2014 Oakland Raiders Regular Season Thread (1 Viewer)

[Bruno2]

What's wrong with you guys? I couldn't be happier! They got out of the Saffold deal, great! Maybe buyers remorse, because of a knee-jerk reaction to losing Veldheer, I don't know. But there will be a silver lining to this. No need to over react.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Jake Matthews is a lock now, right?

 

[Teef]

Mike Silver

Last thing: If you think Reggie's job isn't in jeopardy, you are naive. We'll see if he survives to draft day.

12:26am - 13 Mar 14

You have to take a lot of what Silver says with a grain of salt. He's always had an ax to grind and misses quite a bit with his Raider prognostication. Always a fun read, but it's painfully clear he takes every swing he can to stir up more drama than what's there.

 

[ICON211]

<script language='javascript'> </script>

Mike Silver
Last thing: If you think Reggie's job isn't in jeopardy, you are naive. We'll see if he survives to draft day.
12:26am - 13 Mar 14

You have to take a lot of what Silver says with a grain of salt. He's always had an ax to grind and misses quite a bit with his Raider prognostication. Always a fun read, but it's painfully clear he takes every swing he can to stir up more drama than what's there.

Never been a fan of his and I think you are right about taking anything he says with a grain of salt.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

I don't get it. I would think a lot of you would be happy to be out from Saffold.

All I read in here after he signed was "Too much money", "He's a better guard" etc.

Maybe it is a good sign for Watson, maybe it gives them more options on draft day, maybe they sign Oher or Collins (both of whom are as good as Saffold at LT and probably not as big a step below JV as most would believe).

its not what they did but how they did it.......just par for the course...year after year

 

[32 Counter Pass]

Meanwhile Reggie moves at a snails pace while solid defensive pieces get signed elsewhere.

Go get Allen and Woodley!! I know Allen wants $10 per season. Worth ever penny IMO

 

[Chaka]

I don't get it. I would think a lot of you would be happy to be out from Saffold.

All I read in here after he signed was "Too much money", "He's a better guard" etc.

Maybe it is a good sign for Watson, maybe it gives them more options on draft day, maybe they sign Oher or Collins (both of whom are as good as Saffold at LT and probably not as big a step below JV as most would believe).

its not what they did but how they did it.......just par for the course...year after year

Maybe they just saw an opportunity.

Let's see what happens next. It's good drama either way.

 

[Bob Magaw]

I feel sorry for OAK fans and even the GM Mckenzie if Davis scuttled the deal. It's true he is not as good at LT as guard, and that was a lot of money for a guard (that is on McKenzie), but they could have turned their attention to other OL while this was going on. Obviously in retrospect, it would have been better to never have got involved, kind of a black eye for the front office. Although Saffold received interest from TB, so OAK could have done STL a favor by keeping Saffold away from them?

Saffold was a high profile signing for a fan base that has waited patiently to get out of cap hell for two years. Sort of like a kid opening up a package on Christmas and getting a present they like, than some furtive glances and hushed talking from one parent to the other about how much it cost, than grabbing the present out of their hands and saying there has been a mistake, and it needs to be returned due to a warranty issue.

Just bizarre and inexplicable that OAK would have the most cap room in the league, not franchise either Veldheer or Houston, two of their best players, botch the Saffold deal (couldn't they have had the physical BEFORE the contract signing?) and now many of the best free agents have found homes. Baldinger was talking yesterday how it set off an alarm that PIT was willing to cut Woodley with dead money on the contract because they usually don't do that. He hasn't played well in a few years, so they are looking at an older, declining player in his case, an odd choice for a rebuilding team. I get that sometimes a team needs a balance with some vets, just not sure Woodley is the answer.

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-report/how-things-went-awry-for-saffold-in-oakland/article_a7223ed6-9a00-5f94-a5b3-e3cd7c2e99b4.html

How things went awry for Saffold in Oakland

By Jim Thomas

Rodger Saffold was in town. His agents were in town. The Oakland Raiders had even flown in Saffold's parents to witness him signing his five-year, $42.5 million free-agent contact. Exciting times.

Then at about 3 p.m. Pacific time Wednesday, Saffold agents Alan Herman and Jared Fox received a call from the Raiders.

"They said, we have a problem. Rodger failed his physical. There's something wrong with his shoulder. What did you know about that?" Herman told the Post-Dispatch.

To say that Herman and Fox were taken aback would be supreme understatement.

Saffold had suffered a dislocated shoulder early in the Rams' August 8 preseason opener in Cleveland. He missed the second preseason game because of the injury but was back in action for the team's final two preseason games and on into the 2013 regular season.

"We had him examined prior to the start of the season," Herman said. "And he was fine. The Rams physicians thought he was fine, and he played and he played great."

All Rams players undergo exit physicals at the end of the season, and Saffold passed that physical as well.

Fast forward to the present and the trip to Oakland to sign the contract. All NFL contract agreements are pending the results of a physical, and Saffold thought he had passed the physical.

"Rodger told us that the Raiders' doctor examined him and said, 'You're fine,' " Herman said.

Then came Wednesday's meeting.

"(The Raiders) said, 'We think he needs immediate surgery to correct his shoulder,' " Herman said.

Saffold had left the Rams on good terms, and Herman offered to get executive vice president Kevin Demoff on the phone to help clarify matters. Herman said he called a specialist he uses for his clients and double-checked the medical records and MRI results on Saffold's shoulder. The specialist gave Herman the OK on Saffold's shoulder.

Herman said Demoff got in touch with him on more than one occasion Wednesday to tell him Saffold's shoulder was fine.

All of which was to no avail, apparently, as far as the Raiders were concerned. After an initial meeting with Raiders officials, a meeting that Herman said included the team's chief financial officer, and an attorney representing the team, among others, Herman and Fox than met with Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie before they left the building.

"He apologized profusely," Herman said of McKenzie. "I shared my displeasure in very strong terms. Jared and I were sitting there in disbelief. We got out of the building and we got back to the hotel."

The Rams hadn't gone down easily last Sunday after learning Saffold was signing elsewhere. Herman said that coach Jeff Fisher, general manager Les Snead, and even linebacker James Laurinaitis had called Saffold to try to get him to change his mind.

After it all unraveled in Oakland, the Rams moved in to fill the void Wednesday night.

"We put together a deal that would be more than satisfactory to Rodger," Herman said. "And now all we want to do is finish it."

As Herman spoke in a phone interview, he and Fox were heading for the airport at about midnight Central time to fly back to St. Louis.

Saffold and his parents were scheduled to fly to St. Louis early Thursday morning, with Demoff himself making the flight arrangements Wednesday night according to Herman.

Herman was confident a contract would be signed by sometime Thursday afternoon.

"For the most part it's done," Herman said. "We've just got to iron out a few of the incentives that we're working on. But we basically have the framework of the deal.

"I don't want to release the framework now only because after going through this I just would like to get there (in St. Louis) and make sure we understand what we've talked about. . . .This is one of the craziest stories ever."

Herman then succinctly summed the bizarre events of the past several days: "We said goodbye to Tampa and hello to Oakland."

(Tampa Bay had also seriously pursued Saffold over the weekend.)

"And we said goodbye to St. Louis, too," Herman said. "St. Louis didn't want to accept goodbye, so here we are coming back."

 

[massraider]

According to New York writer, Pettigrew has interest from Oakland.

 

[kaso]

According to New York writer, Pettigrew has interest from Oakland.

Twitter was just actively stating he was about to sign with the Jets.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

I feel sorry for OAK fans and even the GM Mckenzie if Davis scuttled the deal. It's true he is not as good at LT than guard, and that was a lot of money for a guard (that is on McKenzie), but they could have turned their attention to other OL while this was going on. Obviously in retrospect, it would have been better to never have got involved, kind of a black eye for the front office.

Oh yah think?

 

[ICON211]

I has hoping to hear guys like Monroe, Veldheer, Houston, Melton, Joseph, Ben Tate and Michael Johnson associated with the Raiders. Guys that are young and can help form a core with this team. Instead all I hear is Tuck, Woodley, Andre Brown, Pettigrew, Terrell Thomas and the like. These are guys that are not that good or on the downside of their career. Very disappointing. When will it end?

 

[Chaka]

Donald Penn released by the Bucs, though they signed Anthony Collins. Looks like Oher is the best available OT.

 

[The Hank]

Justin Tuck to Raiders - 2 yrs $11 mil

ETA - per Schefter twitter

 

[massraider]

Justin Tuck to Raiders - 2 yrs $11 mil

ETA - per Schefter twitter

11 sacks last year.

This must be terrible news. I am sure of it. Let's try and spin this.

Too much money? Eh. Not really.

Getting older? Half the price for three times the production of Michael Johnson.

I'll take it.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld take:

Raiders signed DE Justin Tuck to a two-year, $11 million contract.
Tuck gave the Giants a chance to match the offer and they declined. It shows how far his stock has dropped. The league saw through his late-season contract-year push, as he compiled 9.5 sacks during the final six games of last season after recording a total of 10.5 sacks in the prior 37 games. He'll turn 31 years old later this month and was clearly seeking to max out his earning potential. Tuck knows the Raiders have no shot to compete for rings anytime soon.

Related: Giants

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

 

[ICON211]

<script language='javascript'> </script>

Justin Tuck to Raiders - 2 yrs $11 mil

ETA - per Schefter twitter

11 sacks last year.

This must be terrible news. I am sure of it. Let's try and spin this.

Too much money? Eh. Not really.

Getting older? Half the price for three times the production of Michael Johnson.

I'll take it.

The price they paid is definitely worth taking a shot on him, but lets not act like he is still really good. He did not play well for over a year and a half until the last six games last year. He also gave the Giants a chance to match the Raiders offer and they declined. Its a decent signing, but lets not go overboard here.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

<script language='javascript'> </script>

Justin Tuck to Raiders - 2 yrs $11 mil

ETA - per Schefter twitter

11 sacks last year.

This must be terrible news. I am sure of it. Let's try and spin this.

Too much money? Eh. Not really.

Getting older? Half the price for three times the production of Michael Johnson.

I'll take it.

The price they paid is definitely worth taking a shot on him, but lets not act like he is still really good. He did not play well for over a year and a half until the last six games last year. He also gave the Giants a chance to match the Raiders offer and they declined. Its a decent signing, but lets not go overboard here.

Like you said, he had a very slow start last year but really picked it up late last year and helped the Giants resurge in a too little too late season. I think he's got something in the tank. 11 sacks isn't a mirage. You have to like the upward performance trend. The money is reasonable for his age. I like the signing but we need to add more guys. Anytime you spend on older vets you need to double down on their backups. Because chances are, you are going to need them.

 

[RaiderBones]

Is it too early to say, Tuck Rules!

 

[ImTheScientist]

Why would you let your best two players go and then sign old crappy players in their place and over pay for them? lol...what a joke.

 

[steveski]

Tuck still has it as long as he wants to play. It's clear by his numbers in the second half of the season. Hope he works out for you guys, I'll miss seeing him out there in blue.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

 

[Teef]

Why would you let your best two players go and then sign old crappy players in their place and over pay for them? lol...what a joke.

I remember you saying something similar when Gallery left for Seattle.

 

[ImTheScientist]

Why would you let your best two players go and then sign old crappy players in their place and over pay for them? lol...what a joke.

I remember you saying something similar when Gallery left for Seattle.

Feel free to link it here.....Im not sure what I said. I do know that the Seahawks won the Super Bowl this year so you can kiss the ring.

The raiders would be better off going with a youth movement or actually resigning their own players that are quality guys looking for their second contract.

 

[32 Counter Pass]

Is it too early to say, Tuck Rules!

Don't get too excited. He hasn't passed his physical yet.

<_<

 

[Teef]

Seahawks won the Super Bowl this year so you can kiss the ring.

Pucker up, chump.

 

[32 Counter Pass]

I would still rather have Jared Allen for double the money, because I think he is twice the player. There are no questions about Allen's motor and he is far more consistent than Tuck. But Reggie is still operating on the cheap, I guess.

 

[massraider]

Please dont feed the trolls.

 

[LawFitz]

A feel good article to take the edge off -

I hopped on a conference call with Raiders new defensive end free agent signee, Justin Tuck. Here is the transcript of that call.Did you see this coming, signing with Raiders?"Last week I absolutely did not see it coming and wasn't necessarily on my radar at that point in time, but everything [escalated] pretty quickly. I'm excited, man, I really am. I like the direction that this team is talking about going in and I just wanna be a part of it. Obviously everyone knows the history of the Raiders, I just want to be part of the group that brings it back."What was the appeal?"I think the appeal was knowing what Reggie had done in previous spots he's been in. You get a true, honest feeling about him. The appeal is young talent needing leadership and the appeal is just getting the opportunity to start fresh. Obviously, everyone knows I love the New York Giants and I appreciate nine years of my career being that but I just want a fresh start and I think Oakland is definitely is a good place to be. Everyone knows the fan base is great out here and I'm looking forward to it."

MUST READS

Raiders sign DE Justin TuckYou've won a couple Super Bowls already, what do you still hope to accomplish in your career?"Win more Super Bowls. Everyone talks about ‘once you turn 30 it's all downhill', I don't believe that, I don't look at myself in that regard, I feel like I got a lot of great football left in me. I think the assets that I bring to this team off the field are gonna be tremendous also, as far as leadership and just how I interact with the community and become integrated with Raider Nation and that's something that I'm looking forward to doing."Have you tried to recruit Woodley and Hatcher and others to join Raiders?"Absolutely. I already put my words in with both those guys and obviously they have decisions to make and hopefully we can get guys like that, guys that are used to winning and know what it takes to win and play good football will obviously help us rebuild this thing. So, yes I will be a recruiter."How does your skill set fit into what Dennis Allen wants to do with the defense of the Raiders?"I think I mesh well with it. I had the opportunity to look at some film while I was here and the terminologies. Our scheme now is very much like what we were in with the Giants, so I think I will fit in really well and hopefully build on the great year I had last year and continue to do so."

http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2014/3/13/5505700/justin-tuck-speaks-of-unexpected-signing-with-raiders-leadership

 

[One]

Woodley's in.

@AdamSchefter: Former Steelers LB LaMarr Woodley agreed to a 2-year deal w/ Raiders with a max value of $12M.”

 

[32 Counter Pass]

If these signings hold, I believe we improve our pass rush today. Now we need a couple of space eaters, another pass rusher, and a lockdown corner and we're set. LOL.

 

[ICON211]

Is Woodley going to play DE?

 

[massraider]

Is Woodley going to play DE?

I could see a 2 down OLB role across from Sio, who should be a WLB anyway, and passing down LE.

 

[massraider]

If these signings hold, I believe we improve our pass rush today. Now we need a couple of space eaters, another pass rusher, and a lockdown corner and we're set. LOL.

Well, yeah. Oh, that's just defense? By the way, you forgot free safety.

Defensive tackle is a scary lack of fat guys. Stacey McGee is going to be the sage vet all the new free agents look to.

"Tell us what it was like back in your day, Mr. McGee!!"

 

[massraider]

Is Woodley going to play DE?

Vic Tafur
3 minutes ago
Lamarr Woodley said #Raiders fans hit em up on Twitter once he landed in Oakland and was excited to hear how Dennis
Allen was going to use him as a defensive end.

 

[massraider]

Jerry McDonald ‏@Jerrymcd 2m
LaMarr Woodley says he'll be a 4-3 end with the Raiders. No different than 3-4 OLB, he says, except his had will be in dirt.

 

[RaiderBones]

I love the two signings today. Really upgraded the pass rush from last year.

 

[massraider]

I would love to move on Melton here. He's not getting an 8 mill/year deal, or he would have already signed. I have to think if Dallas wanted him, he would have been in town already. Dallas knew they were losing Hatcher, they weren't waiting on that.

Get a space eater. Pat Sims back, or Raji.

Terrence Cody?

 

[massraider]

Vince Wilfork?? Ha, OK, no way.

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2014/03/13/10-potential-free-agent-bargains/

10 Potential Free Agent BargainsGordon McGuinness | March 13, 2014

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The first two days of free agency have gone with a flash, with billions of dollars worth of contracts being spent right, left and center as teams try to position themselves for a run at the Lombardi Trophy this season. We’ve already seen big money deals, some more deserving that others, but one of the things which has held true throughout the years is that the real winners in free agency are often the teams who make smart, low budget signings to add to their rosters.

So with the likes of Darrelle Revis andDeMarcus Ware off the market after just a couple of hours, we’re going to take a look at 10 players who could potentially provide their eventual employers with something of a steal on the field in 2014.

James Starks, HB
2013 Grade: +5.6
Summary: Arriving in the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick out of Buffalo in 2010, Starks burst onto the scene with a performance in the 2010 Wild Card Round against the Philadelphia Eagles that saw him force four missed tackles and account for 132 yards of offense. He wound up playing a big role for the Green Bay Packers that postseason and showed his shiftiness with an Elusive Rating on 33.1 en route to the Super Bowl. Fast forward to the end of the 2013 season and what you have is a back who hasn’t produced on a full starters load but has shown himself to be tough to tackle with an elusiveness that should make some team very happy for bringing him on board this offseason.
Good Fit: Cleveland, Arizona

Jerricho Cotchery, WR
2013 Grade: +10.3
Summary: Perennially undervalued, and now on the wrong side of 30, Cotchery is unlikely to command too hefty an asking price this offseason. That’s fantastic news for whoever picks him up, because his career body of work suggests he should have earned a lot more throughout his career. Sporting a pair of reasonably safe hands, Cotchery dropped four of the 50 catchable passes thrown him way, good for a Drop Rate of 8.00 which was 44th amongst the 94 receivers with enough qualifying snaps. More importantly, he’s a valuable red zone threat, particularly from the slot where he pulled in six of his 10 touchdowns in 2013.
Good Fit: Pittsburgh, Carolina, Denver

Shelley Smith, OG
2013 Grade: +7.0
Summary: After barely playing in his first two seasons in the league, Smith has played 731 in the past two years for the St. Louis Rams, not getting the chance to start full time, but coming onto the field as an injury replacement. 2013 was our best look at him to date and, while you do have concerns about his pass blocking, where he graded below -2.0 in each of his two starts, he is a very good run blocker. So good in fact, that just three guards had a run blocking grade higher than Smith’s +12.3 last season.
Good Fit: Kansas City, New England, Miami

Usama Young , S
2013 Grade: +2.5
Summary: We were a bit baffled by the Oakland Raiders’ decision to play Brandian Ross over Young in 2013 but that’s only going to serve to make him an even bigger bargain this offseason. Despite playing just 208 snaps last season, Young still managed to catch our attention and if you look back over his career, it’s easy to see that he’s at least a very capable starter in the NFL. He took over as a starter for the Cleveland Browns in Week 10 of the 2011 season and proceeding to earn a +13.9 between 2011 and 2012. Indeed, he’s just a year removed from finishing the season as our 12th highest graded safety and, in a market that is quickly drying up, is arguably the best free safety available along with Chris Clemons.
Good Fit: Baltimore, Buffalo, Green Bay

Robert Ayers, DE
2013 Grade: +8.1
Summary: Ayers is an interesting one, in that his 2013 production and the fact that he’s still under 30 should result in him being a hotter commodity than he appears to be. However the problem for Ayers is that, until midway through the 2012 season, he had been largely inconsistent for the Denver Broncos. Better against the run than he is as a pass rusher, Ayers has come on considerably as a player recently, but is likely a candidate for a one year “prove it” deal to show that he can maintain that form.
Good Fit: Dallas

Kavell Conner, LB
2013 Grade: +3.3
Summary: Another player who had been much maligned in the past, Conner is one of the few linebackers available who could be a solid candidate to be a three down linebacker for whichever team brings him on board in 2014. His run defense is definitely better than his play in coverage, but that has improved considerably since a treacherous 2011 campaign that saw him grade out as the worst linebacker in coverage in the league. It’s improved to the point that the Colts were comfortable having him as their nickel linebacker at times during the 2013 season which, combined with his stellar run defense, would make him a smart pickup for a lot of teams.
Good Fit: San Diego

Pat Sims, DT
2013 Grade: +14.7
Summary: After four uneventful seasons in Cincinnati that saw the 2008 third round draft pick improve as a player slowly but surely, Sims produced his best season on a one-year deal with the Raiders in 2013. The problem with Sims has always been consistency, with not enough substance to back up the splash plays, but over the second half of 2013 he was much better, with just two games with a small negative grade. In fact, over the final nine games of the season he had a grade of +19.1, excelling against the run and as a pass rusher and, based on the second half of last season is one of the better players left in an interior defensive line market that is drying up fast.
Good Fit: Chicago

Alex Carrington, DL
2013 Grade: N/A
Summary: Carrington is an interesting player in this year’s free agent market in that he has shown some serious potential in the past but missed almost all of 2013 through injury. He seemed to get lost as the Buffalo Bills switched defensive schemes in the past but looked really impressive as an interior pass rusher in 2012, racking up a +9.6 pass rushing grade on limited duty that was bettered by only 11 other defensive tackles. His best fit is likely as an interior pass rusher in passing situations and he makes a lot of sense for any team trying to emulate that aspect of the Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks defense.
Good Fit: Jacksonville, Cleveland, St. Louis

Scott Chandler, TE
2013 Grade: -3.6
Summary: Another former Bills player who fills us with intrigue, Chandler had his struggles in 2013 as he rebounded from an ACL injury late in the 2012 season. Despite that he has managed to rack up 1,226 yards as a receiver in the past two seasons, leading the Bills in receiving yards in 2013. He’s not a fantastic run blocker, though the tight ends who are seem to be few and far between these days anyway, but isn’t a liability either, with a couple of poor performances bringing down his run blocking grade considerably as opposed to him being consistently poor.
Good Fit: Detroit, Green Bay, Buffalo

Drayton Florence, CB
2013 Grade: +7.2
Summary: At 33 years old, Florence is going to struggle to find teams that want to commit to a long term, but that doesn’t mean he’s not a good fit for a team on a one year deal again in 2014. He played 600 snaps for the Carolina Panthers in 2013 and gave a decent account of himself, though he did have two big mistakes in the playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, committing a defensive pass interference penalty and missing a tackle on Colin Kaepernick’s touchdown run. Still, in a league that becomes more about passing by the day, good corners are a must, and Florence is that.
Good Fit: Carolina

 

[massraider]

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2014/03/03/pffs-2014-top-75-free-agents/

Last Updated: 12th March 8am

1. Lamarr Woodley, Edge Rusher - [SIZE=small]One of the biggest shames in the NFL is that we haven’t seen Woodley dominate like he did in 2013. Perhaps he’s no longer a guy who can play every snap of a game but you need only look at how productive he’s been the last two years to see he’s still got it. 600 snaps of him a year would represent an upgrade to almost any team.[/SIZE]
2. [SIZE=small]Hakeem Nicks, Wide Receiver - The question is if Nicks can get back to the player he was when he was so very, very good in 2011. If he does then you’ve got the best player available in free agency, but if he shows up like he did the past two years you’ll be disappointed.[/SIZE]
3. [SIZE=small]Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Cornerback - Had one of his good years that did a lot to restore his value around the league, despite some odd comments about possibly retiring. An incredibly high ceiling and a worryingly low floor, motivation is the key with DRC.[/SIZE]
4. [SIZE=small]Jason Hatcher, Defensive Tackle - Another player with a misleading age, spending the early portion of his career in a backup role in Dallas. Presented with a platform to be more he turned into a pass rushing terror in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes. His ability to prevent quarterbacks from stepping up in the pocket is always highly sought after.[/SIZE]
5. [SIZE=small]Henry Melton, Defensive Tackle - Melton had a tough 2012 as he was the latest franchise tagged player to go down hurt and see his dreams of a big deal dwindle. Still, he’s ability to penetrate at the line of scrimmage against the run and pass means teams will take a chance on him. The upside is just too much.[/SIZE]
6. [SIZE=small]Antonio Cromartie, Cornerback - How much of 2013 was down to an injured hip that he tried to play through? Otherwise the dropoff in Cromartie was steep as he was arguably one of the top three cornerbacks in the league based on his 2012 tape. Get back to that form and he’s as talented as it gets at the spot.[/SIZE]
7. [SIZE=small]Anthony Collins, Offensive Tackle - Whenever he has played he has excelled, yet his low snap count has always kept teams away from him. Played substantially in 2013 and put enough on tape that it won’t be the case this year.[/SIZE]
8. [SIZE=small]Champ Bailey, Cornerback - It’s been a tough couple of years for Bailey. First there was Torrey Smith making a fool out of him in 2012 playoffs and then he had some slot coverage woes in the recent Super Bowl. Bad times to put bad play out there, but it shows a diminishing force as opposed to a spent one. He’s got enough left in the tank to upgrade a unit somewhere.[/SIZE]
9. [SIZE=small]Charles Tillman, Cornerback - Was 2013 the start of a decline or just a blip? Tillman has been so good for so long we’ve given him the benefit of the doubt but there’s no denying that he looked poor even before his season was ended by injury.[/SIZE]
10. [SIZE=small]Daryl Smith, Linebacker - Isn’t the player he was, but there aren’t many linebackers who have the feel for pass coverage that Smith has. Always around the ball.[/SIZE]
11. [SIZE=small]James Jones, Wide Receiver - The once drop prone receiver has corrected his biggest flaw, while he remains one of the best receivers when it comes to breaking tackles. Still, his play dropped off last year and his big year (2012) is more the exception than the rule.[/SIZE]
12. [SIZE=small]Chris Clemons, Safety - Everyone wants Earl Thomas but there are few of those type of safeties in the league. Clemons is an infinitely cheaper option but a solid hand nonetheless.[/SIZE]
13. [SIZE=small]Justin Tuck, Edge Defender - If nothing else you’ll get a player who can set the edge against the run, while his motor ensures he’ll punish quarterbacks (especially those that hold onto the ball).[/SIZE]
14. [SIZE=small]Anthony Spencer, Edge Defender - If not for the nature of his injury would be a lot higher. A real shame that a guy who was really coming into his own may now never reach the heights of his superb 2012.[/SIZE]
15. [SIZE=small]Jermichael Finley, Tight End - All signs suggest he’ll be 100% for the new season and pass catching tight ends like him are few and far between. The excuses though won’t last for long because Finley has long been a guy who hasn’t played up to his potential.[/SIZE]
16. [SIZE=small]Travelle Wharton, Guard - He’s not getting any younger but if 2013 is anything to go by, not getting any less productive a football player. Days of being able to play tackle may be behind him, but his mauling ways in the run game will grab him a one year deal at the very least.[/SIZE]
17. [SIZE=small]Antonio Smith, Defensive Linemen - Not everyone’s cup of tea, but he’s a pass rusher who is a real handful. You can accept some of the penalties and what not he brings with him because he’s productive.[/SIZE]
18. [SIZE=small]Zach Strief, Offensive Tackle - What you want in a right tackle. Doesn’t give up much pressure and is good enough with his run blocking. That said the market for right tackles was set last year and it shows how valued they are.[/SIZE]
19. [SIZE=small]Brandon Spikes, Linebacker - If we was even remotely more useful/ useable in coverage he’d be much higher. A tremendously instinctive defender of the run who can shoot a gap better than any player in the league. However, he’s a base player in a league using more and more three receiver sets.[/SIZE]
20. [SIZE=small]Lance Moore, Wide Receiver - the beauty of the Saints offense has been an inability to beat you with many different offensive weapons. It’s part of the reason Moore never really got his due as an extremely productive player. He could open some eyes with a more prominent role and ideally more emphasis in wreaking havoc from the slot.[/SIZE]
21. [SIZE=small]Captain Munnerlyn, Cornerback - Can play the slot, isn’t afraid to get stuck in against the run, and good enough to be a No. 2 corner. He’s not flashy but he’s the kind of player you build rosters with.[/SIZE]
22. [SIZE=small]Brian De La Puente, Center - De La Puente has been a big get for the Saints offensive line even if he is coming off his weakest season since supplanting Olin Kreutz back in 2011.[/SIZE]
23. [SIZE=small]Willie Young, Edge Defender - Took his chance in 2013 to emerge as a starting caliber defensive end, really developing his game into someone you can trust to play more than just a situational role.[/SIZE]
24. Chris Clemons, Edge Defender - If we were sure that the Clemons who showed up in the playoffs would show up next year he’d be further up the list. But there’s still question marks given his age and his performance during the regular season after he battled back from a January 2012 ACL tear.
25. [SIZE=small]Tarell Brown, Cornerback - May have lost his starting job at the backend of 2013 but his play on the field was still of a high enough quality. Not a guy you’d have shadowing receivers around the field, but a capable number two.[/SIZE]
26. [SIZE=small]Julian Edelman, Wide Receiver - A player with more value to one team than he has to the rest of the league. The breakout year for Edelman still opened some eyes in the league, but his limited threat as an outside receiver hurts him.[/SIZE]
27. [SIZE=small]Knowshon Moreno, Running Back - The best back available, Moreno is a player that will produce when put in a favorable position. That makes him a relatively safe hand as long as you’re not expecting miracles.[/SIZE]
28. [SIZE=small]Evan Dietrich-Smith, Center - Quickly answered questions as to whether he was a starting caliber player with a good 2013 season that saw him finish eighth overall in our rankings. Solid if not imposing.[/SIZE]
29. [SIZE=small]Jared Allen, Edge Rusher - For a long time Allen has played a huge amount of snaps and the result seemed to be an extremely rapid decline in 2013. But if you can manage his snap counts better then you’ve got a guy who might not be as productive as he once was, but can still put pressure on the quarterback.[/SIZE]
30. [SIZE=small]Michael Vick, Quarterback - If Vick is the solution to your quarterback problem you’re in trouble. However, he’s easily the most talented passer out there and his dual threat ability adds extra intrigue to him.[/SIZE]
31. [SIZE=small]Maurice Jones-Drew, Running Back - Has Jones-Drew been worn out by years of heavy usage by the Jaguars? It’s hard to say no given his dip in production but if nothing else he’s a guy capable of playing every down.[/SIZE]
32. [SIZE=small]Pat Sims, Defensive Tackle - A disappointment in Cincinnati, Sims used his second chance in Oakland to put forward some really strong outings. The concern is about consistency, but he has all the ability to be a better player than what he’s proven to date.[/SIZE]
33. [SIZE=small]Ben Tate, Running Back - Arguably having the most upside of all free agent running backs, spending so much time behind Arian Foster and then playing hurt leaves him more of a gamble than you’d like.[/SIZE]
34. [SIZE=small]Scott Chandler, Tight End - There is the feeling that Chandler was still working himself back to 100% in 2013, but he is a tight end who can make plays catching the ball while not embarrassing himself in the run game.[/SIZE]
35. [SIZE=small]LeGarrette Blount, Running Back - If you want a bruising back look no further. Just don’t expect much of any contribution if you’re dropping back to pass the ball.[/SIZE]
36. [SIZE=small]Kevin Williams, Defensive Tackle - At one time the league’s premier defensive tackle, Williams just isn’t as explosive as he once was. There’s no shame in that whatsoever and he’s still good enough to make life tricky for offensive linemen.[/SIZE]
37. David Stewart, Offensive Tackle – No longer in his prime, Stewart is still a good enough player that he can do a job in pass protection. Questions are being asked as to whether the 31 year old will play another year.
38. Jason Babin, Edge Rusher – Babin has less value than some edge rushers because he’s not much cop against the run. But in an age where situational rushers are worth something Babin still has a lot of value because he can turn the corner and get to the QB.
39. [SIZE=small]Robert Ayers, Edge Defender - Ayers might need to leave Denver for all of us to see what kind of player he’s become. He ended the season hot but that’s not enough to make us forget about the rest of his NFL career.[/SIZE]
40. [SIZE=small]Emmanuel Sanders, Wide Receiver - Sanders is good but you never get the impression he’ll ever be more than that. The kind of receiver who will fight for a No. 2 or 3 role on a pass oriented team.[/SIZE]
41. [SIZE=small]Tyson Clabo, Offensive Tackle - Had a nightmare start to life in Miami, but rebounded exceptionally well after he was benched. His end to the season will ensure interest in him.[/SIZE]
42. [SIZE=small]Jonathan Goodwin, Center - At 35 his age will scare off more than a few, but a team signing him will know they should get at least one year of decent play at an increasingly important position.[/SIZE]
43. [SIZE=small]Jerome Simpson, Wide Receiver - The human highlight reel and little else. If Simpson could flesh out his big plays with some more consistent production he’d be a real get for a franchise.[/SIZE]
44. [SIZE=small]James Starks, Running Back - High on talent, low on playing time. Starks has just struggled to stay healthy which is such a shame because he’s as shifty a back as there is in the league.[/SIZE]
45. [SIZE=small]Daryn Colledge, Offensive Guard - Never quite lived up to the contract he got in Arizona, becoming a mostly solid player with occasional flashes of brilliance. Might appreciate a run with a team that has more talent either side of him.[/SIZE]
46. [SIZE=small]Willie Colon, Offensive Linemen - A nasty player who leaves an impression on defenders. Brings with him the ability to play numerous positions.[/SIZE]
47. [SIZE=small]Walter Thurmond, Cornerback - An intriguing cornerback who would be higher but for some issues that have seen him fall foul of the league’s substance abuse policy. Didn’t have the best of Super Bowls but has kind of skill set that will see a team take a flier on him.[/SIZE]
48. Shaun Phillips, Edge Rusher - Phillips looked done after 2012, but rebounded with a nice bounce back year in 2013 with the Broncos. He’s not guaranteed production but he’s still good enough to beat up on bad tackles, while being able to fill a number of roles.
49. Julius Peppers, Edge Rusher - Is this the end? Peppers looked like a spent force at times last year but there were enough flashes that convinced you if he was playing on a better unit you might get more out of him. Age is a big concern so this would have to be an incentive-laden deal.
50. Carlos Rogers, Cornerback – The versatile Rogers had a nice run with the 49ers but his performance has been getting worse and worse as teams have found ways to expose him, particularly from the slot, more and more. He’s a stop gap at this stage but reliable enough that you can turn to him.
51. Ryan Clark, Safety – Age can make a fool of us all. Clark isn’t getting any better but in an era where safeties are almost as famous for their bad plays as there good, his steadying veteran influence shouldn’t be overlooked.
52. Josh Freeman, Quarterback – Would you trust him to be your franchise quarterback? Not at this stage, but he’s got the most upside of any available quarterback in free agency and that’s what makes him worth a risk.
53. Tarvaris Jackson, Quarterback - You can’t find a better backup quarterback than the conservative Jackson who is anything but trigger happy. The kind of guy who could fill in for a few games and keep things ticking over.
54. Cortland Finnegan, Cornerback - Had a disastrous two season run with the Rams after a monster 2011 season in Tennessee. You can blame a lot of it on injury for sure but Finnegan is at an age now where that excuse wears thin.
55. Uche Nwaneri, Offensive Guard - He’s not going to wow you but given some of the guard play we saw in the league last year a lot of teams will be grateful for a mediocre guard who doesn’t embarrass himself on a week to week basis.
56. Kenny Britt, Wide Receiver - Top five free agent in talent, a guy you might not even consider based on injuries and off the field issues. He was beyond terrible last year, more likely to draw a yellow flag or drop a ball than make a play. But just imagine if you could be the one to help him get his act together.
57. Owen Daniels, Tight End – It’s hard to know just how beat up Daniels is at this stage of his career, but the odds say there’s at least enough left where he can fill a number two tight end role. Fine receiving threat.
58. Cam Thomas, Defensive Lineman – Too streaky for our liking, capable of looking like an NFL starter one week and anything but the next. Does offer the ability to play numerous positions on the defensive line which only assists his value.
59. James Ihedigbo, Safety - Had a surprisingly effective season for the Ravens as an in the box safety who thrived around the line of scrimmage. Think a poor mans T.J. Ward.
60. Mario Manningham, Wide Receiver – Incredibly talented but an incredible risk given his injury history. Since leaving the New York Giants little has gone right for him so his next move is a big one in a league where it’s easy to be written off.
61. Sidney Rice, Wide Receiver – Just how bad are his knees? By all accounts his recovery is going well, but even before his season ending injury he looked a shadow of his former self. That said a shadow of his former self is still a player better than many guys catching balls out there right now.
62. Erin Henderson, Linebacker – A fine two down linebacker who has hurt his value with silly off the field behavior. That is likely to cripple his market and leave him in the low risk, moderate reward category.
63. Chris Cook, Cornerback - Time to find out just how much the NFL is in love with the bigger press corners. Cook always looked a little miscast in Minnesota but he didn’t help himself with his off the field behavior.
64. Santonio Holmes, Wide Receiver - If he cared and wasn’t so injury prone he’d be an awful lot higher. But he looks disinterested and is increasingly injury prone, with his only saving grace being he can do things few others can. Or at least he used to be able to. Will need a strong team to keep him in line.
65. Parys Haralson, Edge Rusher – The Saints hybrid scheme really didn’t get Haralson on the field enough, so it’s hard to know where he’s at right now. Before his injury in his last year in San Francisco he was a much relied upon edge defender who could get a job done. Now? He’s a one-year gamble.
66. Alex Carrington, Defensive Lineman – Looked set to really test himself as a starter in 2013 before injury ended his year. That means a prove it deal is in his future which could be quite the get for someone.
67. Nate Burleson, Wide Receiver – DraytonLast year didn’t go well for him as he learned that there are more important things than pizza in life. He should be fully recovered and will look to latch on somewhere when teams get desperate for proven talent.
68. Harvey Dahl, Offensive Guard – Will need to get healthy first but the NFL lacks guards like Dahl who have that kind of nastiness that shows up in the run game.
69. Miles Austin, Wide Receiver – A change of scenery might be best for all concerned here. Austin has battled injuries and will likely have to prove himself this year to a receiver needy team.
70. Jabari Greer, Cornerback – If he wasn’t so fragile Greer would have received a lot more praise. Always extremely talented the Saints said goodbye on the back of his age and health concerns.
71. Steve Gregory, Safety – Sometimes it’s enough for a safety to be a solid player. That makes Gregory a more reliable guy to turn to than a lot of guys out there.
72. Fernando Velasco, Center – Came into the Steelers starting lineup on short notice and filled in admirably until his season was cut short by an Achilles injury. If he is back at full health he’s starting quality.
73. Jerricho Cotchery, Wide Receiver – Quietly had 10 touchdowns last year. Cotchery might not be the player he was during his prime in New York, but he’s a still a serviceable pro who can line up out wide or in the slot.
74. Jason Avant, Wide Receiver – No thrills, few spills. Avant has made a name for himself with solid play year in and year out. His playing time was to take a hit this year but he will latch on with a team looking for a steadying presence at wide receiver.
75. Brandon Browner, Cornerback – He’s limited and has to start he year with a four game suspension. But in the right scheme he can man down one side of the field reasonably well. Just expect some holding calls and hope no players gets in behind him.

 

[flapgreen]

I would love to move on Melton here. He's not getting an 8 mill/year deal, or he would have already signed. I have to think if Dallas wanted him, he would have been in town already. Dallas knew they were losing Hatcher, they weren't waiting on that.

Get a space eater. Pat Sims back, or Raji.

Terrence Cody?

Melton is in Minnesota right now.

 

[massraider]

 

[RaiderBones]

Adam Schefter‏@AdamSchefter4 mins

Former Buccaneers LT Donald Penn, whom Tampa released today, is flying to Oakland tonight to visit Raiders. Redskins also interested.

Ian Rapoport‏@RapSheet6 mins

Are #Raiders about to secure their new left tackle? Ex-#Bucs OT Donald Penn is flying to Oakland to visit the #Raiders tonight, per source

 

[RaiderBones]

Tom Pelissero‏@TomPelissero53 mins

I'm told Brandon Browner does not have a deal with #Patriots. He is on way to visit #Redskins. Plans to visit #Saints and #Raiders next.



Looks like Brandon Browner is coming to visit in Oakland if he doesn't get signed before he visits.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

today's a lot brighter in raider land. love to see some bigger names coming aboard. would love to see some younger guys, but it's a start.

 

[BlackMagic10]

Melton, Penn and Browner would be great..

 

[One]

@cottovic: CB Brandon Browner and his reps have been talking contract with the Oakland #Raiders. #RaiderNation. View him as starter opposite Hayden.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Jerry McDonald ‏@Jerrymcd 2m
LaMarr Woodley says he'll be a 4-3 end with the Raiders. No different than 3-4 OLB, he says, except his had will be in dirt.

He was certainly getting big enough to make the transition.

 

[RaiderBones]

Aaron Wilson‏@RavensInsider16 secs

Michael Oher is visiting the Titans today and the Raiders tomorrow, according to a league source

 

[massraider]

Melton, Penn and Browner would be great..

Browner seems the least likely to me. Hopefully Terrell Thomas doesn't leave Oakland.