Oakland Raiders: On The Verge Of a Dynasty

I believe the Oakland Raiders might have a special group of young stars on this roster. For the next decade we might see the emergence of dominance lifetime fans are used to… There is too much talent for this mediocrity we have seen in the past six years.

On the offensive side of the ball,  something incredible is waiting to happen.

It all starts with Jamarcus Russel. I have no question in my mind he can be the great quarterback we all want him to be.

He has every physical tool needed to be an elite QB in this league, but all the criticism points toward the lack of work ethic and  the mental part of his game.

He needs to understand that being a great QB in this league means not just staying in the film room an extra few minutes, but making sure you understand what everyone else is doing at all times in every possible situation. If he can do that, he  will  be among the elite.

Then there is Darren Mcfadden, greatness is in his future. He is fast, physical, and holds the ability to take this raider offense to another level.

He averaged 4.4 yards per carry while suffering from turf toe, a nagging injury that has ended some careers. In comparison Marion Barber averaged 3.7 YPC and Ladainian Tomlinson averaged 3.8 YPC, so I think that he will be very solid at running back.

Michael Bush can be an unstoppable 4th quarter back, wearing down defenses, much like a Brandon Jacobs. And he also averaged 4.4 YPC.

How about Zach Miller? He is going to be a pro-bowler soon.

Maybe when Antonio Gates retires, maybe even next year. If he can improve from last year he will be considered a top tier TE in the NFL, and with Brandon Myers taking the burden of blocking off if Zach’s shoulders, he’ll be able to reach that goal.

We have a very solid group of young WRs that continue to improve, they are all very fast, which stretches the field. Honestly, if they went 4 or 5 wide with guys who can all run sub 4.4 40s, somebody is gonna be open.

On to the defense…

Nnamdi Asomugha, need I say more??

Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard are the most underrated players in the NFL, they are easily the best cover LBs in the NFL, but maybe they need to work on their run-stuffing abilities before they are thought of as elite LBs. Hopefully Greg Ellis wises up and decides to play the SAM, so I can stop having to watch Ricky whatever-his-name-is whiff on tackles.

Our D-line will measure the success of the defense this year. Hopefully John Marshall can put together something that can shut down the run so we can close out a game in the 4th quarter or maybe even make a comeback.

If everyone can stay accountable, work hard, and live up to the huge expectations, the Autumn wind will take the NFL by storm next year.

Raiders’ Draft Grade: A+

After seeing a majority of the picks made, the Raiders surprised me with a comeback on the second day. I am excited with all of the picks.

First round- Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR.

I am so glad Al decided to take the speed demon, but I am especially happy with this pick because he also took a great character guy. He will effectively spread the field, opening all kinds of opportunities for everyone else on the offense. Heyard-Bey has suspect hands, but that can be fixed. You can’t teach a 4.3 40-meter time and he also is a two-time Biltnikoff Award finalist.

Second round- Michael Mitchell, S.

Besides the name, I love the way this guy plays. If he can come in and steal a starting spot, he will add a level of physicality that this defense was missing. At 221 pounds, a height at 6’2″, and a 40 time of 4.43, he will be a real banger.  In his senior season at Ohio University, he recorded 62 tackles, 3 interceptions, and a sack.

Third round- Matt Shaugnessy, DE

I’ve never heard of this guy, but he’s an interesting prospect. With 29 solo tackles, 60 total tackles, and four sacks, he might be able to sneak into a starting job if Burgess is traded.

Fourth round- Louis Murphy, WR

This by far my favorite late pick. He was a captain for the National Champion Florida Gators, he led the team in receiving yards with 655 (Gators do a lot of reverses and options, so they don’t actually throw that much), was second on the team in receptions with 38, and had seven touchdowns. He may be a starter or a good situational player at the least. I have no idea how he fell into the fourth round, but I sure am glad…

Fourth round- Slade Norris, LB

With 19 sacks in his final two years at Oregon State, Norris is a great value pick. He could be effective in third down situations.

Sixth round- Stryer Sulak, DE/LB

I think this is the steal of the draft.  He is a three-time All Big-12 honoree and as a senior, he recorded:

– 55 tackles, 15.5 for a loss.

– 10.5 sacks

-led the NCAA with six forced fumbles.

However, Sulak is a tweener at 6’5″ and only 250 pounds, so either he can bulk up and play DE or he will stay where he’s at and attempt to get a starting role. Unfortunately, he might just end up on special teams.

6th round- Brandon Myers, TE

All Big-Ten TE, who accumulated 34 receptions and 441 yards. Also tied for the most TDs with four. Will not start, but will be in on 2-tight end sets.

You Know What? I Like DHB In Silver and Black…and Mike Mitchell!

At first when I heard Darrius Heyward-Bey’s name come out of Roger Goodell’s mouth, I began contemplating a death threat to mail in to Al Davis. I wrote a quick little snippet article questioning his tactics.

But when I heard the conference call with DHB and the Cable Guy soon after, I instantly fell in love with the guy (no homo).

I would rather have a guy who wants to be there, and wants to do everything in his ability to make this franchise a playoff contender, instead of a Michael Crabtree who doesn’t want to be a Real Raider, who has a diva attitude, who mutters “whew” when passed on.

I’m glad we passed on this second coming of a T.O., this new and improved cancer.

Michael Crabtree was passed on by the Cleveland Browns, isn’t it interesting that they drafted two WRs rather than taking this so-called “special player.”

I feel ashamed that I was a long time advocate of this Michael Crabtree. I say good riddance to the man who possibly could and would have destroyed an already dismal locker room morale!

And when you look at DHB intangibles, he has the physical tools of a Randy Moss in his prime.

– Height: 6-3

– Reported personal record 40 time at 4.23 (would tie Deion Sanders for the fastest 40 ever)

He needs to works on his route running, and consistency with his hands. But I truly really like this guy, and he’ll help J-Russ keep his job, D-Mac have his breakout year, and stretch the field for our other receivers.

Plus, I really like the pickup of the darkhorse in Mike Mitchell. He was taken so highly only because the Bears were planning to take him from the Raiders, the thought that the Raiders would follow popular belief, and would attempt to take him in later rounds.

They must not know Al Davis…

He got the guy who dreamed of playing with the dynasty that is the Oakland Raiders, before the Chicago Bears could steal him only two picks later. Notice how they traded down immediately after we acquired Mike “The Chain Pike” Mitchell.

The Raiders are in a rebuilding phase, and they are trying to fill the locker room with guys who want to be there. They are trying to change the mentality of this  organization. Even if it means taking guys who weren’t as lucky to be in a 100 percent passing spread offense.

Just like we don’t need head case free agents, we don’t need head case rookies…

My commitment to the Raiders had slightly faltered today, but know it is stronger than ever…

I Believe…Do you??

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