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2015 Oakland Raiders Thread (1 Viewer)

Not a fan of DGB at all. I think whoever picks him landed a ticking time bomb. I won't complain about the Williams pick, but I won't be celebrating either. I really was hoping for Cooper, but it's looking more and more like Reggie will pass on him if Williams is there.

 
Yeah, I'd be excited.

And if DGB went off the reservation, blame lies with McKenzie squarely. Lot of ways to build a passing game, I don't believe we need a Greek god over 6'2", 220 pounds to make it happen.

I would take Agholor or Dorsett over DGB personally in the 2nd. His red flags are really, really RED

 
massraider said:
Yeah, I'd be excited.

And if DGB went off the reservation, blame lies with McKenzie squarely. Lot of ways to build a passing game, I don't believe we need a Greek god over 6'2", 220 pounds to make it happen.

I would take Agholor or Dorsett over DGB personally in the 2nd. His red flags are really, really RED
Click to expand...
I don't know if this is just a rumor or not but did he really refuse an invitation by the Cowboys?

If so this speaks to continued immaturity imo. This isn't your average career. There are only 31 other potential employers on the planet. Maybe he thinks it's impossible that he slips that far in the draft? If so I hope he's the guy every camera is on.... all.... night..... long. And the talking heads just have to keep mentioning over and over again why he's probably still sitting there.

 
BoltBacker said:
massraider said:
Yeah, I'd be excited.

And if DGB went off the reservation, blame lies with McKenzie squarely. Lot of ways to build a passing game, I don't believe we need a Greek god over 6'2", 220 pounds to make it happen.

I would take Agholor or Dorsett over DGB personally in the 2nd. His red flags are really, really RED
Click to expand...
I don't know if this is just a rumor or not but did he really refuse an invitation by the Cowboys?

If so this speaks to continued immaturity imo. This isn't your average career. There are only 31 other potential employers on the planet. Maybe he thinks it's impossible that he slips that far in the draft? If so I hope he's the guy every camera is on.... all.... night..... long. And the talking heads just have to keep mentioning over and over again why he's probably still sitting there.
Click to expand...
With the last year in my mind, DGB isn't going to be a first round pick.

The guys making these picks, this is their JOB, and they can lose their job. People forget that when thinking about DGB on their fantasy teams.

 
http://espn.go.com/blog/oakland-raiders/post/_/id/10592/this-could-be-the-year-of-the-trojan-for-the-oakland-raiders

Bill Williamson recently wrote a piece where this could be the "year of the trojan" if we end up taking L. Williams and N. Agholor with pick #35. But here's the money quote:

If USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams is still available at No. 4, the Raiders will take him. It's as simple as that. - Bill Williamson
Click to expand...
If it's Williams so be it. We can't control any of this anyway as fans. At least doing the exercise of the mock drafts has comforted me a little knowing there are some damn good WR's available in the 2nd and even 3rd rounds this year. Even if miss on Cooper, we should still be able to likely upgrade our WR corp.

 
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Raiderfan32904 said:
http://espn.go.com/blog/oakland-raiders/post/_/id/10592/this-could-be-the-year-of-the-trojan-for-the-oakland-raiders

Bill Williamson recently wrote a piece where this could be the "year of the trojan" if we end up taking L. Williams and N. Agholor with pick #35. But here's the money quote:

If USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams is still available at No. 4, the Raiders will take him. It's as simple as that. - Bill Williamson
Click to expand...
If it's Williams so be it. We can't control any of this anyway as fans. At least doing the exercise of the mock drafts has comforted me a little knowing there are some damn good WR's available in the 2nd and even 3rd rounds this year. Even if miss on Cooper, we should still be able to likely upgrade our WR corp.
Click to expand...
A WR corp. of Crabtree, Streater, Jones, Agohlor/Strong/Dorsett, Brice Butler and Andre Holmes is really not all that bad.

 
Dr. Octopus said:
Raiderfan32904 said:
http://espn.go.com/blog/oakland-raiders/post/_/id/10592/this-could-be-the-year-of-the-trojan-for-the-oakland-raiders

Bill Williamson recently wrote a piece where this could be the "year of the trojan" if we end up taking L. Williams and N. Agholor with pick #35. But here's the money quote:

If USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams is still available at No. 4, the Raiders will take him. It's as simple as that. - Bill Williamson
Click to expand...
If it's Williams so be it. We can't control any of this anyway as fans. At least doing the exercise of the mock drafts has comforted me a little knowing there are some damn good WR's available in the 2nd and even 3rd rounds this year. Even if miss on Cooper, we should still be able to likely upgrade our WR corp.
Click to expand...
A WR corp. of Crabtree, Streater, Jones, Agohlor/Strong/Dorsett, Brice Butler and Andre Holmes is really not all that bad.
Click to expand...
I was hoping for a crew better than "not all that bad" but at this point, any upgrade is welcome. You figure Jack Del Rio is going to have a strong run D, always has, and likely will again. He sees an L. Williams ready to draft, and I think he'll be frothing at the mouth to take him. It's his calling card.

 
I'm completely biased, but Shane Wynn is a guy I would love to see as a later round pickup for Oakland.

He will be an excellent NFL returner with potential to develop into a slot weapon. His numbers were artificially low as Indiana lost their QB early in the season and it became a total mess on offense.

Wynn can flat out fly, but still finds a way to make plays in traffic for a guy his size.

http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/4/2/8334769/shane-wynn-visiting-oakland-raiders-today

 
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Week 1 - Bengals - W

Week 2 - Ravens - L

Week 3 - @Browns - W

Week 4 - @Bears - L

Week 5 - Broncos - L

Week 6 - BYE

Week 7 - @Chargers - W

Week 8 - Jets - W

Week 9 - @Steelers - L

Week 10 - Vikings - W

Week 11 - @Lions - L

Week 12 - @Titans - W

Week 13 - Chiefs - L

Week 14 - @Broncos - L

Week 15 - Packers - W

Week 16 - Chargers - W

Week 17 - @Chiefs - L

8-8 and hope is alive.

 
Garrett said:
I'm completely biased, but Shane Wynn is a guy I would love to see as a later round pickup for Oakland.

He will be an excellent NFL returner with potential to develop into a slot weapon. His numbers were artificially low as Indiana lost their QB early in the season and it became a total mess on offense.

Wynn can flat out fly, but still finds a way to make plays in traffic for a guy his size.

http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2015/4/2/8334769/shane-wynn-visiting-oakland-raiders-today
Click to expand...
If we take two WRs, and this guy is one of them, in the 6th or 7th, I'd be happy. Might go undrafted, as well.

 
Garrett said:
Week 1 - Bengals - W

Week 2 - Ravens - L

Week 3 - @Browns - W

Week 4 - @Bears - L

Week 5 - Broncos - L

Week 6 - BYE

Week 7 - @Chargers - W

Week 8 - Jets - W

Week 9 - @Steelers - L

Week 10 - Vikings - W

Week 11 - @Lions - L

Week 12 - @Titans - W

Week 13 - Chiefs - L

Week 14 - @Broncos - L

Week 15 - Packers - W

Week 16 - Chargers - W

Week 17 - @Chiefs - L

8-8 and hope is alive.
Click to expand...
Can anyone recall the last time the Raiders had a bye week later than week 6? I swear they have only had 1 bye work later than week 6 in the last 10 years.

 
massraider said:
Garrett said:
You all might have already came across it, but Finest Hour is an excellent Raiders podcast...

http://www.raidersfinesthour.com

Really the first one I have come across that I would definitely recommend.
Click to expand...
Added to my Podcast Addict app (cannot live without). If anyone here likes podcasts, let me know, I can make some recommendations.
Click to expand...
Anything sports related I'd be curious to hear about. (outside of that, if you haven't listened to Dan Carlin's Hardcore History; you are missing out).

 
possible wins

browns

jets

vikings

chargers

and possibly 1 or 2 other division games

both the bears and titans would be on this list except the raiders are HORRIBLE on the road and possibly even worse the farther east they go. and the fact that both of these games are back to back road trips makes them pretty much auto losses.

what's the o/u on wins? 5? seems about right.

:cry:

i hope i'm wrong

 
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DA RAIDERS said:
possible wins

browns

jets

vikings

chargers

and possibly 1 or 2 other division games

both the bears and titans would be on this list except the raiders are HORRIBLE on the road and possibly even worse the farther east they go. and the fact that both of these games are back to back road trips makes them pretty much auto losses.

what's the o/u on wins? 5? seems about right.

:cry:

i hope i'm wrong
Click to expand...
:shrug:

No idea. But if we can manufacture a running game this year, good young QBs (which I believe we have) tend to raise the level of teams.

The biggest failing of the team last year was DMC/MJD playing over Latavius. McKenzie for signing MJD, and the coaches for playing DMC and MJD. We were a .500 ballclub with a running game last year. That's why I wouldn't be upset if we grabbed a RB early. (I don't think we will, and Roy Helu, IMO, is a vastly underrated signing.) Would have liked to see this team with better backs all year long. I feel pretty safe in saying the run blocking will be better this year. 4 of 5 spots are going to be considered above average in this regard-and that's better than most. Quietly building a very good O-line.

Carr did most of what he did with a bunch of new starters in front of him, and zero running game. Let's give him Latavius/Helu from week 1, add Streater/Crabtree/rookie to Jones/Rivera/Holmes.........that's a LOT to give a guy he didn't have last year.

It's still a lot of new moving parts, but fewer than last year.

I'm a believer in strength up the middle, and the signing of Hudson and Williams/Lofton makes me happy. NFL running games happen between the tackles, defenses are too fast to consistently go outside (including ours). Williams is a better, older version of Jelly Ellis, which is perfect. Ellis played way, way too much last year. Among the higher snap counts in the league for a DT, which is unheard of for a player like him. Lofton behind them is not a world beater 3 down LB, but here he just needs to be a vet presence at MLB on 1st and 2nd down. Burris was a try hard guy, who happened to be as bad a LB as I have ever seen in Oakland.

Run and stop the run. Really all starts from there.

 
I like the positve outlook. Run and stop the run. Seems simple, but there's a lot more moving pieces that need to be adressed to sign off on that credo being a done deal.

I'm very concerned about our secondary and our coverage in general. Lofton is a great run stuffer, but is suspect in coverage. Our oldest starting CB will be 26 yo. I love the upside, but where's the safety net when things go bad? And if we get gauged by the oppoenent's short to intermediate passes, we are forced to abandon our own running game. I don't think that's what Jack was talking about when mentioned switching up the pace from time to time to go at a "snails pace".

I believe in a holistic approach to fixing our 32nd ranked defense. If we leave any chinks in our armor, you can bet other teams will find them and exploit them.

 
Raiderfan32904 said:
I believe in a holistic approach to fixing our 32nd ranked defense. If we leave any chinks in our armor, you can bet other teams will find them and exploit them.
Click to expand...
Dude, you need a reality check if you thought we'd address every hole on our porous D in one free agency period. No team operates that way, and for good reason.

 
LawFitz said:
Raiderfan32904 said:
I believe in a holistic approach to fixing our 32nd ranked defense. If we leave any chinks in our armor, you can bet other teams will find them and exploit them.
Click to expand...
Dude, you need a reality check if you thought we'd address every hole on our porous D in one free agency period. No team operates that way, and for good reason.
Click to expand...
Who said anything about addressing every hole in one free agency period. How many chances has Reggie had to fix this mess?

 
Garrett said:
Week 1 - Bengals - W

Week 2 - Ravens - L

Week 3 - @Browns - W

Week 4 - @Bears - L

Week 5 - Broncos - L

Week 6 - BYE

Week 7 - @Chargers - W

Week 8 - Jets - W

Week 9 - @Steelers - L

Week 10 - Vikings - W

Week 11 - @Lions - L

Week 12 - @Titans - W

Week 13 - Chiefs - L

Week 14 - @Broncos - L

Week 15 - Packers - W

Week 16 - Chargers - W

Week 17 - @Chiefs - L

8-8 and hope is alive.
Click to expand...
Wahoooo! I get to go to a Raider game!!! Might actually be able to swing two if I can figure out a trip to Detroit with someone.

First season game since 2001! (Not that I really missed much since then) Last pre-season game I saw was when they were in town about 4 years ago.

VERY EXCITED!

 
Raiderfan32904 said:
LawFitz said:
Raiderfan32904 said:
I believe in a holistic approach to fixing our 32nd ranked defense. If we leave any chinks in our armor, you can bet other teams will find them and exploit them.
Click to expand...
Dude, you need a reality check if you thought we'd address every hole on our porous D in one free agency period. No team operates that way, and for good reason.
Click to expand...
Who said anything about addressing every hole in one free agency period. How many chances has Reggie had to fix this mess?
Click to expand...
Massraider made an optimistic post about how adding solid pieces to the middle of our D and OL THIS OFFSEASON might help our run D, compared to last year. As usual, you then peed in his cheerios with your constant Reggie bashing, squawking this time about how the secondary has been left unaddressed. You may not have noticed, but you were responding to his comment about this offseason's moves.

But here's a further dose of reality for you, if like you say, you were referring to Reggie's entire tenure and not just this free agency period...

In the last two years, we've added Hayden and Carrie through the draft and Woodson in FA, all of whom are looking like solid pieces for this year, with the two corners even beyond this year. Do we need more? Of course. But Reggie's only had two drafts and two free agency periods to do it so far, and he's had A LOT more holes to fill than just the DBs during that time.

We get it, you hate Reggie. He can't do anything right in your eyes and unless he bats 1.000 with his picks, he's a bum. Squawk, squawk, squawk.

 
massraider said:
DA RAIDERS said:
possible wins

browns

jets

vikings

chargers

and possibly 1 or 2 other division games

both the bears and titans would be on this list except the raiders are HORRIBLE on the road and possibly even worse the farther east they go. and the fact that both of these games are back to back road trips makes them pretty much auto losses.

what's the o/u on wins? 5? seems about right.

:cry:

i hope i'm wrong
Click to expand...
:shrug:

No idea. But if we can manufacture a running game this year, good young QBs (which I believe we have) tend to raise the level of teams.

The biggest failing of the team last year was DMC/MJD playing over Latavius. McKenzie for signing MJD, and the coaches for playing DMC and MJD. We were a .500 ballclub with a running game last year. That's why I wouldn't be upset if we grabbed a RB early. (I don't think we will, and Roy Helu, IMO, is a vastly underrated signing.) Would have liked to see this team with better backs all year long. I feel pretty safe in saying the run blocking will be better this year. 4 of 5 spots are going to be considered above average in this regard-and that's better than most. Quietly building a very good O-line.

Carr did most of what he did with a bunch of new starters in front of him, and zero running game. Let's give him Latavius/Helu from week 1, add Streater/Crabtree/rookie to Jones/Rivera/Holmes.........that's a LOT to give a guy he didn't have last year.

It's still a lot of new moving parts, but fewer than last year.

I'm a believer in strength up the middle, and the signing of Hudson and Williams/Lofton makes me happy. NFL running games happen between the tackles, defenses are too fast to consistently go outside (including ours). Williams is a better, older version of Jelly Ellis, which is perfect. Ellis played way, way too much last year. Among the higher snap counts in the league for a DT, which is unheard of for a player like him. Lofton behind them is not a world beater 3 down LB, but here he just needs to be a vet presence at MLB on 1st and 2nd down. Burris was a try hard guy, who happened to be as bad a LB as I have ever seen in Oakland.

Run and stop the run. Really all starts from there.
Click to expand...
This is a good posting.

D does win championships. The Raiders D has not been improved for many years. It looks this year could be different. There is at least some hope. The D could be really improved if Reggie goes D with the first pick.

It was no wonder the O struggled last year. With a rookie QB, plodders at RB, and J Jones as the best WR, defenses had little to worry about.

 
Chadstroma said:
Garrett said:
Week 1 - Bengals - W

Week 2 - Ravens - L

Week 3 - @Browns - W

Week 4 - @Bears - L

Week 5 - Broncos - L

Week 6 - BYE

Week 7 - @Chargers - W

Week 8 - Jets - W

Week 9 - @Steelers - L

Week 10 - Vikings - W

Week 11 - @Lions - L

Week 12 - @Titans - W

Week 13 - Chiefs - L

Week 14 - @Broncos - L

Week 15 - Packers - W

Week 16 - Chargers - W

Week 17 - @Chiefs - L

8-8 and hope is alive.
Click to expand...
Wahoooo! I get to go to a Raider game!!! Might actually be able to swing two if I can figure out a trip to Detroit with someone.

First season game since 2001! (Not that I really missed much since then) Last pre-season game I saw was when they were in town about 4 years ago.

VERY EXCITED!
Click to expand...
where you at? i'm probably doing a road trip to the chicago game

 
massraider said:
DA RAIDERS said:
possible wins

browns

jets

vikings

chargers

and possibly 1 or 2 other division games

both the bears and titans would be on this list except the raiders are HORRIBLE on the road and possibly even worse the farther east they go. and the fact that both of these games are back to back road trips makes them pretty much auto losses.

what's the o/u on wins? 5? seems about right.

:cry:

i hope i'm wrong
Click to expand...
:shrug:

No idea. But if we can manufacture a running game this year, good young QBs (which I believe we have) tend to raise the level of teams.

The biggest failing of the team last year was DMC/MJD playing over Latavius. McKenzie for signing MJD, and the coaches for playing DMC and MJD. We were a .500 ballclub with a running game last year. That's why I wouldn't be upset if we grabbed a RB early. (I don't think we will, and Roy Helu, IMO, is a vastly underrated signing.) Would have liked to see this team with better backs all year long. I feel pretty safe in saying the run blocking will be better this year. 4 of 5 spots are going to be considered above average in this regard-and that's better than most. Quietly building a very good O-line.

Carr did most of what he did with a bunch of new starters in front of him, and zero running game. Let's give him Latavius/Helu from week 1, add Streater/Crabtree/rookie to Jones/Rivera/Holmes.........that's a LOT to give a guy he didn't have last year.

It's still a lot of new moving parts, but fewer than last year.

I'm a believer in strength up the middle, and the signing of Hudson and Williams/Lofton makes me happy. NFL running games happen between the tackles, defenses are too fast to consistently go outside (including ours). Williams is a better, older version of Jelly Ellis, which is perfect. Ellis played way, way too much last year. Among the higher snap counts in the league for a DT, which is unheard of for a player like him. Lofton behind them is not a world beater 3 down LB, but here he just needs to be a vet presence at MLB on 1st and 2nd down. Burris was a try hard guy, who happened to be as bad a LB as I have ever seen in Oakland.

Run and stop the run. Really all starts from there.
Click to expand...
i like the post but we play manning and rivers twice, cutler, big ben, rodgers, flacco, and stafford. it's a passing league and other than maybe pit and bal, all of those teams are pass first. that's a hell of a list of qb's. if the raiders can't score more than 21 points a game, it's going to be a long long season. we scored 15.8 on average last year only jax was worse.

 
DA RAIDERS said:
Chadstroma said:
Garrett said:
Week 1 - Bengals - W

Week 2 - Ravens - L

Week 3 - @Browns - W

Week 4 - @Bears - L

Week 5 - Broncos - L

Week 6 - BYE

Week 7 - @Chargers - W

Week 8 - Jets - W

Week 9 - @Steelers - L

Week 10 - Vikings - W

Week 11 - @Lions - L

Week 12 - @Titans - W

Week 13 - Chiefs - L

Week 14 - @Broncos - L

Week 15 - Packers - W

Week 16 - Chargers - W

Week 17 - @Chiefs - L

8-8 and hope is alive.
Click to expand...
Wahoooo! I get to go to a Raider game!!! Might actually be able to swing two if I can figure out a trip to Detroit with someone.

First season game since 2001! (Not that I really missed much since then) Last pre-season game I saw was when they were in town about 4 years ago.

VERY EXCITED!
Click to expand...
where you at? i'm probably doing a road trip to the chicago game
Click to expand...
I am in the burbs of Chicago. :D

 
DA RAIDERS said:
massraider said:
DA RAIDERS said:
possible wins

browns

jets

vikings

chargers

and possibly 1 or 2 other division games

both the bears and titans would be on this list except the raiders are HORRIBLE on the road and possibly even worse the farther east they go. and the fact that both of these games are back to back road trips makes them pretty much auto losses.

what's the o/u on wins? 5? seems about right.

:cry:

i hope i'm wrong
Click to expand...
:shrug:

No idea. But if we can manufacture a running game this year, good young QBs (which I believe we have) tend to raise the level of teams.

The biggest failing of the team last year was DMC/MJD playing over Latavius. McKenzie for signing MJD, and the coaches for playing DMC and MJD. We were a .500 ballclub with a running game last year. That's why I wouldn't be upset if we grabbed a RB early. (I don't think we will, and Roy Helu, IMO, is a vastly underrated signing.) Would have liked to see this team with better backs all year long. I feel pretty safe in saying the run blocking will be better this year. 4 of 5 spots are going to be considered above average in this regard-and that's better than most. Quietly building a very good O-line.

Carr did most of what he did with a bunch of new starters in front of him, and zero running game. Let's give him Latavius/Helu from week 1, add Streater/Crabtree/rookie to Jones/Rivera/Holmes.........that's a LOT to give a guy he didn't have last year.

It's still a lot of new moving parts, but fewer than last year.

I'm a believer in strength up the middle, and the signing of Hudson and Williams/Lofton makes me happy. NFL running games happen between the tackles, defenses are too fast to consistently go outside (including ours). Williams is a better, older version of Jelly Ellis, which is perfect. Ellis played way, way too much last year. Among the higher snap counts in the league for a DT, which is unheard of for a player like him. Lofton behind them is not a world beater 3 down LB, but here he just needs to be a vet presence at MLB on 1st and 2nd down. Burris was a try hard guy, who happened to be as bad a LB as I have ever seen in Oakland.

Run and stop the run. Really all starts from there.
Click to expand...
i like the post but we play manning and rivers twice, cutler, big ben, rodgers, flacco, and stafford. it's a passing league and other than maybe pit and bal, all of those teams are pass first. that's a hell of a list of qb's. if the raiders can't score more than 21 points a game, it's going to be a long long season. we scored 15.8 on average last year only jax was worse.
Click to expand...
I think we addressed the offense as well this offseason, no?

I wish we had added a DE, or even a Henry Melton-type interior pass rush, as well as Cobb at WR. FA was good, could have been better. Even tho I know that you can't buy a winner. Gets proven every year, but no one remembers :shrug: .

My thing about the running game is that teams have been able to gash us up the middle for years. I am looking forward to lining up L. Williams (or Preston Smith/Odighizuwa) Jelly, and Dan Williams in front of Lofton, Sio and Mack, and see what happens. I'd like to see Hayden/Carrie/McGill with a years' more experience behind an improved pass rush.

I'm also looking forward to Carr looking around on 3rd and 5, and seeing Streater, Cooper (or Agholor/Dorsett/McBride), Crabtree, Jones, Rivera, and Murray/Helu. Last year, he only had two of those names to look at for most of the year.

 
i liked and agreed with your post.

i'm cautiously optimistic, but i don't know how much of a difference helu,trich,murray, crabtree are going to make. i'm interested to see the draft as always. i really hope both qb's go before the raiders, that means one of the juicy players falls to us.

 
massraider said:
I'm also looking forward to Carr looking around on 3rd and 5, and seeing Streater, Cooper (or Agholor/Dorsett/McBride), Crabtree, Jones, Rivera, and Murray/Helu. Last year, he only had two of those names to look at for most of the year.
Click to expand...
I'm not ready to anoint him yet, given the advanced stats last season compared to the guy I wanted (Tedrick B), but I'm cautiously optimistic about Carr and hoping to eat major crow about him in the years to come. It's obvious Carr's arm is elite. Just a question of whether his brain and heart are. Last year showed a lot of the latter, but the former is still a lingering question to me.

An upgraded receiving crew and running game would help A TON, coupled with what I agree is as an improved and underrated OL. It's a big part of why I'm good with taking Amari at 4. We have a potential franchise QB on our hands, so it's not like you're taking an elite WR at 4 without the other end of the battery. Amari looks like the most polished WR prospect to me in a while. His route running and speed combo is off the charts. There's a reason why he's wide open on so many of his routes and that reason actually translates really well to the next level.

Williams or Cooper. Amari b/c I think he's solid with potential to be great. Williams b/c I trust Reggie and company to assess his character properly. His positional value/rarity is obviously greater. The best teams are built from the trenches out.

 
DA RAIDERS said:
i liked and agreed with your post.

i'm cautiously optimistic, but i don't know how much of a difference helu,trich,murray, crabtree are going to make. i'm interested to see the draft as always. i really hope both qb's go before the raiders, that means one of the juicy players falls to us.
Click to expand...
Oh sure, I didn't think you were arguing.

It's also quite obvious I am a cockeyed optimist when it comes to the Raiders, I freely admit that.

 
The very well-respected Bob McGinn has an article on the top 14 WR and top 6 TE. He's not a talent evaluator, but passes on what he hears from NFL sources. Kind of a Rick Gosselin.

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/rating-the-nfl-draft-prospects-wide-receivers-and-tight-ends-b99485878z1-301009311.html

The Journal Sentinel's Bob McGinn assesses the top wide receivers and tight ends in the draft next week. Included is each player's height, weight, 40-yard dash and projected round.

WIDE RECEIVERS1. AMARI COOPER, Alabama (6-1, 210, 4.35, 1): Third-year junior. "Reggie Wayne has always been under the radar as being a great receiver," one scout said. "That's Cooper. Makes plays. Get open. Difficult to bring down. Not because he's strong, but because he has a knack and can make a subtle move." Three-year starter with 228 catches for 3,463 yards (15.2-yard average) and 31 touchdowns. "I think he's better than Torry Holt, Roddy White," another scout said. "Very smooth and very polished." Not as flamboyant as Sammy Watkins from a year ago but more consistent. "He plays tough," a third scout said. "He's just not I guess the modern prototype now because of the size." Played at Miami Northwestern High with Teddy Bridgewater. Scored 21 on the 50-question Wonderlic intelligence test. Finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting after breaking the Southeastern Conference record for single-season receptions with 124 in 2014.

2. KEVIN WHITE, West Virginia (6-2½, 214, 4.30, 1): "There's not one thing wrong with Kevin White," said one scout. After two junior-college seasons, he had a tame 35-reception campaign in 2013 before exploding in '14 with 109 for 1,447 (13.3) and 10 TDs. "Last year they couldn't cover Mike Evans," another scout said. "This guy falls into that category. Fun player to watch. I'd love to know how many penalties he drew." Loves talking trash, physical and strong (tied for the WR lead in the bench press with 23 reps). Compared by various scouts to Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald and Julio Jones. Stunned scouts with a blazing 40 at the combine. "He wasn't really on the map at the beginning of the year," a third scout said. "He's skyrocketed. He's not in the league of a Calvin Johnson or a Larry Fitzgerald. Not as nifty as Amari Cooper. But he's going to be a good starter." From Plainfield, N.J.

3. DeVANTE PARKER, Louisville (6-2½, 211, 4.42, 1): Recruited by Kentucky to play basketball out of Louisville Ballard High. "He probably could have played there," said one scout. "Smooth, athletic, adjusts on the deep ball well. But he got nicked up." Suffered a broken foot in late August and missed seven games. "He's been hurt a lot and hasn't had as much production as these other guys," another scout said. "He's big and really good after the catch. He's a very quiet type of kid so I think people have some concern for his mental, which is a big thing for wideouts." Wonderlic of 15. Finished with 156 catches for 2,775 (17.8) and 33 TDs. "A little soft," said a third scout. Added a fourth: "Thing that worries me, first play of the Florida State game he catches an up and he turned to look to see where the DBs are and gets caught. Well, the fast guys don't look. They just catch the ball and run."

4. NELSON AGHOLOR, Southern California (6-0, 196, 4.40, 1-2):Third-year junior. "He's kind of like Jeremy Maclin," one scout said. "He can play both (outside and slot). His best things are versatility and route running. You wish he was bigger, but besides that he's pretty solid." Nigerian; moved to the U.S at 5. "Very similar to Marquise Lee," a second scout said. "Slender build. Good speed, not special speed." Started for two years, finished with 178 catches for 2,572 (14.4) and 20 TDs. "(Randall) Cobb might be a little bit stronger, but it's the same quickness," a third scout said. "He makes people miss. Just skinny." Said a fourth scout: "He's OK. Gets pushed around."

5. BRESHAD PERRIMAN, Central Florida (6-2, 212, 4.27, 1-2): His father, Brett, caught 525 passes in a 10-year career spent mostly with Detroit. He was 5-9, 180. "Totally different from his dad," one scout said. "His dad was really quick. This guy is bigger. You don't see the speed he ran. This guy doesn't run routes. He has a rough time against press because he's not quick and he's tight. I see a straight-line speed guy." Third-year junior with 115 catches for 2,243 (19.5) and 16 TDs. "He plays fast, he plays big and I like him," a third scout said. "It's a little surprising given the dad that he's not a better route runner." Two-year starter from Lithonia, Ga. "Hands were very iffy this year," said a fourth scout. "He has a big up side but obviously a lower floor because he has inconsistencies catching. He really just hasn't put it all together yet."

6. JAELEN STRONG, Arizona State (6-2½, 218, 4.43, 1-2): Fourth-year junior spent two years in junior college before arriving in Tempe. "Reminds me of Larry Fitzgerald except he's faster," said one scout. "People can't cover him on the back shoulders and fades because he has amazing talent to leap like Fitzgerald had. He's excellent ball tracking, hands, jumping, in traffic. Became a star playing with a very average quarterback. I thought he'd run 4.55. It shocked me." Scored the highest on the Wonderlic (22) of the top 12 WRs. "A big, physical, jump-ball type receiver," another scout said. "He can outsize defensive backs and is good with the ball in his hand. Limited as a route runner." Played late in the season with a wrist injury that has led one team to reject him medically. Finished with 157 catches for 2,287 (14.6) and 17 TDs. "If you watch him play, he looks more like a possession guy," a third scout said. "I don't see the great fanfare in his play. He's adequate. I don't think he's sensational." From Philadelphia.

7. DORIAL GREEN-BECKHAM, Oklahoma (6-5, 236, 4.46, 1-2):Third-year junior kicked out of Missouri after two seasons before spending a practice-only year under Sooners coach Bob Stoops. "He's not the freak athlete like Calvin Johnson," one scout said. "He's longer than Demaryius Thomas. Huge threat in the red zone. Oklahoma had to hold him out of some drills because he was just dominating practices. He was (abusing) their starters, It wasn't even close." Caught 28 passes as a pure freshman in 2012, then ran No. 2 behind NFL free agent L'Damian Washington in '13. Finished with 87 receptions for 1,278 (14.7) and 17 TDs. "He's so big and so fast," another scout said. "There's just a lot of unknowns with him. He's a train wreck." Small hands (9). Poorest vertical jump (33½) of top 25 WRs. Multiple character issues vex teams. "He's as talented as anybody in the group but I wouldn't draft him," a third scout said. "The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. He could become Josh Gordon. He's going to be a hit immediately for whoever drafts him and then he's going to be a problem." Wonderlic of 20.

8. DEVIN FUNCHESS, Michigan (6-4, 232, 4.54, 1-2):Compared by scouts to Marques Colston and Jared Cook. Third-year junior spent first two seasons at TE before shifting to WR last year. "He certainly can do the tight end stuff but he doesn't want to block," one scout said. "Antonio Gates is like his (relative) and they had a big discussion about where you get paid more. He doesn't play as big as he should all the time and he's not great about catching balls in the middle." Finished with 126 receptions for 1,715 (13.6) and 15 TDs working with erratic QB Devin Gardner. "(Gardner) was awful," said another scout. "After you got rung up over the middle every damn game everybody would be a little timid. I don't think there's anything wrong with Funchess." Played three games near midseason with a broken thumb. "Michigan hasn't had any success with receivers," a third scout said. "He's got inconsistent hands but he can make catches. I wouldn't take him first (round) but I'd take him early two." Out of Farmington Hills, Mich.

9. PHILLIP DORSETT, Miami (5-9½, 184, 4.28, 1-2):Three-year starter. "He can play outside because he'll be the fastest guy in the NFL," one scout said. "There's nobody that fast. Better version of John Brown, who was a hell of a rookie for the Cardinals." He's just a bullet." Tremendous deep speed. "He may be a gadget guy but, boy, he gets on the DB's toes quickly," another scout said. "I mean, he is explosive." Finished with 108 catches for 1,860 (17.2) and 15 TDs. "Can play inside or outside," a third scout said. "He might not be a team's No. 1 ever but he's going to scare people because he can go." From Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

10. DEVIN SMITH, Ohio State (6-0½, 199, 4.39, 2): Three-year starter. "A really good stretch-the-field vertical type," one scout said. "Probably not as fast as Mike Wallace. Hands are average, route-running average." Averaged an astounding 28.2 on 33 catches (12 TDs) for national champions in 2014 but didn't play a whole lot. "You can throw him in there and he'll run by people," another scout said. "But he's not going to be an every-down No. 1 or No. 2 type receiver. He'll be a great gunner but a back-end (of the roster) receiver." Finished with 121 catches for 2,503 (20.7) and 30 TDs. "He needs some work, but if nothing else he'll come in and take the top off the coverage and be great on (special) teams," a third scout said. "He'll open up the field for you." Hails from Massillon, Ohio.

11. TYLER LOCKETT, Kansas State (5-10, 181, 4.35, 2): Compared by one scout to Dexter McCluster. "Love him," one scout said. "Extremely quick. Great bloodlines. He's not small by any means. Blazing speed, quick, good route runner. Strong hands. Abysmal quarterback play. The fact he got the production he did when opponents knew he was their primary threat was impressive to me." Both his father, Kevin, and uncle, Aaron, were top WRs at K-State. Started for 3½ years, finishing with 249 catches for 3,710 (14.9) and 29 TDs. "If he was 6-feet he might be the best receiver," another scout said. "It was a nothing team but this guy just made play after play after play." From Tulsa, Okla.

12. SAMMIE COATES, Auburn (6-1½, 212, 4.40, 2-3): Fourth-year junior with degree in public administration. "He is a great kid," one scout said. "He has worked so hard. He is such a positive personality that I think he might overcome the inconsistent catching. It'll kill him to drop a ball. He'll work at it." Strong (23 reps on the bench), athletic (41-inch vertical jump) and very fast. Wonderlic of 14. "He's stiff, like the guy the Raiders drafted from Maryland (Darrius Heyward-Bey)," said another scout. "Couldn't get out of breaks. Coates falls in that category." Burned Alabama for 206 yards in five receptions. Finished with 82 catches for 1,757 (21.4) and 13 TDs. His problematic knees concern some teams. "A JC kid (D'Haquille Williams) came in this year and was their top receiver over him," a third scout said. "But he runs by people in the best conference." From Leroy, Ala.

13. RASHAD GREENE, Florida State (5-11½, 180, 4.49, 2-3): Led leading receivers with 24 on the Wonderlic. "Smart, smooth, exceptional route runner, very good hands," one scout said. "He's like Robert Brooks." Rewrote the Seminoles' record book, finishing with 270 catches for 3,830 (14.2) and 29 TDs. "One of our scouts said he'll get picked behind a bunch of receivers but he might wind up having a better career or numbers than a lot who are picked ahead of him because he's so steady," said another scout. From Albany, Ga. "There's nothing special about the kid," said a third scout. "He's a pretty good football player but he's 180 and you don't see any real speed or quickness."

14. JUSTIN HARDY, East Carolina (5-10, 192, 4.56, 3):Former walk-on brings a try-harder approach. "I'll tell you what," one scout said. "If you want a possession guy that can play in the slot, he's got the best hands of anybody in the draft. He's like that kid from LSU last year (Jarvis Landry). Not as big, though." Set the FBS record with 370 receptions, good for 4,451 (11.7) and 35 TDs. "Plays a lot bigger than he is," another scout said. "Strong, physical, has really big hands (10). Knows how to use every element of ability that he has. He had a giant bull's-eye on his back every time he played and he still made plays." From Vanceboro, N.C.

OTHERS: Stefon Diggs, Maryland; Chris Conley, Georgia; Ty Montgomery, Stanford; Antwan Goodley, Baylor; Jamison Crowder, Duke; Tre McBride, William & Mary; Dres Anderson, Utah; Vince Mayle, Washington State; Darren Waller, Georgia Tech; DeAndre Smelter, Georgia Tech; Mario Alford, West Virginia.

TIGHT ENDS1. MAXX WILLIAMS, Minnesota (6-4, 249, 4.84, 1-2): Third-year sophomore saw opportunity amid a woeful collection of tight ends and forfeited his final two seasons. "The confidence and the cockiness comes out because his dad's been through the process as a first-round draft choice," one scout said. "I'm sure they looked at it and said, 'Look, Maxx, this is the year to come out. You're the best one. Take a chance.'" Two-year stats were 61 catches for 986 (16.2) and 13 TDs. "He's easily the No. 1 guy," a second scout said. "He doesn't look sleek but I guarantee he can catch it, and he'll give you enough as a blocker, which sometimes you don't get from those sleek guys." Father, Brian, was the Giants' starting center for a decade. "He's one of those guys that jumps over people and stiff-arms," another scout said. "Real good hands. This guy will block, too." Wonderlic of 29. Hails from Waconia, Minn. "He's not a first-rounder," a third scout said. "He doesn't block. He's got really nice hands. He's got average speed. He's 4.8."

2. CLIVE WALFORD, Miami (6-4, 250, 4.75, 2-3): Played just one year of high-school football in Belle Glade, Fla. "He can block," one scout said. "He can get open. He can beat a DB one-on-one." Labeled as "probably the most complete tight end in the draft" by another scout. Improved each year, finishing with 87 catches for 1,299 (14.9) and 12 TDs. "He's a bigger guy who can actually run and catch and block," a third scout said. "The big game for him to watch is Florida State. Big hands (10¼), long arms (34), degree of toughness."

3. TYLER KROFT, Rutgers (6-5½, 247, 4.74, 3-4):Fourth-year junior. "He's a frat boy when you meet him," said one scout. "He's a very well-spoken, polished, a tad naïve. Very smart (Wonderlic of 32). He catches the ball. Really soft hands. And he's a get-in-the-way blocker." Two-year starter with 70 receptions for 901 (12.9) and five TDs. "Just a guy," said another scout. "He ain't got nothing," said another scout. "There are no tight ends. There's just bodies." From Downington, Pa. "He's light...in the (expletive) but he'll fight you on the line of scrimmage," a third scout said. "He's not a field stretcher. Been a little immature."

4. JEFF HEUERMAN, Ohio State (6-5, 253, 4.81, 3-4): Two scouts said Heuerman was only marginally better than ex-Packer Jake Stoneburner, his TE predecessor in Columbus. Played most of 2014 on a bad foot. "You didn't get to see all he was," one scout said. "He's got some strength in his upper body and he ended up being pretty productive as a blocker. Not a great athlete running routes. But you watch him work out and he can catch and adjust on the ball." Finished with 52 catches for 792 (15.2) and seven TDs. "Maybe by a little bit he's better than Stoneburner," one scout said. "He blocks a little bit. He's got some receiving ability. He does it all OK." Played high-level junior hockey growing up in Naples, Fla.

5. RANDALL TELFER, Southern California (6-3½, 250, 4.75, 4-5): Started for 3½ years as an old-fashioned style TE. "He's the best blocker of any of them," one scout said. "I like him because it's hard to find tough, blocking guys." Still nursing a Lisfranc foot injury and scouts won't see him run a 40 before the draft. Finished with 65 catches for 648 (10.0) and 12 TDs. "Good player," another scout said. "He catches the ball. Adequate athlete." Out of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

6. BLAKE BELL, Oklahoma (6-6, 252, 4.79, 5): Started eight of the 31 games that he played at QB from 2011-'13, rushing for 24 TDs as the "Belldozer" and compiling an NFL passer rating of 86.5. Reluctantly accepted move to TE in '14 and started eight of 12 games, catching 16 passes for 214 (13.4) and four TDs. "By the time the season was over you could see he was a guy with up side blocking," said one scout. "His deficiencies (early) weren't from want-to. It was positioning and leverage and hand placement." Father, Mark, played six NFL seasons as a DE. His uncle, Mike, was a standout DE from 1979-'91. "He's got an up side," another scout said. "Really a big guy, and I think he'll grow into the position." From Wichita, Kan.

OTHERS: Busta Anderson, South Carolina; Nick O'Leary, Florida State; Jesse James, Penn State; A.J. Derby, Arkansas; Nick Boyle, Delaware; James O'Shaughnessy, Illinois State; Ben Koyack, Notre Dame; Wes Saxton, South Alabama; Gerald Christian, Louisville; Geoff Swaim, Texas.
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He must be looking to trade down. The same rumors were swirling around Hayden a couple years ago. Hayden at #3 No! But mid 1st was ok. Maybe the same sena Rio is brewing with Dupree. Just a hunch, I think they will go defense in the 1st, but if Williams is there at #4 I think they take him.

 
Bruno2 said:
He must be looking to trade down. The same rumors were swirling around Hayden a couple years ago. Hayden at #3 No! But mid 1st was ok. Maybe the same sena Rio is brewing with Dupree. Just a hunch, I think they will go defense in the 1st, but if Williams is there at #4 I think they take him.
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I read somewhere that Reggie was very much ready to take Hayden at 3 if the Dolphins hadn't called.

As much as I support Reggie generally, I am dismayed by the lack of draft plan confidentiality with this regime, if indeed the same scenario is playing out with Dupree.

 
LawFitz said:
massraider said:
Ian Wharton ‏@NFLFilmStudy 5m5 minutes ago
Bud Dupree to the Raiders at #4 has so much momentum now that Ray and Gregory have dropped. That's late buzz I do very much believe
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How many people will lose their minds if Cooper and Williams are sitting there and Reggie Mac takes Dupree?
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:hey:

But if Williams and Cooper are gone I would be okay with Dupree at #4 (prefer a trade down but not far). If people would be willing to project Fowler at the #4 spot I see no problem with projecting Dupree there either.

 
32 Counter Pass said:
Doesn't JDR have final say on personnel? If so, then everyone needs to redirect their anger if they don't like the pick.
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Never heard anything like that.

Agree with everyone. It's rare that Raider fans don't want to make a million 1st down trade downs, resulting in 5 2nd rounders, and 7 3rd rounders. Everyone's on board with Cooper, and most on board with Williams. I'd rather slide down in the 2nd, and grab a 4th.

Dupree fits the Raider profile the last few years. Long, good size, great character. I can see it. Chaka and I were discussing it here.

My first thought, hear me out:

The Hayden news leaked two years ago the night before, this seems a bit early. I wouldn't be surprised if the team was fishing for a trade partner, the Skins, Jets, and Bears could all use this guy. Randy Gregory and Shane Ray are both suddenly not as attractive. Fowler or Beasley could be gone before us. Would it be worth it for any of those teams to give a 2nd or 3rd to move up a spot or three to secure Dupree? Funny, if they take Dupree at four, there might be a palace revolt. If they trade down and still get Cooper, I might get a Reggie tattoo on my bum.

Also, my repeated mantra: The latest rumor isn't gospel. We don't know anything.

 
Searching Dupree and Raiders on Twitter, and not finding anything approaching a credible source. Lot of draft dweebs, no news guys.

 
Just a gut feeling but I think the Raiders really want an edge rusher. I would not be shocked at all if they drafted Beasley or Dupree at #4 or in a trade down situation.

 
Obviously things could change quick, but I'd be shocked if either Leonard Williams or Amari Cooper, maybe both are on the board at pick 4. I don't see Reggie passing on Wiliams. Maybe Cooper. A lot of buzz building that the target is Dupree, but that depends on Mariota falling to us at #4. Something I find highly unlikely.

 
Saw them in Cleveland last year (unfortunately), will be fun to get a chance to see them again. Hopefully a different result this time.

 
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