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As the Oakland Raiders completed their draft, Tom Cable addressed the local media. He gave a few clues on the direction that the Raiders will take for the remainder of the offseason.
On the offensive line:
Well, as I mentioned, we kind of went into it talking about the offensive line, you know, for a purpose, really because we had signed Khalif Barnes, Erik Pears, at tackle, and then obviously the trade, which was huge, if you look at the value of that sixth pick, today, that’s a tremendous gift for us. That’s a great trade. Getting Samson traded, getting us the depth there, we’re in good shape. The depth at guard, Cooper, Robert, Paul McQuistan would be the third guy in there, and then you’ve got some other guys that we’ve put in there. I’m trying to think of the names right now. Mark Wilson would be a guy who is cleared now and has come back from the ankle fracture.
This is not much of a surprise, the Raiders focused on addressing their need at offensive tackle in free agency. The Raiders must have confidence in their tackle corps to have passed on Eugene Monroe in the first round.
McQuistan has become a bit of a forgotten man in the Raider Nation after missing nearly the entire 2008 season due to an injury. Wilson was thought to be impressing people during training camp last season, but he was derailed by an injury.
On defensive tackle:
Cable hedged on whether or not the Raiders need to add another defensive tackle. However, he did say "We have some good defensive tackles. They gotta play like it."
Well, if they are not playing great on a consistent basis, that would seem to go against the very definition of a great player. There is no doubt that they have the potential to be great, but it is not seen on a regular basis. There needs to be competition brought in to push these players to be the great players that Cable envisions them as.
On Wide Receiver:
With the selection of Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy, Cable confirmed that the Raiders will not be pursuing other free agents at wide receiver. This gives them an extremely young wide receiver corps, with Javon Walker the only long term vet. Behind him, Johnnie Lee Higgins will be in his third year next year.
On the run defense:
We did. First of all, kind of a two-part question there. The run game is kind of addressed a couple of ways. I think that we’ve gotta coach better and clean up some things in terms of what we’re doing, system-wise. I think we’ve addressed that by the coaching staff we9 9ve hired. And then we’ve got to get better at the linebacker spot. And when I say better, I mean more depth there. That’s really a key for us. You look what happens who we lose a guy, and then we kind of have to piecemeal it together. So this gives us a chance to not have that issue. Mitchell definitely upgrades us if any of you have taken the time to look at him now and see what he is physically. We feel a lot better about it. So we’ve got some good tackles on this football team. They’ve gotta play like it.
This speaks for itself.
Comments
Here we go again a complete bust on draft day Al is killing this team it sucks being a raider fan on draft day because you no he is going to blow it every team in the Afc west is laughing they should send al a thank you note
I have been an Oakland Raider fan for 40 years. I live in Illinois, go figure, and Bears GM Angelo said on the evening new that he tried to move up in the second round to take Brian Robiskie.that would make semse since he trade the farm for Cutler. Just thought you would want to know.
Hey all you whiners! You don't have to be a FAN of the Raiders. When you don't like what they do, find another damn team to cry about. Real Raider fans don't want you crybaby's around.
I happen to agree on the last question. Our front seven isn't the best, but it certainly under-performs. Sands, Kelly, Warren aren't pushovers. Morrison is, but there are worse MLB in teams with better run defenses. Most of our problems came from Rob Ryan. Playing Burgess at LE screwed up our front, even if he overachieves. They played undisciplined, tackled poorly, overpersued and didn't seal. I don't know if our new DC improves that, though.
I also have been a Raider fan since 1963, will always be a Raider fan just no longer an Al Davis fan. Al Davis does not get it, dominant linemen are crucial to winning at a high level, especially with the antiquated offense and defense the Raiders use. If you cannot run the ball consistently against the better defenses then you up grade your talent, the Raiders could have had Monroe. If you are 31st against the run, you upgrade your talent on the "D" line, the Raiders could have had any number of "D" linemen that would have been a better pick than DHB. Al Davis is an ego maniac that runs the Raiders the way that Adolf Hitler ran the 3rd Reich. He never listened to his generals even when the enemy was beating his door down. Sad, very sad for all us fans.
Hey thanks Patrick for the constant updates. What do you think of adding Nate Webster at MLB and former BEar Mike Brown at Safety to bring a veteran prescence to the Secondary and provide dpeth and leadership. I know Brown is injury prone but I also know he makes BIG plays on defence as well. I dont think we should wait for cuts from other teams to acquire this depth when there is quality and experience out there now. Also Derrick Brooks can be had and I'm SURE he can play middle for the Raids if Webster is not up to the task.
Feedback anyone?
Go RAIIIIIIIIIIDERS!
Once a raider always a raider, but Al Davis has gotta go. Crabtree was definately the receiver to take. if u look at things correctly we have speed at receiver. Jonnie Lee Higgins, Chaz Shilenz but no hands. Fastest man in the draft in Heyward Bey, who cares? This aint the seventies corners r running 4.2 40 times now. so a receiver running a 4.3 aint the solution to an offense that aint doing great in the passing game. Al Davis I dont understand ur pick, sell the raiders so we could get on the just win baby, theme again. Crabtree shouldve been a raider. We shouldve gave our 1st round pick for Anquan Boldin, or Braylon Edwards. Im not a whining raider fan, im just a true raider fan who wants his team to start winning again. Inconsistent hands has killed us the past few years Crabtree is gonna be something special. It is what it is still a raider fan but hate the way Al Davis does business.
Lets pick this guy up
"Seattle Seahawks surprisingly set linebacker Leroy Hill free"
RENTON, Wash. - "The Seattle Seahawks rescinded their franchise tag on Leroy Hill and made him a free agent, one day after saying how happy they were that Hill was part of a dynamic linebacking corps that now includes fourth overall draft choice Aaron Curry."
Stop Whining! If your a Raider Fan support this pick. Bey makes alot of sense. We said we wouldnt draft a OT in the First Round. Didnt need a Defensive tackle when we had 5. its been 20 years since the Raiders have selected a wide receiver in the 1st round on this anniversary year. you guys are all complaining over nothing. Didn't Matt Ryan & Calvin Johnson come from pro-style offense's out of the ACC? yes, Bey comes from the same thing. He came from a Run first offense and was often doubled like randy moss was here in 06. as a matter of fact the terp's did look like the raiders of 06 with bey being there best option and really did misuse him like we did moss. not having a Quarterback or a solid line down there bey still went up against Top Corners of the ACC who all got drafted except for the class thats comming out next year and they are all high picks.
I cant name 3 top corners Crabtree went up against.
Just pray he pans out bey is that special..
As for Crabtree that immature guy better really stop thinking about catching and start thinking about run blocking because thats what he will be doing in san fran so F- him. the only other real wide out in this draft was maclin and we have that in higgins who led us in receiving.
Back to the basics
support the Picks
GO Raiders
X
My mistake Heyward Bey ran a 4.27 40 yard dash, Thats around the same time Randy Moss ran when we traded him to New Enland. but Moss has great hands. w We could use a linebacker i agree. we need to figure out something with our running backs. lots of talent there
Everyone stop hating Al Davis! He has not lost anything he is still the man he was, just times are hard. In 2001 who was arguing about Al? Exactly! he was old then too.... stop pointing the blame and support your team. Al made this draft (why do you think cable is coach? push over) and Al will continue to make choices for this team so don't blame Al. Blame the old coaches that came to Oakland and tried to change Al's team for "their own team". Like Cable said "THE RAIDERS" - AL DAVIS'S Raiders - "ARE BACK"
I don't think anyone is whining here. I like Bey. I think everybody likes Bey but he could have been had later in the draft, much later. OK so they reached with their first pick but then to reach for someone that would not be drafted till 6th round maybe in Mike Mitchell is just insane. They did the same thing with Slade Norris. I will stand by the Raiders till I die but the frustration is by them not going with talent and going with measurables. Thats not the way to build a championship team anymore.
Raids sign
Desmond Bryant DT/DE
School: Harvard
Height 6' 5 1/2 "
Weight 288 lbs.
Speed 4.92 ( Pro Day )
Graduation Year 2009
Birth Date 11/30/1999
Jersey # 90
Current Position DT
Projected Position DE
CDS Projected 2009 NFL Draft Round 6
Overview
Bryant appeared to be on the threshold of a breakout season in 2007 after a fantastic spring, but he took a leave of absence from the school and missed the entire 2007 season. His absence has been clouded in mystery and I haven't gotten anyone close to the situation to spill any beans. Let's hope it wasn't anything serious and that he's back to wreak havoc on the Ivy QBs in 2008.
Desmond also performed well at the Harvard Pro Day flashing 11.5" hands and 35.5" arms. He also posted 4.92 and 4.93 heats in the 40-yard dash with a 31" vertical, a 9'10" broad jump, a 4.45 short shuttle, and 7.44 three-cone drill. He repped 225 pounds 35 times on the bench.
Strengths
Physical freak, especially for the Ivy League. Massive, and can be looked at as a coveted 3-4 DE. Very long arms with good ups. Wreaks havoc by batting the ball down at the line of scrimmage. Very strong, and can really bull rush anybody at this level. Also has some moves. Obviously very intelligent. May not need football.
Weaknesses
Has never been tested against elite competition despite the undeniable physical gifts. Should have had better production that he did against such a low level of competition. Does he have motivational issues?
Projection
5-6th round project with immense upside.
Hey FROT,
We signed a 10 year old that already graduated from Harvard? Damn the kid must be smart and he's huge for his age!
Just kidding obviously a typo, but where did you hear the Raiders signed him?
i love the heyward bey pick during a recent interview they ask crabtree if he was excited about playing in oakland he said no comment. well instead of having jamarcus or jeff garcia throwing to you u have shaun hill and alex smith did u see crabtree face after we picked heyward bay priceless
As a Raider fanatic I would like to welcome Heyward-Bey to the Hayward-Bay Area! We don't know what these kids are going to do until they hit the field.Crabtree would've held out for the world...His ppl didn't want him here, he didn't want to be here. I'd rather have guys that want to really be here to win not just for a pay check!
Jon
lol ..just wait til he develops!
I just cut and pasted that from a website.
Raidercast.com has great Raider info all in one spot. I been looking into this MLB Frantz Joseph we signed also, 2nd leading tackler in NCAA but not great pro-day numbers. He was great for Fla. Atlantic, Check him out I think you'll be pleasantly surprised...
From the SF Gate
The Raiders also signed Florida Atlantic middle linebacker Frantz Joseph, according to the Sun-Sentinel on Sunday night.
The kid seems to have a terrific story who went from a difficult upbringing to the nation's second-leading tackler last season with 154 tackles.
They also signed Brigham Young outside linebacker David Nixon, according to the school's website.
Joseph set school single-season and career records in tackles but he was not invited to the NFL combine, then did not get drafted. His profile is right here.
Raiders coach Tom Cable said the Raiders will get better at linebacker just by adding depth, something they lacked last year. As it stands, starting middle linebacker Kirk Morrison virtually never comes off the field.
They have other middle linebackers, including Isaiah Ekejiuba, but they are strictly special teams players.
Nixon is 6-3, 223 pounds with a team-high 11.5 tackles for a loss last season.
As previously noted, they also signed Harvard defensive tackle Desmond Bryant. Look for another 5-6 names to surface in the next day or two.
Hey, Howie, "Al Davis dosen't get it"? Uhhh, remember a couple of guys named Upshaw and Shell? Or Otto? Don't be foolish. I'm offended that you even mention Hitler. If you don't like 'Da Raydaz, then root for the "niners" (which you prpbably did when thy were winning), just don't try to get on the bandwagon when we make our playoff(yes, playoff) run.
JUST WIN, BABY!
This is exactly why the Raiders have picked in the top 10 every year since the SB run. They had a chance to land a PB type OT in Monroe and still get a stud run stuffer in Brace in the 2nd round. Instead they draft the 3rd or 4th best WR in the draft and a head scratcher in the 2nd. And please don't try to defend these picks. Its a joke. The Raiders are a joke and deserve to be ripped by the media.
Devastated! Not saying the kid is bad. But we reached on both and could have gotten valuable picks to move down to get theses guys if AL really wanted them. We were clearly tricked by Bill for Ron Brace. Don't be surprised if they are trying to switch to a 4-3 or dealing Wilfork to go young. That was the only explanation i could come up with for why Mitchell was taken in round two (out of AL's confusion). We went in there without a plan considering Maclin was taken 19th. We should have gotten 2 second round picks for taking DHB like Cleveland did taking Mack in the first round. It's all about the VALUE of the pick. And DHB was clearly not even close to the top15. The nfl should step in and do something about this. The guy has lost his mind. What is he 80 and he's doing the picking. It feels like we are being ran by him and his buddies from the retirement home who come to the combine in a wheelchair and a stopwatch. Even if DHB is the best player in the draft you could have gotten him at 15 and extra players for a team with more holes than picks. That is why the world is shocked at this pick.
Dont worry guys, most of these guys are like J.Hererah. "Yes sir MR DAVIS".. BS I SAY!!!
This is why I say if your a true RAIDER fan you should not purchase apparel or hold out from going to games and paying $20 for parking and $8 a beer, not to mention the price of gas and tickets.
That is the only way to show Al that we want more for OUR RAIDERS. Go ahead and say that Im ot a true RAAAIDDDA fan. But thats the thing, Im a Raider fan not an A Davis fan. I dont follow the team because I want Al Davis to get richer, I follow the team to watch them carry on tradition and COMPETE in the NFL and fight for a chance to win the championship.
We could have the 3 best receivers in the NFL on our team and things wouldnt change. If you cant give the play time to develop and the quarterback time to analyze the field you aint gonna get the ball to anyone but the RB or TE...ieee...(last 6 seasons)
We should of took
LT-Monroe
DT-Brace
WR-M.Wallace
DE-Sidbury
S-M.Mitchell
LB-Follett
YOUR RIGHT.IM NOT A REAL FAN, IM A REALIST!!!!!
The AFC WEST is not a big threat anymore no power house teams,so the picks we got will not have to produce quickly. For all u Raider hatters and doubters go root and blog on another teams site, REMEMBER CHUCKY SAID MR.DAVIS GOT 3 SUPER BOWL RINGS DOING IT THIS WAY..u hatters go join the arizona or pats banwagon..
Every body needs to stop whining. Raiders do things their way, throughout the decades it works, recently it hasn't. Bottom line, call it Al Davis way if you want, but Raiders do things the RAIDERS WAY, if you dont like it jump across the bay to niners and their supposed "JACKPOT" Crabtree. We got who we got, now lets support the RAAAIIIDDERRSSS. (AND MIKEY, GET A GRIP, NO REAL RAIDER FAN IS GONNA LISTEN TO UR "DONT SUPPORT THE RAIDERS ANYMORE CUZ IM NOT" ATTITUDE)
If you would read the post it says show AL DAVIS that we no longer support the decisions being made not the TEAM in general. So keep on eating what Als serving. And maybe sooner or later you will take your blindfold off and realize that the draft is where teams are made and rosters are deepened. And personally I feel that we didnt do the BEST for the TEAM with the picks being made where they were. So like it or not their are alot of fans that feels the same way I do, so keep drinking from Als fountain and looking out of his clouded windows.
PICKS WERE SOLID PLAYERS, GOOD WEAPONS AND NO 1 TO TAKE UP MORE OF OUR SALARY CAP. OTHER PICS WOULD WANT WAY MORE MONEY SO GOOD JOB CABLE. ALL YOU PEOPLE CRITICIZING WILL SEE COME SEPTEMBER. GO RAIDERS
I'm going to set some of you guys straight:
@ Mikey: AL DAVIS IS THE RAIDERS!!!! and please go boycott a home game for I can punch your face in.
@ Nick and others: Who are you to say that DHB would have lasted to #15 spot or deeper, the Raiders got what they wanted PERIOD!
Overall: I was mad to when the Raiders drafted DHR over Monroe, but after soaking everything in I realized that this players selected have great character and that's what we need. Huge potential and great characters.
I was not surprised by the 1st round pick because we all know AD n the Raidernation has a "NEED FOR SPEED"! Now the safety we got MM in the 2nd round was a shock to me bigtime! Even if this kid is a great hidden talent we could have picked him up with our 2nd 4th round pick. I WILL ALWAYS SUPPORT MY RAIDERS!! I WILL PURCHASE EVERYTHING RAIDERS. HECK WE GOT TWO GAMES IN TEXAS THIS YEAR AND I WILL BE AT BOTH! TEXANS GAME IN HOUSTON (OCT) THEN COWBOY GAME IN DALLAS (THANKSGIVING)!
AT THE END OF THE DAY AL D WILL EITHER LOOK LIKE A GENIUS OR LIKE HE HAS ALZ HIEMERS... LOL
I BLEED SILVER N BLACK N THE CABLE GUY SAID A LOT OF THE BLAME FOR THE PAST FEW SEASONS HAD TO DO WITH COACHING AND THE LACK THERE OF! HE FEELS HE HAS ADDRESSED THOSE NEEDS, SO I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEARS SEASON AND THE GOOD NEWS IS THE NFL STILL WILL NOT TAKE US SERIOUS AND WE GOT A CHANCE TO DO A 2008 MIAMI SEASON! I REALLY LIKE OUR CHANCES, WE ENDED LAST SEASON STRONG, WE KEPT OUR CORE GROUP WE GOT "CABLE" NOT DIRECT TV!
GO RAIDERS I LUV MY SILVER AND BLACK!
H TOWN RAIDER FAN!
Raider nation...It is long past Al's retirement date. He is the reason we are taking a beating every year. We have been a bad team since the 90's, except for when Gruden came in, and spoke up to Al. Now Gruden is gone and we've had "Yes" men take his spot. The idea of taking size/speed athletes and coaching them up doesn't work when you don't have the best coaches. The best coaches won't come to Oakland now. The Raiders had a good off season re-signing Nhamdi and Lechler, but Al blew it with HIS draft picks. Taking Michael Huff instead of Haloti Ngata set the Raiders back a couple of years, Taking DHB instead of Crabtree will keep them down for ten.
It's time for AL to drift off into the sunset, and take his brother with him. They had a good run, but it's over. Take the keys from grandpa while the car is still in the driveway...
Hey, Lamer for life 87.. I will be going to a game and I will let you attempt to punch me in my face.. LMAO.. IDIOT. If you want to set up a time to meet at the game you let me know and we can do it!!!! Just make sure you bring your corner guy and a cut man too, you'll need it!!! You should probably go back and watch more UFC before we meet.(Makes you feel good about your chances)
If your fighting is anything like your logic your in Big trouble keyboard tuff guy!!!!
Oh Yea I forgot, Weve been doing so good the last 6 years doin it Al's way..LOL..IDIOT!!!!!!
Keep livin in the past, and give me your email so we can set up this "punching me in the face" thing you talked about.
Look, all you fools are trippin. All them so called espn, nfl network experts said the damn same thing last few years, with " how could the RAIDERS pass on Leinert and V Young". Where are those fools at? On the Bench, thats where. And you same fools were whining the next day about what was being written and being said by those same networks. You are all a bunch of clowns. Quit agreeing with those idiots and be your own man have your own opinion. And all you forty winers talking crap, where is Alex Smith? I dont know. "The Bench". Another thing, they also said the same thing with Calvin Johnson about how he was the best player coming out of the draft just like they said about Crabtree this year. And CJ is ok but he has not done all that crap they said he would do in the NFL. No one knows what Crabtree will do just like no one knows what DHB will do. Only time will tell. I know DHB will contibute and the AFC west is ther for the taking and we will take it. Raiders 4 life. And all you fools will be eating all your words this year.
Mikey. Your no fan you're an idiot!!
I have never once lost the passion of the game of football! Lose or Win I will always be a Raiders Fan! Al has made the best move in six years by taking away Tom's Interim Tag away. Tom Cable believes in the players we have and when the day is done its all about being 1-0. Thats what its all about! When asked what excites you the most Cable said "Winning"! Im excited to see our new improved offensive line and the offense produce points. I also cannot wait to see who will win the Sam Linebacker spot, the one I played in HS.
REMEBER RAIDERS FANS, WE ARE ON A WINNING STREAK, THE RAIDER NEED US, THE FANS, MORE NOW THAN EVER TO BRING HOME THE TROPHY! NEVER QUIT, THATS MY MOTTO! GO RAIDERS!
ITS CABLE TIME BABY!
To all you negative Raider fans, there is a difference between ignorant and stupid. Ignorant means that you just don't have enough knowledge about the subject and stupid is you will never have enough knowledge about any subject. I live in the town that Tom Flores was born and raised. If you negative fans were to come here you would really get your feelings hurt. Everybody here wears the silver and black with pride and never loose the faith of the Raider Nation. So let it be written and let it be done.
NORTHERN D ur a retard we havent been a bad team since the 90s we went to the super bowl in 2000 nine years ago when we had tim brown rich gannon and jerry rice
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