Just in case anyone is interested...

[Crow]

Hey,

Just wanted to provide an update on the progress of the re-launch.

I have compiled my initial list of about three-hundred seniors. Now it's time to get and format all of their headshots, find the career stats and make the web pages.

Then it's on to the mock draft, rankings and all of the other features.

Right now the target date for re-launch is September 1.


http://draftcountdown.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35025

[Crow]

Pretty interesting debate regarding Taylor Mays. He is, of course, the early favorite the be the guy unfortunate enough to be drafted into Raider Hell.

http://draftcountdown.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34694

[Rupert]

Pretty interesting debate regarding Taylor Mays. He is, of course, the early favorite the be the guy unfortunate enough to be drafted into Raider Hell.

http://draftcountdown.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34694

No reason at all to draft him unless we're going to convert him to a pass rushing DE. LOL!

We're not a team that typically drafts safeties early. Huff and Mitchell are exceptioons, and well, uh, maybe Mitchell can break the trend of totally whiffing when we draft a safety high. Or maybe the game slowed down when Huff woke up this season. It looks lie it did a little, but it doesn't look like enoough. Yet?

[Crow]

Gibson?
Bates?
Was Nnamdi always going to be a CB? For a year or two, it seemed like nobody knew.

I don't think Al is any less likely to take a safety than any other position. I'm sure the "Mays runs a 4.3 40 at 6'3 and 230 pounds." rumor has long made its way to his office. I suppose it's possible that he has enough sense to not trust a college's sorta-official 40 times. They cheat by at least a tenth of a second by rule.

Until yesterday, I was working with the assumption that Al had "his guys" at safety with Branch and Mitchell. Now I'm not so sure. He's married to Mitchell, at least for a while. That much is a given. I dunno if he's fond enough of Branch to pass up a guy whose triangle numbers will be on the level most expect Mays' to be.

[BigTron]

We better draft OL/DL this year heavily. Fuck'n T.Mays better get picked before we draft.

[Rupert]

Gibson?
Bates?
Was Nnamdi always going to be a CB? For a year or two, it seemed like nobody knew.

I don't think Al is any less likely to take a safety than any other position. I'm sure the "Mays runs a 4.3 40 at 6'3 and 230 pounds." rumor has long made its way to his office. I suppose it's possible that he has enough sense to not trust a college's sorta-official 40 times. They cheat by at least a tenth of a second by rule.

Until yesterday, I was working with the assumption that Al had "his guys" at safety with Branch and Mitchell. Now I'm not so sure. He's married to Mitchell, at least for a while. That much is a given. I dunno if he's fond enough of Branch to pass up a guy whose triangle numbers will be on the level most expect Mays' to be.

So you come up with 3 S in when? Forever? Not much of an example. I was adamant from jump that Nnamdi was a CB. So was Al. Gru-Dog tried him at safety. Al kept pushing for him to be the next great CB. Pssst, Al was right. Just sayin'.

Mitchell will get the scholarship for sure. Huff should as well. :eek:

The Raiders have been out of the tenches for too long.

It's gotta be DT and OT next year. Gotta.

Now STFU. La lalalalalalalalaalala. I can't hear you. :p

[Crow]

I think Al is still trying to pretend Huff was Shell's idea.

Probably not an OT unless Henderson eats his way off of Al's scholarship list. Probably not gonna happen all at once. Al will blame Cable before admitting he whiffed on Henderson, and a RT with a top 5-10 draft pick...can't see it. Cinci did it, but that's why they're the Bengals.

It's a DB. Almost assuredly.

[Rupert]

So we've set the bar now as #1 DT, #2 OT. Excellent!

[Crow]

With Langlier's "source" claiming the team is satisfied with the play of Warren and Kelly, it's looks like this next draft will also be an utter disaster.

Hopefully, Lang is just yanking our chains.

[Langlier]

With Langlier's "source" claiming the team is satisfied with the play of Warren and Kelly, it's looks like this next draft will also be an utter disaster.

Hopefully, Lang is just yanking our chains.

that's more we are satisfied where we are at this year. IE don't look for us to force some blockbuster trade for a DT. If our first round pick comes around next year and there is a stud DT available... don't look for us to pass.

same as if a guy gets cut that can come in and help - he could still be brought in to start. right now the thought that was communicated to me is we aren't dissatisfied with our starting DTs but could use some additional depth there. I disagree slightly to the fact I think we need a true NT to replace Terd... but I like what I've seen from Bryant enough to call him a decent 3rd DT. Even Joseph hasn't been bad. most of the big plays we've give up were our ends/LBs/CBs getting blocked and moved.

[Crow]

But, we've already seen how ineffective these DTs are over the course of a full game, and throughout the season. It's unbelievable that the team isn't disgusted by this.

Oh well.

[Rupert]

But, we've already seen how ineffective these DTs are over the course of a full game, and throughout the season. It's unbelievable that the team isn't disgusted by this.

Oh well.

The problem is you can't just throw them out and start over. A blockbuster deal could put us in worse condition than we already are.

When you've managed your roster the way we have, you HAVE to take your lumps. You just have to.

Al loves winning. Al has put us in this situation. He's going to HAVE to take his lumps because there is NO quick fix that does anything for long-term winning.

A quick fix puts us right back here in 2-3 years. And you call Al an imbecile?

[Crow]

Yes. I call Al an imbecile. Is he not the one who's built a defense on scrubs? Is he also not the one refusing to correct that mistake? Is he not the one who drafts QBs, HBs, and WRs when there's no O-line to give them a chance to be effective?

He's an imbecile. Undeniably. That's not the purpose of this thread, though.

[Crow]

Pretty sure no one but you mentioned a blockbuster deal or any of that bullshit you just posted. Same old Rupert. Never argue the other guy's point when you can argue your own strawman.

[Birdwell]

What's the point here? The Raiders are apparently okay with what they have at DT -- not thrilled to the point that they're sure the they have the starters for the next five years (well, maybe Kelly), but sure enough they're not going to mortgage anything to improve the position this year. Of course, if someone they like pops free, they're not averse to signing him, either.

But does this validate the notion that they won't draft a DT in the first round? No.

The Raiders had Justin Fargas and Michael Bush, but Darren McFadden was available when they picked, so they took him. At the end of the year, Al Davis talked up Chaz Schilens and JLH whose late season performances showed some promise, but DHB was available, so they took him.

So there's no basis for saying the Raiders would NOT draft a DT or DE in the first round. No basis for saying the WILL, either. Calling the future is kinda like that.

[Crow]

Exactly. Al drafts flash over need. Time and time again. That's the problem.

[TheMadStork]

Exactly. Al drafts flash over need. Time and time again. That's the problem.

That, plus he doesn't seem to be able to differentiate between track speed and football speed. In a football game, how often do you get to run in a straight line for 40 yards without having to swerve at least a little bit? (Or, if you're a WR, without a safety trying to separate your skull from your spinal column?)

[Crow]

Wouldn't it be sweet if the 40 yard track at the combine angled left then right? Time guys running a 40 yard post-corner. That would at least be somewhat useful.

[Rupert]

Yes. I call Al an imbecile. Is he not the one who's built a defense on scrubs? Is he also not the one refusing to correct that mistake? Is he not the one who drafts QBs, HBs, and WRs when there's no O-line to give them a chance to be effective?

He's an imbecile. Undeniably. That's not the purpose of this thread, though.

Ah, but you propose to do exactly what he tried with Callahan and then Turner. Where exactly did that get us? Old and in desperate need of a talent infusion.

You learn your lessons well grasshopper.

[Rupert]

that's more we are satisfied where we are at this year. IE don't look for us to force some blockbuster trade for a DT. If our first round pick comes around next year and there is a stud DT available... don't look for us to pass.

This is the post you responded to Crow. Same old Crow deflect to someone else when you say stupid shit.

I guess the Oakland players flew to NOLA and back before the game in Oakland right? :shakehead:

Can't even pay attention to your own rants. :pound:

[Rupert]

Wouldn't it be sweet if the 40 yard track at the combine angled left then right? Time guys running a 40 yard post-corner. That would at least be somewhat useful.
Never heard of the 20 and 60 yard shuttle? What about the 3 cone drill?
:shakehead::shakehead::shakehead:
Never ever ever consider the whole picture when 5% of reality will form a good enough rant.

[Jack's sore libido]

Everyone bitching about wanting to draft a DT should consider their own impatience.

Because DTs can take as long to develop -- and bust at an equal rate -- as QBs.

Especially when they aren't thrust into good situations, like Haloti Ngata was.

Recent first-round DTs:
Glenn Dorsey
Sedrick Ellis
Kentwan Balmer (DE in 3-4, but would be DT for us)
Amobi Okoye
Adam Carriker
Justin Harrell
Haloti Ngata
Brodrick Bunkley
John McCargo
Travis Johnson
Mike Patterson

Every one of those guys, save for Ngata and maybe Okoye, would have been considered a bust after one year and would have us all screaming about how shitty our drafting is. But with Okoye, we'd have been happy after one year, but screaming now.

So for me? I say go land a DT in free agency, like you did with Parrella and Sam Adams -- i.e., the last time we fielded a credible run defense.

[massraider]

Everyone bitching about wanting to draft a DT should consider their own impatience.

Because DTs can take as long to develop -- and bust at an equal rate -- as QBs.

Especially when they aren't thrust into good situations, like Haloti Ngata was.

Recent first-round DTs:
Glenn Dorsey
Sedrick Ellis
Kentwan Balmer (DE in 3-4, but would be DT for us)
Amobi Okoye
Adam Carriker
Justin Harrell
Haloti Ngata
Brodrick Bunkley
John McCargo
Travis Johnson
Mike Patterson

Every one of those guys, save for Ngata and maybe Okoye, would have been considered a bust after one year and would have us all screaming about how shitty our drafting is. But with Okoye, we'd have been happy after one year, but screaming now.

So for me? I say go land a DT in free agency, like you did with Parrella and Sam Adams -- i.e., the last time we fielded a credible run defense.

List of potential 2010 free agents:

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2010/fa/dl.html

There's some DTs there alright.

[Rupert]

Everyone bitching about wanting to draft a DT should consider their own impatience.

Because DTs can take as long to develop -- and bust at an equal rate -- as QBs.

Especially when they aren't thrust into good situations, like Haloti Ngata was.

Recent first-round DTs:
Glenn Dorsey
Sedrick Ellis
Kentwan Balmer (DE in 3-4, but would be DT for us)
Amobi Okoye
Adam Carriker
Justin Harrell
Haloti Ngata
Brodrick Bunkley
John McCargo
Travis Johnson
Mike Patterson

Every one of those guys, save for Ngata and maybe Okoye, would have been considered a bust after one year and would have us all screaming about how shitty our drafting is. But with Okoye, we'd have been happy after one year, but screaming now.

So for me? I say go land a DT in free agency, like you did with Parrella and Sam Adams -- i.e., the last time we fielded a credible run defense.

I'm totally with you there, but see, I've got patience.

[Jack's sore libido]

I know YOU have patience, Rupert. Most around here do not.

Wow, Mass ... there are certainly some names I'd target there.

I'd take any of these guys:
Vince Wilfork, New England Patriots (27)
Richard Seymour, New England Patriots (29)
Casey Hampton, Pittsburgh Steelers (31)
Ryan Pickett, Green Bay Packers (29)
Tony Brown, Tennessee Titans (28)
Barry Cofield, New York Giants (25)
Aubrayo Franklin, San Francisco 49ers (29)
Kedric Golston, Washington Redskins (26)
Johnny Jolly, Green Bay Packers (26)
Fred Robbins, New York Giants (32)

[massraider]

I know YOU have patience, Rupert. Most around here do not.

Wow, Mass ... there are certainly some names I'd target there.

I'd take any of these guys:
Vince Wilfork, New England Patriots (27)
Richard Seymour, New England Patriots (29)
Casey Hampton, Pittsburgh Steelers (31)
Ryan Pickett, Green Bay Packers (29)
Tony Brown, Tennessee Titans (28)
Barry Cofield, New York Giants (25)
Aubrayo Franklin, San Francisco 49ers (29)
Kedric Golston, Washington Redskins (26)
Johnny Jolly, Green Bay Packers (26)
Fred Robbins, New York Giants (32)

You have to think the Giants can't keep them all. I'll take Cofield. Tony Brown, too. I'd be shocked if Seymour, Wilfork, or Hampton left.

[Rupert]

You have to think the Giants can't keep them all. I'll take Cofield. Tony Brown, too. I'd be shocked if Seymour, Wilfork, or Hampton left.

Kind of what I was thinking in both cases.

[Birdwell]

Exactly. Al drafts flash over need. Time and time again. That's the problem.

It's also called best player avalailable. And there is never a consensus among any group about which player is the best available in a draft.

Of course, I was responding to your assertion that because Al Davis seems comfortable with our D-line situation, we would not draft for the D-line early in the 2010 draft.

Looking at various 2010 mock drafts, the # 1 non-QB rated on their boards ranges among the following:
Taylor Mays, SS, USC
Eric Berry, SS, Tenneessee
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida
Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
And one yahoo who calls it for George Selvie, DE, USF

Which ones are just flash? The Russell Okung and George Selvie picks are real loners, and only they are likely to be available when we pick. But take yourt-shirt slogan, Crow, and tell me which one Al Davis drafts -- and WHY. I'd say Carlos Dunlap.

[Random Dude]

Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma:check:

[Crow]

Ah, but you propose to do exactly what he tried with Callahan and then Turner.

I did? Where?

[Crow]

It's also called best player avalailable.

If Al tried that for a while, the team might see .500 again. But, alas. He doesn't, no matter how you spin it.

[massraider]

If Al tried that for a while, the team might see .500 again. But, alas. He doesn't, no matter how you spin it.

You are right, and this is the problem, from a different angle:

You are a scout for the Raiders. You put your reports together, and you know the kind of player that the Raiders look for.

First and foremost, you wanna keep your job.

So, do you recommend that WR that runs a 4.6, even tho you think he is Larry Fitzgerald? If the team takes him, and he can't separate, he's 'your guy', and your professional future might be tied to him.

OR:

Do you give the speedster a good write up, knowing that if Al whiffs on him, he can live with it. When you know athletes are the target, why stray from the herd?

It's a tough cycle.

[Crow]

Goes back to why I've learned to find humor in the team's futility.

If someone is drunk, driving a car in reverse into oncoming traffic, do you turn away? Hell no. You're about to witness inevitability in action. Savor it.

Same thing applies to the Raiders.