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== OFFICIAL OAKLAND RAIDERS 2018 thread == (2 Viewers)

The only name I want to hear about leading up to free agency is Khalil Mack. Re-signing him is the priority, and he'll be cheaper this year than next. Get him done.

 
osubuckeyeman said:
As Raider fans. What do you think Gruden will do with the running game? Keep Lynch? See if Washington or Richard can fit in Gruden's scheme? Draft another back and if so who and what round? Free Agency?  I see this being a pretty important question for the future this season and beyond.
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That's a great question. After reading the Gruden Q&A that was posted above, my gut tells me he wants to clean house and build around Carr, Mack, Cooper and the Oline. I wouldn't be surprised if Lynch was let go, he seemed to be more of a distraction than anything. I actually like what Washington brings, I hope he stays and finds a role in Grudens system. As for Richard, he might become expendable as well, and I can see them drafting a RB later in the draft to replace him.

 
osubuckeyeman said:
I see drafting a running back as almost a guarantee and this a great draft class to be drafting one.
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I agree. Looking back to the late 90s Gruden had success with the combination of Wheatley and Garner. He could draft a big back to fill the Wheatley role and use Washington in the Garner role. Or keep Lynch and draft a RB like Michel to fill the Garner role. Or start from scratch through the draft and free agency, it will be interesting to see what happens.

 
What do the RB classes in the next few years look like? Might be time to get someone on board if the numbers thin out in upcoming drafts

 
DocHolliday said:
I expect Gruden keeps Richard and Washington and drafts a big back.  
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The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson says it "would not be remotely surprising" if the Dolphins showed interest in C.J. Anderson should he be released by the Broncos.

The Dolphins signed Anderson to a four-year, $18 million deal as a restricted free agent in 2016, but the contract was matched by Denver. There is now speculation the Broncos will release Anderson, freeing up nearly $5 million to use in Denver's Kirk Cousins pursuit.

Hmmmmmmm

 
BustedKnuckles said:
The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson says it "would not be remotely surprising" if the Dolphins showed interest in C.J. Anderson should he be released by the Broncos.

The Dolphins signed Anderson to a four-year, $18 million deal as a restricted free agent in 2016, but the contract was matched by Denver. There is now speculation the Broncos will release Anderson, freeing up nearly $5 million to use in Denver's Kirk Cousins pursuit.

Hmmmmmmm
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No thanks on CJ Anderson.  IMO he is a mediocre RB at best.  I'd rather move ahead with Lynch, Washington and Richard.

 
I'm intrigued by Hyde, but I think we keep Lynch and take advantage of our O-linemen during this particular window. Marshawn's contract is incentive-laden, so fire him up to get paid and retire as a Raider.

Target if at all possible in the 3rd-4th-5th rd a guy who can thump and run downhill -- guys like Chubb or Freeman or Kerryon Johnson. Or perhaps more realistically for our draft position, Penny, Kalen Ballage, or Josh Adams. Let everyone compete in camp, and let Lynch bring the young guy along (whatever that looks like for Lynch). Gruden can get the most of what the roster has to offer now and build his next thunder/lightning attack.

We seem to be positioned to grab a quality LB in the first, but I wouldn't be adverse looking at a top CB there either.

I can see CJ in Miami.   

 
osubuckeyeman said:
As Raider fans. What do you think Gruden will do with the running game? Keep Lynch? See if Washington or Richard can fit in Gruden's scheme? Draft another back and if so who and what round? Free Agency?  I see this being a pretty important question for the future this season and beyond.
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From his first go around Washington/Richard fit more of the Garner role. I am split on Lynch. I think Gruden is not about to put up with his crap. On the other hand I wonder if bringing Cable on board was part of a plan to keep him on board in kind of the Wheatley role of old. I am leaning towards them looking to have him take a pay cut and if not then letting him go and looking to bring in a big bruiser via draft or potentially even FA.

 
What do people think of Derwin James as a RD1 draft target? I think it may be hard to pass up Edmunds or Roquan Smith if they are there given the drumbeat of them being consensus picks for us (and a position of need to boot), but I've always thought addressing our secondary (both CBs and shoring up safety) is as big/even bigger need, and seems with James's skill set and measurables, he could add some flexibility in some rotations at LB in addition to S. 

 
Stompin' Tom Connors said:
What do people think of Derwin James as a RD1 draft target? I think it may be hard to pass up Edmunds or Roquan Smith if they are there given the drumbeat of them being consensus picks for us (and a position of need to boot), but I've always thought addressing our secondary (both CBs and shoring up safety) is as big/even bigger need, and seems with James's skill set and measurables, he could add some flexibility in some rotations at LB in addition to S. 
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My early thoughts on the Raiders draft are this: 

Everyone (myself included) would love to see them take Smith or Edmunds for obvious reasons. A playmaker at LB is a huge need. But we all know Reggie covets DBs in the 1st round, which is also a huge need. If Fitzpatrick falls, hes a Raider. And I would not be surprised at all if Reggie snags the best corner off the board either. My darkhoarse pick is OT Orlando Brown. He's a huge tackle that fits the measurables Reggie seems to like in his Olinemen. And he would shore up that RT position that has plagued them for years then possibly take over for Penn at LT if Sharpe doesn't pan out.

The wildcard in all of this is Gruden. How much input on the draft picks will he have? My gut feeling is he and his $100 mil will have a lot of say. There are going to be players he likes more than Reggie does. Who wins out? The team has needs all over the roster. They need DBs at practically every position.  LBs, pass rushers, a massive DT, RT, WR depth and a big young RB. A lot of it boils down to how Gruden and new coaches feel about the players already on the team and FAs available. I have a feeling the personnel on defense will get completely overhauled which hopefully means a centerpiece at LB in Edmunds or Smith. 

 
Stompin' Tom Connors said:
What do people think of Derwin James as a RD1 draft target? I think it may be hard to pass up Edmunds or Roquan Smith if they are there given the drumbeat of them being consensus picks for us (and a position of need to boot), but I've always thought addressing our secondary (both CBs and shoring up safety) is as big/even bigger need, and seems with James's skill set and measurables, he could add some flexibility in some rotations at LB in addition to S. 
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Derwin James would be a good pick for the Raiders to help shore up the DB field. I also would consider Ward and Jackson plus obviously Fitzpatrick if he were to fall to the Raiders. 

 
krsone21 said:
GM Draft Scorecard 2002-2015
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You're telling me that the guy that argued Calvin Johnson was a bigger bust than JaMarcus Russell, the same guy that drafted a kicker in the first round, the same guy that feuded with almost every single head coach under his tenure during the period covered in the rankings, comes in at dead last?

As a fan, I love(d) Al, but Jesus he was a trainwreck as a GM near the end.

 
Ian Rapoport
‏@RapSheet
After visiting the #49ers on Tuesday, free agent CB Vontae Davis is on a visit with the #Raiders today, source said. Would fill a potential need there.

 
Vontae Davis, who's currently 29, has made two Pro Bowls in his career, both with the Colts in 2014 and 2015. He has 395 combined tackles, 98 passes defensed and 22 interceptions in 120 career games.

Davis played in just five games last season with the Colts before being released after dealing with a lingering groin injury which required season-ending surgery. There have been questions about whether he can continue to play at a high level moving forward, but tallied nine interceptions and 45 passes defensed in the three seasons prior to 2017.

 
Prove it contract for Davis only, IMO. No paying up for injured guys.

My order of preference for the draft and free agency (having done zero research on college players this year): DT, OT, LB, CB, RB

Gruden will have major say. Pray he and Reggie Mac gel.

Gimme some thoughts on Vita Vea vs. Da'ron Payne. Want one, especially if it could come with a rd 1 trade down to a QB needy team.

Cheers.

 
Prior to Friday, the Oakland Raiders had a total of seven picks, but that number has since increased to 11. The Silver and Black were awarded four picks, with all selections coming in the sixth round, representing the 210th, 212th, 216th, and 217th overall choices. The Raiders were one of four teams to be awarded four picks, the others being the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, and Green Bay Packers.

 
BustedKnuckles said:
Prior to Friday, the Oakland Raiders had a total of seven picks, but that number has since increased to 11. The Silver and Black were awarded four picks, with all selections coming in the sixth round, representing the 210th, 212th, 216th, and 217th overall choices. The Raiders were one of four teams to be awarded four picks, the others being the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, and Green Bay Packers.
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A lot of other teams got multiple compensatory picks (Vikings, Texans, Cars, etc.) and with the ability to trade them again this year (last year was the first year it could be dine, IIRC), it will make this a really interesting draft. 

If not traded, we are going to miss on many of these 6th round picks, but the luxury of stacking depth in areas of need and the ability to raid BPAs (even that late in the draft) makes me excited about the possibility that this draft and these compensatory picks -- along with Gruden and a healthy Carr -- may just be the final pieces of the puzzle we need to make the run we all hope this team can make these next few years.

 
Report: Raiders keeping WR Crabtree for 2018

The Athletic's Vic Tafur reports the Raiders will bring back Michael Crabtree for the 2018 season.

Crabtree's $7.5 million in salary and bonuses isn't guaranteed, but new coach Jon Gruden met with the receiver and is going to give him a clean slate after Crabtree butted heads with Jack Del Rio's staff last season. Crabtree will turn 31 in September and has never had good speed. However, Crabtree wins with vise-grip hands and an ability to get open. It's a smart move by Oakland.

 
Oakland doesn't have much of a choice.  Their WRs are not a strong group.  Cooper is a question mark and there is nobody else.  

For the record, I think Cooper has a great 2018 but that is really just a thought.  

 
I think Gruden gets Crabtree’s best, which is still pretty good. Isn’t this a contract year for Crabtree? Maybe offer some serious fantasy value this year.

I think they will still be in the market fir a WR. I am ho,ding out hope for Sammy Watkins.

I am beginning to think they will kerp Sean Smith fir the same reason. Boatload of unknowns on the back end of the defense. 

Reggie needs to bring in some reinforcements!

 
32 Counter Pass said:
I think Gruden gets Crabtree’s best, which is still pretty good. Isn’t this a contract year for Crabtree? Maybe offer some serious fantasy value this year.

I think they will still be in the market fir a WR. I am ho,ding out hope for Sammy Watkins.

I am beginning to think they will kerp Sean Smith fir the same reason. Boatload of unknowns on the back end of the defense. 

Reggie needs to bring in some reinforcements!
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Fingers crossed this coaching staff puts players in positions to do what they do best

We saw what Crabs was capable of 2 years ago

correct me if I'm wrong but once Pagano went in as DC we saw Smith improve

 
The Oakland Raiders coaching staff has touched down in Indianapolis, and the group is getting ready to begin its week of work at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine. His introductory press conference aside, this will be the first time Jon Gruden addresses the media since being named head coach, and he’ll do that Wednesday morning. If you’re interested in hearing what Gruden has to say, you can tune in to Raiders.com, Facebook Live, and Periscope to watch the live stream at 6:30 a.m. PST.

Raiders.com will be in Indy all week, bringing you the sights and sounds of all things Combine; don't miss out.

Download the free Raiders Official Mobile App and subscribe to 'Live Stream Alerts' under Settings to receive push notifications when the stream officially goes live.

 
BustedKnuckles said:
The Oakland Raiders coaching staff has touched down in Indianapolis, and the group is getting ready to begin its week of work at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine. His introductory press conference aside, this will be the first time Jon Gruden addresses the media since being named head coach, and he’ll do that Wednesday morning. If you’re interested in hearing what Gruden has to say, you can tune in to Raiders.com, Facebook Live, and Periscope to watch the live stream at 6:30 a.m. PST.

Raiders.com will be in Indy all week, bringing you the sights and sounds of all things Combine; don't miss out.

Download the free Raiders Official Mobile App and subscribe to 'Live Stream Alerts' under Settings to receive push notifications when the stream officially goes live.
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Gruden already looks like he's losing sleep. 

 
Great transcript of Gruden's presser at the combine here.

To me, Gruden seems laser-focused and super-dialed in on needs (inside LB and DT pass rusher, secondary) and calling out the young guys to step the f up.

Given what he says here and elsewhere, I wonder how bought in to Lynch he really is (Gruden seems to always peppers his comments – here and elsewhere – with positives but a lot of “we’ll see”s as well). Also liked the slight dig at Kyle Shanahan (fast-tracked because of his dad). He shows solid self-awareness that the game has changed and gives more insight into why he hired the staff he did (specifically bringing back Olson given his familiarity with coaching Carr).

His clear lingering love for working with rookie QBs is clear (you can tell he is missing not having his ESPN rookie QB show and working with Mayfield and Rosen). Love the opportunity he sees in Olawale, I’d love us to use that position more like we did with Reece and Crockett, as well as leverage solid blocking TEs like Lee Smith. Actually glad we got Crabtree back, and to the points others have made, hope he can pull off a solid season as our cupboard is a little bare, even with Coop.

As to the focus on metrics, the best thing we can do is let Gruden do his Gruden thing. Let other staff members take up the data. There is no school like the old school

Best part was when he channeled his inner Belichick:

Q: When did you decide that Tampa Bay wasn't an option for you to coach?

Gruden: When I was fired.

BB could take note of the overall presser -- THAT's how to run them instead of just stonewalling. Great for fans, players, without too much revealing of hands.

 
Stompin' Tom Connors said:
Given what he says here and elsewhere, I wonder how bought in to Lynch he really is (Gruden seems to always peppers his comments – here and elsewhere – with positives but a lot of “we’ll see”s as well).
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Gruden is the King of Qualifiers. :D

Great decision, I think, to keep Crabtree. He's a quality receiver in the right environment/system and I think Gruden checks both boxes there.

And Tim Brown is saying if Cooper can apply himself, he can catch 125 balls as the Z.

If Carr is back and healthy and can learn the system and make the right reads, the Raiders could have a great offense.

 
Scott Bair
‏@BairNBCS
DT Vita Vea said he had an inflormal meeting with the Raiders this week, and spoke to Raiders defensive line coach (Mike Trgovac). Raiders have the 10th pick. Certainly an option for silver and black.

Scott Bair
‏@BairNBCS
The Raiders has had a meeting with the Alabama LB Rahsaan Evans here at the combine. Inside linebacker who can cover and rush off the edge...probably a first round pick.

 
I have a feeling we could very well go Vita Vea in the first if he is there, even with guys like Edmunds or Smith at LB. 

Vea is an interesting prospect -- he's got a great size/quickness and seems to really well isolated on interior linemen, especially centers. That big push up the middle would be great to continue to help soften edges for Mack, Irvin, etc. Given his ability, the Huskies also used him as an edge rusher at times as well, so he may provide some good rotational/down-distance flexibility.

I am not sure how much of a drop-off there is between Vea and later early-round DTs versus the blue-chip LBs and later round prospects.

Edmunds really appears to be the darling of the crop given the physical freak he is, but for some reason I keep coming back to Roquan Smith -- while comparatively undersized to Edmunds and the prototypical LB, he just seems to have the right polish, and would fit so cleanly in the Will LB slot we are absolutely lacking at right now. If we sew up Bowman and Irvin, seems to me that Smith brings the best Day 1 starter ability in terms of his developed skill-set (vs Edmunds who is rawer). 

If Fitzpatrick or even Ward is still there, can even see nabbing him at 10 instead of Vea or either LB given the desperate need we have there as well.

This is going to be a very interesting Round 1, overall and for us. 3 QBs will absolutely go, and wouldn't be one bit surprised if 4 go off the board before our pick. Chubb (and even possibly Davenport) and Barkley will be gone, and at least one of the top CBs). That leaves some really incredible -- and hard -- choices for us in terms of opportunity cost of what we leave behind (e.g. shoring up the LB corps at the expense of finally getting a long term prospect at LB; getting the interior DT we sorely need at the expense of having another year of getting torched through the air).

Strategy is interesting too as the Niners have similar needs right before us at LB and CB, but seem to have equal/more need in terms of RB and interior offensive linemen.

 
I like Payne a lot too, but I'm hoping the pick is Roquan.  I see Payne mocked to Chargers a lot.  That D line would be really scary if they add him.

 
I can make a great argument for Smith or Edwards at 10, and would love either one.  

There's a report that Trumaine Johnson is considering OAK.  Rumors during the combine are always more legit, because teams and agents all in same place.  

 
32 Counter Pass said:
Can't this be said for most teams? Just look at Jax for the most immediate example.
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of course it can be said for every single team...but every single team doesnt build an elite D

The Raiders havent had a great Defense in decades...its time to put in time and effort ...the offence is good enough to win with a great D leading the way

 
BustedKnuckles said:
of course it can be said for every single team...but every single team doesnt build an elite D

The Raiders havent had a great Defense in decades...its time to put in time and effort ...the offence is good enough to win with a great D leading the way
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I'm a little more optimistic about our defensive talent due to their solid performance after Ken Norton Jr was fired. 

Add a play making LB to the mix and I think we have something going. 

 
joey said:
I'm a little more optimistic about our defensive talent due to their solid performance after Ken Norton Jr was fired. 

Add a play making LB to the mix and I think we have something going. 
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I agree.  Really keeping my fingers crossed that Conley comes into camp totally healthy.  I think he can be a really big piece to the puzzle for us on defense.   

 
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