Secondary.

[cheapshotartist]

As we all know Al loves corners and we have a pair of good corners in Aso and Johnson. I can also live with our nickle corners. Our problem in the secondary is at Safety. Our Safeys are very weak. At SS we can't contain the run, hit or cover and at FA we have Huff which says it all. If you look at our history the Raiders have always had good hard hitting Safetys. I saw no problem with Wilson but it appears he did not want to play here. With the BS that goes on in this organization I can understand his feelings coming from the SB champs to Oakland was a big culture shock. With this being said we need major upgrades at both SS & FS. I hope we address this in the draft and maybe check out some FA's but we must find some Safeys with talent and the ability to tackle.
:csa:

[or24]

I love our corners on the outside. Nnam and Chris are fast and physical. But our nickel and dimebacks are garbage. Routt and Miller cant cover and routt cant tackle for his life. Huff lined up at nickel occasionaly. Hard to evaluate.

T. Branch can be a good safety. He has instincts and can be a ball hawk. But still a questionmark. Huff does not belong at free like everyone thought. Imo Huff should be at SS with Branch at FS. Branch is the only guy that has show the ability to roam and make plays.

The other option is to go with Eugene at Free and Branch at SS. The least our FS has to do is be able to provide a last line of defense.

I like Branch, Johnson, And Nnamdi. The rest are liabilities. Ideally we should have kept Baker and played Branch at strong. We could have even swapped them at times.

[LB_RA¹Ð³R]

I don't see any safety's on the FA list that are decent, & i don't really watch College ball so i can't say that there is a good safety in the draft.

[or24]

I don't see any safety's on the FA list that are decent, & i don't really watch College ball so i can't say that there is a good safety in the draft.
M. Boulware, A. Bigby, and D. Smith are 3 guys we could take a look at. Plus Roy Williams. I know he is terrible in coverage but he is a force against the run. Boulware is a playmaker who can play the run but he gets burned often too. Bigby is similar.

D. Smith is a FS with good instincts that can play a little corner as well.

I know he has a bad reputation but I would take a good look at Roy.

[LB_RA¹Ð³R]

Bigby is on the FA List?? :shocked

we should take a shot on him, I remember him from the 2007 playoff games & he was just hammering everyone

[or24]

Bigby is on the FA List?? :shocked

we should take a shot on him, I remember him from the 2007 playoff games & he was just hammering everyone
Yea but he is awful in coverage. Still better than anyone on our roster. Packer fans crticize him a lot, but they have higher standards than us lol.

I personally think Roy has the biggest impact out of them all. If you keep him in the box he is a monster and he can lay the wood to anyone coming over the middle. He has some good ball skills too. He just gets lost in coverage. He is very slow for a safety. He would be the best free or strong safety on our roster though. Like I said, some people dont like him just because he has a bad reputation.

If you want a complete safety that can do it all and play fundamentally sound, Roy isnt your guy. Neither is Boulware or Bigby. But they make plays. And Roy's prescense in the box is a big one. I wouldnt pay top dollar for any of these guys bt for the right price id be quick to snatch one or 2 of them up with our depleted core of safeties and our need of run support. If Branch is going to remain a gunner he probably wont play safety as well which means we are looking at Eugene and Huff which is the worst combination.

[LB_RA¹Ð³R]

Yea but he is awful in coverage. Still better than anyone on our roster. Packer fans crticize him a lot, but they have higher standards than us lol.

I personally think Roy has the biggest impact out of them all. If you keep him in the box he is a monster and he can lay the wood to anyone coming over the middle. He has some good ball skills too. He just gets lost in coverage. He is very slow for a safety. He would be the best free or strong safety on our roster though. Like I said, some people dont like him just because he has a bad reputation.

If you want a complete safety that can do it all and play fundamentally sound, Roy isnt your guy. Neither is Boulware or Bigby. But they make plays. And Roy's prescense in the box is a big one. I wouldnt pay top dollar for any of these guys bt for the right price id be quick to snatch one or 2 of them up with our depleted core of safeties and our need of run support. If Branch is going to remain a gunner he probably wont play safety as well which means we are looking at Eugene and Huff which is the worst combination.

I agree! :Yep

[cheapshotartist]

Yea but he is awful in coverage. Still better than anyone on our roster. Packer fans crticize him a lot, but they have higher standards than us lol.

I personally think Roy has the biggest impact out of them all. If you keep him in the box he is a monster and he can lay the wood to anyone coming over the middle. He has some good ball skills too. He just gets lost in coverage. He is very slow for a safety. He would be the best free or strong safety on our roster though. Like I said, some people dont like him just because he has a bad reputation.

If you want a complete safety that can do it all and play fundamentally sound, Roy isnt your guy. Neither is Boulware or Bigby. But they make plays. And Roy's prescense in the box is a big one. I wouldnt pay top dollar for any of these guys bt for the right price id be quick to snatch one or 2 of them up with our depleted core of safeties and our need of run support. If Branch is going to remain a gunner he probably wont play safety as well which means we are looking at Eugene and Huff which is the worst combination.

Good post 24 and for these reasons I would draft the best all around Safetys available and plug them in at training camp and let them play.
:csa:

[yayarea_raider]

M. Boulware, A. Bigby, and D. Smith are 3 guys we could take a look at. Plus Roy Williams. I know he is terrible in coverage but he is a force against the run. Boulware is a playmaker who can play the run but he gets burned often too. Bigby is similar.

D. Smith is a FS with good instincts that can play a little corner as well.

I know he has a bad reputation but I would take a good look at Roy.

Bigby is a beast...I think he was tendered high though. IMO the Raiders will draft a S and take someone in FA short after. Competition is key

[dirt williams]

I'd like to see one of these guys picked in the 3rd.

Hopefully Al can get another draft pick for Huff....

http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/s/Chip-Vaughn.php

http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/s/David-Bruton.php

[Boom]

I'd like to see one of these guys picked in the 3rd.

Hopefully Al can get another draft pick for Huff....

http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/s/Chip-Vaughn.php

http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/s/David-Bruton.php

I think Chip Vaughn has paid a visit to workout for us already.. My hunch is that if he is taken seriously, we might go after him in the third round.

[Don]

I wouldn't be mad at Chung either, but I feel a team is going to reach for him before our pick in the third

[Sonny Cheeba]

The talking heads on NFL Network were saying that Vontae Davis might fall pretty far in the draft. If he drops all the way to the 2nd then Al might not be able to resist.

[Miklo]

Yea Chung will probably be gone before our pick. I'd like Chip Vaughn though, I like what I've heard about him. I wouldn't be mad at a secondary of Aso and CJ, Routt at nickel, with Branch/(Vaughn or Chung?) at safety. Keep Huff and Eugene for depth. Maybe add a vet safety to school the youngsters, create more depth.

[Sonny Cheeba]

I'm still not to thrilled about taking a S that high, but William Moore from Mizzou is a good 2nd round prospect. About 6'1, 220 lbs, he could be the hard hitting SS we haven't had for ages. Although I would still much rather take a DE, DT, or LB in the 2nd round (assuming we take a WR 1st).

[Gridiron PIRATE]

Safety is a glaring hole. Would like a vet there but we'll be taking our licks with young guys. That means lots of getting beat deep. Ouch.

Even the other side of Nnam isn't sure. I'm rooting for CJ though. Hopefully either Routt or Miller step up into a viable 3rd option. I want hungry corners, not people who are content being the next best on the squad.

[cheapshotartist]

Safety is a glaring hole. Would like a vet there but we'll be taking our licks with young guys. That means lots of getting beat deep. Ouch.

Even the other side of Nnam isn't sure. I'm rooting for CJ though. Hopefully either Routt or Miller step up into a viable 3rd option. I want hungry corners, not people who are content being the next best on the squad.

I feel you GP our team has several major holes on defense and some people are talking playoffs. Playoffs! :csa:

[shagsta]

We do have some holes but playoffs is entirely possible due to the weakness of the AFC west.

[Gridiron PIRATE]

I feel you GP our team has several major holes on defense and some people are talking playoffs. Playoffs! :csa:

For us, the playoffs is like that gift u wish for but know damn well you're not getting.

At this point, we're so bad we're just hoping for improvement. :csa:

[el boracho]

We do have some holes but playoffs is entirely possible due to the weakness of the AFC west.

Playoffs??? dam bro thats some crazy talk right there....would sure be nice though

[or24]

We do have some holes but playoffs is entirely possible due to the weakness of the AFC west.
We cant beat out SD. And a wildcard spot is even tougher

[el boracho]

We cant beat out SD. And a wildcard spot is even tougher

exactly....a 500. win season is a more realistic expectation but that might just win the afc west ....

[or24]

I still rank us 3rd in our division. We will win 2-3 division games and get killed by the nfc east lol. One of these decades we'll beat SD again. Maybe when Gannon decides to come out of retirement!

[shagsta]

We cant beat out SD. And a wildcard spot is even tougher

I believe we can. They are a fucked up team right now. They were exposed without Merriman (who i know is returning). They will try to fix this but their dline is turning to trash.

LT and Gates are getting torn up with injuries and Rivers has a bum knee. Their safeties are not that great and Cromartie was exposed last season.

Don't get me wrong they are still a pretty good team but i feel they are declining under Turner who started his decline in his 2nd year which has happened everywhere he is the head coach. At least everywhere ive seen him.

Honestly i feel we can beat them. Maybe its cause im an optimist or just crazy living down here in SD but i feel we have a shot.

[Gridiron PIRATE]

I believe we can. They are a fucked up team right now. They were exposed without Merriman (who i know is returning). They will try to fix this but their dline is turning to trash.

LT and Gates are getting torn up with injuries and Rivers has a bum knee. Their safeties are not that great and Cromartie was exposed last season.

Don't get me wrong they are still a pretty good team but i feel they are declining under Turner who started his decline in his 2nd year which has happened everywhere he is the head coach. At least everywhere ive seen him.

Honestly i feel we can beat them. Maybe its cause im an optimist or just crazy living down here in SD but i feel we have a shot.

Raider fans in SD still rep even tho we are very lackluster in performance.

I think we can beat them, any given, but they've just had our # for a while now.

If there is a decline in their squad, i honestly cannot see it.

Cro was exposed, yes, their safeties aren't good, that's been their weakness for quite some time. Their key players have serious health concerns, yes.

But

You're hoping that they don't get better. You're expecting all their players to just hit a wall, and that's not how the league is. Some players will regress, some will surprise, and that goes with all teams. The dolts tho are still loaded. Hell, i'll take a couple of their "declining" players over ours.

Plus they're getting Merriman back? Hopefully we got a tackle with some game on our squad...

[BigPrimo]

you guys do realize even with all the bad play and mess we were last year we only missed the playoffs by something like 14points. If we add a WR and some D i think we can make that ground up. And at this point i say WE ARE the SECOND BEST TEAM IN THE AFC WEST even if it is by default!!!

as of now i rank the afc west as follows.

1SD
2Oak
3KC
4Den

We are close. Cycles man its all about cycles.

[Gridiron PIRATE]

^^ Yea, we close, but being close to pussy ain't the same thing as gettin' it.

[Boom]

^^ yea, we close, but being close to pussy ain't the same thing as gettin' it.

lol

[cheapshotartist]

^^ Yea, we close, but being close to pussy ain't the same thing as gettin' it.

Thats what Im saying GP we won 5 games last season 5 games! And people are talking about the playoffs. How about getting to 8-8 first!
:csa:

[Don]

You dont have to make baby steps in this league..

It has been proven time and time again that a 4-12 or 5-11 team can flip the scrip and win 10 the following season. I dont beleive in just because we won 5 last year that it is unrealistic to think we can win 10, if we continue to put the proper pieces in their place. It is just MORE realistic to think that 8-8 is possible than 10...

[yayarea_raider]

Thats what Im saying GP we won 5 games last season 5 games! And people are talking about the playoffs. How about getting to 8-8 first!
:csa:

how about winning 6 or 7 first, it be a record considering we haven't won more than 5 games since Callahan

[dirt williams]

how about winning 6 or 7 first, it be a record considering we haven't won more than 5 games since Callahan

My former in-laws were Dolt fans and to them beating the Raiders or flirting with a .500 season was a successful season for them.

I HATE THAT THINKING and I hate even more that most of Raider nation has sunk to this also...

Sad.

[dirt williams]

You dont have to make baby steps in this league..

It has been proven time and time again that a 4-12 or 5-11 team can flip the scrip and win 10 the following season. I dont beleive in just because we won 5 last year that it is unrealistic to think we can win 10, if we continue to put the proper pieces in their place. It is just MORE realistic to think that 8-8 is possible than 10...

True.

If the Cheatriots can go from a 5-11 season to the Super Bowl the next...

Let's not forget 8-8 WON the AFC Worst last year.

[Gridiron PIRATE]

My former in-laws were Dolt fans and to them beating the Raiders or flirting with a .500 season was a successful season for them.

I HATE THAT THINKING and I hate even more that most of Raider nation has sunk to this also...

Sad.

That's what i hate the most.

That we've become so bad we are comparing ourselves to something that until recently has been the very definition of perennial suck. It's petty and something that i've always viewed us better than...

... but hell, we've taken suck to a new cellar so 5+ wins is near miraculous for the win starved Raiders... and i honestly see that as a fair assessment.

[shagsta]

Raider fans in SD still rep even tho we are very lackluster in performance.

I think we can beat them, any given, but they've just had our # for a while now.

If there is a decline in their squad, i honestly cannot see it.

Cro was exposed, yes, their safeties aren't good, that's been their weakness for quite some time. Their key players have serious health concerns, yes.

But

You're hoping that they don't get better. You're expecting all their players to just hit a wall, and that's not how the league is. Some players will regress, some will surprise, and that goes with all teams. The dolts tho are still loaded. Hell, i'll take a couple of their "declining" players over ours.

Plus they're getting Merriman back? Hopefully we got a tackle with some game on our squad...

Oh i agree with you. It will still be a hard game and they can still ball i am just pointing out that our time to win against them is coming. We cant lose to them forever.

CSA i don't expect we can make playoffs and i would like an 8-8 season or better. But look at what the Cards did last season. They went from laughing stock of the league to going to their first SB. Granted they have a great set of receivers, a good QB, decent RB's, and a mediocre defense.

All i am saying is that we can go playoffs and i also believe that optimism is better than pessimism and i want to be hopeful. Thats all im getting at.

[Nacho Vidal]

Safety is a huge need. Branch is unkown. He was hurt during the season and played a lot of special teams-Gunner. He is still developing. Huff needs to move back to SS. He covers the elite TEs well. He does tackle to high. Eugene is a off the bench guy. We really need to draft a FS or SS with great tackling skills. Just because a guy is a big hitter in college does not mean he will be a stud in the NFL. Look at Darnell Bing from USC. At USC he was a monster-speed, hard hitting, and good tackling. Where is he now??? We need to use our 3rd rounder and draft a safety-Rashard Johnson looks good. Bigsby was tendered. He is not on the market-(value is too high). Roy Williams is too old, too slow, and gets bet in coverage far to often. :619:

[el boracho]

Safety is a huge need. Branch is unkown. He was hurt during the season and played a lot of special teams-Gunner. He is still developing. Huff needs to move back to SS. He covers the elite TEs well. He does tackle to high. Eugene is a off the bench guy. We really need to draft a FS or SS with great tackling skills. Just because a guy is a big hitter in college does not mean he will be a stud in the NFL. Look at Darnell Bing from USC. At USC he was a monster-speed, hard hitting, and good tackling. Where is he now??? We need to use our 3rd rounder and draft a safety-Rashard Johnson looks good. Bigsby was tendered. He is not on the market-(value is too high). Roy Williams is too old, too slow, and gets bet in coverage far to often. :619:

we definantly do need to draft a safety in this draft....I dont see any viable free agent safeties on the market....This position really needs to be adressed....

[Gridiron PIRATE]

Safety is a huge need. Branch is unkown. He was hurt during the season and played a lot of special teams-Gunner. He is still developing. Huff needs to move back to SS. He covers the elite TEs well. He does tackle to high. Eugene is a off the bench guy. We really need to draft a FS or SS with great tackling skills. Just because a guy is a big hitter in college does not mean he will be a stud in the NFL. Look at Darnell Bing from USC. At USC he was a monster-speed, hard hitting, and good tackling. Where is he now??? We need to use our 3rd rounder and draft a safety-Rashard Johnson looks good. Bigsby was tendered. He is not on the market-(value is too high). Roy Williams is too old, too slow, and gets bet in coverage far to often. :619:

Rashard Johnson is a name i'm hearing more and more often concerning our safety position.

[BlackHeart]

I haven't been happy with both Safety spots in years.

[GenRaider]

I wouldn't touch a S until round three. Texas Tech has an intriguing S. With that said, there isn't a safety who stands out over the rest. I wouldn't touch Moore from Missouri, nor would I snatch Cheng from OREGON. We need a SS who is much more than an extra LB. One who can play in pass coverage..

[Gridiron PIRATE]

I haven't been happy with both Safety spots in years.

Same here.

Disheartening because the safety position has traditionally been such a solid position for us. (Where's the Jack Tatum smiley?)

[or24]

You dont have to make baby steps in this league..

It has been proven time and time again that a 4-12 or 5-11 team can flip the scrip and win 10 the following season. I dont beleive in just because we won 5 last year that it is unrealistic to think we can win 10, if we continue to put the proper pieces in their place. It is just MORE realistic to think that 8-8 is possible than 10...
If our offense is remotely close to what we saw last year we are looking at another 5 wins or so. They couldn't score, move the ball, get a 1st down. I mean I know Russell was basically a rookie, Kwame Harris was pathetic, etc but its hard to like a lot about these guys when its that bad. When we faced physical front 7's they contained our run game which isnt that explosive imo in the 1st place. When we were forced to pass we failed miserably, hence the rank of 32.

People talk about playing competitive and just keeping the games close but what about when the pressure is on the offense, late in the game, and we have to run the 2 minute offense? Hell, not even. 6 min left in the 4th. Down 3, do you trust our offense to move into field goal position, let alone score a TD??

I sure as hell don't. Maybe if J. Miller can get us to the 50. The passing game was pathetic. Not a damn thing good about it. Will Russell make a tremendous leap and start playing good football? Who knows? I know we are supposed to wait it out, but i'm tired of excuses. People saying that I can't judge his play till year 3 or whatever. He played last year, he stunk. Plain and simple. Can he get better? Yes. But so far he hasn't shown much and that is reality.

I know we all want our QB of the future that will lead us back to the promised land but from what I've seen I don't believe in Russell. He has to show me more. Show me that when your man has a step, you will drop the ball over his outside shoulder. Not overthrow him by 10 yards.

When the flat is open on a playfake, throw it to the fullback!!! Dont be looking downfield when you have an easy completion. Make smart football decisions. You have room to run, take it. But dont get happy feet. And for God's sake, don't throw the ball away on 4th down!!!

Come 2009 I wanna see big plays from Mr. McFadden. 4th overall pick in the draft. Get him more touches so he can prove his worth. I'm skeptical about him as well. All I can do is hope for improvement. On a pitch outside you better run over the corner and keep going. Not let him bring you down. Its a cornerback! If you can't break through a corner, how are you supposed to get past a linebacker or safety? Darren doesn't make sharp cuts. He didn't in college and he hasn't in the pros. Maybe he will be more effective and explosive at 100%. Time will tell. I know I'm off topic but I had to give my input.

[Don]

Rashard Johnson is a name i'm hearing more and more often concerning our safety position.

Dude from Alabama? He's a stud man. You really can't be mad at that dude. He may be better than Chung in coverage too.

[Don]

If our offense is remotely close to what we saw last year we are looking at another 5 wins or so. They couldn't score, move the ball, get a 1st down. I mean I know Russell was basically a rookie, Kwame Harris was pathetic, etc but its hard to like a lot about these guys when its that bad. When we faced physical front 7's they contained our run game which isnt that explosive imo in the 1st place. When we were forced to pass we failed miserably, hence the rank of 32.

People talk about playing competitive and just keeping the games close but what about when the pressure is on the offense, late in the game, and we have to run the 2 minute offense? Hell, not even. 6 min left in the 4th. Down 3, do you trust our offense to move into field goal position, let alone score a TD??

I sure as hell don't. Maybe if J. Miller can get us to the 50. The passing game was pathetic. Not a damn thing good about it. Will Russell make a tremendous leap and start playing good football? Who knows? I know we are supposed to wait it out, but i'm tired of excuses. People saying that I can't judge his play till year 3 or whatever. He played last year, he stunk. Plain and simple. Can he get better? Yes. But so far he hasn't shown much and that is reality.

I know we all want our QB of the future that will lead us back to the promised land but from what I've seen I don't believe in Russell. He has to show me more. Show me that when your man has a step, you will drop the ball over his outside shoulder. Not overthrow him by 10 yards.

When the flat is open on a playfake, throw it to the fullback!!! Dont be looking downfield when you have an easy completion. Make smart football decisions. You have room to run, take it. But dont get happy feet. And for God's sake, don't throw the ball away on 4th down!!!

Come 2009 I wanna see big plays from Mr. McFadden. 4th overall pick in the draft. Get him more touches so he can prove his worth. I'm skeptical about him as well. All I can do is hope for improvement. On a pitch outside you better run over the corner and keep going. Not let him bring you down. Its a cornerback! If you can't break through a corner, how are you supposed to get past a linebacker or safety? Darren doesn't make sharp cuts. He didn't in college and he hasn't in the pros. Maybe he will be more effective and explosive at 100%. Time will tell. I know I'm off topic but I had to give my input.

I feel you or. In regards to the development of J. Russ and Mc.Dadden, I saw enough flashes and at least some stretches of consistent play that made me feel that he CAN be that superstar QB we thought he could be when we drafted him. Now its up to him..

Same with McFadden. IF he hadn't got injured in that KC, I dont think anybody would be doubting his abilities at this point. The problem is, Im not sure the guy will be healthy very much in his career, and I hope Im wrong. His body is soo wierd for a RB.

[Sonny Cheeba]

Dude from Alabama? He's a stud man. You really can't be mad at that dude. He may be better than Chung in coverage too.
Yeah I've heard Rashard Johnson linked to us a couple times. I'm also very interested in William Moore from Mizzou, I don't know about his deep coverage abilities but he could potentially be the hard-hitting SS we haven't had in years.

http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/s/William-Moore.php

The weaknesses worry me but hey, the guy has to write negatives about ALL the prospects. :Yep

[Don]

Word, Buck..Seems a lot like Gibril's skill set. Plays the run aggressive, Has a Ball Hawk streak, but is a huge liability in man to man.

All I know is we DO need to draft a safety. Branch seems like he will be good, but you can't hang the potency of your secondary on a fourth round unknown who spent most the year on the bench.

[Sonny Cheeba]

Word, Buck..Seems a lot like Gibril's skill set. Plays the run aggressive, Has a Ball Hawk streak, but is a huge liability in man to man.

All I know is we DO need to draft a safety. Branch seems like he will be good, but you can't hang the potency of your secondary on a fourth round unknown who spent most the year on the bench.
Yeah for sure. Although I was fairly impressed with Rashard Baker last year, made some decent deep center-field type plays at FS. But still, he's a borderline starter at best and we need to upgrade both S positions.

[GenRaider]

Yeah I've heard Rashard Johnson linked to us a couple times. I'm also very interested in William Moore from Mizzou, I don't know about his deep coverage abilities but he could potentially be the hard-hitting SS we haven't had in years.

http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/s/William-Moore.php

The weaknesses worry me but hey, the guy has to write negatives about ALL the prospects. :Yep

Just say no William Moore from Mizzou; that cat is completely overrated. He was suppose to be a bonafide top 20 pick coming into the year, yet he did not have a good year at all. People were throwing out Ronnie Lott comparisons. Some people say the reason he stunk up the joint was because of injuries. I find him to be a 4th or 5th round talent, not a difference maker you want. He is a flash in the pan type of player, looks like a special team player more than an impact safety.

[GenRaider]

Word, Buck..Seems a lot like Gibril's skill set. Plays the run aggressive, Has a Ball Hawk streak, but is a huge liability in man to man.

All I know is we DO need to draft a safety. Branch seems like he will be good, but you can't hang the potency of your secondary on a fourth round unknown who spent most the year on the bench.

Branch needs to be moved to Free Safety (he made as many plays at Micheal Huff has in just a couple games in a nickel package, sad isn't it?). And then, we need to draft a guy who can play the run but also defend the middle of the field better. We have not had a standout SS in years. We cannot draft the same type of SS. We need to draft one who can do things outside of essentially becoming another LB in the box. I so wish Taylor Mays was coming out.

[yayarea_raider]

Branch needs to be moved to Free Safety (he made as many plays at Micheal Huff has in just a couple games in a nickel package, sad isn't it?). And then, we need to draft a guy who can play the run but also defend the middle of the field better. We have not had a standout SS in years. We cannot draft the same type of SS. We need to draft one who can do things outside of essentially becoming another LB in the box. I so wish Taylor Mays was coming out.

You don't think Branch should be at SS? I think they plan on drafting a FS type

[GenRaider]

You don't think Branch should be at SS? I think they plan on drafting a FS type

I like him better at FS, to be honest.

Some of the guys the Raiders have talked about bringing in fit the mold as being SS types. Chris Vaughn and the Clemson Safety. This class has sooo many similar SS types that I think we can probably trade down in round three and still get a decent player, assuming our scouts are on the money with their evaluation.

If it was up to me I would stay away from Moore, Cheng and perhaps the kid from Bama. I would go in another direction.

We probably need another corner, but we can get that through the next FA period or Undrafted free agents.

[yayarea_raider]

I like him better at FS, to be honest.

Some of the guys the Raiders have talked about bringing in fit the mold as being SS types. Chris Vaughn and the Clemson Safety. This class has sooo many similar SS types that I think we can probably trade down in round three and still get a decent player, assuming our scouts are on the money with their evaluation.

If it was up to me I would stay away from Moore, Cheng and perhaps the kid from Bama. I would go in another direction.

We probably need another corner, but we can get that through the next FA period or Undrafted free agents.

Chris McAlister is still a FA...He'd be a solid addition. But if he wants a huge paycheck, Raiders will tell him to F off since they already are paying Aso & CJ.

Is Routt still a Raider? Thought I heard he was a FA. If he is, then raiders need to sign someone. But Routt is OK, nothing special.

[Nacho Vidal]

You don't think Branch should be at SS? I think they plan on drafting a FS type

They need a FS not a SS. Branch and Huff will battle it out for the SS position. FS=Hiram Eugene??? No way. We need a FS that could tackle and has ball hawking skills. Rashard Johnson from BAMA would looks good. He is slated to go in the second round. That would be a great pick up. :619:

[JRaider17]

I think Branch could do pretty solid for us, but we definitely need to try and find another safety. I would not be happy going into the season with Branch, Huff, and Eugene.

[or24]

You don't think Branch should be at SS? I think they plan on drafting a FS type
There are positives to both sides. Branch has better instincts then any of our other safeties so he could roam better at free but then we are forced to start Huff at strong. If we continue to use our SS against opposing Te's and play man, we cant have eugene on the strong side.

It should either be Branch and Huff or Eugene and Branch at FS and SS respectively. Huff is a huge liability at FS.

Branch was mainly used as a free safety when we played him even though he lined up on the strong side sometimes. He was usually back in centerfield. He also has experience at corner so that should help him if he lines up against Te's or slot receivers.

[GenRaider]

They need a FS not a SS. Branch and Huff will battle it out for the SS position. FS=Hiram Eugene??? No way. We need a FS that could tackle and has ball hawking skills. Rashard Johnson from BAMA would looks good. He is slated to go in the second round. That would be a great pick up. :619:

Branch is not a SS, he is a FS. He is too small to play strong safety.

Just say no to the Bama kid. Utah passed all over BAMA in the bowl game.

[Nacho Vidal]

Branch is not a SS, he is a FS. He is too small to play strong safety.

Just say no to the Bama kid. Utah passed all over BAMA in the bowl game.

Is he too small to play SS??? Michael Huff played better at SS then FS =He is 6'1 205 lbs. Branch is 6'0 205 lbs. When Kiffin drafted Branch he said that he was best suited as a SS because of his tackling ability. Troy Polamalu is 5'10 206 lbs, he is a pretty good strong safety. Bob Sanders 5'8 206 lbs, he is also a good strong safety. I still think he is better suited SS. I don't think he is too small to play the position. :619:

[el boracho]

Is he too small to play SS??? Michael Huff played better at SS then FS =He is 6'1 205 lbs. Branch is 6'0 205 lbs. When Kiffin drafted Branch he said that he was best suited as a SS because of his tackling ability. Troy Polamalu is 5'10 206 lbs, he is a pretty good strong safety. Bob Sanders 5'8 206 lbs, he is also a good strong safety. I still think he is better suited SS. I don't think he is too small to play the position. :619:

i do agree Branch definantly has the size to play the SS position....Upgrading at the free safety position is vital....With the loss of Baker we dont have anyone that is formitable....

[GenRaider]

Is he too small to play SS??? Michael Huff played better at SS then FS =He is 6'1 205 lbs. Branch is 6'0 205 lbs. When Kiffin drafted Branch he said that he was best suited as a SS because of his tackling ability. Troy Polamalu is 5'10 206 lbs, he is a pretty good strong safety. Bob Sanders 5'8 206 lbs, he is also a good strong safety. I still think he is better suited SS. I don't think he is too small to play the position. :619:

For the Raiders he is too small. And Saunders plays in a Cover 2 and INDY is not a very good team when it comes to defending the run. You need a thumper. HUFF was not very good at SS; in fact, he was awful. He missed too many tackles. You need to have size in todays NFL playing the spot. We need a SS who can tackle and defend the run well. YOU think Troy Polamalu is just 206, I think he is bigger than that, probably closer to the 210-220 range.

But with how we use a SS and how many good running teams are in this division, you need a SS who can cover the middle; I think we would be doing a a disservice by asking Branch to play SS.

This team needs a SS...

[Nacho Vidal]

For the Raiders he is too small. And Saunders plays in a Cover 2 and INDY is not a very good team when it comes to defending the run. You need a thumper. HUFF was not very good at SS; in fact, he was awful. He missed too many tackles. You need to have size in todays NFL playing the spot. We need a SS who can tackle and defend the run well. YOU think Troy Polamalu is just 206, I think he is bigger than that, probably closer to the 210-220 range.

But with how we use a SS and how many good running teams are in this division, you need a SS who can cover the middle; I think we would be doing a a disservice by asking Branch to play SS.

This team needs a SS...

We don't even know what defense we are going to run. How do we know that Branch is too small for the Raiders??? You don't always need a big thumper as your SS. The reason why Polamalu is so good playing at that size is because of the rest of the defense. They have a good defensive line that gets pressure on the QB. There linebackers are the best in the business. Look at what happen when we needed that thumper at SS=Darnell Bing USC. He was a thumper that played SS and outside linebacker and is now on what team??? Derrick Gibson sucked too. Your SS needs to be more than just a thumper. A lot of the time they have to be able to cover TEs. I just don't think that Branch is too small to play SS. If you do that is okay. :619:

[cheapshotartist]

Word, Buck..Seems a lot like Gibril's skill set. Plays the run aggressive, Has a Ball Hawk streak, but is a huge liability in man to man.

All I know is we DO need to draft a safety. Branch seems like he will be good, but you can't hang the potency of your secondary on a fourth round unknown who spent most the year on the bench.

The only Safety I've seen who can half azz cover is Ed Reed. Safety's don't play man they are Safety's for a reason. Safety's are there for run and pass support not to play man. I had no problems with G. Wilson and I think we made a big mistake by cutting him. I don't blame him for not wanting to play here with all the BS that goes on and the Raider way.
:csa:

[cheapshotartist]

Yeah for sure. Although I was fairly impressed with Rashard Baker last year, made some decent deep center-field type plays at FS. But still, he's a borderline starter at best and we need to upgrade both S positions.

I agree Buck both of our safety's are average If that and we must improve If we want to compete. :csa:

[cheapshotartist]

For the Raiders he is too small. And Saunders plays in a Cover 2 and INDY is not a very good team when it comes to defending the run. You need a thumper. HUFF was not very good at SS; in fact, he was awful. He missed too many tackles. You need to have size in todays NFL playing the spot. We need a SS who can tackle and defend the run well. YOU think Troy Polamalu is just 206, I think he is bigger than that, probably closer to the 210-220 range.

But with how we use a SS and how many good running teams are in this division, you need a SS who can cover the middle; I think we would be doing a a disservice by asking Branch to play SS.

This team needs a SS...


Agreed! :csa:

[Jerseyboy]

I'd be fine with signing Milroy as a bandaid for the season and drafting Mays next year if possible. Not that safety isnt a huge hole, but we have many huge holes on our team. I'd rather work on fixing the holes that allow the RBs to even reach our safeties (Front 7) and the offense that just gives the ball back to the other team (WR). I'm banking on the renovated OL to be good. I'm fairly confident that we are solid at LG, C, RG, and LT with whoever wins the Barnes/Henderson battle. And Barnes isn't as bad of a pass blocker as everyone thinks. Garrard holds onto the ball for very long, and 4.5 sacks came from the Titans alone, with Haynesworth lined up at end. not only that, but Barnes lost most of his interior line.
Go Defense and WR in the draft. At LEAST a new DT, WR, and LB

[JRaider17]

The only Safety I've seen who can half azz cover is Ed Reed. Safety's don't play man they are Safety's for a reason. Safety's are there for run and pass support not to play man. I had no problems with G. Wilson and I think we made a big mistake by cutting him. I don't blame him for not wanting to play here with all the BS that goes on and the Raider way.
:csa:

I really never thought of lining a safety up to cover or what ever. I always look at it who is a guy in pass support who plays back and tries to read the QB. Hopefully he can read it before the throw occurs and he can move over and prevent it.

[Boom]

The safety is the last man responsible for big plays. Wilson got burnt many times last season, but his strength has always been run support, but even in run support he got burnt. Huff was always fu*king confused and big plays happened with him in the start up almost all the time. We need a sure thing at safety, it's a big responsibility.

[Boom]

I'd be fine with signing Milroy as a bandaid for the season and drafting Mays next year if possible. Not that safety isnt a huge hole, but we have many huge holes on our team. I'd rather work on fixing the holes that allow the RBs to even reach our safeties (Front 7) and the offense that just gives the ball back to the other team (WR). I'm banking on the renovated OL to be good. I'm fairly confident that we are solid at LG, C, RG, and LT with whoever wins the Barnes/Henderson battle. And Barnes isn't as bad of a pass blocker as everyone thinks. Garrard holds onto the ball for very long, and 4.5 sacks came from the Titans alone, with Haynesworth lined up at end. not only that, but Barnes lost most of his interior line.
Go Defense and WR in the draft. At LEAST a new DT, WR, and LB

Totally agree there. Address the bigger issues first.

[Gridiron PIRATE]

Mays next year if possible

With all we've done this off season, i would have loved to take Mays this year if he declared. Yes, over OT and WR and DT. If we have an opportunity to take him next draft, we've got to get him. We've been so weak at safety that Mays is the type of player we need back there.

[or24]

I really never thought of lining a safety up to cover or what ever. I always look at it who is a guy in pass support who plays back and tries to read the QB. Hopefully he can read it before the throw occurs and he can move over and prevent it.
Thats often the FS's responsibility. Your SS has to hover over the middle very often and diagnose plays as well but we use our SS on the TE often. Gibril could NOT cover, man or zone. Always getting beat. Tony G got separation way too easily on him. That was a big mistake.

[or24]

With all we've done this off season, i would have loved to take Mays this year if he declared. Yes, over OT and WR and DT. If we have an opportunity to take him next draft, we've got to get him. We've been so weak at safety that Mays is the type of player we need back there.
Yep. A safety like him is a huge difference maker. He will be all over the field. Those are fairly rare.

[JRaider17]

Thats often the FS's responsibility. Your SS has to hover over the middle very often and diagnose plays as well but we use our SS on the TE often. Gibril could NOT cover, man or zone. Always getting beat. Tony G got separation way too easily on him. That was a big mistake.

Why not just drop the SS back and put a guy like Huff on the TE?

[BigPrimo]

look at the bright side at least STUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU wont be back there hahaha!!!

[Tió Nook Nook]

how big was that dude at SS from b-more ravens last yr? i think he was like 5'8..and now he's with rex and the jets

[cheapshotartist]

I really never thought of lining a safety up to cover or what ever. I always look at it who is a guy in pass support who plays back and tries to read the QB. Hopefully he can read it before the throw occurs and he can move over and prevent it.

I agree JRaider17 and the fact that we don't have a veteran Safety to show the youngsters how to play hurts our defense. :csa:

[or24]

Why not just drop the SS back and put a guy like Huff on the TE?
Play nickel D? No more rob ryan experiments lol. You either gotta have a backer or a safety on the TE if you wanna remain in base defense. Unless you play zone, which we are terrible at. Maybe if we ran zone press it would work out better.

Branch is the only guy who shows any instincts between our safeties. Baker was very solid, a little athletically challenged but he wrapped up the ball carrier and read the QB. Branch is a more physical version with a higher ceiling. One of our safety spots will have tyo suffer if we dont get someone. I think Huff is going to be exposed in the near future, if he''s even still a Raider. As far as putting Huff on the TE, you can't have 2 safeties plus Huff or are run defense will suffer greatly.

I think Huff is servicable in certain situations since he is capable of staying with the TE's in our division. I dont think he is a shutdown guy but I think QB's would prefer to look at other matchups first seeing as how Huff has a reputation of being a playmaker that he realy isn't lol.

2 years ago Huff gave up one of the highest yards per reception. Football outsiders did a piece on it. It also included Deangelo Hall, Darelle Revis, and other good names. Hall was one of the most picked on corners in the league. This was after the 2007 season, not last year. We should've seen that shit coming with Hall. :csa:

[JRaider17]

Play nickel D? No more rob ryan experiments lol. You either gotta have a backer or a safety on the TE if you wanna remain in base defense. Unless you play zone, which we are terrible at. Maybe if we ran zone press it would work out better.

Branch is the only guy who shows any instincts between our safeties. Baker was very solid, a little athletically challenged but he wrapped up the ball carrier and read the QB. Branch is a more physical version with a higher ceiling. One of our safety spots will have tyo suffer if we dont get someone. I think Huff is going to be exposed in the near future, if he''s even still a Raider. As far as putting Huff on the TE, you can't have 2 safeties plus Huff or are run defense will suffer greatly.

I think Huff is servicable in certain situations since he is capable of staying with the TE's in our division. I dont think he is a shutdown guy but I think QB's would prefer to look at other matchups first seeing as how Huff has a reputation of being a playmaker that he realy isn't lol.

2 years ago Huff gave up one of the highest yards per reception. Football outsiders did a piece on it. It also included Deangelo Hall, Darelle Revis, and other good names. Hall was one of the most picked on corners in the league. This was after the 2007 season, not last year. We should've seen that shit coming with Hall. :csa:

I was just purely saying this because you had stated we have our SS play on the TE's mostly. Since that is Gibrils weakness, why couldn't we have just had the FS cover (Huff) instead of Gibril.

[or24]

I was just purely saying this because you had stated we have our SS play on the TE's mostly. Since that is Gibrils weakness, why couldn't we have just had the FS cover (Huff) instead of Gibril.
Only problem with that is Eugene cant cover worth a damn either lol. He was at FS, not Huff. And even though Ryan has said our FS and SS are really just left and right safeties we aLMOST never had our SS back in center.

When we played man it was almost exclusively Cover 1 or Man Free and we played zone it seems to always be soft cover 3. Although the season opener we got killed playing some cover 2 zone. Ryan had zero imagination.

I know Marshall runs a lot of man with no blitz(or so I hear) but he cant be as idiotic as Ryan. I'd rathger rush 4 the whole game in man they play any kind of zone. Our players just dont have the instincts in zone coverage. Especially cover 2. Our safeties are awful in that area.

[JRaider17]

Only problem with that is Eugene cant cover worth a damn either lol. He was at FS, not Huff. And even though Ryan has said our FS and SS are really just left and right safeties we aLMOST never had our SS back in center.

When we played man it was almost exclusively Cover 1 or Man Free and we played zone it seems to always be soft cover 3. Although the season opener we got killed playing some cover 2 zone. Ryan had zero imagination.

I know Marshall runs a lot of man with no blitz(or so I hear) but he cant be as idiotic as Ryan. I'd rathger rush 4 the whole game in man they play any kind of zone. Our players just dont have the instincts in zone coverage. Especially cover 2. Our safeties are awful in that area.

Eugene can't cover TE? Put Huff in thats the only thing he can do! lol


And I really don't know why would even run zone. Our strength is man to man, everytime we played zone we blew coverage! Our coaches are the only one who can not see this...

[or24]

Eugene can't cover TE? Put Huff in thats the only thing he can do! lol


And I really don't know why would even run zone. Our strength is man to man, everytime we played zone we blew coverage! Our coaches are the only one who can not see this...
Exactly. We got killed in every type of zone we ran. Even when we got pressure. Man bump n Run is what we need to run for the majority with obviously a mixture of plays to throw off the offense. If Marshall calls plays to our defenses strengths, I think they could actually have a good year. I doubt a lot of players on our team but the playcalling has been lacking for some time. The only offensive guy who could call plays and run an offense in the last 5 or so years was Norv. But our defense was horrible thanks to Ryan. I am REALLY excited to see what Marshall can do for our defense. I dont think ANYONE can be as incompetent as Ryan was.

Anyone who doubts the potential and ability of our defense. I urge you to go back and watch the KC, Buf, and SD games last year from week 2 to week 4. If our offense had a clue those would all be BLOWOUTS. Terdell Sands even played good lol. We were aggressive and played like a top 10 nfl defense. That is what real playcalling can do. We forced opposing teams receivers to make plays by crowding the line, blitzing, and leaving one on one opportunities in the secondary. Rivers, Thigpen, and Edwards were all getting beat up. How the coaches dont get this annoys the f*** ouuta me!

I know many believe our defense is just terrible. Hell, I think the tackling is some of the worst in the league. But you can disguise some weaknesses. Ryan never even attempted to.

You can have Peyton Manning as your qb but if you run the ball 50 times Id say playcalling has something to do with the problem. Not just talent.

[cheapshotartist]

We need good coaching and good players. :csa:

[or24]

No doubt Cheap. But if we get a real safety who can do it all and some decent vet nickelback, I think our secondary is set. Chris Johnson, Nnamdi, and possibly Branch are all ballers.

[cheapshotartist]

^^ I agree or24 the secondary is one of the few places where we can compete. :csa:

[JRaider17]

No doubt Cheap. But if we get a real safety who can do it all and some decent vet nickelback, I think our secondary is set. Chris Johnson, Nnamdi, and possibly Branch are all ballers.

Yeah I think Branch would be pretty good if we just get that real safety. Our top 2 corners are obviously set.

[or24]

Yeah I think Branch would be pretty good if we just get that real safety. Our top 2 corners are obviously set.
I agree. I'm not sure yet with Branch. But I like what I've seen. At the least he's a good special teamer. :beer:

[cheapshotartist]

I agree. I'm not sure yet with Branch. But I like what I've seen. At the least he's a good special teamer. :beer:

Branch may have a big upside only time will tell. I wish we would just draft what we need instead of trying to make players into something they are not. Like making Safety's into LB's or DL in LB's, that :shit: don't work!
:csa:

[or24]

Branch may have a big upside only time will tell. I wish we would just draft what we need instead of trying to make players into something they are not. Like making Safety's into LB's or DL in LB's, that :shit: don't work!
:csa:
Ifr only our staff could evlauate players and our coaches could use them properly...:happens

[cheapshotartist]

^^That's what I'm saying, everyone wants to bad mouth the players but look at how the organization is run. How can Russell learn anything when he is on his 4th OC and second HC in his three years here. As long as this team is run the way it has been run in the past we will continue to lose. This is the NFL not some local super market If you don't keep up with the Jones's you''ll miss the boat.
:csa:

[or24]

I still think good players are good players and bad players are bad players until proven otherwise. If J. Russell was a 7th round pick most people would be talking about drafting a qb this year. People just have higher expectations for him because of where he was drafted. Every team has players that never reach their potential. Russell may be our bust(one of many actualy)or maybe he will be regarded as a top qb someday. Maybe he will just be an average qb. Maybe he will be moved to DT lol. We dont know yet. I'm hard on the players because the good ones can still separate themselves from the bad. Nnamdi is clearly better than Routt yet they weren't drafted that far apart. Nnam was late 1st and Routt was taken early in the 2nd I believe.

[Boom]

Only problem with that is Eugene cant cover worth a damn either lol. He was at FS, not Huff. And even though Ryan has said our FS and SS are really just left and right safeties we aLMOST never had our SS back in center.

When we played man it was almost exclusively Cover 1 or Man Free and we played zone it seems to always be soft cover 3. Although the season opener we got killed playing some cover 2 zone. Ryan had zero imagination.

I know Marshall runs a lot of man with no blitz(or so I hear) but he cant be as idiotic as Ryan. I'd rathger rush 4 the whole game in man they play any kind of zone. Our players just dont have the instincts in zone coverage. Especially cover 2. Our safeties are awful in that area.

We will definitly need to rely on a good pass rushing defensive line in order to run a zone defensive scheme, and we just don't have the personell on the defensive line to run it. The times we did run the zone, we paid the big price.

[yayarea_raider]

We will definitly need to rely on a good pass rushing defensive line in order to run a zone defensive scheme, and we just don't have the personell on the defensive line to run it. The times we did run the zone, we paid the big price.

this is why the defensive line needs to be beefed up with the first two draft picks. The DL is the most important thing

[JRaider17]

this is why the defensive line needs to be beefed up with the first two draft picks. The DL is the most important thing

One of the first two draft picks, there really isn't a need to go there twice with the first two picks. We have too many holes.

[cheapshotartist]

I'd use our first 3 picks on defense because as long as we can't stop or slow down the other team it won't matter what we do on offense. Like it was stated before we have a lot of holes so it's going to take a few more seasons before we have a complete team. I'd fix the defense in this draft and work on the offense next season. This is just my thinking I'll always go defense. Defense wins championships and offense sells tickets.
:csa:

[Skern]

I'd use our first 3 picks on defense because as long as we can't stop or slow down the other team it won't matter what we do on offense. Like it was stated before we have a lot of holes so it's going to take a few more seasons before we have a complete team. I'd fix the defense in this draft and work on the offense next season. This is just my thinking I'll always go defense. Defense wins championships and offense sells tickets.
:csa:

See but the thing is the "few" times that we did stop an offense we couldnt even move the ball 2 yards...Down right embarrassing! Maybe 2 out of the first three picks could be Defense but not all first three picks.

[cheapshotartist]

Fu*k it I'd use the whole draft on defense. :2guns:csa:

[Skern]

Fu*k it I'd use the whole draft on defense. :2guns:csa:

ahahaha fucken CSA....my bad I dont want to mess with the Retired West Oaktown Thug :hide:

[yayarea_raider]

One of the first two draft picks, there really isn't a need to go there twice with the first two picks. We have too many holes.

yeah...DE, DT, SLB, MLB, S

[JRaider17]

yeah...DE, DT, SLB, MLB, S

I would say its in this order on D....

DT
S
DE
MLB
SLB

[Boom]

I would say its in this order on D....

DT
S
DE
MLB
SLB

I'd go:

WR
DT
S
OT
LB

[Skern]

I'd go:

WR
DT
S
OT
LB

:roc: There ya go I like that one...and if we dont get a WR in the 1st then in the second.

[yayarea_raider]

I would say its in this order on D....

DT
S
DE
MLB
SLB

I don't know, is it?

When we had a pass rush in 06', our DB's were ballers. That included Fabian Washington by the way. Nnamdi also had 8 picks that year. Mine would go like this:

NT
DE
S
MLB
SLB

I would like to put MLB higher as I do not like Morrison, but I would at LEAST put a NT and DE (or 2) in front of him that aren't JUST pass rushers.

I still think they should have signed a vet MLB to challenge his ass.

[BlackHeart]

No doubt Cheap. But if we get a real safety who can do it all and some decent vet nickelback, I think our secondary is set. Chris Johnson, Nnamdi, and possibly Branch are all ballers.

I'm not ready to call Branch a "Baller" just yet. He hasn't proven shit when it comes to playing on D but he is a good gunner tho I'll give him that.

[BigPrimo]

Eversince we lost ET (RIP), we have been in need a a great Safety especially in a place that has been know for great safeties. This is bullshyt we havnt had one for quite some time now.

[cheapshotartist]

Eversince we lost ET (RIP), we have been in need a a great Safety especially in a place that has been know for great safeties. This is bullshyt we havnt had one for quite some time now.

I agree BigPrimo the Oakland Raiders have always been known to have hard hitting Safetys but with our lack of Football people in the front office one man is calling the shots. This does not work and the proof is in how we draft, we don't draft for need we draft for want......what Al wants.
:csa:

[cheapshotartist]

ahahaha fucken CSA....my bad I dont want to mess with the Retired West Oaktown Thug :hide:

I'm just saying. :laughing:csa:

[JRaider17]

I'd go:

WR
DT
S
OT
LB

Me too...that was just our defensive needs that I thought.

[or24]

I'm not ready to call Branch a "Baller" just yet. He hasn't proven shit when it comes to playing on D but he is a good gunner tho I'll give him that.
Thats why I said "possibly". I like what I've seen. He was making plays from the minute he got in the game. The guy runs like a corner but hits like a safety and appears to be able to read the qb and react quickly. He's the best cover safety I've seen in Oak since R. Woodson. Not that thats saying much between Gibson, Anderson, Buchanan, Huff, etc.

[Boom]

Thats why I said "possibly". I like what I've seen. He was making plays from the minute he got in the game. The guy runs like a corner but hits like a safety and appears to be able to read the qb and react quickly. He's the best cover safety I've seen in Oak since R. Woodson. Not that thats saying much between Gibson, Anderson, Buchanan, Huff, etc.

I think his whole Family are Raider fans too

[JRaider17]

Branch had more INTs then Huff with a big ass cast on his hand and out half the season.

[or24]

Branch had more INTs then Huff with a big ass cast on his hand and out half the season.
:laugh: Poor Mike Huff haha

[JRaider17]

I gave up on Huff when Favre threw a pass to his chest and he dropped it!

[or24]

lol his last chance from me was the opener against denver last year. When he missed that play down the left sideline on D. Jackson I was done!!! Sorry ass tackling. Be a man!

[JRaider17]

All he had to do his move Jacksons ass an inch out of bounds...this guys knees are f*cked up and he couldn't do a little push!

[or24]

All he had to do his move Jacksons ass an inch out of bounds...this guys knees are f*cked up and he couldn't do a little push!
I know, right? wtf?!?! I think there was another play he blew against the TE graham!!! Huff makes my head hurt...

[JRaider17]

I know, right? wtf?!?! I think there was another play he blew against the TE graham!!! Huff makes my head hurt...

Huff is like this on plays... :sofa:

[or24]

Huff is like this on plays... :sofa:
:laugh: :laughing

[el boracho]

Fu*k it I'd use the whole draft on defense. :2guns:csa:

argree 100% on that one...Fxck a wideout in the first...we need monster defense that can stop the run....I really do think that Cable knows what hes doing with this Oline and in due time he can make make some things happen with it....Lets go D atleast in the first three rounds ....

[or24]

I don't know, is it?

When we had a pass rush in 06', our DB's were ballers. That included Fabian Washington by the way. Nnamdi also had 8 picks that year. Mine would go like this:

NT
DE
S
MLB
SLB

I would like to put MLB higher as I do not like Morrison, but I would at LEAST put a NT and DE (or 2) in front of him that aren't JUST pass rushers.

I still think they should have signed a vet MLB to challenge his ass.
Fabs still got picked on. Then he was really exposed in 07. He is all speed. He was lost in man coverage all the time. Terrible positioning and timing. He is still NOT good in Baltimore. It wasn't just here. I agree he looked BETTER when we had a pass rush though.

In terms of needs the main thing this team needs is playmakers on offense. Guys who show up every week. More physical line and steady qb play. The ONLY way our offense moves the ball is when we face a soft/undersized DL. It allows us to run the ball and move the chains.

Any stout D shuts us down and our offense is non existent. That imo means a WR, maybe 2. Improved play from Russell, McFadden, etc. And specifically on the line our RG and LT positions. Carlisle is not physical at all and LT is still shaky despite Barnes and Henderson. Henderson is not defnitely our savior. He's just an upgrade over Kwame. He still gets beat so Russell will not have all day.

Defensively tackling is the biggest problem. It's bad EVERY week. Sometimes our pass rush is good. We've shown we can crowd the box and plug holes to slow down the run game. But the tackling is just awful.

Our defense can be good with the roster we have. Our offense hasn't shown that at all.

[GenRaider]

2 players in the front seven will go along way in helping our defense.

[cheapshotartist]

^^I agree Gen If we could get a NT, MLB and a SS our defense would get a lot better. :csa:

[JRaider17]

BJ Raji? I really like this kid, and while I like Crabtree also, I can not get mad if the pick is Raji.

For me, its Crabtree or Raji. Even if he is there Aaron Curry would be great (highly unlikely). Everyone else = bad start to draft.

[cheapshotartist]

BJ Raji? I really like this kid, and while I like Crabtree also, I can not get mad if the pick is Raji.

For me, its Crabtree or Raji. Even if he is there Aaron Curry would be great (highly unlikely). Everyone else = bad start to draft.

I'd be more than happy to take Raji or Curry. We have several young WR's on our team and we need to let them play so we can find out what they can do. Without a franchise LT to protect our QB what good would Crabtree be? We had a top WR in Moss, what happened? We could not get him the ball because our QB was on his back. Barnes and Henderson are average at best just like most of our roster.
:csa:

[JRaider17]

I understand that, but we also protected Russell alot better in the last couple of games. I think he got sacked like twice through 5 games?

[Skern]

We also had receivers who weren't running the correct routes when he did have time to throw. O-line and D-line does need to be addressed aint no arguing that! But a solid #1 WR is also a big need IMO. And we've already gotten a head start on filling in the O-Line.

[cheapshotartist]

I understand that, but we also protected Russell alot better in the last couple of games. I think he got sacked like twice through 5 games?

True but that was last season just like we won our last two games, that don't mean :shit: this season. We can do alot better than Barnes and Henderson. There are good LT's in this years draft and we should try to sign one. It's common sense!
:csa:

[or24]

I'd be more than happy to take Raji or Curry. We have several young WR's on our team and we need to let them play so we can find out what they can do. Without a franchise LT to protect our QB what good would Crabtree be? We had a top WR in Moss, what happened? We could not get him the ball because our QB was on his back. Barnes and Henderson are average at best just like most of our roster.
:csa:
Our passing game was fine in 2005. The defense was absolutely horrible thanks to ryan and some bum players. We had to abandon the run game early to kee up with other offenses.

06 Moss gave up because the offensive desig was just pathetic and we couldnt get a 1st down.

Russell had time last year in certin games and at certain points. Mario does a decent job slowing his man down but he is pretty average. Kwame would let his man go right by him. Dumervil was having the time of his life when we played denver.

[or24]

I understand that, but we also protected Russell alot better in the last couple of games. I think he got sacked like twice through 5 games?
Thank Mr. McFadden. He was JR's safety valve at the end of the year. Mario needed help on his side when we played houston and Williams flushed out Russell several times. If Houson had another pass rusher that could have been ugly. Gaines Adams kept beating Mario in he TB game. C. Green actually had a good game. He took his man out nearly every play.

[JRaider17]

Thank Mr. McFadden. He was JR's safety valve at the end of the year. Mario needed help on his side when we played houston and Williams flushed out Russell several times. If Houson had another pass rusher that could have been ugly. Gaines Adams kept beating Mario in he TB game. C. Green actually had a good game. He took his man out nearly every play.

Henderson did pretty well against Mario, I think that was his like first big test? Mario is a pretty good DE, wouldn't you say? Usually a good DE will get some preassure throughout the game, and the RB is usually there to help block (like you stated). QBs get flushed all the time, its about containing it to a certain level. There was times when he had ZERO time and protection.

[or24]

Henderson did pretty well against Mario, I think that was his like first big test? Mario is a pretty good DE, wouldn't you say? Usually a good DE will get some preassure throughout the game, and the RB is usually there to help block (like you stated). QBs get flushed all the time, its about containing it to a certain level. There was times when he had ZERO time and protection.
Henderson MIGHT be the answer. But some act like he is a franchise LT. He seriously needs to improve his footwork. He struggled very often in pass protection. I know you cant "shutdown" an end like Mario Williams and I'm not even saying he did a bad job.

I'm willing to go into 08 with him at left and Khalif at right. He earned that much. He played in week 2 vs. KC but was run blocking most of the time, and did a good job. I like Mario, but haven't seen enough of him yet to say he is the answer. I like what I've seen though. He fits our system well, is athletic, and is NOT soft by any means. Just needs to improve his skills imo, and I'm sure Cable can make him into a good tackle.

[JRaider17]

Thing is with Khalif...he only signed a one year deal. Thats maybe why we might/should get a LT.

[cheapshotartist]

Thing is with Khalif...he only signed a one year deal. Thats maybe why we might/should get a LT.

Word! We need a long term LT not a one season half azz fix. :csa:

[JRaider17]

CSA I thought you wanted all D though? lol

[or24]

I like the one year deal. We'll see what he's got and if he does well we can re-sign him.

Whether it be OL, DL, LB, S, I think CSA just wants HARDHITTING, PHYSICAL, oldschool raiders football. Not these softies like Kwame Harris, Ricky Brown, Michael Huff, etc.

[JRaider17]

I like the one year deal. We'll see what he's got and if he does well we can re-sign him.

Whether it be OL, DL, LB, S, I think CSA just wants HARDHITTING, PHYSICAL, oldschool raiders football. Not these softies like Kwame Harris, Ricky Brown, Michael Huff, etc.

Thats not gonna happen for awhile...what we need to do is start drafting FOOTBALL players. Not professional weight lifters or track stars.

[or24]

Thats not gonna happen for awhile...what we need to do is start drafting FOOTBALL players. Not professional weight lifters or track stars.
I agree. We aren't gonna change overnight. It's a process. We just need to make smart decisions in FA and the draft and eventually we will run into a couple of all pro caiber players we can build around.

[cheapshotartist]

CSA I thought you wanted all D though? lol

I do but we can use one of our picks 4 a LT it just makes sense. :laughing:csa:

[JRaider17]

CSA.... you honestly convinced me to want defense. lol