Patrick A. Patterson bleeds Silver and Black. He studied creative writing at Chabot College and CSU Hayward and writes about the Raiders at the Web site, 'Thoughts from the Dark Side' at http://tfdssports.com.

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Early scouting for the Oakland Raiders 2009 draft: Myron Pryor Defensive Tackle-Kentucky

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September 2, 2:30 AM

by Patrick Patterson, Oakland Raiders Examiner

The Oakland Raiders have had a chronic problem at defensive tackle for the last several seasons. They were roundly criticized for passing on Glenn Dorsey who was considered the top defensive tackle in the nation and selecting Darren McFadden. In fact, the Raiders have not invested a high pick in a defensive tackle since they took Leon Bender in 1998 who tragically died before he could play a snap. With Terdell Sands's contract likely becoming cost prohibitive next season and the Raiders ongoing problems at this position, they should consider making a move on a defensive tackle in the 2009 draft. In his recent game against the University of Louisville, University of Kentucky senior Myron Pryor stood out as a player who would look good in Silver and Black come training camp of 2009.

It seemed like Pryor played the entire game on Lousville's side of the line of scrimmage, and he was consistently in the face of Louisville's quarterback Hunter Cantwell, blowing up screen passes or stopping the run. Prior seemed to be around the ball on every play. He forced one fumble that was returned for a touchdown, and later in the game he rumbled 72 yards with a fumble return for a touchdown of his own. He had five tackles and was credited with three quarterback hurries on top of the forced fumble and fumble return.

For 2006 and 2007 he started 21 out of 24 games for the Wildcats registering 69 tackles with seven for a loss. He added two sacks during those years. Those numbers don't scream out greatness in and of themselves, but watching the kid play he had very good instincts and was always around the play. He was able to fight off blocks and showed the smarts to know whether to break up the screen pass or to go for the quarterback, and the quickness to make it happen. Scout.com reports that he had a nagging injury in 2007, but is fully healthy for 2008. He looks to be a disruptor from the interior of the defensive line.

Considering that Kentucky is not known as a football powerhouse school despite their improvement under Rich Brooks, he may be an under the radar guy. He will be a player that I will be keeping an eye on as the season continues to see if he continues to impress. He may end up being a late round steal.

Myron Pryor-Defensive Tackle

Class: Senior

Height: 6'1" Weight 310

Highlights:

For more info: Check out Thoughts from the Dark Side for all your Raider News.

Topics: Oakland Raiders , NCAA Prospects , NFL Draft

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Oakland Raiders not rushing success

2 comments

December 2, 12:40 AM

Prior to the season, it was an accepted truth that the Raiders were going to be one of the top rushing teams in the league. The Raiders were sixth in the league in rushing in 2007, and the addition of Darren McFadden and the recovery of Michael Bush... Read More
Topics: NFL , Raider Analysis

Oakland Raiders fail at turning the corner: Lose to the Chiefs

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December 1, 1:33 AM

The Oakland Raiders had the opportunity to clinch a non-losing record for the first time since their AFC championship season in 2002, but could not muster anything against the Kansas City Chiefs, and fell to defeat 20-13. The Raiders needed to take... Read More
Topics: NFL , Raiders Game

Game preview: Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders

2 comments

November 29, 12:42 AM

Another week, another big division rivalry game. On Sunday, the Raiders will host their arch-enemy Kansas City Chiefs in a game that will give the Raiders the chance for them to have a non-losing record in the AFC West for the first time since 2002.... Read More
Topics: NFL , Raiders Game

Reasons for the Raider Nation to be thankful

1 comment

November 27, 2:06 AM

Happy Thanksgiving to all in the Raider Nation, and the fans of all the lesser teams as well.It has been a trying year for the Nation with all the drama and losing that our beloved team has undergone. However, there are still many reasons for us to be... Read More
Topics: NFL

11/26/08 short attention span Oakland Raiders news

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November 26, 2:36 PM

Time for a brief midday look around at the news on the Oakland Raiders for today. As always, there is something happening with the Raiders.There are six Hall of Fame semifinalists with ties to the Oakland Raiders. Five should be obivous, and the other... Read More
Topics: NFL , Raider News

Anatomy of a win: Oakland Raiders over Denver Broncos

6 comments

November 25, 2:55 AM

Sunday, the Oakland Raiders completed their biggest win in several seasons. In fact, they looked like the Raiders team that the Nation had been expecting to see from week one. Somehow, they stepped out of the lethargy that had been killing them, and... Read More
Topics: NFL , Raider Analysis

Oakland Raiders steamroll Denver Broncos 31-10

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November 23, 11:23 PM

The Oakland Raiders traveled to the Mile High City to face the Denver Broncos and had their way with them. The Raiders turned in their most dominating performance in quite some time as they found their offense to the tune of three touchdowns, whilst... Read More
Topics: NFL , Raiders Game

Halftime: Oakland Raiders 10 Denver Broncos 3

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November 23, 2:44 PM

The Oakland Raiders are leading the Denver Broncos 10-3 at the half. The Raiders defense has had a few breakdowns, but was able to hold it together to keep the Broncos out of the end zone. The Raiders offense has moved the ball, but has yet to get into... Read More
Topics: NFL , Raiders Game

Game Preview: Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos

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November 21, 10:39 PM

In the days leading up to the first matchup between the Denver Broncos and the Oakland Raiders, optimism was running rampant in the Raider Nation. How things have changed? The Raiders opening week obliteraton at the hands of the Broncos signaled the... Read More
Topics: NFL , Raiders Game