March 28, 2008
Edwards signing starts to bring Raiders draft plans into focus
Root Zoo
Shoutwire
At the beginning of the 2008 offseason, it was widely thought that the Raiders would need a defensive tackle to replace the retiring Warren Sapp.
The debate began: Should the Raiders draft Glenn Dorsey from LSU or Sedrick Ellis from USC? Some chimed in that Al Davis would snag Ellis with the pick based on his love for USC, while others blatantly stated that there wasn't a better defensive player in the draft than Dorsey.
All of this discussion continued while a minority of fans and analysts continued to insist that Mr. Davis couldn't pass up a top flight skill position player like running back Darren McFadden from Arkansas. Although all thought the Raiders needed a wide receiver, hardly any surmised that they'd draft one with the fourth pick of the draft, and none believed that Mr. Davis would trade down either.
Something has happened along the way to the draft for the Raiders, their needs have been changing more than a fashion model changes clothes. If you look at all of the transactions as a whole, the direction of the Raiders draft begins to become more and more clear, but as with the beginning of the offseason many will interpret the 'signs' differently.
First, the Raiders retained the services of Justin Fargas while re-signing Adimchinobe Echemandu. These moves would give the Raiders five running backs while still having two full backs. It would be unprecedented for the Raiders to keep all of them. Even after letting Lamont Jordan go, which is expected to happen after the draft, they will still have a surplus of running backs.
Conclusion: Running back is no longer a priority for the Raiders regarding the draft.
Next, the Raiders placed the exclusive rights franchise tag on Nnamdi Asomugha. This move was expected along with the Raiders attempting to re-sign Tommy Kelly. The Raiders were able to re-sign Kelly, but made huge headlines by signing him to a contract worth over $50 million for the next seven years! Soon after, Warren Sapp's retirement became official and defensive end Chris Clemons signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Brayton also opted out of his contract and later signed with Carolina.
Conclusion: Cornerback is set, Sapp's successor is signed, and a high pick on a defensive tackle is now a luxury. The loss of DE Clemons, the move to DT for Kelly along with the loss of Brayton, who played both positions, makes the defensive end position a bigger need in the draft.
The same day the Raiders signed Kelly, they landed arguably the best safety available by signing Gibril Wilson away from the New York Giants. They also released longtime starting left tackle, Barry Sims.
Conclusion: The Raiders are set in the secondary and don't plan on drafting anyone at any of those positions, but now a left tackle is needed. Might Mr. Davis be thinking of drafting the other Long?
At this point, the Raiders still need a defensive end and a left tackle. Instead of answering the left tackle question, they add bewilderment by signing Kwame Harris, the 49ers' Robert Gallery. They also re-signed Cornell Green at right tackle, and then made the biggest splash at the time by signing wide receiver Javon Walker to a six year $55 million contract! Days later, speedy wide receiver Drew Carter was signed away from Carolina.
Conclusion: Mr. Davis isn't thinking about drafting Jake Long or a wide receiver high in the draft. Team needs continue to be veteran help at quarterback, defensive tackle, and defensive end.
With many of the needs addressed to some extent, the Raiders signed former first round defensive tackle William Joseph from the N.Y. Giants. At this point, the Raiders start giving credence to Raider Nation chants of, "Gholston, Gholston, Gholston!"
Conclusion: The Raiders are looking to make that fourth pick either Chris Long or Vernon Gholston to fill the defensive end position.
With four big contracts already signed, the Raiders looked to be done with any big moves until draft day...they weren't. Big Al stunned Raider Nation with a trade for DeAngelo Hall from the Atlanta Falcons for a second round pick in 2008 and a fifth rounder in 2009. This trade has left the Raiders with the fourth pick, a fourth round selection, a sixth rounder, and two seventh round picks.
Conclusion: Wow! Now the secondary is set...I think. The Raiders still need a game changer at defensive end, a veteran backup quarterback, another solid receiver, more offensive line help, and maybe now some draft picks. Only the defensive end position seems likely.
While Raider Nation has now changed the debate from Ellis or Dorsey to Long or Gholston, the Raiders signed two young journeymen quarterbacks in Erik Meyer and Jeff Otis.
Conclusion: The Raiders still need a veteran quarterback, but not as much as a defensive end. "Gholston! Gholston! Gholston!!"
Just when the debate has started to become about whether the Raiders would draft McFadden or Gholston, they go and sign DE Kalimba Edwards, re-sign LB John Alston, and then also sign LB Akbar Gbaja-Biamila (who's really a defensive end). Edwards can be that game changing defensive end the Raiders need and AGB can play the position as well.
Conclusion: There's no way the Raiders draft a defensive end in the first round. Even though many in the Raider Nation believe that the Raiders should draft McFadden, the glut of running backs on the roster and the money needed for that pick would tend to disagree with them. The Raiders TRADE DOWN.
The rumor of Jerry Jones being enamored with McFadden seems to be picking up steam. The Cowboys may think they are only a playmaker away from reaching the Super Bowl, and if they were to trade with the Raiders, it would cost them both of their first round picks, a second, and some combination of a 5th-7th round picks. The question remains if Al Davis would consider trading down or if Jerry Jones thinks that by trading up for McFadden will bring him a championship. Knowing that Jones and Davis are close friends, it wouldn't surprise me if they chose to shock the sports world by making that trade. I also won't be surprised if the Raiders pick McFadden, would you?
Discussion
29 Comments on "Edwards signing starts to bring Raiders draft plans into focus"
#1
Posted by elcoraider, March 28, 2008 11:30 PM
This has been my point for a while, though still tough to pass jlong. If Jones gives the farm, I say take it, Ton of value at the bottom of the first round.
#3
Posted by OakFoSho, March 29, 2008 1:39 AM
Rob,
I like your time line, as it is accurate. The only thing I would add (and maybe even start off with) is Al's selling of a 20% non-voting stake in the franchise for 160 million. Without this deal, the vast majority of Al's off-season party never really happens. I also would argue that the deal allows the Raiders to keep the 4th pick, regardless of the choice, as the $$$$ needed to sign that pick is readily available.
Al's Mandate is McFadden!
OakFoSho
#4
Posted by Thoughts from the Dark Side: Edwards signing starts to bring Raiders draft plans into focus | The Ra, March 29, 2008 8:14 AM
[...] Read more. Posted in Blog, Oakland Raiders | [...]
#5
Posted by J. Rasmussen, March 29, 2008 8:22 AM
Interesting point FoSho. Based on that thinking I would predict Al will want go with a flashier pospect at 4. Hence your McFadden prediction.
#6
Posted by Juice, March 29, 2008 9:24 AM
With the signing of Kalimba Edwards, to me it looks like the Raiders will use that fourth pick on Darren McFadden. Yes they renegotiatied Dominic Rhodes' contract but don't think that he or Michael Bush couldn't be bargaining chips if they do not choose to trade down. Who knows, in Al's eyes McFadden might be worth more than having both of those aformentioned running backs. It could net him some later picks and imbed a true playmaker into the backfield. I wouldn't rule out drafting Chris Long if he's there. Edwards hasn't exactly had a great career, and is more of a pass rush specialist in my eyes. Chris Long reminds me of Justin Tuck a little. We're talking of a big defensive end with a great motor who supports the run and adds the versatility of kicking inside to rush the passer on passing downs. If Chris Long was indeed the pick then Oakland's defense would resemble the Giants' defense a whole lot. Trading down would still probably be the best maneuver but if they can net either Chris Long or Darren McFadden Raider Nation will rejoice.
#7
Posted by angelodebo, March 29, 2008 9:37 AM
I like the breakdown..I have to think (at this point) the Raiders are set at RB. With Fargas and Bush, they should be a nice productive pair in the backfield. If Jerry Jones is going to give up the two 1st Rounders and a 3rd Rounder(whatever the rest is) the Raiders can add some quality OL and DL or LB to a promising team that "is on the rise 4 sure".
Personally I love the moves so far..its not our money right. All has done a great job improving this team now and 4 the future. Trade #4--this draft is pretty deep for OL in the 1st and 2nd round. Fill that need (must fill it!!) & I will be content with the RAiders offseason!
JUST WIN BABY!
#8
Posted by Brian, March 29, 2008 10:34 AM
I love the defnsive help. We finally have some depth on the D-line with Brugess, Warren, Sands, Kelly, Joeseph and now Edwards. If C. Long is there at #4, he's a steal. I would like to see him or Ghoulston at OLB in a 3-4 defense Ryan wants to use more often. Forget about D-Mac. Fargas/Bush/Rhodes will rush for 1500-1700 yards. However I wouldn't be suprised to see us trying to trade away Rhodes, Bush Jordan or even Fargas if the price is right.
I still would like to see us trade down for more picks and depth at LB, OL, WR & DL.
#9
Posted by Edwards Signing starts to bring Raiders draft plans into focus - Oakland Raiders Forum | Message Boa, March 29, 2008 1:01 PM
[...] Signing starts to bring Raiders draft plans into focus Thoughts from the Dark Side | MVN - Most Valuable Network ª Blog Archive ª Edwards signing starts to... __________________ "While there is a lower class, I am in it, and while there is a [...]
#10
Posted by ALEX, March 29, 2008 1:35 PM
The Raiders should get Darren McFaden and trade all their running backs and only leave Fargas Rhodes and last years 4 round pick. they should trade them to try to get Pro Bowl run stopper DT. they should also try to trade CB Washington.
#11
Posted by sbdice, March 29, 2008 3:16 PM
Very good post. It seems that the picture is becoming a little more clearer. It's hard to know what to do with the #4 pick. For a while now I was thinking that they should take a defensive lineman with this pick. Now, I see a win, win situation here. Jerry Jones is saying that he will not move up to the top of the draft because of the money a team has to put out. He is full of baloney. Jerry is thinking about it very seriously. He probably doesn't want to give up more than he has to. If he does deal with the raiders then that is a win by picking up a number of picks and whatever else it may bring. If Jerry doesn't, then I would stay and pick. Who? Last year the raiders didn't pick the best athlete available. They went with need. Also they have brought on board players to help with the defense and signed some of their own. I would pick Mcfadden, because the running game did improve last year and having a game breaker could be the difference in a ball game. WIN!!!
#12
Posted by Cowboys Fan, March 29, 2008 4:33 PM
Let me help you poor Raiders fans out who just spent a half a billion dollars on major knee injured players, etc.
With the money you have spent in mind, I know you guys want to trade down and get extra picks which you are smart to do. However, fortunately, Jerry is not going to act stupid this year or sell the farm. News flash: we don't want McFaddin, he was not one of the allowed 30 players invited to Valley Ranch for draft review, we did not attend the over rated off the field problem's pro day either.
We already have a game changing back in Marion Barber who will be our starter. McFaddin will want to start wherever he goes. Instead, we will draft a CB and WR in the first round and go after a change of pace game changing RB in the second round like Chris Johnson, Jamaal Charles, or Felix Jones. Any of these backs will do us just fine and can also play on special teams and third downs.
So, all of you other salivating teams can have the over rated, over hyped McFaddin who get's tackeled in the backfield and can't run between the tackles, or turf toe injured Stewart, or the much more worthy of the high pick Mendenhal. We don't need or want any of those.
Let me give you and Al Davis a tip though since your so spend happy in Free Agency. If you want someone that has a similar running style and production like McFaddin, you should have took the guy we let go in Free Agency for free, Julius Jones. Or, they guy that is still out there, Kevin Jones. Also, Cedric Benson is up for grabs from the Bears, give them a call. At least with any of these guys you will not have to spend $30 million to get and know they will either be cut in the future like McFaddin will be. The difference is you will not have the heart burn over the wasted pick, like the ones with McFaddin or Stewart will have.
Go Cowboys!
#13
Posted by Edwards signing starts to bring Raiders draft plans into focus - Oakland Raiders Forum | Message Boa, March 29, 2008 7:59 PM
[...] signing starts to bring Raiders draft plans into focus Thoughts from the Dark Side | MVN - Most Valuable Network ª Blog Archive ª Edwards signing starts to... Found this on another Raiders [...]
#14
Posted by LDizzle, March 29, 2008 9:29 PM
There are a lot of offseason signings that say nearly nothing about what Al will persue in the draft. The acquisitions of Kwame Harris, William Joseph, AGB and Kalimba Edwards most importantly. These are guys that could easily not make it out of camp if they continue to play the way they have in recent years. These players will simply cover our needs so it will matter less who is available at that position. I would bet you that at least one of these guys if not more as well as a previous starter such as Sands will not be on this team come the season. And still no one has a clue who Al will draft. And his plan is working out perfectly.
#15
Posted by K-Rock, March 29, 2008 10:15 PM
Let me help you out Cowboys fans...
Jerry will not draft a CB because he is trading for Pacman Jones who will want to start for whoever he plays with.
I do agree however, that Jones will not trade up. I live in Marshall, TX and know the Cowboys almost as well as the Raiders. He has expressed over and over again that the money for a top 5 pick can place a team in financial turmoil. I do not see him choosing to go that way.
The Raiders might not have to trade with Dallas though. The Jets, Pats, or Giants might be willing to move up to get a certain player.
#16
Posted by OakFoSho, March 29, 2008 10:41 PM
LDizzle,
Considering Kwame Harris and Kalimba Edwards were given multi year deals with some guaranteed money sprinkled in for both, I'd say they're making the team.
Kwame Harris' three-year, $16.3 million contract is essentially for one year and $3 million guaranteed, so if Harris plays like he did as a 49er, he'll be cut in 2009. Also included is $2.3 million in incentives. Harris will likely battle Mario Henderson to start at LT. Guys aren't given 3 mill guaranteed if they will just be cut/released.
Kalimba's deal is for two years and 5 million, with some guaranteed money but that exact guaranteed figure is yet to be disclosed. If he is healthy, especially concidering the lack of depth at the DE position, he is making the team.
As for William Joseph and AkGB, you are correct, Joseph is making the veteran minimum, and AkGB should be making the minimum as well concidering his track record, so releasing them is possible.
Al's Mandate is McFadden!!
OakFoSho
#17
Posted by D. Lopes, March 30, 2008 12:24 AM
Mc Fadden can be back exitment to this team, Remember Napoleon Kaufman/ the exitment and anticipation he brought everytime he touched the ball?....well check this out, D Mac has better hand eye cordination , patience to hit the hole, and can catch and throw the ball beter than Kaufman ever did. You can put this guy in the slot as an extra reciever and his speed is crazy. Having Fargas (heart of a Lion) Bush (power and speed,hands and passing abilities) D Mac (Mr. exitment), the Raiders will be the talk of the town for a long time to come.
#18
Posted by LDizzle, March 30, 2008 12:47 AM
I can't wait for the draft so that OakFoSho can change his name and allegiances to whatever team McFatten ends up on. How does the name DalFoSho or DetFoSho sound?
#19
Posted by Raider Blues, March 30, 2008 5:08 AM
Marion Barber : ) Ha Ha!
D Mac is beginning to make sense with the transactions they've done thus far and the ability to throw him in the slot. Long wouldn't be bad either but he'll likely be taken already at 4. Maybe Al packages to get Long? Any way you look at it... Al's done well and has good options now. Take DMAC and add to Bush/Fargas as a slot guy with a certain O package. Take Long and complete a reasonably good D. Trade out with Dallas and go linemen Good options and good job Al! J Rus with the TE, Walker, Curry and that running back corps = I like it!
#20
Posted by AirForceRaider, March 30, 2008 7:52 AM
I think we all know deep down in our gut that Al Davis is going to pick D Mac so lets just make plans to welcome him to the Silver and Black. Raiders Rule!
#21
Posted by AirForceRaider, March 30, 2008 7:57 AM
I think deep down inside we all know Al Davis is going to pick D Mac so lets just make plans to welcome him to the Silver and Black. Raiders Rule!!!!
#22
Posted by AirForceRaider, March 30, 2008 8:04 AM
I think we all know deep down in our gut that Al Davis will pick D Mac so lets just plan on welcoming him to the Silver and Black. Raiders Rule!!!!
#23
Posted by Charles Law, March 30, 2008 9:21 AM
At the end of training camp, last year, Kiffin said the cuts weren't that difficult because the talent just wasn't there. So, now, Al says here is the talent! Let's see what you can do with it. I'm guessing Howie's kid is the ideal pick with Ghoulston the backup plan on draft day. If Bush is the beast everyone said he was then why pick a running back? Then again, a smart team trades down for multiple picks to take OL guys and other need players. The Raiders are in need of depth that grows with a young coach who creates stability in the organization with his longevity. A smart team does that with their eye towards the future. But,most teams aren't usually run by 80 year old men who's future is now or never. Al wants to win now, the future be damned, so get ready for McFadden.
#25
Posted by Raiders II, March 30, 2008 11:19 PM
Cowboy fan your and idiot if you think Jonathan Stewart is not going to be a good pro. I watched him on many occasions and he played in the wrong offence for his talent. With a covensional offence this dude will be another Marion Barber type. Turst me on that. Us Raiders I feel wasted money on Tommy Kelly. We should trade Lamont and Washington for picks and draft Jake long and not rely on retread O- Lineman. If we don't Jamarcus and our offence is in for another sack filled year. If Chris or Jake Lond are off the board then trade down and fill future holes. Just count your blessings that they hadn't got Culpepper before the draft. Then we would have drafted Joe Thomas and kept Radny Moss and would be competing for a playoff spot. lol
#26
Posted by Raiders II, March 30, 2008 11:24 PM
If Javon Walker was that good Denver would have kept him. Too me it looks like we added quanitity not any quaility. We basically filled holes for the players who left. All these DT for Sapp was a wash. Javon Walker for Porter a wash. But the Secondary did vastly improve. If they add chris Long to DE with burgess and this secondary it looks like the 1980"s Raiders with pass rushers and bump and run corners
#27
Posted by OakFoSho, March 30, 2008 11:33 PM
LDizzle,
I will always be a Raider fan, as I grew up in the shadow of the Colosseum. The fact that you again turn to personal attack is more proof that I continue to own you factually in every debate we have.
Try try again buddy!
NEXT!
Al's Mandate is McFadden!
OakFoSho
#28
Posted by O, April 6, 2008 5:47 PM
First of all great article on the Raiders draft choice in the first round. Though when you went toward the end of the article and flip it around by saying the samething about McFadden. Raider fans McFadden is not the answer you still have Micheal Bush who when heathy had better statistics then McFadden. And on the next note Kalimba Edwards is not a starter and certainly not a Pro Bowl player so why do you feel they would stop looking at Gholsten or Long having one of them on the opposite side of Burgess will make the pass rush a lot better then it was last year. Look 17 tackles from Edwards last year just does not cut it that might be an improvement from Tyler Brayton but is that really saying much. And definetly not comparable to Burgess who had 39 tackles and 8 sacks. Some come on DE is a very stong option. All these other players our back-ups and special team players the Raiders also need...
#29
Posted by Raiders II, April 10, 2008 9:28 PM
Hopefully now with what has been going on, Chris Long falls and Raiders draft him.
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