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Fact or Fiction at Raiders Camp
As another NFL season approaches, Scouts Inc. breaks down every roster and offers position-by-position breakdowns.
Oakland Raiders Training Camp
Site: Napa Valley Marriott
Location: Napa, Calif.
Start date: July 25 (rookies), July 29 (vets)
2004 Record: 5-11
Expanded NFL Training Camp Coverage
Quarterbacks
These days, Kerry Collins has to be the happiest guy in the NFL. Not only does he have a great arm and three gifted receivers in Randy Moss, Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry, but his coaching staff believes in a philosophy of stretching the field.
Even without the benefit of a viable running game, Oakland's offense thrived in the second half last year, with Collins throwing downfield and making few of the mistakes that sometimes have plagued him. A pocket quarterback with excellent arm strength, he throws the deep ball with great velocity and accuracy. But Collins has been skittish and tended to force throws into coverage when pressured in the past, so protecting him in a scheme that requires a lot of seven-step drops and slow-developing routes will be a challenge.
If the protection is good and the run game is as improved as it appears on paper, Collins should put up huge numbers. With Rich Gannon fading into the sunset, Marques Tuiasosopo takes over as the primary backup. Injuries have slowed his development, but Tuiasosopo is athletic, fast and has the playmaking skills to be a possible future starter.
Third-round pick Andrew Walter is big, strong-armed and will make for an excellent developmental quarterback if he can stay healthy. But he needs to improve his decision making and ability to read defenses. This is a very good trio that dovetails nicely with Oakland's vertical mindset.
Running backs
Arguably the best offseason move by any NFL team was the acquisition of Jets second fiddle, and aspiring starter Lamont Jordan. After working behind future Hall of Fame back Curtis Martin for four years, Jordan now gets a chance to energize last year's league-worst rushing offense. He has the power and balance to run inside and pick up yards after contact, but also has speed in the open field and after the catch.
Working out of many three-receiver sets and with such potent weapons on the perimeter, he rarely will face loaded fronts and should benefit from wide rushing lanes. And he is a better-than-advertised receiver who should have lots of room to run after dump-off throws in this offense.
Backup Justin Fargas is big, athletic and fast, but hasn't been able to stay healthy. His running style seems to invite a lot of straight-on shots, so durability could be an ongoing issue. Depth behind Fargas is almost nonexistent, but expect Oakland to troll for a free agent or two.
After Rod Konrad's abrupt retirement, veteran fullback Zack Crockett has dibs on the starting job. He is a good lead blocker, and has outstanding power and run instincts. A fantastic short-yardage specialist over the years, he even gives the team a little insurance at running back. Chris Hetherington is a decent blocker, but has little upside. At the end of the day, Jordan will determine the value of this unit.
Wide Receivers
The fun factor is off the charts for this unit: No group of NFL receivers will be more exciting to watch. Expect to see a lot of three-receiver sets and field-stretching play calls to create virtually impossible-to-cover man-to-man matchups for Raiders opponents.
MossIt all starts with Randy Moss, the NFL's headliner offseason acquisition. Moss could turn in record-breaking production with so many weapons around him, and shouldn't be a distraction because Oakland's offense will allow him to do his thing -- get vertical and go get the ball -- quite often. He has rare body control, outstanding deep speed and, when focused, can be unstoppable. Jerry Porter has No. 1 talent in his own right, with the size and speed to gain separation and get downfield.
He could be more prolific than ever, simply because he will draw less defensive attention working opposite Moss. Ronald Curry, a former college quarterback who has come into his own, should win the No. 3 spot. He tore his Achilles' tendon last year, but already is nearly recovered. He has excellent size, quickness and toughness -- especially for a slot receiver -- and could thrive against inferior cover men in single coverage.
Doug Gabriel is very big and fast and isn't afraid to go over the middle. He has been inconsistent, but could give Oakland a No. 4 receiver with starter talent. Veteran Alvis Whitted still has excellent straight-line deep speed, and speedster Carlos Francis -- though small and coming off an ACL tear -- has explosive potential.
Tight End
The Raiders liked enough of what they saw from Teyo Johnson at the end of last season to trade veteran Doug Jolley to the New York Jets in April. After a slow start in '04, Johnson really came on and now is poised for what could be a breakout year.
A former college wide receiver, he is the ultimate pass-catching threat at tight end. He lacked ideal speed at wideout, but is sure-handed, very tall and well-built. He can pressure defenses on vertical routes, make difficult catches downfield and should be a nightmare matchup for safeties and linebackers. What Johnson fails to provide as a blocker likely will be picked up by Courtney Anderson, last year's rookie surprise, who suffered a season-ending knee in Week 8.
Anderson has outstanding size and is coming along as a blocker, and his big frame, soft hands and fluid routes make him a nice possession option. Backups Zeron Flemister and Josh Norman have shown flashes of potential at other stops, but both are new to the offense and neither is a potential game-breaker.
Johnson and Anderson already give Oakland a quality 1-2 punch, and both are young enough to continue developing. Still, with the Raiders expected to use so many three-receiver sets, the tight ends might seem lost in the passing game at times.
Offensive line
The key to Oakland's offense could well be the performance of this group, primarily in pass protection. The Raiders have a nucleus of seven quality linemen, but there has been a lot of movement here and continuity could be an early problem.
Second-year stud Robert Gallery will continue to start at right tackle until left tackle Barry Sims turns over the position. Gallery is big, physical and outstanding in the run game, but still has some rough edges in pass protection, especially vs. speed rushers. He has a great mental approach and should dramatically improve with experience. Sims, an outstanding technician and consistent performer, provides this unit with stability and maturity.
The Raiders hope massive Langston Walker, who has great measurables and has played some tackle, will find a home at left guard. He is a chronic waist-bender, but probably can handle himself inside by simply engulfing and overpowering defenders.
Projected left guard Brad Badger lacks flash, but is effective. He has enough size to handle powerful defensive tackles. Jake Grove likely will move from guard to center, his college position. An outstanding prospect, he is athletic, takes excellent angles and plays best when left uncovered. Adam Treu, a finesse player who started at center last year, and Ron Stone, a creaky vet who is a tough mauler when healthy, are quality backups. This could be the league's biggest and most physical line, but the team must find a lineup it is comfortable with early to allow the unit time to gel.
Related Video:
Fact or Fiction at Raiders Camp
As another NFL season approaches, Scouts Inc. breaks down every roster and offers position-by-position breakdowns.
Oakland Raiders Training Camp
Site: Napa Valley Marriott
Location: Napa, Calif.
Start date: July 25 (rookies), July 29 (vets)
2004 Record: 5-11
Expanded NFL Training Camp Coverage
Quarterbacks
These days, Kerry Collins has to be the happiest guy in the NFL. Not only does he have a great arm and three gifted receivers in Randy Moss, Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry, but his coaching staff believes in a philosophy of stretching the field.
Even without the benefit of a viable running game, Oakland's offense thrived in the second half last year, with Collins throwing downfield and making few of the mistakes that sometimes have plagued him. A pocket quarterback with excellent arm strength, he throws the deep ball with great velocity and accuracy. But Collins has been skittish and tended to force throws into coverage when pressured in the past, so protecting him in a scheme that requires a lot of seven-step drops and slow-developing routes will be a challenge.
If the protection is good and the run game is as improved as it appears on paper, Collins should put up huge numbers. With Rich Gannon fading into the sunset, Marques Tuiasosopo takes over as the primary backup. Injuries have slowed his development, but Tuiasosopo is athletic, fast and has the playmaking skills to be a possible future starter.
Third-round pick Andrew Walter is big, strong-armed and will make for an excellent developmental quarterback if he can stay healthy. But he needs to improve his decision making and ability to read defenses. This is a very good trio that dovetails nicely with Oakland's vertical mindset.
Running backs
Arguably the best offseason move by any NFL team was the acquisition of Jets second fiddle, and aspiring starter Lamont Jordan. After working behind future Hall of Fame back Curtis Martin for four years, Jordan now gets a chance to energize last year's league-worst rushing offense. He has the power and balance to run inside and pick up yards after contact, but also has speed in the open field and after the catch.
Working out of many three-receiver sets and with such potent weapons on the perimeter, he rarely will face loaded fronts and should benefit from wide rushing lanes. And he is a better-than-advertised receiver who should have lots of room to run after dump-off throws in this offense.
Backup Justin Fargas is big, athletic and fast, but hasn't been able to stay healthy. His running style seems to invite a lot of straight-on shots, so durability could be an ongoing issue. Depth behind Fargas is almost nonexistent, but expect Oakland to troll for a free agent or two.
After Rod Konrad's abrupt retirement, veteran fullback Zack Crockett has dibs on the starting job. He is a good lead blocker, and has outstanding power and run instincts. A fantastic short-yardage specialist over the years, he even gives the team a little insurance at running back. Chris Hetherington is a decent blocker, but has little upside. At the end of the day, Jordan will determine the value of this unit.
Wide Receivers
The fun factor is off the charts for this unit: No group of NFL receivers will be more exciting to watch. Expect to see a lot of three-receiver sets and field-stretching play calls to create virtually impossible-to-cover man-to-man matchups for Raiders opponents.
MossIt all starts with Randy Moss, the NFL's headliner offseason acquisition. Moss could turn in record-breaking production with so many weapons around him, and shouldn't be a distraction because Oakland's offense will allow him to do his thing -- get vertical and go get the ball -- quite often. He has rare body control, outstanding deep speed and, when focused, can be unstoppable. Jerry Porter has No. 1 talent in his own right, with the size and speed to gain separation and get downfield.
He could be more prolific than ever, simply because he will draw less defensive attention working opposite Moss. Ronald Curry, a former college quarterback who has come into his own, should win the No. 3 spot. He tore his Achilles' tendon last year, but already is nearly recovered. He has excellent size, quickness and toughness -- especially for a slot receiver -- and could thrive against inferior cover men in single coverage.
Doug Gabriel is very big and fast and isn't afraid to go over the middle. He has been inconsistent, but could give Oakland a No. 4 receiver with starter talent. Veteran Alvis Whitted still has excellent straight-line deep speed, and speedster Carlos Francis -- though small and coming off an ACL tear -- has explosive potential.
Tight End
The Raiders liked enough of what they saw from Teyo Johnson at the end of last season to trade veteran Doug Jolley to the New York Jets in April. After a slow start in '04, Johnson really came on and now is poised for what could be a breakout year.
A former college wide receiver, he is the ultimate pass-catching threat at tight end. He lacked ideal speed at wideout, but is sure-handed, very tall and well-built. He can pressure defenses on vertical routes, make difficult catches downfield and should be a nightmare matchup for safeties and linebackers. What Johnson fails to provide as a blocker likely will be picked up by Courtney Anderson, last year's rookie surprise, who suffered a season-ending knee in Week 8.
Anderson has outstanding size and is coming along as a blocker, and his big frame, soft hands and fluid routes make him a nice possession option. Backups Zeron Flemister and Josh Norman have shown flashes of potential at other stops, but both are new to the offense and neither is a potential game-breaker.
Johnson and Anderson already give Oakland a quality 1-2 punch, and both are young enough to continue developing. Still, with the Raiders expected to use so many three-receiver sets, the tight ends might seem lost in the passing game at times.
Offensive line
The key to Oakland's offense could well be the performance of this group, primarily in pass protection. The Raiders have a nucleus of seven quality linemen, but there has been a lot of movement here and continuity could be an early problem.
Second-year stud Robert Gallery will continue to start at right tackle until left tackle Barry Sims turns over the position. Gallery is big, physical and outstanding in the run game, but still has some rough edges in pass protection, especially vs. speed rushers. He has a great mental approach and should dramatically improve with experience. Sims, an outstanding technician and consistent performer, provides this unit with stability and maturity.
The Raiders hope massive Langston Walker, who has great measurables and has played some tackle, will find a home at left guard. He is a chronic waist-bender, but probably can handle himself inside by simply engulfing and overpowering defenders.
Projected left guard Brad Badger lacks flash, but is effective. He has enough size to handle powerful defensive tackles. Jake Grove likely will move from guard to center, his college position. An outstanding prospect, he is athletic, takes excellent angles and plays best when left uncovered. Adam Treu, a finesse player who started at center last year, and Ron Stone, a creaky vet who is a tough mauler when healthy, are quality backups. This could be the league's biggest and most physical line, but the team must find a lineup it is comfortable with early to allow the unit time to gel.