2017 Raiders - how's the 2018 draft looking? (1 Viewer)

[Silver & Black]

Man, this would be fantastic:

 McKenzie sounded almost giddy about the condition of Mario Edwards Jr., who saw last off-season impacted by a neck injury and then was limited to just three games (including the playoff game) after injuring his hip in the preseason.

“He’s extremely motivated,” McKenzie said, “because he wants to show the league that he’s a dominant football player. Not just a solid football player, but that he’s dominant. He’s healthy, he’s strong, he’s in a good mindset so he’s ready to roll and we are extremely anxious to see him get going in the season.”

 

[Sarlakticacid]

http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2017/5/23/15683404/calvin-johnson-finds-eager-pupil-in-raiders-amari-cooper

keeping it on page 1

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2017/5/23/15683404/calvin-johnson-finds-eager-pupil-in-raiders-amari-cooper

keeping it on page 1

Good on ya, Todd Downing. Way to bring in a HOF WR to help our future HOF WR start to become more dominant. 

Love the speculation stirring -- what happens if Megatron comes out of retirement? Can we swing a deal like we did with Lynch/the Hawks?"

Really sweet pipe dream, but nice to think about the opportunity to correct the Jamarcus selection mistake, if only for a year....

 

[Sarlakticacid]

Good on ya, Todd Downing. Way to bring in a HOF WR to help our future HOF WR start to become more dominant. 

Love the speculation stirring -- what happens if Megatron comes out of retirement? Can we swing a deal like we did with Lynch/the Hawks?"

Really sweet pipe dream, but nice to think about the opportunity to correct the Jamarcus selection mistake, if only for a year....

Looks like Megatron is out playing Golf with DC too

let the rumour mill run...

 

[silentmark]

http://www.957thegame.com/blogs/first-beastmodenow-megatron

 

[Chadstroma]

Man, this would be fantastic:

 McKenzie sounded almost giddy about the condition of Mario Edwards Jr., who saw last off-season impacted by a neck injury and then was limited to just three games (including the playoff game) after injuring his hip in the preseason.

“He’s extremely motivated,” McKenzie said, “because he wants to show the league that he’s a dominant football player. Not just a solid football player, but that he’s dominant. He’s healthy, he’s strong, he’s in a good mindset so he’s ready to roll and we are extremely anxious to see him get going in the season.”

I have maintained that Mario has been the secret sauce missing to making our defense a tasty dish. He really makes a big difference on that line in putting pressure on QB's and plays well against the run- then kicking him inside on passing downs really causes problems to the pocket. A Vanderdoes that is healthy and fit is another great addition to collapse that pocket. With Mack and other other edge rushers around- if we have the ability to put pressure up the middle consistently then the QB has very little time to do anything. Add in more coverage guys like Conley and Obi then I think we have a very much improved D over last year. Hell, just the ability to cover a TE for once with Obi by itself takes us half way to an 'average' D. I am expecting a middle of the pack D to be our floor. If we get some of the younger players making strides then we could have a pretty good D this year and the makings of an elite D. 

 

[massraider]

I have maintained that Mario has been the secret sauce missing to making our defense a tasty dish. He really makes a big difference on that line in putting pressure on QB's and plays well against the run- then kicking him inside on passing downs really causes problems to the pocket. A Vanderdoes that is healthy and fit is another great addition to collapse that pocket. With Mack and other other edge rushers around- if we have the ability to put pressure up the middle consistently then the QB has very little time to do anything. Add in more coverage guys like Conley and Obi then I think we have a very much improved D over last year. Hell, just the ability to cover a TE for once with Obi by itself takes us half way to an 'average' D. I am expecting a middle of the pack D to be our floor. If we get some of the younger players making strides then we could have a pretty good D this year and the makings of an elite D. 

Yeah man. Ton of youth, need some 2nd and 3rd year improvements and we will have a playoff D.

 

[Faust]

The Raiders Are Not Getting Ahead of Themselves

 

[Interseptopus]

Loving what the Raiders are doing... Reggie is exactly what this franchise needed... Expecting big things this season

 

[ICON211]

David Harris released by Jets...........

 

[Chadstroma]

David Harris released by Jets...........

I got a little excited about this but then I read that the Jets were asking him to take a pay cut and apparently he refused. On top of that, retirement is supposedly a big option for him on this. 

On the other end, we can offer a contending team where he will be needed and be able to contribute- both as a player and veteran leadership. He shouldn't be that expensive either.

I couldn't imagine us not picking up the phone and having a conversation. At this point, I think he represents a solidification of a spot that easily our weakest versus our hoping that a 5th rounder rookie is up to the task. 

 

[Hankmoody]

David Harris released by Jets...........

I am much more interested in the rumored release of Navorro Bowman.  He should be an easy get from across the bridge.

 

[Chadstroma]

I am much more interested in the rumored release of Navorro Bowman.  He should be an easy get from across the bridge.

Bowman would be a better get over Harris but at this point, I would just like to get a solid veteran period. 

 

[Hankmoody]

Yeah I didn't mean to poo-poo a potential Harris signing, that would be pretty solid.  I have just been meaning to post on the Bowman thing for a while and haven't gotten around to it.

Also, I really would like to see us get Decker.  Even if it's via trade at an inflated salary.  We have no reliable depth beyond Cooper and Crabtree and Cook is still a huge question mark.  We need to make sure Carr doesn't run out of weapons.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Yeah I didn't mean to poo-poo a potential Harris signing, that would be pretty solid.  I have just been meaning to post on the Bowman thing for a while and haven't gotten around to it.

Also, I really would like to see us get Decker.  Even if it's via trade at an inflated salary.  We have no reliable depth beyond Cooper and Crabtree and Cook is still a huge question mark.  We need to make sure Carr doesn't run out of weapons.

Would love to see Harris or Decker join the squad -- of the two, Harris is the better play IMHO. Maclin ain't a game changer, but he could be much cheaper and has familiarity (limited thought that may be) with the system from playing against us, and would bring an eye to how to attack our divisional foes from his experience.

Reality is that these will be higher ticket signings -- while we still have cap space, we chose to sit on our hands in FA, so can't see us spending heavily here. 

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Thought this was a well-laid out article outlining the approach and the different variables going in to the Raiders having to sign 3 notable contracts in the next two years.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/agents-take-raiders-face-huge-carr-mack-deals-but-are-built-to-remain-successful/

 

[massraider]

Seems like the 49ers are going to cut Bowman because they think he's done, because of injuries.

Harris was cut because the Jets are saving money.

If both are true, I want Harris.

 

[msommer]

Seems like the 49ers are going to cut Bowman because they think he's done, because of injuries.

Harris was cut because the Jets are saving money.

If both are true, I want Harris.

Didn't they bring in new coaches though? Could be a change in system that make Bowman not fit too well?

 

[FreshiZ]

I would be pretty happy with Harris. Nothing flashy, just a solid, good tackling middle linebacker who I think would be invigorated to play on an up and coming, most likely playoff team. Seems like the perfect kind of veteran to add to the mix.

If Decker is willing and can play slot our offense would cause a lot of problems for defenses but I would love to see a Harris signing out of all options.

 

[massraider]

Didn't they bring in new coaches though? Could be a change in system that make Bowman not fit too well?

Healthy Bowman fits any scheme.  

 

[Chadstroma]

Yeah I didn't mean to poo-poo a potential Harris signing, that would be pretty solid.  I have just been meaning to post on the Bowman thing for a while and haven't gotten around to it.

Also, I really would like to see us get Decker.  Even if it's via trade at an inflated salary.  We have no reliable depth beyond Cooper and Crabtree and Cook is still a huge question mark.  We need to make sure Carr doesn't run out of weapons.

Very little interest in Decker. Absolutely NO interest in him for trade. Wouldn't mind him at near vet min but honestly- Patterson does more for our offense and Seth Roberts is not too much off from skill set of Decker.

 

[Chadstroma]

Remember, we have one HUGE contract to get done now. (Carr) Another big contract this year. (Jackson) and then another very big contract next year (Mack).

Carr's likely will be record breaking. ($25 million a year) Jackson will be big for a G. Mack will be another record breaking contract ($20 million a year for non-QB).

Signing someone like Decker? Unless it is bottom dollar. Nope. Spending a few bucks for Harris or a healthy Bowman- make it work but also STILL need to look for a discount.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Very little interest in Decker. Absolutely NO interest in him for trade. Wouldn't mind him at near vet min but honestly- Patterson does more for our offense and Seth Roberts is not too much off from skill set of Decker.

Agree in terms of not being interested in an expensive (relatively or otherwise) signing of Decker, and I like the the potential of what Patterson can bring to the table for ST, expanding our playbook to strength (add credible end arounds and jet sweeps) and developing as a WR3.

However, he has a lot to prove. After being drafted 29th overall, he has only 163 career touches having pretty much sat on the sidelines for the last few years. Yes, he went to the Pro Bowl a few times, but that was for his primary contribution to the team since he came to the league: as a kick returner. In my mind, that was also a big reason why Reggie went after him (allows us to shed Taiwan Jones in a suddenly crowded RB backfield). 

Bottom line? Decker is WAY more proven and polished as a receiver than Patterson has been. But still wouldn't overpay for Decker given his worth, which is what some other team will likely do.

 

[Chadstroma]

Agree in terms of not being interested in an expensive (relatively or otherwise) signing of Decker, and I like the the potential of what Patterson can bring to the table for ST, expanding our playbook to strength (add credible end arounds and jet sweeps) and developing as a WR3.

However, he has a lot to prove. After being drafted 29th overall, he has only 163 career touches having pretty much sat on the sidelines for the last few years. Yes, he went to the Pro Bowl a few times, but that was for his primary contribution to the team since he came to the league: as a kick returner. In my mind, that was also a big reason why Reggie went after him (allows us to shed Taiwan Jones in a suddenly crowded RB backfield). 

Bottom line? Decker is WAY more proven and polished as a receiver than Patterson has been. But still wouldn't overpay for Decker given his worth, which is what some other team will likely do.

Patterson was expected to be a #1 WR and that obviously never panned out. We aren't asking him to be a #1. We are not asking him to be a #2. We are asking him to possibly be a #3 but certainly a #4 and premier returner. I am not really sure what Decker brings to the game different from what Roberts can but I sure as heck know what Patterson can bring that Decker or Roberts can't. That added speed and athletic ability is something defenses have to account for or it will kill them- even if he does not further develop as a WR. Decker won't scare any defenses. 

Decker move proven? Sure. Also older at 30 years old and never was burner to begin with. 

Does he still have something left? Sure. He is still a good WR but I just don't see what the point is for our team. He would be a really good #3 but does he change the offense or add something to the offense? I don't think so. I'll freely admit that he is a better WR than Patterson but Patterson adds a dynamic nature to the offense that we don't have without him and wouldn't have with Decker instead of him. 

I don't see any reason to add Decker unless we are talking about something where he just wants to be a Raider and offers vet min or near it. Otherwise, there is no need for him and we have huge need for the money to spend elsewhere. 

 

[Bruno2]

Patterson was expected to be a #1 WR and that obviously never panned out. We aren't asking him to be a #1. We are not asking him to be a #2. We are asking him to possibly be a #3 but certainly a #4 and premier returner. I am not really sure what Decker brings to the game different from what Roberts can but I sure as heck know what Patterson can bring that Decker or Roberts can't. That added speed and athletic ability is something defenses have to account for or it will kill them- even if he does not further develop as a WR. Decker won't scare any defenses. 

Decker move proven? Sure. Also older at 30 years old and never was burner to begin with. 

Does he still have something left? Sure. He is still a good WR but I just don't see what the point is for our team. He would be a really good #3 but does he change the offense or add something to the offense? I don't think so. I'll freely admit that he is a better WR than Patterson but Patterson adds a dynamic nature to the offense that we don't have without him and wouldn't have with Decker instead of him. 

I don't see any reason to add Decker unless we are talking about something where he just wants to be a Raider and offers vet min or near it. Otherwise, there is no need for him and we have huge need for the money to spend elsewhere. 

While his drops are frustrating, I think Roberts is on good terms with Carr and I have a hunch the organization thinks highly of him. I see no need to go after a guy like Decker with Roberts already cemented in as the WR3.

 

[joey]

Go after ZERO WRs. Pay Carr and bring in an LB. Then focus on Gabe Jackson and Mack.

 

[msommer]

Patterson was expected to be a #1 WR and that obviously never panned out. We aren't asking him to be a #1. We are not asking him to be a #2. We are asking him to possibly be a #3 but certainly a #4 and premier returner.

Pretty sure MIN also tried to have him be their #2, #3 and #4 over the years. But good luck with Patterson in general

 

[massraider]

Not really room for Decker, and he's gonna get paid more than some think.

But Patterson isn't a reason to do or not do anything at WR. He's a returner. If he runs back two this year, he did his job.

 

[Chadstroma]

Pretty sure MIN also tried to have him be their #2, #3 and #4 over the years. But good luck with Patterson in general

Minn hasn't had the talent ahead of him like we do. If used correctly his speed creates further mismatch issues with the D. That is why I like what he adds to the offense.

 

[msommer]

Minn hasn't had the talent ahead of him like we do. If used correctly his speed creates further mismatch issues with the D. That is why I like what he adds to the offense.

As per my previous post I believe you will be disappointed. Lets see.

 

[Chadstroma]

As per my previous post I believe you will be disappointed. Lets see.

I am not really expecting much other than adding speed to the offense and forcing defenses to account for him- maybe a long play here and there. The offense has Lynch, Washington, Richard, Cooper, Crabtree, Roberts, and Cook all to make plays. All that I have maintained that Decker really adds nothing to that while Patterson adds speed which speed can help create more opportunities for those guys than Decker could as being a good, older declining WR who never had much speed to begin with could. 

 

[joey]

For me, today is the beginning of the worst time of the year in sports.

NHL and NBA playoffs just ended, NFL camps don't ramp up til mid-July, so there's nothing on sports radio besides baseball talk (bleck!).

Someone help me!

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

For me, today is the beginning of the worst time of the year in sports.

NHL and NBA playoffs just ended, NFL camps don't ramp up til mid-July, so there's nothing on sports radio besides baseball talk (bleck!).

Someone help me!

INto late June and July, you have the arena league or CFL if you need some football to cure the Joneses.  For other high octane thrills, F1, Indy Car, and NASCAR. For low octane thrills, PGA? Can't miss Carribbean Premiere Cricket League has its playoffs in July, too!

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

I am not really expecting much other than adding speed to the offense and forcing defenses to account for him- maybe a long play here and there. The offense has Lynch, Washington, Richard, Cooper, Crabtree, Roberts, and Cook all to make plays. All that I have maintained that Decker really adds nothing to that while Patterson adds speed which speed can help create more opportunities for those guys than Decker could as being a good, older declining WR who never had much speed to begin with could. 

Seeing Decker being referred to (correctly) as a solid but older and potentially declining WR just makes me think about Crabtree, who is only 6 months younger than Decker. I have absolutely LOVED what Crabs has been bringing to the table, he's had career seasons these past years with the Raiders, and while there is no immediate reason to suspect a huge decline, it is true that receiver production trails after a peak of around 26-27 years of age. 

Crabs has literally carried the team in terms of our passing game at times, and has arguably been a more dependable option than Cooper. I expect Cooper to explode this year, but I also expect at some point Crabs to start settling back to an age-adjusted mean after some monster seasons.

When he does, we're thinner than I'd like at WR with guys like Roberts, Holmes, and Horton, all of whom are talented but still raw. I don't see Patterson all of the sudden becoming a solid WR2, and UDFAs and other acquisitions like Mickenss, Brent, Zamora, and Whitney are pretty unproven and longshots.  

No need to go after a guy like Decker, but  planning for the future here is something we may need to address, and sooner rather than later if for whatever reason Crabs can't stay at the level he's been at for the last few years.

 

[Chadstroma]

Seeing Decker being referred to (correctly) as a solid but older and potentially declining WR just makes me think about Crabtree, who is only 6 months younger than Decker. I have absolutely LOVED what Crabs has been bringing to the table, he's had career seasons these past years with the Raiders, and while there is no immediate reason to suspect a huge decline, it is true that receiver production trails after a peak of around 26-27 years of age. 

Crabs has literally carried the team in terms of our passing game at times, and has arguably been a more dependable option than Cooper. I expect Cooper to explode this year, but I also expect at some point Crabs to start settling back to an age-adjusted mean after some monster seasons.

When he does, we're thinner than I'd like at WR with guys like Roberts, Holmes, and Horton, all of whom are talented but still raw. I don't see Patterson all of the sudden becoming a solid WR2, and UDFAs and other acquisitions like Mickenss, Brent, Zamora, and Whitney are pretty unproven and longshots.  

No need to go after a guy like Decker, but  planning for the future here is something we may need to address, and sooner rather than later if for whatever reason Crabs can't stay at the level he's been at for the last few years.

Holmes is gone. 

Zamora has a lot of potential. He has size and decent speed with good hands. If not for the whole dog thing- there is no way he would have gone undrafted. 

Above all else- we need to figure contracts out for Carr, Jackson and Mack. The only exception to that because it is such a need area for me is LB. That is the only thing we need to do right now above locking those guys into long contracts.

We can worry about #2 another day. As you noted, we have Crab now and there is no reason to expect him to significantly slip this year other than perhaps Coop really takes a step up. 

 

[joey]

INto late June and July, you have the arena league or CFL if you need some football to cure the Joneses.  For other high octane thrills, F1, Indy Car, and NASCAR. For low octane thrills, PGA? Can't miss Carribbean Premiere Cricket League has its playoffs in July, too!

My father in law loves dag racing, so I'm actually starting to watch that a bit to fill the void.

Spoiler alert: those cars drive really fast in a straight line. Like, really really fast.

I'll have to check out the Cricket League playoffs if I can't get to sleep one night. That should cure insomnia for sure.

I actually used to watch Arena League a little bit during its "peak" which seemed about 10 years ago when there were some names I started to recognize a bit. But it seems to have totally fallen apart. Didn't they shut it down for a whole season to reorg or something.

Crap, cricket it is...

 

[joey]

Holmes is gone. 

Zamora has a lot of potential. He has size and decent speed with good hands. If not for the whole dog thing- there is no way he would have gone undrafted. 

Above all else- we need to figure contracts out for Carr, Jackson and Mack. The only exception to that because it is such a need area for me is LB. That is the only thing we need to do right now above locking those guys into long contracts.

We can worry about #2 another day. As you noted, we have Crab now and there is no reason to expect him to significantly slip this year other than perhaps Coop really takes a step up. 

exactly. don't waste any energy anywhere else right now.

 

[joey]

some actual Raiders' mini camp news from the past couple of days, as the team breaks camp...

http://www.csnbayarea.com/raiders/raiders-minicamp-observations-luani-shows-playmaking-ability?p=ya5nbcs&ocid=yahoo

http://www.csnbayarea.com/raiders/raiders-minicamp-observations-qbs-cook-manuel-battling-backup-job?p=ya5nbcs&ocid=yahoo

 

[JoeSteeler]

For me, today is the beginning of the worst time of the year in sports.

NHL and NBA playoffs just ended, NFL camps don't ramp up til mid-July, so there's nothing on sports radio besides baseball talk (bleck!).

Someone help me!

DFS golf? 

 

[Chadstroma]

Saw some buzz about Patterson from OTA's. Of course, it is OTA's and anything coming out of OTA's has to be taken with a big heaping spoon of salt but essentially it came down to how they are excited about what he brings to the offense and looking at ways to get him involved. Essentially what my argument was earlier. 

 

[Bruno2]

Sometimes a change of scenery and a better QB can make a world of difference for a WR. Patterson is one of those guys who is still young enough and athletic enough to break through a barrier and possibly make a difference on the team. And if he doesn't, no big loss... 

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Sometimes a change of scenery and a better QB can make a world of difference for a WR. Patterson is one of those guys who is still young enough and athletic enough to break through a barrier and possibly make a difference on the team. And if he doesn't, no big loss... 

Yep, this was a solid bet in terms of cost vs potential ROI. That said, I don't think Patterson will suddenly flourish in Oakland where he didn't elsewhere. I think I've seen enough of his game to know that he's not going to challenge anyone for a team's WR2 slot, and I think he'd best used as a possession receiver in 3 and 4 wide sets where he can use his althleticism and knack for YACs.

Will he make a difference on teh team? Yes -- he fills a role in terms of making our offense more dynamic (called out what using him in jet sweeps opens up for us in terms of playbook numerous times in this thread) and will certainly be a factor in terms of ST.

I don't think the scenery will suddenly make Patterson a viable fantasy WR you can depend on, and barely a good spot starter based on matchups where opposing team's corners lock down Coops and Crabs, but maybe a good flyer for return yardage leagues. Honestly hard for me to see how he breaks 20 catches for 250 yards.  

 

[FF Ninja]

Seeing Decker being referred to (correctly) as a solid but older and potentially declining WR just makes me think about Crabtree, who is only 6 months younger than Decker. I have absolutely LOVED what Crabs has been bringing to the table, he's had career seasons these past years with the Raiders, and while there is no immediate reason to suspect a huge decline, it is true that receiver production trails after a peak of around 26-27 years of age. 

Crabs has literally carried the team in terms of our passing game at times, and has arguably been a more dependable option than Cooper. I expect Cooper to explode this year, but I also expect at some point Crabs to start settling back to an age-adjusted mean after some monster seasons.

When he does, we're thinner than I'd like at WR with guys like Roberts, Holmes, and Horton, all of whom are talented but still raw. I don't see Patterson all of the sudden becoming a solid WR2, and UDFAs and other acquisitions like Mickenss, Brent, Zamora, and Whitney are pretty unproven and longshots.  

No need to go after a guy like Decker, but  planning for the future here is something we may need to address, and sooner rather than later if for whatever reason Crabs can't stay at the level he's been at for the last few years.

 No, no it is not. You might have seen that stat somewhere, but it was likely based on guys on rookie contracts fizzling out of the league or something. Productive, starting caliber WRs are still in their prime through age 31. 32 is where a minor drop off starts and 35 is the age where the cliff usually comes. It was actually a FBG article from a few years ago. I think it was when Andre Johnson was turning 32. There was some good data in there, so I made a mental note of those numbers and never let it go!

As for Crabtree in particular, I think his game will age quite well. I think he could pull a Fitzgerald or Boldin and keep on keepin' on as primarily a slot WR into his mid-30s.

Anyway, I actually popped in here for some Lynch news. Was surprised to see all this WR talk, but it's interesting all the same...

 

[RaiderBones]

Adam Schefter‏Verified account @AdamSchefter  55m55 minutes ago
Derek Carr and Raiders still are finalizing language, but the record deal could be announced as early as the end of this week, per sources.

 

[Bruno2]

Adam Schefter‏Verified account @AdamSchefter  55m55 minutes ago
Derek Carr and Raiders still are finalizing language, but the record deal could be announced as early as the end of this week, per sources.

Pay the man! 

 

[joey]

Adam Schefter‏Verified account @AdamSchefter  55m55 minutes ago
Derek Carr and Raiders still are finalizing language, but the record deal could be announced as early as the end of this week, per sources.

Ok.  That's done with. 

Reggie, sign an LB, please. 

 

[steelers1080]

Per Derek Carr, the deal is done:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/06/22/raiders-and-derek-carr-deal-is-done-per-carr-himself/

 

[GroveDiesel]

Carr is a good QB.

Also, that is a LOT of money for Carr.

 

[massraider]

Carr is a good QB.

Also, that is a LOT of money for Carr.

Wait till Stafford and Cousins, QBs I would not trade Carr for, get their new deals. 

 

[ICON211]

Carr is a good QB.

Also, that is a LOT of money for Carr.

He's really good right now and he has the potential to be great.  We saw last year how clutch he is and how important he is to the team.  I think you would struggle to find any Raider fans that have a problem with this deal.