Greetings! Been too long since I've been here.  Anyway, since I'm a complete and irredeemable draft geek, I thought I'd come share a few observations that I made of some of the Oakland Raiders draft picks, both during the season (I always take notes on top prospects intending to start a draft site which I never do) and from watching extended highlights on YouTube.  This will be neither long nor very extensive, but I wanted to share.

Continue reading this post »

It seemed to me wise to get out a preliminary mock draft to work on.  It's always best to have a baseline from which to work with as the Senior Bowl and Combine come along and the draft stocks of various guys rise and fall.  If I have the time and/or inclination, I'll add a 2nd and maybe 3rd round later on this week

1. Carolina Panthers - Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

With no Andrew Luck, the situation for Carolina is more muddled, but also more dynamic.  They can go a  number of different directions, since there is no longer a consensus #1 overall.  I think this pick should be AJ Green, as their QB--whether it's Jimmy Clausen, Matt Moore or a free agent veteran--is going to need someone to throw to besides an aging Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell. 

Be that as it may, Nick Fairley's stock is at a ridiculous height right now and Carolina has absolutely nothing along the its defensive interior.  New head coach Ron Rivera will use Fairley as his centerpiece as he rebuilds Carolina's defense.  The edge Fairley plays with will also bring some sizzle back to a franchise that has stagnated.

2. Denver Broncos - Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

New personnel guy John Elway faces a daunting task to rebuild a franchise from the rubble of the Josh McDaniels regime.  Like the Panthers, he has a lot of holes to plug and a lot of options to pick from.  It could be tempting to go for AJ Green here to give Tim Tebow a greater array of weapons to work with.  Marcel Dareus, Da'Quan Bowers and Robert Quinn all merit consideration to improve a woeful Denver pass rush. 

However, I think the pick will be Peterson.  Champ Bailey is likely to depart for greener pastures, Perrish Cox remains in legal limbo and the depth behind them is questionable at best.  Peterson can be a day one starter at CB and bring a dynamic aspect to the return game.

3. Buffalo Bills - Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

The fact that I can seriously put Cam Newton at #3 overall makes me shake my head, but such are the ways of the NFL Draft.  Ryan Fitzpatrick had a solid season, but is not the guy to carry Buffalo forward.  Meanwhile, the Bills need to revive excitement and hope in the face of sagging public support.  The best way to do that is to bring in an exciting young QB and Newton surely is that if nothing else.  Chan Gailey's offense may also be a good fit for Newton as he acclimates to the NFL.

4. Cincinnati Bengals - Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

Given that no Cincinnati defensive end did much of anything last season, aside from Carlos Dunlap, Da'Quan Bowers would be a huge boost to the Cincy d-line.  I have to think that Marvin Lewis will give serious thought to both AJ Green and Marcel Dareus, but I think Bowers will get the nod.

5. Arizona Cardinals - Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina

I think Quinn will make a showing at the Combine and pro day that will make people remember just why he was once talked about as a possible #1 overall.  His athleticism and motor are off the charts and Ken Whisenhunt has got to do something about his OLB situation.  I know it's kind of crazy to take a rush linebacker #5 overall, but the situation there in Arizona is grim and Quinn is the kind of talent that's hard to pass by.   If it's not Quinn, Prince Amukamara or AJ Green (depending on how extension negotiations go with Larry Fitzgerald) are likely picks.

6. Cleveland Browns - AJ Green, WR, Georgia

You could make an argument that Green could go anywhere from #1 - #5 and wouldn't get an argument from me.  If he does fall this far, however, he'll go no farther.  Colt McCoy is going to need legitimate wide receivers if he's going to be successful. 

7. San Francisco 49ers - Jake Locker, QB, Washington

Yeah, I know, I know.  Locker's stock fell off this year.  It's going to go back up after the Senior Bowl, Combine and pro day.  I'm a big Locker fan, so maybe I'm letting my bias get in the way here, just like I did with Jimmy Clausen last year.  What I do know is that the flaws in Locker's game can be corrected by close work with a guy like Jim Harbaugh.  In fact, Locker reminds me a lot of Harbaugh in his playing days.  I know I'd rather have Locker, flaws and all, than Gabbert or Mallett.

8. Tennessee Titans - Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

Even more ridiculous to me than Cam Newton at #3 overall is Blaine Gabbert as a top 10 prospect, but who am I to argue with the experts?  Having already dealt with one headcase in Vince Young, I don't think Jeff Fisher will be anxious to take on another (rumored to be) in Ryan Mallett.  I haven't anything about Gabbert personally that indicated he's anything but a good locker room guy and a quick study in the film room, so that's in his favor.  Then too, Young managed to win a lot under Fisher despite showing some of the same flaws as Gabbert, particularly difficulty in reading defenses and antsy feet in the pocket.

9. Dallas Cowboys - Marcel Dareus, DT/DE, Alabama

The Dallas d-line could use an upgrade over Igor Olshanksy and the feisty, hard-driving Dareus is just the ticket, especially with having played in a 3-4 collegiate scheme.

10. Washington Redskins - Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas

A big, rocket armed passer with a gunslinger mentality and potential attitude issues?  Mike Shanahan might see Mallett as his new Jay Cutler.

11. Houston Texans - Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

At his introductory press conference, Wade Phillips sounded confident in his ability to mold the current 4-3 players in Houston's front 7 into a 3-4 defense.  No matter the scheme, however, one thing he's going to have to deal with is a secondary that borders on the comically bad.  I love Amukamara as a prospect and he can go a long way toward helping the Texans improve their defensive backfield.

12. Minnesota Vikings - Brandon Harris, CB, Miami

Pat Williams is going to need replacing, but there's not a defensive tackle worth taking this high.  Julio Jones will get a look, particularly if Sidney Rice departs.  All the QBs worth taking in round 1 have been drafted.  But the Vikings have had nothing across from Antoine Winfield for far too long and that can't go on.

13. Detroit Lions - Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

The Lions just miss out on their greatest need, with the 3 best CBs in the draft all off the board.  I'm not sure there's an offensive tackle worth taking this high.  Jahvid Best is an exciting weapon, but is not an every down back capable of shouldering a big rushing load.  Mark Ingram is.  He fits both need and GM Martin Mayhew's BPA draft strategy.  An offense with Ingram, Megatron, Best, Brandon Pettigrew and led by a healthy Matt Stafford could be very high octane.

14. St. Louis Rams - Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

Rams catch a break as Julio Jones falls right into their lap.  With the need to get Sam Bradford some bigtime targets, I can't imagine they'll hesitate too long in hustling their draft card up to the podium.

15. Miami Dolphins - Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois

Ricky Williams is gone and even if Ronnie Brown is re-signed, he hasn't given much encouraging evidence lately of being able to be the guy to shoulder the load in the Dolphins backfield.  Leshoure is a guy who can help and I expect his stock to keep rising throughout the draft scouting process.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars - Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

With Derrick Harvey a confirmed bust, Aaron Kampmann injury prone and Austen Lane and Jeremy Mincey uninspiring (to say the least), Jacksonville must come away with a true pass rushing threat.  They'll hope Kerrigan will be the guy they thought Harvey was.

Continue reading this post »

Yes, Raider Nation, I was there yesterday and was an eyewitness to the gruesome spectacle. 

It was ugly.  It was horrifying.  It left me speechless.

But enough about the lady sitting on my right!  BA-DUM-PING!

After the jump, I offer a random of assortment of thoughts on yesterday's debacle that I was "privileged" enough to see in person.

Continue reading this post »

....or "We Got 99 Problems (And the O-Line Is the Main One)"

If yesterday's debacle in Nashville taught Raider Nation anything, it confirmed our collective worst fears about the offensive line.  It truly was offensive.

So...how to fix it?  I'm going to explore two options:  fixing from within and help from outside.

Continue reading this post »

With it looking increasingly likely that JaMarcus Russell will be cut by the Raiders before the season begins (and possibly much sooner), I thought we might pass the time by getting a head start on the inevitable debate:  Is Russell or Ryan Leaf the biggest draft bust of all time?  Even if Russell stays on the team, he'll be buried on the depth chart and, barring injury to others, has almost certainly thrown his last pass in the NFL.  So, before you ask, I don't think this comparison is premature.

Without further ado....let's trek into the quick 'n dirty stats of two of the sorriest QBs of all time.

Continue reading this post »

Ever since the McNabb trade didn't materialize, I've been pondering the quarterback situation.  After much thought, I've decided that if none of the following 3 men are dressed in silver & black and under center for the first snap of the season, it will be a terrible disappointment.  I've decided to pick one QB on the current roster, one who might be acquired via trade and one who might be drafted.

UPDATE: Let me clarify my position a bit.  If I were GM, I'd call the Redskins about Campbell and then draft Trent Williams or Bryan Bulaga with the #8 pick.  That being said, I'm arguing in favor of Clausen in the comments simply because many people seem to think it'd be a bad idea.  That's what I don't get.  I think it'd be a GOOD idea, just not the BEST idea.  Hope that clears things up somewhat!

Continue reading this post »

Hope you find this at least a little bit amusing....

1. St. Louis Rams - Norm Van Brocklin

The team is searching for a franchise quarterback.  Well, why take a chance on Sam Bradford when you can go with the sure thing?  Van Brocklin is a known quantity and already a legend.  Sure, he's been dead 27 years, but that just means he's well rested and ready to go.

2. Detroit Lions - Henry Ford

Louis Delmas said the other day the team is looking to stock up on leaders and all the talent it can.  Detroit should go with the hometown boy who has already demonstrated leadership skills and a knack for whipping people into shape and bringing efficiency.  New slogan in Detroit: "Assembly line to the end zone!"

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Edward Teach (Blackbeard)

Forget Ndamukong Suh.  If the Bucs really want to instill fear into the hearts of their opponents, they should draft the most famous pirate ever.  The dude fought with burning candles in his hair.  You really wanna mess with him?

4. Washington Redskins - A new team name

Really, guys?  Red skins?   Get with the 21st century, y'all.  Back in the 20's, there was a team with the name "Fairies."  (True story!) Go with that.

5. Kansas City Chiefs - Betty White

She has a stronger arm than Matt Cassel. 

Continue reading this post »

Okay, having absorbed all the input I recieved on my last mock draft, I decided to revise and expand.  I'm still sticking with my framework of attempting to be different, but still at least sensible.  (I know of a few picks that will potentially get me bitched out)  Because I'm a little pressed for time at present, I skipped providing explanations for the fourth round.  However, I'd be happy to answer any questions you have about the logic behind those or any other picks, which will hopefully generate some good discussion.

Without further ado...

1. St. Louis Rams - Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

I know, it's kinda funny to start out saying you want to shake things up and then come out with a consensus pick.  Well, in this case, it just makes too much sense.  I can only see this being two people:  Bradford or Suh.  From everything I read, Bradford is currently on the inside track

2. Detroit Lions - Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

I've read reports that the Lions are thinking about drafting Okung and kicking Jeff Backus inside to left guard.  They should do it.  And they will.  With Corey Williams joining the team and Sammie Lee Hill playing well last year, drafting Suh just doesn't fit here, especially since solid rotational defensive tackles can be acquired in the mid rounds.

Continue reading this post »

I tried to blend conventional wisdom with a desire to shake things up a bit and maybe make my mock a bit different from so many others, while still being halfways sensible.  Tell me how I did.

1. St. Louis Rams - Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

I know, it's kinda funny to start out saying you want to shake things up and then come out with a consensus pick.  Well, in this case, it just makes too much sense.  I can only see this being three people:  Bradford, Clausen or Suh.  From everything I read, Bradford is currently on the inside track.

2. Detroit Lions - Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

I've read reports that the Lions are thinking about drafting Okung and kicking Jeff Backus inside to left guard.  They should do it.  And they will.  With Corey Williams joining the team and Sammie Lee Hill playing well last year, drafting Suh just doesn't fit here.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

Yahtzee for Bucs fans!  Greatest need + dominant player = win

4. Washington Redskins - Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

No matter who their quarterback is going to be, he needs to be protected.  Bulaga has a good deal of experience at left tackle, nice athleticism and was coached Kirk Ferentz.  He's my #2 ranked OT in the draft and I have difficulty believing Shanahan could pass on him.

5. Kansas City Chiefs - Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

Al Davis curses his bitter rivals as they snatch his #1 hope from under him.  Doubtless he'll retreat to his dungeon where he will use his warlock powers to cast a spell on them.  Seriously, though, Campbell has all the physical tools to be a dominant left tackle and the Chiefs coaching staff will be delighted to have this clay to mold.  Much like with the Lions, Branden Albert can kick inside to guard and probably become a dominant player there.  Two birds dead with one stone.

6. Seattle Seahawks - Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

Last year, one of the best defensive prospects in recent memory dropped right into Seattle's lap.  It happens again this year with McCoy.  He is too good and offers too much value to pass up, despite what might be more pressing needs elsewhere.

7. Cleveland Browns - Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

The loss of Brodney Pool has left Cleveland's secondary in an even worse state than it already was.  If Berry lives up to his "next Ed Reed" billing (and I think he will), this will be looked back on as a total steal for the Browns.

8. Oakland Raiders - Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

A nice consolation prize for Al Davis and one that might fit his team's needs even better.  The Raiders are in need of right tackle help and Williams has a lot of experience there.  He can also push Mario Henderson to take over the left tackle spot.  He has the athleticism Davis prizes.  Do not be surprised if his name is called at #8.

9. Buffalo Bills - Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee

A little high for Williams, it's true, but if Buffalo is going to shift to the 3-4 defense, they'll need a real nose tackle to be its linchpin.  Williams is the only one who fits the bill at this juncture.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars - CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson

Surprised?  Don't be.  I admit I hadn't even thought of this until the mock last Saturday, but the more I ponder it, the greater sense it makes.  Spiller is a dynamic weapon that can run, catch passes out of the backfield and line up in the slot.  He can also help the return game.  Paired with Maurice Jones-Drew, he can make the Jaguars offense exponentially better.  Their defense has troubles, yes, but you need to score points to win and the Jags are drafting in the top 10 for a reason.

Continue reading this post »

Quarterbacks:

Currently under contract: JaMarcus Russell, Bruce Gradkowski, Charlie Frye, JP Losman

Analysis:  For now, forget anything you may have heard about Al Davis using the uncapped year to rid himself of JaMarcus Russell.  Davis is committed to giving Russell at least one more year and the recent signing of Hue Jackson as offensive coordinator only reinforces that belief.  There's some speculation that Davis may cut Russell at the end of training camp if he shows up fat and out of shape again and stinks up the practices.

Gradkowski is an RFA and it's hard to imagine the Raiders not taking advantage of that fact to keep him around, given how effective he was when Cable finally got fed up and benched Russell.

Charlie Frye started as the 3rd stringer and ended up starting due to the ineptness of Russell and injuries to Gradkowski.  He did well enough, I suppose, though his play seemed to indicate he'll never be anything other than a backup in the league.  He is a UFA, but will be an RFA if the uncapped year happens.

JP Losman was signed as emergency third stringer and threw 1 incomplete pass against Denver. 

It's not a hard thing to imagine the Raiders standing pat on quarterbacks.  Russell isn't going anywhere (for now) and with Gradkowski and Frye having a year in the system and played anywhere from adequately to good, it should be a simple matter to put an RFA tender on both of them.  It is difficult to imagine other teams beating a path to their door in any case.  Losman may be kept around to provide camp competition for Frye, with the winner getting the 3rd string position.

Will the Raiders draft a QB? I don't see it, though Davis may take a flyer on someone like Fordham's John Skelton or Troy's Levi Brown in the 7th round if Losman isn't kept for camp.

Continue reading this post »

Quarterbacks:

Currently under contract: JaMarcus Russell, Bruce Gradkowski, Charlie Frye, JP Losman

Analysis:  For now, forget anything you may have heard about Al Davis using the uncapped year to rid himself of JaMarcus Russell.  Davis is committed to giving Russell at least one more year and the recent signing of Hue Jackson as offensive co-ordinator only re-inforces that belief.  There's some speculation that Davis may cut Russell at the end of training camp if he shows up fat and out of shape again and stinks up the practices.

Gradkowski is an RFA and it's hard to imagine the Raiders not taking advantage of that fact to keep him around, given how effective he was when Cable finally got fed up and benched Russell.

Charlie Frye started as 3rd stringer and ended up starting due to the ineptness of Russell and injuries to Gradkowski.  He did well enough, I suppose, though his play seemed to indicate he'll never be anything other than a backup in the league.  He is a UFA, but will be an RFA if the uncapped year happens.

JP Losman was signed as emergency third stringer and threw 1 incomplete pass against Denver. 

It's not a hard thing to imagine the Raiders standing pat on quarterbacks.  Russell isn't going anywhere (for now) and with Gradkowski and Frye having a year in the system and played anywhere from adequately to good, it should be a simple matter to put a RFA tender on both of them.  Diffcult to imagine other teams beating a path to their door in any case.  Losman may be kept around to provide camp competition for Frye, with the winner getting the 3rd string position.

Will the Raiders draft a QB? I don't see it, though Davis may take a flyer on someone like Fordham's John Skelton or Troy's Levi Brown in the 7th round if Losman isn't kept for camp.

Continue reading this post »

I was watching the game and tweeting my thoughts via my Blackberry.  Thought I'd reproduce some of them so you can see my insight.  Going to cook/eat some dinner shortly after I post this, but I'll be back later to see what, if anything, y'all have to say.  Warning: serious profanity ahead.  My vocabulary drops into the gutter on Twitter.  Fair warning if that sort of thing offends you!

Continue reading this post »

With the Senior Bowl in full swing and less than a month to the Combine, I decided to put together a new round one mock.  There are some picks here that fit into conventional wisdom and others that I think you'll find go against the grain.  (I'd say "provocative" but I find that's rather extreme for a freaking mock draft!) Anyway, I'm particularly interested to know what Bucs, Seahawks, 49ers and Eagles fans think of the picks I've assigned them.

Anyway, feel free to tear me apart at your leisure.  I hope to have at least two more rounds done by this weekend.

Continue reading this post »