Now that Jake Locker is not entering the draft and are draft position is hopefully just outside the top ten, because that would mean beating the Patriots and maybe the Colts and because i believe that top ten picks are prohibitively expensive, we can start to think about who the Bills will take in the 1st rd.

I know QB is a desperate need and i know i have said that i would be in support of bringing in a veteran and opening up a competition next summer with what we have now and whoever else can be signed to make it intersting i know that most people need a sense of renewal and that means new HC and QB.

So with that in mind i would like to see where people think we should go if that is the direction we are headed as a team. Clausen and Bradford will battle for the top QB off the board and im sure Clausen will be gone so that leaves Bradford who may drop out of the top ten due to his shoulder surgery and that may be just the break we need in order to secure the QB of the future.

Other options are to wait until the second rd. and try to draft a Colt Mccoy or Jevan Snead or Case Keenum or anyone along those lines and hope for the best but i think either shoot for Bradford or wait another year. So what does everyone think about drafting a QB first of all and then the prospect of not geting the number one QB but taking Bradford if he drops and we can get him around ten.

I'll make a list of things that need to be done in the offseason.

1.Perry Fewell is named HC and Lovie Smith is brought in to the be DC and Rod Marienelli is brought in as an Assistant Coach but keep our Dline Coach Bob Sanders.

2.FA is explored as a way to shore up our OL, I suggest Logan Mankins and move Eric Wood to C Hangartner becomes depth...Maybe Arron Kampman is brought in as well through FA if availiable.

3. Possible trades can be explored to secure a playmaker on the Offensive side of the ball (Joshua Cribbs,Reggie Bush,Brandon Marshall, Randy Moss, etc).

4. Cut Roscoe Parrish,James Hardy,Donte Whitner,John McCargo and other cap saving moves remember its not gonna effect our salary cap space in terms of dead cap space it an uncapped season.

5.Draft the BPA in the Draft do not reach based on need, Eric Berry comes to mind,Jerry Hughes is another player who could make an immediate impact but what this team needs most is an explosive threat out of the backfield IMO, so CJ Spiller could become a great pick we need playmakers on offense I wish we took Percy Harvin in the draft last year and we need to find the next Desean Jackson the Oline and Dline can wait until the second and third Rd.

6.Find an Ownership group to step up to the plate and keep football in Buffalo, this team sells out every week so does Minnesota there is no way either team should go to LA when the Raiders cant get 15000 people to show up after they beat the Steelers, the Jags have shown some life and the Chargers should not leave either but either the Jags or the Raiders and i say the Raiders should go they have a fanbase their already and just to keep things easy but definately not Buffalo I say Chris Berman should be considered as a potential investor he must have so much money based on his ESPN holdings so why not? HIm and Ralp Wilson are close.

7.Also get a naming rights deal for the Ralph to generate a little cash anything would help.

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In the recent FanPost that I wrote I tried to see where you guys thought that Mcfadden would be best used to maximize his skill set. I think it is obvious he is more versitale than your average RB and can be used to split out wide, play in the slot, and even throw the ball. He is 6 ft 2 inches and 210 pounds and runs a 4.3 forty. Do these measurables sound familiar to anyone. DHB is the same height, weight, and has a slightly better 40 time.

With this being the case and some of the most important parts of DHB's game is getting the ball in space. I think that these two may becomie interchangeable in time. Percy Harvin is a prime example of that type of slash player that is being asked to motion around and take hand offs and also run routes form the WR posiotn as well as out of the back field.

DHB's stats from the 2008 season including his rushing stats:

Also a link to see his highlights on youtube that include some rushing plays

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1doAFxdxlRQ

So im wondering if you guys think that these two are gonna be match up nightmares due to their versatility and speed. I think that with proper game planning these two can get the ball in space and with good downfield blocking there will be the potential for big plays. I think they can both be used as slash type players because that will make it more likely for DHB to be able to contribute right away. He will obviously have to develop his route running and ability to beat press coverage. DHB has spent the time in between OTA's and camp to work at the facility in Alameda and get treatment for his hamstring, but the big news is that he has been working with postion coach Sanjay Lal. I think that with his physical attributes and strong work ethic he could be a really good player in this league.

The Raiders had the 10th ranked rushing attack (124 per game) last year and that is incredible considering we had the 32nd ranked passing attack (148 per game). This coming season with both MIchael Bush obviously answering all the questions about his broken leg and Darren Mcfadden healed from both his injured toes and surgically reapired shoulder we are poised to be even better. The Zone Blocking Scheme that Tom Cable has implemented has been a success and I believe that are interioir linemen are the most suited for it of all our linemen so all this bodes well for the teams ground game. Also with improved WR play and Jamarcus Russell becoming more of a potent passer we can expect things to open up a little more around the line of scrimmage.

So now the question is who is best suited to be the starter Bush or Mcfadden? the only reason I leave Fargas off the list is becasue while he is the best pass protector of the bunch he will need to become a better recieving threat to get playing time in my opinion. These other two are two good to take carries away from either of them.

MIchael Bush: Height: 6-1   Weight: 245   Age: 25

Daren Mcfadden: Height: 6-2   Weight: 210   Age: 21

I'm not sure if it would be better to use Bush as a closer like Marion Barber (Height: 6-0 Weight: 225) in Dallas and bring himin late or try and use him like Brandon Jacobs (Height: 6-4 Weight: 264) and soften up defenses with his power and bulk early on in games. It's also a question to me how to best use Mcfadden either like Chris Johnson (Height: 5-11 Weight: 200) and have him be more a runner or more like Reggie Bush (Height: 6-0 Weight: 203) and split him out wide and get him the ball in space on screens and use him more as a recieving threat.

So i'll ask you guys what you think about how to best use quite possibley the most talented young backfield in the league. I'll put Justin Fargas on the poll in case you competely disagree with me.

Teams take a lot of heat for not signing fan favorites and cutting ties with players who have given so much to one organization. I can think of Ty Law and Lawyer MIlloy for the Pats when they were let go it was like stabbing the fans and the players in the back. Also Brian Dawkins in Philly was the heart and soul of that defense. But the Eagles don't sign players to long term deals for big money when they are over thirty years old so he had to go.

On the flip side of that same coin players get as much heat for trying to maximize their earnings while they can to secure their future and their families future. They will leave a team where they were loved and thrived to go for the biggest contract when they have played out their current contracts or even hold out for a restructured deal when they feel they have the leverage to do so. Brandon Marshall right now has out played his contract and since he is a such a disaster off the field the Broncos won't sign him long term. So he is requesting a trade now when he feels like his production on the field gives him the best chance to geta big contract. Anquan Boldin in 2005 Signed a four-year, $22.67 million contract extension through 2010. The deal contains $10 million guaranteed, including a $5 million signing bonus.( 2009: $2.75 million, 2010: $3 million, 2011: Free Agent) and now wants to make as much as Larry Fitgerald. (Four year 40 million)

On February 19, 2009 the Raiders re-signed Asomugha to a complex three-year deal that makes him the highest paid defensive back in NFL history. The first two years, worth $28.5 million, are fully guaranteed. In the third year of the contract, if Oakland wants to keep Asomugha, it must pay him the average of the top five highest-paid "quarterbacks" or $16.875 million, whichever is higher. If the Raiders fail to pick up the option, Asomugha will become a free agent with Oakland not having the ability to tag him again. With this deal in place I question whether or not he has any more or less loyalty to an organization that has treated him with such a high level of appreciation.

I really believe that Al Davis loves the players that play for his team and will always take care of the ones who perform on the field and for all the heat he gets I reallty think that he deserves to have players who are personally loyal to him and are willing to play their ass off for a man who will take care of them when it comes time to getting paid and securing their families future. This off season Kirk Morrison will be an UFA if the CBA is extended if not he will wait untill after the 2010 season but either way i think that Morrison and Thoms Howard for that matter will be resigned for the moeny they deserve. Thats the type of owner that Al Davis is he rewards the type of play that these guys have shown. He has made some mistakes Sands( Four-year, $17 million contract) and Kelley (Seven-year, $52.5 million contract)  who have been busts to this point but he can not be faulted for his approach he is taking care of his players and they have yet to hold up thier end of the deal. I can only woder if the players in Oakland have a sense of loyalty to a man and organization that while we are not winning at this time have not been afraid to spend money to reward the players that can help rebuild this frachise.

In my oinion the players on the Raiders should feel if they perform on the field that they will be taken care of by an owner that has shown over and over he is willing to reward those players whom he feels have earned it. And in the end i would like to believe that creates some sense of loyalty from the players toward the organization.

The NFL clearly wants a team in the second largest market in the U.S. so if you look at the current NFL and don't expand which i think would be ridiculous then i think its down to about six teams that would be a realistc option for the the move. The City of Industy unanimoulsy decided to support an 800 million dollar stadium being built with the intenton of luring an NFL franchise back to the L.A..

St. Loius Rams: This team has been for sale for a while now and the current ownership the heirs of Georgia Frontiere have no interest in keeping the team and has tried to find a local owner willing to keep the team in St. Loius. Dave Checketts who currently owns the St. Lois Blues would like to do whatever it takes to keep the team in St. Loius. The team is eatimated to be worth 929 milion doallrs and the discussion about the sale of the team will be going on in the near future so stay tuned.

San Diego Chargers: This team is unhappy with their current stadium (Qualcomm) and has been looking for alternatives for some time now in the San Diego metro area. While propsals have come and gone nothing has been able to satisfy all parties and now a current idea in Oceanside has problems with the FAA due to the proximity of a neraby airport. This team is almost a lock for moving up Interstate 5 and i think they will be a great fit obviosly no disruption to the current alignment of teams and maintainng their current fanbase i would like to see the Rams and Chargers share a stadium in L.A. if that is possible.

Jacksonville Jaguars: This team since thier inception has not been able to secure a fanbase that is willing to support them. The southeast is centered around college football and you would think that its a natural fit to have a pro team but thats not the case think Atlanta they too are a college football town and have a hard time supporting proffesional sports. Thier stadium was built with the Georgia-Florida game played thier annually in mind if that gives you any idea of the priorities of the area. Even with their relative success in their short history they have not been able to get the support needed to justify staying so unless thigs change they could be leaving town. I think their is a chance that they will end up leaving the Jacksonville area for either  L.A. or San Antonio.

Oakland Raiders: We all know this story we need a stadium are lease is up in 2010 and we will extend that for some time depending on alternative solutions on the table. The NFL would prefer a shared stadium in Santa CLara and quite frankly it makes a lot of sense. I know its not perfect but it a win win for both us and the Niners. But it is a possiblity that we move back to L.A wich I am not a fan of. I think we belong in Northern California.

Minnesota Vikings: They want a stadium sound familiar everyone wants to make the money associated with luxury suites, restaurants, etc. The Minnesota legislature has approved funds for the Twins new Target Field and the Golden Gophers new stadium so the Vikings want the same. They had a stadium lined up in sububan Minneapolis but thier owner Zygi Wilf wanted a stadium in downtown at the current site of the Metrodome. I think that this team taking the same path as the Lakers is highly unlikely but anyhthing is possible.

Buffalo Bills: This team is currently owned by Ralph Wilson an owner who has voted against NFL teams moving every single time it has come up for vote by the owners. So moving will have to wait until after his death but he is 90 . The team will be put up for sale to the highest bidder upon his death and that could lead to the small market BIlls heading elsewhere which i think would be heartbreaking for the NFL. I love small market teams and think the Bills should do whatever it takes to stay in Buffalo. They are playing one home game and one preseason game a year in Toronto in an attempt to grow their fan base but this has some fans worried about a possible move.

So their you have it the teams in my opinion that could be in L.A. some time in the near future i'll attach a poll to see what u guys think.

Its time that we move on from this huge waste of money (4 years 17 million dollars) and cut this man after we try to trade him, which probably won't happen.I have seen reports on Raider Examiner that Sands is in better shape than last year and thats encouraging but we need to get more motivated players on the field. I am not happy with him or Kelly and just dont think that either of them will ever be the players that the Raiders paid them to be. Tommy Kelly must play better than he did last year also and I know he has struggled to stay onside at the OTA's but it is his 2nd year after repairing his torn ACL and that is usually enough time for most players to recover fully. So i beleive that he deserves another year to prove himself before wqe start dicuss trding/cutting him. The DT's playing as part of a four man rotaion have to be tougher against the run. If Warren and Kelly are starting and Boshetti and one other player are the reserves we could potentially have a solid unit. 

I think that the process of replacing him will be difficult at this late stage of the offseason by here are some possiblities to replace the 6'7 335 pound Sands.

1) Ryan Boschetti- 6'4 and 310 pounds can get much more playing time and possibly start  bringing his high energy style and lets see if he can play 1st and 2nd downs.

2) Dewayne Robertson-6'1 308 pounds can be brought in to camp and if his knees can pass a physical see how he does as part of a rotation at DT.

3) Trade Derrick Burgess for a DT

4) Trade Justin Fargas for a DT

5) Packaging both Burgess and Fargas and possibly draft picks together to get a DT

 List of players that couyld be traded for include:

Shaun Rogers-who redeemed himself last year in Clevland and is reportedly unhappy with the way Mangini snubbed him and could be a player worth looking into.

Darnell Dockett-if he can not be signed by the Cradinals he may be looking ot get traded.

Mike Wright-who has played well as a backup with the New England Pariots and if they have interest in Burgess this trade may work for both teams.

John Henderson-during OTA's he may have been alientaed enough by Jack Del Rio's public outburst to force a trade and they could u e solid running back to compliment MOJO Drew.

I think at this point its time to cut our losses and move on. I also believe that we have the right pieces to move to bring in a quality player at the DT position. So i would like to hear what you guys think about possible trades or FA signings that could replace him or if you think he deserves one more year as a raider?

I am a firm believer in letting a QB have the neccesary time to develop and allowing a team to put all the pieces in place before a final assesment of that QB can be accuratley made. This offseason has seen some troubleing things in terms of Russll accuacy and decision making and has also seen Garcia perform well enough to gain support of at least one teammate publicly. Newly signed Kieth Davis said to a reporter he would like to see Garcia play based on his performnce at the OTA's.

So with a 23 year old QB who is hopefully the man of the future and face of the franchise continueing to develop this year Garcia is most likely going to start the season on the bench. This is understandable to most people watching the situation form the outside but recently i have been thinking about the QB battle that could take place in training camp.

This offseason has seen  a group of veteran players arrive that look like they may be ready to win now i ask everyone reading this what would u rather see happen Russell given the job even if he doesnt technically earn it or an honest competion between the two QB's and the best man taking control of the team?

Coach Cable has indicated that there is a lack of leadership on the team as whole and Garcia who has loads of experience and is a proven winner is the QB most capable of filling that role of field general. How can a team feel good about who they're playing with at the most important position on the team when u know that there is someone better sitting on the sideline.I am all for Russell playing and in my heart i want him to beat of Garcia but i want the tema to win too. In the NFL u never know what can happen year to year and if the Raiders have a chance at being last years Titans (think Kerry Collins replacing Vince Young) then i want to win now. The playoffs are not out of reach in a weak division witht the right QB we have the RB's and the WR's to compete offensively. Garcia would not have to carry the team just manage the game and limit mistakes and see what happens.

I know that Garia isnt the long term solution but Russell will be 24 this year and another year learning the offense and developing the work ethic and maturity it takes to win in the NFL might be a good thing for him. When he does win the job based on his perfromance he will have the full support of the team and the fans. Russell will hopefully be able to draw on this years experince for motivatiion to keep his role as starter when he earns it.

                     While the final OTA came and went a few days ago MIchael Huff was missing in action and this has led some to beleive that he has signed his own walking papers. Since Cable became th HC last year he has lost his starting job being benched in favor of Hiram Eugene.  It seems like a three years of unsuccesful play at saftey and a seemingly unwilling coaching staff to try him at corner is gonna doom him as a Raider. In my opinion i think with the absence of Chris Johnson and Nnamdi Asomugha at OTA's that a tryout at corner for Huff could have been tried by Marshall and Cable. His coverage skills have been the strength of his game and he might develop into a solid corner. People forget it took two years for Asomugha to win the starting job or have it given to him after the Buchannon trade and he struggled that first year his third so it may be a little soon to give up on him. Im not sure how his rookie contract is structured and im not sure how much of a hit it will be to our cap space to cut him or if that is even a factor at all but one more year on the team seems like a good idea. We are thin at safety and sometimes players develop much slower than anticipated but this i am sure of he will be given another chance to play in this league so either keep him to create some competition in camp or trade because he has some value