2015 Oakland Raiders Thread (2 Viewers)

[massraider]

Pretty serious writeup on Crabs, and optimism about him getting away from Kap:

http://www.thebackyardbanter.com/reception-perception-impending-free-agent-michael-crabtree.html

 

[Raiderfan32904]

He's the most versatile and dominant DL in the draft. If he's there, you take him. If he busts, he busts but it is unquestionably the right move to take him.

If he busts he busts? Sorry man, I'm not feeling your argument. We need to be ahead of the curve and not buy into blind hype.

 

[ICON211]

I've been on Fowler for a while now and I think if Williams is gone that's who the pick should be. Of course Williams and Fowler could both be gone and in that case I am more than happy to take Cooper.

1 Williams

2 Fowler

3 Cooper

That's my order of preference and one of them will be there at four barring some really, really wacky stuff happening.

 

[massraider]

http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/4/14/8365157/2015-nfl-draft-leonard-williams-breakdown-scouting-report-damn-he-is-good

Great Williams writeup

 

[Chaka]

He's the most versatile and dominant DL in the draft. If he's there, you take him. If he busts, he busts but it is unquestionably the right move to take him.

If he busts he busts? Sorry man, I'm not feeling your argument. We need to be ahead of the curve and not buy into blind hype.

There is nothing blind about the hype on Williams, he is the best player in this draft and he demonstrated top production for three years at USC. He is as much of a risk to bust as a guy like Cooper, which is to say not likely but it could still happen just like it could with anyone. There is no guaranteed safe pick. Robert Gallery, anyone? Aaron Curry? Those were consensus safe picks who were supposed to be pro bowl anchors for a decade or more. It's an imprecise science.

Either way Williams is extremely unlikely to be there at #4 but if he is then Oakland should run to the podium with his name on the card. If not, they should do the same for Cooper.

 

[Chaka]

I've been on Fowler for a while now and I think if Williams is gone that's who the pick should be. Of course Williams and Fowler could both be gone and in that case I am more than happy to take Cooper.

1 Williams

2 Fowler

3 Cooper

That's my order of preference and one of them will be there at four barring some really, really wacky stuff happening.

I prefer Cooper over him but I wouldn't argue if the Raiders went with Fowler over Cooper, it's a different dynamic on the defense than a guy like Williams would bring but the potential for putting pressure on the QB with Fowler and Mack is pretty darn tantalizing.

 

[32 Counter Pass]

He's the most versatile and dominant DL in the draft. If he's there, you take him. If he busts, he busts but it is unquestionably the right move to take him.

If he busts he busts? Sorry man, I'm not feeling your argument. We need to be ahead of the curve and not buy into blind hype.

I believe what Chaka is saying is Williams is arguably the BPA in the draft, so he should be the pick. Fowler and Cooper are intriguing because of team needs, but the approach should always be top take the BPA at that point. A player busting is a risk with EVERY pick.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

He's the most versatile and dominant DL in the draft. If he's there, you take him. If he busts, he busts but it is unquestionably the right move to take him.

If he busts he busts? Sorry man, I'm not feeling your argument. We need to be ahead of the curve and not buy into blind hype.

I believe what Chaka is saying is Williams is arguably the BPA in the draft, so he should be the pick. Fowler and Cooper are intriguing because of team needs, but the approach should always be top take the BPA at that point. A player busting is a risk with EVERY pick.

And I'm saying I think Williams is extremely overrated and maybe that makes me a cynic. I like Fowler much more for our 4-3 alignment as an edge rusher than Williams who projects better in the 3-4. But over and above them both by a country mile is Cooper, and the thing I like the most about him is the words "polished" when all the draftniks talk among themselves. I don't think there's a single player in the draft that I've heard that word describing their all around game more than Cooper. Look up the word "polished" in the dictionary and I think you will see a picture of Amari Cooper.

 

[massraider]

And I'm saying I think Williams is extremely overrated and maybe that makes me a cynic. I like Fowler much more for our 4-3 alignment as an edge rusher than Williams who projects better in the 3-4.

No problem with someone that doesn't like Williams. He's no sure thing. Neither is Cooper.;

But Williams is no Arik Armstead. He can play in any alignment, IMO (obviously).

Frankly, using him to eat blocks in a 3-4 is a waste.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

And I'm saying I think Williams is extremely overrated and maybe that makes me a cynic. I like Fowler much more for our 4-3 alignment as an edge rusher than Williams who projects better in the 3-4.

No problem with someone that doesn't like Williams. He's no sure thing. Neither is Cooper.;

But Williams is no Arik Armstead. He can play in any alignment, IMO (obviously).

Frankly, using him to eat blocks in a 3-4 is a waste.

On this salient point, we agree. He'd be occupying a role that Dan Williams is signed up for. Unless he's moving all around the line, inside and out and rushing the QB on 3rd down, he's got very limited value. Even then, he's bound to get wore down as a space eater. Not that there's no value in a good space eater. Just not a top 5 guy. I want my top 5 guys to be impact players. Guys who are in on or near the ball on every play. Williams to me just isn't that guy.

 

[Chaka]

He's the most versatile and dominant DL in the draft. If he's there, you take him. If he busts, he busts but it is unquestionably the right move to take him.

If he busts he busts? Sorry man, I'm not feeling your argument. We need to be ahead of the curve and not buy into blind hype.

I believe what Chaka is saying is Williams is arguably the BPA in the draft, so he should be the pick. Fowler and Cooper are intriguing because of team needs, but the approach should always be top take the BPA at that point. A player busting is a risk with EVERY pick.

And I'm saying I think Williams is extremely overrated and maybe that makes me a cynic. I like Fowler much more for our 4-3 alignment as an edge rusher than Williams who projects better in the 3-4. But over and above them both by a country mile is Cooper, and the thing I like the most about him is the words "polished" when all the draftniks talk among themselves. I don't think there's a single player in the draft that I've heard that word describing their all around game more than Cooper. Look up the word "polished" in the dictionary and I think you will see a picture of Amari Cooper.

Aren't the Raiders running a 4-3 this season? I am sure they give lip service to mixing up packages and challenging defenses and all that coach speak but both JDR and Norton seem to be base 4-3 guys.

I think this is the second time you have referred to Williams as a 3-4 player. I guess I don't understand why you feel that way. He played in a 4-3, a 3-4 and a modified 4-3 in three seasons at USC. He played all over the line and was consistently dominant.

 

[Chaka]

I am a big fan of Cooper's skill set and particularly encouraged by all the reports about his work ethic. I like him a lot more than White. The Raiders should be thrilled when they land him at #4.

 

[Chaka]

And I'm saying I think Williams is extremely overrated and maybe that makes me a cynic. I like Fowler much more for our 4-3 alignment as an edge rusher than Williams who projects better in the 3-4.

No problem with someone that doesn't like Williams. He's no sure thing. Neither is Cooper.;

But Williams is no Arik Armstead. He can play in any alignment, IMO (obviously).

Frankly, using him to eat blocks in a 3-4 is a waste.

On this salient point, we agree. He'd be occupying a role that Dan Williams is signed up for. Unless he's moving all around the line, inside and out and rushing the QB on 3rd down, he's got very limited value. Even then, he's bound to get wore down as a space eater. Not that there's no value in a good space eater. Just not a top 5 guy. I want my top 5 guys to be impact players. Guys who are in on or near the ball on every play. Williams to me just isn't that guy.

Williams is not a top 5 player in your eyes? Wow. I guess I am just not seeing it the other way, although I have no problem with ranking Fowler in the top #5 in this draft particularly if we ignore the standard QB premium.

What about Fowler's career makes him an impact player in your eyes more than Williams was at USC?

Fowler's career high in tackles was 60, Williams career low was 64.

Fowler's best assist season was 31, which equals Williams worst season.

Fowler's high in solo tackles was 31, which was Williams low.

Fowler notched 8.5 sacks as a junior, which was better than Williams 7 then again Fowler had 6 combined sacks as a freshman and sophomore and Williams had 14.

Fowler dominated for one season, Williams did for three.

Both of them improved every season as players too (not just Fowler).

It seems to me that Williams was consistently around the ball more than Fowler.

I guess you could argue that Williams faced more up-tempo offenses which gave him more opportunities and I am pretty certain Williams played on as high a percentage of USC's defensive snap counts as any DL in the country over his career. But IMO that works in his favor too because it suggests that he can hold up against those kind of attacks which are increasingly prevalent in the NFL (and for a guy his size...it seems even more impressive). It also gives me less concern that he didn't explode on every single snap when he was asked to do so much. I am not sure about Fowler's utilization at Florida but I doubt he was asked to do as much and he certainly wasn't asked to do it for three seasons.

As I said I think the Raiders would be very happy walking away with Fowler but not at the expense of landing a guy like Williams (or Cooper).

 

[32 Counter Pass]

Agree. Prior to all the draftnik nonsense and rumors, we should remember that Williams was consider the #1 draft prospect.

He did nothing to diminish that rep his last year at SC.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Agree. Prior to all the draftnik nonsense and rumors, we should remember that Williams was consider the #1 draft prospect.

He did nothing to diminish that rep his last year at SC.

all i can think of is Clowney and how high everyone was on him ...yet the Raiders got the best defensive player in the first rd

 

[RaiderBones]

And I'm saying I think Williams is extremely overrated and maybe that makes me a cynic. I like Fowler much more for our 4-3 alignment as an edge rusher than Williams who projects better in the 3-4.

No problem with someone that doesn't like Williams. He's no sure thing. Neither is Cooper.;

But Williams is no Arik Armstead. He can play in any alignment, IMO (obviously).

Frankly, using him to eat blocks in a 3-4 is a waste.

On this salient point, we agree. He'd be occupying a role that Dan Williams is signed up for. Unless he's moving all around the line, inside and out and rushing the QB on 3rd down, he's got very limited value. Even then, he's bound to get wore down as a space eater. Not that there's no value in a good space eater. Just not a top 5 guy. I want my top 5 guys to be impact players. Guys who are in on or near the ball on every play. Williams to me just isn't that guy.

Williams is not a top 5 player in your eyes? Wow. I guess I am just not seeing it the other way, although I have no problem with ranking Fowler in the top #5 in this draft particularly if we ignore the standard QB premium.

What about Fowler's career makes him an impact player in your eyes more than Williams was at USC?

Fowler's career high in tackles was 60, Williams career low was 64.

Fowler's best assist season was 31, which equals Williams worst season.

Fowler's high in solo tackles was 31, which was Williams low.

Fowler notched 8.5 sacks as a junior, which was better than Williams 7 then again Fowler had 6 combined sacks as a freshman and sophomore and Williams had 14.

Fowler dominated for one season, Williams did for three.

Both of them improved every season as players too (not just Fowler).

It seems to me that Williams was consistently around the ball more than Fowler.

I guess you could argue that Williams faced more up-tempo offenses which gave him more opportunities and I am pretty certain Williams played on as high a percentage of USC's defensive snap counts as any DL in the country over his career. But IMO that works in his favor too because it suggests that he can hold up against those kind of attacks which are increasingly prevalent in the NFL (and for a guy his size...it seems even more impressive). It also gives me less concern that he didn't explode on every single snap when he was asked to do so much. I am not sure about Fowler's utilization at Florida but I doubt he was asked to do as much and he certainly wasn't asked to do it for three seasons.

As I said I think the Raiders would be very happy walking away with Fowler but not at the expense of landing a guy like Williams (or Cooper).

 

[32 Counter Pass]

Agree. Prior to all the draftnik nonsense and rumors, we should remember that Williams was consider the #1 draft prospect.

He did nothing to diminish that rep his last year at SC.

all i can think of is Clowney and how high everyone was on him ...yet the Raiders got the best defensive player in the first rd

I remember lots of people drooling over Clowney. Personally I was very suspect of him because of his lack of production his senior year. Williams doesn't have that issue.

 

[massraider]

Okay here's a fun exercise. 7 round mock posted on CBS Sports: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25149011/seven-round-2015-nfl-mock-draft-dgb-gurley-goldman-fall-out-of-first

Raider picks:

1. Kevin White-WR

2. Preston Smith-DE(Odighizuwa taken one pick previous-a maddening trend I am seeing in mocks)

3. Cody Prewitt-S

4. Jamison Crowder-WR

5. Randall Evans-CB

6. Mitch Morse-OL

7. Malcolm Brown-RB

Pretty dang good, I think. Love the two WR, and love the 7th round RB (CYA TRich!)

So, how would you prefer these picks to come out?

Check this out:

1. Amari Cooper-WR

2. Todd Gurley-RB

3. Eric Rowe-CB/S

4. Anthony Chickillo-DE

5. Marcus Hardison-DT

6. Stefon Diggs-WR

7. Shaq Mason-OG

I know, no way Gurley is there. How about this:

1. Dante Fowler-Edge

2. Grady Jarrett-DT

3. Phillip Dorsett-WR

4. D'Joun Smith-CB

5. Ali Marpet-OG

6. Kyle Emanuel-Edge

7. Tray Walker-CB

My own personal dream, in the above scenario:

1. Amari Cooper-WR

2. Preston Smith-DE

3. Phillip Dorsett-WR

4. Xavier Cooper-DT

5. Shaquille Riddick-DE

6. Malcolm Brown-RB

7. Shaq Mason-OG

 

[RaiderBones]

Okay here's a fun exercise. 7 round mock posted on CBS Sports: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25149011/seven-round-2015-nfl-mock-draft-dgb-gurley-goldman-fall-out-of-first

Raider picks:

1. Kevin White-WR

2. Preston Smith-DE(Odighizuwa taken one pick previous-a maddening trend I am seeing in mocks)

3. Cody Prewitt-S

4. Jamison Crowder-WR

5. Randall Evans-CB

6. Mitch Morse-OL

7. Malcolm Brown-RB

Pretty dang good, I think. Love the two WR, and love the 7th round RB (CYA TRich!)

So, how would you prefer these picks to come out?

Check this out:

1. Amari Cooper-WR

2. Todd Gurley-RB

3. Eric Rowe-CB/S

4. Anthony Chickillo-DE

5. Marcus Hardison-DT

6. Stefon Diggs-WR

7. Shaq Mason-OG

I know, no way Gurley is there. How about this:

1. Dante Fowler-Edge

2. Grady Jarrett-DT

3. Phillip Dorsett-WR

4. D'Joun Smith-CB

5. Ali Marpet-OG

6. Kyle Emanuel-Edge

7. Tray Walker-CB

My own personal dream, in the above scenario:

1. Amari Cooper-WR

2. Preston Smith-DE

3. Phillip Dorsett-WR

4. Xavier Cooper-DT

5. Shaquille Riddick-DE

6. Malcolm Brown-RB

7. Shaq Mason-OG

I'll play

1. Amari Cooper WR

2. Preston Smith DE

3. Ali Marpet OG

4. Jeff Heuerman TE

5. Clayton Geathers SS

6. Corey Crawford DE

7. Terrell Watson RB

 

[DocHolliday]

Agree. Prior to all the draftnik nonsense and rumors, we should remember that Williams was consider the #1 draft prospect.

He did nothing to diminish that rep his last year at SC.

all i can think of is Clowney and how high everyone was on him ...yet the Raiders got the best defensive player in the first rd

I remember lots of people drooling over Clowney. Personally I was very suspect of him because of his lack of production his senior year. Williams doesn't have that issue.

And there were many experts, as well as casual fans such as myself, that were not impressed with Clowney. Williams does not equal Clowney. That is just a goofy comparision.

 

[massraider]

Assuming Cooper is our pick, I am less and less inclined to think there will be a DE at the 2nd round pick. I think a corner might be the pick, maybe an interior DT pass rusher-type, or a trade down. Odighizuwa and Preston Smith (who is more of a run-stuffing LE, with some interior pass rush hops), if they gone, I ain't seeing much there.

Only way I see a trade down in the first is if it's with the Jets to get Mariota. And maybe not even then. If Williams is gone, I don't think Reggie gets cute, unless it's for a 2nd round pick. I am sure they'll be actively looking to trade down in the 2nd(maaaybe), 3rd, and 4th.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Right now, it's the calm before the storm. The silly season of panic trade offers hasn't even begun yet. I have a hunch that Reggie is sitting on his top 2 choices (Williams or Cooper) and he'll take either as a fall back plan. But he'll milk the clock for somebody desperate to get one of them if they give up the farm. And I bet he does end up trading back. The offers this year should be from multiple teams and there should be a true bidding war this time. Not like the last time when he basically had one customer in Miami who gave Reggie a low ball take-it-or-leave-it offer. This time, the fall back option is sweet.

 

[massraider]

I'd be ecstatic if they traded down with Jets, and still got Cooper. I guess if they got White, you still gotta be excited, but a little nervous. Not nervous at all with Cooper.

 

[cstu]

I'd be ecstatic if they traded down with Jets, and still got Cooper. I guess if they got White, you still gotta be excited, but a little nervous. Not nervous at all with Cooper.

The Raiders are being so well run right now that I don't think they blow it by not getting Cooper. They nailed the draft last year and don't have to get cute - take Cooper and be done with it.

 

[Chaka]

...yet the Raiders got the best defensive player in the first rd

The Rams disagree.

 

[Chaka]

Agree. Prior to all the draftnik nonsense and rumors, we should remember that Williams was consider the #1 draft prospect.

He did nothing to diminish that rep his last year at SC.

all i can think of is Clowney and how high everyone was on him ...yet the Raiders got the best defensive player in the first rd

I remember lots of people drooling over Clowney. Personally I was very suspect of him because of his lack of production his senior year. Williams doesn't have that issue.

I also questioned his drive during his senior season due to the drop off in production although I have difficulty faulting a guy for wanting to protect himself prior to his big payday. Collecting those injury insurance policies from Lloyd's is not as easy as it seems.

But even so Clowney's problem seems to be injury related not an issue with talent.

 

[massraider]

Yes, if Leonard Williams has microfracture surgery, I reserve the right to change my pick.

 

[massraider]

Hmmm, here's an NFL transaction that might help us.

Lions agree to trade George Johnson to Bucs

Bucs pick one spot in front of us in the 2nd. If we get a Smith or Digi, it may be because they filled that hole with this trade. Every freaking 2nd round mock I see has the Bucs taking Digi right in front of us (which I suppose supports the notion that it'll never happen).

 

[Chaka]

Yes, if Leonard Williams has microfracture surgery, I reserve the right to change my pick.

 

[BoltBacker]

Hmmm, here's an NFL transaction that might help us.

Lions agree to trade George Johnson to Bucs

Bucs pick one spot in front of us in the 2nd. If we get a Smith or Digi, it may be because they filled that hole with this trade. Every freaking 2nd round mock I see has the Bucs taking Digi right in front of us (which I suppose supports the notion that it'll never happen).

I was thinking the exact same thing. My first thought was TB pivots to OL early round 2 now.

 

[massraider]

Hmmm, here's an NFL transaction that might help us.

Lions agree to trade George Johnson to Bucs

Bucs pick one spot in front of us in the 2nd. If we get a Smith or Digi, it may be because they filled that hole with this trade. Every freaking 2nd round mock I see has the Bucs taking Digi right in front of us (which I suppose supports the notion that it'll never happen).

I was thinking the exact same thing. My first thought was TB pivots to OL early round 2 now.

There's gonna be some tackles there for them, too.

 

[massraider]

List of some prospects linked to team:

• Bryan Bennett, QB, Southeastern Louisiana (COM)
• T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh (SR)
• Devin Funchess, TE/WR, Michigan (COM)
• Garrett Grayson, QB, Colorado State (SR)
• Randy Gregory, DE/3-4OLB, Nebraska (COM)
• Matt Huffer, OT, South Dakota (WOR)
• David Irving^, DT, Iowa State (WOR, PRI)
• Akeem King, FS, San Jose State (PRI)
• Travis Lee, CB, Miles (PRI)
• Keith Mumphery, WR, Michigan State (INT)
• DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville (COM)
• David Parry, DT, Stanford (INT)
• Breshad Perriman, WR, Central Florida (PRI)
• Denzel Perryman, OLB/ILB, Miami (SR)
• Marcus Peters, CB, Washington (PRI)
• Eric Rowe, CB, Utah (PRI)
• Tray Walker, CB, Texas Southern (PRI)
• Shane Wynn, WR, Indiana (PRI)

 

[massraider]

Fun time-waster: Fanspeak's On The Clock

Using the consensus draft board from all the rankings, I drafted the following:

4: R1P4
WR AMARI COOPER
ALABAMA
35: R2P3
DE PRESTON SMITH
MISSISSIPPI STATE
68: R3P4
G LAKEN TOMLINSON
DUKE
102: R4P3
CB IFO EKPRE-OLOMU
OREGON
140: R5P4
RB JAVORIUS ALLEN
USC
179: R6P3
DT BOBBY RICHARDSON
INDIANA
221: R7P4
TE WES SAXTON
SOUTH ALABAMA

 

[Raiderfan32904]

 

[massraider]

Freaking Digi keeps going to Tampa in front of me, otherwise it'd be REALLY sweet .

I think he goes in the 1st round, unfortunately.

 

[massraider]

The contract numbers for the Oakland Raiders' free-agent additions are continuing to come in. Let's take a look at wide receiver Michael Crabtree's deal.

Base salary: $1.4 million (2015)

Signing bonus: $1.3 millionGuaranteed money: $0Roster bonus: $250,000Workout bonus: $250,000Incentives: Up to $2.2 millionCap numbers: $3.2 million (2015)

The above is from Bill Williamson, the freaking useless hack that covers the raiders for ESPN. Couldn't even be bothered to look up the incentives:

From Someone useful:

1-year, $3.2 million deal

-- $1.3 million signing bonus, $1.4 million base salary, $250k workout bonus, $250k per game roster bonus


$1.8 million in incentives for a max possible $5 million

-- $400k for 70 catches or 900 yards

-- $1.4 million for 100 catches or 1400 yards

-- $400k for being named to the Pro Bowl

Based on Crabtree's career numbers so far, the $400k incentive for 70 catches or 900 yards is the only one he has a real chance to reach as he has only surpassed either of those numbers once in his career -- 2012 when he had 85 catches for 1105 yards. So, he would have to by far have the best season of his career to get anywhere near the max worth of his contract.

He has also never been to a Pro Bowl. If he reaches all these incentives, he stands to earn a much bigger contract next year.

Follow @LeviDamien

 

[BustedKnuckles]

NFL Draft Needs: Raiders

Thursday, April 16, 2015



Evan Silva (@EvanSilva) is the Senior Football Editor for Rotoworld's NFL Page, and Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) leads Rotoworld's college football and NFL draft coverage. Together, they're breaking down every team's biggest needs and offering potential draft-day solutions.

For a breakdown on every team, check out the team-by-team draft preview schedule.

No. 1 Team Need: Wide receiver

Silva's Analysis

Michael Crabtree, Rod Streater and Andre Holmes are all in contract years. James Jones, 31, is nearing the end of the line. The Raiders utilized an ultra-conservative, ball-out-quick passing game under 2014 offensive coordinator Greg Olson, but will likely aim to test downfield more under new OC Bill Musgrave. Alabama's Amari Cooper would have been an excellent fit with Derek Carr had the Raiders kept Olson. Under Musgrave, West Virginia's Kevin White may make the most sense based on his ability to win in the "big receiver" game.

No. 2 Team Need: Defensive end

Silva's Analysis

Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie hit a home run with 2014 top draft pick Khalil Mack, a strong-side power rusher whom new coach Jack Del Rio will utilize a la Von Miller. Oakland still lacks a weak-side edge presence following last year's whiff on LaMarr Woodley. Although it's widely considered a foregone conclusion that the Raiders will draft a wide receiver at No. 4, I might actually argue that right end is Oakland's biggest need based on the team's utter lack of starting-caliber options at the position. The Raiders at least have capable bodies at wideout.

No. 3 Team Need: Guard

Silva's Analysis

The Raiders are in relatively good shape at four positions on the line, having moved 2014 right guard Austin Howardback to his natural position of right tackle. Highly-paid Rodney Hudson is the center with Donald Penn coming off a strong year on Derek Carr's blind side, and rising sophomore Gabe Jackson locking down left guard. Right guard is an enormous question mark, with 33-year-old Khalif Barnes currently penciled in as the starter. Musgrave is a big believer in the power running game and will likely push for a lane clearer to fill this gap. Other areas of need for Oakland include corner and three-technique defensive tackle.

Norris’ Mock Draft:

Round 1 (4): WR Kevin White, WVU - As Evan said, White is a fit for where the Raiders are going. He has the potential to be a complete receiver: winning in both the big and small game. White fares well in contested situations and can pick up yards after the catch. The fourth pick is not too early for a prospect like White even with Amari Cooper still on the board. Do not be shocked if an edge rusher is the pick, possibly Alvin Dupree.

Round 2 (35): EDGE Preston Smith, Miss State - A long term replacement for Justin Tuck is necessary. That isPreston Smith’s comparison, since he wins with power on the outside and speed/agility on the inside. A sub-package pass rushing attack of Smith, Tuck, Ellis and Mack is enticing.

Round 3 (68): G Jeremiah Poutasi, Utah - Teams seem to like Poutasi more than evaluators on the outside. The Utah left tackle projects to guard and right tackle. Poutasi gets by with strength and would form a nice young interior with Jackson and Hudson.

Round 4 (102): CB Alex Carter, Stanford - Reggie McKenzie’s guy D.J. Hayden is the only real name at corner for the Raiders. The team seems to draft corners that are taller than 5’11” with arms longer than 31”. Carter, who has NFL bloodlines, fits those measurements. I’ve seen some suggest a move to safety for Carter.

Round 5 (140): WR Ty Montgomery, Stanford - Back to back Stanford prospects? It was not done on purpose. Montgomery is a manufactured touch player, meaning you can’t trust him to consistently separate in routes or win at the catch point. He is best with the ball in his hands, showing straight line speed and power. His early impact might be on returns.

Round 6 (179): S Brian Blechen, Utah - Charles Woodson cannot play forever. I’m not calling Blechen the heir apparent, but he is a true strong safety with size and a willingness to stick his nose in tackles at the second level.

Round 7 (221): DT Tory Slater, West Georgia - All upside and potential. The former high school receiver is a good athlete who has natural upfield and disruptive ability to close once creating separation. He does take himself out of plays due to a lack of backfield vision.

Raiders Current Offensive Depth Chart

QB: Derek Carr

RB: Latavius Murray

WR: James Jones

WR: Michael Crabtree

WR: Rod Streater

TE: Mychal Rivera

LT: Donald Penn

LG: Gabe Jackson

C: Rodney Hudson

RG: Khalif Barnes

RT: Austin Howard

Raiders Current Defensive Depth Chart

LE: Justin Tuck

RE: Benson Mayowa

DT: Dan Williams

DT: Justin Ellis

MLB: Curtis Lofton

WLB: Malcolm Smith

SLB: Khalil Mack

CB: D.J. Hayden

CB: Travis Carrie

FS: Nate Allen

SS: Charles Woodson

 

[Hankmoody]

If only

4: R1P4
WR AMARI COOPER
ALABAMA
35: R2P3
DE OWAMAGBE ODIGHIZUWA
UCLA
68: R3P4
G TRE' JACKSON
FLORIDA STATE
102: R4P3
WR TYLER LOCKETT
KANSAS STATE
140: R5P4
CB DORAN GRANT
OHIO STATE
179: R6P3
DT DERRICK LOTT
CHATTANOOGA
221: R7P4
RB COREY GRANT
AUBURN
I prefer Fowler at #4, but if he's gone then I like Cooper as the pick assuming no trade-down. Lockett is the guy I'm sleeping on - big-time. He's probably not a #1, but he's a playmaker. He's probably not there in the 4th in May, perhaps not even in the 3rd, but if it went like this it would be a dream come true. I'd love to see them double up at WR and get this kind of result. I'd expect more like a Stefon Diggs in the 4th, but Lockett would be stunning. LIke the late pick values here too.

 

[massraider]

I like Lockett a lot as well, and think that a speedy slot guy might be on the menu if we don't go WR in the 1st. They went hard after Cobb, that's his game.

A slot guy with wheels would add a dimension.

Have a little crush on Tre McBride,

 

[massraider]

Man, look out for the Jags.

They have real similar needs to us. Weapons for Bortles, and pass rush. Why aren't they in play for Cooper or White? Chubby white guys sitting at MacBooks put up a mock draft with a pass rusher mocked to them (and Leo Williams to TEN) and everyone takes it as gospel. NO ONE had Bortles to them last year.

Is Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns reasons for not taking Cooper? I don't think so, and think they could be fine players. They didn't score points last year. At all. Their receiving core is no better than ours, they're just younger. Robinson could be a player, but never turn into a #1 WR. I happen to think Cooper and Williams are the best players in the draft, the Jags could too, it's not exactly a Hot Take.

The level of groupthink that happens every year is amazing to me, I know I've said it before, but it's like everyone forgets all the curveballs that the draft brings every year. It'd be cool to see some really off-the-wall mocks every once in a while.

 

[Chaka]

Man, look out for the Jags.

They have real similar needs to us. Weapons for Bortles, and pass rush. Why aren't they in play for Cooper or White? Chubby white guys sitting at MacBooks put up a mock draft with a pass rusher mocked to them (and Leo Williams to TEN) and everyone takes it as gospel. NO ONE had Bortles to them last year.

Is Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns reasons for not taking Cooper? I don't think so, and think they could be fine players. They didn't score points last year. At all. Their receiving core is no better than ours, they're just younger. Robinson could be a player, but never turn into a #1 WR. I happen to think Cooper and Williams are the best players in the draft, the Jags could too, it's not exactly a Hot Take.

The level of groupthink that happens every year is amazing to me, I know I've said it before, but it's like everyone forgets all the curveballs that the draft brings every year. It'd be cool to see some really off-the-wall mocks every once in a while.

They did go heavy with WRs last year with Robinson and Lee plus Hurns did show flashes of being a legit NFL caliber WR. None of them demonstrated true #1 WR ability but they are young and the Jags may feel that they can get by and give them the opportunity to grow.

Also what is the status of Justin Blackmon? Is he definitely out for the year or is there a possibility that he could come back this season...for a cup of coffee (probably laced with tequila and blow) before being suspended again?

 

[DocHolliday]

Man, look out for the Jags.

They have real similar needs to us. Weapons for Bortles, and pass rush. Why aren't they in play for Cooper or White? Chubby white guys sitting at MacBooks put up a mock draft with a pass rusher mocked to them (and Leo Williams to TEN) and everyone takes it as gospel. NO ONE had Bortles to them last year.

Is Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns reasons for not taking Cooper? I don't think so, and think they could be fine players. They didn't score points last year. At all. Their receiving core is no better than ours, they're just younger. Robinson could be a player, but never turn into a #1 WR. I happen to think Cooper and Williams are the best players in the draft, the Jags could too, it's not exactly a Hot Take.

The level of groupthink that happens every year is amazing to me, I know I've said it before, but it's like everyone forgets all the curveballs that the draft brings every year. It'd be cool to see some really off-the-wall mocks every once in a while.

They did go heavy with WRs last year with Robinson and Lee plus Hurns did show flashes of being a legit NFL caliber WR. None of them demonstrated true #1 WR ability but they are young and the Jags may feel that they can get by and give them the opportunity to grow.

Also what is the status of Justin Blackmon? Is he definitely out for the year or is there a possibility that he could come back this season...for a cup of coffee (probably laced with tequila and blow) before being suspended again?

I do not see the Jags going WR with their first pick. As pointed out, they did go heavy with WRs last draft. While they did not hit a HR with their picks, their WR corp is at least solid. My guess is that the Jag's first pick addresses their pass rush.

 

[massraider]

You know, we got Mack last year in part because Jags went Borltes.

If we get Cooper because they go edge rusher this year, because they took Robinson/Lee last year, that 2014 Jags draft would be the gift that keeps on giving to Oakland.

 

[massraider]

Went looking for Agholor's pro day results, to compare to Cooper, and found this video interview from the Pro Day with Mayock:

Pretty smart kid, I think.

 

[Chadstroma]

Raiders Current Defensive Depth Chart

LE: Justin Tuck

RE: Benson Mayowa

DT: Dan Williams

DT: Justin Ellis

MLB: Curtis Lofton

WLB: Malcolm Smith

SLB: Khalil Mack

CB: D.J. Hayden

CB: Travis Carrie

FS: Nate Allen

SS: Charles Woodson

Where did they get this? Smith over Moore at WLB? Everything I have seen is Smith is meant for depth.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Raiders Current Defensive Depth Chart

LE: Justin Tuck

RE: Benson Mayowa

DT: Dan Williams

DT: Justin Ellis

MLB: Curtis Lofton

WLB: Malcolm Smith

SLB: Khalil Mack

CB: D.J. Hayden

CB: Travis Carrie

FS: Nate Allen

SS: Charles Woodson

Where did they get this? Smith over Moore at WLB? Everything I have seen is Smith is meant for depth.

Yup, and I'm not buying Mayowa at RE, no matter what our current roster says.

 

[massraider]

Raiders Current Defensive Depth Chart

LE: Justin Tuck

RE: Benson Mayowa

DT: Dan Williams

DT: Justin Ellis

MLB: Curtis Lofton

WLB: Malcolm Smith

SLB: Khalil Mack

CB: D.J. Hayden

CB: Travis Carrie

FS: Nate Allen

SS: Charles Woodson

Where did they get this? Smith over Moore at WLB? Everything I have seen is Smith is meant for depth.

Yup, and I'm not buying Mayowa at RE, no matter what our current roster says.

He has Tuck and Mayowa backwards anyway, but that's a small quibble.

At the end of the year, Mayowa was essentially starting (splitting with CJ Wilson).

You may not be buying it, but that's all we selling right now.

At least until the 4th pick in two weeks....................

 

[RaiderBones]

Went looking for Agholor's pro day results, to compare to Cooper, and found this video interview from the Pro Day with Mayock:

Pretty smart kid, I think.

I saw a couple of 2 round mocks with the Raiders landing Leonard Williams in the 1st and Agholor in the 2nd.

 

[massraider]

Went looking for Agholor's pro day results, to compare to Cooper, and found this video interview from the Pro Day with Mayock:

Pretty smart kid, I think.

I saw a couple of 2 round mocks with the Raiders landing Leonard Williams in the 1st and Agholor in the 2nd.

You might see one in the Shark Pool here in a few hours.

 

[massraider]

What would you trade for Adrian Peterson? There's some stuff on Twitter, (guy spoke to a front office guy, that kind of thing) that the FO guy believes it's the Cowboys, Fins and Cowboys are in on Peterson.