OAKLAND RAIDERS OFFSEASON THREAD
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Waiting for the tag
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Tuesday, February 19th, 2008 at 3:40 pm in Oakland Raiders.
As franchise tags pile up, still no word from the Raiders regarding Nnamdi Asomugha, who is expected to receive that designation by Thursday’s deadline.
Among those players who have been designated so far or have been told by their teams they will be tagged:
– Chiefs defensive end Jarred Allen. With his history of alcohol abuse problems, you could forgive the Chiefs for simply tagging him every year and paying him a hefty salary ($8.8 million this year) rather than break the bank with a signing bonus. Allen won’t be happy about it, however.
“If I play under the franchise tag, this will be my last year with the Chiefs,” Allen told NFL.com at the Pro Bowl.
– Ravens defensive end/linebacker Terrell Suggs. Suggs figures to be disgruntled as well. He was expecting the $8.8 million defensive end tender, and instead will get the $8 million tender of an outside linebacker. Seems foolish for the Ravens to get one of their best players upset over $800,000.
– Bengals offensive lineman Stacy Andrews ($7.5 million). A mild surprise, in that Justin Smith, last year’s franchise player, is now on the open market. Smith is coming off a two-sack season, but could make out in free agency since Allen and Suggs will both require two first-round draft picks to sign. Might be too rich for the Raiders blood.
– Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby. No impact for the Raiders, who have relatively inexpensive active linebackers in Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard.
– Eagles TE L.J. Smith. Colts tight end Dallas Clark could also get a one-year, $4.5 million tender. Zach Miller looked good enough that he may one day himself get a franchise tag.
– Panthers RT Jordan Gross. The Raiders need long-term solutions at both tackles, unless they’re convinced Paul McQuistan is the answer on the right side. Had Gross not been franchised, they probably would have at least placed a call.
– Tennessee DT Albert Haynesworth. Robert Gallery had an encouraging year as a left guard, but could do nothing with Haynesworth. Risky for the longterm because he produced in a contract year.
Green Bay hasn’t tipped its hand yet regarding defensive tackle Corey Williams, who would break the bank in light of Haynesworth’s tag.
Kiper call
For what it’s worth, longtime draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. was available by conference call Tuesday through ESPN and had a few thoughts regarding the Raiders.
Whether you like Kiper or not, his recall regarding virtually any prospect, no matter how anonymous, is remarkable. On his Web page, Kiper had the Raiders taking Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, but conceded the landscape may have changed with the signing of Justin Fargas.
“That’s the question. Fargas is a good back. You’ve got other guys in the mix as well,” Kiper said. “So you’ve got a lot of guys, the question is do you have a lot of average guys? Fargas proved to be better than average. I don’t think you necessarily have to take McFadden, and he could be gone anyway, depending on how the coin flip goes.”
Kiper said he rates Glenn Dorsey as the top defensive tackle in the draft, but said there are people who like USC’s Sedrick Ellis better.
“I could see Sedrick Ellis as a Raider,” Kiper said.
Kiper said McFadden’s problems with fumbling are an issue, but likes his overall skills set even if he is not the runner Adrian Peterson was last year.
Not everyone shares Kiper’s feeling about McFadden. The NFL Network’s Mike Mayock has Rashard Mendenhall of Illinois as his top back.
Kiper said the Raiders’ 19-61 record over the past five years may have its roots in the draft.
“I think it’s had a lot to do with it. You look back at it and say, `OK, how many of those guys actually became quality starters?,’ ” Kiper said. “I think you can always look at your football team, and if they’re lacking, they’re lacking because of the draft not being as beneficial as it should be.”
Aging wideouts available
If the Raiders wanted to go retro to the days when Jerry Rice and Tim Brown were on their last legs, Keyshawn Johnson wants to make a comeback and Muhsin Muhammad was released by the Chicago Bears.
With Jerry Porter scheduled to become a free agent, the Raiders are extraordinarily thin at wide receiver with Ronald Curry, Johnnie Lee Higgins, Jonathan Holland, Todd Watkins, Drisan James and Will Buchanon under contract.
While no wide receiver attending the NFL scouting combine is thought to be a No. 3 or 4 selection, there are a few targets worth considering if the Raiders did what they never do and move back in the draft.
Cal’s DeSean Jackson is the most explosive and a dangerous punt return specialist Larger targets include Oklahoma’s Malcolm Kelly (6-4, 218 pounds) and Indiana’s James Hardy (6-6, 220). Michigan’s Mario Manningham is also considered a potential first-round pick. All are underclassmen, so none were scouted during the college all-star circuit.
Kiper thinks Kelly could be the first receiver taken by the time the draft comes around, and also said he thinks Cal’s LaValle Hawkins could be an early second-round pick or even sneak into the first round.
Will be headed to the combine Wednesday and will file daily blogs from Indianapolis . . .
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Tuesday, February 19th, 2008 at 3:40 pm in Oakland Raiders.
As franchise tags pile up, still no word from the Raiders regarding Nnamdi Asomugha, who is expected to receive that designation by Thursday’s deadline.
Among those players who have been designated so far or have been told by their teams they will be tagged:
– Chiefs defensive end Jarred Allen. With his history of alcohol abuse problems, you could forgive the Chiefs for simply tagging him every year and paying him a hefty salary ($8.8 million this year) rather than break the bank with a signing bonus. Allen won’t be happy about it, however.
“If I play under the franchise tag, this will be my last year with the Chiefs,” Allen told NFL.com at the Pro Bowl.
– Ravens defensive end/linebacker Terrell Suggs. Suggs figures to be disgruntled as well. He was expecting the $8.8 million defensive end tender, and instead will get the $8 million tender of an outside linebacker. Seems foolish for the Ravens to get one of their best players upset over $800,000.
– Bengals offensive lineman Stacy Andrews ($7.5 million). A mild surprise, in that Justin Smith, last year’s franchise player, is now on the open market. Smith is coming off a two-sack season, but could make out in free agency since Allen and Suggs will both require two first-round draft picks to sign. Might be too rich for the Raiders blood.
– Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby. No impact for the Raiders, who have relatively inexpensive active linebackers in Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard.
– Eagles TE L.J. Smith. Colts tight end Dallas Clark could also get a one-year, $4.5 million tender. Zach Miller looked good enough that he may one day himself get a franchise tag.
– Panthers RT Jordan Gross. The Raiders need long-term solutions at both tackles, unless they’re convinced Paul McQuistan is the answer on the right side. Had Gross not been franchised, they probably would have at least placed a call.
– Tennessee DT Albert Haynesworth. Robert Gallery had an encouraging year as a left guard, but could do nothing with Haynesworth. Risky for the longterm because he produced in a contract year.
Green Bay hasn’t tipped its hand yet regarding defensive tackle Corey Williams, who would break the bank in light of Haynesworth’s tag.
Kiper call
For what it’s worth, longtime draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. was available by conference call Tuesday through ESPN and had a few thoughts regarding the Raiders.
Whether you like Kiper or not, his recall regarding virtually any prospect, no matter how anonymous, is remarkable. On his Web page, Kiper had the Raiders taking Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, but conceded the landscape may have changed with the signing of Justin Fargas.
“That’s the question. Fargas is a good back. You’ve got other guys in the mix as well,” Kiper said. “So you’ve got a lot of guys, the question is do you have a lot of average guys? Fargas proved to be better than average. I don’t think you necessarily have to take McFadden, and he could be gone anyway, depending on how the coin flip goes.”
Kiper said he rates Glenn Dorsey as the top defensive tackle in the draft, but said there are people who like USC’s Sedrick Ellis better.
“I could see Sedrick Ellis as a Raider,” Kiper said.
Kiper said McFadden’s problems with fumbling are an issue, but likes his overall skills set even if he is not the runner Adrian Peterson was last year.
Not everyone shares Kiper’s feeling about McFadden. The NFL Network’s Mike Mayock has Rashard Mendenhall of Illinois as his top back.
Kiper said the Raiders’ 19-61 record over the past five years may have its roots in the draft.
“I think it’s had a lot to do with it. You look back at it and say, `OK, how many of those guys actually became quality starters?,’ ” Kiper said. “I think you can always look at your football team, and if they’re lacking, they’re lacking because of the draft not being as beneficial as it should be.”
Aging wideouts available
If the Raiders wanted to go retro to the days when Jerry Rice and Tim Brown were on their last legs, Keyshawn Johnson wants to make a comeback and Muhsin Muhammad was released by the Chicago Bears.
With Jerry Porter scheduled to become a free agent, the Raiders are extraordinarily thin at wide receiver with Ronald Curry, Johnnie Lee Higgins, Jonathan Holland, Todd Watkins, Drisan James and Will Buchanon under contract.
While no wide receiver attending the NFL scouting combine is thought to be a No. 3 or 4 selection, there are a few targets worth considering if the Raiders did what they never do and move back in the draft.
Cal’s DeSean Jackson is the most explosive and a dangerous punt return specialist Larger targets include Oklahoma’s Malcolm Kelly (6-4, 218 pounds) and Indiana’s James Hardy (6-6, 220). Michigan’s Mario Manningham is also considered a potential first-round pick. All are underclassmen, so none were scouted during the college all-star circuit.
Kiper thinks Kelly could be the first receiver taken by the time the draft comes around, and also said he thinks Cal’s LaValle Hawkins could be an early second-round pick or even sneak into the first round.
Will be headed to the combine Wednesday and will file daily blogs from Indianapolis . . .
NNAMDI GETS THE EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TAG!!
STRAIGHT FROM RAIDERS.COM!!!
Asomugha Gets Exclusive Tag
February 20, 2008
The Oakland Raiders have designated cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha their franchise player.
Raiders.com
The Oakland Raiders have designated cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. their franchise player. Asomugha was offered the exclusive tender, which gives the Raiders sole negotiating rights.
STRAIGHT FROM RAIDERS.COM!!!
Asomugha Gets Exclusive Tag
February 20, 2008
The Oakland Raiders have designated cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha their franchise player.
Raiders.com
The Oakland Raiders have designated cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. their franchise player. Asomugha was offered the exclusive tender, which gives the Raiders sole negotiating rights.
Raiders put franchise tag on CB Asomugha
By Steve Corkran, STAFF WRITER
Article Created: 02/21/2008 02:33:46 AM PST
Related
Feb 21:
Raiders' Washington faces battery chargeOakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is on the verge of becoming a rich man. The only question is determining just how much money he is going to receive.
On Wednesday, the Raiders placed the exclusive franchise tag on the former Cal cornerback, two people familiar with the process said. That obligates the Raiders to pay Asomugha this season a minimum of the average of the five highest-paid cornerbacks based on their 2008 salaries.
That figure is expected to be at least $9.8 million. It will be more if free agent Asante Samuel signs a contract that pays him at least $10 million next season.
The exclusive designation also prohibits other teams from negotiating with Asomugha's agent. The Raiders used the exclusive franchise tag on cornerback Charles Woodson in the 2004 and'05 seasons.
The Raiders and Asomugha are expected to keep working toward a long-term contract despite the franchise tag.
Asomugha, 26, spent his first five NFL seasons with the Raiders. He voided the final year of the six-year contract he signed as a rookie so that he could fetch a salary commensurate with his standing as one of the league's top cornerbacks.
He was scheduled to earn a base salary of $820,000 this season. He earned
$1.23 million in 2007.
By Steve Corkran, STAFF WRITER
Article Created: 02/21/2008 02:33:46 AM PST
Related
Feb 21:
Raiders' Washington faces battery chargeOakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is on the verge of becoming a rich man. The only question is determining just how much money he is going to receive.
On Wednesday, the Raiders placed the exclusive franchise tag on the former Cal cornerback, two people familiar with the process said. That obligates the Raiders to pay Asomugha this season a minimum of the average of the five highest-paid cornerbacks based on their 2008 salaries.
That figure is expected to be at least $9.8 million. It will be more if free agent Asante Samuel signs a contract that pays him at least $10 million next season.
The exclusive designation also prohibits other teams from negotiating with Asomugha's agent. The Raiders used the exclusive franchise tag on cornerback Charles Woodson in the 2004 and'05 seasons.
The Raiders and Asomugha are expected to keep working toward a long-term contract despite the franchise tag.
Asomugha, 26, spent his first five NFL seasons with the Raiders. He voided the final year of the six-year contract he signed as a rookie so that he could fetch a salary commensurate with his standing as one of the league's top cornerbacks.
He was scheduled to earn a base salary of $820,000 this season. He earned
$1.23 million in 2007.
Raiders' Washington faces battery charge
By Steve Corkran, STAFF WRITER
Article Created: 02/21/2008 02:33:43 AM PST
Raiders cornerback Fabian Washington was arrested for domestic battery Tuesday night in Florida, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.
Washington, 24, was arrested at the home he shares with his girlfriend in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., said Dave Bristow, the spokesman for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
Bristow cited the arresting officer's written report in pointing out that the arrest stemmed from an argument between Washington and his girlfriend that turned physical.
"I observed slight red marks on the victim's neck," the arresting officer wrote in the report, Bristow said.
Any overt sign of physical abuse is grounds for arrest, Bristow said.
Washington was released on his own recognizance. His arraignment is scheduled March 25.
If convicted of the misdemeanor, Washington could spend "less than a year in jail," Bristow said.
Most likely, Bristow said, Washington would be sentenced to probation because of his lack of a criminal record.
Washington told the arresting officer that the altercation started as a result of his "hanging out with other girls."
Washington denied getting physical with his girlfriend.
Washington's girlfriend told deputies that Washington grabbed her from behind, while she was holding their baby.
The report added that Washington told his girlfriend that, "You can't take the (expletive) baby."
Washington could not be reached for comment.
A Raiders official said he could not confirm the report and the extent of his knowledge of the situation came from reading about it online.
Washington's agent, Brian Mackler, did not return several phone calls.
Washington was the Raiders' first-round pick in the 2005 NFL draft. He lost his starting job early last season and spent the bulk of the time as an extra defensive back.
By Steve Corkran, STAFF WRITER
Article Created: 02/21/2008 02:33:43 AM PST
Raiders cornerback Fabian Washington was arrested for domestic battery Tuesday night in Florida, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.
Washington, 24, was arrested at the home he shares with his girlfriend in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., said Dave Bristow, the spokesman for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
Bristow cited the arresting officer's written report in pointing out that the arrest stemmed from an argument between Washington and his girlfriend that turned physical.
"I observed slight red marks on the victim's neck," the arresting officer wrote in the report, Bristow said.
Any overt sign of physical abuse is grounds for arrest, Bristow said.
Washington was released on his own recognizance. His arraignment is scheduled March 25.
If convicted of the misdemeanor, Washington could spend "less than a year in jail," Bristow said.
Most likely, Bristow said, Washington would be sentenced to probation because of his lack of a criminal record.
Washington told the arresting officer that the altercation started as a result of his "hanging out with other girls."
Washington denied getting physical with his girlfriend.
Washington's girlfriend told deputies that Washington grabbed her from behind, while she was holding their baby.
The report added that Washington told his girlfriend that, "You can't take the (expletive) baby."
Washington could not be reached for comment.
A Raiders official said he could not confirm the report and the extent of his knowledge of the situation came from reading about it online.
Washington's agent, Brian Mackler, did not return several phone calls.
Washington was the Raiders' first-round pick in the 2005 NFL draft. He lost his starting job early last season and spent the bulk of the time as an extra defensive back.
Clady a system fit
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, February 21st, 2008 at 5:30 pm in Oakland Raiders
54 Comments »
The Raiders need help at tackle and Michigan’s Jake Long is considered by many talent scouts to be one of the six elite players in the draft along with LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, Virginia tackle/end Chris Long, USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, Arkansas running back Dwight McFadden and Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan.
(Admittedly, there is some dissent regarding McFadden and Ryan being among the elite).
Oakland will pick No. 3 or No. 4, with a coin flip with Atlanta scheduled for Friday, and could be in position to select Long. Long had just two penalties all season. His only sack was given up to Vernon Gholston, and considered by some to be a tweener rush end in the mold of Shawne Merriman and DeMarcus Ware.
That sack doubled his all-time total surrendered at Michigan.
“I’ve given up two in my career,” Long said. “I take it personally. I wanted to make sure that I was perfect and not let up a sack but Vernon is a great player and he had a good move on me and I let up.”
The thing is Ryan Clady, 6-foot-6 and 309 pounds out of Boise State, could be better for the Raiders as currently constituted under line coach Tom Cable.
“We were primarily a zone team,” Clady said Thursday. “I’m kind of like a Denver Broncos offensive lineman. We cut a lot and position block, stuff like that.”
He has good enough athletic skill to be used as a kick blocker on special teams.
Clady is expected to be a first-round pick _ 49ers G.M. Scot McCloughan said he thought six tackles could go in the first round _ but the Raiders aren’t likely to invest a Top 4 pick on him. It seems the only way Clady would become a Raider is by trade; either the Raiders trade down a few spots or use other picks or players to trade up for a second first-round choice.
For what it’s worth, Clady matter-of-factly proclaimed himself the best tackle in the draft. He worked under Jackie Slater for a week of training in Los Angeles. Based on Slater’s one year with the Raiders, it’s hard to say whether that’s a positive or a negative.
More from the combine:
– Last year, Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas was quizzed on whether the struggles of 2004 Raiders No. 2 pick Robert Gallery _ also a Big Ten left tackle _ would cause teams to shy away from him.
This year, after Thomas had a tremendous rookie season with Cleveland, Long was asked if teams would be more likely to draft him because of the success of Thomas.
– The Raiders made a run at 49ers director of pro personnel Tom Gamble for the second straight year, but Gamble opted to remain at San Francisco. Gamble had two meetings with Al Davis to join the Raiders personnel department. Rich Snead was added to the personnel staff last year. Davis is said to be unimpressed.
– Quote of the day came from Texas A&M tight end Martellus Bennett, the kind of football/basketball player the Raiders have liked in the past.
“I would say football is my wife, basketball is my mistress,” Bennett said.
Only Bennett knows which one he loves more.
– Thursday was the first day of an endless series of interviews in which players talk about their great character, not knowing that having great character means never having to say it aloud in public
– The holdup in having a communication device in helmets for the defensive captain? How to make sure there aren’t more than just one, according to Titans coach Jeff Fisher, a member of the competition committee.
“We have four quarterback (helmets) identified by the green dot, defensively you would expect to have multiple helmets on the sideline, but only one on the field at one time,” Fisher said. “And so we’re just going through the process of ensuring there would not be any confusion as far as if your starter goes down how your backup resumes acquiring the signals.”
– The Raiders are one of nine teams who haven’t scheduled a coach or front-office type for an appearance in the media room. The others are the Patriots, Dolphins, Bengals, Chargers, Cowboys, Eagles, Panthers and Seahawks.
– Dallas had to decide between two players at a Raiders position of need and decided to franchise safety Ken Hamlin, leaving left tackle Flozell Adams on the open market.
It would be up to Tom Cable to determine if Adams, at 6-7 and 340 pounds, is nimble and athletic enough to be a zone-blocking left tackle and be worth a multi-million dollar contract. Adams will be 33 when the 2008 season begins.
– No surprises regarding franchise tags other than New England opting not to use one on Randy Moss. It’s possible the Patriots and Moss have a deal in place, but if not, all that talk about what a team guy he was is nonsense.
– Judging from the comments of Fisher, Giants executive John Mara, Falcons G.M. Rich McKay, Colts president Bill Polian and Ravens exec Ozzie Newsome, New England’s involvement in “Spygate” is a done issue. They all but said, “move along, nothing to see here.”
– According to figures by former colleague and Tennessean writer Paul Kuharsky, of the 30 players named as franchise free agents since 2004 (not counting the newest crop), just 10 eventually signed a deal with the team that tagged them, five of those before playing a game under the franchise designation.
Seven eventually moved on as free agents when they finally hit the market, two were traded and one had the tag withdrawn and became a free agent.
Leave a comment
Overheard at the combine
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, February 21st, 2008 at 8:52 am in Oakland Raiders
235 Comments »
A few items of interest gathered Wednesday night and Thursday morning around town and at the Indianapolis Convention Center at the NFL scouting combine:
– The Raiders raised more than a few eyebrows with their designation of cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha as an “exclusive” franchise free agent.
The general feeling is there is no chance Asomugha would have drawn two No. 1 draft picks or brought back an offer sheet. If Asante Samuel were to land a huge deal with a roster bonus instead of a signing bonus, Asomugha’s deal could exceed $10 million this year.
– One personnel expert’s assessment of LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey as opposed to USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis:
“Dorsey. Hands down. He’s a top four pick no question while Ellis is a nice player but belongs in the top 15.”
– A contingent of Raiders assistants has arrived including offensive coordinator Greg Knapp, offensive line coach Tom Cable, assistant line coach James Cregg, tight ends coach Kelly Skipper, special teams coach Brian Schneider and strength coach Brian Roll.
One assistant said head coach Lane Kiffin would arrive Friday. Defensive coaches should filter in over the weekend as players are evaluated.
No one on the Raiders coaching staff or front office is scheduled to address the media at the media center, where 31 coaches, general managers and front office personnel are scheduled to speak Thursday through Sunday.
Raiders assistant coaches must be requested through the media relations department to speak on the record, and no media relations members are at the combine despite the number of credentialed media.
According to one assistant, things have “quieted down” after what was said to be a “rocky” few weeks.
I’m told Kiffin and Rob Ryan are fine with their relationship, and were fine personally whether Ryan was in or out. That corroborates what I was told earlier _ that their disagreements were philosphical in nature.
– The word is center Jeremy Newberry hit playing time incentives that pushed his 2006 salary past $3 million last season. Newberry proclaimed he wanted to return, and Cable is pushing for another contract, but so far the Raiders have been slow to make a deal.
Could be nothing. The Raiders often make no move toward a player only to begin negotiations out of the blue and quickly close a deal, as was the case with running back Justin Fargas.
– Former Raiders and Cowboys defesive tackle Russell Maryland was patrolling the hallways and talking to team personnel regarding his video venture, Webb Electronics.
“Things crazy as usual?,” Maryland said. “I still pull for the Raiders _ even though they’re the only team in my career that cut me.”
– According to one personnel man, Raiders wide receiver Jerry Porter, scheduled for free agency after voiding the final year of his contract, may not get the big payday he desires.
“Can’t run,” he said.
– Place kickers, punters and some offensive linemen were brought into the media room, as well as Bears head coach Lovie Smith, Bills coach Dick Jauron, Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert, Jets coach Eric Mangini, 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan and 49ers coach Mike Nolan.
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, February 21st, 2008 at 5:30 pm in Oakland Raiders
54 Comments »
The Raiders need help at tackle and Michigan’s Jake Long is considered by many talent scouts to be one of the six elite players in the draft along with LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, Virginia tackle/end Chris Long, USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, Arkansas running back Dwight McFadden and Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan.
(Admittedly, there is some dissent regarding McFadden and Ryan being among the elite).
Oakland will pick No. 3 or No. 4, with a coin flip with Atlanta scheduled for Friday, and could be in position to select Long. Long had just two penalties all season. His only sack was given up to Vernon Gholston, and considered by some to be a tweener rush end in the mold of Shawne Merriman and DeMarcus Ware.
That sack doubled his all-time total surrendered at Michigan.
“I’ve given up two in my career,” Long said. “I take it personally. I wanted to make sure that I was perfect and not let up a sack but Vernon is a great player and he had a good move on me and I let up.”
The thing is Ryan Clady, 6-foot-6 and 309 pounds out of Boise State, could be better for the Raiders as currently constituted under line coach Tom Cable.
“We were primarily a zone team,” Clady said Thursday. “I’m kind of like a Denver Broncos offensive lineman. We cut a lot and position block, stuff like that.”
He has good enough athletic skill to be used as a kick blocker on special teams.
Clady is expected to be a first-round pick _ 49ers G.M. Scot McCloughan said he thought six tackles could go in the first round _ but the Raiders aren’t likely to invest a Top 4 pick on him. It seems the only way Clady would become a Raider is by trade; either the Raiders trade down a few spots or use other picks or players to trade up for a second first-round choice.
For what it’s worth, Clady matter-of-factly proclaimed himself the best tackle in the draft. He worked under Jackie Slater for a week of training in Los Angeles. Based on Slater’s one year with the Raiders, it’s hard to say whether that’s a positive or a negative.
More from the combine:
– Last year, Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas was quizzed on whether the struggles of 2004 Raiders No. 2 pick Robert Gallery _ also a Big Ten left tackle _ would cause teams to shy away from him.
This year, after Thomas had a tremendous rookie season with Cleveland, Long was asked if teams would be more likely to draft him because of the success of Thomas.
– The Raiders made a run at 49ers director of pro personnel Tom Gamble for the second straight year, but Gamble opted to remain at San Francisco. Gamble had two meetings with Al Davis to join the Raiders personnel department. Rich Snead was added to the personnel staff last year. Davis is said to be unimpressed.
– Quote of the day came from Texas A&M tight end Martellus Bennett, the kind of football/basketball player the Raiders have liked in the past.
“I would say football is my wife, basketball is my mistress,” Bennett said.
Only Bennett knows which one he loves more.
– Thursday was the first day of an endless series of interviews in which players talk about their great character, not knowing that having great character means never having to say it aloud in public
– The holdup in having a communication device in helmets for the defensive captain? How to make sure there aren’t more than just one, according to Titans coach Jeff Fisher, a member of the competition committee.
“We have four quarterback (helmets) identified by the green dot, defensively you would expect to have multiple helmets on the sideline, but only one on the field at one time,” Fisher said. “And so we’re just going through the process of ensuring there would not be any confusion as far as if your starter goes down how your backup resumes acquiring the signals.”
– The Raiders are one of nine teams who haven’t scheduled a coach or front-office type for an appearance in the media room. The others are the Patriots, Dolphins, Bengals, Chargers, Cowboys, Eagles, Panthers and Seahawks.
– Dallas had to decide between two players at a Raiders position of need and decided to franchise safety Ken Hamlin, leaving left tackle Flozell Adams on the open market.
It would be up to Tom Cable to determine if Adams, at 6-7 and 340 pounds, is nimble and athletic enough to be a zone-blocking left tackle and be worth a multi-million dollar contract. Adams will be 33 when the 2008 season begins.
– No surprises regarding franchise tags other than New England opting not to use one on Randy Moss. It’s possible the Patriots and Moss have a deal in place, but if not, all that talk about what a team guy he was is nonsense.
– Judging from the comments of Fisher, Giants executive John Mara, Falcons G.M. Rich McKay, Colts president Bill Polian and Ravens exec Ozzie Newsome, New England’s involvement in “Spygate” is a done issue. They all but said, “move along, nothing to see here.”
– According to figures by former colleague and Tennessean writer Paul Kuharsky, of the 30 players named as franchise free agents since 2004 (not counting the newest crop), just 10 eventually signed a deal with the team that tagged them, five of those before playing a game under the franchise designation.
Seven eventually moved on as free agents when they finally hit the market, two were traded and one had the tag withdrawn and became a free agent.
Leave a comment
Overheard at the combine
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, February 21st, 2008 at 8:52 am in Oakland Raiders
235 Comments »
A few items of interest gathered Wednesday night and Thursday morning around town and at the Indianapolis Convention Center at the NFL scouting combine:
– The Raiders raised more than a few eyebrows with their designation of cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha as an “exclusive” franchise free agent.
The general feeling is there is no chance Asomugha would have drawn two No. 1 draft picks or brought back an offer sheet. If Asante Samuel were to land a huge deal with a roster bonus instead of a signing bonus, Asomugha’s deal could exceed $10 million this year.
– One personnel expert’s assessment of LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey as opposed to USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis:
“Dorsey. Hands down. He’s a top four pick no question while Ellis is a nice player but belongs in the top 15.”
– A contingent of Raiders assistants has arrived including offensive coordinator Greg Knapp, offensive line coach Tom Cable, assistant line coach James Cregg, tight ends coach Kelly Skipper, special teams coach Brian Schneider and strength coach Brian Roll.
One assistant said head coach Lane Kiffin would arrive Friday. Defensive coaches should filter in over the weekend as players are evaluated.
No one on the Raiders coaching staff or front office is scheduled to address the media at the media center, where 31 coaches, general managers and front office personnel are scheduled to speak Thursday through Sunday.
Raiders assistant coaches must be requested through the media relations department to speak on the record, and no media relations members are at the combine despite the number of credentialed media.
According to one assistant, things have “quieted down” after what was said to be a “rocky” few weeks.
I’m told Kiffin and Rob Ryan are fine with their relationship, and were fine personally whether Ryan was in or out. That corroborates what I was told earlier _ that their disagreements were philosphical in nature.
– The word is center Jeremy Newberry hit playing time incentives that pushed his 2006 salary past $3 million last season. Newberry proclaimed he wanted to return, and Cable is pushing for another contract, but so far the Raiders have been slow to make a deal.
Could be nothing. The Raiders often make no move toward a player only to begin negotiations out of the blue and quickly close a deal, as was the case with running back Justin Fargas.
– Former Raiders and Cowboys defesive tackle Russell Maryland was patrolling the hallways and talking to team personnel regarding his video venture, Webb Electronics.
“Things crazy as usual?,” Maryland said. “I still pull for the Raiders _ even though they’re the only team in my career that cut me.”
– According to one personnel man, Raiders wide receiver Jerry Porter, scheduled for free agency after voiding the final year of his contract, may not get the big payday he desires.
“Can’t run,” he said.
– Place kickers, punters and some offensive linemen were brought into the media room, as well as Bears head coach Lovie Smith, Bills coach Dick Jauron, Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert, Jets coach Eric Mangini, 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan and 49ers coach Mike Nolan.
