Kiffin to address the media tomorrow.

[Postmaster]

Lane Kiffin will have his pre-draft press conference tomorrow at noon. It will be his first time addressing the local media in a group setting since Dec. 31.

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/raiders/

I will be interested to see what he has to say.

[007]

I can almost guarantee he won't say anything important about who he wants.

With damn near 48 hours left, I doubt any coaches are gonna come out and say: "You know, the coaches are really digging that Dorsey dude from LSU to shore up the line, but Big Ol' Al has a Viagra hard on for McFadden"

I expect Kiffin to dodge around most the tough stuff.

You never know though. At this point last year, I remember hearing we had a hard on for Russell, we had brought in Zach Miller for a workout, had worked out Akaika Alama-Francis once or twice, and you also heard of a couple later guys we liked...Not this year.

[SoCalRaider]

Pre-draft press conference?

WTF? ...and... Why?

I'd like to think Kiffin has better things to do with his time than sandbag the media.

[Raidermania12]

Yea, taking an hour or 2 away to do a conference is gonna set the franchise back 20 years of progress. Damn that fucking wretched bastard Kiffin!!! Damn him!!!!!!!:mad:

[Postmaster]

Hopefully this is a good sign towards Kiffin's good standing in the organization.

He has only spoken once since all those FALSE rumors came out.

[s.dot88]

i think they'll probably use the press confrence to posture in hopes of a trade down

with the amount of picks we have and the amount of money we have spent in free agency, im still thinking that trade down is priority #1 if Chris Long is off the board when we pick

i expect to hear alot of "we need this guy, but really like this guy, and would look at trade offers as well"

[RZ]

Pre-draft press conference?

WTF? ...and... Why?

I'd like to think Kiffin has better things to do with his time than sandbag the media.

All the teams are going them (they did them last year too) ... Just got done watching the Rams Pre Draft Conference on the NFL Network.. Falcons and Raiders are coming up next ... not sure what time the Chiefs PC is, but I want to catch that just to see the 2 dipshits (CP and Herm) talk out their asses :pound:

[Jack's sore libido]

Is this press conference on TV?

[RZ]

Is this press conference on TV?

hasn't been on the NFLN yet.. combine replays right now. If it comes on, I'll post it really quick.

[Madturk]

Nm link wasn't working

[Madturk]

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/raiders/

Exerpts from Kiff's PC

[Stanny]

Kiffin talking trade
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, April 24th, 2008 at 2:50 pm in Oakland Raiders
31 Comments »


Lane Kiffin was floating the possibility Thursday of a trading the No. 4 overall pick, which could mean any number of things.

Perhaps the Raiders are seeking more and better offers to what they already have for the right to select what could be Arkansas running back Darren McFadden.

Maybe it was to disguise the fact that the Raiders will actually taken McFadden themselves.

Or possibly Kiffin was just killing time, promoting the intrigue that goes with the last few days before a draft.

In a welcomed departure from recent years, the Raiders coach met with the media provide an update on club business and discuss the draft. The Raiders even trotted out two of their offseason acquisitions, cornerback DeAngelo Hall and left tackle Kwame Harris, for Q&A sessions.

(I’ll post something on those interviews later)

Kiffin started talking trade as part of opening statement.

“With the upcoming draft, obviously with the fourth pick overall, a number of great players will be sitting there for us to take,” Kiffin said. “More than ever, not in Raider fashion, we may trade back. It hasn’t happened before but it is something we’re seriously looking at. And that stems from the lack of picks and not having a fifth, a third or a second, it’s something we’re really looking at and having conversations about because of the lack of picks.”

Kiffin said there have been “a number of calls, and a few serious conversations” about trading the pick.

The trade partner would most likely be a team that covets McFadden, a player also happens to be the player most mock drafts have as the Raiders choice.

“There are going to be guys there that people are valuing, McFadden especially because he’s so unique and so dynamic, there are a number of teams that want him, and some teams right behind us, maybe not one pick behind us, but two picks behind us, that really want him,” Kiffin said. “When you’re going back there’s got to be something they really want to come up. That’s usually a quarterback or just a phenomenal touchdown maker.”

The team right behind the Raiders is the Chiefs, who already have Larry Johnson in the backfield and could be looking at quarterback Matt Ryan of Boston College, an offensive lineman such as Brendan Albert or a defensive tackle such as Sedrick Ellis. Two spots back are New York Jets, who would love to have McFadden drop to the No. 6 spot, but have the Raiders as a gatekeeper in their way.

After picking at No. 6, New York has a choice early in the second round (No. 36 overall), two picks in the fourth (Nos. 102 and 113) and picks in the sixth (171) and seventh (211).

The Dallas Cowboys, who have two first round picks (Nos. 22 and 28) have also been mentioned as a trade partner. Dallas also has a pick in every round from 2 through 7 (Nos. 61, 92, 126, 163, 167 and 235).

The Raiders have never had fewer than six picks in an NFL draft. When asked if he would be surprised if Oakland had just five draftees in its 2008 draft class, Kiffin said, “Yeah, I think I would. I think I would be surprised because that’s a long time to sit in the room without doing anything.”

Other topics addressed by Kiffin Thursday included:

–Assessing offensive line prospects for a zone blocking system.

“I think if you saw our board on offensive linemen you’d be shocked because it wouldn’t go anywhere near any of the mock drafts or any of the people that you see where you go,” Kiffin said. “We’d have people at the top of our offensive line board that you’d think are fourth or fifth round picks. It’s a different way to eveluate people.”

Albert, the Virginia Tech lineman who has been a climber on draft boards of late as a projected tackle, would be a guard in a zone blocking system, Kiffin said.

– A commitment to Tommy Kelly as the three-technique.

“We re-signed Tommy to play the three technique, so that’s where Tommy is going to be playing,” Kiffin said. “He’s moved around a lot here in the past. He’s played nose, he’s played three, he’s played open side end, closed side end.

That’s not going to happen any more. He’s here to be our three technique and dominate in there. I just imagine that’s going to help him so much, because he gets to focus on one thing instead of playing four different spots.”

Kiffin said LSU tackle Glenn Dorsey, who most figure will be gone by the time the Raiders pick to either St. Louis or Atlanta, is probably better suited to a three-technique but is capable of playing the nose.

– The appeal of Virginia end Chris Long, son of Howie Long.

“I think you see a phenomenal effort player, first of all – nonstop, relentless, a guy who’s played a number of spots,” Kiffin said. “He’s actually played in a 3-technique, he’s played in a 3-4 where he’s head-up and he’s bumped outside, and he’s stood up as a backer inside. So there’s no scenario you need to look at that you don’t have on film, of what he can do, and what he brings to the table. He’s so strong at the point of attack, and would be a guy that I think would help us tremendously in the run game.”

– The versatility of Ohio State rush end Vernon Gholston.

“He definitely can play in a 4-3 system. He’s perfect for a 3-4 system outside, probably, but he can definitely play in a 4-3,” Kiffin said.

– The 2007 slump of nose tackle Terdell Sands.

“Last offseason he went through a lot of tough things. Lost a number of very close people in his family, and as you look back, that affected him,” Kiffin said. “I know he’d be the first to tell you, he didn’t go through the offseason the way he should have, and he let that affect his football instead of dealing with it otherwise, and did not have a productive offseason, and ended up having to play catch up the whole time.

“Training camp isn’t the time here to catch up and to get in shape. Training camp, come in shape, and we’ll improve you and get you better. Instead, he came in to get in shape in training camp and never caught up.”

– The absence of defensive end Derrick Burgess from the offseason program.

Derrick has not been in here (in the offseason) since he’s been here,” Kiffin said.“You like everybody here. You want 100 percent, but there are some guys that you feel more comfortable not being here because you know how they work, you know what they do.

“One of the best stories about Derrick is he plays in the Pro Bowl a couple of years ago, and the people at Ole Miss are telling me, it’s two days after the Pro Bowl and he’s up there working out two days after the Pro Bowl. So, that’s what you got there. So, if there’s anybody you don’t worry about being in shape and working out, Derrick’s one of them.”

– The offseason of JaMarcus Russell.
“He’s having a phenominal offseason. He came back 10, 11 days before we even started,” Kiffin said. “So he was with our coaches and with our strength staff before everybody else got back here five weeks ago and he hasn’t missed a thing since. Most the guys are really here three, four hours a day. He’s here about five-and-a-half, six hours a day.

“He’s here first thing in the morning, he has position meetings in the morning, he goes in and lifts and he goes in and runs. He comes in and changes and goes back out and throws with the guys. By far he’s in the best shape since I’ve seen him, even if you go back to his pro day at college. So I know he’s real excited about the upcoming season as well.”

The status of running back LaMont Jordan.

“LaMont does have a very high contract, and a big number coming into this,” Kiffin said. “So we have to look at what happens in the draft, look at what else is going on and make a decision.”

– Health updates.

Kiffin said Kelly should be ready to go 100 percent by training camp. Free agent wide receiver Javon Walker (knee) should be good to go at the first minicamp following the draft, and safety Jarrod Cooper “is nearly 100 percent) following ACL surgery.

[RZ]

Trading places

For all you conspiracy theorists out there, you’ll be glad to know Lane Kiffin wore a red (eerily close to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers colors) shirt at today’s press conference.

That’s right, he’s clearly letting the world know he’ll join Jon Gruden and his father, Monte Kiffin, in Tampa by the end of the year.

But onto more serious matters, like the 2008 NFL Draft.

Kiffin discussed the very real possibility of the Raiders trading down because they only have five picks in the draft, none in the second or third rounds.

When a trade might happen isn’t certain.

“Something can happen any minute here. If that happens it’s more that we’re looking at it and saying there’s not someone there we just feel great about. Or the other way is if our guy is not there at that point we’ll go ahead and deal with that on Saturday, but we’ve got to wait until we’re on the clock to make sure our guy’s not there.”

He added a late first and a late second wouldn't be enough to make a deal. So a team in the middle of the first round that might really want Darren McFadden could be a partner (Chicago?)

There will be more on that in tomorrow’s paper, since I still have to write a story. But here are some noteworthy things from Kiffin.

*He reiterated defensive line is where the biggest need is. He believes Chris Long’s strength would be a boost against the run. He said Vernon Gholston might be a better fit in a 3-4, but he can definitely play defensive end in the 4-3.

*For those that don’t know, Al Davis has the final say on draft picks.

“He's the owner. At the end, if there's a disagreement on something, it's going to be expressed why and the reason why I feel we should go a certain way. He owns the team, just like 31 other teams, in the end, that's who's going to have the final say.”

*Kiffin talked about the need for a "dynamic" player a lot last season. That's the word he used to describe McFadden more than once.

*On drafting offensive linemen in the zone-blocking scheme:

“I think if you saw our board on offensive linemen you'd be shocked because it wouldn't go anywhere near any of the mock drafts or any of the people that you see where you go. We'd have people at the top of our offensive line board that you'd think are fourth or fifth round picks. It's a different way to evaluate people. Some people can really play in this system really well.”

*On JaMarcus Russell:

“He came back 10, 11 days before we even started. So he was with our coaches and with our strength staff before everybody else got back here five weeks ago and he hasn't missed a thing since. Most the guys are really here 3-4 hours a day. He's here about 5 1/2, 6 hours a day. He's here first thing in the morning, he has position meetings in the morning, he goes in and lifts and he goes in and runs. He comes in and changes and goes back out and throws with the guys. By far he's in the best shape since I've seen him, even if you go back to his pro day at college. So I know he's real excited about the upcoming season as well.”

*Kiffin said the decision of whether to draft a defensive end or tackle also depends on what the team can expect from Terdell Sands. After emerging as run stuffer in 2006 and signing a four-year, $17 million deal, he tailed off noticeably in 2007.

“Last offseason he went through a lot of tough things. Lost a number of very close people in his family, and as you look back, that affected him, and I know he’d be the first to tell you, he didn’t go through the offseason the way he should have, and he let that affect his football instead of dealing with it otherwise, and did not have a productive offseason, and ended up having to play catch up the whole time. Training camp isn’t the time here to catch up and to get in shape. Training camp, come in shape, and we’ll improve you and get you better. Instead, he came in to get in shape in training camp and never caught up.”

Kiffin said Sands has been present a lot this offseason after not being around much at all last year.

*Michael Bush is looking good at running back and just needs an opportunity.

And finally, Kiffin on the running back the fans love to hate, LaMont Jordan, when asked if he expected him to be on the team this season.

“I don’t know that. LaMont does have a very high contract, and a big number coming into this. So we have to look at what happens in the draft, look at what else is going on and make a decision.”

Kwame Harris and DeAngelo Hall also spoke today and I’ll have more on them later. But I need to get to writing a story before my editor thinks I’m busy on Myspace, Facebook, or just watching YouTube highlights of Kobe Bryant.

[Madturk]

– The 2007 slump of nose tackle Terdell Sands.

“Last offseason he went through a lot of tough things. Lost a number of very close people in his family, and as you look back, that affected him,” Kiffin said. “I know he’d be the first to tell you, he didn’t go through the offseason the way he should have, and he let that affect his football instead of dealing with it otherwise, and did not have a productive offseason, and ended up having to play catch up the whole time.

“Training camp isn’t the time here to catch up and to get in shape. Training camp, come in shape, and we’ll improve you and get you better. Instead, he came in to get in shape in training camp and never caught up.”




I have to give him the benefit of the doubt after finding out he lost his mom last season. I don't think many people were aware of this. Thought that he maybe took the money and went Buster Douglas on us. I don't expect him to morph into Albert Haynesworth or Pat Williams but he can be an effective run stopper if we can get him back on track.

[massraider]

Interesting stuff across the board.

A trade down to 6 would be interesting. If Long goes #2, and we could move down and still get Gholston, I'd feel OK about the 1st round.

[Stanny]

Interesting stuff across the board.

A trade down to 6 would be interesting. If Long goes #2, and we could move down and still get Gholston, I'd feel OK about the 1st round.

Well with the Jets now acquiring additional picks from Dungver, I have quite the gut feeling that we will be swapping positions with the J E T S...Jets Jets Jets and the Raiders would go with Vernon Gholston or Sedrick Ellis. Even at number six the Raiders could still land Chris Long should Dorsey go number two and the Chefs either go Gholston or Matt Ryan....Worst case scenerio should the Raiders trade with the Jets, we'd still land Sedrick Ellis. Hell if we could pick up a 2nd round pick (Jets#36) and their 4th round pick (#102) I'd make the trade in a heart beat. Then try and off-load Fabs to Atlanta for a 3rd round pick and we'd be in business.

[massraider]

Well with the Jets now acquiring additional picks from Dungver, I have quite the gut feeling that we will be swapping positions with the J E T S...Jets Jets Jets and the Raiders would go with Vernon Gholston or Sedrick Ellis. Even at number six the Raiders could still land Chris Long should Dorsey go number two and the Chefs either go Gholston or Matt Ryan....Worst case scenerio should the Raiders trade with the Jets, we'd still land Sedrick Ellis. Hell if we could pick up a 2nd round pick (Jets#36) and their 4th round pick (#102) I'd make the trade in a heart beat. Then try and off-load Fabs to Atlanta for a 3rd round pick and we'd be in business.

Son of Howie still being there is a crazy, crazy notion. I like it, but we just ain't that lucky.:shakehead:

I do agree that the Jets acquiring those extra picks make a trade that much more possible. Great point.

[hawaiianboy]

A trade down to 6 would be interesting. If Long goes #2, and we could move down and still get Gholston, I'd feel OK about the 1st round.


1) Fish Jake Long
2) Rams Chris Long
3) Falcons Glenn Dorsey
4) NY Jets McFadden
5) Chiefs Gholston
6) Raiders ?????

If it falls like this, then what do we do? Ellis as mentioned? Start trying to sell the pick to someone interested in Ryan or Ellis?... I don't know, the farther we get away from the elite 4, the more likely we are to pull a whatdahell pick out of Al's pocket... Gaining a 2nd round pick wouldn't make me feel better about that...

[Jack's sore libido]

I'd be fine with Ellis at 6. Is he really that far off from Gholston?

[Raidermania12]

Ellis did not time out well at the combine but he is a great football player, nonetheless. He has bulked up to 309 pounds and can play NT and/or DT at the next level.


I'd still prefer a DE, but Ellis isnt a bum. But still rather have Long if he fell.

[Stanny]

I'd be fine with Ellis at 6. Is he really that far off from Gholston?

Great point Jack...I say no. I think Ellis fits our scheme well or better than Gholston and I compare him to a Rod Coleman style of play but may hold the point of attack better? I'd be ok with Ellis at number 6 and if we could snag the Jets 2nd round pick we could go after a Sam Baker, Duane Brown,
Pat Sims, Dre Moore, Early Doucet etc....

[massraider]

1) Fish Jake Long
2) Rams Chris Long
3) Falcons Glenn Dorsey
4) NY Jets McFadden
5) Chiefs Gholston
6) Raiders ?????

If it falls like this, then what do we do? Ellis as mentioned? Start trying to sell the pick to someone interested in Ryan or Ellis?... I don't know, the farther we get away from the elite 4, the more likely we are to pull a whatdahell pick out of Al's pocket... Gaining a 2nd round pick wouldn't make me feel better about that...

You're right, and any pick aside from Ellis would make me scratch my head.

At that point, I'd auction off Ryan, and look to grab Harvey.

Yeah, not ideal. I guess I'd just take Gholston.

[CrossBones]

I'll settle for one of the big four --- Dorsey, Long, McFadden or Ghloston.

But I know who Al will pick but I just can't say. Sorry. :chucle:

[Raidermania12]

If the new info giving kiffin era is upon us, kinda speaks to where him asnd davis are at in an uneasy alliance. Or........


They are playing the smoke screen to its limit.

[hawaiianboy]

At that point, I'd auction off Ryan, and look to grab Harvey.

Maybe Al can channel his inner Sevendust:

Go from 4 to the Jets spot at 6 so the Jets can get McFadden... (Net gain: 3rd RD pick)

Go from 6 to 8 so that the Ravens assure themselves of getting Ryan... (Net gain: 3rd RD pick)

Go from 8 to 10 allowing the Saints to jump the Bengals for Sed Ellis.... (Net gain 3rd RD pick)

Go from 10 to 19 allowing the Eagles to jump the Bills for Devin Thomas... (Net gain: 2nd RD pick)

Go from 19 to 22 allowing the Boys to ensure they get Felix Jones ahead of Tampa... (Net gain: 3rd RD pick)

Go from 22 to 32 allowing the Fish to get whatever QB they are targeting... (Net gain 2009 1st RD pick)

http://smiley.onegreatguy.net/crackhead.gif

[Jack's sore libido]

Now that's the ticket!

[007]

LOL.

I think Mass is right on.

If we lose out on Dorsey-Long at 2/3, we should trade to six, so the Jets nab McFadden, and then auction off the 6 pick to drop down into the 8-13 pick and end up with Derrick Harvey/Sed Ellis/Keith Rivers etc.

I figure those two trades alone would net us our second, third and an extra fourth.

Cook it up!

[s.dot88]

i think the Jets are wanting to move up for Matt Ryan, and we can very possibly get DMac at 6

if Long is still on the board and we trade back to 6, i dont think it is all that farfetched taht we would end up with him at 6, cnsidering the Cheifs could take Gholston or Ryan

that said, i still think we stay put and land a good prospect

[massraider]

that said, i still think we stay put and land a good prospect

I think that's always most likely, but I think this year a trade down may be more likely, for all the reasons Kiffin mentioned, not to mention the money this team has spent recently. Saving 10 mill in guaranteed money may appeal to Big Al.

I also think it bears mentioning that we really have no idea who the Raiders are targeting, and that player might be available later. it wouldn't shock me to learn the Raiders are in love with Ellis, or even Harvey.

I like HBoy's trade down scenarios :D, but I'd settle for one, if Chris Long is gone.

[Raidermania12]

If everything kiffin says happens. it would kinda be blasphemy. How often have we telegraphed our draft move verbally to the media?

[007]

He did really telegraph it though.

I've heard him say over the last two months that "Good DL will be availible when we pick", "Darren McFadden is a dynamic talent" and "A trade down is more likely due to our lack of picks"

I'd say he's covered all of his bases.

I did hear Vernon Gholston on SIRIUS today, he finished up a day trip to Oakland this week, meeting with Al Davis, and saying they seemed 'extremely interested'

48 hours or so to go.

[SoCalRaider]

1) Fish Jake Long
2) Rams Chris Long
3) Falcons Glenn Dorsey
4) NY Jets McFadden
5) Chiefs Gholston
6) Raiders ?????

If it falls like this, then what do we do? Ellis as mentioned? Start trying to sell the pick to someone interested in Ryan or Ellis?... I don't know, the farther we get away from the elite 4, the more likely we are to pull a whatdahell pick out of Al's pocket... Gaining a 2nd round pick wouldn't make me feel better about that...

The only scenario I see the Raiders trading back is if the Raiders are guaranteed Long or Gholston.

Dorsey at #2

1) Dolphins - J.Long
2) Rams/Saints - Dorsey
3) Falcons - Ryan
4) Jets - McFadden
5) Chiefs - Long
6) Raiders - Gholston

Therein lies the potential disaster if the Raiders do trade back with Long on the board. The prospect of Long falling to the Chiefs as a replacement for J.Allen is something I highly doubt Al will ever let happen. I also think the Jets know this as well. If the Raiders hold and take Long, and we assume the Chiefs have no interest in gaining more picks thanks to the Allen trade........... I don't see why the Jets trade up. McFadden will be there at 6.


C.Long at #2

1) Dolphins - J.Long
2) Rams - C.Long
3) Falcons - Dorsey
4) Raiders - McFadden
5) Chiefs/Jets - Gholston

I think in this scenario, the Raiders do what the Chargers did with Eli Manning and the Giants a few years back. Take McFadden and force the Jets to get Gholston before they fire the trade. Worst case scenario is the Jets don't land Gholston and Al is stuck with McFadden (which he may be willing to live with)....

[Raidermania12]

Q: How is QB JaMarcus Russell. doing with his physical regiment and mentally embracing the playbook?

Coach Kiffin: He is having a phenomenal off-season. He came back 10 or 11 days before we even started and he was with our coaches and with our strength staff before we got back here and he hasn’t missed a thing since. The rest of the guys are really here about 3-4 hours a day and he is here about 5-6 hours a day. He is here first thing in the morning, he has position meetings and then he goes and lifts and then he runs back in to change and goes back out to throw with the guys. By far, he is in the best shape I have seen him, even if you go back to his pro day at college. I know he is really excited about the upcoming season as well.

good to hear. with all that money in his pocket, i'm glad to know he has no plans to sit on his ass collecting it.

[Madturk]

Raiders consider trading down in draft

Posted: April 25, 2008
ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) -- Teams picking near the top of the NFL draft normally have plenty of needs.

Even after a busy offseason of acquisitions that brought in former Pro Bowlers DeAngelo Hall and Javon Walker, the Oakland Raiders are no different.


That's why Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said the team is giving consideration to moving down from the No. 4 spot in the first round to make up for the fact that Oakland's second of five picks doesn't come until the fourth round with the 104th overall selection.

"More than ever, not in Raider fashion, we may trade back," Kiffin said Thursday. "It hasn't happened before but it is something we're seriously looking at. And that stems from the lack of picks and not having a fifth, a third or a second. It's something we're really looking at and having conversations about."

Kiffin said the Raiders have talked to a number of teams interested in the fourth pick, with some of those conversations characterized as "serious."

The fourth pick could have significant value because it's probable that highly regarded running back Darren McFadden will be available and there's also a good chance that top quarterback Matt Ryan will be there for the taking.

The Raiders clearly would not draft Ryan after using the No. 1 overall selection last year on quarterback JaMarcus Russell. They also don't have a glaring need for McFadden, a player Kiffin has compared to Reggie Bush.

Kiffin has downplayed Oakland's interest in McFadden because the team re-signed Justin Fargas to a $12 million, three-year contract earlier in the offseason, renegotiated Dominic Rhodes' contract, and thinks highly of Michael Bush, who missed his rookie season recovering from a broken leg.

The Raiders finished sixth overall in running last season and had a 100-yard rusher in half of their games.

"We're so stockpiled at that position," Kiffin said. "Sometimes running back's not a need but a dynamic player, sometimes you obviously have to look at because the guy is so good at it he becomes a need for a star at that position. Obviously we've watched a lot of him, done a lot of research on him. But there's so many different directions for us to go before we get to running."

The primary need for the Raiders is at defensive line, which is also a strength at the top of this draft. Oakland allowed a league-worst 4.8 yards per carry and had only 27 sacks during a 4-12 season.

With offensive lineman Jake Long already taken No. 1 by Miami, the Raiders are assured that at least one of the top three defensive linemen -- Glenn Dorsey, Chris Long and Vernon Gholston -- will be on the board when they pick at No. 4.

"It's a position of need for us and there's going to be at least one really good player there when we pick from the D-line," Kiffin said.

Dorsey is the least likely of the three to still be available after St. Louis and Atlanta make their picks, but the Raiders appear to have a bigger need at end where Long and Gholston play instead of tackle.

Kiffin said newly re-signed lineman Tommy Kelly would start at one of the defensive tackle spots next season and praised the offseason work by Terdell Sands, a disappointment as a run-stopper last season.

Kiffin had his biggest praise for Chris Long. Kiffin called Long a "phenomenal effort player" who has proven he can play in a number of different roles.

"He's so strong at the point of attack, and would be a guy that I think would help us tremendously in the run game," Kiffin said.

Gholston is more of a pass-rusher than a run-stopper, but the Raiders do need to replace Chris Clemons, who left as a free agent after tying for the team lead with eight sacks last season.

The other needs the Raiders could address in the draft are at receiver, offensive line, outside linebacker, safety and returner.

The Raiders have been the NFL's worst team since getting to the Super Bowl in the 2002 season, posting a 19-61 record the past five seasons. The production in the draft has been a big reason for those struggles.

Oakland hasn't drafted a Pro Bowl player since getting punter Shane Lechler in the fifth round in 2000. The last non-specialist drafted to make the Pro Bowl with the Raiders was cornerback Charles Woodson in 1998 and the last offensive Pro Bowler drafted was center Barret Robbins in 1995.

The Raiders have had three top 10 selections the past four seasons and haven't found a surefire star yet. Robert Gallery struggled at tackle in his first three seasons after being the second pick in 2002 before showing some positive signs as a left guard last season despite a penchant for penalties.

Safety Michael Huff has just one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery since being taken seventh in 2006, and Russell started only one game last season because of a contract dispute after being picked first overall.




Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

[Raider Nation]

So Russell's in shape and spending double the time at the facility than anyone else. Sands is being praised for his offseason commitment. Kiffen's giving away our draft strategy.

God damnit, where's Crow! I need someone to throw some cold water on all this happy, cheery shit.

[jatfly]

Yeah I am not buying any of this Al never shows his cards in the draft. Every year we do something....

My prediction is Al is hoping it goes
Dorsey to Rams
Ryan to Atl

C. Long or Trade

[poptart]

C. Long or Trade



Yep, I'm seeing that too.

[CrossBones]

So Russell's in shape and spending double the time at the facility than anyone else. Sands is being praised for his offseason commitment. Kiffen's giving away our draft strategy.

God damnit, where's Crow! I need someone to throw some cold water on all this happy, cheery shit.Natty you are so naive.

We suck.

[raiderfreak7]

From the exerpts I've seen he didn't really praise Terd. Just said that some off the field issues caused him to start last offseason late and never caught up. Said he was now back on schedule.

The stuff about Jamarcus is real encouraging. Playoffs!!

[RZ]

From the exerpts I've seen he didn't really praise Terd. Just said that some off the field issues caused him to start last offseason late and never caught up. Said he was now back on schedule.

The stuff about Jamarcus is real encouraging. Playoffs!!

well, first of all, fuck the exerpts, watch the press conference and hear if from kiffins mouth himself (he did praise his offseason work)

Kiffin said newly re-signed lineman Tommy Kelly would start at one of the defensive tackle spots next season and praised the offseason work by Terdell Sands, a disappointment as a run-stopper last season.

bolded and redded the exerpt incase you can't find the press conference..

[raiderfreak7]

I've only found a two minute clip of the interview (off NFL.com) and it said nothing about Terdell. Any other places to look?

And I already saw those redded parts, but like I said, I haven't heard it yet.

[RZ]

I've only found a two minute clip of the interview (off NFL.com) and it said nothing about Terdell. Any other places to look?

And I already saw those redded parts, but like I said, I haven't heard it yet.

I saw the longer version of the PressConf on NFLN might be on youtube? Maybe Raiders.com has it?