2014 Oakland Raiders Regular Season Thread (1 Viewer)

[ICON211]

The Raiders had the most cap room in the league.

Lost their two best players when Veldheer definitely should have been franchised, creating a huge hole at LT.

Signed a DE and an outside LB who will now play DE, both on the downside of their career. Take your pick, both are a downgrade from Houston. Taken in tandem not bad if Woodley can play DE.

Re-signed McFadden for reasonable money.

Re-signed Young who is just meh.

Signed Antonio Smith who is a pretty good player, but he is 32.

Signed Brown, a pretty good corner, who might be an upgrade over Porter.

Not one young building block type player who will be around more than two years probably.

Oh and the whole Saffold debacle.

Not sure how anyone can view whats gone on here as anything but a disaster so far.

I don't think it's a disaster. Definitely disappointing. They should have franchised JV and traded for Revis. So what if you overpay them for one year, the cap money is there and could have dealt with next year next year. Overpaying is only a problem if it restricts the future, and neither of them would have long term cap implications if they walk after 2014. If they are worth it, you pay them again.

You can't sign who won't talk to you, and not a lot of premium names were visiting. This isn't new for this team, and unless you want to see the overblown contracts of yesteryear, this is going to be a slow build. It's not like there were a lot of young building block players in the first place. Until the QB is figured out no one's coming to Oakland. If they get that right the rest follows. For now, you add a couple of players that are better than what they had, you win a couple more games, and you go find your QB. And if you get that wrong, you do it again.

That might be due more to them not being asked to visit. Possible some guys were just not interested though.

 

[ICON211]

The Raiders had the most cap room in the league.

Lost their two best players when Veldheer definitely should have been franchised, creating a huge hole at LT.

Signed a DE and an outside LB who will now play DE, both on the downside of their career. Take your pick, both are a downgrade from Houston. Taken in tandem not bad if Woodley can play DE.

Re-signed McFadden for reasonable money.

Re-signed Young who is just meh.

Signed Antonio Smith who is a pretty good player, but he is 32.

Signed Brown, a pretty good corner, who might be an upgrade over Porter.

Not one young building block type player who will be around more than two years probably.

Oh and the whole Saffold debacle.

Not sure how anyone can view whats gone on here as anything but a disaster so far.

I'm sure I'm in the minority here but other then the Saffold debacle I like what the Raiders have done thus far. Improved DL, check. Tarrell Brown better then Porter and Jenkins, check. Howard better then who we trotted out at RT last season, check. I can see the Raiders trading back a few spots in the first picking up some extra draft picks and drafting a Taylor Lewan or Zach Martin to help address the LT spot. What I like about Zach Martin is that he can play both Tackle and Guard. So draft him and have him compete against Watson for the LT spot and if Watson wins the LT spot Martin can slip right in and play LG.

I am more of a glass half full type of guy and not a debby downer glass half empty type of guy though.

I used to have a lot more optimism. The last 10 years or so have changed me. Also not sure how its possible that this team has actually gotten older.

I'm ok with the team getting older as long as it gets better. Most of the contracts are for two years, so my guess is Reggie will use those two years to bring in eventual younger talent to replace the aging vets. Basically using the vets as a bridge until then.

I'm not so sure that the team is actually better. Even if it is marginally better that's still not good enough given that other moves could have and should have been made.

 

[Chaka]

What was the franchise number for left tackles?

Is JV really one of the 3 best LTs in the league?

 

[Chaka]

Is Lamar Houston one of the three best DEs in the league?

 

[ICON211]

What was the franchise number for left tackles?

Is JV really one of the 3 best LTs in the league?

If he was franchised he almost certainly would have signed a long term deal for the same money he signed with Arizona for so it really does not matter if he is one of the three best LTs. The tag can be used for leverage in contract negotiations. And now there is a huge hole at LT. They had tons of cap room is it better to overpay or have a worse LT if he did play on the tag number? Not every player that gets tagged is top 3 at his position either.

 

[RaiderBones]

The Raiders had the most cap room in the league.

Lost their two best players when Veldheer definitely should have been franchised, creating a huge hole at LT.

Signed a DE and an outside LB who will now play DE, both on the downside of their career. Take your pick, both are a downgrade from Houston. Taken in tandem not bad if Woodley can play DE.

Re-signed McFadden for reasonable money.

Re-signed Young who is just meh.

Signed Antonio Smith who is a pretty good player, but he is 32.

Signed Brown, a pretty good corner, who might be an upgrade over Porter.

Not one young building block type player who will be around more than two years probably.

Oh and the whole Saffold debacle.

Not sure how anyone can view whats gone on here as anything but a disaster so far.

I'm sure I'm in the minority here but other then the Saffold debacle I like what the Raiders have done thus far. Improved DL, check. Tarrell Brown better then Porter and Jenkins, check. Howard better then who we trotted out at RT last season, check. I can see the Raiders trading back a few spots in the first picking up some extra draft picks and drafting a Taylor Lewan or Zach Martin to help address the LT spot. What I like about Zach Martin is that he can play both Tackle and Guard. So draft him and have him compete against Watson for the LT spot and if Watson wins the LT spot Martin can slip right in and play LG.

I am more of a glass half full type of guy and not a debby downer glass half empty type of guy though.

I used to have a lot more optimism. The last 10 years or so have changed me. Also not sure how its possible that this team has actually gotten older.

I'm ok with the team getting older as long as it gets better. Most of the contracts are for two years, so my guess is Reggie will use those two years to bring in eventual younger talent to replace the aging vets. Basically using the vets as a bridge until then.

I'm not so sure that the team is actually better. Even if it is marginally better that's still not good enough given that other moves could have and should have been made.

We will just have to agree to disagree because I think the defense got a LOT better during free agency. The offensive line I will call it a push for now until I see how Watson does or if they bring in a vet or rookie to play LT or guard.

 

[massraider]

What was the franchise number for left tackles?

Is JV really one of the 3 best LTs in the league?

If he was franchised he almost certainly would have signed a long term deal for the same money he signed with Arizona

That's what we keep hearing anyway.

 

[32 Counter Pass]

I am solidly in the disappointed camp for losing Velhdeer. I am guessing the staff, and specificlly Sprano, didn't value Veldheer. Admittedly Veldheer had a tough season but I think the down year is more due to the injury than his talent. The OLine did get upgrade at RT, and Barnes might lift the guard play. Watson will be given a chance at LT. I think he has the ability to play there, but there will be growing pains. That said, left tackle is a need.

I think we upgraded on the dline. Simply stated Woodley + Tuck > Houston. That said, I would have been happier with Houston and Tuck. We need to get stronger in the middle, and still have plenty of cap space. Getting playmakers anywhere is going to make us better. And Woodley and Tuck are playermakers.

Pass rusher and DT are big needs that may be addressed in the draft. I look at the older FAs as both playmakers and mentors.

 

[Garrett]

http://www.reddit.com/r/nfl/comments/20i68u/salary_graphs_of_the_raiders_defense_20112014/

 

[RaiderBones]

Mike Jones‏@MikeJonesWaPo2 hrs

OLB Rob Jackson will visit the Raiders this week. #Redskins

 

[RaiderBones]

Raiders in trade talks with Houston: Schaub

HOUSTON (CBS HOUSTON) – The Houston Texans and Oakland Raiders have been in serious talks about a trade involving Matt Schaub heading to Oakland, a source has told SportsRadio 610.

SportsRadio 610 learned that the Texans are trying to make the deal and eventually want a quarterback that can step in an play right away in 2014, whether that is in the draft or in a trade.

The Texans are looking to ship out Matt Schaub and his $10.5 million in salary cap cost to the Raiders, who have $59.9 million in cap space, and free up more cap room for their own ability to grab someone else in free agency or via trade.

There is no word on who or what the Texans would be receiving back from Oakland or if any other players would leave the Texans.

The Texans are one of two teams that have yet to sign a free agent. The Rams are the other.

The Raiders and Texans will meet up in Oakland this year.

Joel Corry ‏@corryjoel 1m
@RaidersBeat If the Raiders trade for Schaub, they should be fine with his $11M '14 salary. They wanted Carson Palmer at $10M in '13.

Scott Bair‏@BairCSN6 mins

This: “@CSNHouston: According to a report, the #Texans and #Raiders are in Matt Schaub trade talks:

 

[32 Counter Pass]

Could be a ploy to get the Jets to enter into talks about Sanchez.

 

[joey]

The Raiders will figure out a way to give up something like a 2nd rounder for Schaub.

(just preparing myself for the worst so I won't be disappointed later)

 

[ICON211]

Could be a ploy to get the Jets to enter into talks about Sanchez.

I thought they would both be released at some point. I don't want either. Better not give up more than a 5th or 6th rounder if they do trade for one of them.

 

[32 Counter Pass]

Yea, I pretty much agree, unless...

... Sanchez is planning a Plunket-like resurgency.

;-}

 

[Silver & Black]

A little birdie told me that Schaub is as good as a Raider. They were VERY interested in Sanchez a few weeks ago, but lost interest when the Jets didn't release him. I am led to believe that Oakland won't pursue Sanchez unless they lose out on Schaub, and Oakland very much wants Schaub. That's why you're hearing the trade talk now, Oakland doesn't want to chance him going somewhere else if he gets released. I'm hearing Schaub will be a Raider by this time tomorrow. Then, they take Watkins at 5, unless they trade down. But if they get Schaub, I'm told Watkins is their guy. For what it's worth, I'm also told Oakland really, really wanted Petigrew. That would have given them a sort of security blanket for Schaub while Watkins got his sea legs. Just what I'm hearing from a normally very reliable source within the organization.

 

[RaiderBones]

Ian Rapoport‏@RapSheet2 hrs

DE Alex Carrington, formerly of the #Bills, is headed to Oakland today for a #Raiders visit, then off to the #Rams after that

 

[massraider]

This should be like a basketball trade, where we get a draft pick for taking the salary.

Like, our 5th for Shaub and their 4th.

 

[RaiderBones]

Mike Garafolo‏@MikeGarafolo2 hrs

OL Kevin Boothe in to visit the Raiders today because of course. This Giants-Raiders free-agent swap meet is crazy. Boothe a former Raider.

 

[massraider]

Passing on Teddy Bridgewater could be a perilous decision for franchises with question marks at the quarterback position.

Poised and polished, accurate and articulate, Bridgewater comes with a choir boy image and history of success and production that in years past left scouts rushing to anoint similar prospects the next big thing. In short, he is the total package. Former coach Charlie Strong said he had the work ethic and professional approach of a coach, sometimes better, and there is no situation for which he isn't prepared.

Why the pause with Bridgewater?

Starting with the Houston Texans at No. 1, down to the Jaguars (third overall), Browns (fourth) and Raiders (fifth), Bridgewater should be in play. He is efficient with enough arm talent to manage any offensive scheme. Sure, it'd be a challenge to ask him to play Peyton Manning under playoff pressure at age 21, but Bridgewater has a strong case in the ongoing front office debate over which of the 2014 quarterback prospects is the best.

The biggest knock on Bridgewater isn't that he's little. It's that he's too light. Not enough Boombozz Pizza, apparently.

The last quarterback prospect to overcome the anchor of size concerns -- Super Bowl-winning second-year starter Russell Wilson -- is 5-11, 204. Bridgewater is 6-2, weighed 208 at Monday's workout. That raised eyebrows, if only because Bridgewater was 214 at the combine. He said he'd be 220-225 by the time he reports to training camp. He said he played at 222 as a sophomore before major jaw surgery led to drastic weight loss.

That frame would make him the near-body type double of a too-skinny prospect from Cal in 2005. Aaron Rodgers (6-2, 223 at his pro day) has done just fine, thanks. Robert Griffin IIIalso measured 6-2, 223 before he was drafted second overall in 2012.

What limitations are forecast for a player perceived to have less-than-ideal bulk on his frame? Primarily, the worry is injuries. And Bridgewater's health record isn't clean. There are teams with serious concerns about his wrist -- he played through a wrist fracture at Louisville -- and the narrow lower body for his base. Can an underdeveloped lower half survive a season that, from training camp through the postseason is twice as long and demanding as the college football calendar?

There are scouts who believe he's not a top-five pick, according to reports.

The boots on the ground at Louisville Monday indicate the interest backs up NFLDraftScout.com intel and evaluation that Bridgewater is the top of the class. Six NFL head coaches were on hand, including large contingencies for the Raiders and Jaguars, who sent head coach Gus Bradley, GM Dave Caldwell and offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch.

We'll venture a guess that the full tribe wasn't sent because Jacksonville is eyeing a trade out of the top five.

Raiders head coach Dennis Allen, Jets general manager John Idzik, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer and offensive coordinator Norv Turner, Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt, Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, Texans head coach Bill O'Brien and a thick crowd witnessed his 4.78 40-yard time and awaiting his mid-morning throwing session.

The workout, practiced, rehearsed and mastered in the comfort of his home indoor practice facility, won't sway teams with interest. If teams give Bridgewater's on-film resume a look and sit down with him for an hour, we're betting they, too, will buy in.

His ball was loose at times and wobbled into the hands of his receivers but he also showed deep accuracy and hit his receivers in stride while on the move in Monday's session. Overall, his footwork was not great and his timing was average to poor on some throws.

He's is not a perfect or a complete product. And of course, rookie success isn't a sure thing with Bridgewater -- Andrew Luck had 18 interceptions and nine fumbles in his first season, but the Colts quarterback is widely hailed as the best quarterback to enter the league in more than a decade.

The risk is worth the ultimate potential reward for the Texans, Jaguars, Browns and Raiders.

Pittsburgh, Washington and Miami were the only teams not represented Monday at Louisville's pro day. The Minnesota Vikings, who own the eighth overall pick, met with him Sunday and as GM Rick Spielman said last month, the franchise must "keep spinning the wheel" until it hits on a young franchise-caliber quarterback.

Several teams have eyes for safety Calvin Pryor who is one of two first-round locks (Alabama's Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is the other) in NFLDraftScout.com's rankings. Pryor met with 27 teams at the Scouting Combine for formal interviews and visited with the Eagles and Jets, who had a presence Monday, privately.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/24488708/pro-days-louisvilles-bridgewater-on-display-for-scouts

 

[BustedKnuckles]

1. Oakland Raiders

Approximate Current Available Cap Space - $47.8 million (figure doesn’t include the signings of Justin Tuck, Lamar Woodley and Antonio Smith)

After failing to secure any of the market’s top guys, Reggie McKenzie opted to spend Oakland’s unlimited funds on veterans in their decline phase (Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley) and second-tier free agents (Tarell Brown, Antonio Smith). If you forced me to come up with a compliment for McKenzie’s offseason thus far (not an easy task), he did correctly structure the deal of Austin Howard. The lack of a signing bonus in the Howard deal means no dead money is attached to this contract after 2014. Chances are he used this same front-loading method in the Tuck, Woodley and Smith deals, but I have not yet received those contract specifics

per rotoworld

 

[massraider]

Mike Jenkins visiting Bucs. I would like to re-sign him.

 

[32 Counter Pass]

I agree. The Raiders cannot get enough DB talent in order withstand two games vs Payton and Rivers.

On Sirius this morning Gannon said that Sanchez is the best veteran option for the Raiders because he is young and mobile. I agree and would add that he has also played in playoff games. I know he is not the franchise QB we are all hoping for, but I think he represents an upgrade.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

I agree. The Raiders cannot get enough DB talent in order withstand two games vs Payton and Rivers.

On Sirius this morning Gannon said that Sanchez is the best veteran option for the Raiders because he is young and mobile. I agree and would add that he has also played in playoff games. I know he is not the franchise QB we are all hoping for, but I think he represents an upgrade.

Sorry, no to Sanchez. He's not a bridge QB, and he still thinks he can be a starter for somebody. Please don't let that be us. He was never that good to begin with even in his playoff days. Now he's just a joke and coming off injury. Schaub is another guy getting long in the tooth coming off a dreadful season. And the kicker to get him is pay an $11 million salary and give up a draft pick. Sweet. We can afford an aging wet nurse to a rookie QB or McGloin but we can't afford to throw $11 million at Jared Allen or Alex Mack?

And regarding the Teddy Bridgewater talk, I agree with other comments about his poor showing today. If you liked him before, today doesn't mean much, if you hated him, then today just polarizes your opinion. I'm in the camp and will continue to be in the camp that Bridgewater is the prospect I would have the Raiders take. I don't want to trade up for him. but if we happened to have the #1 pick, I'd still take Bridgewater there. Until we get a legit franchise QB, we are a floundering franchise and won't be able to lure in top coaches or free agents in the future. The success of a franchise relies on its cornerstone that is the franchise QB. We have to reach for one or die trying. And if it blows up, shake off the dust and try again. Until we have a franchise QB, we have no identity.

 

[massraider]

Yep. And Teddy is the guy I want. (I don't watch or scout CFB, so grain of salt and all that).

I'd be willing to bet that Teddy next year is a better QB on the NFL field than Shaub, and definitely Sanchez.

 

[massraider]

By Tony Pauline, http://draftinsider.net/

Louisville

Sources from within the Louisville program told me they believe nerves crept in on Teddy Bridgewatertoday, which was a major factor in his disappointing performance. In the weeks leading up to pro-day, Bridgewater was hitting all the passes which were scripted during today's workout. Many are talking about Bridgewater's inaccuracy throwing on the move today, but my school source said it was never a real strength for the signal caller on Saturdays. The word leaving pro-day is "connecting the dots" (more on that later) Bridgewater ends up with the Oakland Raiders in round one.

For what its worth, this guy throws a LOT of rumor out there. Not sure if he has ANY sources at all.

 

[Chaka]

Does Oakland really want a QB who crumbles under pressure during his pro day?

 

[Chaka]

If history is any indicator whoever Oakland has under center is going to be running for his life with regularity.

I like Bortels for his size and athleticism. Probably Manziel next.

If they are gone take Watkins, or Robinson if available, and try to trade back up to get Carr.

 

[massraider]

If history is any indicator whoever Oakland has under center is going to be running for his life with regularity.

I like Bortels for his size and athleticism. Probably Manziel next.

If they are gone take Watkins, or Robinson if available, and try to trade back up to get Carr.

You like Carr better then Bridgewater?

 

[Chaka]

If history is any indicator whoever Oakland has under center is going to be running for his life with regularity.

I like Bortels for his size and athleticism. Probably Manziel next.

If they are gone take Watkins, or Robinson if available, and try to trade back up to get Carr.

You like Carr better then Bridgewater?

Maybe it is more of a comment that I am not sure I like a guy who gets nervous during his pro day at #5.

If Oakland can get Watkins and pair him with Carr it could turn into an A.J. Green/Dalton situation. Oakland fans should get on bended knee and praise whatever deities they hold dear if something like that happens.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Every QB in this draft has been picked apart and dissected so much that it's overboard. We are drinking from the fire hydrant, and every draftnick and pundit has some illuminating comment or criticism that supposed to change the way people see the whole draft picture. Bottom line, I think people forget to go back over the tape. If you look at the tape, Bridgewater has the most impressive college tape and especially his game against top ranked defense Florida. Bortles and Manziel don't really have that kind of overall tape. In fact, the draft analysts typically find a lot more flaws in their film over Bridgewater's tape. The tape is more important imo than any combine or pro day results. Although I do worry that Bridgewater had a case of the nerves at his pro day. You always have to worry about mental toughness. I still have Bridgewater solid atop my QB wish list for Oakland, mainly because the tape says he's the most pro-ready. Scripted workouts and 40 times are important too, just not as important as game tape.

There are pundits out there like McShay for instance that have Garrapolo over Carr, and while that's debatable, I will not include Carr in any first round grade and really think he's likely to bust in the pros. That USC bowl tape was awful and really exposed him when he's pressured. I hope that Carr isn't in the discussion.

 

[ICON211]

Every QB in this draft has been picked apart and dissected so much that it's overboard. We are drinking from the fire hydrant, and every draftnick and pundit has some illuminating comment or criticism that supposed to change the way people see the whole draft picture. Bottom line, I think people forget to go back over the tape. If you look at the tape, Bridgewater has the most impressive college tape and especially his game against top ranked defense Florida. Bortles and Manziel don't really have that kind of overall tape. In fact, the draft analysts typically find a lot more flaws in their film over Bridgewater's tape. The tape is more important imo than any combine or pro day results. Although I do worry that Bridgewater had a case of the nerves at his pro day. You always have to worry about mental toughness. I still have Bridgewater solid atop my QB wish list for Oakland, mainly because the tape says he's the most pro-ready. Scripted workouts and 40 times are important too, just not as important as game tape.

There are pundits out there like McShay for instance that have Garrapolo over Carr, and while that's debatable, I will not include Carr in any first round grade and really think he's likely to bust in the pros. That USC bowl tape was awful and really exposed him when he's pressured. I hope that Carr isn't in the discussion.

Completely agree about Carr. I want absolutely no part of him. I like Bortles and Manziel over Bridgewater, but I would love to get any of them at 5. I would much rather go that route than the Schaub/Sanchez route. Of course there is a chance all 3 will be gone by 5. My biggest fear is Reggie will take Carr at 5 with or without the other 3 still on the board.

 

[Chaka]

Every QB in this draft has been picked apart and dissected so much that it's overboard. We are drinking from the fire hydrant, and every draftnick and pundit has some illuminating comment or criticism that supposed to change the way people see the whole draft picture. Bottom line, I think people forget to go back over the tape. If you look at the tape, Bridgewater has the most impressive college tape and especially his game against top ranked defense Florida. Bortles and Manziel don't really have that kind of overall tape. In fact, the draft analysts typically find a lot more flaws in their film over Bridgewater's tape. The tape is more important imo than any combine or pro day results. Although I do worry that Bridgewater had a case of the nerves at his pro day. You always have to worry about mental toughness. I still have Bridgewater solid atop my QB wish list for Oakland, mainly because the tape says he's the most pro-ready. Scripted workouts and 40 times are important too, just not as important as game tape.

There are pundits out there like McShay for instance that have Garrapolo over Carr, and while that's debatable, I will not include Carr in any first round grade and really think he's likely to bust in the pros. That USC bowl tape was awful and really exposed him when he's pressured. I hope that Carr isn't in the discussion.

Completely agree about Carr. I want absolutely no part of him. I like Bortles and Manziel over Bridgewater, but I would love to get any of them at 5. I would much rather go that route than the Schaub/Sanchez route. Of course there is a chance all 3 will be gone by 5. My biggest fear is Reggie will take Carr at 5 with or without the other 3 still on the board.

Carr won't go in the top 5 to the Raiders or anyone else.

 

[massraider]

I will be happy if they take Teddy at 5, and feel like if they take one of the other two, I would be holding my breath a bit.

With Clowney, Mack, and the OTs available, I would really be less than thrilled about taking WR.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Vick???

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

I agree. The Raiders cannot get enough DB talent in order withstand two games vs Payton and Rivers.

On Sirius this morning Gannon said that Sanchez is the best veteran option for the Raiders because he is young and mobile. I agree and would add that he has also played in playoff games. I know he is not the franchise QB we are all hoping for, but I think he represents an upgrade.

Sorry, no to Sanchez. He's not a bridge QB, and he still thinks he can be a starter for somebody. Please don't let that be us. He was never that good to begin with even in his playoff days. Now he's just a joke and coming off injury. Schaub is another guy getting long in the tooth coming off a dreadful season. And the kicker to get him is pay an $11 million salary and give up a draft pick. Sweet. We can afford an aging wet nurse to a rookie QB or McGloin but we can't afford to throw $11 million at Jared Allen or Alex Mack?

And regarding the Teddy Bridgewater talk, I agree with other comments about his poor showing today. If you liked him before, today doesn't mean much, if you hated him, then today just polarizes your opinion. I'm in the camp and will continue to be in the camp that Bridgewater is the prospect I would have the Raiders take. I don't want to trade up for him. but if we happened to have the #1 pick, I'd still take Bridgewater there. Until we get a legit franchise QB, we are a floundering franchise and won't be able to lure in top coaches or free agents in the future. The success of a franchise relies on its cornerstone that is the franchise QB. We have to reach for one or die trying. And if it blows up, shake off the dust and try again. Until we have a franchise QB, we have no identity.

Agree with everything here. Count me in the camp that prefers Schaub as a bridge much more than Sanchez. I give credit to Sanchez in his early ability to lead a team and find success at the playoff level, but hte guy has always been wildly inconsistent until the last few years, where he has consistently sucked. Yes, Schaub has his own problems, but I would take a 2x pro bowler (Pro Bowl MVP at that) and an NFL passing leader who was instrumental turning the franchise around than a guy whose best year by far came as a rookie, then hasn't continued that promise since. Schaub is the perfect guy as a bridge, and we should def. target Bridgewater if he's there in the draft to learn from Schaub.

While he may not be in the top 10 of NFL QBs, Schaub gives us what we haven't had in a very long time -- a bona fide starting NFL quarterback.

It was also alluded to in the posts above, but happy with the Tuck signing more than for his potential skill set. He is on the decline, but the intangibles he seems to already been bringing -- leadership, role model, a guy who will campaign to other free agents and draftees about being part of a great vision and history going forward, etc. -- is also something we haven't had on this team for a very long time.

 

[Chaka]

I will be happy if they take Teddy at 5, and feel like if they take one of the other two, I would be holding my breath a bit.

With Clowney, Mack, and the OTs available, I would really be less than thrilled about taking WR.

Watkins looks pretty darn special.

The Raiders do not have a legit #1 WR. Streater and Moore have flashed at times but more often than not they look overmatched (even when Palmer was throwing the ball).

Watkins has passed every test so far and looks absolutely like the real deal. Put him out there and suddenly Moore and Streater become much scarier to opposing defenses, And with their youth this could be a serious passing offense for a long time.

Even as a place holder a guy like Schaub could do a lot of damage with that WR corps.

 

[32 Counter Pass]

I take issue with Schaub being a bonofide starter. He was terrible last year as a starter. and that was with better surrounding talent. Besides his lack of mobility will not do him any favors if he is under center for us.

All the potential QBs linked to the Raiders have blemishes. Sanchez is the only one that still has youth on his side.

Oakland has a history of QB reclamations with Plunkett and Gannon. Sanchez has the best chance to be the next success story.

 

[Chaka]

I personally like Sanchez for the Raiders. No question Schaub has shown more in his career but he's on the wrong side of 30 and he's never been able to stay healthy. We have seen the best he has to offer and frankly I doubt he lasts the season in Oakland's offense.

And to ICON's point (not that he intended it to be used this way) you have to swing for the fences on a QB and if you fail you swing again. Sanchez is the swing for the fences in the FA QB market, not Schaub or Vick. He's only 27 and the book on his career has not been finished yet.

 

[Chaka]

I take issue with Schaub being a bonofide starter. He was terrible last year as a starter. and that was with better surrounding talent. Besides his lack of mobility will not do him any favors if he is under center for us.

All the potential QBs linked to the Raiders have blemishes. Sanchez is the only one that still has youth on his side.

Oakland has a history of QB reclamations with Plunkett and Gannon. Sanchez has the best chance to be the next success story.

While I don't put stock into what happened with Plunkett or Gannon or Lamonica I absolutely agree that Sanchez seems like the better gamble.

Unless you get Tom Brady this isn't a Super Bowl team (and they aren't one with him either) so why bother with a guy like Schaub or Vick? So you can win a few more games and have a crappier draft slot in 2015? That doesn't make sense. Sanchez is the shark play and if he fails then you go for your franchise QB in the 2015 draft.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

http://walterfootball.com/proday.php

2014 Pro Day Results: Monday, March 17, 2:45 p.m.
By Tony Pauline, http://draftinsider.net/

Louisville
Sources from within the Louisville program told me they believe nerves crept in on Teddy Bridgewater today, which was a major factor in his disappointing performance. In the weeks leading up to pro-day, Bridgewater was hitting all the passes which were scripted during today's workout. Many are talking about Bridgewater's inaccuracy throwing on the move today, but my school source said it was never a real strength for the signal caller on Saturdays. The word leaving pro-day is "connecting the dots" (more on that later) Bridgewater ends up with the Oakland Raiders in round one.

 

[One]

@AdamSchefter Raiders reached agreement with former Packers WR James Jones, per ESPN source.

 

[Chaka]

@AdamSchefter Raiders reached agreement with former Packers WR James Jones, per ESPN source.

Scratch Sammy Watkins.

 

[massraider]

I will be happy if they take Teddy at 5, and feel like if they take one of the other two, I would be holding my breath a bit.

With Clowney, Mack, and the OTs available, I would really be less than thrilled about taking WR.

Watkins looks pretty darn special.The Raiders do not have a legit #1 WR. Streater and Moore have flashed at times but more often than not they look overmatched (even when Palmer was throwing the ball).

Watkins has passed every test so far and looks absolutely like the real deal. Put him out there and suddenly Moore and Streater become much scarier to opposing defenses, And with their youth this could be a serious passing offense for a long time.

Even as a place holder a guy like Schaub could do a lot of damage with that WR corps.

The team that just won the Super Bowl didn't have a legit #1 WR. The Pats never had one when they won it.

Bear in mind, this is just my own personal bias. I like Watkins a lot. But I dislike the bust rate for WR, and have seen too many pedestrian WR suddenly get better when a good QB shows up.

I dislike the bust rate at QB too, but the paid is so much better.

 

[cstu]

@

AdamSchefter Raiders reached agreement with former Packers WR James Jones, per ESPN source.

What a god awful mess of receivers for fantasy.

 

[Chaka]

I will be happy if they take Teddy at 5, and feel like if they take one of the other two, I would be holding my breath a bit.

With Clowney, Mack, and the OTs available, I would really be less than thrilled about taking WR.

Watkins looks pretty darn special.The Raiders do not have a legit #1 WR. Streater and Moore have flashed at times but more often than not they look overmatched (even when Palmer was throwing the ball).

Watkins has passed every test so far and looks absolutely like the real deal. Put him out there and suddenly Moore and Streater become much scarier to opposing defenses, And with their youth this could be a serious passing offense for a long time.

Even as a place holder a guy like Schaub could do a lot of damage with that WR corps.

The team that just won the Super Bowl didn't have a legit #1 WR. The Pats never had one when they won it.

Bear in mind, this is just my own personal bias. I like Watkins a lot. But I dislike the bust rate for WR, and have seen too many pedestrian WR suddenly get better when a good QB shows up.

I dislike the bust rate at QB too, but the paid is so much better.

I don't think the bust rate is really any different among positions but that is neither here nor there.

What I do know is that every talking head has a different QB in this class that is their favorite. Virtually everyone agrees that Watkins is the #1 WR.

Remember the last time the Raiders passed on a consensus sure fire #1 WR in favor of a sure fire #1 QB? Just sayin'.

ETA: And if you can get Tom Brady & Bill Belichick and/or the Seattle defense you have my permission to not draft Watkins.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld take:

Raiders signed WR James Jones, formerly of the Packers, to a three-year contract.
Jones, 30, set career highs in catches (59) and yards (817) last season with Green Bay, scoring three touchdowns after leading the NFL in touchdown catches (14) the previous year. He gives the Raiders a physical presence with an ability to win contested catches and stretch the field. Unfortunately, Jones going to quarterback-less Oakland could be a death knell for his fantasy outlook. We fully expect Jones to start, but the rest of the Raiders' receiver pecking order is to-be-determined between Denarius Moore, Rod Streater, and Andre Holmes.

Related: Packers

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

 

[Chaka]

@

AdamSchefter Raiders reached agreement with former Packers WR James Jones, per ESPN source.

What a god awful mess of receivers for fantasy.

I really don't like that signing, not just because I like Watkins, I just think Jones is JAG.

 

[cstu]

With Jones signing a 3 year deal and both Streater and Moore's contracts are up does that mean they are going to let at least one of them walk?

 

[Chaka]

Rotoworld take:

Raiders signed WR James Jones, formerly of the Packers, to a three-year contract.
Jones, 30, set career highs in catches (59) and yards (817) last season with Green Bay, scoring three touchdowns after leading the NFL in touchdown catches (14) the previous year. He gives the Raiders a physical presence with an ability to win contested catches and stretch the field. Unfortunately, Jones going to quarterback-less Oakland could be a death knell for his fantasy outlook. We fully expect Jones to start, but the rest of the Raiders' receiver pecking order is to-be-determined between Denarius Moore, Rod Streater, and Andre Holmes.

Related: Packers

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

Stretch the field? Wat?

He must be a great locker room guy who they think will help the young WRs in Oak. There is no other reason I can come up with for why they signed him.