Khalif Barnes: Starting Left Tackle?

[Postmaster]

Five Qs with Khalif Barnes
New Raiders left tackle Khalif Barnes.

New Raiders left tackle Khalif Barnes wants to apologize for not calling right away for a previously scheduled phone interview.

"I just get caught up in training and it's like tunnel vision, that's all I see," Barnes said after coming up for air three weeks into offseason voluntary workouts. "Sorry 'bout that, it won't happen again."

He also wants everyone to know that he's here to play left tackle, as opposed to the widely assumed right. So if Mario Henderson wants to be the starter at that position, he'll have to go throw Barnes, a four-year starter with the Jaguars who signed a one-year deal with Oakland last month.

Barnes took some time to answer five burning questions as the Raiders prepare for the NFL Draft.

Q: Any experience with the zone blocking scheme?

A: A ton of experience. That's all we did in Jacksonville. I've been going through a few plays here already and like what I see. It's something I'm very good at and something I can get better at. It gives you a chance to get running off the ball. Looking around, we've got a lot of athletic linemen here."

Q: Tom Cable, the offensive line coach turned head coach?

A: "He's a player's coach. He's an offensive line guy. He understands how we work, how we think. He sees things I can already fix so I can become more explosive. I can see and feel the difference already. At one point, you get comfortable playing in a certain stance and a certain way, but the guys coached the positon ... little nuggets here and there can help you out and elevate your game."

Q: With a one-year deal, plan on sticking around?

A: "I know I have a lot of work to do and a lot of individual goals I want to accomplish. I can be one of those tackles thay can stay there for another nine years. You look at guys like Orlando Pace, Jonathan Ogden, guys that stayed in one place for 13 years. I've started four years but I know I have a lot more to do and have a chance to be really good."

Q: Tom Cable said you'll compete at left tackle, but some think you'll be on the right side. Your plans?

A: "I'm so determined to be this franchise's left tackle for the next nine years. I know that's a big challenge but that's my goal. What better place to be a dominant left tackle than with the Raiders? I get a chance to come in here and start I'm not going to let it go."

Q: Any fearless predictions for next season?

A: "This is the year the Raiders can change things around. I know they haven't had the best of years here the past few years but that can all change. Who would have thought Arizona would have gone to the playoffs coming off the season they had? It doesn't matter about the previous records. I'm excited about the players we're playing with. There's going to be some good ball played."

Posted By: David White

[DonkeyKilla]

I'll say this- I like his attitude so far.
competition is always a good thing.

[raiderfreak7]

Definitely like the attitude. Maybe this is a guy who got a fresh start and wants to prove he's a better player than he was the past season. One way or another, if he wins the the left tackle job it's probably not a bad thing (likewise for Mario). It means he earned it.

One thing I'm a little skeptical of is how earnest he is about playing here for the next nine years. Wouldn't surprise me if he plays well and cashes in on a longterm deal elsewhere.

[Raidermania12]

Q: Tom Cable, the offensive line coach turned head coach?

A: "He's a player's coach. He's an offensive line guy. He understands how we work, how we think. He sees things I can already fix so I can become more explosive. I can see and feel the difference already. At one point, you get comfortable playing in a certain stance and a certain way, but the guys coached the positon ... little nuggets here and there can help you out and elevate your game."

Q: With a one-year deal, plan on sticking around?

A: "I know I have a lot of work to do and a lot of individual goals I want to accomplish. I can be one of those tackles thay can stay there for another nine years. You look at guys like Orlando Pace, Jonathan Ogden, guys that stayed in one place for 13 years. I've started four years but I know I have a lot more to do and have a chance to be really good."
I like both of these answers if they are honest ones.

[paranoidmoonduck]

At the least, for a guy who has shown questionable judgment in the past, these answers at least display a smart approach to his new team.

Assuming he's even the one answering the questions.

[Armyr8rfan]

Definitely like the attitude. Maybe this is a guy who got a fresh start and wants to prove he's a better player than he was the past season. One way or another, if he wins the the left tackle job it's probably not a bad thing (likewise for Mario). It means he earned it.

One thing I'm a little skeptical of is how earnest he is about playing here for the next nine years. Wouldn't surprise me if he plays well and cashes in on a longterm deal elsewhere.

If he plays well, and beats MH, which i'm not sure he can, we'd probably franchise him.

[DonkeyKilla]

here's a thought: maybe Barnes is just an insurance policy in case A. Smith is not there at 7. Maybe they plan to take Smith and let them all compete and cut Barnes if we don't need him.. i'ts a one year deal right?

[CrossBones]

I'm just not convinced the Raiders aren't going to try and take a tackle if one is still there at 7 -- like Andre Smith.

It's looking more and more likely that Cleveland will take Michael Crabrtree...so that kind of leaves it between Andre Smith, BJ Raji and Maclin I think. Just don't see Al taking a DT at 7 even though maybe she should. Davis want s to get points on the scoreboard. I think that's clear.

[fade2black24]

Andre Smith would be excellent...Unfortunately I'm buying that he is going to Cincinnati.

What do you think will happen if its between Crabtree and Maclin?

Personally I like Maclin bettter. I'm a little concerned about Crabtree everything from work ethic to route running? He never did any work outs. All there is of Crabtree is film in the spread offense. I find that troubling.

[Postmaster]

Andre Smith would be excellent...Unfortunately I'm buying that he is going to Cincinnati.

What do you think will happen if its between Crabtree and Maclin?

Personally I like Maclin bettter. I'm a little concerned about Crabtree everything from work ethic to route running? He never did any work outs. All there is of Crabtree is film in the spread offense. I find that troubling.

Yes game film is a horrible indicator of talent. Put em' in shorts and see what he can do.

[fade2black24]

I appreciate your sarcasm. I don't mean game film isn't valuable but is it accurate to break down film of a receiver running plays in an offense not prevelant in the NFL? The whole point of these post college workouts is to have the player perfrom what the scouts and coaches want to see. Film + workouts are important in evaluating talent.

[Postmaster]

I appreciate your sarcasm. I don't mean game film isn't valuable but is it accurate to break down film of a receiver running plays in an offense not prevelant in the NFL? The whole point of these post college workouts is to have the player perfrom what the scouts and coaches want to see. Film + workouts are important in evaluating talent.

If Crabtree would of worked out we wouldn't have a chance in hell of getting him at #7.

His injury is the only reason we have a shot at him. I for one am glad he didn't work out. His game speaks for itself. I don't care what his 40 time is, his game speed is insane. How else do you explain all those "gimmick" bubble screens he took to the house?

If you haven't all ready check out some of his highlights on YouTube and judge for yourself.

[paranoidmoonduck]

I don't mean game film isn't valuable but is it accurate to break down film of a receiver running plays in an offense not prevelant in the NFL?

Of course it is. You're looking at how that player reacted to the duties of his given scheme, no matter what that scheme. If there's a problem in translation to a pro offense, you're only going to find it in game film (or maybe somewhere like the Senior Bowl, but that's only the case for a tiny group of prospects).

[007]

I bet when prospects are brought in for workouts, they are running 'Pro style' that a team might use in order to see if a player might fit with what they are doing.

Teams wan't to know if a players physical measurements will add up when applied to a teams scheme.

I know Josh Freeman said on Sirius, that he was given a mini-playbook from the Jets with a couple days to prepare when he went to an individual workout in New York.

I would assume all positions are given some type of playbook, although a QB's is probably more important.

In the end, its all important for a prospect. A bad combine and you might slide, a bad senior season and you might slide, and a poor senior bowl or post season bowl will hurt you too.

[Rupert]

I bet when prospects are brought in for workouts, they are running 'Pro style' that a team might use in order to see if a player might fit with what they are doing.

Teams wan't to know if a players physical measurements will add up when applied to a teams scheme.

I know Josh Freeman said on Sirius, that he was given a mini-playbook from the Jets with a couple days to prepare when he went to an individual workout in New York.

I would assume all positions are given some type of playbook, although a QB's is probably more important.

In the end, its all important for a prospect. A bad combine and you might slide, a bad senior season and you might slide, and a poor senior bowl or post season bowl will hurt you too.

Quite right.

All prospects are given tasks. If you've seen some of the Combine coverage, coaches are out there barking orders and giving guys instructions. Every bit of that is observed by scouts.

Did a kid do what he was told? Could he take instruction when the coach at the 40 starting line told him how to prevent another false start or did he just try to fake his way through it again?

Everyone is watching how the kids react in all those situations. You kow they'll be on their best behavior at the Combine and Senior/Shrine Bowl. If they show any bad tendencies there, look out! It'll only get worse.

[Random Dude]

If he plays well, and beats MH, which i'm not sure he can, we'd probably franchise him.

Yep. If he solidifies the LT position, there is no way Al lets him walk. Right side too.

I am going to sacrifice the cat my wife came home with in order to appease the Gods. Maybe then we will see the second coming of Lincoln Kennedy.

[007]

Quite right.

All prospects are given tasks. If you've seen some of the Combine coverage, coaches are out there barking orders and giving guys instructions. Every bit of that is observed by scouts.

Did a kid do what he was told? Could he take instruction when the coach at the 40 starting line told him how to prevent another false start or did he just try to fake his way through it again?

Everyone is watching how the kids react in all those situations. You kow they'll be on their best behavior at the Combine and Senior/Shrine Bowl. If they show any bad tendencies there, look out! It'll only get worse.

Yep.

The way Freeman made it sound with his personal workout, is the Jets gave him 2 days notice and a playbook, and wanted to see how fast he could learn the offense, the schemes, words and routes etc.

How can he assimilate all this info under pressure and what will he do with it?

I fully assume WR's are given the same type of treatment.

[Stanny]

I appreciate your sarcasm. I don't mean game film isn't valuable but is it accurate to break down film of a receiver running plays in an offense not prevelant in the NFL? The whole point of these post college workouts is to have the player perfrom what the scouts and coaches want to see. Film + workouts are important in evaluating talent.

The thing about Crabtree being in the spread offense that I think helps him is he has ran just about every dang route possible...where it helps him as a player but may hinder him in the NFL is he won't get as much single coverage or have as many mismatches until his offensive unit goes 4 and 5 wide. So learning to get off of bump and run will be a little different (as he will see more) and seeing more safeties coming over the top as he runs deep post's and go routes as the defend against a typical NFL formation.

[Armyr8rfan]

Yep. If he solidifies the LT position, there is no way Al lets him walk. Right side too.

I am going to sacrifice the cat my wife came home with in order to appease the Gods. Maybe then we will see the second coming of Lincoln Kennedy.

Nice. He HAS to be better than Kwame right?....right?!?!?!

[Random Dude]

Nice. He HAS to be better than Kwame right?....right?!?!?!

It would be hard for him to be worse. Having Mario and him step up and be the bookends would do a lot for the team.

[Sleet]

It seems to me that the Raiders are going Crabtree or Raji with the #7 pick, then looking for an OT later in the draft. Al's going to give Henderson and Barnes a real shot to start. If you draft an OT #7, who sits the bench? Al's guy? The rook? The FA?

Sure, competition is a good thing, but, it seems to me, the rook and Barnes would get the nod, and we'd be stunting Henderson's growth, again. Alternatively, Barnes would be sitting the bench, and he might be the best run-blocker (just not the best pass blocker). If the rook sits the bench, why'd we draft him #7?

In contrast, we draft a guy later with a lot of upside, he's got time to develop. We can plug in Pears if Henderson or Barnes struggles or gets hurt. And we have McQue for even more depth at the start of the season. By mid-year, the rook might be in position to take over. By next year, we should know what we got in Henderson, Barnes, the rook and Pears.

[Byron2112]

Yeah, the position is actually looking kinda crowded considering the status of other need positions on the team.... particularly if you consider an expectation if immediate return on the #7.

[Sleet]

Bill Williamson agrees:

Oakland

Tom Cable is talking up the tackles available in the draft.

My take: This is another reason why I think the Raiders are going to take a receiver, likely Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree if he is available. I do believe Oakland will draft a tackle early but it may not be with the No. 7 overall pick.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcwest

[Limee]

No doubt that we have made some moves at tackle and I feel a lot better about the position than I did a few months ago, but there is some serious talent available at that position in the draft. It is certainly not our greatest need, but there is no sure thing on the roster that would stop me taking one if they are deemed the best player available. If we drafted Smith then we would need to look at all the options for forming the best line and how to best develop him as a player. I guess we could look to start him off at RG if Henderson and Barnes lock down the tackle positions.

[Madturk]

In contrast, we draft a guy later with a lot of upside, he's got time to develop. We can plug in Pears if Henderson or Barnes struggles or gets hurt. And we have McQue for even more depth at the start of the season. By mid-year, the rook might be in position to take over. By next year, we should know what we got in Henderson, Barnes, the rook and Pears.


That's my thinking. We can look to the mid rounds for someone like Gerald Cadogan or take a flyer on that Volmer kid from Houston. I definitely think we'll draft another OL, just not early. Just wish we had several more picks on the second day.

[massraider]

Not worth its own thread, but NFLN replayed a Titans/Jags game this weekend, and I DVR'd it. Barnes started at LT this game.

Speed doesn't give him a problem. He moves well, really well, in fact. Mirrors, slides, good balance, the whole thing.

Can easily get to the 2nd level in run blocking, which he did in this game.

Two problems (and this is just my thoughts on one game, so take with a grain of salt):

1. Not sure I saw the nastiness I'd like to see in an O-lineman. If the play was going the other way, seemed pretty content to just get in the other guys way. Rarely finished a guy. Not much fire. Effective most of the time, but seemed like he could have done more.

2. The bull rush. Holy Christmas. Talk about no anchor whatsoever. :shakehead: Some guy named Dave Hall was shoving him back every single time he tried a bull rush. What made it less than a complete nightmare for Barnes was the fact that the rest of the Jax O-line was doing a worse job, so before Hall could make the play, there were 3 other Titans already jumping up and down on Garrard. Hall did collect a sack late in the game, but it was desperation time for Jax, 3rd and long, etc.


Really the only stuff I noticed. And I don't know if the problem with bull rush is strength or technique, but for a guy that size, it was kind of shocking to see.

Pretty encouraged by his pass pro vs. finesse/speed, and also by the notion that his talents might fit a ZBS pretty good.

[DonkeyKilla]

let's hope he can do better for us- and do it on the right side.