and the Oakland Raiders select...

[Super Monster Raiders 0]

This is exactly the thought that will be in the minds of T.B. Bucs

Maybe we will see a trade down and the Raiders still get their QB Russell.

 

(pending Rogers trade)

 

see ya Randy!

From a born and raised Raiders fan, I really don't mind the trade at all.

[t.j 35]

It would be nice if we could trade down and still get Russell.

I doubt it would work out that way, though.

And I doubt we trade Moss plus change for Rodgers. I'd be really surprised if we made any trade involving both Moss and Rodgers.

[Ignition Technition 0]

If all that Moss can bring in is a caretaker QB who makes less than what current FA are asking for, thats fine with me.I will just be glad to ge rid of Moss and his $10 million salary, anything we get is a bonus.

 

If its at the expense of JamRuss, Wake me up in a year, save me the 15 upcoming losses, and kill me when Davis overlooks Brohm @#1 again.

 

CJ might be an elite prospect, but a 2-14 team spending a #1 on a guy that wont touch the ball more than 5 times a game this season is ridiculous.

 

Bottom line is Rodgers or no Rodgers if the old man doesnt draft a franchise QB, this team is going nowhere till he dies.

[IGotWorms 4,063]

CJ might be an elite prospect, but a 2-14 team spending a #1 on a guy that wont touch the ball more than 5 times a game this season is ridiculous.

 

 

This is why receivers should almost never be drafted in the top ten, IMO.

[Parja 0]

 

This is why receivers should almost never be drafted in the top ten, IMO.

 

Probably a good general idea, but should be especially heeded when you don't know who your starting QB is.

[devildog 0]

talk about killing CJ's fantasy value.

[ajmplaya69 0]

I couldn't disagree with some of the above posted anymore. JR is not a safe pick by any means, regardless of need. I a die hard Raider fan and was very sad when we passed on Leinart. I believe arm strength is an overrated feature of a QB (especially when that throw is rarely made and your line is horrible) when drafting and intangibles such as character and leadership and playing in big games can be just as key. I honestly don't see this in JR and wouldn't invest a $27 mill signing bonus on such a risk, especially on a QB based on "upside" (i.e. see akili smith, ryan leaf, tim couch, etc)

 

CJ is a significantly lower risk in my mind due to his talent, physical attributes, character and big game playmaking skills. He can be better than Tim Brown and if looking at WR's drafted in the top 5 the past few years, they are relatively safer picks than QB's. I know we are still in the hunt for a QB but still lets not throw away money at any young prospect out of college based on potential. We can fill out the position through trade (David Carr or Rodgers) at a lot lower financial risk. On the other hand, trading Moss leaves us a hole at WR and looking at the pool out there, not many candidates exist WR wise that can fill that role. Calvin Johnson is one that can fulfill that role.

[BMoney 0]

does calvin johnson return kicks?...

[Yippie Skippy 0]

does calvin johnson return kicks?...

 

No. He did have one punt return for minus 7 yards in college.

 

He is the most gifted player in the draft, and I don't see Al passing on him.

[keeptwo 0]

I'd be offended if i were in calvins shoes looking at the potential to become a raider.becoming an al davis anything these days is crud.

[The_Mad_Cats 0]

Calvin Johnson had an 11-foot, 7-inch broad jump at his Pro Day.

 

"That's the best broad jump I can ever remember an NFL prospect having," draft guru Gil Brandt writes. Johnson, who stood on his 4.35 forty, had a 42.5-inch vertical and reportedly looked great in receiving drills.

 

Grandpa Al loves this type of physical specimen. This kid should just go ahead and start the contract negotiations now.

[LOD01 199]

 

CJ might be an elite prospect, but a 2-14 team spending a #1 on a guy that wont touch the ball more than 5 times a game this season is ridiculous.

 

 

You can bet that CJ touches it more than 5 times a game wherever he goes. Odds are that he gets 10+ balls thrown his way every week and with hsi abilities, those are catches if they are in the same zip code as Calvin.

[t.j 35]

You can bet that CJ touches it more than 5 times a game wherever he goes. Odds are that he gets 10+ balls thrown his way every week and with hsi abilities, those are catches if they are in the same zip code as Calvin.

 

The kid is good but let's not act like he is superman. The league has had some amazing receivers but they still need a competent offense to get them the ball. The Raiders only completed 16 passes per game last year despite being behind almost all the time. And less than 10 of those were to WRs. The Raiders have a long way to go before they can use him effectively. If Johnson were play as well as you are suggesting, he'd command an awful lot of attention, they might throw more INTs than receptions trying to force it to him.

[scherber830 0]

 

This is why receivers should almost never be drafted in the top ten, IMO.

 

Whoever posted this has either no knowledge of football or has never seen Calvin Johnson.

 

 

 

Sure it's nice and neat and logical to say..."If Calvin only touches the ball Xamount of times that means he has little impact on the game." Randy Moss was the same way...he could kill you with his 100 yard games and his touchdowns....but the most helpful part about him is simply his threat to score on any play. Defenses used to play the Vikings and put 2 or 3 guys on Moss automatically, that in turn helped our running game and other receivers. And remember, CJ can go over the middle too.

 

On an offense that has very little to frighten defenses, CJ would be a great pick esp. if they got Rodger's too! CJ will change the way defenses have to play the Raiders. And that is why the assumption that a lil' ol' WR should not be picked first is poppycock.

[Ignition Technition 0]

The guy may be a freak, but good WR's can be found all the way down the draft board,Steve Smith,Colsten,Chad Johnson etc etc

 

And this years class is loaded.

 

Freak WR and crappy QB < Average WR's and stud QB.

 

From what i have seen of Rodgers accuracy ,CJ will need a 10 foot wingspan to catch anything thrown to him by Aaron. and as for Butterfingers Walter, he has a hard enough time not eating a sack or fumbling a ball to even get a pass off to a WR.

 

Its Jamarcus or bust.

[Arsenal 3]

You can bet that CJ touches it more than 5 times a game wherever he goes. Odds are that he gets 10+ balls thrown his way every week and with hsi abilities, those are catches if they are in the same zip code as Calvin.

 

Is this what they call the CJ ratio?

[Parja 0]

Is this what they call the CJ ratio?

 

Oh no you di-int?!

[ROCKET 0]

Whoever drafts Joe Thomas or Gaines Adams with a top 5 pick must be an idiot too as they hardly ever touch the ball

[t.j 35]

Whoever drafts Joe Thomas or Gaines Adams with a top 5 pick must be an idiot too as they hardly ever touch the ball

 

[Ignition Technition 0]

Whoever drafts Joe Thomas or Gaines Adams with a top 5 pick must be an idiot too as they hardly ever touch the ball

 

 

By that rationale a Punters can be drafted in the first round, as a good one can save you 80 or 90 yards in field position in a game.

 

The fact is there have been 2 WR's drafted in recent years #1 overall.

 

Irving Fryer and Meshawn.

 

Thats some HOF stuff right there.

 

WR's can be busts just like every position. you can find good ones later on in the draft. but golden rule generally is dont pass up on the franchise QB, which russell most certainly has the ability to be.

[ajmplaya69 0]

By that rationale a Punters can be drafted in the first round, as a good one can save you 80 or 90 yards in field position in a game.

 

The fact is there have been 2 WR's drafted in recent years #1 overall.

 

Irving Fryer and Meshawn.

 

Thats some HOF stuff right there.

 

WR's can be busts just like every position. you can find good ones later on in the draft. but golden rule generally is dont pass up on the franchise QB, which russell most certainly has the ability to be.

 

Russel has just as much chance as a franchise qb as drew stanton or brady quinn.

 

No WR can be like CJ.

[IGotWorms 4,063]

Whoever posted this has either no knowledge of football or has never seen Calvin Johnson.

 

It was me who posted it, and you are wrong.

 

When you are a piss-poor football team with a lot of building to do, the best place to start is NOT the position where a guy will be lucky to touch the ball 5 times a game. They've got no offensive line, they've got no quarterback, and they've got no running back. How in the hell is Calvin Johnson going to do them any good? He doesn't have anybody to throw him the ball, and even if he did have a QB, that QB would be spending far too much time on his ass to actually get the ball to Calvin.

 

Whoever drafts Joe Thomas or Gaines Adams with a top 5 pick must be an idiot too as they hardly ever touch the ball

 

No, you idiot. Its not about how often you touch the ball, its about how often you are in a position to make an impact on the play. A left tackle is going to be a big part of any play, whether its a run or a pass. A wide receiver is a big part of only a handful of plays. Is that too hard to understand?

[Ignition Technition 0]

It was me who posted it, and you are wrong.

No, you idiot. Its not about how often you touch the ball, its about how often you are in a position to make an impact on the play. A left tackle is going to be a big part of any play, whether its a run or a pass. A wide receiver is a big part of only a handful of plays. Is that too hard to understand?

 

 

Agreed, This is why you always draft QB, LT, and DE quality above all.

 

a great DE will always be better than a good CB IMO, as the QB will have no time to throw anyway, and your DE will lend run support to boot.

Its all about Impact, which is why you draft WR's and TE's last.

 

Those Positions more often than not you can find value down the draft board.

 

Franchise QB's and LT's dont grow on trees.

 

Boldin,Steve Smith,Colston,Chad Johnson.

 

None of them even first rounders, let alone top 10 picks.

 

Look at last years AFC pro bowl QB's

 

Manning,Palmer,Rivers,Vince Young

 

All top 5 picks.

 

Golden Rule, Dont pass on the POTENTIAL franchise QB.

[t.j 35]

Agreed, This is why you always draft QB, LT, and DE quality above all.

 

Like Robert Gallery and Mario Williams?

 

Look at last years AFC pro bowl QB's

 

Manning,Palmer,Rivers,Vince Young

 

On the other hand, the NFC's Pro Bowl QBs:

Drew Brees, 2nd round pick then free agent

Marc Bulger, 6th round pick

Matt Hasselbeck, 6th round pick

[Ignition Technition 0]

Like Robert Gallery and Mario Williams?

 

To be fair Gallery graded HIGHER than any tackle since Boselli in 1995 ( yes even higher than Pace)

 

Its a shock to everyone that he has been a turnstile.

 

Jury is still out on Williams, but it doesnt look good, as DE isnt really a complicated position, its just line up and go.

 

No D plays to call, or complicated coverages, just basics abiout how lanes work.

 

Doesnt look good for Houston, but then again they gave David Carr his option so what do they know about football.

[t.j 35]

Doesnt look good for Houston, but then again they gave David Carr his option so what do they know about football.

 

They also drafted Carr #1. The point is, position isn't everything come draft day. I agree that Gallery graded out high but he also was thought of as the safe pick because he was an OL as opposed to Larry Fitzgerald, Sean Taylor, Kellen Winslow, Roy Williams, Deangelo Hall, or Dunta Robinson, who were all considered to be supremely talented players.

 

Don't get me wrong, I agree with you that the Raiders need a QB and early picks are often the right way to get one. I am just not sold on Russell or Quinn. Maybe I'm mostly just nervous because we've made so many bad moves lately and I can't see us getting such a huge decision right. Even if it's that important that you not pass up a great QB, DE, or OT (the positions you listed), shouldn't we consider Thomas or Adams?

[Ignition Technition 0]

They also drafted Carr #1. The point is, position isn't everything come draft day. I agree that Gallery graded out high but he also was thought of as the safe pick because he was an OL as opposed to Larry Fitzgerald, Sean Taylor, Kellen Winslow, Roy Williams, Deangelo Hall, or Dunta Robinson, who were all considered to be supremely talented players.

 

Don't get me wrong, I agree with you that the Raiders need a QB and early picks are often the right way to get one. I am just not sold on Russell or Quinn. Maybe I'm mostly just nervous because we've made so many bad moves lately and I can't see us getting such a huge decision right. Even if it's that important that you not pass up a great QB, DE, or OT (the positions you listed), shouldn't we consider Thomas or Adams?

 

This is why I am so high on trading Moss, if we can get a 2nd rounder ( NOT RODGERS) we can package it to move up with our #33 , and take Joe Staley, who has LT Potential.

 

We havent shown we cant coach the OL we have at the moment. Booth looks borderline at best, and at 33 all we can get is a guard ( Blalock) or Sears who is a jack of all trades master of none type.

 

My perfect draft would be JamRuss #1

 

Move back into round one ( with the Moss pick and get Staley)

 

Craig Davis or Jason Hill with the first pick in round 3( if Moss is gone)

 

And a late round Bo Jackson type flyer on Jeff Samardzija in case baseball doesnt work out.

 

For rounds 4 ,5 and 6 or 7 throw in a decent DT for depth, and a flyer on Ishiah Stanback who is listed as QB , but can be a Curry type project, as a WR or slash type ( or even suit up as our third QB)

 

Round 6 we can take a TE project (Michael Allan) possibly

 

Looks as if Staley is hot shiot now after his pro day, no way can we get him at #33 ,so I would entertain trading up.

 

If we start the season with Butterfingers Walter and Aaron Rodgers at QB, we may as well write this season off, and look at Mcfadden or Sam Baker at #1 overall next year.

 

Bottom line is if we dont take a QB this year, Davis sure as hell wont take Brohm with a top 5 pick next year.

 

This franchise will go nowhere if we keep selecting scrubs to play QB. We had our gamewinning WR in Moss, but thanks to Art Shell talking the old man out of taking Leinart, we are right back where we started again.

 

We should have been looking at a Matt Leinart/Adrian Peterson Backfield for 2007.

 

Instead we may have Aaron Rodgers/Dominic Rhodes.

 

[ROCKET 0]

It was me who posted it, and you are wrong.

 

When you are a piss-poor football team with a lot of building to do, the best place to start is NOT the position where a guy will be lucky to touch the ball 5 times a game. They've got no offensive line, they've got no quarterback, and they've got no running back. How in the hell is Calvin Johnson going to do them any good? He doesn't have anybody to throw him the ball, and even if he did have a QB, that QB would be spending far too much time on his ass to actually get the ball to Calvin.

No, you idiot. Its not about how often you touch the ball, its about how often you are in a position to make an impact on the play. A left tackle is going to be a big part of any play, whether its a run or a pass. A wide receiver is a big part of only a handful of plays. Is that too hard to understand?

 

 

No sheit. WTF didn't you just post that they should draft an impact position as opposed to someone who never touches the ball.

[GeminiV 0]

They also drafted Carr #1. The point is, position isn't everything come draft day. I agree that Gallery graded out high but he also was thought of as the safe pick because he was an OL as opposed to Larry Fitzgerald, Sean Taylor, Kellen Winslow, Roy Williams, Deangelo Hall, or Dunta Robinson, who were all considered to be supremely talented players.

 

Gallery being perceived as a safe pick certainly played into his #2 selection, but so did the importance of the position he plays (or would've played, if he didn't suck). And even though he's been a bust, I think time has only supported that line of thinking. Fitzgerald has been exceptional and Roy Williams pretty darn good, but both of their teams are still picking in the top five. Receivers can't turn a team around.

[R8RMick 242]

If the Raiders draft Russell they are rebuilding THIS year. What a waste that will be of a good young defense that has played over its head. Playing QB in the NFL can be a brutal experience for rookies, and there is NO exceptions to that rule. Russell can be the next best thing since Dante Culpepper, but he is going to struggle until he figures out how to read NFL defenses. This will take two-three years MINIMUM.

 

Is there any Raider fan among us who thinks Al's ego will readily accept next year to be a rebuilding year? Plus if you draft that kid, then throw him to the wolves it could ruin his career. I've always been a fan of the Raiders picking up veteran QB's through free agency. Pastorini, Plunkett, Schroeder, Hostetler, George, Gannon etc... Some misses there, but a lot of hits as well.

 

The key to this entire question is what type of job will this coaching staff do next year? Or better yet, as we ALL know, what will Al LET them do? Hopefully Al's vertical playbook is on the scrapheap for good. If Kiffin can bring in any kind of innovative playcalling and a can of whup-ass like Jon Gruden did, then there is a chance. Remember, Gruden's teams didn't really start to get it until the last game of his second season, the 'running with the bulls' win on the last play in KC. With Art Shell and Tom Walsh gone as coaches, anybody who tries to predict what MAY happen next year based on last year's performance is either misinformed, or simply doesn't know this team.

 

As a lifer, I'd like to see a veteran QB brought in immediately and the team draft Calvin Johnson, who will be the best talent at WR in years. David Carr, Trent Green, Matt Schaub, Tom Flick... Who cares. Bring in a QB who can read NFL defenses and draft Calvin Johnson. I could care less if he plays five plays a game, two plays a game, or waves pom poms. Put Johnson in the slot, between Jerry Porter and Randy Moss, with Lamont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes running off play action, and see who's going to stop them. The thought of Champ Bailey and Dre Bly teaming up in Denver wouldn't be as worrying with that trio of recievers. Once again, the key is putting the Vertical Offense out on the curb with the rest of the trash and letting Kiffin install a modern offense.

 

Not to be overlooked in this equation is Kiffin's exposure to the college talent in his job as recruiting chief at SC. With the first pick in EVERY round of the upcoming draft that could be a Godsend, and they can fill some holes in the late rounds while still dealing picks to get a QB. But the bottom line, when you have the first overall pick in the draft, and there is not a Peyton Manning or a John Elway there, you pick the most talented player available. You don't trade down, backwards, or sideways, you take Calvin Freaking Johnson. You do NOT try and draft for need, especially at QB. Picking Jamarcus Russell number one will set an already reeling franchise back for years, and cement Al's late life legacy as a onetime maverick who's let the game pass him by.

 

I'm having nightmares here... Akili Smith, Andre Ware, Ryan Leaf...

[NOSRAC247 0]

If they don't pick CJ they will be hating themselves forveer, and I feel we're headed in that direction

[StayFlyTilAddai 0]

Whoever drafts Joe Thomas or Gaines Adams with a top 5 pick must be an idiot too as they hardly ever touch the ball

 

[t.j 35]

If the Raiders draft Russell they are rebuilding THIS year. What a waste that will be of a good young defense that has played over its head.

 

A waste? We are talking about a 2-14 team here! We were a lot more than a coaching staff and a QB away from contention. The only waste would be if we continue to refuse to rebuild, and never get good as a result. The defense was pretty good, but let's face it, if our opponents had more of a need to score more points against us, our defense would be ranked a lot lower than it was. Take the opener against San Diego, for example. The Chargers gained 196 yards in the first half, then in the second half they ran on almost every single down even though we were stopping the run, because they were content to waste clock and then punt. As a result they only gained 106 yards in the second half.

 

Is there any Raider fan among us who thinks Al's ego will readily accept next year to be a rebuilding year?

 

I don't know. Historically Mr. Davis is against drafting QBs high and is against rebuilding. But who knows, man. The Raiders have gone 15-49 in the last four seasons. This from a franchise that had the highest winning percentage of any franchise in the major professional sports in this country. It's hard to say how that is going to affect Mr. Davis' decision making. Remember when he re-hired Art Shell he said he made a mistake firing Shell the first time, you got the impression Shell's job was safe for a good long time. But last season was so bad he was out the door again after 1 year.

 

Plus if you draft that kid, then throw him to the wolves it could ruin his career.

 

I agree. There are a lot of bad things that could happen if we draft Russell. He might get David Carred with a bad line and bad coaching. He might simply not have what it takes to make decisions in the pocket at NFL speed, ala Daunte Culpepper. He's coming out as a Junior and that is often bad. There are plenty of reasons to pick someone else, but hopefully impatience (trying to rush the improvement of the offense to catch up with the defense) will not be a reason that decides our pick.

 

Here's what the Raiders need to do... I realize this is a novel concept...

 

The Raiders need to do their homework! They should not decide based primarily on position, which means they should not avoid drafting a QB and they should also not limit themselves to QBs with their choice. It seems like it gets lost with all the fan speculation, but drafting is no more about drafting the consensus most talented guy any more than it is about drafting the most important position. They just need to review the film carefully, interview these guys until they are satisfied that they understand the mental makeup of the player, and lastly understand how all of these players fits (or doesn't fit) into what they are trying to do.

[RLLD 4,283]

If they are smart they will trade out of that draft position, get CJ, and then go after OL, followed by LB. Plenty of teams would go for Russell, and that will be a wasted draft pick.

 

JMHO

[Super Monster Raiders 0]

I agree immensely. I think, if the Raiders are still holding the 1st pick come draft day, they should spend it on CJ. After all he is the best player in the draft and the team is a couple of years away from where I would like to see them. From my own fantasy perspective though, I am hoping they take Russell. I will be picking him up in my dynasty league. I'm on the fence, either way is fine with me...

[Gepetto 1,505]

J. Russell #1 to the Raiders is their best choice in my opinion.

[BMoney 0]

No. He did have one punt return for minus 7 yards in college.

 

He is the most gifted player in the draft, and I don't see Al passing on him.

 

 

I dont either...

 

I was just wondering if he had done any returning in college..

[newcomble 0]

If the Raiders stay at 1 and pass on Johnson I will be pissed. Say what you will about Russell, but Johnson is the best player in this draft and I would bet that nearly 80% of NFL teams agree with me. I would like to see Johnson as a Raider even though there is an obvious need for a qb. The offense WILL be better this year without adding another player and while I like Porter and Curry, they are not CJ and Moss is as good as done in Oakland. Bottom line, unless they trade down, they really should draft Johnson as they are still at least another full season away from competing anyway and Johnson will be a great addition for any team.

[RLLD 4,283]

On the one hand CJ will improve the Raiders. But he needs a decent QB, which could be Walter if he can get his act together.

 

 

On the other hand, CJ on the Raiders is a FF joke. But he is a joke on pretty much any team that has access to him. Unless one of those teams has a QB steps up, gets one via FA, or trades for one, this guy becomes the next "what could have been" WR's....

[t.j 35]

On the other hand, CJ on the Raiders is a FF joke. But he is a joke on pretty much any team that has access to him. Unless one of those teams has a QB steps up, gets one via FA, or trades for one, this guy becomes the next "what could have been" WR's....

 

I could see him putting up good numbers if he went to Tampa. They should have much better QB play this year (Simms/Garcia as opposed to mostly Gradkowski), and their line should have a much better year (they suffered a lot of injuries last year). Michael Clayton had a heck of a rookie season in '04 and Joey Galloway put up good numbers in '05 and '06, so it's not entirely a fantasy WR wasteland.