A Plan to attack the Oakland Raiders' offseason needs

Thoughts from the Dark Side

January 19, 2008

A Plan to attack the Oakland Raiders' offseason needs

73 Comments

Recommended (0) | Share

There can be no doubt that the Raiders have gaping holes to fill this offseason. While the first order of business will be locking down Nnamdi Asomugha and Justin Fargas to long term deals, followed closely by ensuring that important role players like Jarrod Cooper will return next year. Once the Raiders have gotten those players taken care of, it will be time to attack the holes on their roster. Wide Receiver, Offensive Tackle, Defensive Tackle, and Safety are the positions that the Raiders need improvement in by far the most, and those will be the positions looked at today.

With the Raiders coming off of five straight double digit loss seasons, it would seem that Lane Kiffin is under a huge amount of pressure from Al Davis to "Just Win Baby." Al doesn't like to lose, and is probably the most impatient owner in the league when it comes to getting results now. to get these results the Raiders need to address their areas of greatest need.

Wide Receiver: Level of Need: RED A lack of wide receiver speed and depth was the achilles heel of the Raiders in 2007. Jerry Porter will be gone, Tim Dwight is an unrestricted free agent, leaving Ron Curry and Johnnie Lee Higgins the only wide outs under contract to the Raiders. Curry is a very good slot receiver and possession receiver, but had some problems with the dropsies at bad times last season. Higgins received only scant playing time and showed poor hands, and did not use the blazing speed he had at UTEP. If the Raiders bring in enough competition at wide out, Higgins may not even make the team next year. Chris McFoy was elevated from the practice squad at the end of the season and is best known for dropping a clutch pass from JaMarcus Russell.

Who would have ever thought that any team run by Al Davis would have a dearth of speed at any position, let alone the wide receiver position? For those who say that Kiffin didn't have control of the personnel, there is no way Al would have chosen to go into a season with only four wide receivers, with the only burner an untried rookie. With Jerry Porter soon to be a memory in the Silver and Black, the Raiders need to go hard after the wide receiver position. Ronald Curry is a very good possession/ slot receiver, but the Raiders need someone who can stretch the field. The pickings here are a bit slim in free agency, but Bernard Berrian from the Chicago Bears or Bryant Johnson of Arizona could be brought in for contracts that would not break the bank. There are also rumors that Detroit would be willing to part with Roy Williams in a trade, which could be Oakland's best bet. Williams, along with a signing of Berrian or Johnson would solidify the position giving JaMarcus Russell three solid receivers to throw to.

There are no Wide Receivers who would be worthy of the Raiders' first round pick, so the above rout would be the way to go. Look for the Raiders to take a shot on another receiver with a mid to late round pick looking to strike some gold.

Offensive Tackle: Level of Need: RED Barry Sims is a warhorse, that can��t be taken away from him. He has shown that he can be serviceable for the most part, but when he is off he is horrid. He often gets beat by speed rushers and is good for a couple of false start calls a game. He would be great to be kept around for depth as he can play both tackle and guard fairly well, and it would be great to have a player like him on the bench that could be plugged in if there is an injury. He should, however, be replaced as the starter. Paul McQuistan took over for the pedestrian Cornell Green and was the starting right tackle when the Raiders went three straight games without a sack. McQuistan should be given the chance to win the starting RT job in camp, as he has shown progress at that position. Mario Henderson, last years third round pick did not get much if any playing time and is a wild card in the tackle race. The Raiders need to bring in at least one tackle through the draft or free agency. Jake Long could be a good pick for the Raiders depending on who else is on the board.

Many in the Nation want to see the Raiders bring in Max Starks from the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he has been playing right tackle with Pittsburgh, and the Raiders need a left tackle. Unless the Raiders are planning on moving him to left tackle, his price tag would likely be too high. Another option would be Flozell "The Hotel" Adams from Dallas. The issue with him would be age, but his experience could be invaluable for helping the development of Paul McQuistan and Mario Henderson.

In the draft, the Raiders could cast aside the specter of Robert Gallery's presumed busting and draft Jake Long. This is an unlikely scenario, as the Raiders will likely be targeting defensive line support with that pick.

Defensive Tackle: Level of Need: RED ALERT! DANGER! DANGER! WARNING LANE KIFFIN!!! DANGER!!! (enough of the bad Robbie the Robot impersonation.) This position is by far the biggest need in terms of what the team needs and the size of the player needed. The Raiders defense was atrocious against the run, and run defense starts with having a solid defensive tackle corps. Warren Sapp��s retirement only adds to the drastic need at this position. The Raiders have Gerrard Warren who is injury prone and Terdell Sands who was a major disappointment. They also have Tommy Kelley who is better suited to play base end and is an unrestricted free agent. The Raiders MUST attach this position over all others in the offseason. If he is on the board, there is no doubt the Raiders should draft Glenn Dorsey out of LSU. This position should be attacked the way the Raiders attacked the tight end position. (They brought in a gang of mid range free agent tight ends to fight for the position, as well as drafted Zach Miller.) They need to beef up this position something fierce. This is the need of needs for the Raiders this offseason.

There is no way to overstate the importance to the Raiders of beefing up their defensive tackle position this offseason. There are not going to be many options in free agency for this position. Albert Haynesworth is the biggest name potential free agent, but the Titans will lock him up either with a long term deal or a franchise tag. The Raiders need to lock up their own Tommy Kelly who can play both end and tackle. One of the rumors out there is that the Lions may be looking to trade Shaun Rogers. If this is true, then the Raiders would be wise to do a package deal for Rogers along with the aforementioned Roy Williams. The Raiders could do a swap of first round picks along with a player or two to make that happen. Another option would be to bring in a defensive end and move Kelly inside. Justin Smith of the Bengals or Terrell Suggs of the Ravens could be in play in that scenario.

In the draft, if he is there when the Raiders pick they need to grab Glenn Dorsey from LSU. He is more of a pass rushing tackle in the Warren Sapp mold than a space eater against the run, but the Raiders need playmakers on the inside of their defensive line. If Dorsey is not there, but the Raiders do a pick swap with Detroit and Sedrick Ellis is there the Raiders need to grab him. A defensive line of Burgess, Ellis, Rogers, and Kelly would look really good to the Silver and Black.

Safety: Level of Need: RED Michael Huff is rumored to be moving to free safety, which would likely be a better position for his skill set. Stuart Schweigert��s detractors got their wish when he was demoted late in the season. Hiram Eugene did nothing to improve the position. If Huff moves to free safety, the Raiders need to bring in a Bob Sanders type strong safety that can play in the box against the run. If the Raiders are switching to a Cover-two defense, then the strong safety will no longer be required to man up against the tight ends as Huff has done for the past two years, and will be more available to make plays. This is an area of need, but for the love of the Nation Al, PLEASE DO NOT DRAFT A D-BACK WITH THE TOP PICK. (See the section of defensive tackle for my suggestions.)

It appears that those who want Stuart Schweigert on the bench got their wish at the end of last season. Michael Huff will likely be moved over to free safety creating a void at strong safety.�� The issue here is what is available as a replacement. Mike Doss and Gibril Wilson are the two biggest free agent names at that position. Doss was successful with Indy in their Tampa-2 defense from the free safety position, but his acquisition would keep Huff at strong safety. Wilson is a strong safety, and had a decent year in New York.

In the draft, for the love of the Nation Al, there are NO defensive backs worth grabbing at the # 3 or 4 slot. Repeat, there are NO defensive backs worth grabbing at the number three or four slot. There are no defensive backs worth grabbing in the first if you do that trade with Detroit.

That is where things stand as of 19 January 2008 for the Raider Nation. Stay tuned to Thoughts from the Dark Side as the offseason progresses. Raider X will be adding his thoughts and plans as well as the regularly scheduled program.

Tags: NFL, Oakland Raiders, Raiders

Discussion

73 Comments on "A Plan to attack the Oakland Raiders' offseason needs"

Posted by Sam, January 19, 2008 12:54 AM

so far you have

correct.

you would want to trade down to maximize the effective players in the draft. It appears free agency isnt as stout as you think.

if you package a deal to move down 10 (Saints) you could give up Dorsey, but receive your tackle (Sam Baker), you'd get an additional player, and a second. How would you feel about....Charles Grant (DE)? then you could move Kelly inside, right? with the 2nd, you could get Kiffin SC favorite CB Terrell Thomas (with Saints pick), a big corner with speed.

cover receiver via FA - Bernard Berrian or D.J.Hackett

get your safety - Tom Zbikowski with your additional pick or get him at 3rd. that leaves DT - maybe we keep our 2nd (35-36th) pick, so thats Kentwan Balmer, Red Bryant or Frank Okam.

the main point, is to save the bonus money Davis would have to shell out for another top 5 pick.

another option is to take McFadden at 3 and trade him to Dallas for a kings ransom (wouldnt it be cool to include Roy Williams in that deal? That gives us a pro bowl S in the box and allows Huff to move to FS)

Posted by Rolni, January 19, 2008 8:53 AM

Hi!!

What about change 1st rounders with Detroit, give them L.Jordan and Stuart S. and get Roy Williams and Shaun Rogers...

Then with the1st we pick Ellis /or an OT(Baker,Oher...)/ and in the 2nd we take an OT(Tony Hills) /or a NT (Pat Simms)/

Posted by dan, January 19, 2008 9:46 AM

defense defense defense.. we (the nation) need lineman and a sure tackling safety.. are takling this year was absolutely pittiful.. glad to see porter gone sick and tired of his underachieving ass, bitchin about the organaztion.. remember people.. if you hang out in a barn sooner or later you smell like manuer!! get people in there that want to play football and not worry about how much there getting paid!! i sometimes dont know why but i'll forever love the silver and black

Posted by The Hawk, January 19, 2008 9:52 AM

Sam,

I would agree with everything you said but, YOU LOST ME WITH ROY WILLIAMS. As a BIG RAIDERS FAN here in Dallas, TX, we don't want anything to do with ROY WILLIAMS. Well maybe if he gained 30 pounds and he switched to outside linebacker.

The Hawk

Posted by RaiDerRickilee, January 19, 2008 10:51 AM

Say goodbye to Porter, let go of Fargas(the Broncos proved anyone can run in this type of scheme, Rhodes proving it and Bush should shine). Adams in FA and a D-line man also. Chris Long in the draft, not Jake Long. I agree with the Hawk, living in Houston, don't be taken by Roy Williams, ala a Cowboy named Larry in 96.

Posted by chris, January 19, 2008 11:20 AM

please tell me why we're getting rid of porter! is it in his contract, have we already released him?! what is it? ive heard nothing! and i knew he was pissed last season but i didnt know he was this year! please answer me back! i need to know what is going on!

Posted by truRAIDER864, January 19, 2008 11:22 AM

i perfer trade our top 5 pick to Dallas and somehow get their two first round picks get a DT #1, and DeShaun Jackson with the other 1st round pick, then go after LSU's (SS) Stealtz in the 2nd round. Those are the three most important holes we need to fill it would be great if it could happen.

Posted by truRAIDER864, January 19, 2008 11:26 AM

I don't want anything to do with that non-coverage, can't even run with TE's all he is good for is a big hit at non important times Roy Williams might as well put Derrick Burgess At SS!!!

Posted by da kidd, January 19, 2008 11:26 AM

i like fargas but i think rhodes is better.. the d line needs lots of help and shaun rogers would be a great pick up.the first threee pics the raiders have should go to defense (lineman only)..d-backs and linebackers are fine.. lets go silver and black

#10

Posted by LDizzle, January 19, 2008 11:34 AM

You keep saying that Jerry Porter will be gone. You have no proof that this will happen. I don't even hear any media outlets saying this. I don't see how this team can afford to lose him quite honestly. WR is not the biggest need anyway. DT is the most pressing need. Then OT and DE. Oh and truRAIDER864? There is no need to trade for two first rounders if Deshaun Jackson is who you are after. I believe Jackson will be available with our high 2nd round pick.

#11

Posted by LDizzle, January 19, 2008 11:42 AM

Also "truRAIDER864" and "the HAWK says": How stupid are you that you think he is talking about sorry ass SS Roy Williams? He was talking about Roy Williams the WIDE RECEIVER. He says a trade with the LIONS. You know in DETROIT where Roy Williams the WIDE RECEIVER plays?

#12

Posted by truRAIDER864, January 19, 2008 1:40 PM

that's where i got lost everyone knows Detroit isn't gettin rid of Roy Williams that's their best reciever not to mention pro bowl caliber reciever. That's stupid to even suggest that!

#13

Posted by truRAIDER864, January 19, 2008 1:43 PM

LDizzle Deshaun Jackson is ranked in the overall top 20 of draft prospects. Stealtz will be the one that will be available in the 2nd round.

#14

Posted by Loandogg, January 19, 2008 3:40 PM

The Raiders are not in a position to tarde a LUXUARY PICK! History has shown that the Raider Organization "does not" trade high draft picks. The Raiders should take Darren McFadden with thier 1st Rd pick!!! The Raiders don't have any playmakers on offense. Our defense has playmakers at key positions. LB; Morrison and Howard CB: Nnamdi DE: Derrick Burgess. Clemmons/Richardson showed playmaker potential.

The Raider offense was a DIRECT result of a good system with solid professionals playing thier roles. We had no "PLAYMAKERS " on offense! We had interchangable parts, McCown/Culpepper; Jordan/Fargas & Rhodes as he showed us late, that he can run in our system too. Porter/Curry, both are best at the Slot. NO PLAYMAKERS on Offense! It also makes sense that the Raiders draft McFadden when you are looking at an Offense that ranked 25th overall. The Raiders chose Russell to Captain the ship. A Captain is only as GOOD as his solders. McFadden would be a Lieutenant immediately!

New England and Greenbay are 1st &2nd overall Offensively. The last time the Raiders were in the SB they were ranked 1st in total yards and 2nd in total points.

In My humble opinion the Raider Draft should go as follows; 1st RD : Darren McFadden RB 2nd RD: Pat Sims DT 3rd RD: Mario Manningham or James Hardy . I like Hardy because he is 6'7 with speed and good hands.

The Biggest issue for the Raiders would be accuiring a 3rd rd pick in the 2008 draft. The 2008 3rd rd pick was Traded to New England in last year's draft. No matter how the Raiders do it, they must pick in the 3rd round.this year!! Too much offensive talent to pass up in this year's draft. The ability to draft 3 impact players, in the same year, has to be "HIGH PRIOTY" for the Raiders 2008 Draft.

#15

Posted by Raider209nation, January 19, 2008 3:57 PM

man if dat rumor i$ true bout detroit den let$ make it happen?! and i hope dat other rumor bout taken mcfadden den traden him 2 dalla$ i$ not true cuz i dont wana $ee dem cowbitche$ get beta?! i hate dem all bout dat $ilver and black?! davi$ ju$t need$ 2 throw out all dat bank he ha$ and let kiffin decide wat he want$!? we beta be bu$y diz off$ea$on!

RAIDER NATION 4 LIFE!

#16

Posted by Juice, January 19, 2008 4:01 PM

Dude, I'm with you on most of what you said. But the Shaun Rogers deal makes me cringe though. He's been just as much of an underachiever up in Detroit as anyone in Oakland. Let me ask you this, why would Oakland be willing to aquire a 6' 5'' 350 lbs monster if he's a career underachiever? Rod Marinelli has a rep for being one of the best defensive line coaches in the game and even he couldn't motivate Rogers. Memo to Al: Don't touch him, it's a waste of money! How's he any different than Terdell Sands? Grab a guy like Corey Williams from Green Bay and then divert your attention to the draft. It's cheaper that way. Roy Williams on the other hand would be a great aquisition here in Oakland because of his speed and size. It would make sense since the Lions' are moving in a different direction on offense with the departed Mike Martz and the fact that they have too much money invested in the WR position. If they can't do that then trade down and get both of the Cowboys picks. Jerry jones would love to have McFadden because he's about to part with Julius Jones. Oh, and did I mention Jones is an Arkansas alumn? Seriously though, the more picks the better, because free agency doesn't solve anything long term. The draft is how you build a team people.

#17

Posted by Juice, January 19, 2008 4:10 PM

Loandogg, you can get by with serviceable parts at the skill poistions, but the front lines are where it all happens. If your offensive line can't play consistently enough then your skill positions are just about useless. Russell is the big investment and he needs to be protected, and the line needs to be improved further. If he is not protected he will never realize his potential. Oakland's line has been poor since they won the AFC back in '02. You talk about the Packers and the Patriots, yes they are great offensive teams, but they also have excellent offensive lines. Same thing with the defense, your secondary is nothing if teams run the ball at will against you. Offensive and defensive line Al Davis, don't ignore them.

#18

Posted by Loandogg, January 19, 2008 4:47 PM

The only "serviceable parts" that played at a HIGH level this year was our offensive line, which open holes for our running game that was ranked 6th overall. FA will provide us some additional vetren leadership on the OL. Just like adding Newberry at Center this year. I think he was the MVP of the OL. Especially when you look at the Radier production when he was out vs when he played.

The Raiders OL went through a 5 game stretch where they only allowed 3 sacks. 3 Straight games with NO sacks to our QB. The system that the Radiers run will protect our QB better, with the addition of a PLAYMAKER on offense.

The Packers and Pariots are much better on Defense because of the pressure the Offense places on teams. New England and Greenbay are 1 & 2 against the spread. Usually a double digit spread!!

Juice, trust me I understand that a GOOD line is the foundation for a successful season. Thats why the Raiders should address that need at DT with the 2nd pick. Then cement the need through FA.

You are right Mr. Davis should not ignore the offensive and defensive line need. He also should'nt ignore a SURE THING....Darren McFadden!!

#19

Posted by Juice, January 19, 2008 7:07 PM

Alright Loandogg, I'll agree that the Raiders' offensive line was improved this year, and the system that they employ made a huge difference, and by the way I gotta give a ton of credit to Tom Cable for the work he put in. But they still need to get better man. They whent from bottom of the league in O-Line quality to somewhere towards the middle. To say their line play is on par with say the Packers or Patriots, is just rediculous. Hey I'm not questioning whether or not you know how to build a team, hell none of us are general managers but the line play on both sides of the ball needs to get better. If that happened it would go a long way towards making the Raiders a better team. As for McFadden, he's a fantastic player and I wouldn't be mad at all if we got him and does what Adrian Peterson did for the Vikings, but with so many other needs I just think it would be a little foolish to draft him. I don't think we need a superstar at running back, the whole committee thing worked out pretty well last season, we just need to see a winning season period.

#20

Posted by KCSC, January 19, 2008 10:48 PM

People. Everything sounds good but it starts from the top. It starts with Mr.davis. He said, ''I won't reitre until I win two more superbowls.''If he doesn't make the right moves, we'll be talking about all this ish instead of being in the superbowl for the next 10 years

#21

Posted by raidersfan1, January 19, 2008 11:03 PM

WE need someone at WR fast! I think that that should be our first priority (sry for spelling). JaMarcus Russell has a really good arm and is a good QB. If Glenn Dorsey and/or Derek Mcfadden are taken, we should get Malcolm Kelly.

As for safety, we could draft reggie smith. Roy Williams would probably get penalties for the "horse-collar tackle"

I am a Hawaii Warriors fan, so if the raiders draft Davone Bess in like the 2-3rd round, i would be happy

#22

Posted by tyler, January 20, 2008 12:01 AM

I read all of the posts, will some of you please learn to speak english or not try and post about the Raiders since the only person who can understand you is you... directed at mike who posted right after me

Roy Williams of Dallas is POS and overrated, so overrated

#23

Posted by tyler, January 20, 2008 2:45 AM

The Raiders definitely need to address their D-Line. Their O-Line is a Knapp product, so as long as he is around they'll be productive! I would like to see the Raiders use their pick on Chris Long if he is available or trade out to (I hate to say it) Dallas and obtain two 1st round picks and address two needs. With late round picks they could get two players for the cost of McFadden. Calais Campell or Vernon Gholston would be good picks and any of the many OT that are on draft boards around the internet or even trade with Detroit in a pick + player swap suggested with Roy Williams (WR who wants out of Detroit along with Kevin Jones also wants out). Kenny Phillips could possibly be available depending of course! With the pick (which will most likely be used by Darth Davis, the Raiders should look for one of four players (depending on 3/4 coin flip): Chris Long (DE/Virginia), Jake Long (OT/Michigan), Darren McFadden (RB/Arkansas) otherwise trade out if none are available! If they traded to Dallas or even Detroit and Fargas doesnt come back Jonathan Stewart would be a great choice IMO. They must lock up Asmougha and keep him together with Burgess, Howard, Morrison, and Huff! Addressing the corner position would be ideal in the later round such as 3-5 because Fabian Washington isnt as good as he was projected to be, not a bust, but not a great CB2. I would like to see the Raiders go after Jared Allen (25 yrs old I believe) and then try and pick up Frank Okam in the 2nd round leaving their line to look like this: Allen, Okam, Kelly, Burgess (DT questionable). I am a huge Jared Allen fan and would love nothing more than to see him sport at silver and black 69! Bringing in a RB I think is a moot point as Knapp turned Warrick Dunn and TJ Duckett into extremely productive backs and with Rhodes still around and Jordan possibly on his way out, re-signing Fargas, drafting a back in the 2/3 round (Kenny Smith, UCF or if traded out for Dallas' picks Felix Jones, Arkansas or Steve Slaton, WVU) would also fit the bill. Addressing it through FA could work as Julius Jones, though not my favorite choice, would also produce in a Knapp system. I liked the idea of Starks or Adams for OT as even though they bring age and some penalties, they'd also bring stability, veteran leadership and a solid bookend for JaRu to start his first season. As far as WR, Roy Williams would be a great addition for JaRu since he is a possession WR and catches almost anything thrown his way, as Berrian is more of a deep threat, long ball WR IMO. I hope they resign Porter as he is a great WR and Curry is only getting better. Oakland needs at least 2 fast WR so there is a chance to show off that bazooka of an arm JaRu has!!!! I liked Zach Miller this year and think he will end up being very solid. Thomas Howard is officially my favorite player, just edging out Jared Allen, but Howard will be the force for this D for years to come. He is an uber athlete and should be locked up long term for sure!!!

#24

Posted by mike, January 20, 2008 4:43 AM

look,its way to early to project the 3 w's in the draft!but it is never to early to deifne needs.this to me is daily/weekly year round deed!for oak ,the order of buisnes is internal! we need the next al davis/ron wolfe @g.m.!this gm by commitee dont work!oh btw bruce allen got lauded as gm of year diSpelling anyof that" al davis is in charge crap"(even tho his drafting was bad for mostpart) so needs in this order are!!!!

so i will conduct this as tho i am "G.M." FROM #2 NEED DOWN #1 need is b4 i was hired! get it!

@#1 g.m.-the next al davis-we need a guru/savy shark!like a young al davis!ron wolfe(al protege) i would be perfect for job btw!!i dont know any one who is in this caliber other then my fav! " jimmy johnson" drafts are never the same wo/him!

#2 def cord- would immeditly go get monte@2mil/anum or ron rivera,remeber him!he is maybe a better guy then monte,he is got lineage w/ 4-3zone/4-3 attack/3-4 attack!and he is from the chargers,this is a boon for oakland psyche! the only problem is he wants to be a head coach soon!and laney'mite not like that!well to bad ! kiffy! "you aint got the juice to bring in your own dad,what good are you!"

then i would torture that "robryan" guy!1st i will launch a investigation into whos'he been talking to last 4 years!and have him beaten/flogged/arrested!

for "corporatespying" seriously! he is ether the "worlds dumbestbastard " or he is on the payrolls of pats-jets-afc west-or all the above! serioulsy, you know what bellichecks'fav book is "the art of war" the chinese put a heavy inital stress on point espionage,someone who is in the enemy camp creating turmoil!kindda like now with the oak

defense, iineficient!&upsidedown!!

so needless to say this is really the only problem i see with the "D",direction&focus!w/ rite coach even a guy like stu schweigert(the worst player in nfl,due to coaching)

will find his way!&be the perfect s.s.in 2-deepzone scheme!i alsosee stu as a blitzing safety@line over te,then flying to qb!

to support this to any of you "RORBRYAN" dopes!go look at burgess lining up "outsidethe box every down" this is a COLOSSAL NO NO @ any level of football,if your SDE is lined up outsdie the TE? then your SDT is then expected to protect 3 GAPS?!what a fraud !hat has been perpetuated on theraider fan!& any wonder why they cant stop the run ever!

so need #2 which really is #1 regardless of new g.m.!is RYAN sent to siberia! wo-food-rations till he squeals as to who he is working for!!!serioulsy!

# 3-new pass offense!-ist we go what are we doing?,then we go get the talent!w- jmarc@qb we need a X-GUY(like a galloway/smith/etc) impact/scary guy!5-8+180+4.25/40 type!we always had them,now we dont & now we want one back!the only change here is no more playcallinmg for lane!he cost us games last year! oak has higgins on roster,he actually mite be answer?hes'got the numbers!but is he ready now?why risk it!if he develops great/we are stacked @ x-wr ,great!if he dont then we make him better thru repetition!what this new X-guy brings is really only 2-3 rec game but @ 17yds avg!,which means 1 big play a game!this makes curry/porter a weapon as well as the underused tes' madsen-miller! also j-marc needs a "B&B"type sysytem,the one backbone play that he goes to 10+game!well,the "TIMINGPASS" this has put irvin/aikman,marino-duper, in the HOF! BTW!this will be run out of any formation/any time!& is adjutable for any down/filed posi etc! he can go 85%on these pass plays!& his arm strenght makes it unstoppable!really!the rest of off! "the playact rolls"ive loved for years! so thats it there!

#4 LOT-this is the only spot on line that,i dont think we have answer on roster!it is to late to move gallery there!so drafting a nfl ready lot!?no way they dont exist!they need 2years/35game min to develop!so we need the next lincoln kennedy!who is out there ! flo adams?well what i do as g.m. is found out who is really the best@lot in nlf,start there & dont stop till i land one! it is that simple!hey this is assuming "MARIO"isnt the answer/or MCQUISTAN?

#5 ROT-I want to go get boothe back from giants!why why lane did you CUT HIM!is zack right "thebuddysystem" ? well anyway the need here is now! we had lot&rot leaking like sieve! I AM NOT SOLD ON MCQUISTAN playin on rite side!even tho he did well!so if he is not answer, i go get the answer, i will alk to my 2 brilliaint of coaches cable-knapp&see what the answer is!!! but answer should be on roster!

#6-IMPACT GUYS ON DEFENSE-i discuss w/ newly appointed def cord!where do we start?

1st impact is

stopping the run! how ?????????????

most answers on roster!

move brayton to sde,

kelly to wdt

,burgesswde,

warren @sdt#1 & wdt#3

,then find depth @sdt-run guy -this should be a vet, tank johnson,grady jaxetc!big run pluggr,

then rotate in sands @ wdt,sde @25%each spot,williams @wde 25%

,brayton&kelly should split time at both sde/wdt 50/50 run pass!&be every down guys!this move i'll call it now! TOP 5 VS RUN!!! notice we only get 1-2new guys !!! and top 10 vs pass!

all inexpensive to!also SACKS go thru roof!!!!finally!!

the best impact on this team is #1 stoptherun!!,so we fixed THAT beheading "ROBRYAN"

,now pass rush, well again answerson roster-move BURGESS to every down wde,sacks go up to 15,then rotate in williams to passrusher,where he belongs 6-5 260,runs@ 4.55/4.65 plenty fast!he brings in 8+sacks!rite there is a spike of +15,!then my def cord will blitz-HOWARD 10X game this gets avg of .75 sack a game!do the math 12 sacks from howard he is now the "IMPACTOLBR " we havent had since the MADSTORK"!!we do NOT

need any other olbr to achieve this!!these 3 moves puts us in 45+sack team dept!!easy!

"RETURN TO SPLENDOUR" YEAH BABY!!!

at the ist snap of the ball,the

QB MUST GO DOWN, AND GO DOWN "HARD!!!!!!get it!!

we can use a vet run guy type mlbr/ like a pepper johnson later in his career! i ilke al wilson,or zeke moreno!or better! grab them for depth & rotating my fav #52 kirk all over solbr-mblr-wolbr as a robo lbr!he is so text book,why limit him!!!this will also help the run def move to top 5 status!!!then kirk can spend more time, cover tes'hbs,fbs,out of backfield,which is what he does best!!!

next impact on defense, will be the def cord playing either "43" 2 deep zone or "34" attack style or both!i think "34'" is harder to develop! the "43"2deep is a players best friend! it will squeeze filed as game progresses!so lets say both types'will be used !

we need to move HUFF to FREESFTY,finally!this move alone will create 7+tos'then either get a 6-190lb fluid s.s.thrutrade or fa,or i think stu is perfect for job!matter of fact i will challenge my def cord!to have stu win job!over anyone!stus was a fluid 6-2-210lb 4.55/40talent @ either safty spot out of purdue , whose career has been ruined by robryan!i will give him 2 years on my team to correct that !talk about amotivated guy!he will be! if not i will have insurance there! my aim here in back 4 is to have 12ints/min @all 3 cb spots nahmdi-5 fabian-4 routt-3 min!we are getting that now!but i will now move NAHMDI to where he belongs "SCB"/not WCB! what ajoke this has been ryan has big physiacl nahmdi on weak side, & small speester fabian on strong side@185lbs trying to offer run support!this is nhmadis'job! so 1 simple move puts all the talent in its rite spots! WCB-#27., SCB-#21 FRSFT#24 STRGSFTY-#30 3CB#26ROUTT 3RDSFTY-??

so all said & done on defense! we are now playing the "43" 2deep/w/ "34"attackstyle sprinkled in 10Xper game!! our defense @ end of 08 wll be top 5 minimum!our stats will look like this 3.25 avg att vs run!, under 390atts on ground ! 45+sackseasy!probably more like 58sacks! 25 ints!!!! all with just a few simple adjustments & personell moves!! sure any idiot can come in eher and say lest go get this guy!that guy freeagents!!yeah yeah!!! but why !!! my players on the roster are better then all of them!!!

oh p.s. this team as you see it goes 13-3 / and 5-1 vs west!!!!!! RETURN TO SPLENDOUR!!!!

#25

Posted by ganmad, January 20, 2008 6:14 AM

For the the peolple that keep talking about the Roy Williams in Dallas coming to Oaktown you didnt read the article very closely, we are talking about the wr from Detroit. So dont worry, no horse collard takles or re-runs of Larry Brown. God Bless.......Late

#26

Posted by matt, January 20, 2008 3:16 PM

Ya'll dont know nothing! roy williams sucks he cant cover anybody!! We need to get Mcfadden cause hes the best running back in the draft and hell dominate. Deshaun jackson is weak can't even run his own team. ALL WE NEED TO DO IS GET NHAMDI RESIGNED AND MCFADDEN AND ITS A RAP!! playoffs here we come and get a reciever. Porter and fargas can leave. Maybe get the Kansas cornerback Aqib Tablib hes Nhamdi all over again. SEE YOU NEXT YEA NONE OF YALL WILL BE AT THE GAMES FAKE RAIDER FANS

#27

Posted by mike, January 20, 2008 7:02 PM

hey tyler , if if understand you! you want to have a repeat of last 4 years! 32nd vs run !again! you cant understand my grammar! thanks thats a compliment

from an

obvious " robryan fan club member"

oh just go sign jared allen,( hear of franchise tag ?) and then put him @ wde & continue this abortion of burgess @ sde! even tho allen outweighs burgess by 20lbs! this dont work! w/ burgess @ sde , this simply means the sdt next to him is expected to cover 2-3 gaps!!!burgess is easily blocked by a te or fb,every team knows this!

or he will take himself out of running plays due to his GREAT ABILTY to rush the passer(which is being negated last 24 games by robryan)so any talk of chris long, dorsey,or gholston/campbell OR signing jared allen etc! is really a joke!A BAD JOKE!!NO def linemen in their rite mind will come here w/ this equivalent to a SUICIDE BOMBER as our def cord!!! ok.

so the reason why ryan cant stop the run is himself,not the talent!!the sooner you robryan fans understand that & stop talking him up the sooner al davis! gets rid of him! you are part of the problem!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you need to "PREDICATE" these moves ,arethey w/ ROBRYAN or without!? any one that comes in on the

def line, is in for a year of hell,if ryan is still there o.k. ,you make no mention of this real need!a better def cord is our 1st need!

has anyone in last 4 years, (other then burgess who had 1 year as the designatepass rusher, till ryan messed with that,and put him at a run stopping spot??)had a good season

on this defense with ryan here?? THE ANSWER IS A RESOUNDING & SICKENING NO!

H.O.F'S look like washed has beens,then go to gbay-tampa-atlanta-jets and have resurgant years,kinda like what it was like coming to the raiders! or it was till ryan showed

up! now you ryan dopes are blaming fabian because he isnt getting 7 ints a year!or nhamdi didnt get 9 ints this year! well that is because they are both on wrong side of the ball! huff is not s.s.he is free sfty goin to waste ! stu is the worst player in nfl history!due to rob ryans influence!!it is called "RYANITIS" .any new players brought in from other teams , are not as good as ours!&will just cost us more.

BURGESS @WDE IS BETTER THEN ALLENN @WDE! i'd like to see allen or merryan stats if they had RYAN as their def cord!they both be on the disabled list year round! we got the answers on the roster! we just need a REAL DEF CORD! and not a inept/disfunctional/learning diabled / speech impediment/ rob zombie groupie wannabe/ fat / grotesque/un-professional/ fat pig homo! def cord!!O.K.

AND P.S. the only guy to take in 1st round w/ #3 spot is DARREN MCFADDEN he will put the ball in the end zone , isnt that what everyne needs! it is that simple!!!!

#28

Posted by Justin, January 20, 2008 7:32 PM

truRaider is stupid. how the heel u gonna put derrick burgess at SS? And no one is tlkin about sorry ass roy williams from dallas. we tlkin about roy williams from the lions, and the raiders dont need another running back, they already got michael bush, rhodes and fargas. they need to get rid of stuarts dumb ass, he is always getting burnt. we need to sign glenn dorsey.

#29

Posted by Justin, January 20, 2008 7:33 PM

#30

Posted by M-Dog, January 20, 2008 7:34 PM

we need to focus on a wide receiver like chad johnson

caliber

#31

Posted by jeru, January 20, 2008 10:51 PM

we should get out immediate help at o line.... i guy people fail to mention that ''ll be available will be og faneca from the steelers. get rid of gallery, or trade him, and get a new lt. sims and gallery were # 1 and 2 in false starts in the league. maybe al davis should check there hearing when evaluating o-lineman. next we need dt"s , albert haynesworth, i wouldnt touch, i dont trut guys that play big only on their final year of a contract. if we could bust a trade with the lions for shaun rogers, i would do it. he jus might need a change of scenary. furthermore, those big dt's from the jags.. stroud, and henderson, one of them was rumored to go last year, and is sure to be released this year. next should be wr's, either javon walker, roy williams trade, would help, i actually like jerry porter over ronald curry. jerry showed alot of poise, and was sure with his hands, curry had some butterfingers this year. jerry porter is also known for going up the middle to catch balls, dont know any wideout that was on our roster that would be able to do that. next would be a safety that can tackle, i like stuart but damn that guy was on so many highlights from the opposing team running backs just missing tackles.we spent a top 10 pick in huff, shouldnt we be using him at his natural postion, the so called falcon postion that once was roamed by charles woodson. and if available, getting a "real" outside linebacker to play with morrison and howard, robert thomas is a middle linebacker, pretty good 1 at that, but his a middle linebacker, not an olb. lance briggs? rumored to be traded also, jonathan vilma, his play has not been so great lately cuz they're using him as a 3-4 linebacker, instead of his strong suit as a 4-3 linebacker.

#32

Posted by Shane, January 21, 2008 8:19 AM

NO! NO! NO! I would like to agree with you guys but No. I'm sorry. Here's the best case scenario for the Raiders to start winning. The Raiders should not try to sign Porter or Fargas because you need that money for the Free Agent market and rookie signings. They should, which they are going to go after Free Agent DT Albert Haynesworth and WR Bernard Berriman, which is a great move. Put Lamont Jordan on the trade market and see what you get. Dorsey and Chris Long is going to go 1 and 2, like the draft experts say, then there best bet is trade down to stack the draft or pick Mcfadden with pick # 4, if they think he is worth it. Because, basically guys Rhodes, Jordan, and Michael Bush are the same type of backs. You need that speedy, homerun guy that can take it to the house; any and every time he touches the ball and that's what Al Davis likes and wants. Plus you guys are forgetting the most important rounds 2 to 5. They can always get that the Speedy DT out of Kansas to play next to Haynesworth. If Long or Dorsey does fall to the Raiders at pick # 4, then the Raiders could get Felix Jones in Round 2.

I would love to trade Lamont Jordan for Roy Williams straight up, because Detroit needs another running back to go along with Kevin Jones.

OT you can pick up in the later rounds and free agency.

#33

Posted by tyler, January 21, 2008 8:41 AM

Lamont Jordan for Roy Williams? Unlikely. Haynesworth will get franchised or resigned long term most likely.

Mike: Blaming all the defensive problems on Rob Ryan is dumb. They did not have a single run stopping DL. Asmougha is a stallion and a great CB, but Washington was on draft deadline trade rumors because of his lack of development. Yahoo!'s mock draft shows Matt Ryan number 1 to Miami. Espn's has Dorsey, but the Texans proved just because an expert says go with one guys doesnt mean they will. You fail to understand, even though I'd love for Run DMc to be in the silver and black, he'll garner top 5 money due to his skill position of RB and Darth Davis might be hesitant to pay it due to dumping a lot of money on JaRu last year. It's simple economics. Shane's idea of Felix Jones if he falls would be a good way to go if at all possible. The secondary needs a legit FS and Huff to move to SS and the D-Line needs an upgrade everywhere besides at Burgess' spot. And since there are only 2 WR under contract next year that'll be the, and knowing Darth Davis, the position he goes after very loosely and get who he can, which sucks.

#34

Posted by Taco Dog, January 21, 2008 9:16 AM

I wouldn't say for sure that they absolutely need to sign Fargas to a long-term contract. If we can sign him to a reasonable contract for two or three years, then great. But if he wants big money because of his performance this year, the Raiders shouldn't feel like they have to give in.

One, Fargas is injury prone. It was great to see him break out this season and he hits the hole as good as anyone. But I'm not for sure he can last a whole season.

Two, the Raiders also have Dominic Rhodes, who showed he can play in the last couple of games, and Michael Bush, who still is an unknown. Plus, the Raiders have a pretty good chance of landing McFadden. He is too good of a talent at No. 3 or No. 4 to pass up, even though we have bigger needs on the defensive line. Can you imagine how explosive an offense with Russell and McFadden could be in a few years?

Three, the Raiders are running a zone blocking scheme similar to the Broncos. Can you even name all of the running backs who have been successful for the Broncos over the last several years? There have been too many to mention, and a lot of that has to do with the line and the scheme. One year into the system with the Raiders, we've already seen it. Oakland had three backs rush for 100 yards in a game this season (Jordan, Fargas, Rhodes).

So if the Raiders think they can draft McFadden, I wouldn't even waste my time with Fargas. If not, give him consideration but don't overpay for him, especially if you think Michael Bush can play.

#35

Posted by Shiloh, January 21, 2008 10:02 AM

Why does every one think the second post Dan is talking about Roy Willams of Dallas. He is talking about the Bad ass in Detroit who was getting 100 plus yards and a TD every game untill that team fell apart. You know the guy who killed us at the begining of the season. I think that would be a great trade , but Detroit is going to want more than that for him.

#36

Posted by truRAIDER864, January 21, 2008 3:25 PM

justin watch your sh*t and read carefully I was being sarcastic bout puttin Burgess at SS! If you read everyone's article carefully you would see that a number of people including myself misread the thing bout Roy Williams. It started off talking bout R. Williams of Detroit not Dallas. It caught my eye when about two articles after that someone mentioned R. Williams of Dallas and I seriously think he aint worth my old high school kleets thats why I wrote what I wrote.

#37

Posted by truRAIDER864, January 21, 2008 3:29 PM

justin u dumb a$$! i was bein sarcastic because someone mentioned sorry a$$ R. Williams form dallas and I dont like nothin that has to do wit Dallas!

#38

Posted by john, January 21, 2008 4:03 PM

with all this talk about offense needs how about a quarterback? Did we all forget the biggest mistake the raiders have made next to getting rid of gruden! Drafting russell was a huge mistake, I love the raiders been a fan even before I was born. My heart fell on the floor when they picked russell, and passed on Quinn. I always had faith in al, but now hes just lost it . Notice LSU is now number one without the help of russell, did anyone notice it was more important for him to get paid BIG than to be a part of the team or even better be there and available to play, did anyone notice he talks like snoop dogg how are you supposed to hear him and understand what hes sayin in the huddle in a loud stadium. He will be a bust no doubt al better start getting the scouts ready for a qb search. I for one am true raider fan, although i have never been to jail so it might be suspect, but I am gooing to get a raider jersey with quinns name on it and wear it everywhere until russell is gone.

#39

Posted by chris, January 21, 2008 8:35 PM

ROY WILLIAMS the reciever... not the db people!!! read it again. if hes healthy, hes better than all of our recievers put together right now!!! Dorsy would be a great addition seeing how bad our front 4 were last year. but at the same time, i need to see rob ryan doin more with the D. i wana see more stunts and twists from our front 7 and not the same tired speed and power rush. o lines are too disiplined now a day to rely simply on that!!! and yes... tom z. or the other white boy saftey from lsu would b a great addition to our secondary. its time to get back on track yall... RAIDER NATION!!!

#40

Posted by suspect, January 22, 2008 7:06 AM

What we need is a team to come together and start making plays. Thery need to be more diciplined on the defensive side of the ball and stop over persuing when it comes to the run.

In regards to the draft we should pick up Darren and trade for Roy Williams of Detroit. Lets get a decent set offensive linemen in the 2nd and 3rd round and keep JR protected. he is accurate and could launch the ball faster than anyone in the NFL. The D will focus on Darren and the playaction pass will work to perfection. JR's accuracy and velocity will make any decent WR

#41

Posted by RAIDERS818, January 22, 2008 10:27 AM

First thing we need to do is to sign Nnamdi Asomugha. 2nd get rid of Lamont Jordan. 3rd Keep Jerry Porter as the 2nd reciever and sign Berriman from Chicago. Draft Long from virginia if he is still available, if not trade down to 7th and we will still be able to get Sedrick Ellis from USC, if we get long we could move Kelly to the middle.( Need to sign Kelly first). DT & Reciever is what we need the most. We have to take a look at Bush to see how his leg holds up. We might need to resign Fargas. We got Rhodes who didn't get any playing time because of his suspension. A long shot trade for CHAD Johnson ocho cinco!!!! GO RAIDERS 2008!!

#42

Posted by Richard, January 22, 2008 11:05 AM

McFadden would be great to have on our offense, but I think are running game is fine as is. Get J.Russ's teamate Dorsey if we can, or just trade our pick for a couple of later picks. I always loved Fargas and was happy to see him rack up the yards, but no need to pay him bucks to stay. Rhodes and Bush can handle the running game. Main focus would be D-line and WR and we could easily win the div. GO RAIDERS!!! CHARGERS STILL SUCK!!!

#43

Posted by Chris, January 22, 2008 11:07 AM

I'm glad most of you don't make the decisions. There are some great ideas, but some sound like the came from a 5th grader talking about high school finals. Give it up and be fans, there is probably a reason your not consulted on such things, I bet it��s because you don't know anything. Stick to tying your shoes.

We need!!!!!!!

Dline

#44

Posted by Brian, January 22, 2008 1:17 PM

Raider fans...Trade down, possibly to the Cowboys. Use these picks on Def & Off linemen. 2nd roundJames Hardy out of Indiana or DT Okam out of Texas. Pick up a SS in a later round. Trade Lamont Jordan for whatever we can get and let Fargas sign elsewhere and go with Rhodes and Bush at RB, sign Benard Berrian to a FA deal. Russel will then have speed targets to throw to, both lines have added depth and the playoffs are in sight.

#45

Posted by DARK-SIDE, January 22, 2008 1:53 PM

alright nation this is what the game plan needs ta be. ya gotta grab DE jared allen from the hated chiefs. he had 13.5 sacks last year and he's an unrestricked free agent. i like the wr-roy williams move and the bernard berrian move to stretch the field. bryant johnson from AZ would complete the wideout core. you HAVE 2 grab mcfadden at RB mark my words he's the next MARCUS ALLEN. 6FT 2 BLAZING SPEED plays QB nd you can line him up nd the slot. smart player leader nd takes pressure off JAMARCUSS. Yes we need to bulster the d-line, i jst think DE's that are effective are much harder to come by than DT's. with allen and burges we could have the defense we had two years ago, when we were ranked 3rd over all. at saftey we gotta do something to, swigerts garbage nd huff has"nt shown me sh*t yet...

#46

Posted by NyoAZZ, January 22, 2008 1:54 PM

After hearing all of your comments I have come to the conclusion that I am the smartest Raider fan around. All this talk of signing FA's and making big time trades is hilarioius. Are the Raiders the only team in the NFL that needs help and will be the only team vying for these big name players? I don't think so. Welcome to reality. The Raiders should trade down from the 3-4 spot in the draft, even if McFadden is available. We do not need a RB. Let Fargas go & either trade or cut Jordan. Start Rhodes, Bush to be backup for now. The ideal trade down would be with Dallas because of their two 1st rounders. We can speculate all we want with who the Raiders should take in these spots but we cannot predict who will be available. I believe the two spots should be filled by a DT (best available) and, as much as I do not want to draft a safety in the first round, draft a safety with the second first rounder. DE help can come much later especially with the emergence of Jay Richardson & Chris Clemons. Second round selection should focus on a WR. Porter should be cut or traded with his alligator arms and lack of speed. Keep Curry as the slot. Higgins has not showed me much. Chris McFoy looks promising. WR FA's to go after are Bryant Johnson & D.J. Hackett. Trades are alwasy possible but not very common in the NFL. So to even mention them are a waste.

If Davis does opt to go with McFadden (who can blame him) the Raiders will have a lot more work in the offseason in store for them. I'm sure, almost positive, that McFadden will be a hold out.

Offensive lineman are needed to shore up our current line. Barry Sims in my opinion has overstayed his welcome. Robert Gallery is a laughing stock. I'm on the fence with Carlisle and McQuistan. They are still young and can improve. Potential FA O-line men should be looked at are F. Adams and Starks from Pittsburch, who will provide leadership and consistency like Newberry did and may be able to salvage Gallery.

Zach Miller is a stud & possibly our leading receiver next year. Oren O'neal is our starting FB next year. Schwiegert is a turnstile & Huff IMO is a potential bust. I have not seen Huff lay down one hit yet. All he does is jump on oppenants backs and rides them down. Washington & Routte are mediocre. They can be replaced, if need be, but it is not a priority. Morrison & Howard are stalwarts and the future of our defense. An outside LB is needed and can either be filled in the draft or via FA with Boss Bailey, Kawika Mitchell or Karlos Dansby. No need to sign superstar players. We need players to step up and become stars (hello Tommy Kelly & Terdell Sands).

Rob Ryan will hopefully get our defense in the top 10. He has been able to put our players in position to make plays but the current roster needs help (can someone please make a tackle). Special teams will continue to improve (still need that burner at KR). Offense will slowly but surely improve during J. Russell's maturation with the help of the running game to ease some of the pressure from our young QB.

#47

Posted by raiderguy13, January 22, 2008 3:44 PM

NyoAZZ ....you very close to be the smarter raider fan ...not just by what you wrote .you really make sence of all....my 3 points simple

1.GET RID of porter / jordan /wasington they all 3 SUCK

2. get the best player av in the draft

3. do not over paid for old players NON PROVEN .got no problem welcoming any older good players

#48

Posted by Y u say that, January 22, 2008 6:36 PM

WOW did you watch the 16 games I did. D Line can't tackle and LB's can't consistently shed a blocker. I have played the game and know the Pro game inside and out. The raiders need many things, however, those issues you all complain about this year weren't an issue last year? What do you suppose happened? Stay in the cellar raider fans. Silver Black and Blue Hole is meaningless. I guess you dress up for games because you do not want to show your face. Watch those that leave your team this year excell elsewhere.

#49

Posted by Patrick, January 22, 2008 8:32 PM

Well i think the raiders should trade down w/ someone who wants MccFadden unless Glenn Dorsey is there. But then again if no ones intersteded 2 give us anything good and Dorsey's not there then we take MccFadden. The Raiders should attempt 2 get Berrian and trade w/ Detroit for Roy Williams(WR), it could happen its more likely then us getin C. Johnson 4rm the Bengals. I wouldnt be surprised if this rumor was true bc they have Mike Furrey and Calvin Johnson and also Shaun McDonald really stepped up this past year. But what would they want 4rm us? Maybe a 2nd round pick! Or maybe attempt 2 give them Dominic Rhodes and a 3rd or 4th round pick. We should try 2 get Max Starks or Flozzel Adams in free agency. Also let me ask you'll something what are the chances Jarred Allen will leave the Chiefs lets please be realistic! Also i forgot at WR it would be a good idea 2 get DJ. Hackett. And a DT get a guy lik Corey Williams 4rm the Packers. Also if Detroit is looking 2 trade Shaun Rogers theres no doubt the Raiders should trade 4 him. Maybe if that dosent work then get Justin Smith in FA! Maybe the Raiders should attempt 2 trade 4 Greg Ellis 4rm the Cowboys bc they might wanna get rid of him bc he's old is getting paid 2 much n they need 2 resign some player lik Marion Barber plus they have Anthony Spencer who's become a stud! Ellis could play LB or maybe DE i think the Raiders should move 2 a 3-4 defense instead of a 4-3 it works better. But if we cant get Ellis we should still go 2 a 3-4 ask Tyler Brayton 2 move 2 maybe inside LB and move D. Burggess 2 outside LB. Put T. Kelly at one DE put Glenn Dorsey in the middle and split time w/ Terdell Sands and if we can get J. Smith in FA put him at the other DE!

#50

Posted by Sausage King of Chicago, January 22, 2008 8:56 PM

It starts and ends with the O & D line. Getting Hansworth (free agent) from the Titans and drafting Howie's kid will make for a fu*$ing awesome D-line. I don't think McFadden will be available when we pick. A good free agent O-line man and maybe drafting another in the 3rd round would be nice. We need safety like beer needs a glass. Getting Roy Williams is a reach. So is Chad Johnson. Maybe a another year from now we can attract players with that kind of talent on offense once JR gets settled in. Our 2nd round pick may be a WR or safety. We are better off signing a free agent safety because we don't know how to draft at this position. Dark side is an idiot. Rich Gannon is the best QB the Raiders have "ever" had. Marcus the best RB. (only because Bo got hurt). Touch Down Timmy Brown the best WR.........f@ck MOSS!!! And Mike Davis the best saftey....#36. Only if we got Ronnie at a younger age. And Kiffin is the future.......hope he's around for years. I love the " I don't care who you are, I'll sit your punk ass" attitude.

#51

Posted by Patrick Patterson, January 23, 2008 2:29 AM

Sausage King-

Gannon was a damn good QB, but IMO The Snake beats him out easily. Don't get me wrong, I love what Rich did for the Raiders, but he was no Snake.

And when it comes to safety, I have to ask if you have ever heard of Jack Tatum?

#52

Posted by Parmvader, January 23, 2008 7:01 AM

The Raiders don't have a 3 rd pick this year. They should sign dj hackett, and terrell suggs to sure up some holes. Then if they can trade the #3 or 4 pick to dallas for a 1st, and 3rd, and m. barber, we will be looking good. Kiffin should stay, ryan and Davis should be gone and let The Dark Side return.

#53

Posted by mark, January 23, 2008 7:38 AM

I agree with Rolni - Swap 1st round picks with Detroit, get R. Williams and S. Rogers and give them Jordan and Schweigert. It fills some big needs and moves them down a bit in the draft so they don't have to hand out such a big contract again.

#54

Posted by Sausage King, January 23, 2008 8:20 AM

Patrick-

I love Tatum, but he would have tackled that Pittsburgh receiver instead of trying to lay him out we would have won that game instead of a broken down running back limping into the endzone for a heart daggering Raider loss. I love hard hitters, but you have to know when to be smart as well. I puke everytime they play that clip so Tatum gets the back seat to Mike Davis who was one of the original "no passing" poster boys with Lester, Haynes, and McElroy. One of the best secondaries in NFL history.

Kenny Stabler was nice, but Gannon had the entire package.......mobile, smart, a leader, heart, heart, heart, hard worker, heart, accurate, nice touch, could have had a little stronger arm, but Stabler didn't have one either. Oh, did I say heart. Stabler in his later years looked like a Jerry's kid playing football. Gannon got better with age.

Back to the Dark Side..........don't listen to anything that idiot has to say. He thinks he know everything.........ya sure he does, everything about nothing. Probably why his dumb ass will come in last in Fantasy Football again. 2 years ago he picks a frigen kicker with he 1st round pick. Better stop listening to your ethnic jambs while getting keyed...............King out.

#55

Posted by Dan, January 23, 2008 8:41 AM

I agree Mcfadden is a stud but it is time to give Bush a shot and make a team not a offense. Roy Williams has potenial but still has not proven himself in my eyes. Dorsey, Long and Haynesworth(if he can stay out of trouble) are the right path. Rogers has skills but no motivation. Fargas is not hte answer. Rhodes is the better backup. Defense and wide receiver is where we need the most help, and the freedom to run the defense the way it needs to be run in todays game not 30 years ago. Russell and Bush will do the job get them help!!!!!! Give Ryan a chance(since your not going to get rid of him) to run the defense and leave Williams and Rogders in Deriot.

#56

Posted by ACE909, January 23, 2008 1:42 PM

I HAVE TO AGREE, WE NEED HELP ON BOTH LINES, AND AS FAR AS RECIEVERS GO,THEY NEED TO GET A BIG PHYSICAL RECIEVER WHO CAN CATCH THE HEAT FROM RUSSEL, WE HAVE ENOUGH RUNNING BACKS TO TRADE FOR, LETS MAKE IT HAPPIN.

#57

Posted by Nostrabobus, January 23, 2008 1:56 PM

Does anybody ever consider the fact that our defense may not have such a good record because our offense sucks so bad that they wind up playing 40 minutes of every game? In the Chuckie days, our defense played 20 minutes of every game. Our defense plays the equivalent of two Chuckie seasons every year now. That's why our stats suck, our players get hurt and exhausted. They are to be commended for not giving up under Art Shell.

#58

Posted by Nostrabobus, January 23, 2008 2:02 PM

We need an offensive line because our offensive line blocks like a turnstile. Aaron Brooks had a great record as a starter for years before he lined up behind our offensive line, and then his career was over. Andrew Walter valiantly tried to function in an environment with no offensive line and actually survived the experience. There has never been a worse offensive line in all of football, and if that isn't rebuilt very soon, our franchise quarterback is quickly going to become a banged up mess. When we can put some drives together our defense will miraculously look better and Ryan will be hailed as a genius.

#59

Posted by Patrick Patterson, January 23, 2008 4:17 PM

Nastrobobus- Those were valid points after the 2k6 season, but the offensive line was light years better in 2k7 thanks to Cable's coaching. There was even a three game stretch where we gave up 0 sacks. All that said, there is the need for improvement at the offensive tackle position as I said in the original post.

#60

Posted by HALFBREED, January 23, 2008 7:26 PM

Plaese gat rid of Sims,

#61

Posted by NyoAZZ, January 24, 2008 7:40 AM

Include Schweigert, Porter & Jordan in that list.

Schweigert: can't tackle and takes bad angles so he can miss even more tackles

Porter: Alligator arms with no speed, seperation

Jordan: No heart, falls down whenever he makes contact

#62

Posted by Richard, January 24, 2008 8:27 AM

I hate to agree with you on that list. I thought Schweigert, porter and Jordan would turn it around for us, but that day doesnt look like its going to happen. Clear space for new blood, and make a change. Raiders should be going in the right direction this off season. (or I hope)

#63

Posted by Salvi818, January 24, 2008 11:41 AM

The way to fix the Raiders is releasing: AL DAVIS, Lamont Jordan & Schweigert. We should resign Nnamdi Asomugha & Porter,Kelly. We should not resign Fargas( he is going to want to much money and he injury prone). Draft Howie Long's son and move kelly to the inside. Oh yes did I say we got to get rid of AL DAVIS!!! THE NATION WILL RISE AGAIN!!! GO RAIDERS!

#64

Posted by tyler, January 24, 2008 3:23 PM

Haynesworth will more than likely be a Titan again for 1 year (franchise) or sign a LT deal with them... so pipe dreams.

Dorsey is likely to fall no where near 3/4, snowballs chance in hell

C. Long would have a better shot at falling but again not likely.

Roy Williams trade from Det could be likely for a 2nd round pick because he wants out (Randy Moss?) and WR are something Det can chance to lose plus he's going to want big $$$ eventually

Berrian seems like a solid idea at WR but dont know if he'd come to Oakland.

Hackett would be ok, but we'd be left another year w/o a WR1, it'd be 2's and 3's again.

Huff isnt a bust, Gallery is a bust, Huff is not.

Bottom line is both lines need to be solidified. The offense took giant steps from the previous season in the right direction. The defense took a step back and Sapp's retirement could be a good thing due to the fact we can add in a younger player with more run stopping skills.

Rogers from Det is a fat load and would be good for 1 play every 3 series, so pointless, plus he might get released so why try and trade for him.

Michael Bush has proven nothing. I like what he did in college at Louisville but we cannot rely on that. I'd say if Julius Jones doesnt ask for too much $$ and fargas is let go give him a shot to split with rhodes for another season and get bush some playing time on random situations when games are out of hand (hopefully Raiders up big!) and give him a year to get back into the game and it's speed.

I hate to be this guy, and no matter how much I want the Raiders to win the Super Bowl next year, in all likelihood it isnt happening. Build!

#65

Posted by Raiderman, January 24, 2008 7:25 PM

Exactly right, Taco Dog. Man, you know what you're talking about. You should be the next GM!

#66

Posted by Bacteria43va, January 24, 2008 7:41 PM

I read all the post .. some has nothing to do with what the raiders truely need .. Some ppl have the right ideas but this is reallife , not madden 2008 or something so here i go plz leave serious comments cuz i think i have the best idea for the raiders ..

1. Our def couldnt tackle to save there lives . its like we're an expansion team or something

2. Try to trade or release Porter/Jordan/Fargas/Gallery and that noob ass Saftey .

3.Free agents .. Get a damn OL in the pool and plz take HAYNESWORTH .. he will be an great addition to the DL,

4.PacMan we all forgot he can comeback next year but might not be playing for the titans .. im just saying maybe ..

5.Even though McFadden is in the draft and might fall to Us .. we might have to trade him away and for all u Bo Jackson fans i seriously feel u on this one he is an amazing talent but we dont need a RB i cant n believe im saying this right now McFadden is awesome . So if we cant get a great trade .. i mean a great trade then draft mcfadden .. russell and mcfadden will refuel the offense ..2nd round if we dont trade the pick , get a damn WR if we cant get Roy Will,

6.Work on a better scheme for the def .. Cover 2 or something we need an OLB we need 2 CUT that safety

7.Let Kiffan Pick players AL Davis DAMN get off our coaches backs and let them coach shyt ..

Thank you bacteria

#67

Posted by nitemare, January 25, 2008 6:00 PM

What the raiders really need to do is get

rid of punk @$$ gallery make defense back #

21 franchise player.. see if m. bush can

run like a beast like we know if healthly

very cabale of..and if not keep and make

j. fargas starter.... And of the rumors of

of getting roy willams are interesting if

he wants to come to another lossing team

trying to improve...

#68

Posted by BRONCO FAN, January 25, 2008 8:09 PM

THR RAIDERS SUCK, AND THEY ALWAYS WILL.

#69

Posted by tyler, January 26, 2008 2:45 PM

wow broncos are sweet... best corner tandem on paper and couldnt get it done...

#70

Posted by darren, February 5, 2008 10:31 AM

hey i've been a raiders fan unfortunately since they lost the super bowl against the bucs i didnt know much about them then but now im pretty sure i could do a better job than al davis the only way this franchise is gonna win is for al davis to die unfortunately al davis had to have a son who should deff. not be the next owner he will follow in his dads footsteps and he will be 100 by the time he lets go of the raiders to we need to bring in players that will be willing to play football for the raiders rather than playing football for a pay check this team deff.. has a bright side but sadly al davis is holding them back he needs to realize that lane kiffin is trying to do what is best for the organazation rather than put it down rob ryan deff. needs to be fired yeah he is a good defense coordinater but the raiders defense somehow still allows teams to score right at the moment that they have to there defense has loads of talent with kirk morrison and thomas howard but i still think there all under achieving i still think there all playing for money rather than pride i was doing alot of research today on a day off from school and supposably the raiders have alot of money this year and thats never bad but i garantee you the raiders wont do anything with it they might pick up some low payed shitty free agents in the off season but they wont make a great deal for chad johnson or someone who will bring raider fans hope i mean theres alot of things the raiders should do in the off season that i hope they do but the truth is there mite be 1 good thing that happens which no body nos yet the off season to me this year for the raiders should look like this

Pickups/releases/trades deff.. try to get berrian cut porter hes washed out now get rid of tim dwight y we signed him idk keep ronald curry trade 1st rd. pick and jordan and schweigart to lions for roy williams and rodgers along with there 1st round pick sign gibril wilson or hamlin for safety depth

QB's- cut culpepper let him go play for the dolphins he sucks any way keep andrew walter as 3rd string re sign McCown he is deff. a good NFL back up and start jamarcus i think this year will be another learning experience for jamarcus he has loads of talent the only thing he needs to do is commit himself to getting better in the off season and going to all the off season meetings he needs to go to

RB's cut fargas he still is horrible even though he had a good season hes a 1 and done kinda guy always was throughout his career keep bush rhodes get rashard mendenhall with 15th pick he will be the sleeper running back this year he is very fast and is very powerful he will blend well with the other 2 backs and carry the load for russell

Wr's berrian roy williams curry sounds good to me keep johnie lee higgins i think he has good speed and i think he will be a playmaker in kickreturning as well as being a decent wr and keep 1 of those other dirt recievers they have now haha

TE's miller will be good he will be a playmaker in the future he was forced to block alot this past year due to the raiders pathetic o line and keep madsen he proved himself in the past to be a decent tight end

OL keep gallery at the same postion for once get rid of sims hes washed out now to get whatever left tackle they can get in the draft in the second round since they r so valuable pick up jordan gross from the panthers for Rt and if we still have kevin boothe on the team put him at rg he is young and i think he will have a good productive year keep carlisle as a back up rg hes very solid keep grove and newberry at center start newberry hes much bigger and meaner and continue to teach McQuistan and Mario Henderson how to be good OL men and please someone make them do extra laps for false starts that is just pathetic how many they get a game

DL getting mendenhall mite not be what people want for the raiders and i completely agree because if sedrick ellis or any impact d line men is there they should deff pick them up if not i think you keep terdell sands and shaun rodgers 2 very large men at defensive tackles resign tommy kelly and move him inside for a little quickness resign burgess and keep jay richardson a work in progress at the other d-end they have plenty of back ups maybe they could pickup some solid free agent

LBs they deff have a bright side for LBs kirk morrison a leader on the d and thomas howard a good role player are both very good young lbs with good speed and power but what about all the othet lbs i think this is where you get a very good player in lance briggs yeah he makes the money but what do we got to lose.....i no nothing he would only improve our d and make us a better team down the stretch he would be a nice veteran and mentor to our young linebackers just like sapp was to our d line without sapp our leadership weakens but with briggs he will restore it re sign sam williams he never did anything bad get another outside lb in the draft someone who could play de too keep robert thomas i think hes solid as long as hes healthy and just get meaner idc if they grab players facemasks to bring them down or do a dirty hit on someone thats what the raiders are all about being mean and nasty and it all starts with the lbs

DBs deff re sign nmadi asoughma hes an impact corner who is still young a learning keep fabian washington but tell him to eat more and put on some meat so he can lay some people out hes fast enough but he is a cover kinda guy(even though he aint to good at it) whos still learning but if he can become a run stopper also like nmadi he will become an impact corner which we need i like routt because to me hes like washington but with the bigger body like i talked about i like him to cover a teams 3rd receiver i think washington is the # 2 corner because i think he has a lot more talent and football instincts that havent shown yet and i think routt is talented but doesnt have the same insticts keep bowie hell we traded moss for him so he better be alright cut carr in all my years watching him he hasnt returned a kick, and still hasnt played good d anothey guy that would be good for this secondary would be randall gay from the pats they should deff. consider signing him he would only help them

S's micheal huff is gonna be one of the best safeties one day only if they play him at free safety he is very fast with loads of talents and has a nack for flying to the ball they should deff. play him at free safety he is one of the best picks in my mind for the raiders hes young and is still learning he will be great keep cooper hes a badass veteran(in a good way) who doesnt play besides special teams which he is pretty good at i think he a good backup i think gibril wilson or kenny hamlin would be good for the raiders mostly wilson the raiders have been looking for safety for a while ever since rod woodson left trying schweigart was alright but he made to many mistakes hiram eugune wasnt bad i think they should keep him as their back up but wilson to me is a great fitand whatever happened to darnell bing i think they deff. keep him and give him a chance hes a big safety who is fast and has plenty of talent to be on a teams roster

ST idk janikowski will be fine for a little while yet and lechlar will be a great punter for them for awhile yet

Other stuff get rid of rob ryan and get monte kiffin he will be a low paid very very solid d coordinater who doesnt have a rep of being a loud mouth and knows how to get the job done unlike rob ryan who doesnt know how to coach the raiders down the stretch kiffin wil be good there for a while helping to make decisions and sign key players he will only set the raiders up for a better oppurtunity in the future to sign another d coordinater the raiders should keep interviewing more coaches for a long term deal and get rid of most of the ones they have now not all of them but most of them they need to rebuild there coaching staff so there players can trust them and so there players perform better the last thing the raiders need to do is discipline every one on there team they need to become more serious about what they do

#71

Posted by tyler, February 7, 2008 6:52 PM

your expectations are ridiculous, as posted many times by others that this isnt Madden, you cant just sign whoever cuz you want to.

There is no way Berrian and Williams will both find their way to Oakland, or for that matter either of them. Fargas is a UFA so I say let him go unless he wants a smaller contract, he's not worth big money.

No trades are likely to happen. Todd McShay's latest Mock Draft has Dorsey falling to Oakland, which would be the best scenario for them. Dorsey would be a disruptive force and make Burgess even better and help Morrison avoid blockers if Dorsey can consume double teams. Huff is switching to FS I believe and so a SS is needed. I wouldnt mind seeing Hamlin in Oakland but he'll most likely land in Miami or stay in Dallas.

Getting a mediocre RB or one in the 3-5th rounds would be fine due to Knapp's new scheme and Rhodes can handle being the RB1 for the year and maybe Oakland could strike gold with a late pick RB.

The only FAs that are big name that could find their way to Oakland would possibly be Berrian otherwise it'll be very tough to bring in anyone with the way the organization is being ran... into the ground.

#72

Posted by tyler, February 15, 2008 6:04 AM

so fargas is once again a raider... does that mean if Run DMc is available the Raiders will still take him?

#73

Posted by tyler, May 1, 2008 5:46 PM

yup, it looks like it