2016 Oakland Raiders thread (1 Viewer)

[Chaka]

SNAKE!!!

 

[32 Counter Pass]

The best thing about a San Antonio move would be sticking it to Bob McNair and Jerry Jones.

In my view it is the only good thing about SA but at the same time it is why my least favorite potential scenario brought up at least to rumor level will never happen. McNair and Jones are power brokers in the NFL. You think they would let Mark who I would say has the least amount of influence with fellow owners to move to SA? Come on now.

If Mark was smart he would use it as leverage to get Jones and McNair on board to Vegas. That is about as much good as a potential move to SA will ever have.

The disconnect I am having is why Mark Davis even needs league consent to move somewhere. I thought the court validated owners' right to relocate their franchise if they so chose. Understand that he is trying to play nice but is permission by the league really necessary?

 

[Chaka]

The best thing about a San Antonio move would be sticking it to Bob McNair and Jerry Jones.

In my view it is the only good thing about SA but at the same time it is why my least favorite potential scenario brought up at least to rumor level will never happen. McNair and Jones are power brokers in the NFL. You think they would let Mark who I would say has the least amount of influence with fellow owners to move to SA? Come on now.

If Mark was smart he would use it as leverage to get Jones and McNair on board to Vegas. That is about as much good as a potential move to SA will ever have.

The disconnect I am having is why Mark Davis even needs league consent to move somewhere. I thought the court validated owners' right to relocate their franchise if they so chose. Understand that he is trying to play nice but is permission by the league really necessary?

Ultimately I don't think it is but few owners test that theory.

 

[massraider]

Ultimately, I think Davis will settle in Oakland, without a sweetheart deal.

Whatever deal he makes, whatever stadium gets constructed, will be better than the current deal. His stadium, his concessions, his parking revenue. If Oakland give the land for a discount, that might be all he gets.

Here's my question: He's not a billionaire, I get it. Can he not secure loans with favorable conditions to get it done? Can't he borrow from Adelson with little/no interest, give a piece of the action on the stadium, and do really well?

I mean, having the city pay for half is nice for the owner, but it doesn't put the team at a massive disadvantage, competitive-wise.

 

[Chadstroma]

I don't see Oakland happening. Oakland doesn't have money but they aren't even offering what they can (free land).

Sacramento was just brought up and discussed by Davis. It was brought up before but nothing more than what if. I think that may be the best hope for NorCal.

 

[Chadstroma]

I was scrolling thru the scheduled free agents (contracts expiring) and there are a number of great options that will be available. I mean, there is plenty of 'serviceable' players and more than a couple of top end guys too for the CB and S positions. Also, a number of players that would be upgrades at MLB.

There are some options to upgrade RG as well.

Adding a good DE I think is also important as Mario is now a question mark. Again, options look pretty decent and numerous.

I am not sure why the Raiders have not made an effort to lock up Penn for a few years.

I think we will be active in FA to fill the holes and then attack the draft for BPA.

 

[Chaka]

I really hope that Mario Edwards makes a full recovery. Did they ever state the exact nature of his injury?

 

[Chadstroma]

I really hope that Mario Edwards makes a full recovery. Did they ever state the exact nature of his injury?

From what I can tell that is the problem. There is no definitive idea of what is going on with his injury.... still.

 

[RaiderBones]

Levi Damien ‏@LeviDamien 8m8 minutes ago
#Raiders have released safety Nate Allen.


Adam Caplan ‏@caplannfl 23m23 minutes ago
#Raiders will save $5m in cap space after the release of Allen ($4.9m base, $100k workout bonus).

 

[Bruno2]

I really hope that Mario Edwards makes a full recovery. Did they ever state the exact nature of his injury?

From what I can tell that is the problem. There is no definitive idea of what is going on with his injury.... still.

I read a transcript from Reggie that came across my Facebook page (can't figure out how to paste it here). Paraphrasing, he basically said the injury may have aggrivated a pre-existing condition in his neck that he may have been living with for quite awhile or that perhaps he was born with. Bottom line, Mario's future is in limbo until more tests are done.

 

[32 Counter Pass]

I am hoping Mario Williams is at the top of the team's shopping list. Perfect fit for the Raider's needs and scheme:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/02/10/mario-williams-given-the-opportunity-ill-get-back-to-what-i-was/

And after a down year he will likely come at a discount price.

 

[Chadstroma]

I am hoping Mario Williams is at the top of the team's shopping list. Perfect fit for the Raider's needs and scheme:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/02/10/mario-williams-given-the-opportunity-ill-get-back-to-what-i-was/

And after a down year he will likely come at a discount price.

That would be pretty sick for our defense. Think of it..... Mario Williams, Mack and while we are dreaming a healthy Mario Edwards and Aldon Smith resigned. That makes for a scary front 7 regardless who the other 3 are.

The market looks flush with an assortment of young good and veteran good CB's and S's that we can grab a couple... but if we got a Norman to be a lock down CB and Amerson on the other side? (HIGHLY unlikely as I see the Panthers franchising him before letting him go) but I like the options. I like the idea of Mario Williams... would fit, is a beast and motivated to prove something.

 

[massraider]

So, Raider Twitter is bent out of shape because it appears Curtis Lofton wasn't cut, and a 3.5 mill guarantee may have kicked in today at 4 pm.

However, he changed his Twitter profile after 4 pm today, and his Raider photo was replaced with a MLK avatar. I doubt that's a coincidence.

 

[kaso]

So, Raider Twitter is bent out of shape because it appears Curtis Lofton wasn't cut, and a 3.5 mill guarantee may have kicked in today at 4 pm.

However, he changed his Twitter profile after 4 pm today, and his Raider photo was replaced with a MLK avatar. I doubt that's a coincidence.

Team sites rosters aren't often the best source for transaction type information, but interesting that as of this morning Nate Allen is NOT listed, and Lofton still is.

http://www.raiders.com/team/roster.html

 

[msommer]

Mario Williams will not take a discount under no circumstances. On the flip side, he wants to play for a 4-3 team badly, and wants to prove Rex an idiot, so he'll come motivated to play, at least the first year

 

[massraider]

Regarding the cap floor, the Raiders can extend Carr and Mack this time next year (before the new league year) and the cash will count towards the floor (but not towards our 2016 cap, I believe).

So, I ain't worried about the salary cap floor any more.

 

[Chadstroma]

Reading a story on the whole relocation drama from ESPN. Did not finish it yet but one thing that struck me was it basically confirmed that the other owners largely still hold a grudge against the Raiders because of Al and act accordingly.

 

[Chadstroma]

Also, we re-signed Nate Allen. So, apparently it was a cap move of some sort.

 

[massraider]

Oakland Raiders safety Nate Allen was brought back a day after being released.
ALAMEDA _ The Raiders apparently didn’t see enough of safety Nate Allen last season to cut the cord completely.Two days after Allen was released, the Raiders re-signed the veteran safety to an undisclosed contract Thursday, the club announced. Allen’s salary of $4.9 million would have been guaranteed had he been on the roster Wednesday.

Allen’s original deal had a maximum value of $23 million over four seasons and he earned $6.9 million last season in salary and bonus money. He had an MCL injury in the season opener, didn’t return until the 10th game of the season, and then re-injured his knee and ended the season on injured reserve.Presumably, Allen returns to the Raiders at a lower salary and without a salary guarantee.

The Raiders are already thin at safety with the retirement of Charles Woodson. Taylor Mays, who played in 14 games with five starts, is scheduled for unrestricted free agency. Larry Asante, an unrestricted free agent, played in 16 games with two starts.

Guessing $2 mill per year, on a 1 year deal.

 

[massraider]

Some under-the-radar free agents I wonder if the team will look at this year. This is aside from the obvious big dogs on the market. I fully expect us to be rumored to be in play for any DB on the market. other than that, I am interested to see what positions the team attacks. Do they think they are set at MLB with Heeney/Lofton? Do they go hard after another D-lineman? There is already talk that they will, but we shall see. Do they view RG as a pressing need?

Amini Silatolu: Has torn both ACLs, with Carolina and will be a bargain free agent at OG, a weak spot in free agency. I'm not convinced that the Raiders are desperate to find another OG, with Howard and Feliciano, but they may be.

Robert Ayers: Won't get 12 mill/year, but if the team misses out on Malik, may provide nice rotational duties.

Nigel Bradham: Has been playing a 3-4, which I think is a waste. Coverage OLB, but has played inside. I would really like this signing.

Tahir Whitehead: Seems less likely with the bizarre decision to not cut Lofton, but has played OLB and MLB, but probably best suited for MLB.

Brandon Boykin, Jeremy Lane and Casey Hayward: All are slot corner types. All should hit free agency. We need a slot guy just as much as an outside starter.

Will Beatty: I'm interested to see the plan at LT. I firmly believe that teams have a pretty good idea where the top free agents are heading before FA actually starts, and I wonder if the team views Penn as a fallback plan. Beatty is another guy that had injuries, but played well when healthy.

Here's a random one: Lamarr Houston. Could be released by the Bears, miscast in a 3-4, and does some of the same things as Mario (inside/outside)--or at least he used to, before the Bears made him an OLB. Was overpaid by the Bears, can the prodigal son return? I always loved him as a player, he just wasn't a big ticket item.

 

[Chadstroma]

I see the FA priority as follows:

1) DB is too easy here. A blind man could see that we needed help here before losing Woodson to retirement. The good news is that there looks to be tons of talent to grab here.

2) LT- with so far not re-signing Penn then this becomes a huge need. Maybe they want to go younger as Penn is getting up there in age.

3) DE. If you don't know what is wrong with Mario then you don't know what to expect from him. Having a pre-existing condition, whatever it is, makes me very much pessimistic. If we bring someone in and he is healthy then we have a strong rotation- if he is not healthy then we really need someone here.

4) MLB, I echo you mass that I don't understand how Lofton did not get cut. I am not sure what that tells us. I find it hard to believe that they are happy with Lofton and developing Heeney.

5) RG. Not a huge source of need but also not a strength. We could use an upgrade but if we didn't get one we could go with what we got.

I like the thought of Houston coming back to Oakland. So badly out of position in Chicago. He has no position in a 3-4. Might be had for cheap.

I think they will address 'need' in FA and then go into the draft for BPA. It feels good that we don't need to be looking for a QB and WR or a playmaker on D. We just need to fill the holes and bring in more talent and we can proudly and confidently return to "Just Win Baby" as a battle cry and not a remembrance of better times.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Malik Jackson - DL - Broncos


The Denver Post's Troy Renck suggests the Raiders could have interest in free agent DL Malik Jackson.
Jackson is scheme-transcendent lineman, and Oakland has dabbled in both 4-3 and 3-4 alignments the past few years. The Raiders primarily fielded a 3-4 in 2015, and the Broncos also ran a 3-4. Only 26 years old, Jackson is coming off career bests in tackles (45), sacks (5), and pass breakups (7). Oakland is loaded with salary cap space and could certainly be Jackson's highest bid.



Raiders expected to pursue running back help

According to ESPN's Adam Caplan, the Raiders will be "looking to add another running back" this offseason.
Although Latavius Murray's final rushing stats (266-1,066-6) look solid on paper, Murray mixed in long bouts of ineffectiveness and also seemed to fall into coach Jack Del Rio's doghouse a few times. Caplan suggests the Raiders could make a run at free agent Matt Forte, who would almost certainly take over for Murray as Oakland's starter. The Raiders are flush with cap space and could easily beat out most teams if Forte is looking to break the bank. The Raiders were major players in the 2015 DeMarco Murray "sweepstakes."

 

[Chaka]

Derek Carr’s 53 TDs through two years second only to Marino

 

[massraider]

NFL Media analyst Bucky Brooks compares Notre Dame LB Jaylon Smith to retired seven-time Pro Bowler Patrick Willis.
Willis was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers drafted No. 11 overall in 2007. "Jaylon Smith is an all-time athlete, a guy you absolutely love. He's a thumper in the middle, he can run from sideline to sideline. He's very violent in his play, a guy that I believe is a three-down linebacker, very versatile. He kind of reminds me of a young Patrick Willis in terms of his ability to play in the middle of a 3-4 defense," Brooks said. "(He'll) make plays, communicate all the calls, and do all the things you look for from that position. A natural leader. He's a guy that I think is going to be a star. If not for the injury, I think we're talking about a top-five talent." Smith tore his ACL and LCL in the Fiesta Bowl. His 2016 season is currently in question, though his rehab is reportedly ahead of schedule. An AFC college scouting director said last month that he believes Smith's "draft floor" is the No. 18 selection.

 

[joey]

NFL Media analyst Bucky Brooks compares Notre Dame LB Jaylon Smith to retired seven-time Pro Bowler Patrick Willis.
Willis was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers drafted No. 11 overall in 2007. "Jaylon Smith is an all-time athlete, a guy you absolutely love. He's a thumper in the middle, he can run from sideline to sideline. He's very violent in his play, a guy that I believe is a three-down linebacker, very versatile. He kind of reminds me of a young Patrick Willis in terms of his ability to play in the middle of a 3-4 defense," Brooks said. "(He'll) make plays, communicate all the calls, and do all the things you look for from that position. A natural leader. He's a guy that I think is going to be a star. If not for the injury, I think we're talking about a top-five talent." Smith tore his ACL and LCL in the Fiesta Bowl. His 2016 season is currently in question, though his rehab is reportedly ahead of schedule. An AFC college scouting director said last month that he believes Smith's "draft floor" is the No. 18 selection.

I just got a semi-chubby.

 

[Chadstroma]

I just got a semi-chubby.

The bad news is that as the good news comes out about his rehab, I find it less likely that he falls to us and MacKenzie will not move up to get him. The good news is that I think he will be the BPA if he does and that MacKenzie would pick him in half a second in that situation. 

 

[massraider]

The bad news is that as the good news comes out about his rehab, I find it less likely that he falls to us and MacKenzie will not move up to get him. The good news is that I think he will be the BPA if he does and that MacKenzie would pick him in half a second in that situation. 

I just read something on Twitter that (per unnamed NFL GM), all that stuff from Matt Morris about him being ready to go in September wasn't anything solid, and all pure speculation.  

Complete guesswork, I have a feeling we'll get some inside word on the doctor's evaluation at the Combine.  

I think no matter what, the PUP, and missing 6 games is the minimum we looking at.

 

[Chadstroma]

I just read something on Twitter that (per unnamed NFL GM), all that stuff from Matt Morris about him being ready to go in September wasn't anything solid, and all pure speculation.   

Complete guesswork, I have a feeling we'll get some inside word on the doctor's evaluation at the Combine.  

I think no matter what, the PUP, and missing 6 games is the minimum we looking at.

I would be more than willing to take that hit. Mack, Aldon (assuming we can resign him and Jaylon is the makings of a great defense for a very long time being so much talent and all young. 

Speaking of age... I saw something that mentioned how Cooper is younger than a bunch of higher end WR talent for this draft. 

I love the foundations we are building here on this team. I think next year is a winning season for us but in all sober reality- we have the makings of a team that is heading towards battling for Super Bowls year in and year out. Swinging back to Jaylon- I am willing to take him and have limited contributions this year for what he will bring for years to come.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

It sounds like Jaylon's rehab is going good and it makes a lot of sense for Raider fans to speculate about how, Khalil, and Eldon, and Jaylon together could form the genesis of a 'Bonco-like' defensive core but I think the report of him coming back in September should read that he 'could' come back in September if there are no set backs.

Not sure if the new software allows cut-and-paste so here is a link to the thread on a draft board showing a picture of the injury at the moment it happened.

LINK:  http://www.scout.com/nfl/browns/forums/1767-draft-brew/14430642-jaylon-smith-knee-question

CL Recovery Club ‏@ACLrecoveryCLUB    2h 2 hours ago

out to Notre Dame LB Jaylon Smith...injury looked similar to Nick Chubb's.

 

 
The Jocs & Docs Show ‏@jocsanddocs    1h 1 hour ago
The Jocs & Docs Show Retweeted ACL Recovery Club

That is rough! Looks like a posterolateral corner injury (PCL/LCL). Some would consider worse than ACL

Matt Miller ‏@nfldraftscout    18m 18 minutes ago
Let's wait and see on Jaylon Smith, folks. Can't talk draft stock until the injury is known.

 

[massraider]

The reason I am bullish on Jaylon comes down to this:

The kind of player he could become:  Not only are players like that not available later in the draft, they aren't even available in every draft, every year.  There aren't Derrick Johnsons and Luke Keuchlys available every year.  

Taking it further:  Not only are these players not available in the draft every year, but they are just about NEVER available in free agency.  Luke Keuchly is never going to sniff free agency.  D. Johnson might, this year, in his mid-30's.  Aaron Donald will never sniff free agency.  Khalil Mack will never sniff free agency.  The only time it happens, is when a team screws the salary cap pooch so badly, they have to let him go (Suh).

We could take Taylor Decker and be happy with him as our left tackle, but there will be tackles available in the 1st round every year.  Not saying it's a mortal lock to find a good LT every year, but it's a heck of a lot easier than finding a 3 down impact LB.  There just aren't a lot of them.  

I need to find another player I like for our pick.  My Jaylon man-love is totally out of control.

 

[massraider]

Players that the Twitterverse says we have been looking at:

Victor Cotto--called Clive Walford last year (and happy to remind you)--James Bradberry, CB, Samford---Deandre Houston-Carson, S/CB, William&Mary

Elsewhere:  Rashard Robinson, Cb, LSU----This guy is interesting.  Dismissed in 2014 for team violations, never reinstated.  Word is, he stole some stuff from a teammate.  He also went off on Twitter after his suspension.  Draftniks have gotten ahold of his potential like a terrier with a chew toy, and saying he could have been the #1 CB in the draft.  Has said the right things lately, about maturity and such, and plans on going off at the combine.  If he falls late to the 4th/5th, Reggie could take a chance.  Reggie has shown just the right amount of risk management for my taste, not investing a ton of money of draft currency in the Aldon Smiths or Shelby Harris' of the world, but taking a chance when the price is right.  

 

[massraider]

An NFL Executive referred to Oregon WR Bralon Addison as "a toy you say you want from Christmas and then you never play with it."

"I can guarantee that if we were to draft him, our coaches would say they have to find a way to get him the ball and then he'll get cut or sit the bench because they can't figure out how to use him," the exec said. Addison is a manufactured touch player who cannot line up in conventional sets and be a productive member of the offense. Plays must be drawn up for Addison specifically in order for him to be the primary target. NFL Media analyst Lance Zierlein compares Addison to Josh Huff. "Addison won't fit nicely into a positional box so there will be teams who pass him over regardless of how he performs at the combine," he wrote. "Addison does provide instant competition as a punt returner and a difficult cover for slot corners thanks to his ability to separate. Addison should be more confident with his knee next season and could end up outperforming his draft slot as a pro if he finds the right fit." CBS Sports' Rob Rang compares Addison to Brandin Cooks.

I would be stoked if we could add a player with a different dimension on offense, that could help as a returner as well.  Let him earn his keep as a kick returner while he learns, and while we figure out ways to get him the ball.  

 

[BoltBacker]

I would be stoked if we could add a player with a different dimension on offense, that could help as a returner as well.  Let him earn his keep as a kick returner while he learns, and while we figure out ways to get him the ball.  

With all the FA $ oakland has available wouldn't you rather just add Percy Harvin on what can't be all that big a contract and he has proven he can have a much bigger impact than an Addison/Huff type?

 

[Chaka]

With all the FA $ oakland has available wouldn't you rather just add Percy Harvin on what can't be all that big a contract and he has proven he can have a much bigger impact than an Addison/Huff type?

Percy Harvin hasn't had a positive impact in a looooong time.

 

[DocHolliday]

There is no need to add any gadget type of player to the O.  A better punt returner or kick-off returner would be a nice add.

 

[massraider]

With all the FA $ oakland has available wouldn't you rather just add Percy Harvin on what can't be all that big a contract and he has proven he can have a much bigger impact than an Addison/Huff type?

He has all kinds of impact.  Mostly negative.  

 

[Bruno2]

He has all kinds of impact.  Mostly negative.  

That's a move the Raiders of old would have made. 

 

[Hankmoody]

I would be stoked if we could add a player with a different dimension on offense, that could help as a returner as well.  Let him earn his keep as a kick returner while he learns, and while we figure out ways to get him the ball.  

Isn't the OC one of the guys that couldn't figure out how to use Huff?  I'd just as soon we draft one of the other similar guys that don't need such attention - Malcolm Mitchell, Jalin Marshall, DeMarcus Robinson.

 

[massraider]

Isn't the OC one of the guys that couldn't figure out how to use Huff?  I'd just as soon we draft one of the other similar guys that don't need such attention - Malcolm Mitchell, Jalin Marshall, DeMarcus Robinson.

Josh Huff?  Maybe Josh Huff just sucks?

We don't have a true deep threat, Andre Holmes is just a guy.  We don't have a true slot guy.  Roberts, I think winds up outside on 3 wide sets, with Cooper inside.  

 

[Hankmoody]

Right, but that's who Zierlein compares Addison to.  I don't argue the need, but there are much more versatile guys out there that won't need such square-peg type of hand-holding.

Plays must be drawn up for Addison specifically in order for him to be the primary target. NFL Media analyst Lance Zierlein compares Addison to Josh Huff. "Addison won't fit nicely into a positional box

 

[massraider]

I see a WR that returns kicks.  This guy isn't Cordarrelle patterson, he led the team in catches.

 

[Hankmoody]

But that's not what you said.  You said "while we figure out ways to get him the ball".  If he's ready to play the position now I'm all for it.  If he's not, if we need to rely on Olsen to figure him out, well I'd just as soon use the pick on one of the guys I mentioned and let Carr drop some dimes on him.  Teams get themselves into trouble drafting guys that they can't get the most out of.  We've done a great job avoiding that.  I hope that continues.

 

[massraider]

I getcha.

Watch his highlights.  From what I can see, he carries the ball, returns punts, catches passes, and throws option passes.  I'm totally on board with a deep threat, I wanted Phillip Dorsett last year.  Someone that can get deep is only good news for Crabs and Walford.  

 

[Chaka]

Musgrave

 

[Hankmoody]

I do that every time dammit.  Yeah him the guy from Philly.

 

[massraider]

Tulloch supposedly being released.  Hmmm

 

[Chadstroma]

Long and Laurinaitis released (along with Cook) I would love to have both of them. Laurinaitis would be an obvious upgrade at MLB and Long would help the line for sure. We better be on the freaking phone to the agent NOW.

 

[Chaka]

He's no spring chicken and has not been productive since 2013 but damnit Chris Long belongs in Oakland.

 

[massraider]

I'm all set with Road Warrior Animal.  There was talk last year that his game was slipping, and his PFF grades are brutal.

Chris Long?  All day long, baby.  His brother is a scout for us, I would love it.  I wonder what he's worth.  2 years, 10 mill maybe?

 

[Chadstroma]

He's no spring chicken and has not been productive since 2013 but damnit Chris Long belongs in Oakland.

Not only does he 'belong' but I think he can certainly still produce. I believe both 2014 and 2015 were injury issue seasons. I would really like us to sign a couple of guys at DE that we can rotate- Chris Long would be a good addition there.