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Oakland Raiders Rookie Review

Jesse Bartolis — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:34:22 +0000

Talking Darrius Heyward Bey and other young Raides with Just Blog Baby

With the Oakland Raiders taking on the San Diego Chargers tonight, I think it good timing to release my interview with Chris Shellcroft of Just Blog Baby, an Oakland Raiders webpage. Just Blog Baby is quirky, funny, and honest and you should all swing over there and check it out.

And if you’re looking for more to read we’ve updated our scouting report page which now includes 80 plus scouting reports

1). I have to start here. Was the Carson Palmer trade worth it? That’s an awful lot to give up.
It is still far too early to put any type of a grade on the Palmer trade. Let me just say this much about the whole thing. With a healthy Darren McFadden and Palmer playing at a Pro Bowl level we’re talking about an offense with the potential to be a among the NFL elite. In that scenario there is no price too high you can place on great QB play balanced with an explosive running game. As far as the picks given up go…let’s be honest. Neither the Raiders nor Bengals have a great recent history of making the most of their first round picks. If Cincinnati uses those two picks to grab the next Dan Wilkinson or Akili Smith then they will mean nothing. For Oakland, if this team does in fact turn the corner then those two picks will mean nothing more than open roster spots for veterans. In short, time will tell on this deal. My knee jerk reaction is that they paid far too high a price but, again, you cannot put any value on a franchise caliber QB. If that is what the Raiders ultimately get then these two picks will look like pennies.

2). Will the Raiders ever trade with the Patriots again? It always seems they get fleeced
Two things you can set your watch to on draft day are the Raiders taking the fastest player from the combine and the Raiders trading with the Pats. I realize the Randy Moss deal looms large but the Pats haven’t exactly got too return on their investment in recent dealings. New England badly misses Richard Seymour and we still can’t truly determine how much they’ll get from Nate Solder, who does look good, which was the pick they got from Oakland. Another deal with the Raiders that the Pats got nothing out of was the move for Derrick Burgess. Two years ago the two teams swapped picks on draft day with New England moving up in round two to take Ron Brace who has yet to make an impact. Clearly these two teams have a business relationship. How much more dealing they’ll do in the future remains to be seen. Al Davis and Bill Belichick got along very well. With Davis gone there is no way to know if the trades winds will continue to blow from the Northeast to the East Bay.

3). They say it takes three years to evaluate a draft how’s the 2009 draft class looking?
Until his mysterious benching last week the biggest name from that class, Darrius Heyward-Bey, was showing some real promise. He came into last week’s game with more receiving yards than Roddy White, believe it or not. Still, when you take a receiver in the top 10 you’re expecting game changing plays. The jury is still out on DHB. The other name that grabbed headlines was Mike Mitchell taken in the second round. Mitchell hasn’t exactly made a huge impact but his talent is real. Injuries and defensive schemes have kept Mitchell out of an expanded role. We’re all waiting to see what kind of a player he can be with a clearly defined role and more snaps. Now the gem of the ’09 class is third round pick Matt Shaughnessy. Before his season ending injury this year Shaughnessy was well on his way to becoming a Pro Bowl caliber defensive end. He is a great pass rusher and was really improving against the run.

The guy that has been lost in the mix is Louis Murphy. He jumped out as the class of Oakland’s draft but has never found consistency week in and week out. Plus a hamstring injury kept him out of camp and the first month of the season. Currently Murphy is buried in the depth chart and could be one his way out of Oakland.

Of the 7 players drafted in ’09, 5 are on the active roster. I’m not going to say this draft was a huge success but it has provided the Raiders with some key contributors. Still, this class will be determined by how Heyward-Bey goes. I’d have to say that we’re still looking at a grade of incomplete on this class.

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Oakland Raiders Rookie Review - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Oakland Raiders Owner Al Davis Dies an Underrated General Manager

Jesse Bartolis — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 23:47:45 +0000

Al Davis Died Today, but he Lives on a Legend (picture source raidersgab.com)

Today, sadly, Al Davis died at the age of 82. There are plenty of nice things being said about him some of which are at profootballtalk but I want to take a moment to focus on his underrated drafting genuis. Al Davis has gotten al ot of knocks about his drafting ability because he only relies on Speed, or because he drafts a Kicker in the first round. But I think that’s an unfair reputation. I think over the past five to seven year Al Davis has actually been a very underrated general manager, with the lone exception of being able to secure a franchise Quarterback. I think the players on the Raiders that don’t play quarterback are actually really good. The Raiders with a quarterback even in the range of Matt Schuab/Josh Freeman would make the playoffs.

Now he’s also had some awful misses in the first round lately:

Darrius Heyward Bey (over Michael Crabtree, Jeremy Maclin, Hakeem Nicks, and Kenny Britt…all of who went in the first round). And Jamarcuss Russel, specifically have been clossal failures, and people focus on those picks more than any other. I think he has been much better, especially early in the draft than the media and us bloggers give him credit for dating back until 2003.

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2012 NFL Season Preview: Oakland Raiders

Reggie McColgan — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:34:14 +0000

Oakland Raiders

Front Office:

Owner:             Al Davis

GM:                 None

D:         The 2010 Draft is all that’s keeping this grade from a F. I have stated before that owners, who act as the GM, rarely are successful. The Owners do not know anything about football. It’s not like in other companies where the owner had grown up in that field and worked their way up…these are rich men who buy the team as a hobby…let their GM run the team and you work with him…Step your game up Al Davis.

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Updated AFC West Team Needs: 12/01/10

jdove — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:00:38 +0000

One of the most important factors when preparing for the NFL Draft is knowing each and every NFL team. NFL Mocks keeps a very close eye on each team and will bring you an updated needs assessment at the end of each month. These needs will help as we prepare to make predictions for the 2011 NFL Draft. Continue to check out our team needs page to find the most recent assessments. Also after looking at the team needs move on over to the Big Board and see what prospects might fit your teams need.

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Updated AFC West Team Needs: 12/01/10 - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

NFL Power Rankings: Week 6

jdove — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 18:46:54 +0000

Alright I know we are an NFL Draft site but the Power Rankings are going to play an important role here at NFL Mocks. These Rankings are how we will be determining the draft order for our Mock Drafts. So take a look a the Rankings and let us know what you think, as usual I expect some good feedback! These rankings were completed by staff writer Jason Madson.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) I was worried about rust with Big Ben missing 4 weeks, but the Browns were a good warmup game for him. The defense is playing better than expected.

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2. New York Jets (5-1) They are a small step below the Steelers for the top spot, but its close. With everybody getting healthy this will be a very dangerous team down the road. Survived a scare this week, but those are expected.

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3. New England Patriots (4-1)This team just keeps getting it done, no matter who they plug in. Deion Branch had a huge game in his return to the Pats.

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4. Baltimore Ravens (4-2) Yes they suffered a tough defeat to the Pats this past week in which they lead most of the game, but this is still an incredibly good team. The offense hasn’t hit on all cylinders yet, once they do Watch Out!

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5. New York Giants (4-2) They got the win against the Lions, but it wasn’t easy. The Giants head to Dallas this week in what should be a very tough game regardless of records.

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6. Tennessee Titans (4-2) The Titans destroyed the Jags last night, but lost Vince Young to a sprained knee. If he is out for an extended period of time, it could hurt the Titans season.

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7. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) They blew out the Falcons on Sunday, Kolb had his best game of the season and all everyone can talk about is Vick’s absence from the sidelines. Celebrate the win Eagles fans! DeSean Jackson suffered a severe concussion and could miss multiple games.

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8. New Orleans Saints (4-2) The Saints went to Tampa Bay and destroyed an overachieving Bucs team on Sunday. That is what they were supposed to do. Don’t look past the Browns on your way to the Halloween showdown with the Steelers.

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9. Indianapolis Colts (4-2) Indy always finds a way to get the job done, Peyton Manning is the biggest reason for that. They had a tough game on Sunday night, but in the end the Colts outlasted the Redskins.

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10. Houston Texans (4-2) Houston made the comeback of the day on Sunday, trailing by 10 in the 4th quarter to the Chiefs. They came back to win it with some offensive firepower and late defense. I’m still not sold on the Texans.

Check out the rest of the ranking after the Jump

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NFL Power Rankings: Week 6 - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Oakland Raiders Return To Form; Draft Workout Warriors Campbell and Ford

Josh Sanchez — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 15:09:32 +0000

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2010 NFL Draft: Mock Draft 3.0

jdove — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:00:59 +0000

Below is our final Mock Draft that features a few changes. We will continue to bring you updated Mock Draft throughout the year so be sure to check us out after the draft. Don’t forget to check out the BUST-O-METER and the Sleeper/Steal Alerts. Also be sure to leave some comments we want to hear what you think!

1. St. Louis Rams- QB- Sam Bradford- Okla.

- Unless there is a major trade Bradford will be a Ram. The Rams will finally have long term direction at the quarterback position. There are some positive to this Rams offense and one is the decent offensive line. We can’t ignore Steven Jackson, who will keep defenses honest.

No Early Contract for Bradford?

2. Detroit Lions- DT- Ndamukong Suh- Neb.

- Suh is a can’t miss prospect and will add to an improving defensive line. Suh has high character and a high motor and will fit right in with Coach Schwartz’s scheme. Suh will be a force for years to come.

Suh vs. McCoy

3. Tampa Bay Bucs- DT- Gerald McCoy- Okla.

- McCoy will be a disruptive force on a defense desperate for talent. There are a lot of people that feel McCoy is better than Suh, so in some eyes the Bucs will get the best player in the draft at pick 3. It may just be the Oklahoma ties but McCoy gives me the Tommie Harris vibe, as a player that is capable of getting in the backfield on every play.

Suh vs. McCoy

4. Washington Redskins- T- Russell Okung- Okla. St.

- I have a feeling McNabb is texting Coach Shanahan every hour pleading with him to select Okung. The Redskins need to protect McNabb by upgrading the talent along the offensive line. Okung is the top rated tackle has the potential to be a Pro Bowler.

5. Kansas City Chiefs- S- Eric Berry- Tenn.

- The Chiefs could go with someone like Trent Williams or Bryan Bulaga but I am not sold on their potential and I am sure Scott Pioli has some questions. With Berry you have an All-World talent that will provide the Chief’s defense with a much needed playmaker. Many feel that a top 5 pick for safety is a reach but Pioli showed last season he will reach for a need or a player he likes (Tyson Jackson).

6. Seattle Seahawks- T- Trent Williams- Okla.

- Trent Williams fills a major need here for the Seahawks. The retirement of Walter Jones left a big hole at the tackle position. Williams has a lot of game experience and could play both the right and left tackle position. Some feel this could be a landing spot for Clausen but the Seahawks gave a lot to get Charlie Whitehurst.

BUST-O-METER: Trent Williams

7. Cleveland Browns- S/CB- Earl Thomas- Texas

- I have been predicting CJ Spiller in this spot for awhile now but recently changed my mind. I feel that Spiller is too much like Jerome Harrison and the Browns will look to add a later round power back (maybe LeGarrette Blount). So with this pick the Browns get a playmaking safety capable of covering receivers, backs, and tight ends 1 on 1. Thomas’ versatility is what has lead to his rise up draft boards.

8. Oakland Raiders- T- Bryan Bulaga- Iowa

- Many will predict Bruce Campbell in this position but I don’t see that happening. While Al Davis has become sort of a joke when it comes to the draft I don’t think he will pass up on the more solid Bulaga. Some history that might work against this pick would be the bust of Robert Gallery. I feel that Clausen would be the best move for the Raiders but they are not ready to admit defeat with JaMarcus Russell.

9. Buffalo Bills- OT- Anthony Davis- Rutgers

- While I feel that this is a reach for Davis, I can’t ignore the Bills need for offensive linemen. I do not think there will be a good option at the tackle position when the Bills select in the 2nd round, so its now or never. The Bills could also look to fill their open nose tackle position by selecting Dan Williams. What about Jimmy Clausen? The Bills do need a quarterback but the offensive line is a bigger need.

BUST-O-METER: Anthony Davis

10. Jacksonville Jaguars- DE- Derrick Morgan- Georgia Tech

- The Jaguars are still searching for a pass rush even after signing Aaron Kampman. They just traded Quenton Groves and Derrick Harvey remains  inconsistent. Morgan is strong against both the run and pass and will come in and provide the Jaguars a much needed lift.
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.
To find out what happens with the rest of the draft just continue reading!

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2010 NFL Draft: Mock Draft 3.0 - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Andrew Melnick’s Final Mock Draft

Andrew Melnick — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:55 +0000

The latest mock draft from Andrew Melnick.

St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma – St. Louis gets the franchise Quarterback they need after Bradford lit it up in both his private workout and his pro … [visit site to read more]

Andrew Melnick’s Final Mock Draft - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Mock Draft 2.0

jdove — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:00:11 +0000

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Mock Draft 2.0 - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports

nflmocks — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:04:46 +0000

These are our 2011 NFL draft scouting reports.

QB

Blaine Gabbert- Missouri

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2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football