Stompin' Tom Connors
Footballguy
Why announce Huff's move to CB after the season, and in advance of hiring a new DC and GM?
I know Huff played the position in college, and was useful in our nickel package looks. I think Chekwa could also play safety, but both he and DVD need to be groomed in the backfield overall.
I guess the question is, why do this now? Is this something Hue felt he needed to do to underscore his "I'm taking a stronger hand in the team" message? Is it a harbinger of the moves the Raiders are thinking of making in FA?
The timing to me is strange, from any standpoint (practical, psychological, etc.).
I do agree that snagging a OL is a gigantic need, and it would be awesome to see us bring in a talented WR like Lloyd, Bowe, Colston or Stevie Johnson who could complement the vertical system and be a true #1 target that can open up opportunity for Ford, Moore, and DHB.
I think bolstering our LB corps is a need as well, with someone like Curtis Lofton or E.J. Henderson -- though it seems the pickings here in FA is indeed a little slim.
The loss of Bush will be sad, and I like Jones's potential to provide depth, but Taiwan doesn't bring to the table what the Raiders ground game looked good at over the last few years -- solid downhill north/south between-the-tackles runs. Would be nice to secure this skill set, if only as a good COP to McFadden -- and as a potential load-carrying backup starter in the event McFadden continues to ail.
Benson, Hillis, Hightower, and Law Firm would be great but likely out of reach for what we might pay, but Tolbert, Law Firm, even Ryan Grant might add solid depth and fill the need.
I know Huff played the position in college, and was useful in our nickel package looks. I think Chekwa could also play safety, but both he and DVD need to be groomed in the backfield overall.
I guess the question is, why do this now? Is this something Hue felt he needed to do to underscore his "I'm taking a stronger hand in the team" message? Is it a harbinger of the moves the Raiders are thinking of making in FA?
The timing to me is strange, from any standpoint (practical, psychological, etc.).
I do agree that snagging a OL is a gigantic need, and it would be awesome to see us bring in a talented WR like Lloyd, Bowe, Colston or Stevie Johnson who could complement the vertical system and be a true #1 target that can open up opportunity for Ford, Moore, and DHB.
I think bolstering our LB corps is a need as well, with someone like Curtis Lofton or E.J. Henderson -- though it seems the pickings here in FA is indeed a little slim.
The loss of Bush will be sad, and I like Jones's potential to provide depth, but Taiwan doesn't bring to the table what the Raiders ground game looked good at over the last few years -- solid downhill north/south between-the-tackles runs. Would be nice to secure this skill set, if only as a good COP to McFadden -- and as a potential load-carrying backup starter in the event McFadden continues to ail.
Benson, Hillis, Hightower, and Law Firm would be great but likely out of reach for what we might pay, but Tolbert, Law Firm, even Ryan Grant might add solid depth and fill the need.