2017 Raiders - how's the 2018 draft looking? (3 Viewers)

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Thanks.  I forgot about that.  We have been having amazing weather, I'm a season ticket holder and last week was 75 degrees and sun.  This week 49 degrees and rain.  I guess I can't complain.  I agree. Since it's been 17 years, I brought up the playoff calculator today.  Losing this game pretty much kills both teams.

White has been really solid, trading down to get him and one of the better corners in the draft has been surprising.  He's been getting beat, but seems to have a good head on his shoulders and just battles back and makes some plays.  Tawain Jones helped seal our win last week.  His only play of the year was a shovel pass with seconds left.

Which of your backs is the better PPR play?  I think one will be valuable for GPP's in Draftkings this week.  Lorenzo Alexander is 34 and just can't get to the flats.  I'm really worried about the banged up secondary,  I think Cook will be a monster.  Brate/Howard dominated the rookie MLB last week.  I see this one as a 27-14 type game for the Raiders.  I'm a pessimistic Bills fan though.  I don't know what winning feels like.  I'm 31 and have had season tickets for 14 years.  Was 4-8 years old when the Bills were good.

Good question. While I think Richard is a little more productive, they have been equally used in both rush and receiving aspects of the game. Washington is a bit more of a hammer, Richard the more explosive player, but both have similar skillsets in both phases of the game. Gun to my head, Richard but I suspect we'll see heavy usage of them both in equal measure.

I am a big Clay fan, but can't pretend I'm not liking the circumstance of not watching yet another TE gash us for huge yards.

As for the other bolded part? I think you'll find yourself in highly sympathetic waters here. Sounds eerily reminiscent of our team these past, well, decades.

Should be a great game. 

 

[Chadstroma]

Reggie is going to have to kick the tires on Maxwell right?

I mean the Raiders can't sign every player cut.  But our secondary needs help at the CB position with the health and status of Conley constantly up in the air.  Amerson hasn't been playing well (not saying that maxell is better than amerson).   I think competition at any position is good in general.   The added bonus of course is Maxwell's knowledge of the Miami system as the Raiders approach facing them in 12 days.

The whole connection to the Seattle D makes it something that makes sense for sure

 

[FreshiZ]

McCoy should get about 15 targets in the passing game? Norton hasn't figured it out yet that teams are allowed to throw to their RB's

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

McCoy should get about 15 targets in the passing game? Norton hasn't figured it out yet that teams are allowed to throw to their RB's

Our entire game plan should be about stacking the box and keeping spies on both Shady and Taylor coming out of the backfield on passes or scrambles. We seem to be able to sometimes get some decent (and quasi-consistent) pressure in the pocket using Mack, Mario, Jelly, and Vanderdoes, so forcing Taylor to try and beat us through the air seems like the most logical plan.

Not sure how Nick O'Leary has fared as a backup, and hate celebrating injury of any kind, but glad Clay is not in the game, as it makes another area where we continually have trouble less of a worry.

But what do I know, I don't pretend to have the same stellar track record as Norton as a defensive genius who has contiunally dialed up extraordinary winning defensive gameplans. 

 

[Gottabesweet]

Our entire game plan should be about stacking the box and keeping spies on both Shady and Taylor coming out of the backfield on passes or scrambles. We seem to be able to sometimes get some decent (and quasi-consistent) pressure in the pocket using Mack, Mario, Jelly, and Vanderdoes, so forcing Taylor to try and beat us through the air seems like the most logical plan.

Not sure how Nick O'Leary has fared as a backup, and hate celebrating injury of any kind, but glad Clay is not in the game, as it makes another area where we continually have trouble less of a worry.

But what do I know, I don't pretend to have the same stellar track record as Norton as a defensive genius who has contiunally dialed up extraordinary winning defensive gameplans. 

Cinci did this perfectly.  Always was a spy on Taylor.  Atlanta did it as well.

O'Leary isn't anything to worry about. Logan Thomas snaps are starting to tick upwards.  They like his 6'8 body on the field as much as possible it seems.  Both EJ Gaines and Jordan Poyer missed practice today so our back end isn't looking the best.

How are you guys on the injury front? Assuming well, with 10 days rest? Supposed to be rainy and windy Sunday.  I'll try and report back here what the weather is like in case anyone is deciding on player any passing targets from this game.

I'm deciding between Cooper/Kamara/DT/ and Lamar Miller, get to pick 2 in a PPR league.  leaning DT/Cooper but may throw Kamara in there.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Cinci did this perfectly.  Always was a spy on Taylor.  Atlanta did it as well.

O'Leary isn't anything to worry about. Logan Thomas snaps are starting to tick upwards.  They like his 6'8 body on the field as much as possible it seems.  Both EJ Gaines and Jordan Poyer missed practice today so our back end isn't looking the best.

How are you guys on the injury front? Assuming well, with 10 days rest? Supposed to be rainy and windy Sunday.  I'll try and report back here what the weather is like in case anyone is deciding on player any passing targets from this game.

I'm deciding between Cooper/Kamara/DT/ and Lamar Miller, get to pick 2 in a PPR league.  leaning DT/Cooper but may throw Kamara in there.

As for meaningful injuries, Conley looks to be out again which keeps our secondary very beatable. Amerson, our CB, is battling a foot injury but he has been useless even when healthy. Our starting RT Marshall Newhouse has also been questionable with a foot injury but his backup, Vadal Alexander, has played well in relief. Starting weakside LB Cory James and rotational MLB Marquel Lee are dinged, I believe.

10 days definitely helps.

That's a really tough choice between those four players in a PPR. Demaryius Thomas and Miller seem like the two guys with the higher floor, but I like Kamara's matchup. 

 

[Chadstroma]

McCoy should get about 15 targets in the passing game? Norton hasn't figured it out yet that teams are allowed to throw to their RB's

I'm always more worried about the TE. We haven't covered a TE in about a decade. Though, I think Clay is hurt so I am not as worried.... then again, Nick O'Leary will have a career day.... heck, if they signed me off the street an hour before the game started I couldgo for 150 yds and 3 TD's.

 

[Chaka]

 @ the thread title changes since The KC Masterpiece.

Feels like knowing the day you are going to die and counting off the last few before it hits.

 

[FreshiZ]

I'm always more worried about the TE. We haven't covered a TE in about a decade. Though, I think Clay is hurt so I am not as worried.... then again, Nick O'Leary will have a career day.... heck, if they signed me off the street an hour before the game started I couldgo for 150 yds and 3 TD's.

I know TE is our normal deficiency but after that Charger game where we just refused to adjust to them passing to Gordon it seemed to expose us. 

 

[kaso]

Conley/Amerson out.
K. Joseph doubtul (groin)...

I'm not liking that Joseph news.

 

[DocHolliday]

Conley/Amerson out.
K. Joseph doubtul (groin)...

I'm not liking that Joseph news.

Our secondary was weak before this news.  The O better score points again. 

 

[krsone21]

Our secondary was weak before this news.  The O better score points again. 

Amerson hasn't been playing well anyway this may be addition by subtraction here.

I'm not liking the Joseph news, that being said I could see Luani getting more playing time in his absence and he seems to have a nose for the football so maybe the Raiders will get their first Interception of the season.

 

[joey]

I've got a bad feeling about this...

 

[FreshiZ]

The Bill's offensive skill position players are probably happy to hear Joseph is out. Dude can lay people out

 

[Bruno2]

Mistakes are killing them...

 

[Bruno2]

The magic is gone fellas. Hopefully Reggie can draft someone in the 1st and 2nd rounds who can actually play in a game next year.

 

[SDJohnny]

The coaching and preparation has been poor. I agree, not getting anything out of your first two picks, when other teams are hurts. Really surprised at the offensive drop off. 

 

[kaso]

Random thoughts... shared probably too soon after the game.

• 4 turnovers in the NFL you lose the game.  Pretty simple math.  Two interceptions, two fumbles. 
  
• The ball bounced Buffalo's away a lot today.  Not an excuse, just an observation.  Tipped interceptions, and great 'bounces' on the fumble. 
  
• Where was the running game today?  
  
• Luani played a pretty good game in my opinion.
  
• James played a pretty good game.
  
• The WRs played well, no bad drops that I can remember of the top of my head.  
  
• I thought the Raiders played McCoy pretty well.  I mean he is arguably the best RB in the league.  The 48 yard TD run was painful.  But outside if that, allowing him 100 yards, no TDs isn't a bad thing.
  
• 2 of the Andre Holmes Catches were very nice - TD and the sideline.  How does a 6-5 WR get lost in coverage?
  
• The Bills did well keep Mack in check
  
• Bowman had another good game.  Nearly led the team in tackles again.
  
• Carr still doesn't seem himself.  Not sure if it's play calling, the scheme, or his back.  
  
• Dowling needs to wake up or get out.
  
• Lynch would not have made a difference in this game.
  
• Joseph may have made a difference in this game.  
  

The Raiders are traveling to Florida to spend the week there instead of heading back to Oakland.   
3-5.  A two week road trip.   Another prime time game coming up.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Wow, disheartening loss that pretty much put the nail in our coffin as far as postseason hopes are concerned.

Expectations were high this year, I know, but such a backslide is surprising and IMHO inexcusable.

Downing and Norton should go, period. Maybe right now. JDR has the rest of the year to show me why he shouldn’t be on a very hot seat, too. 

Reactionary, I’ll admit, but the mediocrity on this team this year seems pervasive, and we don’t seem to be adjusting as opposed to letting games get away from us. And setting the right tone in this regard starts from the top down.

 

[kaso]

I also don't get why they throw so many 2-4 yards passes.  Crabtree and Cooper have to be able to beat coverage.  Cook can get behind the LBs. Throw the damn ball.  If short passing needs to be part of Downing's game plan then why not use more screens.  Washington/Richard/Petterson are all good in traffic with blockers. 

 

[ICON211]

Typical defensive effort....no sacks no turnovers.  

Thought after last week they would throw the ball down the field.  Very disappointing that they did not test the Bills down the field.

 

[Ed Wood]

The players' body language is horrific. Seems they've thrown in the towel. Could be really ugly, er, uglier the rest of the way. This team has no backbone, no resilience. Easy to give max effort when things are going right like in 2016. When the chips are down like the are now, the true colors come out. And that color is the shade of their home jerseys. I think JDR was in the midst of losing some already and he may have lost even more today.

 

[Sarlakticacid]

Poor playcalling again. Seems KC game plan was a one week thing

at least we got 10 days to soak that in

 

[Charlie Harper]

We suck. 

JDR and Co need to go. He's served his purpose. 

 

[LawFitz]

Buh bye Del Frio. lease:

 

[FreshiZ]

We just got beaten

There are so many things I guess we could bring up but one thing that stood out to me was right before halftime when they had just got their pick six. Cordarrelle had put us in pretty good field position with 30ish seconds left and we had 3 timeouts. The play calling was wtf? 2x 10-15yd completions and we're in field goal try range. I understand not trying to throw some hail mary because Carr's back may not be up to it but do something to try to get 3pts on the board. A little mind boggling to me there. 

Also I know Cook has dropped his fair share of balls but imagine if we didn't have that guy this year. There could've been some even uglier games.

 

[32 Counter Pass]

http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/10/29/oakland-raiders-todd-downing-jack-del-rio-derek-carr-highlights-press-conference-nfl/

 

[Interseptopus]

We just got beaten

There are so many things I guess we could bring up but one thing that stood out to me was right before halftime when they had just got their pick six. Cordarrelle had put us in pretty good field position with 30ish seconds left and we had 3 timeouts. The play calling was wtf? 2x 10-15yd completions and we're in field goal try range. I understand not trying to throw some hail mary because Carr's back may not be up to it but do something to try to get 3pts on the board. A little mind boggling to me there. 

Also I know Cook has dropped his fair share of balls but imagine if we didn't have that guy this year. There could've been some even uglier games.

As a Packer fan, in hindsight I wish we had Cook instead of Bennett... we paid Bennett more than Cook got and Bennett can't catch a cold these days. Cook may have a few drops here and there but he's been pretty good for you guys. 

In reference to the title... Barkley on this team would be sick. 

 

[32 Counter Pass]

Any nominations for the Raiders next head coach?

 

[DocHolliday]

The thread title is cute and all but the Raiders are not going to get Barkley.  They do need a true RB though.  Who is a possibility in the second or third round?

 

[Hankmoody]

The thread title is cute and all but the Raiders are not going to get Barkley.  They do need a true RB though.  Who is a possibility in the second or third round?

There are only 5 teams with worse records than ours.  I don't know what SOS looks like but we're a lot closer to Barkley than the playoffs right now.  Aside from that it's way too early to be projecting who's a candidate, the title is much more hyperbole mixed in with frustration.

 

[Charlie Harper]

Don't watch college football, but don't we need a shut down corner more? Conley is a start.....but gawd....it's been awful.

I think a better offensive coordinator can do wonders with our offensive talent.

 

[efactor]

Don't watch college football, but don't we need a shut down corner more? Conley is a start.....but gawd....it's been awful.

I think a better offensive coordinator can do wonders with our offensive talent.

Yeah, seems with Cooper, Crabtree, Cook (drop issues aside), Washington/Richard combo, that you could dial up some plays down the field instead of check downs and short routes pretty much the whole game.

 

[joey]

Yeah, seems with Cooper, Crabtree, Cook (drop issues aside), Washington/Richard combo, that you could dial up some plays down the field instead of check downs and short routes pretty much the whole game.

Yeah, I don't get it. Our offensive talent might be BETTER than last year with the Cook upgrade at TE. Heck, even our OL should be the same if not better than last year. 

So I have to point to our new OC until I see info that might say otherwise. 

The D isn't a world beater, we know that, but, man, in so many games this year, I feel like our D is doing enough for our O to be able to win it if they could just put together more than just a couple of drives a game, for cryin out loud!

 

[32 Counter Pass]

Yeah, I don't get it. Our offensive talent might be BETTER than last year with the Cook upgrade at TE. Heck, even our OL should be the same if not better than last year. 

So I have to point to our new OC until I see info that might say otherwise. 

The D isn't a world beater, we know that, but, man, in so many games this year, I feel like our D is doing enough for our O to be able to win it if they could just put together more than just a couple of drives a game, for cryin out loud!

That is what I have been hinting at since the team's slide. Lynch is being under utilized to the determent of the team. 

 

[efactor]

That is what I have been hinting at since the team's slide. Lynch is being under utilized to the determent of the team. 

Not a Raider fan, but have watched every game (except the Bills game) and have to disagree with Lynch being under utilized.  If anything, I think he has been a detriment.  While he still runs hard, he has definitely lost a step, and that lost step is keeping him from getting to the 2nd level like he did in Seattle with a much less talented OL.  Also, zero threat as a receiver.  As much as Raider fans dog on Murray, he accomplished as much on the ground as Lynch has and was a decent receiver.  Plus, they have not utilized the Washington/Richard combo like they did last year, possibly because they feel like they have to appease Lynch.  Murray/Washington and Richard was a very effective RBBC last year, partly because they were all threats as receivers.  When Lynch is in the game, that threat is lost, which bogs the offense down a bit.  I don't think defenses are afraid of Lynch beating them.

 

[Interseptopus]

Any nominations for the Raiders next head coach?

Is that the problem? 

 

[BustedKnuckles]

I remember saying i hope they draft KC RB  Hunt last draft...could you imagine if they had? damnnn

 

[32 Counter Pass]

I could imagine the OC under utilizing Hunt for sure.

 

[BoltNlava]

The players' body language is horrific. Seems they've thrown in the towel. Could be really ugly, er, uglier the rest of the way. This team has no backbone, no resilience. Easy to give max effort when things are going right like in 2016. When the chips are down like the are now, the true colors come out. And that color is the shade of their home jerseys. I think JDR was in the midst of losing some already and he may have lost even more today.

dont want to like this but it does deserve an hmmmmmmmmm..possible. Saw it as well.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Any nominations for the Raiders next head coach?

Gruden. Total pipe dream, never, ever will happen given his cushy (and seemingly secure) broadcast spot, but man that would be awesome if he came back, kicked tail and took names, and delivered what he should have delivered before we traded him -- a championship to Oakland. 

Another unlikely candidate given his broadcast spot, but would love to see Cowher back on the sidelines as a coach. Not sure how "in-demand" he still is as a broadcaster, and always hard to give up those bucks to be thrown back into the demanding job as head coach, but if you're asking me who I'd like, he's one. 

As far as OCs we could be targeting: 

Josh McDaniels, NE

Darrell Bevell, SEA

Scott Linehan, DAL

Potential DCs:

Matt Patricia, NE

Wade Phillips, LAR

Teyrl Austin, DET

Jim Schwartz, PHI

 

[Cold Dead Hands]

Head Coach: David Shaw - I don't mind giving a solid college guy a shot. This one seems like a no-brainer at this point.

 

[SDJohnny]

I just realized we have the worst head coach in the division. I'd love Gruden too and maybe having a top QB talent would help lure him out of the booth. I agree that Lynch has been a detriment. I was against it all along.

I agree with Busted Knuckles, Hunt on this team and off of KC would have been a big boost.  Luckily, there are several good RB's out this year. Barkley, Guice, Jones II, Chubb, and more. This is a good list, don't necessarily agree with the order. Josh Adams from Notre Dame is good too. http://walterfootball.com/draft2018RB.php

 

[Chaka]

I disagree with the notion that Marshawn has lost a step. It may be true but I just don't think we have seen a competent enough offense in general to draw a conclusion.

The Raiders don't seem to have an offensive identity (or a plan in general). In the running game it seems like they are trying so hard to preserve Marshawn for the long haul that they have become tentative to actually deploy him to grind down defenses. When I see him run he still seems to be finishing his runs by punishing defenders, but you need to be willing to occasionally run him 15 times in the first half to demoralize the opponent and allow those chunk gains later in the game.

At any rate considering Latavius was the "lead" back last season I am unconvinced that Marshawn is the problem with the running game or the offense in general.

I put this season's issues squarely at the feet of JDR and Downing before any individual player. JDR's comments yesterday about not knowing why the offense choked up tells me he knows where the real problems are and is in full blown CYA mode and Downing may not last the season (God willing).

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

If I’m Davis, I’d be rolling heads right now. It’s not as if our season would be disrupted.

Downing may indeed be lucky that  the Raiders are staying east this week - may have bought him an extra paycheck this week that may not have been coming if the team was back home Monday.

 

[32 Counter Pass]

I disagree with the notion that Marshawn has lost a step. It may be true but I just don't think we have seen a competent enough offense in general to draw a conclusion.

The Raiders don't seem to have an offensive identity (or a plan in general). In the running game it seems like they are trying so hard to preserve Marshawn for the long haul that they have become tentative to actually deploy him to grind down defenses. When I see him run he still seems to be finishing his runs by punishing defenders, but you need to be willing to occasionally run him 15 times in the first half to demoralize the opponent and allow those chunk gains later in the game.

At any rate considering Latavius was the "lead" back last season I am unconvinced that Marshawn is the problem with the running game or the offense in general.

I put this season's issues squarely at the feet of JDR and Downing before any individual player. JDR's comments yesterday about not knowing why the offense choked up tells me he knows where the real problems are and is in full blown CYA mode and Downing may not last the season (God willing).

Well said. I suggest thoses that think Lynch has lost it, go back and watch the Charger game. Lynch averaged 4.8 ypc. Dowling hardly called his number second half. Complacency and poor offensive strategy are root causes of their poor showing this year. 

 

[Bruno2]

Yeah there have been issues on offense obviously. But the main problem is, and has been since the beginning of the Reggie era, the defense.

Is it fair to put the blame on the coaches when really, they haven't been given much to work with? At what point do we start looking at what Reggie and the scouting dept are doing? The defensive free agents Reggie has brought in have not lived up to expectations, except for Bowman so far. But even that signing is frustrating. How pathetic is it that your 2nd best defensive player was signed just 2 weeks ago?

Looking at the recent drafts, it's clear Reggie is trying to build the defense through the draft and in fairness to him, the fact that Conley and Obi have been injured is just bad luck. When you really only have two high draft picks performing well in Mack and Joseph and pile on injuries of Edwards and Ward and the regression of Calhoun and poor play from free agent aquistions, you get the horrible defense they are stuck with now. 12 or so sacks at this point in the season again will probably be at the bottom of the league by the end of the year. And zero interceptions is just pathetic and almost unheard of. You think someone could get a lucky one off a deflection, but no... A red flag the defense lacks playmakers in the secondary. Although, I do think they have one in Luani. But again, he's a rookie, 7th round pick. Lots of rookies, rookie FAs and underdogs playing on defense and it's just not coming together yet. You could say last year's 12-4 record was a happy accident. Carr played lights out and the ball bounced their way a lot last season. That record may have given the organization a false sense of security.  I say screw trying to run the ball and play tough defense. Right now, they are who they are. Open up the offense and let Carr try to outscore everyone because this defense isn't going to stop anyone anytime soon. 

 

[efactor]

I disagree with the notion that Marshawn has lost a step. It may be true but I just don't think we have seen a competent enough offense in general to draw a conclusion.

He has definitely lost a step. 

Not a Lynch hater, but it's just a fact.  You see runs that open up and you think he is breaking into the secondary for a 20 yard run like he would have 3 years ago, and he just doesn't get there and the play ends up as a 6 yard gain.  He still runs really tough, but he used to be explosive too.  He's not now. 

 

[flipcuplegend]

Del Rio is not the problem - this can be pinned on Downing being conservative with his play calling and Carr not making an audible out of it.  Marshawn starts off fairly well in the first half then they seem to check down to dink and dunk or some off route to Amari where he drops a ball.  Season is still young I can see them turning it around after the bye week getting a win at Miami first.

 

[efactor]

Well said. I suggest thoses that think Lynch has lost it, go back and watch the Charger game. Lynch averaged 4.8 ypc. Dowling hardly called his number second half. Complacency and poor offensive strategy are root causes of their poor showing this year. 

One game.  What about the others that he has averaged 4 yards a carry or less?