnson continues to be solid and the raiders can rely on this two to lock down WR's for the next couple of years. Routt provides a decent option as a nickle CB, but depth is needed.
Saftey:
1. Gibril Wilson
2. Michael Huff
3. Hiram Eugene
4. Colin Branch
- This unit has talent but has not quite lived up to it. Gibril Wilson has not been the type of dominating presence he was expected to be when he was signed away from the defending SB champions. Michael Huff who was expected to benefit greatly from the switch over to FS has essentially lost his starting job to Hiram Eugene. Eugene has been serviceable in relief of Huff, but he is nothing more than an adequate starter. There are some good safety prospects in next years draft. However, the Raiders have more glaring needs and will probably be forced to make due with what they have for the next year or two. Colin Branch is a developmental prospect who could eventually step in an become a decent player.
Defensive Needs:
1. DT
2. DE
3. OLB
4. Safety
5. CB depth
Raiders Position by Position Evaluation: Offense
Quarterback:
1. JaMarcus Russell
2. Andrew Walter
- The future of this franchise greatly hinges on Russell's development. Right now, he is a little bit behind the curb. However, he has shown flashes and more importantly an ability to manage the game. The question with Russell is not skills- he possesses a cannon arm, quick release, 6-6 frame, decent mobility. Rather, the question is does he have the mental capacity to become the pro-bowl player that many tabbed him to be when he was selected number one overall. He has his doubters, but I say you can't make that judgment until he's given receivers who can catch and linemen who can block. In some respects, Russell has done an admirable job of managing the game and limiting his mistakes. One positive about Russell is his ability to stay level-headed when constantly being assaulted by the other team's pass rush. After watching him in college extensively, I hold the opinion that, if provided with good players around him, he can still develop into a pro-bowl talent.
Runningback:
1. Darren McFadden
2. Justin Fargas
3. Michael Bush
- If Russell is Batman, then Darren McFadden is Robin and the Raiders organization is the helpless city of Gotham looking to be saved by these two. Seriously, emotionally and financially Al Davis and the raiders brain trust (basically Al Davis and a bunch of yes men) have put the fate of the franchise solely on these two super-talent's shoulders and said don't mess up. If one or both were to fail the financial hole the raiders would have dug themselves would be drastic. So Al Davis would be well served to invest in blockers who can open up holes for this speedster to burst through. McFadden possesses the kind of all-around talent that gives an offensive coach the flexibility to use him in a variety of different ways. As a runner he has 4.3 speed while carrying a 6'2 215 frame. When given a seam he shows no hesitation and utilizes a North-South running style to quickly get into the second level. A negative in his running style is his upright running style which could leave him susceptible to big hits. It remains to be seen whether he has the kind of power and patience in his game to truly become an elite back. As a receiver, he possesses excellent hands and the ability to run routes- which makes him a receiving option out of the backfield or split out wide. The biggest area of improvement for McFadden is as a blocker- but he is a hard worker and a selfless athlete and that should come with experience.
Wide Receiver:
1. Ashley Lelie
2. Ronald Curry
3. Chaz Schilens
4. Javon Walker
5. Johnnie Lee Higgens
- This is about as underwhelming a group as it can get in the NFL. You've got a wonderful assortment of a first-round bust (lelie), an over-paid over-the-hill Free Agent signing (Walker), an injury-prone receiver (Curry), and a seventh-round pick rookie (Schilens). Can't hate on Johnnie Lee though, he may not ever become much of a receiver, but boy is he dangerous as a returner. There is not much to analyze about this group because you can pretty much sum it up in 2 words- THEY SUCK. The Raiders need an influx of talent at this position in a big way. Michael Crabtree might be a nice start.
Tight End:
1. Zach Miller
- He is our future Mr. Reliable. Unfortunatly, Russell has not been afforded the necessary time to utilize Miller on a consistent basis. However, Russell has shown flashes of developing a great repoirte with Miller and as this offense begins to develop miller will become the man who controls the middle. He possesses good size, good speed, and excellent hands and route running ability for a tight end.
Left Tackle:
1. Kwame Harris
2. Mario Henderson
- Kwame as the LT equals tons of false starts and sacks. We need to have a better player at this position for the offense to work and Kwame's inability to protect Russell's blindside has undone this offense many agame. Maybe Harris could be serviceable at RT, but as a LT it has become clear that if he is there chances are you are losing the game.
Left Guard:
1. Robert Gallery
-Left-side, Bust-side. Gallery and Harris both represent two former high 1st round pick who simply can't cut it at LT. At least, Gallery is providing average to above average play at LG- but he still represents a sad sight when we could have easily had Larry Fitzgerald instead. Regardless, he can hold down the LG position for the next 2-3 years, and honestly the raiders have bigger fish to fry.
Center:
1. Jake Grove
2. John Wade
- at this point Jake Grove and John Wade are serviceable. However, after other areas are patched up, they should look for a long term upgrade. Jake Grove was expected to anchor the line for the next 8-10 years when he was drafted. However, injuries have derailed his career and at this point he is merely a stop gap. John Wade is simply a journeyman.
Right Guard:
1. Cooper Carlisle
- has been generally reliable and fit nicely into the system how he was expected to when he was signed away from denver. However, he is getting old, and has limitations- so he can only be relied upon for another year or two.
Right Tackle:
1. Cornell Green
- Green is old, not very talented, and needs to be replaced soon. Drafting a left tackle could allow Kwame Harris to slide over to the right side- where he would be more effective. Long-term the raiders would be well-served to replace every member of the offensive line. However, there is a peking order in terms of needs- and sliding Harris over would make RT less of a need. But if the raiders want to be successful on offense a stalwart at tackle is of dire need. Phil Loadholt in the second round looks like the ideal road grader at right tackle.
Offensive Needs:
1. LT
2. WR
3. RT
4. OG
5. OC
1. JaMarcus Russell
2. Andrew Walter
- The future of this franchise greatly hinges on Russell's development. Right now, he is a little bit behind the curb. However, he has shown flashes and more importantly an ability to manage the game. The question with Russell is not skills- he possesses a cannon arm, quick release, 6-6 frame, decent mobility. Rather, the question is does he have the mental capacity to become the pro-bowl player that many tabbed him to be when he was selected number one overall. He has his doubters, but I say you can't make that judgment until he's given receivers who can catch and linemen who can block. In some respects, Russell has done an admirable job of managing the game and limiting his mistakes. One positive about Russell is his ability to stay level-headed when constantly being assaulted by the other team's pass rush. After watching him in college extensively, I hold the opinion that, if provided with good players around him, he can still develop into a pro-bowl talent.
Runningback:
1. Darren McFadden
2. Justin Fargas
3. Michael Bush
- If Russell is Batman, then Darren McFadden is Robin and the Raiders organization is the helpless city of Gotham looking to be saved by these two. Seriously, emotionally and financially Al Davis and the raiders brain trust (basically Al Davis and a bunch of yes men) have put the fate of the franchise solely on these two super-talent's shoulders and said don't mess up. If one or both were to fail the financial hole the raiders would have dug themselves would be drastic. So Al Davis would be well served to invest in blockers who can open up holes for this speedster to burst through. McFadden possesses the kind of all-around talent that gives an offensive coach the flexibility to use him in a variety of different ways. As a runner he has 4.3 speed while carrying a 6'2 215 frame. When given a seam he shows no hesitation and utilizes a North-South running style to quickly get into the second level. A negative in his running style is his upright running style which could leave him susceptible to big hits. It remains to be seen whether he has the kind of power and patience in his game to truly become an elite back. As a receiver, he possesses excellent hands and the ability to run routes- which makes him a receiving option out of the backfield or split out wide. The biggest area of improvement for McFadden is as a blocker- but he is a hard worker and a selfless athlete and that should come with experience.
Wide Receiver:
1. Ashley Lelie
2. Ronald Curry
3. Chaz Schilens
4. Javon Walker
5. Johnnie Lee Higgens
- This is about as underwhelming a group as it can get in the NFL. You've got a wonderful assortment of a first-round bust (lelie), an over-paid over-the-hill Free Agent signing (Walker), an injury-prone receiver (Curry), and a seventh-round pick rookie (Schilens). Can't hate on Johnnie Lee though, he may not ever become much of a receiver, but boy is he dangerous as a returner. There is not much to analyze about this group because you can pretty much sum it up in 2 words- THEY SUCK. The Raiders need an influx of talent at this position in a big way. Michael Crabtree might be a nice start.
Tight End:
1. Zach Miller
- He is our future Mr. Reliable. Unfortunatly, Russell has not been afforded the necessary time to utilize Miller on a consistent basis. However, Russell has shown flashes of developing a great repoirte with Miller and as this offense begins to develop miller will become the man who controls the middle. He possesses good size, good speed, and excellent hands and route running ability for a tight end.
Left Tackle:
1. Kwame Harris
2. Mario Henderson
- Kwame as the LT equals tons of false starts and sacks. We need to have a better player at this position for the offense to work and Kwame's inability to protect Russell's blindside has undone this offense many agame. Maybe Harris could be serviceable at RT, but as a LT it has become clear that if he is there chances are you are losing the game.
Left Guard:
1. Robert Gallery
-Left-side, Bust-side. Gallery and Harris both represent two former high 1st round pick who simply can't cut it at LT. At least, Gallery is providing average to above average play at LG- but he still represents a sad sight when we could have easily had Larry Fitzgerald instead. Regardless, he can hold down the LG position for the next 2-3 years, and honestly the raiders have bigger fish to fry.
Center:
1. Jake Grove
2. John Wade
- at this point Jake Grove and John Wade are serviceable. However, after other areas are patched up, they should look for a long term upgrade. Jake Grove was expected to anchor the line for the next 8-10 years when he was drafted. However, injuries have derailed his career and at this point he is merely a stop gap. John Wade is simply a journeyman.
Right Guard:
1. Cooper Carlisle
- has been generally reliable and fit nicely into the system how he was expected to when he was signed away from denver. However, he is getting old, and has limitations- so he can only be relied upon for another year or two.
Right Tackle:
1. Cornell Green
- Green is old, not very talented, and needs to be replaced soon. Drafting a left tackle could allow Kwame Harris to slide over to the right side- where he would be more effective. Long-term the raiders would be well-served to replace every member of the offensive line. However, there is a peking order in terms of needs- and sliding Harris over would make RT less of a need. But if the raiders want to be successful on offense a stalwart at tackle is of dire need. Phil Loadholt in the second round looks like the ideal road grader at right tackle.
Offensive Needs:
1. LT
2. WR
3. RT
4. OG
5. OC
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