April 30, 2008
A KC Chief writer's take on the Oakland Raider draft: Thoughts from the Other Side
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Ryan Brown of MVN's Home of the Chiefs and I are doing an exchange once again. I will be giving him the Raider Nation's take on the KC Chiefs for his site tomorrow, but here is our friend the ketchup and mustard color scheme giving his take on the Raider's haul in last weekend's draft. Don't forget to remind him that they now have to defend against Darren McFadden twice a year.
A Chief Writer's take on the Raider Draft
by Ryan Brown
Special to Thoughts from the Dark Side
Patrick and I agreed to give an allegedly unbiased opinion on the other team's draft - but I can honestly say that when it comes to the Oakland Raiders, it's hard for me to remain objective. However, I promise to try - and to keep the insults to a minimum. Since Oakland had traded away their second and third round picks, the team needed to hit a homerun with almost all of their picks.
Darren McFadden - running back - I'm going to tread lightly here, because short of declaring McFadden the greatest running back in the history of the NFL already, I know that Raider Nation will tear me up and down. McFadden is a good pick - but probably not the best fit for Oakland at this time. Your own head coach declared the Raiders "stockpiled" at the running back position (this was before Dominic Rhodes was released, though) - so I'm not 100% sure this pick made sense.
With questions on both lines, I honestly feel that Glenn Dorsey would have been the best choice in 2008 for Oakland. If this were a different season with different circumstances, then maybe I would change my tune. However, I think the saying is "You can't drive the car without tires" - and that applies here. McFadden has skills, no question about it. But when you don't have anyone blocking in front of you, it's tough to gain yards. I should know - I saw the Chiefs try to run behind one of the worst O-lines in the history of the NFL, and in a related story, they finished last in the league in rushing. It just doesn't work. Maybe that zone blocking thing you've got going will be a miracle worker for McFadden - but I would hate to stake my #4 overall pick's life on it.
Also, it's hard to commit to the run when you are behind on the scoreboard. Again, just ask the Chiefs. Where McFadden can contribute the most is catching passes out of the backfield. He'll provide a great safety valve for JaMarcus Russell, and will probably break one or two screen passes for long touchdowns this year. However, I would question his ability to be an every down type of back - simply because he's never stood up to a full season's pounding before.
(I'll pause while everyone screams about the comparisons to Adrian Peterson. McFadden is more Reggie Bush than Peterson, and that's not a compliment. Bush is about two more seasons away from being declared a top-3 bust of all time.)
If Atlanta had taken Dorsey, leaving the Raiders to choose between McFadden or Matt Ryan, then McFadden would have been the obvious (and smart) pick if they couldn't have traded down. However, selecting Run DMC just illustrates the point that Al Davis covets trophies, not players, and is interested acquiring players, not a team. There's a difference. If you need help figuring out what I mean, look at San Diego or New England on how a team is built.
(I'll pause again while Raider Nation screams that Kansas City sucks...and you won in Arrowhead last year...and we don't have a quarterback...and we traded away our best player...and our offensive line sucks. Yes, I know this. I didn't say the Chiefs were a model franchise. Far from it, in fact. However, I firmly believe that we are building a long-term team, rather than a one-shot pony gearing up for a Super Bowl run. I'll take what Kansas City is doing over Oakland this year any day of the week.)
The Raiders seem to be bucking the trend (per usual) about building a team around a quarterback, and then from the inside out. They may have their quarterback (you better hope so), but now the team is focused on the defensive backfield and wide receiving corps. I thought with the retirement of Warren Sapp, the drafting of Dorsey would be a no-brainer. We'll see if Al and the gang are the ones missing some brain cells at the end of this year.
Tyvon Branch - cornerback - An interesting pick, and I'm not sure if that's a compliment or not. For a team that is so heavily invested with their corners, I wonder why they would spend one of their few draft picks...on a corner. I like the move of using a 2nd-round pick to trade for Deangelo Hall, as you're getting a proven commodity for an unknown entity. However, there were several offensive and defensive linemen available here, so the move is curious. If he can help in the return game, there is some value. The depth will help, too.
Arman Shields - wide receiver - I did like this pick. This kid is tough, from everything I read and saw about him. He's got some speed, too...so no wonder he's wearing the silver and black. He's not that big, and he's had some prior injury concerns, but he should contribute right away. Great value in the fourth round. Good pick.
Trevor Scott - defensive end - I love the guys who are described as having "a high motor". Scott, by all accounts, is one of these guys. A converted tight end, he's still learning the position. Once he learns some techniques and some craft, he may provide some valuable depth at the defensive end spot. Not a bad selection at all.
Chaz Schilens - wide receiver - Holy Lord, this guy is enormous (6'4", 225 pounds). However, if you're going to be a big receiver in the NFL, you need to learn how to block. Schilens cannot, and is a subpar route runner, too. If he can beef up a bit, maybe the Raiders could work him into their two tight end sets, or line him up in front of McFadden coming out of the backfield. Right now, he's a large piece of seventh-round meat. If you get any production out of him, its a bonus.
The Raiders didn't have much to work with in terms of draft picks, but I think they did okay with what they had. If they had taken Dorsey to anchor the middle of their defense, then I think they would have been the talk of the NFL instead of the Chiefs right now. However, McFadden is sure to provide some breathtaking plays next year, which more often than not, seems to be what Al Davis is most interested in these days.
"Just make Sportscenter, baby!"
Ryan Brown writes for MVN on Home of the Chiefs. He has an abnormal obsession with the Raiders so he appears here from time to time.
Discussion
51 Comments on "A KC Chief writer's take on the Oakland Raider draft: Thoughts from the Other Side"
#1
Posted by RaiderRandy, April 30, 2008 12:29 AM
The Chefs missed out on their 1st need in the draft and it will not be filled with the rookie from this years draft. They Chefs were last in the league in giving up 55 sacks and they were last in the league in rushing yards per game.....we would not need Dorsey to stop a sorry O-Line like the Chefs have. I hate the Chefs more than any other AFC West opponent but you have dropped off the radar and it is not worth discussing your team is in complete over-haul and you are doing with youth....going to take several years before you climb back up and by then run DMC and J-Rock will be kissing yet another trophy.
#2
Posted by Raaaaaayderrrrrrs, April 30, 2008 12:32 AM
LOL at the person said "rape and pillage"...talk bout autumn wind lol. haters will be haters. you mean to tell me if DMC fell into chef's lap, king carl wont have the urge to pick him up and have a rb committee of LJ and DMC? come on now don't even try to say no he wouldnt cuz u kno damn will he would do it...oh yeah wats that rule we always hear bout regarding NFL draft? you pick the best player available especially if you are top 10 pick. Vikings with AP? Saints with Reggie? lions with Calvin, roy william? need i go on?
and dont give me this raiders are stacked at rb bs. yes we do have 4 rb and there are stacked in terms of bodies but in terms of reliability thats a different story. fargas has never finished a season without gettin injured including lasts season which was one of his most productive one, lamont has back problems for past 2 seasons, bush is unproven and alot of unknowns with his last injury, and rhodes well doesnt matter hes gone. so why not grab DMC..besides he can play corner like he did against usc or returner for punt and kickoff...versatility my friend.
and why do we need a DT when we have kelly and sands clogging up the middle (2 BIG MOFOs too) and to mention warren and his gangster self. it's easier to pick up DT that can stop runs then to find a home run rb like dmc. come on ya'll know that.
if we cant stop the run during then go for a trade or wait till nex season either case dmc will help us win more games than dorsey. what good is def if the offense cant score....just go and as ravens or bears fan.
if you ask me, i say haters are getting scared of the raiders with dmc cuz they know the upside of raiders have dmc....hate it or luv it, every offensive play can be a homerun play! cant wait to see the raiders "rape and pillage" the chefs this season and imma be at one of them haha.
#3
Posted by A Chief Fan's take on the Raider Draft - Oakland Raiders Forum | Message Board - Where the Raider Na, April 30, 2008 12:35 AM
[...] Chief Fan's take on the Raider Draft Thoughts from the Dark Side | MVN - an Oakland Raiders blog ª Blog Archive ª A KC Chief writer’... __________________ "While there is a lower class, I am in it, and while there is a [...]
#4
Posted by curiousgIII, April 30, 2008 12:43 AM
Ryan,
Two quick points. Kiffin's comments about being stocked at RB were smoke screens. Dmax was the choice all along and right or wrong the Raiders didn't need a 3 tech. dt. They already commited to Kelly.
Second Oakland didn't play from behind all year long. They were competitive and had a chance in all but three games.
#5
Posted by Spencer Mills, April 30, 2008 1:09 AM
Chef,
"Since Oakland had traded away their second and third round picks, the team needed to hit a homerun with almost all of their picks."
I only needed to read one paragraph to come across Ryan's first rediculous statement. Ryan fails to consider what the Raiders got with those picks? Like maybe, Hall, or even Mario Henderson who will get a look at starting this season.
"I honestly feel that Glenn Dorsey would have been the best choice in 2008 for Oakland."
If you are going to say this, then explain what to do with all the money invested at both DT spots, not to mention the fact that Kelly and Warren both play the 3 technique (like Dorsey)? This is the question I have for all those that wanted Dorsey. The only real options for the Raiders at #4 were Vernon "Combine Freak" Gholston (No Thank You!), draft Run DMC (BINGO!), or a trade down for more picks (who's gonna give you the value worthy of giving up a McFadden?)
"But when you don’t have anyone blocking in front of you, it’s tough to gain yards."
Were you paying attention last season, or is the trauma of your season blinding you to the reality? The Raiders don't have a problem in the running game, as they were the 6th best rushing team last season. The sacks were also greatly diminished, and I expect even greater progress in the 2nd year, as the scheme was new to the team last season.
"However, I would question his ability to be an every down type of back - simply because he’s never stood up to a full season’s pounding before."
Even if this is the case, the raiders have plenty of quality backs to split the load, and giving Run DMC all the carries was never the plan. He will return kicks, play in the slot and be split wide split wide as he gains experience. So your statement has no basis in reality.
"However, selecting Run DMC just illustrates the point that Al Davis covets trophies, not players, and is interested acquiring players, not a team."
How is getting the best player in the draft at #4 trophy hunting? With the given options, I'd call it a rediculous value pick.
D-Mac is in Silver and Black!! Unleash Cerberus!!
OakFoSho
PS: Ketchup and Mustard Sucks! It's all about the Sauerkraut!
#6
Posted by Raiderrealist, April 30, 2008 3:10 AM
Mr. Brown,
We drafted for need in 2004. We got a guy named Robert Gallery, perhaps you've heard of him. How has that worked out?
We lost at home to you guys 12-10. Now you tell me, when a defense holds a team to 12 points, usually that team wins, right? Not if your offense puts a mere 10 points on the board. Since you believe in drafting players to meet needs, isn't getting someone who can help the offense score more points a need?
As bad as our run defense has been, even you would have to admit that we were still in a lot of those games we lost. So if we had an offense that could score consistently it stands to reason that we would have won a lot more games, don't you think?
As for the O-line, it's not great. Yet with the zone blocking scheme we ran the ball quite well, thank you. However, our leading rusher scored 4 TDs for the whole season, the same number LT scored against us IN ONE GAME! Instead of just moving the chains and coming up short in the red zone, by adding McFadden we can break off some long runs that end up in 6 points.
#7
Posted by Raider Blues, April 30, 2008 4:33 AM
Objective? You funny guy!
We saw what DMac did to Dorsey twice last year. Consider it a prelude to the next 10 years.
Second round = Hall Good luck Mr. Croyle and you admit good pick
Fourth round = Shields you admit good pick
Add Shields and Scott and you see future solid players at the Receiver and DLine (End)
It appears you're left with DMac Vs. Dorsey as the premise for your argument. Kelly is said by Sapp to have more talent than him. Did we need another guy at that position? Oh, and we saw what DMac did to Dorsey twice as prelude to what he'll do to you. Bush??? Bush??? We have a TE, Running Game and possibly Walker and Curry as threats NO doesn't have. We have a QB destined to be better than NO QB so Bush doesn't work well without other weapons = true but DMac doesn't have that problem. OH and J. Stewart is better than AP and AP is simply waiting to get hurt again. DMac was the perfect addition to our young offense. Don't believe it??? Ask your linebacking corps whose sweating bullets right now knowing they'll get isolated on him in a JRock Check-Down role. Oh My My My LB's from Socal to Missou are sweating this scenario.
: )
Just Run Up The Score Baby!
#8
Posted by Rolni, April 30, 2008 4:42 AM
DMC wasn't a need for us that's right, but he will be great. He fits into our system well.Fargas, Jordan, Rhodes all where able to run 100+ games week after week, so that means DMC(who is far mora talented then the other 3) will be able to run atleast 100+ games too.He will split time first with Fargas then with Bush, but he will be great.Bush and McFadden our thunder and lightning!!!
Branch will be a Safety and mainly a returner so he comes to a needed position(returner) however i think too that we could use that pick for Red Bryant or Dre Moore.
Armand Shields will be a good reciever and Chau has some much potential...
And Trevor Scott will be something special...he will be a great pass rusher and hopefully a solid runblocker too...than he and J-Rich against the run and he and D-Burg against the pass!!!Sounds good!!If Sands will play like in 06 and Harris can be a solid pass protector we will be really good!!!
Go Raiders!!
#9
Posted by Mike, April 30, 2008 5:15 AM
Oakland had tough decisions to make regarding the 2008 draft. Personally, I felt that trading up for Chris Long was the better choice. There were several defensive linemen but during the pre-draft show I heard the Rams director of player personal discussing a certain defensive linemen that they felt would be the cornerstone of their franchise and I knew that they would be unwilling to trade down. This despite the wealth of defensive line talent in the 2008 draft. With Long gone Dorsey or Ellis made logical choices but the Raiders went with McFadden. It is one of those picks that you cannot fault the Raiders for and if their run defense can be shored up this season then nobody will argue the pick. But the Raiders have struggled against the run since 2001 and they haven't been able to get out of that deep funk. They need to seriously look at their system this offseason and try to find a way to stop the run.
#10
Posted by Snoopy, April 30, 2008 5:23 AM
Not bad for a CHEF. but as stated above already by Raider blues...
Son, Dorsey got schooled by McFadden in the last couple of years so get used to that soon baby it ain't gonna change!
Were taking you guys "OUT" this year, TWICE, and I ain't talkin about a date!!!!!
The Chef's are... Well the CHEF's
#11
Posted by PercEpTivE, April 30, 2008 5:47 AM
You know what? I hate to say it but I do agree that KC did a good job this year in building a football team.
Look at San Diego they are where they are because they traded away two high draft picks when Vick was coming out and Eli.
Yes that is lucky and they reaped the benefits high picks in return so better chances of getting good players.
That is what KC did. They were smart to trade Allen for those picks. It increases the chance for low cost players who make a difference. So I have to agree that KC could (in theory) become a more well rounded team from this draft alone.
But I think DMC wasn't a bad choice and the Raiders line and scheme are far superior to KC's.
So he will help more than he hurts.
But saying that there is that big shadow called Al Davis who will never allow us to be a dominant franchise again until he allows a coach, hopefully Kiffin, to have full control of his personnel.That means defensive coaches and most important.. schemes.
We need to stop the run!!!!
If we can we might take the division. Lets hope big Al still swings a deal for a DT.
#12
Posted by Josh, April 30, 2008 6:24 AM
I, for one, appreciate the opinion. While not completely unbiased, it is nice to see an outsider's view.
"McFadden is a good pick - but probably not the best fit for Oakland at this time." Very well put. I agree that in another time, another place, this would be a great pick. However, it just wasn't the most glaring need. Of course, sometimes you just go with the best player on the board.
Originally I was pulling for Dorsey or Ellis, but it appears that we're going to slot Tommy Kelly in as a DT.
Chris Long was my next choice for the pick, but St. Louie f'ed that one up.
I thought Gholston was a bit of a one-trick pony, and I questioned his commitment to play hard on every play. The last thing we needed on this team was another Philip Buchanon.
So now we're left with taking one of the many tackles on the board (and paying more than we should) or taking DMac. I guess the pick makes sense when you look at our lack of options. I wish we could have traded down, but for all the talk, no one was willing to move up.
I, too, question the Branch pick. He'll play safety, which wasn't a glaring need for us, with Gibril joining up, we'll have Stu coming off the bench. Although maybe this means we'll cut Stu now. A man can dream, right?
#13
Posted by Josh, April 30, 2008 6:25 AM
With all that being said, I'm sad to say I like the way the Chiefs drafted. Inside-out has historically worked pretty well.
#14
Posted by Bryan, April 30, 2008 7:14 AM
I like to see a Cheifs writer and fan speak objectively about the hated rival....but there is one thing that is constant throughout the media OUTSIDE of the Raider circle and it deals with how BAD our O-Line is and how that there is no blocking! WE WERE 6th IN RUSHING LAST YEAR!!!! How does a line NOT block and finish 6th in the NFL in rushing? It can't happen, therefore, the Raider O-line DOES BLOCK in the ZBS!!! With this being said, DMAC will HAVE A VERY SUCCESSFUL year in 2008!
#15
Posted by Raider Blues, April 30, 2008 7:22 AM
Honestly I think the Chefs and Raiders did a great job in the draft. We both suck and that's why get to pick high. The Chefs will take some time to see just what they have and we have more work to do. We've done what we could and I believe this season and the following off-season will present pieces we need. It's difficult when you need everything!
We don't need everything now so we can focus and develop what he have. We have a nice young nucleus of an offense with only Walker a bit older - we have young talent drafted and will develop with Lofton aboard. We can be on the lookout now for that one big O Lineman to improve us. Gallery will be a fine guard for us so he's not a bust!
On D we have a nice young secondary work with, LB's and some D Line in process so again it's looking for the Ted Washington to fill it up.
I like where we're going and we'll score points with this. Something just two years ago OMG lowest in the league!
Just Win Baby!
#16
Posted by Bill, April 30, 2008 7:35 AM
For a chief's columnist he, hit the nail on the head. The drafting of Dmac was the same old Al drafting trophy athletes for his collection. First of all there is no such thing as a sure pick whether it's Dorsey, Dmac, Long, or whoever the draft is full of players that never translate to the NFL. That being said, Dorsey was the best available player, he was a need for the raiders, and we should have picked him unfortunately he wasn't a sexy pick for AD. Maybe it will work out that Dmac was the right pick, but if we still can't stop the run, he's going to have trouble scoring from the bench while the other team grinds out on the ground.
#17
Posted by OGKUSH, April 30, 2008 7:36 AM
josh you are seeing this one dimensionally, we were 28th place in BIG PLAYS last season... 6th place in rushing and 31st in passing... what does that tell you? it says we ran a bunch of times per game and couldnt finish with a TD most of the time. the maniac Dmac can jurassically change that this year as being a good homerrun hitter type athlete.
I COMARE HIM TO PETERSON... EXCEPT WITH A LOT MEANER STIFF ARM!!
RUN DMC 4 LYFE BABY!
#18
Posted by OGKUSH, April 30, 2008 7:40 AM
i mean dramatically not jurassically haha... and BTW SPENCER MILLS JUST SAID IT BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE COULD!! GJ MAN!
#19
Posted by Lowdown, April 30, 2008 7:52 AM
No more "Thunder and Lightning" comments...anything "lightning" sounds like the Chargers...
McFadden and Bush are henceforth known as "Rape and Pillage" !!!
#20
Posted by Dan, April 30, 2008 7:54 AM
For a KC fan it was not bad, but it was biased. With the Mcfadden pick my heart dropped although I knew in my heart that he would be Al's pick. I liked Dorsey, but never thought he would be there. Now that the draft is over we can all look at our possibilities. Mcfadden will contribute right away, and as for the others they may be longshots, but they all have tremendous up sides with natural talent. The two most intreging are Trevor Scott and Chaz Schilens, with good coaching these guys could contribute sooner than people think, and maybe if he plays saftey
Trevor Branch giving us a chance to get rid of Stu(please). So if we can get contibutions out of three players in the draft we did as good as last year, and with Bush and Henderson we could see a dramatic change in the core of our team. I honestly believe we have the players to stop the run as long as RR calls the right scheme and is more aggressive with the BLITZ.
#21
Posted by mike, April 30, 2008 8:13 AM
If we this ,if we that, when you got a shot at a special talent like dmac you take him, ketchup brains is just pissed cause the chumps didnt land him.Hell not only open up deep passes, but explosive runs, giving our defense rest, forcing teams to throw on the best secondary in the game! and keeping the big D fresh
#22
Posted by Bill, April 30, 2008 8:28 AM
First thing everyone says about our OL is "we were 6th in rushing last year". This is true but we could not pass the ball. ZBS has nothing to do with pass blocking. We only have 3 guards and 3 tackles and 2 centers that can play right now. Some of our starters would be back ups on most teams. Who is going to play if two of our OGs get hurt? Next thing, if Branch is going to be a saftey then it is a position of need. The Raiders have a D package (Wolverine) that uses 3 safteys on the field at once. I guess because of the D-Mac pick we are going to come up with a new O package with 3 RBs. Anyone want to try to guess the name of this package? OakFoSho already has his name for it.
#23
Posted by Junior, April 30, 2008 9:04 AM
Dan makes a good point about Rob Ryan calling the right plays. As a matter of fact, Ryan owned up to this fact when talking about the draft on Sunday. You can check out the interview on the Raiders website. As far as the offensive line, there can be two philosophies to protect the QB as pointed out by Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. Get great OL prospects or surround your QB with multiple weapons. By adding D-mac, we've chosen the former option. I think it can work out for us.
One more thing, if you put points on the board and have the lead, the other team can't afford to run and will have to pass. More points could equal less damage to the D via the run game.
#24
Posted by Richard Bentley, April 30, 2008 9:53 AM
Pretty classy analysis. Nobody knows how McFadden is going to work out, although you can conjure up in your mind just how good things could be if he does. But he has to work out right away (as does Jamarcus); if he doesn't, the Kiffin era is finished. That's a lot of pressure for the kid. The other picks - well, we'll see in three years or so if they pan out.
KC had a good draft. Why wouldn't they? They had plenty of picks. But they're further along than the Raiders (hard to believe).
#25
Posted by Josh, April 30, 2008 10:06 AM
Good point Jr. Let's hope for lots of points. Maybe we can get better on Kickoff Returns, too!
#26
Posted by Raider Blues, April 30, 2008 10:15 AM
No Rape and Pillage comments either it makes me think of Kobe Bryant!
#27
Posted by WSacRaider, April 30, 2008 10:17 AM
Richard you must be BENTley, Have you been watching this off season? The Chiefs still don't even have a quarterback! Sorry dude, Chiefs will be at the bottom with Denver as we move forward.
Lowdown- LMAO! “Rape and Pillage” HILARILOUS!
#28
Posted by RaiderKC, April 30, 2008 11:42 AM
'08 Raider RB's are: McFadden, Fargas, Bush and Rakin. Rhodes, Jordan and whoever it was backing up Fargas, Jordan and Rhodes.
'08 Raider QB's are: Russell, Walter and White.
'08 Raider WR's are: Walker, Curry, Carter, Shields, Schilens, and Higgins.
This should be an explosive Offense as long as our line holds up and I think if Cable is satisfied it should.
#29
Posted by locolizzard62, April 30, 2008 11:52 AM
Nice article. If I was a Raider divisional opponent I would rather face Dorsey twice a year rather than DMac too. Sorry you gotta face DMAC!!!! TWICE!!!!!
#30
Posted by Head Chef, April 30, 2008 1:24 PM
Traitor Fans,
You are all very confused. DMC was the ABSOLUTE WORST pick you could have made.
You claim to have a running game? 6th in the NFL?
Thats simply because your passing game was jsut about the worst in the entire NFL in 2007.
Rank: 31 out of ....(wait for it)......32 teams.
rofl!
reference:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/statistics?stat=teampass&pos=off&league=nfl&season=2&year=2007
What in the hell else are you going to do when you cant pass-block, and you have a buffet of running backs? Welp, how about running it the whole game for 2 yards a pop, and then draft another running back with your first pick! HAW!
Silly bastards. Ryan Brown is right, you would have been better off with O-LINE. Maybe someone along the lines of Glenn Dorsey ....doah!
Traitor nation, you all suck, Al Davis sucks, and most importantly, your draft picks suck!
cant wait for 2008!
"WE"RE GONNA KICK THE SH1T OUT OF YOU!!!!"
#31
Posted by azraider37, April 30, 2008 1:50 PM
Thanks Oakfosho. I'm getting tired of saying this, so this will be the last time. Dorsey is good, but he will not "fill the hole" that people keep saying. This Chief lover says, "that after Sapp retired" he thought drafting Dorsey was a "no brainer". Kelly is taking Sapp's place. Why doesn't everyone know this by now? At least the people trying to speak on it?
Another problem I have with the chef point of view, is the statement about how DMC will not have any blocking, so he will not excell. I have said this before as well, but I will say it again. I like Fargas but he is not Barry Sanders. He doesn't run for over 1000yds in 7 starts with no holes. Ask the chefs d-line, there were plenty of holes to run through last season.
And finally, the chef guy doesn't think DMC is an every down back. Well, I guess that's why we have a complete stable of runners to take some carries. That article was either biased or just not real smart.
Unfortunately, the chefs had an outstanding draft so Patrick will have to tell it like it is on the chef site.
Or maybe he can say that picking Dorsey was dumb because they had a hole to fill at d-end, since they traded Allen. See how the chef fans like that!
#32
Posted by Charles Oakey, April 30, 2008 2:14 PM
It was a fair assessment. Thank you for writing, Ryan.
I had just finished refereeing a lacrosse game on the day of the draft and was not able to watch the draft on tv. As luck would have it the car radio of one of the lacrosse coaches was turned on at precisely the moment the Raiders drafted McFadden. I must admit I was shocked. I thought, like many others, the Raiders would pick a defensive lineman.
Having said that I think McFadden has the potential to be the greatest Raider running back since Marcus Allen and the great Clem Daniels.
#33
Posted by RAIDERKC, April 30, 2008 3:15 PM
Listening to local KC sports radio, there is a lot of people calling in giving KC a C+ to a C- for the draft. There OL pick will be a project since he played guard and will be expected to start at LT in '08. Granted we played a last place schedule last year so I hope this line improved for '08. '09 draft can p/u OT, DT, WR, DE, LB and S.
Head Chef - I've been looking for decent Oak vs. KC tickets, but all of my sources are going since it's the home opener for KC. I'll try Arrowhead at the end of July, but was hoping to land something sooner.
#34
Posted by RAIDERKC, April 30, 2008 3:26 PM
AZ - If Bush is ready, then McFadden, Bush and Rankin should be all we need. Cut Jordan ($$$) and package Fargas with a couple players to anyone who has a decent DT/OT they're willing to give up. 3 rookies will be almost imposible to game plan against this year.
#35
Posted by Spencer Mills, April 30, 2008 3:51 PM
Head Chef,
Where to begin.........
If your going to cite a source then you should be careful with the statistics you throw out. The Raiders had a 4.1 yard ave on the ground last season tied for 11th in the NFL. There are four teams tied for 7th with a 4.2 average.Chef, so to think that we would regress to a 2 yrd ave with the addition of Run DMC is rediculous.
"Ryan Brown is right, you would have been better off with O-LINE. Maybe someone along the lines of Glenn Dorsey ….doah!"
Are you retarded? Dorsey is a DT not an O-Line prospect. I would hope you would know this concidering he is your #1 pick smart guy!
As for the rest of your rant, I understand your anger and bitterness, especially after last season. Hurts doesn't it?
Kisses!!
OakFoSho
#36
Posted by RaiderSteve, April 30, 2008 5:56 PM
Ryan,
I appreciate your remarks. To be honest with you I think you were being kind. I for one am not very happy with our draft. McFumbles is a gamble. He will not see the gaping holes he saw in college. He falls on first contact. During the 4th round pick I just knew my beloved Raiders would pick an OT, or a DL. Nope, instead they go for another CB. To paraphrase Bill Callahan, “We must be the stupidest team in America.”
#37
Posted by P Town Raider, April 30, 2008 6:36 PM
Ok so everyone agrees the chefs had a good draft..well with 13 picks how can u not find someone lets be real. they didnt do anything more than any other team woulda with that many picks..except for atlanta..the Raiders got value out of their second day pick which is what we always do..its the 1st round picks we generally miss on..we finally got it right and will be much better this yr than the chefs and the doncos..jut wait marshall will fall again and hurt himself once more haha stupid bastard...im just waiting till tis season starts so we can shutup all these haters. theyre scared we finally got a big 3 on offense...jUST WIN BABY! COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE!!
#38
Posted by P Town Raider, April 30, 2008 6:45 PM
..and for all this O Line talk..we still havnt gotten the bad taste out our mouths with the enormous money bein spent on our current LG..zone blocking also puts emphasis on atheltic lineman which weve acquired
#39
Posted by LDizzle, April 30, 2008 6:50 PM
Spencer you just don't get it. And you never will. Where in that article did you hear anger or bitterness? You are a sad whiney little feller aint ya? If Ryan would have agreed with your boner for Dmac then you would be saying how objective he was being. When in reality (something you aren't familiar with) he was saying pretty much what 90% of REAL Raider fans and just plain football fans are saying. He was even a bit nicer than I have been or others I have seen have been. Probably because he is thankful for Al Davis being stupid enough to throw big money at Kelly and pass on Dorsey for an overrated running back we don't need. I am sure I got really pissed right about the time that the Chiefs fans were jumping in elation. Which would be right about the time Goodell said: With the 4th pick in the 2008 NFL draft the Oakland Raiders select: Darren Mc...That was the moment. And no amount of success from Dmac will change that because we could have gotten the same success from the running backs we already have except we would have a stud Dlineman on top of that. You can unplug your ears and stop saying "lalalalala" now. Especially because this is in type so it is just silly. Oh and it is spelled RIDICULOUS. Since you seem to like to use the word so much I figured you should spell it right. As a whole your grammar is laughably bad but I can't correct it all or I would be here all day.
#40
Posted by Cujo, April 30, 2008 6:51 PM
Sorry I'm late,
First off, that was a fair assesment from a Chef fan, however biased it may be, Dmac was not my first choice, however after really looking, at tape and realizing that Kelly and Warren, forget sands he is a decent backup, can fill the inside runs with great ability, he was exactly what the raiders needed. They needed someone to take the pressure off J-Mac, Thats exactly what they got. they will be in the playoffs a hell of a lot sooner than the chefs will. the chefs are in a complete rebuild while the Raiders are simply trying to put the pieces together. Raider Blues, I am sorry but, Gallery is a complete bust because he was drafted here for one reason, to be our franchise LT for 12-15 years, He has not lived up to that promise and has since been moved that alone labels him the bust that he has been (regardless if he is a great guard for the rest of his career). I do not believe that this draft was a bad one in the least, getting the most highly regaurded player in the draft alone is worth the entire draft, however we also received very large needs with tyvon (return game) and scott (future great DE) as well as size and speed with both WR.
We actually had one of the best drafts this year just based on our limited picks and what we did with them.
Head Fa... er chef, Please print your comment and frame it and pray to it when you play us this year because you will eat every word you said I guarentee that, to even think you are in the same league is an insult, but then to call anyone in the Raider Nation a Traitor, that is just plain ignorance, every Raider fan is more loyal than any other fan of any other sport in the world. I will predict right now we will win at least 8 this year and will be in the playoffs in two years. Just look at where the chefs and donkeys are in two years... they will be dragging the great AFC West name in the mud.
#41
Posted by Bill, April 30, 2008 6:55 PM
True P Town our LG is not suited to the ZBS (to stiff) I wonder if there is any trade value in gallery.
#42
Posted by inonewordraider, April 30, 2008 9:02 PM
Clong would have been a better pick but we couldn't get him. Clong is the only guaranteed quality run stopping De in the draft. Dorsey is gonna be great, but he plays the same position as Kelly. So if Dorsey doesn't fit, who's the only other guy in the draft who barring injury is gonna be a bonafied star? Mcfadden, and he helps out our return game and our passing game beside just our running game.
#43
Posted by Adrian, April 30, 2008 9:15 PM
LDizzle is right. Get your head out of your ass Spencer. We did not need a RB.
#44
Posted by pat T, April 30, 2008 9:40 PM
hahahaha who ever this dude is he's a straight CLOWN! No one blocking in front of you(Mcfadden). What the hell 6th best rushing attack in the league last season, with no superstar RB not to mention the injuries to our RB's 1st Jordan and then Fargas then Dominic Rhodes came in and rushed for over 100 yds against 2 extremly good defenses Colts and Jaguars. Me personally i would've preffered Dorsey as well as most of us Raider fans, but i have come to the conclusion that Kelly, Sands, Warren, and newly acquired Joseph can plug the middle and force the runs to the outside and thats why we brought in a guy like Gibril Wilson to help Morrison, Howard, Burgess, and who ever our other LB will be Williams if healthy or Thomas i dont know... I dont think Dmac was a bad pick your saying he's not a good fit for us hahaha he's a one cut and go tyoe RB thats what you need in the zone-blocking scheme.
Hey Head Chef you fucking bastard hahaha u idiot your gonna kick our ass, hahaha RIGHT hust like you kicked our ass last year. Brandon Albert will turn out to be a BUST. Let me ask you a question how does having the 2nd worst passing game in the league help our runnig game.... hmmm..... dont hurt your self trying to think remember your a Chiefs fan so you've gotta be STUPID. Either way it doesent matter we didnt need Dmac to kick your ass last year. Even if we suck and dont make the playoffs ever again ill at least have the consalation we've owned your asses and history shows that, and we will own you asses now. Anyways Herm Edwards and Carl Peterson were picking the players for the next coach and GM they'll be gone pretty soon. Best players on your squad are Tony "old man" Gonzalez, he has Brodie Croyle throwing him the ball ENOUGH SAID. And Larry Johnson running behind that TERRIBLE(UNDERSTATEMENT) O-LINE I'VE SEEN POP-WARNER O-LINES TOUGHER THAN YOURS. But
(UNDERSTATEMENT) O-LINE I'VE SEEN POP-WARNER O-LINES TOUGHER THAN YOURS. But anyways his careers over he carried you'll in 2005-06 LITERALLY. SO IVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE CHIEFS(AKA. KETCHUP AND MUSTARD GUYS) SUCK!!! We will smash you'll like last year. And Ryan Brown i sincerly hope you dont write football articles for a living because if you do damn dude you will starve to death! AND RYAN ONE MORE THING ARE YOU A RAIDERS FAN IN DENYAL? WHO WRITES ARTICLES FOR THEIR TEAMS DIVISON RIVALS? HMMM... IDIOT!
GO RAIDERS!!!
#46
Posted by Spencer Mills, April 30, 2008 11:12 PM
LDizzle,
Again, what would you do with the money already invested in the position. You cant cut it, cause its guaranteed, and you have no answer except to continue your hatred towards me because you cant stand the fact that I was correct. If you pick Dorsey at #4, the Raiders would end up investing a total of more than 120 mil at the DT position alone. Thats right MORE THAN 120 MILLION AT A NON SKILL POSITION!
You, and Ryan have no answer for this predicament, cause there isn't one! There is no feasible way to invest that much money in one position, especially at a non skill position.
As for my grammar and spelling, you need to get a life! This is a blog not an English course. I type fast, and could care less if I make some honest mistakes. On the other hand it does tell me that your arguments are worthless, as you reduce yourself to trying to find spelling and grammar mistakes, as opposed to actually sticking to reasonable argument about football.
I know you have little to stand on when debating me as I have basically mastered the art of owning you, but I still think you are better than reducing yourself to the grammar police. Again, this is a blog and some grammatically artistic leeway and shoddy vocab are to be expected and accepted as part of the territory.
NEXT!!
D-Mac in Silver and Black!! Unleash Cerberus!!
OakFoSho
#47
Posted by LDizzle, May 1, 2008 11:16 AM
The grammar lesson was a bonus for you Spence. It is free of charge and I waited until after I schooled you in football. Notice no one ever agrees with you? And yet I hear plenty of people pointing out that I have a point. Adrien just told you to get your head out of your ass. That sounds about right. I think it is obvious to everyone which one of us knows his shit. But you go ahead and keep saying that you "own" me and that my argument "is weak" because it just makes it more obvious that you are trying to compensate for what you lack.
#48
Posted by Spencer Mills, May 1, 2008 3:45 PM
LDizzle
You still did not answer the question! What would you do with all that money at the DT position? 120 Million in one non-skill position!
You cannot answer this simple question with regards to your argument in favor of Dorsey! This is the end of the argument, because all you do is sink to personal attack when you lose, rather than actually address the real flaw in your argument.
Again, the grammar lesson is not needed, as I could care less if I mistype a word. It proves nothing other than I type quickly and don't proofread, CAUSE IT'S A BLOG!! Get over yourself, your not that tight! You do this to others too when your arguments fail, and it is a continuing sign of your inability to debate in a meaningful way about football.
Quoting a one-liner like Adrian does not add anything to your argument, as he said nothing of any importance to add to the debate. Also, many on this blog agree with me, and you must be blind to think otherwise.
By the way, how did that mock draft work out for ya?
NEXT!!
D-Mac is in Silver and Black!! Unleash Cerberus!!
OakFoSho
#49
Posted by Fresh, May 1, 2008 6:11 PM
Fact: Fargas is less than durable, never made it through a season without missing games due to injury.
Fact: Jordan is a good but not great back, he has had only one 1000+ yard season in his 7 year career. He has the potential to be solid, but not a superstar.
Fact: Bush is an unknown, has not played football in nearly two years and we don't know how he will rebound from his injury. He was a 4th rounder, not a big investment, and a risky pick.
These facts equal that we were NOT set at running back. The chargers are set at RB, the Chiefs are set at RB, the vikings are set at RB, and now we just MIGHT be set at RB.
I like the pick of DMAC, it's worth a shot, the guy was a phenom in college against quality opponents. We could possibly have an offensive superstar on our team.
Will picking DMAC fix our entire team and put us in the playoffs? No. But there is no pick that could have accomplished that, including Dorsey.
Remember we have, virtually, a rookie quarterback. Chances are this year will be spent rec'g his NFL lumps for JaMarcus.
With DMAC at least we'll have some excitement while the rest of the pieces fall into place (D & O linemen) and JaMarcus develops over the next year or two.
Additionally, if JR and DMAC show signs of stardom this year, the pressure will be on AD to upgrade the lines quickly. He has responded to this kind of pressure in past years and has quickly addressed O and D line deficits when the skill positions are showing potential.
#50
Posted by Jon Yoon, May 2, 2008 7:00 PM
Fresh, those are good points. But how come everyone is so concerned about Fargas/Jordan/Bush/Rhodes, and no one is concerned about Warren/Kelly/Sands? I've heard multiple times that the Raiders didn't draft a DT because they already have players there. They have players there, but they're not good.
And that's an important point because, let's face it, the AFC West is a running division dominated by LT, LJ, and the consistent Broncos' running game. While that somewhat justifies the Raiders getting a dominant RB of their own, it still makes you scratch your head as to why they've invested so much money and so many draft picks on shutdown corners and safeties in a division that is of a run-first, pass second mentality.
This has all the markings of Al Davis. He doesn't care who his coach is, he only cares about bringing in superstars that are fast, regardless of whether those players make sense for what the coach wants to do. I thought the Raiders did a phenomenal job with building their team in 2007 when Kiffin was calling all the shots. Davis has torn apart everything Kiffin did right and again forced his ancient mentality onto Kiffin. I feel sorry for Kiffin and I hope, for Raider fans' sake, that Kiffin outlasts Davis in Oakland.
#51
Posted by Raider Swoldy, May 12, 2008 11:21 AM
DMAC was the best possible pick in the 2008 draft. The raiders consistantly failed at putting opponents out by not being able to score.I believe warren sapp hurt us more than helped us and you will see a new and improved line with the upgrades we've aquired.
Are the raiders stacked at RB?
Fargas had one good season and was then injured.
Lamont Jordan started out strong and was then injured. He was never a great running back and is D rated.
Michael Bush. Great in college, who knows in the NFL. Remember JJ arington? BUSH is TBD.
Darren MCfadden ran all over Glen Dorsey and LSU when they played. Quit speculating and watit for the 2008 season and then give an opinion!
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