Raiders Draft: What Al does will reveal teams' mysteries

Thoughts from the Dark Side

April 18, 2008

Raiders Draft: What Al does will reveal teams' mysteries

44 Comments

By Rob Calonge

Recommended (0) | Share

Image details: Oakland Raiders Rookie Camp served by picapp.com

Michael Bush may be the best kept secret EVER by the Silver and Black

You'll find it difficult surfing the web on any sports site without stumbling upon either a mock draft or an NFL team needs page this time of year. Even here at MVN.com and Thoughts from the Darkside, you're going to get loads of this pre-draft hysteria. If you've been following any of it, you're probably well aware of the positions that the Raiders are weakest at, or who they will probably draft with the 4th pick, but most likely you have no clue as to what the Raiders themselves think of parts of their current roster.

Let's take a test. Anyone here can play along. Can you tell me what the Raiders think Michael Bush can do for them this year? Who's playing left tackle? Right tackle? Is Higgins really part of the future receiving corps? Do they think that Sam Williams can finally play the last available linebacker spot? Is Tommy Kelly really going to play defensive tackle, or since there are only three defensive ends, will he be moved outside instead? Ask the experts if you like, go ahead and send them emails and requests to prove me wrong. Maybe I am wrong, but if I am then why doesn't anyone know these answers for sure?

Image details: Oakland Raiders 2007 Headshots served by picapp.com

What are the Raiders plans for Mario Henderson?

When the Raiders make their first pick of the draft, any discerning fan should have an idea why the pick was made. You may not agree with the pick or why they did it, but at least you'll know why. Players mentioned to be possible picks of the Raiders are Jake Long, Ryan Clady, Chris Long, Vernon Gholston, Glenn Dorsey, Sedrick Ellis, Darren McFadden, and even Keith Rivers has been on a few wish lists.

Anyone with a pulse and a decent appreciation for the NFL knows that the Raiders need to fix their run defense and their passing offense. When do the Raiders think they've done that? Do they still need to address those weaknesses in the draft or free agency? Are they already done? Guaranteed, after draft day, where the Raiders think they are will be revealed.

With the fourth pick the Raiders select...Let's see what each possible pick or move may mean for the Oakland Raiders in 2008.

They select Jake Long or Ryan Clady with the #4 pick: This means that the Kwame Harris signing was for depth and they have nobody to start at left tackle. You can also expect that this tackle is your 2008 starting left tackle. Another thing that this means is that Mario Henderson was a wasted pick last year, and Cable doesn't have enough faith in him.

The Raiders trade down a few spots, pick up a second and/or third round pick, and select Ryan Clady: Let's all just admit that Jake Long isn't dropping past the fifth pick...Ok? Alright, so Clady probably will be there at the seventh or eighth pick. All still applies as if they selected Clady at the fourth spot, but it also means that the Raiders are admitting that they have more weaknesses.

Image details: St. Louis Rams v Oakland Raiders served by picapp.com

The Raiders MUST stop the run in '08

Chris Long is taken with the #4 pick: Regardless of what you hear, read, or may even think, Al Davis' wish has been Chris Long since this guy made the choice to be a football player at Virginia. One thing Mr. Davis likes to collect is legacy players, but even if this kid didn't share genes with one of the most dominant Raiders of all time, Davis would be salivating. This would mean that Tommy Kelly really has been signed as a defensive tackle and Kalimba Edwards will be a third down specialist or rotation player and the Raiders will also think they've taken care of the rush defense for 2008.

Chris Long is already gone and the Raiders take Vernon Gholston with #4 pick: The Raiders will be playing some 3-4 defense in 2008, but Gholston will be key. Kelly will still be playing defensive tackle in the 4-3 formation, but end in the 3-4. You will also see Gholston used as a blitzing linebacker often. The question will be if Sands can remain with the team out of camp or if it's Warren that gets the boot, but in this scenario, expect one of them to go.

Image details: Oakland Raiders v Denver Broncos served by picapp.com

The draft will indicate if Sam Williams is part of the big plan

They take Glenn Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis with the #4 pick: The Raiders will be using a 4-3 defense and competition will be tough at the defensive tackle spot. Kelly may be playing both end and defensive tackle as well in '08. Like the previous scenario, either Sands or Warren won't be with the team to start the season.

They trade out of the #4 pick and still pick Ellis or Dorsey, whichever is left: Like with the above trade down situation, the Raiders are planning on addressing another need position, and also the same situation applies as if they selected a defensive tackle with the #4 pick.

Image details: NFL Players Rookie Premiere served by picapp.com

Could the Raiders be thinking they need a receiver?

The Raiders select Darren McFadden with the fourth pick: Michael Bush's athletic ability isn't what was expected. This will be a problem for either Dominic Rhodes or Michael Bush, but most likely the Raiders don't believe that Bush will ever be the same running back that he was in college.

They trade down, pick up some later round picks and select Keith Rivers: Obviously, they don't intend to go into 2008 with Sam Williams or Robert Thomas as starters. This also means that they feel they have the talent on the offensive and defensive lines for the starting positions. They are also admitting that they can't wait until the fourth round to fill some of their roster holes.

They trade WAY down into the twenties and pick up many picks: For as much fun as this will make the draft for Raider Nation, this may be the most troubling scenario in terms of 2008. With this move, they are admitting that they have many needs that have to be addressed. This could also mean that how well the Raiders play in 2008 will be determined by how this draft turns out.

Nobody is better at keeping a secret than the Raiders organization, but if you watch closely it's not too difficult to determine what they were thinking when it comes to the draft. Look at the past several drafts, and it's easy to figure out what Al was thinking.

In 2003, he selected Asomugha and Brayton in the first round. This was pre-Burgess, and he needed a cornerback to fill the void left by Tory James' departure. I might also add that he drafted Teyo Johnson, Sam Williams, and Justin Fargas immediately after those two.

In 2004, the Raiders selected Robert Gallery and then Jake Grove to help their rushing and pass protection. Stuart Schweigert was next to fill the hole created from Rod Woodson's retirement.

In 2005, Fabian Washington and Stanford Route were the first two selections with Charles Woodson' second year of franchising strapping the team, these picks were to find one replacement. Tired of Kerry Collins, they drafted Andrew Walter next followed by Kirk Morrison.

In 2006, still needing a strong safety, Michael Huff was selected. Thomas Howard, (an indication that Williams might not ever be healthy), Paul McQuistan, and Darnell Bing were also selected next. All selections were need based.

In 2007, Davis succumbed to the realization that he needed to build from the ground up and couldn't pass on quarterback JaMarcus Russell. To help the running game, and get another threat for the passing game, Zach Miller was enlisted. The third pick of the draft was another offensive tackle, Mario Henderson.

So even though the Raiders have many options on draft day, whatever they decide to do with the first pick of their draft will definitely be according to what the brass thinks is a must. Like it or not, then we'll all know what the Raiders think they need. The hope is that those needs are filled before the season begins.

Tags: NFL, Oakland Raiders, Raiders

Discussion

44 Comments on "Raiders Draft: What Al does will reveal teams' mysteries"

Posted by pat, April 18, 2008 12:17 AM

FUCK THE DENVER BRONCOS! YOU HAVE SENIOR CITIZENS PLAYING WR DARREL JACKSON, AND ROD SMITH, AND A SCRUB WHO I THOUGHT WAS OUT OF THE NFL SAMIE PARKER! HAHAHA THE BRONCOS SUCK! MIKE SHANAHAN IS SHIT NOW AND JAY CUTLER IS TO BUSY CALLING OUT HIS PLAYERS TO PLAY FOOTBALL!

Posted by Rebel2124, April 18, 2008 12:51 AM

Great article! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Dorsey, C Long or even Gholston despite some of the negatives people say about him. I wouldn't mind giving up the 4th pick for Jared Allen if those picks aren't available, that guys a proven beast. If none of those options are available trade down and grab more picks and look for the best D -lineman, O-lineman and or linebacker we can get. It won't much matter who we have at the skill positions if we don't handle business in the trenches. Just my opinion.

Defense wins championships!

P.S. Denver Brocnos Rulz, um.... nevermind, you're an idiot.

Posted by Bill, April 18, 2008 7:57 AM

Thats some good stuff there. One thing, The Raiders have not givin up on Sam Williams yet. They are starting to put him in their nickle package. He is more of a pass rusher then a run stuffer. He has just never been fully recovered from various injurys to use his top speed. This year we should see Sam in the best shape of his career. Two years ago they were starting Sam in the Nickle then the knee went out while practicing on punt return. He never got to start the season. Remember every player needs a full year (after recovery) to get their speed back from a knee injury.

Posted by pat, April 18, 2008 8:23 AM

I say we trade down as far as possible and get a 2nd and/or 3rd round pick with the 2nd pick we try and get Early Doucet out of LSU! He played with JaMarcus Russell in college so they know eachother think about the Oakland Raiders having a QB to WR tandem like that. Sounds pretty awesome to me!!!

Go Oakland Raiders!!!

Posted by Thoughts from the Dark Side: Raiders Draft: What Al does will reveal teams�� mysteries | The Raider, April 18, 2008 8:34 AM

[...] Read more. Posted in Blog, Oakland Raiders | [...]

Posted by Patrick Patterson, April 18, 2008 9:29 AM

Very good analysis, my friend.

Posted by Raiders' draft: What Al does will reveal team's mysteries - Oakland Raiders Forum | Message Board -, April 18, 2008 9:41 AM

[...] draft: What Al does will reveal team's mysteries Thoughts from the Dark Side | MVN - an Oakland Raiders blog � Blog Archive � Raiders Draft: What Al ... __________________ "While there is a lower class, I am in it, and while there is a [...]

Posted by Junior, April 18, 2008 9:56 AM

Good well thought out article. Who knew that Dave Chapelle retired from comedy to wear number 15 for the Raiders. Higgins looks exactly like Chapelle in that pic.

Posted by inonewordraider, April 18, 2008 9:58 AM

Why aren't we in the J Allen sweepstakes? We out of $? I would trade my #4 pick straight up for him. Why? The guy single handedly takes care of our number #1 weakness from last year and makes us a run stopping team, we get to the quarterback more, we suddenly have depth at our thinnest position, it allows Kelly to play his DT solely instead of switching back and forth from DE, we still have trade bait to get O Line help, and he's an admitted Raider fan!!! Good stuff on Sam Williams, I wouldn't go looking for LB help because I think Sam would come around and if not Thomas is serviceable. Oline and Dline is what we need to address

#10

Posted by Raider Blues, April 18, 2008 10:21 AM

Good Stuff! I don't believe though if they take DMac that Bush is a no go - rather DMac is the mismatch from the slot speed-threat to compliment Bush/Miller/Curry/Walker After all, we are dealing with Lane Kiffin like the SC Bush/White days.

Just Win Baby!

#11

Posted by slvrnblck478, April 18, 2008 10:51 AM

You make good points, but some teams may pick the best available player even though he may not be a need. I just hope C. Long or Dorsey falls to them!

#12

Posted by Denver Brocno Rulz!, April 18, 2008 11:20 AM

The Fayders sholde pick whoevr does the most drugs becous thay always have playrs that get in truobl and evryone hats them mike shanhanahan is a genios and oqwns the gaiders jay cutlr will be bettre than jon elway go brocnos!

#13

Posted by Paul, April 18, 2008 11:31 AM

The Broncos suck dick!

#14

Posted by NealandBob, April 18, 2008 11:32 AM

Oh, and so do the Chiefs

#15

Posted by jeremy, April 18, 2008 11:35 AM

personally i think you take mcfadden if only for the purpose of making sure nobody else takes him. lamont jordan is done in oakland and dominic rhodes is a 3rd back at best on this team (albeit a very highly paid 3rd back). fargas has had injury problems and while he shows true grit, he is not a gamebreaker. bush is the wildcard. if he is truly healthy and can perform close to the level that he did at louisville then the raiders could end up having the best backfield in football. despite all the needs this team has, the most glaring to me is a true playmaker. remember how good charlie garner was as both a runner and receiver? now think about mcfadden in that same role. wow!!!!

#16

Posted by jeremy, April 18, 2008 11:38 AM

hey denver broncos rule, go suck a big one with gay cutler and fagahan!! silver and black baby!!!!

#17

Posted by inonewordraider, April 18, 2008 1:14 PM

Rebel your right on, I wouldn't be upset if we got Gholston either though I would prefer Clong, Dorsey, Ellis or a Olineman over him. Gholston doesn't stop the run now but he can learn. Gotta get oline or dline. And Denver boy your team is getting swept this year and w/ our young team it's gonna be a couple years b4 you beat us again.

#18

Posted by Ernesto Flores, April 18, 2008 1:17 PM

I say C.Long or trade way down. Who cares that it looks like we need a lot if we trade down....WE DO NEED A LOT!!!!! I'll be a Raiders fan till the day I die and then maybe longer. My point is we need more than one impact player. The only impact player I would haul in would be Chad Johnson. If not him then we need a slew of Offensive and D-Line men to put through the ringer of camps and pick the best to plug our holes. Even though we probably will keep the fourth pick I really wished to trade way down and farm up again. We were way too bad to fix it with a bandaid. Reality check is we need about 85% all new people than we had last year.

Eflo-Bleeder of Silver & Black

#19

Posted by O, April 18, 2008 1:17 PM

Its about time someone really stated the facts-though in reallity Micheal Bush is talented is ready to play and Al Davis and Kiffen both think he talented. Therefore, yes a top DE or DT will be the pick...And Chris Long

will be a great addition to the Raiders_though he may be taken by the Rams at 2 if not he will be garanteed to be a Raiders come is alreay in the family of Radier Nation.

#20

Posted by v ville r8r, April 18, 2008 1:27 PM

what about 85

#21

Posted by Spencer Mills, April 18, 2008 1:37 PM

Rob,

"The Raiders select Darren McFadden with the fourth pick: Michael Bush��s athletic ability isn��t what was expected. This will be a problem for either Dominic Rhodes or Michael Bush, but most likely the Raiders don��t believe that Bush will ever be the same running back that he was in college."

Really? I believe you are correct as far as Rhodes is concerned, and he will most likely be gone if (when!) the Raiders draft Run DMC. But when I look at the possibility of having the best backfield in all of football, Bush is very much the leader as far as carries are concerned. There is nothing better than dropping the hammer on teams in the 4th quarter. Run, run, and run again!

I guess I feel the way I do because I cant envision J Money throwing the ball more than 15-20 times a game, especially early on. I think there will be a rediculous number of carries to spread around, with the occasional shot down the field from J Money.

OakFoSho

#22

Posted by Raiderkev25, April 18, 2008 1:40 PM

I think Chris Long is the best fit looking at our personnel. I believe he will be a LE in a 4-3 system and would compliment Burgess well in our system. He could provide versatily also in being able to play 3-4 End along with Tommy Kelly's ability to due the same. Terdell Sands will be just fine this year! Gerard Warren is the odd man out, cuz 4mil is way too much to pay. I say use him as trade bait in the draft to move up a couple spots. I would only trade Fabian Washington if we get a 2nd or 3rd rounder for him. Otherwise, keep him. I would consider trading DT Gerard Warren and RB Dominic Rhodes or Lamont Jordan, #4 pick to Cincy for their #9, Ocho Cinco & a 3rd round pick.

#23

Posted by slow mo, April 18, 2008 1:53 PM

sup raiders

#24

Posted by shawt dogg, April 18, 2008 1:54 PM

sup

#25

Posted by Thoughts from the Dark Side: Raiders Draft: What Al does will reveal teams�� mysteries | The Raider, April 18, 2008 3:21 PM

[...] Read more. Posted in Draft, Oakland Raiders | [...]

#26

Posted by Rob Calonge, April 18, 2008 4:32 PM

Spencer,

I understand completely where you're coming from. The fact is that the average number of plays an offense gets per game is around 60. So if you are correct with J-Russ throwing 20 passes a game, that leaves 40 running plays.

Fargas gets 20, Bush 15, Rhodes 5. That's where I'm at with the running game. Not only is this how I'd do it or some variation of it, this is how I think the Raiders will do it also.

#27

Posted by inonewordraider, April 18, 2008 5:28 PM

Bush is a beast no doubt about it. Compared to Mcfadden seems to be quicker laterally, more willing to get the tough yards, and has the breakaway ability. He's the thunder and Fargas is the lightning. With no pure run stuffing DE available at 4 (Jared Allen please, C Long please, or D Harvey for a trade and get an olineman) hope Al is willing to keep Kelly at the End and draft Ellis to take Sapp's spot.

#28

Posted by antdogg, April 18, 2008 6:38 PM

i recently talked to one of the raiders and he told me that terdell sands is most likely going to be cut because they flew out the Assistant D-line coach to weigh him and reportedly about 400 pounds which means he obviously cant play at that weight because he could barely play at 360 last year and before every game they would fine him $500 lb for every lb over 320 every week thats a lot

#29

Posted by J. Rasmussen, April 18, 2008 9:30 PM

If thats true antdogg, then we will be going DT at #4.

#30

Posted by Joe, April 19, 2008 12:48 AM

Same old story....what have we done to improve the offensive line? answer, nothing! Either Jamarcus is going to be running for his life, or else his passing statistic will be a major suck job because the defense will be on top of him before he can make a read or find an open receiver. I think the offense still has to many holes to fix before we can even sniff the playoffs. Harris can not pass block, Gallery can not pass block. Carlisle is okay, but the right tackle can not pass block, any right tackle on our roster. If we don't improve our offensive line, wide receivers, kick and punt return personnel, we have a problem. The Raiders better trade the 4 pick and assemble more picks to fix our problems. We need to be honest with ourselves and look at what needs to be fixed. Please not McFadden. We need bodies...

#31

Posted by Rolni, April 19, 2008 5:23 AM

Rob Calonge,

you are right about the running...i would say your numbers for the first3-4 games then hopefully Bush gets a little more...Bush 25, Fargas15, Rhodes will come in if Fargas is injured...

I would like C.Long...with him we would have a good D-line, which make our lb's better too...i think with an inproved D-line Sam Williams or\and R.Thomas can handle the SLB role...

If C.Long not there we should trade down...i would like a trade with the Saints if we need a left tackle(i'm high on Mario...)...with the 10th pick we can get C.Williams and in the 2nd we can get a good DE as well...

If Cable thinks we don't need a OT early in the draft i would trade with someone from the bottom of the first round...there we can get Quentin Groves or Pat Sims.

#32

Posted by Rolni, April 19, 2008 5:25 AM

I think Sands will stay and will play like in 2006...he will hopefully be a force against the run...last year before the season his father died and thats why he had mental problems...i think he will be fine at NT this year...

#33

Posted by muse, April 19, 2008 6:36 AM

good article.....if C.Long is gone we draft McFadden..everybody knows Als 1st round moves,hell never trade that pick unless its a block-buster deal....i can see him trading Fargas and Rhodes if Bush is healthy and if we get DMC,who will need to pass-block? that tandem would be unstopable in the zone-blocking system...this is the reason for signing K.Harris because hes an above average run-blocker.

#34

Posted by Villapiano R8R, April 19, 2008 8:44 AM

Fellas (and R8R Ladies),

I love it...R8R football in the air and you all have such great, well thought out scenarios that make perfect sense and, ultimately, desire nothing more than for our great and historic team to recapture their victorious glory! Let's see it Nation!

#35

Posted by Villapiano R8R, April 19, 2008 8:45 AM

I forgot to add that I'd like to see the R8R's pick Rivers LB from USC!

#36

Posted by NorthPhillyRaider, April 19, 2008 9:52 AM

i just wanted to answer (to some degree) one of your questions. bush is healthy and ready to go. one of the raiders LBs was quoted as saying bush was a monster, i don't think the article provided the name of which LB but sounds like good news to me.

now i have to address the donkey fan. Jay Cutler is gonna be better than John Elway, omfg, and they say we are delusional for thinking the raiders are playoff bound every season. well just to clear things up this is the year the raiders turn it around and jay cutler sucks, wait and see on opening night when he throws 4 INTs to Aso and Hall. here's a (not-so) bold prediction for all the donkey fans out there, the raiders are gonna sweep your sorry arses this year.

#37

Posted by Mike, April 19, 2008 9:53 AM

Hey Junior, I can kinda see the resemblence btwn Dave Chappelle & JL Higgins...sort of. But what about Michael Bush as Cuba Gooding JR, Junior?

#38

Posted by RaiderKen, April 19, 2008 1:50 PM

More like Martin Shore

#39

Posted by RaiderKen, April 19, 2008 1:57 PM

Joe

We are a run first team. This is the only way we can protect Jamarcus. When building an offensive line you start at the center. All great lines have a quaterback the center. Two things there is not a great center in this draft, and a center takes time to develope ala Robbins. We will run the ball this year. I believe we are gonna live and die by the run. The Offense needs to catch up to the Defense in star players. I Chris Long is not there we will get DMC. Al doesn't trade down in the 1st round ever. He may trade up!

#40

Posted by inonewordraider, April 19, 2008 2:31 PM

Right we do need Oline and you take an almost certain impact player at the Oline or Dline w/ number #4 instead of two possible impact players at the end of round #1, beginning of round #2. Unless you just trade down a couple spots if your targeting someone like Ellis or Clady. We have trade bait in Routt, Washington, Rhodes, and Jordan to get some other pix. Dorsey is the best prospect but Clong is not far behind and yes you factor in the excitement Long will bring so he get's the edge over Dorsey in my opinion. Next I go Jake Long on my board. Iv'e been saying Ellis would be my number #4 but I'm really starting to consider how good Gholston might become. Also Ellis is the only one of the five I mentioned that has not met w/ the Raiders (from what I've read) so it seems less likely to me that they are considering him.

#41

Posted by Rob Calonge, April 19, 2008 3:33 PM

I think Junior is right about JLH. I thought he looked familiar, but couldn't figure it out until he pointed it out. If I get the chance, I'll ask him if he can do the Rick James like Chapelle.

Michael Bush could pass as Cuba Goodings' really big brother. Really big!

#42

Posted by trevor, April 19, 2008 3:56 PM

just because they select gholston does not mean we will see 3-4. they have ONLY 2 WeaK DEs....

#43

Posted by R8DRZ, April 23, 2008 1:25 PM

Fuck the Broncos fan that needs to go back to second grade. As I recall you guys got lucky in game one last season against us with that pussy move Shanahan pulled to freeze the Janakowski for the game winning field goal, and wh whooped your asses up and down the field the second time around. Learn how to spell and shut the fuck up!! GO RAIDERS!!!!

#44

Posted by Frank likes bush, April 26, 2008 8:17 AM

I love bush...i mean what self-respecting Raiders fan doesn't like bush. There's nothing better than waking up on a Sunday morning and getting ready for Raider football than a little bush to go with it.

Michael Bush is a beast and I seriously hope he is back. This is the year that every Raider fan gets some Bush on a regular basis!!! Do not draft McFadden!!!! Bush is what the real black hole is all about!