2011 Oakland Raiders In-Season Thread (1 Viewer)

[Raiderfan32904]

Meet your Newest Raiders

Well Jimmy Smith went 27th overall and whether the Raiders were interested or not may never be known. Rumor has it Oakland tried to trade up into the first round only they know for sure and who for.

As we reported earlier pre draft, Oakland is facing a crisis of sorts when it comes the to their O line.

On day two of the draft they helped address a need in the secondary and on special teams and took tow positive steps toward what could be a radical over haul of Oaklands offensive front.

Houston didn't take a CB which led directly to specualtion that Nnamdi would be a Texan and very, very wealthy.

Theres still Free Agency but it looks like the Raiders are standing pat when it comes to their secondary with Routt apparently taking the top slot when and if Nnamdi goes.

Buzz around Radio City Music Hall as day two began was that Oakland was furiously manuvering against the clock to work a trade with New England who had the opening pick.

For what ever reason a deal never materialized and New England selected CB Ras-I-Dowling.

If true, this would have been the 2nd time Oakland had tried and failed to get a draft day deal done.

Is that Al getting up in age? Is that Hue Jackson or is it simply a suggestion that didn't pan out?

Wisniewski was the sensible legacy pick for the Raiders to shore their O line with 48th overall but with huge questions with Huff and Nnamdi in their secondary the Raiders would need to burn a draft pick on some insurance.

No matter the cause, Oakland did not have a shot at Dowling (If they even wanted him. He's physical but has injury issues)

They also missed out on the next best CB Aaron Williams of Texas who went to Buffalo with the very next pick.

There was a run on Cornerbacks because theirs a need and not many good ones so alot of guys rated 4th and 5th round suddently jumped up and got snagged and thats what happened with Oaklands first pick of day 2.

CB DeMarcus Van Dyke

3rd round 17th selection (81st overall)

"DVD" as he's known,clocked one of the fastest times in Combine history at 4.25 seconds, the fastest time at this year’s Combine. He has speed to burn and good length.

He has quick feet and back pedals smoothly and is loose-hipped to transition efficiently. Good closing burst. Above-average ball skills because he's played reciever before. He has good leaping ability and soft hands to make plays in the air. Good work ethic. Hes served as a gunner and jammer on special teams too for added value.

At 6-1, 185 lbs he's a little thin but his blazing speed could help on coverage units and he'll probably get a look in the return game especially if WR Jacoby Ford sees more time at WR.

He shies away from contact too often and needs to add some bulk if he wants to press for field time. Benched 225 at the combine a paltry 5 times.

T Joseph Barksdale

3rd round 28th selection ( 92nd overall)

Barksdale's pick came on a trade with New England giving Oakland this pick, a 4th rounder (125th overall) tomorrow in exchange for the Raiders #2 next year.

A big boy at 6-5, 325 lbs Barksdale brings the bulk and possess the ability to be a starter perhaps at the desperately needed Right Tackle spot (where he spent time when playing for LSU) or even kicked inside as a Guard.

With HC Hue Jackson's blatant announcement that 2nd round pick Wiseniewski was "Our Center", last years Center Samson Satele likely did a spit take. Satele could be kicked over to a Guard spot or even possibly be released depending on the outcome of the lockout and rules regarding Free Agency.

Though Oakland needs Offensive Linemen don't be entirely shocked if you see Barksdale lined up on the opposite side of the ball in camp.

He may get a shot at Defensive Tackle just to kick the tires.

Barksdale was the top Defensive Tackle prospect in the Midwest and a five-star recruit thought to be the second coming of Haloti Ngata, another U.S. Army All-American. Barksdale was immediately shifted to offensive tackle by the Tigers Les Miles, who had a log jam at DT.

The knock on Barkdale is an inconsistent motor and playing down to the competition.

If he plays all out he'll earn a starting no problem.

One way or another.

Oaklands had some success with players from deep in the draft (Trevor Scott, Jacoby Ford, Louis Murphy) so though its been a relatively mild draft for the Raiders some good things could still be on the clock tomorrow.

The Raiders draft picks are:*

Round 4 16th (113th overall)

Round 4 28th (125th overall)

Round 5 17th (148th overall)

Round 6 16th (181st overall)

*subject to change

 

[UnknownCoach]

Al typically picks a project WR with one of the last picks but what they actually need there is a veteran, not another project. I'd like to see them draft at least one more DB. If the next 2 or 3 picks are all DBs I wouldnt complain. Wouldnt mind another OL but it would probably be overkill. Again there they need more veteran presence either by bringing back our old guys or bringing in FAs. RB should only be drafted this year if its a BPA pick or special teamer. Seriously, I hope the focus is on defense the rest of the way.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Al typically picks a project WR with one of the last picks but what they actually need there is a veteran, not another project. I'd like to see them draft at least one more DB. If the next 2 or 3 picks are all DBs I wouldnt complain. Wouldnt mind another OL but it would probably be overkill. Again there they need more veteran presence either by bringing back our old guys or bringing in FAs. RB should only be drafted this year if its a BPA pick or special teamer. Seriously, I hope the focus is on defense the rest of the way.

There are still some good OL's here in the 4th. Hope we can get one of them. It may be time to go get a TE just in case Miller's signing isn't a given. I agree that we have to be agressive when FA period opens.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Unknown coach called it. Another speedy CB with a funny name. At least he came from a big time school. Hope Cannon is still there at 125.

 

[massraider]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1117485/chimdi-chekwa

Newest Raider, Chimdi Chekwa.

I have terrible news--turns out he's fast too. Hopefully when Al dies we can start drafting slow DBs.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Chimdi Chekwa

Strengths:

Elite speed; has the athleticism to quickly recover from mistakes.

A tough corner who isn’t afraid to get physical with bigger receivers.

A willing tackler. Does a nice job stepping up in run support.

Very fluid in man coverage; an elite athlete who can turn and run with any receiver.

Tons of experience against top competition; a three year starter who also saw significant playing time as a freshman.

Weaknesses:

Lacks the elite size to be a dominant shutdown corner.

Overaggressive at times; he’ll bite on fakes in an effort to go for the interception and occasionally gets beat deep.

Doesn’t have great ball skills. Suffered a broken wrist in 2011 Sugar Bowl.

Comments:

Chekwa lacks the raw skills and size necessary to be an elite prospect, but his speed and athleticism should make him a quality nickel corner at the very least.

Having started for three years under Jim Tressel, you can be confident that he’ll come to camp ready to play a significant role as a rookie.

He’s a very safe mid-round pick and could come off the board as high as the late 2nd round due to his impressive athleticism.”

 

[massraider]

I woulda liked Van Dyke a lot more if we had taken him with this pick, and Chekwa last round.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

I woulda liked Van Dyke a lot more if we had taken him with this pick, and Chekwa last round.

I suspect that Rod Woodson has been working these guys out. He's getting his crew together. Maybe he sees something special with these guys.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Taiwan Jones!

 

[Chadstroma]

I woulda liked Van Dyke a lot more if we had taken him with this pick, and Chekwa last round.

I suspect that Rod Woodson has been working these guys out. He's getting his crew together. Maybe he sees something special with these guys.

Read somewhere that he did. I love Woodson. Love that he is coaching our DB's. So, in Woodson, I trust.

 

[Chadstroma]

Taiwan Jones!

Excited or dismayed?

 

[massraider]

Taiwan Jones!

Excited or dismayed?

Stoked. Going to make the team, can return kicks, and Bush is NOT signed long term. There was room for another back on the team, and he has skills. Why not?

 

[massraider]

Taiwan Jones

 

[Chadstroma]

Taiwan Jones!

Excited or dismayed?

Stoked. Going to make the team, can return kicks, and Bush is NOT signed long term. There was room for another back on the team, and he has skills. Why not?

Cannon is why not.

 

[Chadstroma]

Raiders once again look for speed in NFL draft

By JOSH DUBOW - AP Sports Writer

2011-04-30 12:41

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) - The Oakland Raiders once again looked for speed in the NFL draft, taking two of the fastest players in cornerback Chimdi Chekwa and running back Taiwan Jones in the fourth round.

Oakland's first two picks Saturday on the final day of the draft follow Friday's selection of the fastest player at the NFL combine in cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke from Miami in the third round.

Coach Hue Jackson says the Raiders ``run to speed'' when it comes to the draft and that proved true once again.

Quantcast

Chekwa ran one of the fastest 40s at the NFL combine at 4.4 seconds and was the 113th overall pick. Jones did not run at the combine because of an injury but was reportedly clocked between 4.27 and 4.35 seconds at his pro day. He was taken 125th overall.

 

[massraider]

Taiwan Jones!

Excited or dismayed?

Stoked. Going to make the team, can return kicks, and Bush is NOT signed long term. There was room for another back on the team, and he has skills. Why not?

Cannon is why not.

Hey, I wanted him too. We took two offensive linemen already, and two last year. Just tell me the number of linemen we can take before we take other positions, and I'll shut up till then.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Taiwan Jones!

Excited or dismayed?

Stoked. Going to make the team, can return kicks, and Bush is NOT signed long term. There was room for another back on the team, and he has skills. Why not?

Agree with this pick. He's going to push Bennett out the door. Will find a niche on the return team. Will contribute right away. Long term insurance for M. Bush. Great pick!

 

[massraider]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1244818/denarius-moore

WR Denarius Moore. Interesting.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

I like this pick. Moore has legit NFL speed, and impressive is his 21 ypc despite inconsistency at the QB position at Tennessee.

 

[Raider Nation]

Thank GOD we took DHB! Look at some of the names on the board.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_NFL_Draft

#13, 15, 26 and 29 sting the most.

 

[Chadstroma]

Taiwan Jones!

Excited or dismayed?

Stoked. Going to make the team, can return kicks, and Bush is NOT signed long term. There was room for another back on the team, and he has skills. Why not?

Cannon is why not.

Hey, I wanted him too. We took two offensive linemen already, and two last year. Just tell me the number of linemen we can take before we take other positions, and I'll shut up till then.

You think our O-line is done now? We are losing guys or they may or soon will retire or they are not playing well. Even if we hit on these guys we got, unless we being in some FA's, we will have no depth at all.

 

[massraider]

You think our O-line is done now? We are losing guys or they may or soon will retire or they are not playing well. Even if we hit on these guys we got, unless we being in some FA's, we will have no depth at all.

No, that's not my position. But we have assigned two 2's, and two 3's to the line the last two years. Veldheer seems set at LT. Wiz and Satele at C. Loper, Carlisle, Campbell, and perhaps Barksdale competing at G. Henderson and maybe Barksdale at RT. Not to mention the up-in-the-air nature of Walker and Barnes, both of whom are rumored to be gone, but as of now, ARE NOT.

Moves have been made. Bodies have been brought in.

Like I said, give me a number. Tell me how many O-linemen we need to draft before we can take another spot.

Funny thing is, Raider fans will snipe about the CBs taken, but we needed CB as much as any spot in this draft. Routt #1, aging CJ #2, after that.........?

 

[massraider]

http://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video;_ylt=A0oG7nPZTbxNO2gAlbJXNyoA?ei=UTF-8&p=Demarcus%20can%20dyke%20combine%20video&fr2=tab-web&fr=yfp-t-701

Van Dyke video. Not too much there, but one really great thing: He goes up and picks the ball in the end zone over Jonathan Baldwin, who didn't even try and catch the ball, or stop DVD.

 

[Raider Nation]

Is Grad going to be given a fair chance to beat out Campbell?

 

[massraider]

Is Grad going to be given a fair chance to beat out Campbell?

No. They made it clear Campbell is the guy.

 

[Raider Nation]

Is Grad going to be given a fair chance to beat out Campbell?

No. They made it clear Campbell is the guy.

I'll never understand that line of thinking. Isn't healthy competition better for a team than soothing someone's ego?

 

[massraider]

Is Grad going to be given a fair chance to beat out Campbell?

No. They made it clear Campbell is the guy.

I'll never understand that line of thinking. Isn't healthy competition better for a team than soothing someone's ego?

I feel ya, but once Campbell was given the job back he played better.Six of one, half dozen of the other, I don't know if it matters a ton which guy keeps the seat warm. All I know is, I am watching next year's college QBs closely.

 

[Raider Nation]

Is Grad going to be given a fair chance to beat out Campbell?

No. They made it clear Campbell is the guy.

I'll never understand that line of thinking. Isn't healthy competition better for a team than soothing someone's ego?

I feel ya, but once Campbell was given the job back he played better.Six of one, half dozen of the other, I don't know if it matters a ton which guy keeps the seat warm. All I know is, I am watching next year's college QBs closely.

If we start off 0-4, might as well root for 1-15 to "LUCK" into the 1st pick.

 

[massraider]

That TE didn't do much in college. But we can use a 3rd TE.

Biography: Started seven games as a senior and caught 6 passes for 30 yards. Played in one game during the 2009 campaign before suffering a season-ending injury. Primarily used as a backup in 2008.Positives: "Athletic tight end prospect who's been a serviceable player on the college level. Gives effort blocking, keeps his head on a swivel, and plays with good awareness. Stays square and blocks with good lean. Extends his hands to make catches away from his frame."Negatives: Does not play to his size or speed. Stiff. More athlete than football player. Does not consistently come away with the difficult catch. Marginal strength at the point.Analysis: Gordon is a size prospect who never truly developed on the college level yet has enough skills to get consideration as a third tight end in the NFL.

According to this, he returned KOs for the Canes:http://www.nfldraftscout.com/members/ratings/profile.php?pyid=65232Looking forward to Hue's presser on these guys.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Oft injured little used TE with fastest combine speed for TE. Total throwaway pick.

 

[Raider Nation]

Tweet from Gordon:

"What? I got drafted??? LOLZ!"

 

[massraider]

Wouldn't mind seeing a DLineman of some kind here. Maybe this guy?

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1123507/pierre-allen

 

[UnknownCoach]

Taiwan Jones!

A respectable value pick who can improve our special teams. Let's not confuse him as Bush insurance though. Bush and Jones are nearly opposites. Jones translates into a third down or CoP NFL back who'll make his money running outside. Bush is a workhorse capable inside runner. If Bush signs elsewhere, we'll need another inside runner. No reason to carry one on the roster now though.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Taiwan Jones!

A respectable value pick who can improve our special teams. Let's not confuse him as Bush insurance though. Bush and Jones are nearly opposites. Jones translates into a third down or CoP NFL back who'll make his money running outside. Bush is a workhorse capable inside runner. If Bush signs elsewhere, we'll need another inside runner. No reason to carry one on the roster now though.

He's no M Bush for sure! But those kind of RB's are rare. We are lucky to have him for now. If he goes, the inside running duties could go to Rock Cartwright. Even McFadden proved he could get the tough inside yards. Taiwan competes with and pushes Bennett off the roster. Some have compared his skill set to Jamaal Charles. We'd have a different dynamic than we have now if Bush were gone, but still a lethal RB combo.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

"The Raiders final pick of the 2011 draft is "surprise!" a H/W/S specimen but his conversion from WR, if effective, could transform football as we know it..."

David Ausberry

At the Trojans annual Pro Day two head coaches, Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys and Hue Jackson of the Oakland Raiders, as well as three general managers came to scout USC’s talented prospects.

Maybe Jackson saw something he liked, like oh, I don't Raider speed?

Ausberry fastest Trojan on Pro Day.

David Ausberry, USC’s biggest wide receiver posted a head turning 4.46 in the 40 yd dash. Ausberry has always had a lot of potential but was never able to put it al together.

Compared favorably to former USC WR Mike Williams, Ausberry had finished his college career with 64 catches for 700 yds and 7 TDs.

He has also been dogged by nagging injuries.

He's a typical Raider H/W/S guy Oakland likes but some may question why Oakland would take another receiver even if it was at the end of the 7th round but Ausberry was switched to Tight End his Senior season.

Thats important because in the Pros another conversion ala' Al may be in order.

After seeing how well Marcel Reece translated to FB from WR the 6-3, 241 lb speedster could evolve into insurance if he can make the transition too.

If Ausberry clicks he could give Oakland depth at a postion the Raiders are quietly transforming into a defensive coordinators nightmare.

A viable home run threat from the Fullback postion.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Draft Day 3: Raider need for SPEED

After a small fire in our building was extinguished we were let back into our building after a 4 hour security sweep.

We're back and ready to attack on day 3 of the draft.

CB Chimdi Chekwa

4th round (113th overall)

With Nnamdi looking like a fond memory the Raiders begin to supplement their secondary.

Like they weren't going to do that anyway.

Chekwa suffered a severely dislocated right wrist in the first quarter of the Sugar Bowl and wasn't cleared medically to perform fully at the combine. Though he wasn't able to lift or participate fully, he register a 4.38 40, one of the 10 fastest times at the 2011 event and the fastest of any CB.

Chekwa doesn't have great hands but has proven himself to be more than a "track guy," he doesn't easily wrap up bigger ballcarriers. He'll need to be more disciplined but he's got a HOF Coach in the form of Rod Woodsen tro kick his ### into shape.

Chekwa could help on Special teams and in certain packages covering the slot.

He's got fluid hips but can be slow to react. With some experience and training he could become more instinctive and then things could get really interesting.

Solid pick this deep into the draft and fills a perceived need.

RB Taiwan Jones

4th round (125th overall)

We wrote a pre draft article on Taiwan and despite confusion over a "missed" workout with Oakland (the press later reported none had been scheduled) Oakland pulled the trigger on the fastest back at the combine.

Jones has a number of issues including attitude and fragility but Raider depth at RB, Jones' skill set and blazing 4.28 speed make him a decent pick up in the 4th round.

Plus, the 6-1, 200 lb speedster might be able to play some receiver. As we stated in our earlier article (2011 off season page) "Jones lined up at WR alot in Eastern Washingtons system with solid results."

WR Denarius Moore

5th round (148th overall)

Moore had 112 catches for 2,004 yards in 52 games at Tennessee. He had his best year as a senior with 47 catches for 981 yards and nine touchdowns.

Moore has shown too much inconsistency to rank him any higher.

He has been clocked in the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds, becoming the latest speedster to join the Raiders. That makes 4 sub 4.4 40 guys taken by Mr. Davis so far.

He suffered through 3 Coaching changes at Tennesse (including some guy named Kiffin...) and the constant rotation may have stunted him. Last season though he had HC Charlie Bagget who has NFL level experience and it seems to help Denarius turn in career numbers his Senior year.

TE Richard Gordon

6th round (181st overall)

No, he doesn't have sub 4.4 speed bu the 6-4, 270 lb but the former Hurricane is a very athletic Tight End and surprisingly fluid when catching the ball.

Unfortunately he did very little of that at Miami tallying only 10 receptions for 62 yds and no TDs inj his his 4 yr career.

Gordon was only became a starter his Senior year and sat out his Junior campaign with a shoulder injury in the opener of the 2009 season.

Oakland sees something in the developmental player who'll likely compete for the #3 TE position while helping out on Special Teams.

We'll finish up the draft once the 7th round concludes. In case anyone was questioning if Al Davis was in charge of last years or this years draft all you need to do is check the 40 times of todays selections.

Go Raiders!

 

[UnknownCoach]

Gotta be the least surprising Raider draft ever.

No first round pick. Another year, another draft pick trade (and to New England again). All but one pick more athlete than college performer.

Not bad though. At least 5 of these guys should make the team and contribute in some capacity. One should start right away.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Overall, I think the draft was a B-, given where they had to start from in the 2nd round. If you consider we got Seymour as part of this draft, all things considered...pretty darn good.

It's really incomplete to grade them anyway until free agency. We should make a run at Ochocinco, who would love to hook back up with Hue Jackson. I could see FA O-lineman as well. Maybe an experienced journeyman QB. Whenever FA period starts, it will be wild times.

This lockout situation as it drags on is going to hurt the cohesiveness of this new regime. But its the same for everyone so in that sense, it's fair. Not knowing all the other pieces of the puzzle that must eventually fall into place makes the state of the team difficult to judge.

 

[Dr. Evil]

Does Richard Gordon project well to another position? If he puts on some weight he could provide depth on the line.

 

[massraider]

Overall, I think the draft was a B-, given where they had to start from in the 2nd round. If you consider we got Seymour as part of this draft, all things considered...pretty darn good.It's really incomplete to grade them anyway until free agency. We should make a run at Ochocinco, who would love to hook back up with Hue Jackson. I could see FA O-lineman as well. Maybe an experienced journeyman QB. Whenever FA period starts, it will be wild times.This lockout situation as it drags on is going to hurt the cohesiveness of this new regime. But its the same for everyone so in that sense, it's fair. Not knowing all the other pieces of the puzzle that must eventually fall into place makes the state of the team difficult to judge.

Pretty much came in to post exactly the same thing. Love the Ocho Cinco idea. He's a big mouth, but for two years or whatever, he would not be a problem. And is still at the top of his game. As to the draft, the only gripe is, of course, Van Dyke. But we'll see. Everyone hated the Nnamdi and Routt draft picks, when it comes to the Raiders and cornerbacks, you have to understand what we do. If you can cover man-to-man, you have value. Other teams ask other things of their CBs. We need pure speed that can cover guys a second longer than other CBs do. I always look at the body of the draft, rather than just a pick at a time. If we had drafted Cheka-whatshisface with the 3rd, and Van Dyke in the 4th, it would have been easier to take, but the result is the same. It was a good draft to me, in that I think most guys will make the team, which should be first priority. Wiz is our starting C, and can play guard. He is not a masher, which it seems everyone is looking for at C these says, with all the 3-4 defenses, but is a smart, tough worker. And he is happy to be a Raider, which means a real lot to me. I know no one is against this pick. Van Dyke seems like the bone the scouts threw to Al, to make him happy. I am sure there is more that goes into it, but that's the way it seems, right? Last year, we had solid picks in McClain and Houston, then everyone joked Jacoby Ford being a shiny object to make Al happy. Well, turned out that was about as great a 4th rounder as there was last year. EVERYONE panned that pick, and thus far, it was a major steal. So we have to wait and see. If Van Dyke can come in as a dime, and shut down some slot guy, it was a good pick. i don't care if he can't match up on the outside with big WRs. I still didn't like the value, but I will wait and see. My least favorite pick. Barksdale--So the word is, he got by on natural ability, and coasted. So it seems like a coin flip. If he learns to be a pro, he has all the physical attributes to be the RT of the future. Make no mistake, any tackle you take in the 3rd round has warts--otherwise, he'd be a 1st rounder. But he's experienced, a 3 or 4 year starter, and has no physical limitations, he's big and can move. My uneducated guess is that he learns behind Henderson at RT, eith the hopes that he can take the job in a year or so. Like the pick just based on need at that position, but tough to imagine him starting as a rookie. Chimdi Chekwa--No one had a problem with this pick. CB was a need, I have no problem adding two to Routt, CJ, McFadden, and Ware. We don't have a legit nickel CB on the roster, anyone that didn't think CB was a major need needs to reevaluate. Would not surprise me if he winds up being a starter. Taiwan Jones--Super fast, and super productive. I like this pick because I think, whose job is he taking, Michael Bennett? No problem. If we can draft a guy in the 4th that immediately improves a spot, even if it's 3rd RB, I am fine with it. And there isn't a Raider fan alive that would take Michael Bennett over Taiwan Jones. The Bush thing is up in the air, will we only have him for another year? If someone offers starter money, he's gone. And he may be gone anyway, because he figures he's a lead back, and wants the chance. I don't think he is, and 3 talented backs is a good thing. By the way, if you watch Jones' highlights, he has an NFL game. Quick, decisive cuts, not just a guy looking to bounce everything outside. Like Chekwa, he's a fast football player, not a track guy playing football. Denarius Moore--An odd pick. We like to draft fast WRs, but a lot of them were considered raw, and needed a lot of work. Moore has the rep of a guy that would have done more with a more stable supporting cast, and spent a lot of his time making his QB look better than he was. This is not Arman Shields 2.0. This is a polished, well-rounded, smooth WR. I think he makes the team. Another pick that everyone seemed to like. Richard Gordon--This was a UDFA, plain and simple. This draft was thin, there was not a ton of 6th and 7th rounders that people were excited about. On Kiper's 'best available' list, the #2 guy was a freaking fullback, OK? Gordon is a freak athlete, who has blocking size. There is room for a 3rd TE after Miller and Myers, so I am glad they took a shot. Would ahve preferred Cam Jordan, but our 3rd TE needs to be a blocker, and this kid is 265. Doubt he makes th team, but has a better shot than any OL or DL taken here. David Ausberry--6'3", 235, ran a 4.5. What the heck is he? A WR, a TE? He seems to me to be an H-Back more than anything. You know, if there was ever a kid that you bring in for a camp, then have him suffer a season-ending "injury", this is the one. I think it's easier to have a kid put on 10 pounds than shave .7 off their 40 time, so I vote for TE.

 

[RaiderBones]

Overall, I think the draft was a B-, given where they had to start from in the 2nd round. If you consider we got Seymour as part of this draft, all things considered...pretty darn good.

It's really incomplete to grade them anyway until free agency. We should make a run at Ochocinco, who would love to hook back up with Hue Jackson. I could see FA O-lineman as well. Maybe an experienced journeyman QB. Whenever FA period starts, it will be wild times.

This lockout situation as it drags on is going to hurt the cohesiveness of this new regime. But its the same for everyone so in that sense, it's fair. Not knowing all the other pieces of the puzzle that must eventually fall into place makes the state of the team difficult to judge.

Pretty much came in to post exactly the same thing. Love the Ocho Cinco idea. He's a big mouth, but for two years or whatever, he would not be a problem. And is still at the top of his game. As to the draft, the only gripe is, of course, Van Dyke. But we'll see. Everyone hated the Nnamdi and Routt draft picks, when it comes to the Raiders and cornerbacks, you have to understand what we do. If you can cover man-to-man, you have value. Other teams ask other things of their CBs. We need pure speed that can cover guys a second longer than other CBs do. I always look at the body of the draft, rather than just a pick at a time. If we had drafted Cheka-whatshisface with the 3rd, and Van Dyke in the 4th, it would have been easier to take, but the result is the same.

It was a good draft to me, in that I think most guys will make the team, which should be first priority. Wiz is our starting C, and can play guard. He is not a masher, which it seems everyone is looking for at C these says, with all the 3-4 defenses, but is a smart, tough worker. And he is happy to be a Raider, which means a real lot to me. I know no one is against this pick.

Van Dyke seems like the bone the scouts threw to Al, to make him happy. I am sure there is more that goes into it, but that's the way it seems, right? Last year, we had solid picks in McClain and Houston, then everyone joked Jacoby Ford being a shiny object to make Al happy. Well, turned out that was about as great a 4th rounder as there was last year. EVERYONE panned that pick, and thus far, it was a major steal. So we have to wait and see. If Van Dyke can come in as a dime, and shut down some slot guy, it was a good pick. i don't care if he can't match up on the outside with big WRs. I still didn't like the value, but I will wait and see. My least favorite pick.

Barksdale--So the word is, he got by on natural ability, and coasted. So it seems like a coin flip. If he learns to be a pro, he has all the physical attributes to be the RT of the future. Make no mistake, any tackle you take in the 3rd round has warts--otherwise, he'd be a 1st rounder. But he's experienced, a 3 or 4 year starter, and has no physical limitations, he's big and can move. My uneducated guess is that he learns behind Henderson at RT, eith the hopes that he can take the job in a year or so. Like the pick just based on need at that position, but tough to imagine him starting as a rookie.

Chimdi Chekwa--No one had a problem with this pick. CB was a need, I have no problem adding two to Routt, CJ, McFadden, and Ware. We don't have a legit nickel CB on the roster, anyone that didn't think CB was a major need needs to reevaluate. Would not surprise me if he winds up being a starter.

Taiwan Jones--Super fast, and super productive. I like this pick because I think, whose job is he taking, Michael Bennett? No problem. If we can draft a guy in the 4th that immediately improves a spot, even if it's 3rd RB, I am fine with it. And there isn't a Raider fan alive that would take Michael Bennett over Taiwan Jones. The Bush thing is up in the air, will we only have him for another year? If someone offers starter money, he's gone. And he may be gone anyway, because he figures he's a lead back, and wants the chance. I don't think he is, and 3 talented backs is a good thing. By the way, if you watch Jones' highlights, he has an NFL game. Quick, decisive cuts, not just a guy looking to bounce everything outside. Like Chekwa, he's a fast football player, not a track guy playing football.

Denarius Moore--An odd pick. We like to draft fast WRs, but a lot of them were considered raw, and needed a lot of work. Moore has the rep of a guy that would have done more with a more stable supporting cast, and spent a lot of his time making his QB look better than he was. This is not Arman Shields 2.0. This is a polished, well-rounded, smooth WR. I think he makes the team. Another pick that everyone seemed to like.

Richard Gordon--This was a UDFA, plain and simple. This draft was thin, there was not a ton of 6th and 7th rounders that people were excited about. On Kiper's 'best available' list, the #2 guy was a freaking fullback, OK? Gordon is a freak athlete, who has blocking size. There is room for a 3rd TE after Miller and Myers, so I am glad they took a shot. Would ahve preferred Cam Jordan, but our 3rd TE needs to be a blocker, and this kid is 265. Doubt he makes th team, but has a better shot than any OL or DL taken here.

David Ausberry--6'3", 235, ran a 4.5. What the heck is he? A WR, a TE? He seems to me to be an H-Back more than anything. You know, if there was ever a kid that you bring in for a camp, then have him suffer a season-ending "injury", this is the one. I think it's easier to have a kid put on 10 pounds than shave .7 off their 40 time, so I vote for TE.

Barksdale is till kinda raw. He was actually recruited out of high school as a 5 star recruit as a defensive lineman. But LSU had a lot of D-linemen already on the team so they switched him to offensive tackle. So really he has only been playing as an offensive lineman for 4 years now. Hopefully Wisniewski can help to coach this kid up. Sounds like to me if they can get him motivated and work on a few things the kid could be a heck of player for the Raiders. I guess time will tell.

 

[massraider]

Barksdale is till kinda raw. He was actually recruited out of high school as a 5 star recruit as a defensive lineman. But LSU had a lot of D-linemen already on the team so they switched him to offensive tackle. So really he has only been playing as an offensive lineman for 4 years now. Hopefully Wisniewski can help to coach this kid up. Sounds like to me if they can get him motivated and work on a few things the kid could be a heck of player for the Raiders. I guess time will tell.

Yeah, I know we are moving away from the ZBS to a more power scheme, but man, if you are talking about Veldheer, Wiz, Campbell, Henderson or Barksdale, there's not a plodder in the bunch. There's some athletic ability there. I think Henderson might do good at RT, if we put him there. I am not ready to give up on that kid yet.

 

[massraider]

Kiper on our picks:

16(48) Oakland Stefen Wisniewski OC Penn State

What he brings: Wisniewski is a limited athlete but has enough short-area quickness and takes good enough angles to excel on the interior. His strength is in his lower body, allowing him to root defenders off the ball when in phone-booth situations. His lack of overall balance and inability to sustain blocks are concerns.

How he fits: LG Robert Gallery is on his way out and C Samson Satele could leave in free agency, which leaves a big hole inside. This is a pretty good run blocking group that struggles in pass protection and while Wisniewski is not a gifted athlete, he can really solidify the interior of a unit that really needs a makeover and he will bring toughness.

17(81) Oakland Demarcus Van Dyke CB Miami (FL)

What he brings: Van Dyke is a track star with excellent straight-line speed and good ball skills. He is tight in the hips, though, and has trouble limiting separation in man coverage. He also lacks great instincts.

How he fits: He is a typical Raiders speed corner, but is he just a straight-line guy? Starters Nnamdi Asomugha and Stanford Routt are free agents and backups Chris Johnson, Walter McFadden and Jeremy Ware are not good enough. This is a defense that plays mainly man coverage schemes and that requires special corner skills and Van Dyke gives them some insurance if this unit falls apart.

28(92) Oakland (From New England) Joe Barksdale OT LSU

What he brings: Barksdale is a three-year starter with the arm length and first step to protect the edge when his technique is sound. Problem is, he sometimes takes too long to get set and doesn't have the foot sped to recover. He has the size and tenacity to become an effective run blocker but he is a reach here in our opinion.

How he fits: RT Langston Walker is at the end of his career and also a free agent and that is where the Raiders' OL needs help. Young LT Jared Veldheer looks like the real deal and he can play either side, depending on where Barksdale fits. He could potentially become a starter in time at RT.

16(113) Oakland Chimdi Chekwa CB Ohio State

What he brings: Chekwa has good size and speed and is solid in run support. He has adequate ball skills and his instincts and awareness are above-average, but he shows some tightness in coverage.

How he fits: He is the second CB the Raiders have drafted as they anticipate losses in free agency. They could lose both starters and their backups are not elite guys. Chekwa is a typical Raiders corner as a turn-and-run speed guy who will be asked to play mostly man coverage.

28(125) Oakland (from New England) Taiwan Jones RB Eastern Washington

What he brings: Jones has excellent top-end speed and explosiveness and brings special-teams value as a returner and cover man. He also has the hands to catch well out of the backfield and contribute on third down, though there is some concern about the competition he faced at the FCS level.

How he fits: This does not look like a position of great need although he could add some depth. Darren McFadden is a solid starter but his backup Michael Bush could possibly leave in free agency. Behind that there is not a lot to get excited about. Jones doesn't have great size but he has that Al Davis speed and he also has some return ability.

17(148) Oakland Denarius Moore WR Tennessee

He is a straight-line WR who can stretch the field and shows above-average ball skills. However, he's a bit tight with his route running, which brings up concerns with his ability to consistently separate from man coverage.

16(181) Oakland Richard Gordon TE Miami (FL)

He has the size, frame and speed to develop into a No. 2 TE. He should be used primarily as a blocker and has to show he can develop into a pass-catcher.

38(241) Oakland (Compensatory) David Ausberry WR USC

He is a big possession-type receiver who uses his body to shield defenders and could be a quality target in the red zone.

 

[Raider Nation]

McShay thought we had the worst draft. Kiper said Seattle had the worst.

 

[massraider]

McShay thought we had the worst draft. Kiper said Seattle had the worst.

Eh. Kiper tends to give us the benefit of the doubt more than most. McShay, whenever we are brought up, makes a snide comment. I would love to slap the taste out of his mouth. Jerry Mac brings up a really good point about the kind of player we bringing in lately:

After letting the three-day draft marinate for several hours, here’s what I come up with concerning the Raiders’ Class of 2011:The most important adjustment Al Davis has made the past two years is in heeding information about a player’s desire and level of commitment to go along with the physical attributes that will always be a big part of the way he selects players.Davis still wants the Raiders to look good coming off the bus. It’s just that now he wants them to look good while carrying their playbooks.The Raiders will still miss on occasion, something that happens to every team in the NFL. But at least they’ll miss on someone who appears to care. Say what you want about 2009 first-round pick Darrius Heyward-Bey and second-round selection Mike Mitchell, but any failure to become a frontline NFL player won’t be because they were lacking in desire.It seemed to be a common theme among this year’s class, from center Stefen Wisniewski right on through receiver David Ausberry _ the talent to contribute and a willingness to work for it. Cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke, tackle Joe Barksdale and running back Taiwan Jones, as well as Wiz II, all had an appealing humbleness about them that indicated they were taking their team and their sport very seriously. The same goes for cornerback Chimdi Chekwa, available by conference call.It was a trait that ran through last year’s celebrated draft class as well. Middle linebacker Rolando McClain could be a bit quirky, but there seemed to be no doubting his willingness to learn and grow in the mental part of the game. Lemarr Houston, Jared Veldheer, Jacoby Ford, Bruce Campbell, Walter McFadden, Travis Goethel, Jeremy Ware, Stevie Brown . . . all appeared to have a grasp on the challenge ahead as it pertained to work ethic and attitude.That hasn’t always been the case. Maybe it was the legendary indifference of JaMarcus Russell that caused this shift in philosophy, but there were plenty of examples preceding Russell.Fabian Washington, the first-round pick in 2005, admitted after being traded to Baltimore he was immature and didn’t grasp the concept of being a professional in Oakland.Going back to 2002 and 2003, I can think of three players who weren’t bad guys but came to the Raiders and conducted themselves as if they had everything figured out _ tight end Teyo Johnson (2003), cornerback Phillip Buchanon (2002) and linebacker Napoleon Harris (2002), the latter two first-round draft picks.Second-overall pick Darrell Russell arrived in 1997 with a reputation of taking plays off and not being entirely serious about his profession. They got a couple of Pro Bowl years out of Russell, but if a Russell-like player came out now, you wonder if the Raiders would take a pass.The Raiders traded up twice in 1996 to take tight end Rickey Dudley, who caught 29 touchdown passes in five seasons but never achieved the stardom his skill set seemed to warrant. Dudley wasn’t a head case or a slacker. But after doing a profile on him dating back to his days in high school, it was clear Dudley’s first love was basketball and he admitted as much.Dudley liked football and appreciated the opportunity, but he loved basketball. It was his passion.I asked Hue Jackson if there were players taken off the board regardless of their skill set based on red flags gathered through an interview or research.“There’s no question,” Jackson said. “Obviously the measureables are important. We want the guy to be as big as he can be, as agile as he can be, as fast as he can be. But at the end of the day, he’s got to want to play football. And that’s what it comes down to.“You’ve got to like the toughness, the physical nature of this sport, and if you don’t do that, you can’t be successful in this league.”Is combine flash Van Dyke a reach in the third round? Perhaps. He’s alarmingly thin as well, with legs that look like pencils. Rod Woodson signed off on him, however, and that should count for something.Taiwan Jones, the fourth-round pick, also comes off as earnest and sincere. He’ll be fine about his role and isn’t going to be demanding the ball any time soon. Considering Darren McFadden’s injury history and Jackson’s love for running the ball, Jones could come along sooner than expected.As for physical “freaks” such as tight end Richard Gordon and Ausberry, taking a calculated risk on a superior athlete is simply the Raider way. The difference is now they’re taking a closer look at the heart to go along with the body.

 

[Chadstroma]

Middle linebacker Rolando McClain could be a bit quirky

What does he speak of?

 

[Chadstroma]

As for physical “freaks” such as tight end Richard Gordon and Ausberry, taking a calculated risk on a superior athlete is simply the Raider way.

And being so late in the draft, I do not mind taking a gamble on guys like this at all.

 

[Chadstroma]

Kiper on our picks:

A few thoughts...- Didn't we sign Stanford to a fat contract or was that some nightmare I had the other day? - Is there any expectation for Jones to carry some load of the return duties? Can Ford be better as a WR if asked to focus on that?- Isn't Gordon a speed guy? Is he really a blocking TE? I am confused here. - Ausberry... kind of the same question as with Gordon.... isn't he a speed guy with height? How does that make him a possession WR?

 

[massraider]

Middle linebacker Rolando McClain could be a bit quirky

What does he speak of?

Ro was standoffish to the media, refusing interviews pretty much from day 1. Not surly, just not interested in talking.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Kiper on our picks:

A few thoughts...- Didn't we sign Stanford to a fat contract or was that some nightmare I had the other day? - Is there any expectation for Jones to carry some load of the return duties? Can Ford be better as a WR if asked to focus on that?- Isn't Gordon a speed guy? Is he really a blocking TE? I am confused here. - Ausberry... kind of the same question as with Gordon.... isn't he a speed guy with height? How does that make him a possession WR?

Routt doesn't deserve that contract, but he'll hold his own on his side. He has progressed and hopefully he's ready for the limelight. The only thing that bothers me is the money they are paying him. I think that Jones can find a niche returning kickoffs, and let Ford progress to full time WR duties. That's a tall order for Jones, as Ford was killing it last year on the return team. Gordon is a big guy that has some speed, but he's supposedly a good blocker, and has the size to compete with Myers for TE2. He needs to work on his receiving skills, and earn the right to be targeted. For now, strictly blocking TE, if he can make the team at all.Ausberry, from what I hear is compared to Marcel Reese. A big agile receiver with good speed. He needs a lot of things to come together in TC, but just like Reese, has the chance to be a hybrid player.Of the Raider picks; Wisniewski looks to start, although I am hoping that they keep Samson Satele. He really progressed the latter half of last year and was one of our better linemen, really helping McFadden to rip of some big gainers. Barksdale is a big guy who has a limited motor. That seems counter to what Jerry wrote about finding guys who "want to play". I hope that his scouting report is just a misunderstanding, and that he dedicates himself to the passion to hit and hit hard the Raider way. He's got the tools, the experience, and we could really use the injection of youth and talent on the OL. I don't expect him starting anytime soon though. He may have a developmental season like Bruce Campbell last year.Chekwa and DVD. Chekwa seems more ready at the moment (DVD is so damn skinny). I predict that one of these guys emerges and the other gets cut. We have our 2 CB's drafted last year and both had their bright spots and showed promise. Taiwan Jones. I think he easily pushes Michael Bennett off the roster, and plays a role in special teams. He could be a slot guy like the Chiefs did with Dexter McCluster. A guy like that outside can give DC's nightmares.Gordon and Ausberry. Unless they surprise, I think they are heading to the practice squad or are cut. From this draft, I think we got one sure starter on the OL (Wiz), one reserve OL (Barksdale), one reserve/nickel DB (DVD or Chekwa), a third down/COP back. (TJ)Not nearly the haul of players we got last year, but free agency will bring some significant contributors to the 2011 Raiders squad.