Good Raiders Draft Take from WalterFootball.com

[yayarea_raider]

2009 NFL Pre-Draft Analysis - Oakland Raiders

By Matt McGuire

Matt will be reviewing each team's 2009 Pre-Draft Analysis by talking about the draft range of targeted players.

Send Matt an e-mail here: mmcguire5@gmail.com
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: wpc112@gmail.com


Oakland Raiders (Last Year: 5-11)

Ever since the Super Bowl loss to Jon Gruden’s Bucs in 2003, this team has not been the same. Oakland hasn't won six games or more since then, and things do not seem to be on the upswing with so many needs in place. However, the AFC West seems to be up in the air a little bit outside of San Diego. Denver is going through some drama. Kansas City has to transition to the 3-4. Could the Raiders be a surprise team in 2009? It all starts with the NFL Draft for these non-playoff teams if they want to upgrade their depth charts. Let’s get right to their draft range at seven overall:

Offensive Tackle: I think this coaching staff is sold on Mario Henderson on the left side, however, Cornell Green could be upgraded at right tackle. I am not completely sure if Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe will be on the board here. Neither Michael Oher nor Andre Smith ran solid 40s in their workouts, so I do not think it is very probable the Raiders go with them. They are still in the No. 7 pick range, but I feel like there will be more attractive options.

Michael Crabtree/Jeremy Maclin: I have said since early January if Al Davis has the chance to draft Michael Crabtree, he will pass. He simply loves 40s. I have been criticized by Raider fan bases before for this assessment, but then Michael Lombardi stated exactly what my research showed. He is a former executive with Oakland, and he is adamant that Davis loves 40 times. Maclin is a possibility at this pick, but I think Al Davis has something different in mind for his draft strategy. Read on…

B.J. Raji: Nose tackle is a need, but I just do not see the Raiders going here with other great athletes on the board. I have been wrong before, though.

Brian Orakpo/Everette Brown: If the Cleveland Browns pass up on Brian Orakpo at No. 5, that means he will fall to the Raiders. Orakpo is a workout warrior and Al Davis would pull the trigger on him. Derrick Burgess lost a step and this team desperately needs a pass rush. Because I project Orakpo to go to Cleveland, this means Everette Brown is the next pass-rusher Davis will look at. He should improve his 40 at his Pro Day, and Davis will see the athleticism on film. Come to think of it, he also might seriously consider Michael Johnson at this pick. He is a height-weight-speed specimen, and if he is drafted here then I lose $1,000 to his agent (seriously).

Trade up for Darrius Heyward-Bey: This is why I do not think the Raiders will draft Maclin at No. 7. I think they will take Orakpo or Brown, then Davis will make a move up for the best 40 time in the 2009 NFL Draft. JaMarcus Russell needs a deep threat, and DHB is just that at 6-2 with 4.3 speed. This seems like a match made in heaven. Look for Al Davis to do whatever he has to do to move into that 16-24 pick range to draft DHB. I really believe this will happen, and it makes too much sense not to. He will probably not be on the board in the second round, and the Raiders will be intrigued.

After the first round, the Raiders have options if they decide not to move multiple draft picks for Heyward-Bey.

After doing a serious in-depth analysis of the Raiders depth chart, I find absolutely no natural strong safety on the roster. Maybe I am missing something, but after they released Gibril Wilson I can’t find anyone. Patrick Chung, Michael Hamlin, Jairus Byrd and William Moore would be solid second-round picks.

If Al Davis elects not to select an offensive tackle at No. 7, Phil Loadholt, Gerald Cadogan, and Fenuki Tupou would be options to start at right tackle immediately and could be had in Rounds 3 or 4.

Receiving options (outside of trading up for DHB) include selecting Derrick Williams or Mike Wallace in the second round. They bring the elite speed Davis wants to the table. Other great speedsters include Louis Murphy, Johnny Knox, and Tiquan Underwood who could be mid-round picks.

Center is a big need on this offensive line after Jake Grove left for Miami as a free agent. Alex Mack would be a tremendous pickup in the second round. Other talented centers include Jonathan Luigs, Antoine Caldwell, Max Unger and Eric Wood.

If they pass up on Orakpo and Everette Brown at No. 7, then they will look for a defensive end later on. Michael Johnson is exactly what Al Davis wants in a pass-rusher. He is a freak of nature at 6-7, 265 and he runs in the 4.55 range. Davis might even trade up for Johnson into the low portion of the second round. Other mid-round defensive ends include Lawrence Sidbury and Phillip Hunt.

The Raiders are a bit of a wild card early on, but I really do feel like when it is all said and done, they'll grab a pass rusher at No. 7, then make a play up for DHB. We will see how it all plays out, but I think we can all agree this team needs to seriously start winning games to gain some respect.

excellent take, I think it's right on the $ and may very well happen.

[GenRaider]

That site has been too inconsistent throughout the year; the mock was run by a bunch of know-it-all hacks.

[yayarea_raider]

That site has been too inconsistent throughout the year; the mock was run by a bunch of know-it-all hacks.

really? either way, I thought this take was right on the $$$

[Tió Nook Nook]

if maclin or DHB are drafted at 7...ugh. same with michael johnson
people are playing the al is crazy / loves the 40 time thing way too much.

[yayarea_raider]

if maclin or DHB are drafted at 7...ugh

I know that would suck.

[Boom]

if maclin or DHB are drafted at 7...ugh. same with michael johnson
people are playing the al is crazy / loves the 40 time thing way too much.

I agree.. People think just because Al likes the 40 yard dash time, they can read him like a book.

[yayarea_raider]

I agree.. People think just because Al likes the 40 yard dash time, they can read him like a book.

If Al takes DHB...whether it be at 7 or a trade down...some people will be right. Michael Johnson may be too good to pass up on for him in the 2nd too, I don't disagree.

Hopefully Al isn't looking to draft that way this year, but he just about always does.

[Bump]

I wouldn't be upset with DHB/Johnson going 1/2

[or24]

If Al takes DHB...whether it be at 7 or a trade down...some people will be right. Michael Johnson may be too good to pass up on for him in the 2nd too, I don't disagree.

Hopefully Al isn't looking to draft that way this year, but he just about always does.
Please Al say no to Michael Johnson!!!!!

[yayarea_raider]

Please Al say no to Michael Johnson!!!!!

I'm not a big fan of Johnson either-just saying it wouldn't surprise me to see it end up that way

[Miklo]

A lot of these draft people seem to be right...looks like the Raiders just may be targeting DHB with their first-rounder. I would love to have DHB, don't get me wrong, but at #7? Ridiculous. We could trade back with the Jets, pick up some extra picks, and still have an easy shot at him. I'd even rather take Raji or an OT or DE at 7, trade our 2nd and next year's 1st and a player to the Eagles for their 2 first rounders, and hope DHB falls to us at 21. Picking him at 7 just seems like a waste to me, even though he's my 2nd favorite WR in the draft.

[Bump]

I have some suspicions of how this draft will pan out for us now.......

I don't think Cable is high on Crabtree... Cable has used the term "good" to describe Crabtree when asked several times about scenarios of the Raiders drafting him and where he would fit on this team.

Good? for Crabtree??

also, when asked in the same fashion about Andre Smith.... He used the term "Dynamite" saying he is a "Dynamite" player.

And he repeated it...

Now I know Cable is a line guy and he is more familiar with breaking filmn down on lineman, or maybe he has more of a passion for breaking film down on lineman, I dont know.

Or it could be AL is telling Cable, that if Crabs is on the board @ #7 he is to take him no matter what. And saying Crabtree is just a "good" player is Cable telegraphing his unhappiness with that...

who knows.

[Miklo]

Or it's one of the Raider Nation's favorite words: Smokescreen!

[Bump]

Or it's one of the Raider Nation's favorite words: Smokescreen!


I guarantee on RF u have seen the word Smokescreen 1839839 times already.

And HITMAN is in every thread with the patented "It doesn't matter , they have no say in who gets drafted." line.

[Sonny Cheeba]

Honestly I really don't even think Crabtree will be there, especially if the Browns trade Braylon. And I REALLY hope that Cable and Al aren't as high on Andre Smith and Oher as they appear to be. I would seriously rather we reached for Maclin or DHB than reach for one of these two oafs.

[Miklo]

I guarantee on RF u have seen the word Smokescreen 1839839 times already.

And HITMAN is in every thread with the patented "It doesn't matter , they have no say in who gets drafted." line.

Gets a bit old, don't it?

[Bump]

Honestly I really don't even think Crabtree will be there, especially if the Browns trade Braylon. And I REALLY hope that Cable and Al aren't as high on Andre Smith and Oher as they appear to be. I would seriously rather we reached for Maclin or DHB than reach for one of these two oafs.

If Crabtree and Orakpo are both gone.... I am on the DHB bandwagon all the way now. I suppose Raji would be ok too though.



Gets a bit old, don't it?

Indeed, it does.

[Sonny Cheeba]

Updated mock from draftcountdown.com, they still have us taking Maclin. :happens

http://www.draftcountdown.com/sub/Mock-Draft-A.php

[Bump]

Man, no way we are taking Maclin... If anything is a sure thing it is we are not taking Maclin

[GenRaider]

Andre Smith is the only Tackle worth taking in round one... Cable called the kid dynamic. He is a ferocious run-blocker.

[Sonny Cheeba]

^^ I love how these writers try to justify us taking Maclin by saying he has extra value in the return game. Well excuse me, but fuckin value in the return game is NOT a reason to reach for someone in the top 10. That type of shit is said about a 3rd or 4th round draft pick, not the 7th overall pick.

[Bump]

Andre Smith is the only Tackle worth taking in round one... Cable called the kid dynamic. He is a ferocious run-blocker.

Cable also thought Kwame Harris could be coached up. So let's not put too much stock in Cables player evaluations.

[Skern]

^^ I love how these writers try to justify us taking Maclin by saying he has extra value in the return game. Well excuse me, but fuckin value in the return game is NOT a reason to reach for someone in the top 10. That type of shit is said about a 3rd or 4th round draft pick, not the 7th overall pick.

Plus we dont need help in the return game we are perfectly fine in that area...probably the only area we dont have to worry about.

[Boom]

Plus we dont need help in the return game we are perfectly fine in that area...probably the only area we dont have to worry about.

Very true.. Don't fix something that isn't broke.

[Boom]

Andre Smith is the only Tackle worth taking in round one... Cable called the kid dynamic. He is a ferocious run-blocker.

Is that what coach Cable said? We don't need run blockers to be the priority on the left side, we need pass protectors on the left side..

[GenRaider]

Is that what coach Cable said? We don't need run blockers to be the priority on the left side, we need pass protectors on the left side..

Smith is a RT in the pros, not a LT.

[GenRaider]

Cable also thought Kwame Harris could be coached up. So let's not put too much stock in Cables player evaluations.

Coaching somebody up and having talent are two different things. Furthermore, his evaluation (as well as scouts) on Andre Smith is on the money. The only reason this guy is not slated to go top three has to do with what happen at the combine. On tape the kid is dominant. Once he gets his hands on you, good night... the party is over.

[Bump]

Smith is a RT in the pros, not a LT.

You don't draft a guy that is projexted to be a LT top 5, Gen. This is the same doubts that had Jake Long dropping in last years draft... But Parcells knew all along Long was a blindside protector and drafted as such.

Huge, huge diff between a LT and a RT.

Coaching somebody up and having talent are two different things. Furthermore, his evaluation (as well as scouts) on Andre Smith is on the money. The only reason this guy is not slated to go top three has to do with what happen at the combine. On tape the kid is dominant. Once he gets his hands on you, good night... the party is over.

With that being said.....

Do you really want a guy who couldn't motivate himself to make an extra 15-20 million dollars on your team....??

[GenRaider]

You don't draft a guy that is projexted to be a LT top 5, Gen. This is the same doubts that had Jake Long dropping in last years draft... But Parcells knew all along Long was a blindside protector and drafted as such.

Huge, huge diff between a LT and a RT.



With that being said.....

Do you really want a guy who couldn't motivate himself to make an extra 15-20 million dollars on your team....??

He is the best OT in the draft; most of the other guys in the first are finense types.

Motivate himself? He dropped around 18 pounds before the combine started. Furthermore, the combine happens to be the most overrated event in all of football. I don't see a problem with him motivated himself. He is the only OT worth giving 15-20 mil to...

[Boom]

He is the best OT in the draft; most of the other guys in the first are finense types.

Motivate himself? He dropped around 18 pounds before the combine started. Furthermore, the combine happens to be the most overrated event in all of football. I don't see a problem with him motivated himself. He is the only OT worth giving 15-20 mil to...

Sorry Gen, but Monroe over Andre Smith anyday.. I wouldn't ever draft a RT in the first round.. Let alone in the top ten..

[GenRaider]

Sorry Gen, but Monroe over Andre Smith anyday.. I wouldn't ever draft a RT in the first round.. Let alone in the top ten..

Monroe over Smith? Monroe has already peaked. Monroe is not even a physical run-blocker which you need in what we like to do offensively. You cannot compare a light weight like Smith to a mauler that we would have in Smith. Smith is by far a much, much better prospect that a guy like Eugene Monroe.

[Boom]

Monroe over Smith? Monroe has already peaked. Monroe is not even a physical run-blocker which you need in what we like to do offensively. You cannot compare a light weight like Smith to a mauler that we would have in Smith. Smith is by far a much, much better prospect that a guy like Eugene Monroe.

I know Andre Smith is stronger and bigger and run blocks better than Monroe, but I'm dying for somebody to block Russell's blind side.. The LT will be going up against the better pass rushers in the league.. Now in days the defensive ends aren't big guys anymore, they are usually about 20-30 pounds under 300lbs and are very fast, especially on the initial burst.. I played lineman and it was more easier man handling guys on the line of scrimmage than pass protecting.. Pass protection is the hot commodity in the offensive tackle lately..

So would you really draft Andre Smith to play RT with the number seven pick?

[GenRaider]

I know Andre Smith is stronger and bigger and run blocks better than Monroe, but I'm dying for somebody to block Russell's blind side.. The LT will be going up against the better pass rushers in the league.. Now in days the defensive ends aren't big guys anymore, they are usually about 20-30 pounds under 300lbs and are very fast, especially on the initial burst.. I played lineman and it was more easier man handling guys on the line of scrimmage than pass protecting.. Pass protection is the hot commodity in the offensive tackle lately..

So would you really draft Andre Smith to play RT with the number seven pick?

Without a doubt. As bad as LT was for us most of the year, RT spot was actually worse. And remember: Khalif Barnes signed a one year deal for us. Smith is a stud. I would take SMITH if the other guys who I like are not on the board.

You give your OL a physical guy who will not get pushed around. While the run game had its moments, we struggle aganist physical run defenses this past season. Smith can flat out play; his issues is pass protection at times.

[Bump]

I think Smith & Monroe are actually more of the same... Undersized, finesse guys... You need a fineese guy to guard your QB's blind side. If they have some punch, thats a bonus.

But shit.... with Russell, we need a RT that can PASS block too.. Because how many times did you Russell look down the pipe in the face of a rush last year?

This kid wants to hold on to the ball until something develops. I understand this is something that he will need to work out. Sure. But for the meantime... I can't justify burning a pick that high on Smith.

Another thing you have to remember.. Smith only benched 19 reps. For a run blocking tackle that is supposedly that strong. That is pretty pathetic. I am between 200-204 lbs and I can do 19 reps..

I'd prefer a measurable guy like DHB, honestly.

[yayarea_raider]

Monroe over Smith? Monroe has already peaked. Monroe is not even a physical run-blocker which you need in what we like to do offensively. You cannot compare a light weight like Smith to a mauler that we would have in Smith. Smith is by far a much, much better prospect that a guy like Eugene Monroe.

I'm for a trade down, which would include drafting OT William Betty. He can play in the ZBS and would start almost immediately at RT. BTW, Eagles are reportedly interested in Andre Smith.

Crossing my fingers that the Raiders trade down for more picks...unlikely though. My guess is they take Crabtree if he's there.

[yayarea_raider]

Is that what coach Cable said? We don't need run blockers to be the priority on the left side, we need pass protectors on the left side..

As far as I'm concerned, Henderson was the best pass blocker on the team last year, and was solid in the run game. I don't think Branes is going to beat him out there.

I think we're set at LT with Henderson. I'm just still not so sold on Carlisle, thought they could of gone a different way there...but they should draft an OT to play RT at some point, which makes me think they trade down.

[Bump]

I'm for a trade down, which would include drafting OT William Betty. He can play in the ZBS and would start almost immediately at RT. BTW, Eagles are reportedly interested in Andre Smith.

Crossing my fingers that the Raiders trade down for more picks...unlikely though. My guess is they take Crabtree if he's there.


Crabtree is gone. Giants are pulling the trigger on the Edwards trade. Cleveland gonna take Crab hands down.

[yayarea_raider]

Crabtree is gone. Giants are pulling the trigger on the Edwards trade. Cleveland gonna take Crab hands down.

that is what I have predicted myself: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/153066-top-receiver-in-nfl-draft-to-go-within-first-five-picks, but predictions are like toilet paper unless they come to fruition.

BTW, CLE taking Crabs could be the best thing for the Raiders. More possible for a trade down.

[raidersforlife]

Good takes, from Walter Fucking Football? Has this site changed overnight or something?

How the hell can anyone say this site has good takes when the dumbasses running it are writing shit like this:

http://walterfootball.com/draft2009.php



We're currently running a Reader 2009 NFL Mock Draft, where you, the readers, get to vote on the draft picks. For Oakland's selection, Michael Crabtree was available, and he predictably ran away with the voting. I was pleased, however, to see that Michael Johnson finished in second place.

Johnson is the prototypical Al Davis draft choice. He ran an unofficial 4.49 at his Pro Day. A giddy Davis probably had him at 3.39; he's just that obsessed with athleticism.

Darrius Heyward-Bey ran a great 40 at the Combine, but he won't be the pick if you go off of Al Davis' draft history. I reviewed all the selections he has made in the past 30 years (link below). He hasn't gone wide receiver in the first round since 1988, and believe me, Heyward-Bey is no Tim Brown.

What about B.J. Raji? Not athletic enough. Davis has taken a defensive tackle in the first round only twice, most recently Darrell Russell in 1997, and he ran a 4.8 at 320 pounds. Raji wasn't anywhere near a 4.8.

So, why Johnson? Davis has chosen defensive ends four times in the opening round, the most recent being Tyler Brayton, who had the third-fastest 40 time among the players at his position in 2003. Terrell Suggs and Jerome McDougle were quicker, but were both off the board by the time Oakland picked at No. 31. Going even further, Davis has taken just four defensive tackles in the top three rounds in the past 30 years! That's nothing compared to the 13 defensive ends he selected in the top three rounds in that span.

With Michael Crabtree off the board and right tackle addressed (Khalif Barnes), I have to believe that Davis will select his next "great player."


The tool writing up those mock drafts has been putting out stupid ass picks (along with his dumb Al jokes) for us like this forever now.

[yayarea_raider]

Good takes, from Walter Fucking Football? Has this site changed overnight or something?

How the hell can anyone say this site has good takes when the dumbasses running it are writing shit like this:

http://walterfootball.com/draft2009.php




The tool writing up those mock drafts has been putting out stupid ass picks (along with his dumb Al jokes) for us like this forever now.

well I still stand by what I wrote at first. Whoever wrote the piece I posted I think could be right on the money. but yeah, I'll probably never visit that site again

[raidersforlife]

well I still stand by what I wrote at first. Whoever wrote the piece I posted I think could be right on the money. but yeah, I'll probably never visit that site again

Hmm, that was a pretty good take, nothing like his mock drafts though (his latest one has us taking Heyward-Bey at 7 contrary to what he said in the tale you posted):

http://walterfootball.com/draft2009matt.php


Oakland Raiders: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
If you are going to take someone's advice when it comes to whom the Oakland Raiders will select in the draft, look no further than former Raiders executive Michael Lombardi. He worked with Al Davis, has connections with people within that organization, and happens to be an analyst for the NFL Network. He previously said the Raiders would only go offensive line or defensive line here. However, he has said with the recent signing of Khalif Barnes this team is more likely to go wide receiver.

I would like for you to close your eyes for a moment: Do you think Al Davis will draft a 6-0 receiver with 4.45 speed (Jeremy Maclin) or a 6-2 receiver with 4.30 speed (Darrius Heyward-Bey)? Do not be shocked if DHB is the pick here at all, because it is seriously possible. Remember, Davis is the guy who has drafted a kicker and a punter in the first round. Granted, Ray Guy is the best punter in NFL history by a mile, but it still shows that Davis isn't scared to go against the grain.


Check out who he has in round 2 (someone I've never even heard of)


Round 2:

Oakland Raiders: Chris Baker, DT, Hampton
Chris Baker ran a 5.03 40 time at the Combine and therefore will draw serious consideration from Al Davis at this pick.



Some real tools running that site there.

[Bump]

Hmm, that was a pretty good take, nothing like his mock drafts though (his latest one has us taking Heyward-Bey at 7 contrary to what he said in the tale you posted):

http://walterfootball.com/draft2009matt.php



Check out who he has in round 2 (someone I've never even heard of)


Round 2:



Some real tools running that site there.

Chris Baker was a very good DT... He was a big time recruit coming out of high school and played @ Penn State, and stood out at that. He ran into some off the field issues and had to grind his way up from the small college ranks..

Nothing tool about that projection... Chris Baker is a pretty damn fine prospect and is definitely on teams radars.