MVN - an Oakland Raiders independent news, commentary, analysis, and media site
Thoughts from the Dark Side
Oakland Raiders who may have to pack their bags: Thoughts from a Reader’s Side
With each offseason, there is considerable changeover in the Oakland Raider roster. Dominic Rhodes and Stuart Schweigert have been the first casualties but there are more to come. LDizzle speculates on who will be joining them on the unemployment line.
Pack Your Bags Fellas
By LDizzle
Special to Thoughts from the Dark Side
With the offseason moves, draft picks and Undrafted free agents there are a few guys from last years team that should feel very little job security right about now. This would be known as the proverbial “Hot Seat”. This team is going through a bit of a makeover and with the new arrivals, there will be some casualties. Here are a few of those players of whom must really have a break out preseason or they could be looking for other options in the not so distant future.
QB Andrew Walter
Walter throwing a pass.
his could be a blessing for him actually. It has been said many times that he has been in a straight jacket on the Raiders bench after a once promising career. This would be a welcome departure for Walter and the Raiders. I believe the only QB other than Jrock that will make this team out of the current roster will be Erik Meyer. I am quite impressed with him despite his lack of NFL experience. The backup QB has yet to be signed and will likely come from the first line of preseason cuts. Trent Dilfer is a distinct possibility although I would like to see Tim Rattay signed personally. Then there is the slew of cuts that Tampa will have to make. Chris Simms could be out there to be had if Al is so inclined.
WR Jonnie Lee Higgins
Higgins in the open field.
It would be an understatement to say he was less than impressive last season. He was drafted to fill the kick and/or punt return duties as well as bolster the receiver corp. Well he couldn’t make an impact on a team desperate for receivers and was a non-factor in his return duties to say the least. The acquisitions of DeAngelo Hall and drafting of Tyvon Branch spell the end of his return duties and the acquisitions of Javon Walker and Drew Carter make it increasingly difficult for him to make the team as a receiver. Other receivers such as Todd Watkins and Chris McFoy seem to be coming on strong as well. At this point, he is pretty much expendable unless he has improved by leaps and bounds and really wows the coaching staff in training camp.
C Jake Grove
Grove snaps the ball.
You know that Kiffin is not high on Grove when he spends two straight offseasons looking for another option at center. ANY other option. They may have found their guy in John Wade. Chris Morris has the Long Snapper job. Grove has played some Guard though so if he can be somewhat of a utility guy, that could be useful, otherwise he will be gone.
RT Cornell Green
Green (74) walks to the line before a play.
Yes I realize they just re-signed him but how many times have they re-signed Duane Starks only to subsequently cut him? Green was serviceable last year prior to his injury. He is on the hot seat mainly because he got injured and Paul McQuistan played well enough to take his job from him. And even if McQuistan isn’t the starter, Mario Henderson is primed to be the next option at either Tackle spot. Which Olineman makes this team will depend on how quickly he can learn Cable’s system and McQuistan and Henderson have had more time to work in it.
NT Terdell Sands
Sands bears down on Brodie Croyle.
Yeah, he signed that big contract last year and then proceeded to earn the nickname “Turd”. With this team needing to get under the cap, he could be the most likely cut between he, Gerard Warren and William Joseph. Of course the William Joseph experiment could just as easily not pan out at which point Joseph will be cut and Sands will get a roster spot by default.
LB Sam Williams
Williams makes a tackle.
He has been kickin around on the Raiders roster for a few years now and has never shown anything but flashes of athletic ability. That is, between his many lengthy stints on the IR. He got beat out by journeyman Robert Thomas for God’s sake. I can’t remember the last time this team had a good Strongside Linebacker and that could be simply because they keep holding out hope that Sam Williams will recover from his latest injury and become the kind of player that got him drafting as a 1st rounder. They signed Ed Hartwell to supplant him and if Hartwell is back to the player he was before he had the injury that kept him out of football for 2 years then Kiffin will be more than happy to give him the job and send Sam Williams packing.
There is no denying these players have underachieved and as they have said for those who underperform: NFL stands for “Not For Long”. Kiffin has also proven that he is not afraid to get rid of a player regardless of previous success, potential, or what may have been given up to get them (see Mike Williams). There is no room for that on a team that needs to win now and spent a lot of money to make sure that happens. It is actually a pleasant surprise that so many jobs are safe considering the five year run of no more than 5 wins in a season. Most teams would go through an even greater overhaul. It is obvious what this team needs to be successful which is also unlike a losing team. Many losing teams (Dolphins) have very few things that actually DID work and don’t need to be replaced. So think of these cuts as addition by subtraction.
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, May 21st, 2008 at 12:50 am and is filed under Readers Thoughts from the Dark Side, 2008 Raiders Offseason.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
THE AUTHOR
POLL
ARCHIVE
RECENT ARTICLES BY DIVISION RIVALS
SPONSORS
Online Seats
Ticket Specialists
Oakland Raiders Tickets Athletics Tickets
Coast to Coast Tickets
Oakland Raiders Tickets Oakland A's Tickets Golden State Warriors Tickets Oakland Event Schedule Concert Ticket Brokers
Barry's Tickets
Baseball Tickets Dodgers Tickets Raiders Tickets Concert Tickets Laker Tickets BroncoTickets.com
Great Seats
Oakland Raiders Tickets Oakland Athletics Tickets Golden State Warriors Tickets Theatre Tickets Concert Tickets
45 Responses to “Oakland Raiders who may have to pack their bags: Thoughts from a Reader’s Side”
May 21st, 2008 at 3:42 am
You did good man!!
I think Walter will stay for 1more year…
Higgins could get another opportinity as well, but if Shields and Chaz or Watkins turns out to be good then JLH can hardly make the roster…
Grove is really on the hot seat right now…Wade and Morris are better then him and those 2 guys are enough for us…
Green will stay here for back up…Harris and Mario will be on the left side McQuistan will start at RT but Green who knows our system could be a solid back up…
Sands will stay for sure!!Kiffin and the whole staff are high on him!He will be our NT and he will be good.
I think Gerrald Warren has better chance to be cut(i think he will stay too)
Sam Williams is on the hot seat no question about it…Robert Thomas is better and if Ed Hartwell turns out to be good again then Sam has little chance to make the team
May 21st, 2008 at 5:41 am
I hope Terdell Snads improves and plays like he did the year before he got the contract extension… I think Rob Ryan will make his case to keep him at least one more year… its very simple for Sam Williams if Ed Hartwell becomes a beast and Thoma can be a decent back up he’s fucked he’ll be looking for a new team… but i hope he does good and becomes the starter and stops getting injured…
GO RAIDERS!!!
May 21st, 2008 at 5:45 am
In my opinion getting Trent Dilfer or Daunte Culpepper would be awesome for the Raiders to have a solid proven QB behind Russell… Culpepper former probowler and Dilfer former superbowl winner… both could teach J.R alot… I think we keep Walter for at least one more season we all know how Al loves QB’s with the rocket arms so at least one more season unless he totally bombs training camp…
GO RAIDERS!!!
May 21st, 2008 at 5:46 am
I also think we give Higgins one more year… we all know we cant afford to put D-Hall on special teams to much as much we all would like to see that i doubt it to much risk for injury… i say give Higgins one more year…
GO RAIDERS!!!
May 21st, 2008 at 5:46 am
Bill Romonowski would be the last good strong side LB we had, wish we had him right now to infuse some defensive attitude.
May 21st, 2008 at 6:43 am
Actually the long snapper for the team is not Morris but Condo.
May 21st, 2008 at 6:54 am
You forgot these two. They were just released.
A.G.B and Stu, both were just released. The Raiders have started Wilson at SS and Huff at FS at this weekends camp. I think Sam stays because of special teams play. Actually I think all these guys mentioned above stay. The cuts will come and the Raiders will be down to 53 players soon enough. I see it as lots of rookies will get cut. I know everyone gets all excited about our undrafted class. I don’t think more then 2 make the team. As for our drafted class I see 3 making the team. I also think if our CB from this year sticks then our CB from last year is gone. I am sorry to see Stu go tho. He probely had some value on special teams.
May 21st, 2008 at 7:45 am
Probably sounds obvious, but - LaMont Jordan will be the first player cut after June 1st. I have rooted for Grove because I just thought he was a “nasty” type player out’a VaTech.. Seems his time to go is near. Higgins and Sands will be around another year for sure. I met Cornell at the Extended Stay Delux next to the Raider camp and he seemed like a nice guy. I sort’a rooted for him after that. At the same time, we drafted Booth, McQuistain, Henderson and one or two other guys i thought would be stepping up by now. Bank on Wade being the starting center, however.
May 21st, 2008 at 8:02 am
Hey I was just wondering has anyone heard anything on Odell Thurman? I know he’s a screw up but if we give him a chance and he can’t make the team then cut him. But he was very good against the run at Georgia and Cincinatti and we can use all the help we need in that area. Raider On Yall
May 21st, 2008 at 8:18 am
No for Thurman…he fucked his last chance right now in Cinncy…Ed Hartwell will be good hopefully so we don’t need Odell…
May 21st, 2008 at 8:20 am
Williams was a 2nd round pick, not a 1st. I don’t think any of those guys you mentioned will be cut this year.
May 21st, 2008 at 8:26 am
First of all LDizzle, Walter is not going anywhere. He would love to be cut as you said. He would love to play for his former coach in Jacksonville. But the Raiders need him in a bad way even if they sign a veteran. Erik Meyer, who?
Higgins will probably be given a chance to compete in camp and probably will make this years roster.
I am with you on Sands. If he doesnt show up in shape and with some fire in camp, he will be cut.
Jordan will the only big name cut June 1st.
Dizzy lets get the facts straight.
LDizzle: “I can’t remember the last time this team had a good Strongside Linebacker and that could be simply because they keep holding out hope that Sam Williams will recover from his latest injury and become the kind of player that got him drafting as a 1st rounder.”
Sam Williams was drafted 19th in the 3rd round in 2003, he was not a first rounder.
I agree Sam Williams could be on the way out but we don’t have many options so I see him competing for a spot in camp.
May 21st, 2008 at 8:27 am
Just a quick note, Sam Williams was a third round pick, not a first round pick. Robert Thomas was a former first round pick of the Rams. I think Williams will survive one more year, probably the reason he was resigned for just one more year, to have this season to show something.
May 21st, 2008 at 8:29 am
Sam Williams was not a 1st round pick. If he was we would be constantly reminded of this by BSPN and the rest of the media.
May 21st, 2008 at 8:29 am
Actually, Sam Williams was a 3rd round pick, but we traded up to get him (if I recall correctly, it cost us another 3rd rounder).
May 21st, 2008 at 8:38 am
Whats with all the F-bombs in this blog?
May 21st, 2008 at 8:52 am
I also see Sam Williams on the hot seat. On TV, you basically don’t ever see the guy involved in plays.
To truly appreciate just how bad this guy is, you have to see him in person. During one of the games I went to in Oakland, he got juked badly by a non-scrambling QB in the open field (I forgot which game it was). Even he was disturbed by the play. After the play was over, I could see him banging on his head.
May 21st, 2008 at 9:16 am
I still think Williams has not been put in the best position to succeed. When he came out of Fresno he was a beast, 6-4, 260lb linebackers that can run are somewhat rare. Al took him with the vision of turning him into an edge rusher but it never happened. He stayed at the sam backer position and kind of disappeared. What I never understood is that when they did turn him loose on the blitz he showed success but they only called it a few times a season.
May 21st, 2008 at 9:20 am
Draft day, 2004. Al Davis picks The Outland Trophy winner in rd 1. The Rimington Award winner in rd 2, & Purdue’s all-time int record holder in rd 3. Pure genius. However, if Gallery actually WAS “the best LT prospect to come out of the NCAA …EVER!”, we might very well be 61-19, instead of 19-61. If Grove had lived up to his billing as well as Gallery, we would have been in the playoffs every yr. Add: If Schweigert had picked up (off) from where he left off in college, we might have been back in the Super Bowl by now. We whiffed on all 3 picks. It is very unusual, AND unlucky that not even ONE single player lived up to the hype. I would have thought Gallery for sure…even Grove! In ‘04, I thought we had the best draft since getting Tim Brown, Terry McDaniel, & Scott Davis in the 1st rd of ‘88. Too bad those ‘04 boys couldn’t find their way…or MAKE their way. IMO, if you want an explanation as to why the team has foundered so badly, look no further than draft day ‘04. The 3 players will be released in reverse order of their selection. Starting with Schweigert. Grove will undoubtedly be the next to go. In 30 yrs of watching Raider football, I have NEVER seen a Raider C flying backwards thru the air with his arms & legs flailing wildly…until Grove joined the squad. Grove has more botched snaps in ONE DRIVE, than Otto, Dalby, & Mosebar had in one yr combined. I won’t be sad to see Grove go. It is unfortunate that he has not improved since college. It looked like a great draft on paper. We ended up with a serviceable LG after all was said and done. No wonder the old guy is looking older than he should…
May 21st, 2008 at 9:33 am
If we get dilfer, walter is out. I think we should have drafted Xavier Adibi or Red Bryant instead of Tyvon Branch. I understand we needed a returner but we could have addressed that later. If we got Adibi williams would probably be out. Bryant is huge and could have been better than sands. so what if branch’s father is a raider fan, thats not a guarantee hes any good.
May 21st, 2008 at 9:45 am
Odell Thurman would be a great addition to our team. Thurman,Morrison,Howard,top 5 in nfl as a group.With Thurman in the line up,Sands would be my only concern.With Thurman we win 10 to12 games,8 to10 without him.Odell Thurman would be a great addition to our team.
May 21st, 2008 at 9:53 am
sdraidah - While we would rather everyone be more articulate in their posting of comments, we are staunch supporters of freedom of speech…sometimes to the detriment of our eyes while reading some of the posts.
It is a rare occasion and a huge leap over the line before we’ll ‘moderate’ your post. Patrick and I are very active in these discussions so we do read every comment between the two of us.
We do ask that everyone disagree with respect and continue to make any forum on TFDS a spot for intellectual debate.
May 21st, 2008 at 9:54 am
Culpepper would be the best backup for Russell hands down. The real problem is money. The big price paid for Russel and now McFadden, not to mention the other fantastic additions this year. So as it has been, it’s up to Culpepper to want to stay. He hasn’t gotten a big deal so far, so it is unlikely he is going to break the bank anywhere else. So because he has the skills and a year of experience within Kiffins system, sign already. Walter is better than he has shown in the past. This year is needed he could actually show off a little. The chances of Russell needing a breather are good and the team is fully loaded, so this could be Walter’s chance.
May 21st, 2008 at 10:43 am
Bill I didn’t forget about AGB and Stu. They are already gone so they can’t exactly go on the list now can they? And this list is not for guys who were just signed like AGB. Only Raiders from last year or even longer.
Actually Richard it is worse than that. Sam Williams was a 3rd rounder. My bad guys. But each guy feel free to point it out because i didn’t get it the first 10 times.
And for all of you who want to point out the obvious about Jordan being cut. Congrats to you but EVERYONE knows Jordan is technically already gone. He is not “ON THE HOT SEAT” because he won’t be playing in camp. Read the first part of the article in which that is a stipulation.
May 21st, 2008 at 11:22 am
LDizzle,
Sam Williams was a 3rd rounder and not first round!
Nice article and I would agree that those players are on the hot seat…although I wouldn’t mind seeing Walter with an improved line, receivers, and backs.(as a back-up of course)
May 21st, 2008 at 11:23 am
sdraidah:
Erik Myer was the QB at my alma mater, EWU. He is a damn good player who needs a shot. I think you keep Walter. He’s been in the system now for a year and should have gotten a shot last season.
Jordan is next to go.
May 21st, 2008 at 11:30 am
How can Cornell Green, Sam Williams and “Turd” have a breakout preseason? Break’out refers to fresh, new, rookie-types coming into their own…. these are old dawgs. They have been given MANY chances to earn a starting job and could not. Agree LaMont is already gone and that is why i said “obviuolsy” in my post. It feels GREAT to say it. I WILL SAY IT AGAIN! CUT HIS ASS cause I never liked him…never lived up to the money or potential, never worth the $$$ but at the time, he was the only veteran free agent with big upside - like that dude from SD Michael Turner who just went - i cannot recall and dont really care
May 21st, 2008 at 11:39 am
dilfer and culpeper suck you guys think they are better then walters?
why?
here are their stats last year for the raider qbs!
http://bleacherreport.com/arti.....e-Numbers-
the biggest problem we had was #65 and he’s gone!
http://bleacherreport.com/arti.....the-house-
May 21st, 2008 at 11:53 am
higgin’s looks like one of those kids in that movie “Little Giants”. I think thats what its called. You know, big helmet, little body. I don’t know, it just came to mind. I’m a little off topic.
May 21st, 2008 at 11:56 am
Thanks PortlandRaider. I set’em up you knock’em down. Good stuff.
May 21st, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I agree, Walter needs to be replaced with a veteren. It would be better for JR’s developement as well as the team if JR gets hurt or sucks.
Higgins is totally expendable now that we added so much speed on special teams and experience at WR.
I think either Green or Grove go but not both. I do believe Grove’s days of playing center are over, however. One of these guys stays for depth.
I believe Williams was resigned to a one year 700K contract. So I would keep him for depth. I agree we do need an upgrade at starter, hopefully Hartwell’s the guy.
Unfortunately Sands has to stay unless we add a NT very soon. We are very thin at that position. I was high on him 2 years ago too. I think he gets one more s shot, pretty much by default. I do think he will be better.
May 21st, 2008 at 2:12 pm
as soon as i read walter’s name i pretty much zoned out. if you think the only other quarterback on this team besides jruss with any knowledge of the scheme will be cut you are absolutely crazy. walter is a solid backup at least (maybe a starter on a team with a scheme tailored more to his skill set. he definitely isn’t going anywhere.
terdell sands? really? have you read anything about the team since last season? the coaches are real high on this kid and there is nobody to replace him anyway. terdell will definitely be starting a NT, that is about as far as from on the bubble as he possibly could be. that said he definitely needs to have a good season or the raiders will look for a replacement next offseason, but the way kiffin runs things that could be said of any player on the team.
May 21st, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Gallery got hosed by the coaching carosel.
Lets see if he makes the probowl at Guard next season, is he still a bust then?
May 21st, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Are the Raiders really a pro team ? Certainly not off the field or on it. There are only three teams in the AFC West. The way it should be.
May 21st, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Hey Jeff knos… u piece of shit what do u know? o o o i know i know ur a bum… thats like me asking if your a dude… never mind your a bitch…
May 21st, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Jordan better be on his way out.. S. williams may stick aroud as a stand up DE and I think walter and Higgins will return also.. Grove may go,but he can work as a Guard sub also.so maybe not!!! Green will stay also,so I guess I only agree with SANDS!!! IF HARTWELL WORKS..lOOK FOR mORRISON TO MOVE OUT OF THE MIDDLE..
May 21st, 2008 at 11:07 pm
jeffblows, if you’re refering to the chefs, donkeys, and sparklers then you’re a dumbass and clearly haven’t been watching afc west games recently.
ken from modesto, what up i’m from mo-town too. holla at me.
oh yeah, l-dizzle, sam williams was a 3rd rounder. haha one more time couldn’t hurt.
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:20 am
Sands will be alright alongside Tommy Kelly. We better start worrying about the defensive ends spot. I’m still not sold on our linebacking spots either. We have two good ones but the other four could be replaced! Well except for special teams guru Isiah ikejuiba, he’s a beast on special teams, but the rest can go. I sure hope Ed Hartwell can come into his own again. I’ve been saying for awhile now that we need a vet linebacker to mesh with our two young linebackers. I would also bring in Takeo Spikes to challenge for the middle linebacker spot also.
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:36 am
I think Odell Thurman could be a good pick up if we could get him for a cheap cap hit. When he has played he seems to have been an above average player.
From what I have read about this guy he isn’t another Pacman type of liability. He refused to take a drug test which is the same as a failed test and a DUI (which to be honest nearly half the players seem to have at one stage!). Then just before he was cut he didn’t turn up to a voluntary workout because the day before he had attended his grandmas funeral - who had raised him since he was a child.
May 22nd, 2008 at 6:45 am
Huh??…..You are a idiot..EVERY single guy you have listed will make the team…try a little research next time…..
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:44 am
Shit can all those sorry assess they aint done nuttin that impresses me ,those are all thorns in our sides create some more salery cap!Although some of our free agent picks were a little melladramatic(overkill)I can think of a handfull of free agents they should have snagged up.We probabally made 2 or 3 good free agency picks!All I want to do is WIN BABY!
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I really want the Raiders to take a long look at Marcel Reese out of Washington, he really impressed me in college and got a helmet from Kiff in rookie camp for playing so hard and improving so much
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:15 pm
LDizzle - Not as if you don’t deserve it.
Just monitoring these posts and seeing the way you attack people makes me wish you could be our Defense! You are TRULY First Team All Defensive!
No Frickin way on Chris Sims!
Oh and … S. Williams was a 3d Rounder! Ha!
Just Win Baby!
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Shady Raider, “you are a idiot”? What kind of english is that? But I’m the last person that should be corecting someones grammer. I have to ask my 7 year old grandson how to spell stuff. Keep the faith brother. And what difference does it make at this point who we cut or who we keep as long as when the whistle blows we kick some serious AFC West Butt and beat the damn cheatriots and buckenqueers!
May 23rd, 2008 at 9:12 am
Raider Blues: People say some really stupid shit and I am not as tolerant of it as you or others may be. You can call me the pooper scooper. I say it so you don’t have to. And it looks like Tui is the veteran that I spoke of. Although I don’t think anyone predicted that one.
Leave a comment