2011 draft

[007]

Probably too early...Much too early, but oh well.

After watching some games this weekend, I came away with my preliminary decision on who I want to draft in rd 2 and beyond next year: Ryan Broyles from Oklahoma.

I fully assume he'll come out as a jr to join Green/Baldwin/Floyd/Jones in making one of the best WR draft classes ever, and he could slide to round two.

This guy is the perfect compliment to Murphy/Schilens/DHB.

Pin point routes, automatic hands, he can go over the middle and he is deadly after the catch.

He had another 200 yards receiving and 3 TD's today. 100+ every game but one so far.

Other prospects on my radar:

QB Colin Kaepernick from Nevada. I`ve talked about him before. Big and strong ex baseball player who had a 90+ fastball in highschool. Runs like a WR but is strictly a developmental pistol offense QB. 6-6 230 and will go down as the only QB to ever get 2000l1000 in 3 straight seasons.

OG Marcus Cannon, TCU. The fucking guy is 6-6 350. I hear he`s probably a guard in the NFL even though he plays RT for the Frogs. Im definitely intrigued by his size and power. Ill look for his name to climb as the year goes on. Also there arent many stand out lineman so far in the senior class. This guy did keep Nic Richmond on the bench. That was the OT who was 6-8 who we brought in for a visit last draft year.

LB Mark Herzlich, BC. Remember this guy? He got cancer years ago and missed one or two years of football. Now he is playing again as a senior and playing well. Good size, nice versatility and a great non-football story.

DE Cameron Jordan, Cal. Probably a pipe dream. If he isnt a top 20 pick now, he will be soon. 6-4 280 and plays the run and pass equally well. Clayborn, Bailey and Heyward get all the love and publicity, but this guy is right there with them. He was great in a loss to Ari this year.

CB Richard Sherman, Stanford. Cant say Ive keyed on him much. Ill give the raw facts though. Converted from WR in 2009. 6-3 200 pounds and has a knack for the ball. Was an All Pac 10 freshman WR and now is an improving CB with tons of upside. Also was a good returner in the past.

[hawaiianboy]

Cannon has been dominant this year...

I was intrigued by Kaepernick early, but his delivery is long...


I know he isn't draft eligible this year but good God, I love me some Alshon Jeffery at WR...

[RaiderRobert]

Will Stefan Wisnewski make it to the 2nd Round? I haven't looked at any college games this year. I'm still wanting O-Line and D-Line over WR. We need another CB, a blocking FB, and a developmental QB as well...

[BigTron]

Id love Mark Herzlich. What a warrior? on and off the field.

[CrossBones]

Fuck April.

This is the first year in a long ass time that we're having fun as a fan base in November.

Oh yeah baby!

[007]

The draft is a hobby/passion of mine. Even when we were really good, I still followed it as close as I could at the time.

I was just listing some guys that I like. I looked up old threads and we usually had the April thread starting in September, LOL.

[CrossBones]

Oh I know. Was just sayin' it's so unusual to be any sort of relevant in November that the draft seems a long ways off unlike the last 7 years.

But you know the Lil Al will be here before we know it.

[007]

Seriously though, Ryan Broyles might be the best college WR I've seen.

Not his size, his speed or his physical traits. He just dominates games.

One game this year under 8 catches. ONE. Two games under 100 yards.

3 more TD's tonight. 4 games over 10 catches. I'm pretty sure he's at 95 catches now and close to 1200 yards...

I really, really like this guy. He's the type of underneath compliment our team needs. We've got all the speed guys, we need a grinder.

I think we can get him in rd 2 or 3 too, unless he runs a 4.3

[hawaiianboy]

Really impressed with Michael Brewster of Ohio St as a future Raider center...

[BigTron]

CB, WR, C HELP HELP HELP

[RaiderRobert]

CB, WR, C HELP HELP HELP

My Sentiments exactly. My top 3 targets (as of today)(might have to do some magic to get all 3) are Stefen Wisnewski, Ras-I Dowling, and Greg Little.

[007]

Thinking today of some worst case scenarios...

If we lose both Bush and Cartwright here are some potential late round guys we could pick up to help.

RB-Vai Taua, Nevada. Combined with Kaepernick to make a great RB tandem in the pistol offense. Great size at 5-10 220. If he runs well, he might go earlier than most think.

RB-Bilal Powell, Louisville. Another guy who had a great senior year, good size.

Other guys who fell off this year but could be had late are Brandon Saine from OSU and Demarco Murray from Oklahoma. (He rushed like garbage this year but is the best receiving RB in the draft. 70 catches)

EDIT: Forget about Noel Devine. He has Raider written all over him.

[Postmaster]

How high is that dude from Nebraska supposed to go? I think his name is Helu Jr.

He impressed the shit out of me the one game I saw him play.

[007]

Roy Helu is probably a mid rounder, but I think he'll blow up at the combine and maybe move up some.

Another good prospect. Nice call.

A lot depends on which juniors come out. John Clay, James, Rodgers and Ingram come out everybody else drops.

Guys like Royster and Allen Bradford have pro potential too. If Keiland Williams and Lagarette Blount can blow up and play well so can they.

I really think getting another young back in here late in the draft is a good move. Tons of decent prospects. More of a BPA move though.

[007]

Two Iowa juniors might declare.

Tyler Sash and Melvin McNutt filed paperwork with the advisory committee to see where they sit.

Sash is about as good as a white guy can be at CB in college, LOL. 6-1 205.

McNutt is a beast WR at 6-4 220.

I want both guys if they come out. :)

Remember the name Vidal Hazelton? 6-3 215 USC WR? He is coming out this year after tearing his knee in game 1 for Cincy. Transferred from USC to some college and then to Cincy and was injured the whole way. Massive upside as a UDFA...

[Raider Nation]

I agree that another young back in rounds 5 -- 7 should be a target. I'd love Bilal Powell from Louisville, however, I don't see him slipping past Round 4. Good size, pretty shifty, and can run people over.

NOT a fan of the Noel Devine idea, however. Too many injuries below the waist over the past 2 years. He reminds me a little of McFadden when he came out and when he struggled his first 2 years in getting over the turf toe, knee, and ankle problems. My issue with Devine is he doesn't have the bulk of McFadden to be able to withstand repeated punishment. If you've watched the last 5 or 6 WVU games, including their Bowl loss the other night, you can clearly see that Devine is simply unable to stick his foot in the ground and cut upfield right now. He may be able to heal and get that back, but he's almost looking at an NFL-redshirt year just to get healthy again. My suggestion would be to get him healthy and treat him like Brian Westbrook early in his career -- 3rd-down back exclusively, KR/PR returns, and that's it until he can start to show consistent health and re-gain his breakaway ability that he had as a true freshman.

[007]

Trust me, Devind is about 20th on my list, but if he burns a 4.3 or so at the combine, he's gonna be on our radar, LOL.

I think Bradford could be the next USC guy to blow up the combine.

[BigTron]

http://www.draftcountdown.com/ScoutingReports/OLB/Mark-Herzlich.php

[BigTron]

Two Iowa juniors might declare.

Tyler Sash and Melvin McNutt filed paperwork with the advisory committee to see where they sit.

Sash is about as good as a white guy can be at CB in college, LOL. 6-1 205.

McNutt is a beast WR at 6-4 220.

I want both guys if they come out. :)

Remember the name Vidal Hazelton? 6-3 215 USC WR? He is coming out this year after tearing his knee in game 1 for Cincy. Transferred from USC to some college and then to Cincy and was injured the whole way. Massive upside as a UDFA...

McNutt is going to be a monster. He reminds me of a bigger Anquan Boldin.

[hawaiianboy]

Andrew Luck, Patrick Peterson... You think Al wishes he was holding one of those top 2 picks this year? Peterson has prototypical Raiders press corner written all over him...

[007]

I read he is 220 or so, that is insane.

I didnt watch him much, but if you look at the CB class as a whole, Al Davis is creaming his shorts.

Tons of big, tall, strong, lanky corners.

Jimmy Smith, Davon House, Dowling, Rucker, Amakamura, Culliver, Aaron Williams etc. All over 6-0 200 pounds.

[007]

Alshon Jefferey's teammate, RS soph Tori Gurley declared today.

6-5 230lb WR. A beast.

[hawaiianboy]

Alshon Jefferey's teammate, RS soph Tori Gurley declared today.

6-5 230lb WR. A beast.


Good thing he goes 6'5 230 because Tori Gurley is about as queer a name as you can get... :pound:


I mean I respect the kid for changing his last name to honor his pops, but still....

[hawaiianboy]

Looks like our pick is in the 50 or 51 range...


I think the Seymour pick ends up being #18 for the Patsies...

[007]

Looks like our pick is in the 50 or 51 range...


I think the Seymour pick ends up being #18 for the Patsies...

I do that trade again in a heartbeat.

***If we re-sign him to a mult-year deal***

[CrossBones]

AdamSchefter

Not official but not far off RT @PatrickMoranBSD I believe draft order goes: 1)Carolina 2)Denver 3)Bills 4) Cinci 5)Arizona 6)Dallas 7)ClevLet's hope the Donkey's whiff hard or at least they are unable to move up to #1.

[007]

AdamSchefter

Let's hope the Donkey's whiff hard or at least they are unable to move up to #1.

I hope Denver falls in love with Tebow, LOL.

Probably fuck it up and pass on AJ Green too, due to having Demaryius Thomas on the roster.

[CrossBones]

I hope they keep him too.


C/ATT YDS AVG TD INT RATING
T. Tebow 16/36 205 5.7 2 2 58.2

[system7]

i hope the donks are sold on Lord Tebow and dont trade up for Luck. :)

i know there's a slight possibility i will regret saying that but i aint buying tebow yet. :p

[007]

Mizzou QB Gabbert declared.

Surprising for sure.

First round talent no doubt.

[RZ]

Whats the outlook on Centers? hit me with some info pa-lease :P

[CrossBones]

Whats the outlook on Centers? hit me with some info pa-lease :PWho are you? :D

[RZ]

Who are you? :D

your worst nightmare.. wait.. that would mean I am crow lol :p

[007]

Whats the outlook on Centers? hit me with some info pa-lease :P

Weak as fuck class.

You have Stefen Wisniewski who I think is better off at guard.

Mike Pouncey who is half the prospect his brother was.

Kris O'dowd from USC who seems like a mid rounder. He aint Ryan Kalil.

Tim Barnes from Missouri good size and knows how to shotgun snap, LOL.

Then there is HB's boy from Wisconsin, John Moffitt. I only watched his bowl game but cam away impressed. Huge guy at 6-5 320, but he played guard this year.

Another name I keep hearing about is Brandon Fusco from Slippery Rock. Can't say I've ever seen him play or even know where that school is. He's 6-5 300 pounds though and apparently really athletic (Veldheer?)

[RZ]

Weak as fuck class.

You have Stefen Wisniewski who I think is better off at guard.

Mike Pouncey who is half the prospect his brother was.

Kris O'dowd from USC who seems like a mid rounder. He aint Ryan Kalil.

Tim Barnes from Missouri good size and knows how to shotgun snap, LOL.

Then there is HB's boy from Wisconsin, John Moffitt. I only watched his bowl game but cam away impressed. Huge guy at 6-5 320, but he played guard this year.

Another name I keep hearing about is Brandon Fusco from Slippery Rock. Can't say I've ever seen him play or even know where that school is. He's 6-5 300 pounds though and apparently really athletic (Veldheer?)

Well, that pretty much sucks

[Madturk]

Yeah pretty weak draft as far as centers are concerned. We missed the boat two years ago. FWIW, heard on Tampa Sports talk that Jeff Faine might become expendable as the Bucs like the job J Zuttah's done at the pivot during his absence.

Actually Satele has done a pretty decent job especially during the second half of the season but we certainly could use some depth here. Don't want to keep moving Veldheer back and forth and fugging up his progress at LT.

[BigTron]

Satele will continue to be a solid stop gap. We ran the ball well this year and he deserves some credit.

I like the Whiz Kid from Penn st. He might be there in the 2nd too. We could always slide him over to guard if he doesnt pan at C.

[Madturk]

I like Whiz's versatility. Seems like you need these type of guys that can play multiple positions these days. He'd be a very good selection but does he last to the middle of round 2?

[raiderfreak7]

Satele will continue to be a solid stop gap. We ran the ball well this year and he deserves some credit.

I like the Whiz Kid from Penn st. He might be there in the 2nd too. We could always slide him over to guard if he doesnt pan at C.

I agree. For the last 3/4 of the season Satele was a solid player... about what I expected from him when we traded for him. Well worth the 5th rounder we gave up. Having said that, if we can find a mauler at center to replace him I wouldn't be upseet, but it seems like he got his act together after he was benched for Veldheer.

[007]

Declaring:

Blaine Gabbert [QB, Missouri]
Ryan Mallett [QB, Arkansas]

Darren Evans [RB, Virginia Tech]
Mark Ingram [RB, Alabama]
Jordan Todman [RB, Connecticut]
Shane Vereen [RB, California]
John Clay [RB, Wisconsin]
Dion Lewis [RB, Pitt]

DeAndre Brown [WR, Southern Mississippi]
Tandon Doss [WR, Indiana]
Tori Gurley [WR, South Carolina]
Vidal Hazelton [WR, Cincinnati]*
Torrey Smith [WR, Maryland]

Kyle Rudolph [TE, Notre Dame]

Tyron Smith [OT, USC]

Daquan Bowers [DE, Clemson]
Marcell Dareus [DE, Alabama]
Zane Parr [DE, Virginia]
JJ Watt [DE, Wisconsin]

Jurrell Casey [DT, USC]
Jerrell Powe [DT, Mississippi]
Muhammad Wilkerson [DT, Temple]

Akeem Ayers [OLB, UCLA]
Thomas Keiser [DE/OLB, Stanford]

Brandon Burton [CB, Utah]
Brandon Harris [CB, Miami (FL)]
Janoris Jenkins [CB, Florida]
Aaron Williams [CB, Texas]

Will Hill [S, Florida]
Kenny Tate [S, Maryland]

Also:

Ryan Broyles will stay for his senior year (Smart move with all the jrs coming out)

Mike Brewster C from OSU might come out today.

Obviously guys like AJ Green, Floyd, Baldwin, Nick Fairley etc. Will be coming out soon.

[BigTron]

Declaring:

Blaine Gabbert [QB, Missouri]
Ryan Mallett [QB, Arkansas]

Darren Evans [RB, Virginia Tech]
Mark Ingram [RB, Alabama]
Jordan Todman [RB, Connecticut]
Shane Vereen [RB, California]
John Clay [RB, Wisconsin]
Dion Lewis [RB, Pitt]

DeAndre Brown [WR, Southern Mississippi]
Tandon Doss [WR, Indiana]
Tori Gurley [WR, South Carolina]
Vidal Hazelton [WR, Cincinnati]*
Torrey Smith [WR, Maryland]

Kyle Rudolph [TE, Notre Dame]

Tyron Smith [OT, USC]

Daquan Bowers [DE, Clemson]
Marcell Dareus [DE, Alabama]
Zane Parr [DE, Virginia]
JJ Watt [DE, Wisconsin]

Jurrell Casey [DT, USC]
Jerrell Powe [DT, Mississippi]
Muhammad Wilkerson [DT, Temple]

Akeem Ayers [OLB, UCLA]
Thomas Keiser [DE/OLB, Stanford]

Brandon Burton [CB, Utah]
Brandon Harris [CB, Miami (FL)]
Janoris Jenkins [CB, Florida]
Aaron Williams [CB, Texas]

Will Hill [S, Florida]
Kenny Tate [S, Maryland]

Also:

Ryan Broyles will stay for his senior year (Smart move with all the jrs coming out)

Mike Brewster C from OSU might come out today.

Obviously guys like AJ Green, Floyd, Baldwin, Nick Fairley etc. Will be coming out soon.

Thanks 007. Sorry about your dream 2nd rounder Broyles staying in, good move by him tho. I like the DE, Watt, Clay for our back-up to DMC, J.Jenkins is a solid corner altho little and the Muhammed guy is a nice DT. I watched a few of these guys play this year. I didnt pay much attention to players who were out of the reach of the Raiders this year.... too painful

[Raider Nation]

LSU guys to watch tonight...

Drake Nevis -- DT
Patrick Peterson -- CB
Kelvin Sheppard -- LB
Terrance Toliver -- WR


Those are the guys that look to definitely be coming out for the NFL draft. Other guys that likely aren't coming out but warrant observation for the future

PJ Longeran (SO) -- C
Russell Sheperd (SO) -- WR/ATH
JR Ferguson (FR) -- DE
Tyrann Mathieu (FR) -- CB

[CrossBones]

So now that Andrew Lick is staying in school, who would be the consensus #1 pick if there is one?

[RaiderRobert]

So now that Andrew Lick is staying in school, who would be the consensus #1 pick if there is one?

I don't think there is a #1 consensus anymore. #1 will be determined by whoever ends up picking first, and based on their needs...

[BigTron]

The DE from Clemson. D.Bowers looks the part

[007]

I like AJ Green to the Panthers if they stay at #1, but who knows.

[hawaiianboy]

If I have the #1, I take a long hard look at Marcell Dareus...

[RaiderRobert]

If I have the #1, I take a long hard look at Marcell Dareus...

Is that the kid from Alabama that got shot in the leg and played the next game?

[007]

If I have the #1, I take a long hard look at Marcell Dareus...

I like Nick Fairley better.

Add in Watt, Clayborn, Heyward and Jordan and there are a shit ton of studly DL in the top half of the first.

[RaiderRobert]

I like Nick Fairley better.

Add in Watt, Clayborn, Heyward and Jordan and there are a shit ton of studly DL in the top half of the first.

I really like JJ Watt. He looks BEASTLY... Not in the running for #1 or anything but I can see that guy becoming an absolute monster in the NFL...

[hawaiianboy]

Never heard about Dareus getting shot...

If it were the Raiders drafting #1 and not Carolina, it would be real hard for me not to take Patrick Peterson...

[RaiderRobert]

Never heard about Dareus getting shot...

If it were the Raiders drafting #1 and not Carolina, it would be real hard for me not to take Patrick Peterson...

You and Al both...

[Raider Nation]

You and Al both...

And me. 6'1"/221lbs., plays press coverage, and runs a 4.45 on grass. Sign. Me. Up.

[BigTron]

This year has alot of beefy DL who can play the run and get some pressure on the QB. Good thing we have a solid DL finally bc not having that 1st hurts...

[BigTron]

a small school guard with some upside

http://www.draftcountdown.com/ScoutingReports/OG/Ben-Ijalana.php

[Birdwell]

Nice, TRON.

Only real negative noted that worries me is the killer instinct, If he wrestled and played soccer, pad level and footwork will come. But another left side guy? See wrestler.

[RaiderRobert]

Terrance Tolliver looked pretty damn good last night. 6'5" 203 lbs. runs a 4.45 40. Good hands, don't know too much about his route running but from the highlights last night vs. Texas A&M at least he knows how to get some separation...

[007]

He had a great game for sure.

Don't let that cloud the fact that he was terrible this season.

He's about my 20th favorite receiver in this draft.

[vegasraider26]

Gotta love Dontay Moch OLB from Nevada, the dude can play and is a FLAT OUT freak athlete with speed that will make Al Davis jizz in his pants (if that's even possible anymore, lol). At 6'1" and 245 pounds, he ran a 40-yard dash in 4.2 seconds or something like that. He also ran a 4.18 in front of NFL scouts :boxing:

[BigTron]

Gotta love Dontay Moch OLB from Nevada, the dude can play and is a FLAT OUT freak athlete with speed that will make Al Davis jizz in his pants (if that's even possible anymore, lol). At 6'1" and 245 pounds, he ran a 40-yard dash in 4.2 seconds or something like that. He also ran a 4.18 in front of NFL scouts :boxing:

good call. I noticed that insane 40 too and thought about AD (EDIT: just drafting him, no jizz haha)

[Crow]

Declaring:

DeAndre Brown [WR, Southern Mississippi]

Idiot...

[007]

Idiot...

There are always a handful of head scratchers.

[Birdwell]

Dontay Moch, well, there was another OLB coming outta Nevada a few years ago, super athletic kid, came is as near 300 pound NT, slimmed down to 245 and became a top-10 rated OLB by some scouting services. Misrable fundamentals, and now a feature of the Las Vegas Locomotives of the UFL.

His name is Ezra Butler.

[vegasraider26]

Dontay Moch, well, there was another OLB coming outta Nevada a few years ago, super athletic kid, came is as near 300 pound NT, slimmed down to 245 and became a top-10 rated OLB by some scouting services. Misrable fundamentals, and now a feature of the Las Vegas Locomotives of the UFL.

His name is Ezra Butler.

Believe me when I tell you, Moch is in a different class, you'll see very soon. The guy isn't just an athlete, he can fuckin ball and he has great instincts. Nothing is ever guaranteed obviously, but his freak athleticism ALONE is easily worth a 2nd to 4th round pick. We'll have to see how much his stock rises come draft time.

[Birdwell]

Believe me when I tell you, Moch is in a different class, you'll see very soon. The guy isn't just an athlete, he can fuckin ball and he has great instincts. Nothing is ever guaranteed obviously, but his freak athleticism ALONE is easily worth a 2nd to 4th round pick. We'll have to see how much his stock rises come draft time.

Well, you've seen a lot more of him than I have. Wasn't that impressed with him against BC, especially on the instincts bit. Washed himself out of a lot of plays. Has the physical ability, it would seem, to be a good 3-down SAM, was really unimpressed with him as an interior pass rusher or run defender.

But BC is a really good team in terms of discipline and fundamental line play, and they're bigger than any other team the Wolfpack faced this season. I'm guessing the drills at the combine will be more important for him than the 40, shuttles and jumps.

Do you happen to know which, if any, all-star games he's playing in? That would be a good place to see what direction his stock is likely to take. That freak athlete Jarron Gilbert washed out as a 3rd round pick. The freak athelete Vernon Gholston has been a total bust. If he shows well, your 2nd to 4th seems sensible given the recent track record.

[celticraider]

At 6'1" and 245 pounds, he ran a 40-yard dash in 4.2 seconds or something like that. He also ran a 4.18 in front of NFL scouts :boxing:

Watch times don't mean anything. Whenever you hear someone running a 4.18 just throw it out the window as the bullshit it is. The fastest time in the history of the combine since they started electronic timing was a 4.24, yet this guy ran a 4.18. Mind you the combine times are bullshit too, but that's another story.

[007]

I don't think combine times are total bullshit.

Its a quick and easy way to compare every prospect under the exact same conditions and variables.

The times arent important really, but its interesting to see the huge disparity sometimes with a guy who plays fast (or slow) and an opposite result at the combine. As we've all seen, a 4.5 won't kill any WR, but maybe a guy running a 4.7 might have to have some more scouting footage popped in the VCR. I remember when people blew up about Mario Manningham running a 4.55 or so. I watched his run live on NFLN and can honestly say he had the worst form of any person ever. Everyone knew he was football fast, but he just didnt know how to run a forty yard dash. I find stuff like that really interesting (Maclin was another guy like that)

Its the same thing when people say "Oh man the bench press is so stupid for football players!" Well sure it does nothing to relate to functional football strength, but it might give some coaches an idea of who was really spending the extra time in the gym and who was partying on the weekends. You need to build that muscle endurance, muscle memory and general strength up to be able to throw 225 up 30+ times...

[celticraider]

It's useless because they don't factor in reaction time. FAT is the only way to go. Some guys are quick off the ball, others aren't. By using a timing method that starts the clock when you move, that sort of eliminates the off the ball quickness that is going to factor into play.

Remember Taylor Mayes running faster than another player who they timed better than him with they ran the replay side by side. Watch timing is the worst, it can be up to a half second off.

[CrossBones]

What's "FAT"... :confused:

[celticraider]

Fully Automatic Timing. I was a sprinter for many years. Basically they have the clock automatically start when the starting gun is fired, not when the runner moves, then the finish line is usually done by some sort of photo finish like they do in horse racing.

The good thing about FAT is the runner is reacting to the pistol, horn, or whatever they use to set off the race. It's similar in my eyes as to how a player reacts to the snap. If you start timing a guy when he starts moving you aren't really getting a good idea of what type of "jump" he is getting out of the blocks, or in this case, off the ball.

This is why you often will hear a track guy, who rarely if ever run 40s, having a sub par time compared to a football player. Track guys are under FAT timing, and their 40 times are often taken from splits of a 100m race. Ben Johnsons steroid induced 100m world record time at 40 yards was like a 4.36. Usain Bolts '08 was like a 4.35. There is absolutely no way in hell Fabian Washington, Chris Johnson, or DHB are faster than these guys, they just time it differently.

In track you typically add .24 for a start that was hand timed over a FAT time. Chris Johnson's 4.24 is probably a lot closer to a 4.5.

[007]

I read an article on that stuff too, good one Celt.

I hate when I hear some college kid proclaiming a 4.18 in practice. Literally nobody runs a 4.18

[CrossBones]

Thanks Celtic!!! Never knew that before.

[007]

Updated list of declared JR's:

Blaine Gabbert [QB, Missouri]
Ryan Mallett [QB, Arkansas]
Cam Newton [QB, Auburn]

John Clay [RB, Wisconsin]
Darren Evans [RB, Virginia Tech]
AJ Green [WR, Georgia]
Jamie Harper [RB, Clemson]
Henry Hynoski [FB, Pittsburgh]
Mark Ingram [RB, Alabama]
Taiwan Jones [RB, Eastern Washington]
Mikel LeShoure [RB, Illinois]
Dion Lewis [RB, Pittsburgh]
Stevan Ridley [RB, LSU]
Jacquizz Rodgers [RB, Oregon State]
Jordan Todman [RB, Connecticut]
Shane Vereen [RB, California]
Ryan Williams [RB, Virginia Tech]

Jonathan Baldwin [WR, Pittsburgh]
DeAndre Brown [WR, Southern Mississippi]
Randall Cobb [RB/WR, Kentucky]
Tandon Doss [WR, Indiana]
Tori Gurley [WR, South Carolina]
Jamel Hamler [WR, Fresno State]
Vidal Hazelton [WR, Cincinnati]*
Julio Jones [WR, Alabama]
Torrey Smith [WR, Maryland]

Kyle Rudolph [TE, Notre Dame]

Nick Claytor [OT, Georgia Tech]
Tyron Smith [OT, USC]

Daquan Bowers [DE, Clemson]
Marcell Dareus [DE, Alabama]
Zane Parr [DE, Virginia]
Aldon Smith [DE, Missouri]
JJ Watt [DE, Wisconsin]

Jurrell Casey [DT, USC]
Nick Fairley [DT, Auburn]
Lawrence Guy [DT, Arizona State]
Corey Liuget [DT, Illinois]
Jerrell Powe [DT, Mississippi]
Sealver Siligi [DT, Utah]
Muhammad Wilkerson [DT, Temple]

Akeem Ayers [OLB, UCLA]
Thomas Keiser [DE/OLB, Stanford]
Martez Wilson [LB, Illinois]

Brandon Burton [CB, Utah]
Brandon Harris [CB, Miami (FL)]
Patrick Peterson [CB, LSU]
Aaron Williams [CB, Texas]

Will Hill [S, Florida]
Rahim Moore [S, UCLA]
Tyler Sash [S, Georgia Tech]
Robert Sands [S, West Virginia]
Jerrard Tarrant [S, Georgia Tech]

[Xplosive]

Linebackers, and Offensive line in the draft

X

[Crow]

Kam Wimbley for a 3rd round pick.
Quentin Groves for a 5th round pick.
McClain for a top 10 pick.
Goethel for a 5th or 6th rounder.

Al just dropped 4 picks on 4 LBs. I'd be genuinely shocked if he drafted another. The need is readily apparent, even if there aren't any defections. But that may not make a difference to the old man.

[BigTron]

5 players I would like at pick #48:

Mark Herzlich OLB
Bruce Carter OLB
Stevie JR C/G
Pouncey 2 C/G
Marcus Cannon T/G

[Langlier]

I like adding some OL to this draft. not sure how deep it is and the 2nd rounders I see... don't strike me as being as good as guys in previous classes. I'm still looking very hard at the "dropping" quarterback of Newton/BG/Locker/Mallett. Outside of that... We will probably need a couple DBs.

[Crow]

Amazing how you can draft DBs every god damn year and never cease to need more. Proof positive that this position ain't the old man's strong suit as some would still like to claim.

I agree that this OL class doesn't look especially studly. That does leave the door open for maybe a trade up for a WR. :D

[Langlier]

Amazing how you can draft DBs every god damn year and never cease to need more. Proof positive that this position ain't the old man's strong suit as some would still like to claim.

I agree that this OL class doesn't look especially studly. That does leave the door open for maybe a trade up for a WR. :D

honestly... it's a fairly strong WR class. I just don't see it happening.

[007]

5 players I would like at pick #48:

Mark Herzlich OLB
Bruce Carter OLB
Stevie JR C/G
Pouncey 2 C/G
Marcus Cannon T/G

Nice list Tron.

I really like those guys, and hope Herz/Carter fall to rd 3 because of injury/health concerns.

Apparently Dontay Moch is looking really smooth in coverage at LB in the Shrine Game practices. No doubt he's on our radar.

[DonkeyKilla]

Linebackers, and Offensive line in the draft

X

i hope that's the way it goes.

[Crow]

If they're actually targeting LBs, maybe Wimbley will move to DE full time. Might be nice to see him rush the QB with fresher legs than those of a guy playing SAM backer most of the game.

[BigTron]

Here's my lock for the Lil Al. Remember I nailed Walter McFadden to the exact pick last year! This guy might be our mid rounder

Fast, Plays man, has INT's (Al's ears perk up) decent size... what # you want kid?

http://www.draftcountdown.com/ScoutingReports/CB/Rashad-Carmichael.php

[Madturk]

Only a 4.39 40 prolly too slow for the old man:p

[Madturk]

5 players I would like at pick #48:

Mark Herzlich OLB
Bruce Carter OLB
Stevie JR C/G
Pouncey 2 C/G
Marcus Cannon T/G

I think Pouncey may be a bit overrated, I'd certainly take little Wiz if he was there at #48 but I think he will go earlier. Methinks its going to be a corner.

[007]

One of my goals with this draft:

Get a good backup RB in round 6 or 7.

This draft is devoid of any amazing RB prospects outside of Leshoure/Ingram, but it is tremendously deep at the RB position the Jr's all came out.

My top ten late round RB targets:

1)Shane Vareen, Cal. I think he could be a great complimentary back.
2)D'arel Scott, Maryland. Having a heck of a Shrine Game, good size, good speed.
3)John Clay, Wisconsin. People are down on him, but I like his bruising style a lot. Once he runs a 4.65, he'll drop in the draft, but his value is between the tackles.
4) Darren Evans. Why did he come out? Seriously he and Ryan Williams came out...
5) Jaquizz Rogers. A little guy with some big play spunk.
6) Noel Devine. Imagine Hue Jackson getting this guy out in space.
7) Allen Bradford, USC. Prototype back, but never lived up to the hype.
8) Alex Green, Hawaii. 6-0 220. Best pass blocking back in the draft, great receiver. Versatile.
9) Roy Helu Jr, Nebraska. I think this guy runs a 4.4 at the combine and jumps a lot higher than many of the other guys I'm naming
10) Steven Ridlay, LSU. Big strong back who could be a workhorse like Bush if we lose him.

This draft has too many backs to pass on all of 'em. We need to take one I think...

[Madturk]

We should have picked up Legarrette Blount when we had the chance especially with Bush in his contract year. Bennett was a waste of a roster spot.

[007]

We should have picked up Legarrette Blount when we had the chance especially with Bush in his contract year. Bennett was a waste of a roster spot.

Exactly. Or Chris Ivory. Or Joique Bell. Or James Starks. Or Keiland Williams. Or Deji Karim. Or any of those UDFA/Late round RB's that help teams down the stretch when injuries pick up.

If we go to an 18 game season, we'll need a 3rd back more than ever. And there are a TON in this draft who fit the mold.

[Raider Nation]

Some of those guys you listed have no chance of making it to rounds 6-7, IMO. Sure, there's always a surprise or two, but I suspect you'll see Rogers, Clay, Devine, and Ridley all grade out as Round 3 or Round 4 prospects.

Getting Clay or Ridley in Round 4 would be awesome, however.

[007]

Some of those guys you listed have no chance of making it to rounds 6-7, IMO. Sure, there's always a surprise or two, but I suspect you'll see Rogers, Clay, Devine, and Ridley all grade out as Round 3 or Round 4 prospects.

Getting Clay or Ridley in Round 4 would be awesome, however.

I bet your wrong.

RB's fall EVERY YEAR. I could see 6 or 7 of these guys being availible.

12 RB's were drafted last year in total and I named 10 from this year as guys who are easily outside the top 4-5. Some will move up, many will slide down.

Guys like Leshoure, Ingram, Ryan Williams, Murray and Todman will take up the first two rounds, and the rest will be looking at getting drafted some time Saturday. Obviously some guys will go in the top 100, but most will not. Who do you think is a bonafide first round back? I think Ingram and thats it. Maybe a good team takes Leshoure. Other than that, the backs keep sliding, and keep bushing others down...

Nobody thought Blount would be a UDFA or Lonyae Miller. Joe McKnight and Ben Tate on day 3. Hardesty and Dwyer in what? Round 6?

[Raider Nation]

You're probably right in that Ingram is likely to be the lone 1st rounder. I could VaTech's Williams sneaking in the back-end of round 1 if he blows up the combine, but I don't think that's very likely. Given the depth, I do think you'll see a good many back pushed down a round or 2. But guys that have specialty skills (like Clay as a bruiser, Devine & Rogers as speedsters/backfield receivers) usually stick pretty true to their grades. Again, there's always exceptions.

On the flip side of that coin, I could easily see Evans, Bradford, and Green slip to round 6 or 7 because they don't have a special quality that stands out. They do everything well but nothing truly exceptional.

[007]

Fair point.

You could see a Roy Helu or Alex Green go in round 7 and still be a productive NFL player.

[Langlier]

If they're actually targeting LBs, maybe Wimbley will move to DE full time. Might be nice to see him rush the QB with fresher legs than those of a guy playing SAM backer most of the game.

he's too good at playing SAM. But it would be nice to get another player with similar measurables that can hold up playing the over backer position if we continue to use it.

[BigTron]

if you have not seen this yet... your welcome. classic shit.

http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/2011/1/19/1943956/the-happy-football-life-of-will-hill

[007]

Very funny stuff.

I read it earlier, the guy is a pure thug.

[Madturk]

Nothing like elevating your draft stock, what a dumbass.

[Crow]

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/525876/fathersday.png

Damn.

[raiderfreak7]

if you have not seen this yet... your welcome. classic shit.

http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/2011/1/19/1943956/the-happy-football-life-of-will-hill

You just lost thousands of dollars. Do not pass Go. Do get you're dick sucked by LaShanda.

[Langlier]

One of my goals with this draft:

Get a good backup RB in round 6 or 7.

This draft is devoid of any amazing RB prospects outside of Leshoure/Ingram, but it is tremendously deep at the RB position the Jr's all came out.

My top ten late round RB targets:

1)Shane Vareen, Cal. I think he could be a great complimentary back.
2)D'arel Scott, Maryland. Having a heck of a Shrine Game, good size, good speed.
3)John Clay, Wisconsin. People are down on him, but I like his bruising style a lot. Once he runs a 4.65, he'll drop in the draft, but his value is between the tackles.
4) Darren Evans. Why did he come out? Seriously he and Ryan Williams came out...
5) Jaquizz Rogers. A little guy with some big play spunk.
6) Noel Devine. Imagine Hue Jackson getting this guy out in space.
7) Allen Bradford, USC. Prototype back, but never lived up to the hype.
8) Alex Green, Hawaii. 6-0 220. Best pass blocking back in the draft, great receiver. Versatile.
9) Roy Helu Jr, Nebraska. I think this guy runs a 4.4 at the combine and jumps a lot higher than many of the other guys I'm naming
10) Steven Ridlay, LSU. Big strong back who could be a workhorse like Bush if we lose him.

This draft has too many backs to pass on all of 'em. We need to take one I think...

I did not realize Vereen declared... He is a borderline first rounder IMO

[007]

I did not realize Vereen declared... He is a borderline first rounder IMO

I like Vereen, but he'll be lucky to go in the top 50. (Mid rounder, IMO)

Ingram, Leshoure and Williams are definitely ahead of him. Todman and Murray might be too...

My new fave RB is Delone Carter. Man was he fun to watch yesterday.

Looks like MJD. 5-9 225 with explosion.

[hawaiianboy]

Mayocks Top 5s
Underclassmen (*) prevalent among top five per position

Quarterback:

*1. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri
2. Jake Locker, Washington
*3. Cam Newton, Auburn
*4. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
T-5. Andy Dalton, TCU
T-5. Ricky Stanzi, Iowa
T-5. Colin Kaepernick, Nevada
T-5. Pat Devlin, Delaware

Running back:

*1. Mark Ingram, Alabama
2. Daniel Thomas, Kansas State
*3. Mikel LeShoure, Illinois
*4. Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech
*T-5. Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State
T-5. Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State

Wide receiver:

*1. A.J. Green, Georgia
*2. Julio Jones, Alabama
*3. Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh
4. Titus Young, Boise State
T-5. Jerrel Jernigan, Troy
T-5. Greg Little, North Carolina
*T-5. Randall Cobb, Kentucky

Tight end:

*1. Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame
2. Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin
3. Luke Stocker, Tennessee
4. D.J. Williams, Arkansas
5. Charles Clay, Tulsa

Guard/center:

1. Mike Pouncey, Florida
2. Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State
3. Danny Watkins, Baylor
4. John Moffitt, Wisconsin
T-5. Rodney Hudson, Florida State
T-5. William Rackley, Lehigh

Tackle:

1. Nate Solder, Colorado
2. Anthony Castanzo, Boston College
3. Tyron Smith, Southern California
4. Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
T-5. Ben Ijalana, Villanova
T-5. Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State

Defensive end:

*1. Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson
2. Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
3. Aldon Smith, Missouri
*4. J.J. Watt, Wisconsin
*5. Robert Quinn, North Carolina

Defensive tackle:

*1. Nick Fairley, Auburn
*2. Marcell Dareus, Alabama
*3. Corey Liuget, Illinois
*4. Jurrell Casey, Southern California
5. Stephen Paea, Oregon State

Linebacker:

1. Von Miller, Texas A&M
*2. Akeem Ayers, UCLA
*3. Justin Houston, Georgia
4. Bruce Carter, North Carolina
*5. Martez Wilson, Illinois

Cornerback:

*1. Patrick Peterson, LSU
2. Prince Amukamara, Nebraska
*3. Brandon Harris, Miami (Fla.)
*4. Aaron Williams, Texas

Safety:

*1. Rahim Moore, UCLA
2. Ahmad Black, Florida
3. Deunta Williams, North Carolina

[007]

Danny Watkins from Baylor is a cool story.

He was drafted by the BC Lions last year in the CFL draft (In the CFL you can draft NCAA jrs as long as they are a certain age).

He's from Kelowna BC Canada. A few hours from where I live. He's 26 years old (I don't think the draftniks/scouts have done their research) and he didnt even play High School football, IIRC.

He walked onto Butte College after being a fire fighter, and just took to the game.


His road to the NCAA’s Big 12 conference was a winding one. While working as a firefighter in Kelowna a couple of years ago, Wat•kins frequently travelled to California to visit a girlfriend at Fresno State. On a friend’s recommendation, he enrolled at nearby Butte College. Turns out the Oroville, Calif.-based junior college is a football powerhouse. And it wasn’t long before the college’s coaches noticed Watkins’s athletic build—at six foot four inches and 315 lb., he’s tough to miss—and talked him into trying football pads on for size


There are always cool stories. I'll be cheering for a good ol Canadian boy.

[Crow]

Btw, why the name change, 007? ;)

[007]

Btw, why the name change, 007? ;)

There is a post about it somewhere.

Some Al lover said I bitch too much and I'm not a Raider fan, so I had it removed like a cancerous tumor.

I love my Raiders. I just hate whats happened and am not digging this offseason like others are.

Thats a different thread though.

[Crow]

el oh el

[Crow]

So, I'm thinking...

Rd2 - Wisniewski/Pouncey
Rd3 - Dalton
Rd4 - Can I get another OL up in this bitch? Moffitt, maybe?

[NIPS]

Me likey Luke Stocker

[RaiderJF]

So, I'm thinking...

Rd2 - Wisniewski/Pouncey
Rd3 - Dalton
Rd4 - Can I get another OL up in this bitch? Moffitt, maybe?

All the draft prognosticators seem to be projecting Pouncey 2 as a top 20 pick so looking highly doubtful he gets to 48. I'm hoping Wiz 2 drops down to us, but we may be too late for him also...

wasn't that impressed with the little that I've seen of Dalton.

[007]

I'm calling it now:

Mike Pouncey falls to round 3.

People are CRAZY if they think this guy is half the player Maurkice is. The guy is honestly not very good. He apparently had a 5th round grade from the advisory committee last year and had a worse senior year (IMO). If he goes before that its because of his last name and pedigree.

My mancrush right now is still Nate Solder, but he's going early. I like Kris O'dowd too as a C prospect. You could give me Herzlich or Bruce Carter in round two and I'll be happy. Both can cover and play multiple positions (If the rumors of a scheme switch end up being true).

[Crow]

I don't really want Pouncey, but the team needs a G or C and he may yet recover from the Senior Bowl idiocy. That said, after drafting the wrong Stinchcomb and the wrong McQuistan, Pouncey's chance of succeeding in Oakland appears marginal.

I just want some fat people. Bring me fat people.

[DonkeyKilla]

There is a post about it somewhere.

Some Al lover said I bitch too much and I'm not a Raider fan, so I had it removed like a cancerous tumor.

I love my Raiders. I just hate whats happened and am not digging this offseason like others are.

Thats a different thread though.

Al lover? me? :pound: I took it too far and apoligize ok bro? Al Lover? that shit is low man.:shakehead:

[RaiderJF]

I don't really want Pouncey, but the team needs a G or C and he may yet recover from the Senior Bowl idiocy. That said, after drafting the wrong Stinchcomb and the wrong McQuistan, Pouncey's chance of succeeding in Oakland appears marginal.

I just want some fat people. Bring me fat people.

Just give me Wiz II in round 2... may need to move up 10 - 15 spots to get him so could cost us a fourth rounder to move up. Maybe even do it with Belicheat since he has pick #33 and might be willing to drop down to #48 plus a future pick (2012 third rounder). Pretty much same tyoe deal as what we did with Dallas to get Wiz I.

[Birdwell]

Just didn't see Pouncey as all that physical, any time I've seen him (maybe nine quarters all told, this year) despite his size. Wisniewski is technically as sound as an interior lineman can be coming out and plenty phyiscal, just wish he was a little bigger to the point that I'm not sure I'd pay to grab him UNLESS convinced that he would be a C. Danny Watkins should be available in round 3, Moffitt probably in round 4 (though we may have to trade near the top of the round to get him). Either guy would fit.

Nice thing about the switch to mostly power, is that we don't have to go for the same freakishly athletic almost-big guys that everyone else seems to want. Get a couple of maulers who can play, with a willingness to get to the second level, and they can run 5.3 40s for all anyone cares.

[Diceq]

Maybe we can make another doug Jolly or Phil Buchanon move and jump into the 1st RD if the right guy is there

[Crow]

Would be a pretty big jump. I can definitely see Al moving up, but it may take a lot to get back into Rd1.

So long as it's a worthy player and not some track guy or underachieving athletic freak, I'm all for it.

[doingthisinsteadofwork]

What are your guys's thoughts on Jerrell Powe? From what I understand he underachieved his senior year but has the size and athleticism to be a NT in either the 43 or 34.What round do you think he'd be available?

[fade2black24]

What are your guys's thoughts on Jerrell Powe? From what I understand he underachieved his senior year but has the size and athleticism to be a NT in either the 43 or 34.What round do you think he'd be available?

Late 2nd or 3rd rounder

Good prospect

His status probably largely depends on his workout at the combine

He could potentially shoot up the board if he blows people away with his workout.

I think he is a pretty good prospect. He is a bull. Great strength in the running game. Instincts could be a concern.

[Crow]

The flabby, pear shaped guys usually don't go higher than Rd4. He's slow in the head and has some durability concerns. I'd probably give the guy a look in Rd5. Not to say I'd draft him in Rd5. But I'd probably give him a look.

[007]

What are your guys's thoughts on Jerrell Powe? From what I understand he underachieved his senior year but has the size and athleticism to be a NT in either the 43 or 34.What round do you think he'd be available?

Apparently played a great game at the NFLPA (Texas vs Nation) game recently, checked in big, powerful.

He's not our type of DT though, I think.

Kenrick Ellis is though...

Powe is a guy who will come off the board in the top 100 picks, I think.

[Crow]

Auburn QB Cam Newton's controversial "media day" workout will begin at 1PM ET Thursday at Cathedral Catholic High School (SD).

The invitation to media personnel explained that the workout will "provide a snapshot of Cam’s daily training regimen and routine as he prepares for his NFL career." Afterwards, he'll be "briefly available" for "some questions." The workout has been heavily criticized in the scouting community, in part because it's seen as a publicity grab and in part because no scouts are allowed to attend.


:facepalm2:

[RaiderJF]

Auburn QB Cam Newton's controversial "media day" workout will begin at 1PM ET Thursday at Cathedral Catholic High School (SD).

The invitation to media personnel explained that the workout will "provide a snapshot of Cam’s daily training regimen and routine as he prepares for his NFL career." Afterwards, he'll be "briefly available" for "some questions." The workout has been heavily criticized in the scouting community, in part because it's seen as a publicity grab and in part because no scouts are allowed to attend.


:facepalm2:

From the film clips, Newton looked pretty good in the work-out. Then again, so did JaBustus at his pro day workout. I don't think there is any question that the kid has the physical tools to be an NFL QB, but the tough part to assess is whether he or any other QB prospect has the work ethic, leadership, and "quick processing" mental skills to play the position at the NFL level.

[Madturk]

evansilva Mike Mayock on Cam Newton's Media Day: "I'd offer one cautionary note: JaMarcus Russell had the best Pro Day I ever saw."

[Crow]

Might as well have planted some codeine syrup in the man's car and called the cops. That's a straight punch to the old breadbox right there.

[Sleet]

evansilva Mike Mayock on Cam Newton's Media Day: "I'd offer one cautionary note: JaMarcus Russell had the best Pro Day I ever saw."

Saw enough of Cam in the BCS game. Guy missed a lot of wide open WR. The only passes he seemed to complete were button hooks.

With his history, you've also got to question whether he'll be the hardest working guy on the team, a prerequisite for success for a QB in today's NFL. Things have come easy for him. Heck, big money permitted him to win a Hiesman and play in the BCS championship game, even though (he and) his Dad violated rules others,including SC and Bush, got popped for. You get a way with that, it only adds to the above the law mentality.

Rookie season, Tim T-Bo/Vince Young. His upside, Michael Vick. His downside, Vince Young. Not awful company, perhaps, but it took Vick a long time to get his head right and who knows about Young. Don't see this guy winning hardware. Look for the next Rodgers, Brady, Payton, Rivers, Brees, Ryan, Bradford, or Freeman.

[doingthisinsteadofwork]

Cam Newton has more red flags than Russell. Russell got knocked for lack of experience, Newton has started in one season in an offense that relied almost entirely on the run. He does have mobility, a big arm and maybe some leadership qualities on the field. Unfortunately his accuracy is average at best and that will really limit any leadership qualities he has when he plays in the NFL.

[Langlier]

Saw enough of Cam in the BCS game. Guy missed a lot of wide open WR. The only passes he seemed to complete were button hooks.

With his history, you've also got to question whether he'll be the hardest working guy on the team, a prerequisite for success for a QB in today's NFL. Things have come easy for him. Heck, big money permitted him to win a Hiesman and play in the BCS championship game, even though (he and) his Dad violated rules others,including SC and Bush, got popped for. You get a way with that, it only adds to the above the law mentality.

Rookie season, Tim T-Bo/Vince Young. His upside, Michael Vick. His downside, Vince Young. Not awful company, perhaps, but it took Vick a long time to get his head right and who knows about Young. Don't see this guy winning hardware. Look for the next Rodgers, Brady, Payton, Rivers, Brees, Ryan, Bradford, or Freeman.

no comparison to vick at all - hes not that mobile.

mcnair/young/rothlesburger/brooks/mcnugget/moon/rodgers - he's an above average mobile QB with physical tools but coming from a gimic system as a 1 year starter...

[Crow]

Tebow with better mechanics, but a more questionable level of dedication to the craft.

[TheMadStork]

Tebow with better mechanics, but a more questionable level of dedication to the craft.

Plus, you'd have to think that his dad is going to be an ongoing issue for whoever he plays for. I can easily picture Newton Sr. trying to get Cam to give him a copy of the playbook so he can sell it to other teams for some extra cash. Or something else extraordinarily dumb like that.

[RaiderJF]

Tebow with better mechanics, but a more questionable level of dedication to the craft.

I don't see the Tebow comparison. Newton has a big arm; way above average. Tebow has a rag arm; significantly below average for an NFL QB. Yes, both athletic freaks with great running skills and superior size, but Newton could develop into a pro-style QB with his skill set, but Tebow will have to rely on his legs and a tailored/gimmick offense for him to succeed. Agree that the big issue for Newton has to be his dedication and leadership (where that is not a question for Tebow).

[Crow]

I don't see the Tebow comparison. Newton has a big arm; way above average. Tebow has a rag arm; significantly below average for an NFL QB. Yes, both athletic freaks with great running skills and superior size, but Newton could develop into a pro-style QB with his skill set, but Tebow will have to rely on his legs and a tailored/gimmick offense for him to succeed. Agree that the big issue for Newton has to be his dedication and leadership (where that is not a question for Tebow).

I don't see a "rag arm" on Tebow. He's no Cam Newton in terms of arm strength, I agree. But he's got an arm at least comparable to Brees. More than adequate.

[Raidervinny]

I don't see the Tebow comparison. Newton has a big arm; way above average. Tebow has a rag arm; significantly below average for an NFL QB. Yes, both athletic freaks with great running skills and superior size, but Newton could develop into a pro-style QB with his skill set, but Tebow will have to rely on his legs and a tailored/gimmick offense for him to succeed. Agree that the big issue for Newton has to be his dedication and leadership (where that is not a question for Tebow).

Tebow's arm strength was never a question...go check out all of the scouting reports. His delivery and mechanics were awful...but his arm strength was able to mask some of that.

[Sleet]

I don't see the Tebow comparison. Newton has a big arm; way above average. Tebow has a rag arm; significantly below average for an NFL QB. Yes, both athletic freaks with great running skills and superior size, but Newton could develop into a pro-style QB with his skill set, but Tebow will have to rely on his legs and a tailored/gimmick offense for him to succeed. Agree that the big issue for Newton has to be his dedication and leadership (where that is not a question for Tebow).

It seems like far more highly drafted "big-armed" QB's have failed in the NFL for not having "dedication and leadership" than QB's with average arms, but "dedication and leadership." The 2nd quality is way too underrated, and the former quality, way overrated.

Yes, you want both. That's how you get to the SB in today's NFL. But it sets the franchise back when you spend big and miss. I wouldn't touch Cam with a Top 5/10 pick, particularly how the draft is presently structured. I far more non-plused by the BCS CG, in pads w/live bullets, than wowed by his game in shorts.

[Xplosive]

been very busy.

but this years draft is going to be very decent for us again.


X

[Sleet]

been very busy.

but this years draft is going to be very decent for us again.


X

Already know who we are going to get. ;)

Let me guess, a very big OL and a very fast CB. :D

[Madturk]

been very busy.

but this years draft is going to be very decent for us again.


X

U been re-tiling the back splashes in the men's rooms? I know that shit takes time.:p

[RZ]

been very busy.

but this years draft is going to be very decent for us again.


X

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyhrYis509A

[Sleet]

Meet the newest Raider (hopefully, no more than a 5th):

Ricardo Lockette plans to break Combine 40 record
Posted by Evan Silva on February 23, 2011, 5:00 PM EST

Fort Valley State receiver/return specialist Ricardo Lockette is one of the top candidates for the fastest forty time at the Combine, in large part because of his track background.

The 6-foot-2, 207-pound prospect is a former National Champion in the 100 meters, and ran track throughout his college career. He put on record a 4.35 forty at Fort Valley State, although Lockette’s plan is to run at least a tenth of a second faster in Indianapolis.

“I’m shooting for the mid-4.2s,” Lockette told PFT Wednesday. “Hopefully, I can get the record.”

The record Lockette is speaking of is the fastest forty time in NFL Combine history. Since the Combine became a media-friendly event in the late 1990s to early 2000s, Rondel Melendez of Eastern Kentucky and Chris Johnson of East Carolina have run the fastest, tying at 4.24.

Breaking the record is “definitely one of my goals,” Lockette promised, adding that he’s been timed recently as fast as 4.26 and 4.27. Lockette hopes a record-breaking forty time will vault his draft stock anywhere from the second- to fifth-round range.

Originally an Auburn commit, Lockette bounced around colleges and finished up in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. He averaged 24.0 yards per kickoff return last season, and caught 23 passes for 262 yards with one touchdown.

Despite the underwhelming production, Lockette is CBS Sports draft analyst Chad Reuter’s favorite to run the best forty this weekend.

[007]

Hah, you guys are a month slow.

Dude is the national 100 M champ, I already had him penciled in for round 4...

Might as well spoil some more:

WR Andre Holmes from our favorite DIvision IIIIIII school, Hillsdale. 6-4 210 sprinter. Caught 100+ balls last year.

CB Demarcus Van Dyke is going to run in the 4.3's as well I think.

I also think Roy Helu Jr the RB is going to surprise people. He seems really fast on youtube, LOL.

Add in Noel Devine and all those SEC CB's and Davis will have a perma boner.

[Sleet]

Here's a few players one fan was pimping for the Raiders. I actually think the positions/order makes sense, although I don't know much about the players (except Cannon), themselves, other than what I've read.

OT/G Marcus Cannon, TCU, 6'6", 350 lbs
CB Ras-I Dowling, Virginia, 6'2", 200 lbs.
OC Jake Kirkpatrick, TCU, 6'3'', 305 lbs.
OLB/DE Chris Carter, Fresno State, 6'2", 240 lbs
FS/CB Marcus Gilchrist, Clemson, 5'10", 195 lbs

[007]

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2011-nfl-combine-results-offensive-linemen/

Those are some weigh in numbers.

Legit, used the site for 3 years or so and they are quick.

Big Marcus Cannon, "down to 358"

Sign me up!!!

[BigTron]

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2011-nfl-combine-results-offensive-linemen/

Those are some weigh in numbers.

Legit, used the site for 3 years or so and they are quick.

Big Marcus Cannon, "down to 358"

Sign me up!!!

haha down to 358! yikes. Hate to have that guy playing for us when the wight is up...

[Postmaster]

Schottey Yesterday, Rodney Hudson (OG/OC FSU) weighed in at 299lbs...that is HUGE (literally) for him.


Prolly won't make it to #48 but damn he is intriguing at that size.

[007]

No joke Postie, I think that is just a blown up combine weight.

He plays at what? 280? 290 maybe?

Great player, but his size doesnt fit our new scheme, IMO.

[Crow]

My thoughts exactly. You hear it said every year, and I think he's one of those guys. "If he were an inch taller and 10 or 15 pounds heavier, he could be a 1st round pick."

[hawaiianboy]

Hah, you guys are a month slow.

Dude is the national 100 M champ, I already had him penciled in for round 4...

Might as well spoil some more:

WR Andre Holmes from our favorite DIvision IIIIIII school, Hillsdale. 6-4 210 sprinter. Caught 100+ balls last year.

CB Demarcus Van Dyke is going to run in the 4.3's as well I think.

I also think Roy Helu Jr the RB is going to surprise people. He seems really fast on youtube, LOL.

Add in Noel Devine and all those SEC CB's and Davis will have a perma boner.


I already have my Lil Al entry done and none of your loser picks are on it...

[007]

I already have my Lil Al entry done and none of your loser picks are on it...

Cmon homes. You know that list of speed guys is money.

Wait until the combine really starts tomorrow.

We all know 2-3 of the best performers will be wearing black and silver.

[hawaiianboy]

Cmon homes. You know that list of speed guys is money.



I'm sure that the success of Dmac and Ford last year is just going to reaffirm Al's love for speed.... Hopefully the success of Houston and Veldheer will affirm his love of big and nasty...


Still going to kick your ass up and down the street in the Lil Al... No doubt...

[Byron2112]

:righton: :righton: :righton:

[hawaiianboy]

RavensInsider Aaron Wilson
Jonathan Baldwin measurables impressive: “I was 6-4 ¾ and 228. My reach was 79, 10 and a half inch hands.”



Interested to see if this guy posts an acceptable Al time...

[007]

DeAndre Brown.

He makes Baldwin look like Wayne Chrebet.

[hawaiianboy]

Brown is a serious pain in the ass...

[007]

Brown is a serious pain in the ass...

So was Syracuse Mikey Williams...

Some guys have so much potential that they are worth taking a minor risk.

I wouldnt draft him in the top 4 rounds, but the dude had one of the best freshman WR campaigns ever. The guy is a man beast and has some skills to work with, IMO.

He was Julio Jones before Julio Jones...

[007]

Tori Gurley at 6-5 220 right around where he was listed.

Niles Paul 6-1 225, Greg Little 6-2 1/2 231.

Some big boys running this weekend.

[Sleet]

Al's batting .500, but that won't deter him from getting the fastest CB in the draft.

Feb. 25, 2011 3:47 p.m. - Keep an eye on the 40-yard dash times at the NFL Scouting Combine for a clue to possible future Raiders. According to the National Football Post, nine players since 1999 clocked under 4.3 seconds at the combine, and the Raiders drafted four of them: CBs Stanford Routt (4.28) and Fabian Washington (4.25) and WRs Darrius Heyward-Bey (4.25) and Jacoby Ford (4.28). Raiders RapidReports

[Crow]

DeAndre Brown.

:facepalm2:

[Sleet]

What does the combine data mean? Depends on your position
By Gil Brandt NFL.com
Senior Analyst

INDIANAPOLIS -- As the coaches, scouts and general managers from all 32 NFL teams converge on Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine, some fans might still question exactly how this event fits into the overall draft picture.

It is certainly a key part of the puzzle. In many cases it is the first time NFL people are seeing the top prospects face-to-face. The personal interviews and the medical testing are invaluable.

NFL Scouting Combine workouts
Part track meet, part grammar school fitness test ... those are the workouts of the combine. Let Mike Mayock explain why NFL teams will be watching closely. More ... So, what about the athletic drills? How much does it matter what a quarterback runs in the 40-yard dash or how high a linebacker can jump? Well, it's not more important than a player's overall football ability, but it's part of the detailed analysis teams like to have.

When I was with the Dallas Cowboys, we compiled all the numbers and we used the data as something to consider if two prospects were viewed evenly. Does it matter if one quarterback runs the 40-yard dash a fraction of a second faster than another quarterback? Maybe not. But if we are looking at two college quarterbacks we like, and we have them rated the same, that might be a case where better combine numbers tilt the decision-making process. It is rare that these drills would come into play before the overall scouting evaluations.

With that in mind, here is a primer of what to look for in the various combine drills, along with some numbers that give you an idea of what will be considered a "good" performance, based on position.

40-yard dash
The most famous and the most publicized of these drills, the 40-yard dash shows sustained speed over a distance. However, the 40 might be even more important for some positions when looking at the 10-yard and 20-yard splits. The splits are good indicators of a quick first step, something every coach wants to see in all his players.

With receivers, there's increased focus on the 10-yard time, because it measures burst off the line of scrimmage. When you compare two receiver prospects, it's often the wideout with the better 10-yard dash -- not the 40 time -- that attracts more attention.

Linemen, on the other hand, are not asked to excel in this event. They rarely need to run 40 yards, outside of chasing down the occasional interception. Obviously, you want fast players across the board, but a lineman isn't penalized at the combine like a cornerback for a slow 40-yard time.

Bench press
Bench press repetitions of 225 are the standard. This is more than just an exercise for the biggest and strongest linemen. Most all players need upper body strength to excel. Even those at the "finesse" positions, such as wide receiver, use their arms and shoulders to release from, or shield, their opponents. Scouts don't get overly concerned with bench press numbers for a receiver or a quarterback, but the test is critical for offensive and defensive lineman. A lineman benching fewer than 20 times raises red flags.

Vertical and broad jumps
Players jump straight up or straight forward without using a first step for momentum. These jumps accurately display a prospect's explosiveness, which is relevant not only for receivers and defensive backs for jump balls, but also by offensive and defensive linemen to move or gain leverage against their opponents.

20-yard and 60-yard shuttles
In the "short shuttle," players straddle a yard line, run 5 yards in one direction, then 10 yards in the other direction, then 5 yards back to their original starting position. They must touch the ground at each stop except the last.

In the "long shuttle," players run 5 yards, then back to the starting point, then run 10 yards and back to the starting spot, then 15 yards and back to the starting spot, again touching the ground at each stop but the last.

With running backs, quickness is king. A back's burst can be measured through the shuttle run. The Titans' Javon Ringer is a good example of a player who drew interest because of his performance in the shuttle run. Ringer didn't run as fast as some other backs in the 40 at the 2009 combine, but his quickness negated that score and Tennessee fell in love.

3-cone drill
This drill sets cones five yards apart, forming a right angle. Players run back and forth between the first two cones, touching the ground near both. Then they run around the second cone, weave inside the third cone and around the outside of both top cones back to the stating point. Fluid completion of this drill is a sight to see for any coach or scout.

The shuttles and the 3-cone drill display the athleticism crucial to being a quality football player. The speed of the game at the pro level is such that fluid lateral movement and the ability to quickly change direction are critical. In some cases, good times in this drill can trump poor 40 times when it comes to how coaches view certain prospects.

Target numbers
The Dallas Cowboys have been testing and recording prospects with these drills since the early 1960s. Likewise, most teams have been doing it long enough to know what "good measurables" look like. Sure, some players will blow people away with an amazing 40 time or a record number of reps in the bench press. But it's more important to identify the target numbers that indicate a prospect is worthy of further evaluation.

As you follow along and check the results of this year's combine, here are what the target numbers look like by position (note: quarterbacks do not lift weights or run the 60-yard shuttle; offensive and defensive linemen also do not run the 60-yard shuttle):

Target test results
Drill Significance QB RB FB WR TE OT G/C DT DE ILB OLB CB S
40-yard dash Speed over distance 4.90 4.55 4.85 4.55 4.85 5.30 5.30 5.15 4.85 4.80 4.70 4.55 4.60
10-yard split (40) Initial quickness 1.70 1.60 1.70 1.60 1.70 1.80 1.85 1.80 1.70 1.70 1.65 1.60 1.65
20-yard split (40) Maintain burst 2.85 2.60 2.80 2.65 2.80 3.00 3.05 3.00 2.80 2.75 2.70 2.65 2.60
225-pound bench press reps Upper body strength N/A 20 22 12 22 24 26 26 24 24 23 15 18
Vertical jump Explosiveness, leg strength 30" 36 30 36 32 30 30 30 33 33 36 36 36
Broad jump Explosiveness, leg strength 9'-0" 9-9 9-3 10-0 9-6 8-6 8-6 8-9 9-9 9-6 9-9 10-0 10-0
20-yard shuttle Flexibility, burst, balance 4.30 4.20 4.25 4.15 4,20 4.65 4.55 4.55 4.30 4.20 4.10 4.00 4.05
60-yard shuttle Flexibility, balance, endurance N/A 11.7 11.8 11.4 11.8 N/A N/A N/A 11.8 11.7 11.4 11.2 11.2
3-cone drill Agility, change of direction 7.25 7.25 7.40 7.00 7,30 7.85 7.85 7.75 7.35 7.20 7.10 7.00 7.10

[Sleet]

Brandt's Top 100. The so-called "tiers" are just players in groups of 10

On ability alone, these are top prospects of 2011 NFL Draft
By Gil Brandt NFL.com
Senior Analyst

What if teams drafted solely on best player available and didn't consider their specific needs? What if teams didn't consider a player's injury history, off-field issues, psychological exams, intelligence tests, or workout results at the NFL Scouting Combine and pro days?

It's what I did in compiling my "Hot 100" list of prospects, all of whom will be represented at the combine this week in Indianapolis. I took out all the non-football things that go into a complete analysis of a player and listed them strictly on talent and ability. It's not a mock draft, but this should give you an idea of how they are rated by most NFL teams as players.

Note:Tiers are listed alphabetically; * denotes early entrant.

Tier 1
Da'Quan Bowers*, DE, Clemson, 6-4, 276
Can get after the quarterback. Had 15.5 sacks for the Tigers in 2010. Has very good speed for position.

Marcell Dareus*, DT, Alabama
Can play in both 3-4 and 4-3 defensive schemes. Had 4.5 sacks for Crimson Tide in 2010. Never takes a play off.

Nick Fairley*, DT, Auburn, 6-5, 300
Only played two years at Auburn after spending first two years at junior college. Had 11.5 sacks for Tigers in 2010.

Blaine Gabbert*, QB, Missouri, 6-4, 235
Two-year starter. Mobility a strength. Completed 63.4 percent of his passes in 2010. Works best out of the shotgun.

A.J. Green*, WR, Georgia, 6-3, 212
Was suspended four games in 2010 by NCAA for sale of a bowl jersey. Still finished with 57 catches and nine TDs.

Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M, 6-2, 240
Led the nation in sacks as a junior and even had 10.5 last year despite an early-season injury.

Cam Newton*, QB, Auburn, 6-5, 245
Only a one-year college player, but he passed for 30 TDs and ran for 20, with a 66.1 completion percentage.

Patrick Peterson*, DB, LSU, 6-0, 215
Very good return man. Able to cover the pass and play strong against the run.

Robert Quinn*, DE, North Carolina, 6-5, 254
Missed the entire 2010 season after violating NCAA rules. In 2009, he had 11 sacks.

Tyron Smith*, OT, USC
He's a natural fit at right tackle. Has long arms and is very athletic for his size.

Tier 2
Akeem Ayers*, OLB, UCLA, 6-4, 249
Had four sacks and two INTs in 2010. Has speed and can blitz or play in space.

Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa, 6-4, 285
Only had 3.5 sacks last year, down from the year before. Watch the Penn State film to see him at his best.

Anthony Castonzo, OL, Boston College, 6-7, 308
He started all four years for the Eagles. Played left guard at the Senior Bowl.

Mark Ingram*, RB, Alabama, 5-10, 215
Injured and shared time in 2010. A good inside runner, who rushed for 13 touchdowns last season.

Julio Jones*, WR, Alabama, 6-4, 211
Able to return kicks. Had 78 catches for 1,133 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

Cameron Jordan, DE, California, 6-4, 283
Father, Steve, played tight end for the Vikings for 13 years. Cameron had 5.5 sacks in 2010.

J.J. Watt*, DE, Wisconsin, 6-6, 279
Transferred from Western Michigan, where he played TE. Seven sacks in 2010. Shined against Ohio State.

Aldon Smith*, DE, Missouri, 6-5, 260
Missed some games with injuries last season. In 2009, he had 11.5 sacks.

Jimmy Smith*, DB, Colorado, 6-2, 205
Tall and has long arms. Has good speed. Why no interceptions in 2010?

Nate Solder, OL, Colorado, 6-9, 315
High school tight end, who moved to OT after his freshman year at Colorado. Has great feet and long arms.

Tier 3
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska, 6-1, 205
Four-year college player, two-year starter. Had five INTs in 2009, but none in 2010.

Gabe Carimi, OL, Wisconsin, 6-7, 327
Four-year starter. Can he play left tackle in the NFL? Or is he only a right tackle?

Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue, 6-4, 263
Lacks the size (weight) as a defensive end, but he has quickness. Had 12.5 sacks in 2010.

Corey Liuget*, DT, Illinois, 6-3, 300
Had 63 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 2010. Was named All-Big Ten Second Team.

Jake Locker, QB, Washington, 6-3, 230
Very athletic with good speed. Needs to improve his accuracy.

Ryan Mallet*, QB, Arkansas, 6-7, 238
Has a very strong arm. Threw 32 TD passes in 2010, completing 64.7 percent of his passes.

Mike Pouncey, OL, Florida, 6-5, 315
Brother, Maurkice, made Pro Bowl as rookie with Steelers. Mike stayed a fourth year with Gators.

Kyle Rudolph*, TE, Notre Dame, 6-5, 253
Only played six games last year. Had 28 catches and three touchdowns. Lots of upside.

Torrey Smith*, WR, Maryland, 6-0, 202
Has outstanding speed. Named All-ACC First Team. Had 67 catches and 12 touchdowns in 2010.

Muhammad Wilkerson*, DT, Temple, 6-5, 295
Very good production. 70 tackles and 9.5 sacks. Lots of upside.

Tier 4
Allen Bailey, DL, Miami, 6-4, 285
Has speed for his position. Seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss in 2010. All-ACC Second Team.

Jonathan Baldwin*, WR, Pittsburgh,6-5, 224
Had 53 catches and five touchdowns in 2010. Was named All-Big East First Team.

Bruce Carter, LB, North Carolina, 6-3, 235
Can play the run or play in space. Good special teams player, too.

Cam Heyward, DT, Ohio State, 6-5, 288
Played well in the Sugar Bowl. Made move inside to tackle. His father, "Ironhead" Heyward, played in the NFL.

Mikel Leshoure*, RB, Illinois, 6-0, 227
Had a fantastic season in 2010, with 1,697 rushing yards and 20 total TDs (17 rushing, three receiving).

Rahim Moore*, DB, UCLA, 6-1, 196
All-Pac 10 First Team selection. Has good range and good ball skills.

Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State, 6-1, 311
Good inside pass rusher. Had six sacks in 2010. All-Pac 10 First Team selection.

Phil Taylor, DL, Baylor, 6-4, 337
Transferred from Penn State. Needs to improve stamina. Was named All-Big 12 Second Team.

Aaron Williams*, DB, Texas, 6-1, 192
Has the height every scout looks for. No INTs last season. All-Big 12 Second Team selection.

Martez Wilson*, OLB, Illinois, 6-4, 240
Had 112 tackles in 2010. He's an athletic player. All-Big Ten Second Team selection.

Tier 5
Marvin Austin*, DL, North Carolina, 6-3, 310
Did not play in 2010. Has skills, but needs consistent effort. Big risk, but could be big reward.

Marcus Cannon, OL, TCU, 6-6, 350
A massive man with long arms. Needs to keep weight down. Two-time All-Mountain West First Team selection.

Jurrell Casey*, DL, USC, 6-1, 300
All-Pac 10 First Team selection. Inside player with pass rush skills.

Ras-I Dowling, DB, Virginia, 6-2, 200
Limited by injuries in 2010. Grading him as a safety, rather than cornerback.

Kenrick Ellis, DL, Hampton, 6-5, 336
A transfer from South Carolina. Has off-the-field issues. Good vs. the run.

Justin Houston*, LB, Georgia, 6-3, 254
All-SEC First Team selection. Had 10 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss. Can he play in space?

Jerrell Jernigan, WR, Troy, 5-9, 190
Might be the fastest player in the draft. Can return kicks. Had 84 catches and 11 total TDs in 2010.

Greg Little, WR, North Carolina, 6-3, 220
Ineligible in 2010. Has played RB before. Had 62 catches in 2009. A strong receiver.

Tyler Sash*, SS, Iowa, 6-1, 210
Two-time All-Big Ten First Team selection. Had 13 INTs the past two years. Fine athlete.

Ryan Williams*, RB, Virginia Tech, 5-10, 205
Injuries a question mark, but he has skills. Ten TDs in 2010. Had a very good 2009 season.

Tier 6
Brandon Burton (DB, Utah), James Carpenter (OL, Alabama), Orlando Franklin (OL, Miami), Brandon Harris (DB, Miami), Rodney Hudson (OL, Florida State), Kendall Hunter (RB, Oklahoma State), Christian Ponder (QB, Florida State), Derek Sherrod (OL, Mississippi State), Daniel Thomas (RB, Kansas State), Titus Young (WR, Boise State).

Tier 7
Clint Boling (OL, Georgia), Marcus Gilbert (OL, Florida), Ben Ijalana (OL, Villanova), Greg Jones (LB, Michigan State), DeMarco Murray (RB, Oklahoma), Johnny Patrick (DB, Louisville), William Rackley (OL, Lehigh), Robert Sands (DB, West Virginia), Jabaal Sheard (DL, Pittsburgh), K.J. Wright (LB, Mississippi State).

Tier 8
Quinton Carter (DB, Oklahoma), Randall Cobb (WR, Kentucky), Andrew Dalton (QB, TCU), Leonard Hankerson (WR, Miami), Jarvis Jenkins (DL, Clemson), Drake Nevis (DL, LSU), Kelvin Sheppard (LB, LSU), Shane Vereen (RB, California), D.J. Williams (TE, Arkansas).

Tier 9
Christian Ballard (DL, Iowa), Jeremy Beal (LB, Oklahoma), Mason Foster (LB, Washington), Edmund Gates (WR, Abilene Christian), Lance Kendricks (TE, Wisconsin), Niles Paul (WR, Nebraska), Jason Pinkston (OL, Pittsburgh), Jacquizz Rodgers (RB, Oregon State), Da'Norris Searcy (DB, North Carolina), Daniel Ziemba (OL, Auburn).

Tier 10
Sam Acho (LB, Texas), Darvin Adams (WR, Auburn), Curtis Brown (DB, Texas), Delone Carter (RB, Syracuse), Chimdi Chekwa (DB, Ohio State), Marcus Gilchrist (DB, Clemson), Brandon Hogan (DB, West Virginia), Dontay Moch (LB, Nevada), Jonas Mouton (LB, Michigan), Brooks Reed (DL, Arizona), Jordan Todman (RB, Connecticut).

[NIPS]

Still think this team lacks a #2 TE.

Meyers is okay but not good enough in my book

Anyone gotta feelin' Al grabs someone like Rock Carmichael in rd 3? I certainly hope he doesnt- guys fast but he whiffs on tackles worse than Stu

[Crow]

Carmichael is one of the 40 times I'm waiting to see. If he lights it up, he's a 2nd rounder in Al's book.

I definitely want another TE, though. Been wanting one.

[Crow]

DraftCountdown

#Nevada TE Virgil Green just vertical leaped 42 1/2 inches. Gonna run a great forty too. Green is gonna blow up Indy. #ScoutingCombine

[007]

Kaepernick 6-4 1/2 233. Same size as Bradford.

So much for the 215 worries, the guy put on a nice little 15 pound cushion before the combine.

Mallett apparently looked like garbage at 6-7 255.

I officially hate Blaine Gabbert now that he's rocking the Tommy Brady model hair.

[007]

Marcus Cannon looks so smooth at 6-5 358. 33 reps, respectable forty time.

I like that kid a lot.

[007]

Some fatty from Houston might be the first guy who didnt beat Rich Eisen's time...

6.06

Never seen that before.

[007]

Brandon Fusco is an intriguing center prospect.

6-4 305, good forty, looks athletic. Probably on our radar...

[Sleet]

Marcus Cannon looks so smooth at 6-5 358. 33 reps, respectable forty time.

I like that kid a lot.

Yep, with the #48 pick in the 2nd round, the Raiders select Marcus Cannon, OL, TCU, 6-6, 350, 34' arm length.

Immediate competition at LG, RG and RT with Loper/Campbell/Walker. I'd draft this guy ahead of little Wiz.

Measurables:

225lb Bench: 33 reps (Tied for 2nd most so far for All Positions)

40yd Time: 5.20 seconds (upper 1/4 of OL - EXTREMELY good for his size)

10yd split on 40: 1.78 seconds (Remains in Top 10 so far)

Broad Jump: 8'09" (above average - should finish in top 1/3 of OL)

2011 NFL Draft Prospect Scouting Report:

After serving as a backup as a redshirt freshman in 2007, Cannon stepped into a starting role at right tackle in 2008. He was often a very dominant player and saved his best outing for the Poinsettia Bowl against Boise State. By 2009, Cannon took over just about every game; he did not allow a sack all season and went up against some very good defensive ends. Cannon made the move to left tackle in 2010 and he could play either spot at the next level.

At 6-6 and 350 pounds, Cannon is a big lineman who has enough athleticism to move his feet and stop the more nimble ends. Cannon could sneak into the first round, but he is more likely a second or third round selection at this point. Yet, for a second or third rounder, he is a very polished blocker who has the ability to immediately help any NFL team.

[Crow]

Some fatty from Houston might be the first guy who didnt beat Rich Eisen's time...

6.06

Never seen that before.

Wow. That would be a first for me also. That's astounding. Fare thee well, draft stock.

[Crow]

http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/24725/expect-raiders-to-eye-this-workout-star
INDIANAPOLIS -- Keep this name handy in the next couple of months, Oakland Raiders fans: Ryan Bartholomew.

The Syracuse center is the early workout star at the NFL combine.

That is significant to Oakland. The Raiders love combine workout warriors, and they have a need at center. You have to consider Oakland an early favorite to pursue Bartholomew.

He led all players in the bench press competition Friday. Bartholomew did 34 repetitions of the 225-pound bench press. The average over the past three years for interior offensive linemen is 26.6 reps.

Saturday, Bartholomew clocked an unofficial 40-yard dash time under 4.9 seconds. These are tremendous numbers for a 6-foot-1, 305-pound offensive lineman. Bartholomew entered the combine considered a third- or fourth-round prospect. Now, he could shoot himself into the second round.

Oakland will likely consider centers with its first pick, No. 48.

Oakland pays attention to combine numbers as much as any team. Last year, Oakland drafted workout stars Jacoby Ford and Bruce Campbell.

[007]

TE Rob Housler looks like a Raider.

6-5 250 TE with a 4.5 forty

[007]

http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/24725/expect-raiders-to-eye-this-workout-star

Thats just not an educated opinion.

We dont take lineman who are 6-1 300 pounds.

They have to look good and time well.

[Crow]

McShay13

USC TE Jordan Cameron just ran a 4.58. Another basketball player with pass catching potential... But he's a long-term project

[007]

Yeah I did not know Jordan Cameron was a tall, lanky, white, gangly looking dude, LOL.

He ran the forty and I thought: Holy shit, dude looks like a WR.

Same with Housler. Both guys could put on 10 pounds and not miss a beat.

Crow our boy Lee Smith from Marshall ran like a tackle. Slower than Nate Solder with a 5.10 or so...Put 30 pounds on the guy!

[Sleet]

TE Rob Housler looks like a Raider.

6-5 250 TE with a 4.5 forty

Schuylar Oordt, 6'6'', 260 TE, N. Iowa, 4.67 forty, looks athletic and could put on a few pounds, projected 7th round coming into draft, might rise a little, but can he block?

Julius Thomas, 6'5'', 246 TE, Port. State, 4.68 forty, 4-year starter in basketball, played in two NCAA tournaments, walk-on 1-yr football player invited to combine.

[Crow]

Crow our boy Lee Smith from Marshall ran like a tackle. Slower than Nate Solder with a 5.10 or so...Put 30 pounds on the guy!

I concur. Get him to the supplement store, STAT!

[Crow]

Almost guarantees he'll go undrafted now.

[hawaiianboy]

Borsilli Eddie Borsilli
Spoke with Bob Wylie and the great Steve Wisnewski they both agreed that the Raiders need to draft 2 future starters on the O Line this year

[Crow]

Borsilli Eddie Borsilli
Spoke with Bob Wylie and the great Steve Wisnewski they both agreed that the Raiders need to draft 2 future starters on the O Line this year

<3

[RaiderRobert]

Yeah I did not know Jordan Cameron was a tall, lanky, white, gangly looking dude, LOL.

He ran the forty and I thought: Holy shit, dude looks like a WR.

Same with Housler. Both guys could put on 10 pounds and not miss a beat.

Crow our boy Lee Smith from Marshall ran like a tackle. Slower than Nate Solder with a 5.10 or so...Put 30 pounds on the guy!

Just watched drills, and both Housler and Cameron really stood out to me with their size, and athleticism. Looked better than the rest of the group for sure. Interesting that I caught the same 2 guys you posted here. I'm not high at all on TE as far as our needs, but these 2 looked good if Al thinks we need another TE...

[Crow]

NFL #Combine talk...interesting that #Georgia WR A.J. Green admitted to preparation being one of his weakness...not good #NFLDRAFT

:facepalm2:

[Crow]

Anyone have a stream? I'm unable to watch NFLN at the moment.

[007]

Sorry bro, I've got it all PVR'ed.

[Madturk]

Cam Newton didn't come across very well in his presser. Looked like he was trying too hard to come across as sincere

[Sleet]

Borsilli Eddie Borsilli
Spoke with Bob Wylie and the great Steve Wisnewski they both agreed that the Raiders need to draft 2 future starters on the O Line this year

That's a tall order w/o a 1st round pick, but one most everyone here endorses. In two years time, I except 4 new starters on the OL, replacing Gallery, Satele, Carlisle and Walker. Hopefully, Campbell fills one of those spots and plays well. In this draft, I'm high on Cannon or BA OL in the 2nd, best/fastest CB in the 3rd, and the BA center in the 4th.

[Sleet]

Cam Newton didn't come across very well in his presser. Looked like he was trying too hard to come across as sincere

Don't like when a player reads a prepared statement to spin something he previously said as being taken out of context. Look at the camera. Face the music. Say it from the heart (which shouldn't be hard if you mean it).

[hawaiianboy]

Anyone have a stream? I'm unable to watch NFLN at the moment.

http://www.nfl.com/combine/live

[007]

Just watched that dude run a 6.06 again, LOL!

[007]

Danny Watkins is a fucking pure Canadian stud.

Like me.

[007]

Solder doing his best Bruce Campbell impression.

Top five forty time at 6-8 320. 8 percent body fat, 9+ foot long jump, 4.4 shuttle (LB type feet?).

If we were picking in round one, he would be right at the top for us, IMO.

[Crow]

http://www.nfl.com/combine/live

Too much for this anorexic wifi to handle, I guess. Preciate ya, though.

[Postmaster]

BorsilliSpoke with Bob Wylie and the great Steve Wisnewski they both agreed that the Raiders need to draft 2 future starters on the O Line this year

We are going o-line this year boys. 'Bout time.

[Crow]

Smokescreen. :(

[RaiderRobert]

Yep. Were going CB, CB, TE, RB, WR, and WR...

[007]

DeAndre Brown and Baldwin put 20 reps up each.

Friggin Greg Little put up 27!

Shane Vareen put up 31 at RB.

Allen Bradford was 5-11 242 chiseled and put up 28.

[doingthisinsteadofwork]

I have to say I'm pretty excited about this draft there's alot of guys on both sides of the trenches who could be good starters in the NFL.

[RaiderJF]

I have to say I'm pretty excited about this draft there's alot of guys on both sides of the trenches who could be good starters in the NFL.

Yes, some pretty interesting prospects. Cannon, Baldwin, etc. Too bad we have to wait until halfway thru day 2 to get into the action...

[007]

Gabbert, Locker, Newton, Kaepernick all 4.5-4.6 guys.

Julio Jones smoked AJ Green at the forty.

[007]

Ridlay just ran a 4.70 or so...Same with John Clay.

Jaquizz rasn a 4.65...

Some of these guys shit the bed hard on the forty.

Da'Rel Scott and Roy Helu were 4.4 guys, Demarco Murray 4.38

The most intriguing for me was Auburns backup Mario Fannin. 5-10 231. 4.43 forty

Ingram, Leshoure, Todman, Vareen were all 4.5 guys or low 4.6

[RaiderRobert]

Allen Bradford 4.5 at 5' 11" and 242 lbs. is gonna be a steal. I think he is very underrated...

[007]

I doubt we take one early, but it was nice to see...

All the fastest WRs were the top rated it seemed.

Outside of Lockette and Edmund Gates the two small school burners (4.37) everybody else was lumped in the same range.

Julio was next, Torrey Smith, Leonard Hankerson.

[007]

Marvin Austin busted out 38 reps on the BP.

Patrick Peterson 6 feet 219, Holy shit.

[hawaiianboy]

Borsilli

We are going o-line this year boys. 'Bout time.


Glad Coach Wiz is there at Indy... He's not likely to fall in love with guys that test well in shorts... He'll find the scrappers that show well on film and love to punish mofos... More Logan Mankins than Bruce Campbell...

Wiz, Moffitt, Watkins, Carimi

[007]

Stephen Paea just set an NFL combine record with 49 reps at 225.

Wow. Just...Wow.

[007]

Josh Portis.

He's now on everybody's radar.

Rocket, lazer arm, 4.56 forty, good size.

I'll do my research on him for sure.

[Crow]

Stephen Paea just set an NFL combine record with 49 reps at 225.

Wow. Just...Wow.

Damn. I've never even seen that many reps playing Madden. I'd draft that guy #1 overall in franchise mode. :D

[007]

Damn. I've never even seen that many reps playing Madden. I'd draft that guy #1 overall in franchise mode. :D

Yeah thats 99 strength out of the gate in Madden, LOL.

Seriously though, some big time guys performing really well at QB and RB.

Mark Ingram apparently had a 4.6 forty but the fastest 10 yard split by a RB in a decade. Really interested to see where he goes.

Murray, Helu, Fannin, Saine and Vareen all ran Al type forties.

[Langlier]

Shane Vereen may be the most underrated guy in this draft class. He's 2 only to ingram for RBs to me.

[007]

Not that I care, but Julio Jones made Aj Green his bitch today.

Seriously, 11 foot long jump? 40+ vert? 4.39 forty?

I watched AJ Green fall on his ass twice in the two hour telecast and he posted mediocre numbers everywhere.

I'm wondering how much better AJ really is, as Julio's game transfers to the NFL pretty damn well. He's built like Terrell Owens as a 21 year old.

[007]

Shane Vereen may be the most underrated guy in this draft class. He's 2 only to ingram for RBs to me.

Yeah I may have undersold him.

He stepped up at the combine when a bunch of others stumbled.

He might not get out of round two...

[Sleet]

Stephen Paea just set an NFL combine record with 49 reps at 225.

Wow. Just...Wow.

He almost got the 50th up, just couldn't lock it out. Dude helped himself nicely.

[007]

I love the apologies to Al Davis today.

"We all joke that Davis will take the guy who runs fastest today, but in all honesty you wake up with it on Sunday or you dont"

"Look at Jacoby Ford; 8 seconds into the game he could have you up 7 nothing."

[BigTron]

Making my friends watch the combine is funny. Clears the room everytime!

I saw some good lineman for us tho. I hope we burn a few pick on the OL.

What DB's have caught your eyes? Im not sure if there is a guy I like for that 2nd rounder. Id rather go fat guy at RT or LG.

[007]

Making my friends watch the combine is funny. Clears the room everytime!

I saw some good lineman for us tho. I hope we burn a few pick on the OL.

What DB's have caught your eyes? Im not sure if there is a guy I like for that 2nd rounder. Id rather go fat guy at RT or LG.

DB'S go Tuesday amigo.

LB/DL tomorrow, so some important guys coming up.

Some good RB's out there today, a couple developmental QB's to catch my eyes.

WR/RB/QB is my favorite combine day though. Fast guys, great athletes, cool drills.

[007]

Greg Salas ran a 5.0 first forty and then a 4.57 second forty...

Did he fall or try to crab walk his way down the track his first go-round?

[Sleet]

Greg Salas ran a 5.0 first forty and then a 4.57 second forty...

Did he fall or try to crab walk his way down the track his first go-round?

My guess, he had a rolling start. The watch starts with 1st movement, even if the player doesn't actually get out and start running.

[Madturk]

Not that I care, but Julio Jones made Aj Green his bitch today.

Seriously, 11 foot long jump? 40+ vert? 4.39 forty?

I watched AJ Green fall on his ass twice in the two hour telecast and he posted mediocre numbers everywhere.

I'm wondering how much better AJ really is, as Julio's game transfers to the NFL pretty damn well. He's built like Terrell Owens as a 21 year old.

Mayock was guestimating that Jones would run like a 4.53 40. 4.39 for a guy his size is just sick. I'm afraid we missed the boat on wr fellas.:rolleyes:

[Madturk]

I love the apologies to Al Davis today.

"We all joke that Davis will take the guy who runs fastest today, but in all honesty you wake up with it on Sunday or you dont"

"Look at Jacoby Ford; 8 seconds into the game he could have you up 7 nothing."


I don't have a problem of Al drafting speed guys so much but he takes them way to fuggin early. You want to take a chance on a track star, fine. Just don't draft him in the top 10:shakehead:

[Sleet]

I don't have a problem of Al drafting speed guys so much but he takes them way to fuggin early. You want to take a chance on a track star, fine. Just don't draft him in the top 10:shakehead:

Al learned his lesson, it seems, last year. He waited to the 4th for both Campbell and Ford. :beerbang:

[Sleet]

Not looking forward to Denver getting a top pass-rusher with the #2 pick to pair with Dumervil. We need to beaf up the OL and continue to run the ball down Denver's throat.

[hawaiianboy]

Greg Salas ran a 5.0 first forty and then a 4.57 second forty...

Did he fall or try to crab walk his way down the track his first go-round?


RavensInsider Aaron Wilson
Greg salas actually had a 4.58 nfl network was incorrect with their 5.0 report

[Raidermania12]

Is Druggie Mallet worth taking if he falls to the second/third round I wonder?

[RaiderJF]

Is Druggie Mallet worth taking if he falls to the second/third round I wonder?

Given that we don't have a first rounder, I would think we would take a lower risk option in round 2 than a guy like Mallett. Really need to come up with a guy that can step in right away otherwise you run the risk of coming up empty in the draft. And since it looks like we are going to have to come up with two new starting guards, it sure does seem appropriate that we would go interior line...

[RaiderRobert]

Anybody have any insight on Orlando Franklin from Miami? 3-4th Rounder maybe? He seems pretty athletic and could play G or RT...

[Crow]

Mark Ingram apparently had a 4.6 forty but the fastest 10 yard split by a RB in a decade. Really interested to see where he goes.

Early ORotY favorite. :D

[Langlier]

Ingram is going to be a stud in the right system. He's a guy that if we needed a back, I'd love to have. He plays angry

[hawaiianboy]

Nevada DE/OLB Dontay Moch was clocked unofficially at 4.35 in the forty Monday at the NFL Combine


Don't do it Al... Just don't do it dammit...

[Sleet]

Nevada DE/OLB Dontay Moch was clocked unofficially at 4.35 in the forty Monday at the NFL Combine


Don't do it Al... Just don't do it dammit...

Top 100 player, projected 3rd round pick (I've seen as high as #74 and as low as #98). If he's there when Al picks in the 3rd, forget about it. Because Al has not re-signed Gallery or Walker, and with a smallish center in Satele and a rookie right now at RG, I don't see Al passing on an OL with his 1st pick, though, at least I hope not.

[Crow]

Nevada DE/OLB Dontay Moch was clocked unofficially at 4.35 in the forty Monday at the NFL Combine


Don't do it Al... Just don't do it dammit...

Fuck...

[BigTron]

Fuck...

Thomas Howard part 2 haha

[Sleet]

Thomas Howard part 2 haha

Howard was a SS converted to LB. Moch was a LB converted to DE, and put up nice sack totals/tackles for a loss. Don't know whether he's a 3-4 OLB, only, or whether he can convert to a 4-3 OLB, like Groves tried this year. Groves may be a better comparison.

[hawaiianboy]

From what I have seen of Moch and his drops in zone blitz situations, I think he should remain at DE and try to be the next Robert Mathis...

[BigTron]

Howard was a SS converted to LB. Moch was a LB converted to DE, and put up nice sack totals/tackles for a loss. Don't know whether he's a 3-4 OLB, only, or whether he can convert to a 4-3 OLB, like Groves tried this year. Groves may be a better comparison.

They dont play the same b/c Moch is a pass rusher. But they both are 2nd round LB convert project's who are the fastest LB's in their class. Just reminds me of how we drafted THow

[007]

I think there is now a 75% chance we take Moch at 48...

4.45 forty?

42 inch vert?

Position change in the pros?

Crazy impressive college numbers?

[Langlier]

wouldn't be a bad pick. he can learn from wimbley and take over the will until then.

let him rush on 3rd down some... gives us another LB that could be a fit in the 3-4...

not my first choice but certainly makes sense if hes there.

[Byron2112]

Interesting, now that we have a pretty well stocked front seven, this draft seems to be loaded... most particularly on the D-line.

What if DT Marvin Austin is there in the 2nd?

6-2, 310+... ran 4.80... 38 reps... guy's a friggin animal.

[Langlier]

Interesting, now that we have a pretty well stocked front seven, this draft seems to be loaded... most particularly on the D-line.

What if DT Marvin Austin is there in the 2nd?

6-2, 310+... ran 4.80... 38 reps... guy's a friggin animal.

we're good at DT but if a decent DE fell... We could plug him in pretty easy. As stocked as this draft is though I think we can find our guy in the 3rd+ round

[hawaiianboy]

Interesting, now that we have a pretty well stocked front seven, this draft seems to be loaded... most particularly on the D-line.

What if DT Marvin Austin is there in the 2nd?

6-2, 310+... ran 4.80... 38 reps... guy's a friggin animal.


My man...

As I stated before, I'd have zero problem with it... Austin fits in with the way we utilize our DT's, he'd be held accountable by Sey and Waufle and we could play Des Bryant more at DE where he looked great vs KC the last game...

[Byron2112]

Yeah, I dunno Lang... could possibly grab an impact player with that 2nd... I'm speculating we'll be fairly locked into need by the 3rd/4th... looking to come out with reasonable quality at CB and O-line.

I'd personally prefer to add to a current strength if an elite talent is there with our first pick, rather than reach to fill a hole... will be interesting to see what happens.

Just kinda weird how long we've been jonesing for some stud DT and depth there, and this draft seems as well stocked as any I can remember there... though we're finally looking solid at the spot... for the next couplea years anyway.

[BigTron]

Austin is bad dude. What about his teamate Carter the OLB. Mayock said he had 1st round potential but due to the year off and some concerns he might fall to us.

[Byron2112]

My man...

As I stated before, I'd have zero problem with it... Austin fits in with the way we utilize our DT's, he'd be held accountable by Sey and Waufle and we could play Des Bryant more at DE where he looked great vs KC the last game...

Didn't see this before I posted... totally agree.

I would be more than fine with putting together a dominant rotation, one a those positions where you can never have enough really... I'd also like to have as many young studs at the position as possible tutored by Sey while we have that resource in the locker room.

[007]

Following the Giants line would work.

Just keep stocking up on studs. Austin in the second, Ellis in the third. Rotate Seymour and Bryant at DE for a few snaps, and you have 8 guys who can maul guys on the line.

My #1 man crush right now is Martez Wilson. 6-4 250, 4.45 speed, looked smooth on the field, can play inside and out.

[Sleet]

Just some crazy times by a lot of DE.

Quitin Groves (2nd round), Elvis Dumervil (4th round) and Robert Mathis (5th round) all ran in the 4.7 range, all had good production in college, and were drafted as pass rush specialists. Is Moch the next Dumervil or Mathis? Or Groves? He's certainly beat them in the 40, but so did a lot of guys this year. Makes you question $10 million for Wimbley. Damn that 30% rule.

2011 NFL Combine Results: Defensive Linemen Clock Blazing 40 Times
Feb 28 11:14a
by Brian Floyd

We’ve reached the point in the NFL where 300 pound defensive linemen are moving at such a rate of speed that collisions are more violent than they’ve ever been. That speed was on display during Monday morning’s NFL Combine session as 30 defensive linemen, many of which are pushing 300 pounds, broke the five-second barrier. Nick Fairley and Marcell Dareus were each flying in the 40-yard dash, running in the low to mid 4.9 second range.

Consider that Fairley and Dareus didn’t even crack the top-15 defensive linemen times in the 40, as well. Dareus, almost 320 pounds, carried his weight well and was motoring down the field at obscene speed for his size. Fairley, who comes in on the lighter side, also put up an impressive time, firing out of the block and clocking one of the fastest 10-yard splits.

It’s clear the defensive linemen class is the deepest position in the 2011 NFL Draft, a good sign for the Seattle Seahawks. Even after Fairley, Dareus and Da’Quan Bowers, there’s plenty of talent on the board, and that talent was on display at Lucas Oil Stadium on Monday.

Check out some of the top times clocked by linemen, led by Dontay Moch’s ridiculous 4.44 40 time.

Dontay Moch 4.44
Chris Carter 4.62
Sam Acho 4.68
Brooks Reed 4.68
Jabaal Sheard 4.69
Robert Quinn 4.70
Ugo Chinasa 4.71
Ryan Kerrigan 4.71
Allen Bailey 4.77
Cameron Jordan 4.78

The defensive linemen are off the field and it’s the linebackers turn at the NFL Combine. Washington’s Mason Foster is currently going through the drills in an attempt to boost his already rising draft stock. We’ll be back with more after the workouts are over.

For the latest news and results, check out the rest of our 2011 NFL Combine StoryStream

[Sleet]

we're good at DT but if a decent DE fell... We could plug him in pretty easy. As stocked as this draft is though I think we can find our guy in the 3rd+ round

Al locking up Sey, Wimbley and Henderson, to me, says he's looking elsewhere:

Feb. 28, 2011 4:08 p.m. - Some mock drafts have as many as 10 defensive linemen going in the first round. Well, that’s great news for the Raiders, who don’t have a first-round pick. They’re set at D-line with all four starters and three key backups locked up for 2011. Players at other positions of need for the Raiders could get pushed into the second round. Raiders RapidReports

[Sleet]

McDonald discusses TE from SC:

No chance at Jordan, but Cameron a possibility
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Monday, February 28th, 2011 at 3:19 pm in Oakland Raiders.

Barring some kind of deal to move up in the draft, Cal defensive end Cameron Jordan will be long gone by the time the Raiders pick in the NFL draft.

Jordan Cameron, however, will be there possibly into the draft’s final day, and he’s got the kind of pedigree which catches the eye of Al Davis.

He’s also the kind of athletic, versatile tight end Davis loves, and he also comes from USC _ one of his favorite schools (although there is that annoying Lane Kiffin thing to consider).

As it has been explained to me by a Raiders talent evaluator (and keep in mind that the entire coaching staff joins in with the personnel department in this process at the combine), one of the things they’re always on the lookout for is a varied athletic background. Did he play basketball in high school and college? Participate on the track team?

It’s not necessarily going to be a huge factor, but it could sway a decision one way or the other if two prospects are close. Someone who has played other sports may be quicker to adjust to a much faster game, it speaks to competitive spirit and could make for a more explosive athlete down the road.

The Raiders have only two tight ends at the moment who will be under contract when a collective bargaining agreement is reached, pending a deal with Zach Miller _ Brandon Myers and Kevin Brock.

Logic suggests the Raiders will keep Miller through a new contract or invoking a tender if that option exists under a new CBA. But only Al Davis knows for sure. Miller has a concussion history, had sports hernia surgery a year ago and a bad foot, and health is a major factor when doling out huge dollars.

Even if Miller is still on the roster as expected, he and Myers are similar players. What’s missing is more of an explosive, downfield type threat _ someone who can bring to the position what Marcel Reece has to fullback.

Nevada’s Virgil Green (6-3, 249) has generated a lot of buzz for his athletic ability, was third-best among tight ends at 4.64 in the 40-yard dash and hada 42.5 inch vertical leap. He may be taken earlier than the Raiders want to fill the tight end position. The fastest tight end Florida Atlantic’s Rob Houshler (6-5, 248) at 4.58, who like Green has the basketball-track background in high school.

Cameron is intriguing because he’s 6-5, 249 pounds, ran the 40 in 4.59 and followed it up with a 37.5 inch vertical leap. He’s a converted wide receiver and started his college career playing basketball at BYU before transferring to USC.

[BigTron]

Rob Houshler is def on the radar for us. He looks like a WR tho. Wonder if he is tough enough to stick at TE

[007]

Jimmy Smith put up 24 reps at 6-2 211.

He's doing his best Nnamdi impression.

[007]

Two white boy LB's who shocked the hell out of me with their athleticism:

Mike Mohammed and Scott Lutrus.

Both guys are 6-3 240 or so, tops in forty/agility/vert times.

Definitely on the Raiders radar I would figure.

[Sleet]

Jimmy Smith put up 24 reps at 6-2 211.

He's doing his best Nnamdi impression.

Solid. That's 2 more reps than #2 DE (from NC) on the board. Press coverage, indeed.

[RaiderRobert]

Jimmy Smith put up 24 reps at 6-2 211.

He's doing his best Nnamdi impression.

If there's any way he slides to #48, he will not be there at #49...

[hawaiianboy]

Two white boy LB's who shocked the hell out of me with their athleticism:

Mike Mohammed and Scott Lutrus.




White guy with the last name Mohammed? I bet the dude gets asked for a second set of ID every time...

[Sleet]

If there's any way he slides to #48, he will not be there at #49...

If Smith runs well tomorrow, come Day 1, he's the one guy I wouldn't be surprised if Al traded up to get. Al will trade/package next year's 1st to get a CB he wants.

[Sleet]

Stock up or down?

Given his performance on a broken foot, I'm saying stock up. That guy's a gamer.

Report: Julio Jones will require foot surgery
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on February 28, 2011, 8:44 PM EST

One day after burning up the Combine, we learned some potentially damaging news about wide receiver Julio Jones.

Charley Casserly reported on NFL Network Monday that medical tests at the Combine revealed Jones will require surgery for his foot. It’s pretty amazing Jones was able to run a 4.39 forty anyway, but this must have been a pre-existing injury the wideout simply wasn’t aware of while training for Indianapolis.

Jones’ strong Combine effort seemingly helped to solidify his standing as a likely top-15 pick. We heard similar optimism at this time last year about Demaryius Thomas’ broken foot, which remained a problem for him after Denver drafted him. Michael Crabtree, on the other, had a similar injury and enjoyed a productive rookie year.

While Casserly reports Jones should be able to recover in eight weeks, this news won’t help Jones’ stock.

Then again, perhaps the injury will bother NFL teams less because they may not be practicing anyway for a lot longer than eight weeks.