Angry Pope
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Raiders Team Report
July 24, 2007
Steve Corkran
The Raiders bolstered their secondary by signing veteran S Donovin Darius. Darius has played both safety positions during his NFL career. Where he fits in with the Raiders won't be determined until training camp. However, it's likely that Darius will compete against incumbent FS Stuart Schweigert for a starting spot opposite SS Michael Huff. Another possibility is Darius taking over at strong safety and Huff moving to free safety, where he would be in a position to take less of a pounding and make more plays. Darius is a big hitter who has a wealth of experience and a history of making big plays. Schweigert has been solid for the Raiders during his NFL career and figures to make it difficult for Darius to supplant him.
SCOUTING REPORT: Veteran WR Doug Gabriel was slated to start for the Raiders last season before he got traded to the New England Patriots just before the regular-season opener. He enters training camp in a similar situation as the one he was in last year, penciled in as a backup and fighting for playing time. He has the speed, hands and experience to compete for a starting spot, with veterans Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry the projected starters at this point. Look for Gabriel to make the roster out of camp and be used as an extra receiver, along with fellow veteran Travis Taylor. However, new coach Lane Kiffin won't hesitate to use Gabriel in a heightened role if one of the other aforementioned receivers gets injured or doesn't perform as well as expected.
TRENDING UP: LG Paul McQuistan shined in offseason workouts for the second straight year and has the inside track at a starting spot. He earned a starting spot as a rookie last season but got benched after inconsistent play his first two games. However, he has become more consistent and grasped new line coach Tom Cable's scheme well. Therefore, look for McQuistan to start the season at left guard and last the entire season this time. McQuistan played right guard last season but got replaced by fellow rookie Kevin Boothe. Now, McQuistan is the one with the bright future and Boothe is working with the second team and wondering when his next shot at starting is going to come.
INSIDE DISH: There is disagreement among Raiders coaches and front-office people on how best to use rookie QB JaMarcus Russell. One faction believes Russell needs time to learn the nuances of the NFL and Kiffin's offense, while learning behind veterans Andrew Walter and Josh McCown. The other faction thinks Russell should start right away if he shows in training camp that he can handle the role. Look for this internal struggle to continue up until the regular-season opener, with managing general partner Al Davis likely having the final say.
July 24, 2007
Steve Corkran
The Raiders bolstered their secondary by signing veteran S Donovin Darius. Darius has played both safety positions during his NFL career. Where he fits in with the Raiders won't be determined until training camp. However, it's likely that Darius will compete against incumbent FS Stuart Schweigert for a starting spot opposite SS Michael Huff. Another possibility is Darius taking over at strong safety and Huff moving to free safety, where he would be in a position to take less of a pounding and make more plays. Darius is a big hitter who has a wealth of experience and a history of making big plays. Schweigert has been solid for the Raiders during his NFL career and figures to make it difficult for Darius to supplant him.
SCOUTING REPORT: Veteran WR Doug Gabriel was slated to start for the Raiders last season before he got traded to the New England Patriots just before the regular-season opener. He enters training camp in a similar situation as the one he was in last year, penciled in as a backup and fighting for playing time. He has the speed, hands and experience to compete for a starting spot, with veterans Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry the projected starters at this point. Look for Gabriel to make the roster out of camp and be used as an extra receiver, along with fellow veteran Travis Taylor. However, new coach Lane Kiffin won't hesitate to use Gabriel in a heightened role if one of the other aforementioned receivers gets injured or doesn't perform as well as expected.
TRENDING UP: LG Paul McQuistan shined in offseason workouts for the second straight year and has the inside track at a starting spot. He earned a starting spot as a rookie last season but got benched after inconsistent play his first two games. However, he has become more consistent and grasped new line coach Tom Cable's scheme well. Therefore, look for McQuistan to start the season at left guard and last the entire season this time. McQuistan played right guard last season but got replaced by fellow rookie Kevin Boothe. Now, McQuistan is the one with the bright future and Boothe is working with the second team and wondering when his next shot at starting is going to come.
INSIDE DISH: There is disagreement among Raiders coaches and front-office people on how best to use rookie QB JaMarcus Russell. One faction believes Russell needs time to learn the nuances of the NFL and Kiffin's offense, while learning behind veterans Andrew Walter and Josh McCown. The other faction thinks Russell should start right away if he shows in training camp that he can handle the role. Look for this internal struggle to continue up until the regular-season opener, with managing general partner Al Davis likely having the final say.
