OAKLAND RAIDERS OFFSEASON THREAD
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Dorsey vs. Ellis
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Sunday, March 30th, 2008 at 2:05 pm in Oakland Raiders.
First in a series of players the Raiders are evaluating as the NFL draft approaches April 26-27. The Raiders currently hold the No. 4 pick in the first round.
Even if Tommy Kelly becomes all the Raiders hope he will become moving inside to defensive tackle, there is a need for a young, energizing presence in the middle of the defensive line _ one they hope will be more of a two-way threat than the departed Warren Sapp, whose job description had little to do with stopping the run.
Barring a trade down, there are only two of those Oakland will be looking at with No. 4 _ LSU’s Glenn Dorsey and USC’s Sedrick Ellis.
Dorsey is considered the top prospect almost by acclamation.
“I have Dorsey ranked higher (than Sedrick Ellis), but with the caveat of his injury concerns,” NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said. “I put the national championship tape on and it was the best defensive tackle tape I’ve seen in a couple of years and that was the first time he’d been healthy all year long. It was a dominating performance. So he’s difficult. You want to love the kid because he’s a warrior and played hurt. But you better make sure you’re not buying damaged goods, and I’m not saying they are. I’m just saying you better be sure.”
Of course, Al Davis has his own ideas which are seldom revealed until the day the Raiders draft. The Raiders coaching staff had Ellis in the Senior Bowl, with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan noting, “We liked him a lot. He made a lot of plays for us.”
Ellis was also recruited under Lane Kiffin’s watch as recruiting coordinator at USC, for what that’s worth.
Talent evaluators who favor Dorsey believe his standard of play can lift an entire defense. Mel Kiper Jr. likens him to Ray Lewis in that regard.
“I think he’s an impact guy, an every down guy, first second and third. He elevates people around them, makes them better,” said Rams exec Billy Devaney, whose team owns the No. 2 overall selection.
Said one NFC general manager: “I think Dorsey is the better player, but if the Raiders get either one, they’re coming away with an instant starter and a very good player.”
Dorsey had what he called a hairline fracture of his right tibia as a junior, and there were rumors he his foundation could be an issue for the longterm.
He insists he is not concerned.
“I always try to set myself up to hear wild things. Some stuff I just wonder where people get it from. Even the reports saying I was not coming (to the combine). I don’t know where know where that came from,” Dorsey said. “It is what it is. I’m just trying to enjoy myself and make sure I’m taking care of my responsibility. Everybody is going to have their opinion on what they think about me and my game, but as long as I’m taking care of my business, that is all that matters to me.”
He received advice from college teammate JaMarcus Russell.
“He told me to stay within myself and don’t listen to all the hoopla,” Dorsey said. “People always have opinions. Some like you, others don’t. He just told me at the end of the day I’m taking care of my responsibilities and working hard.”
That Dorsey played through his injuries at LSU and was productive rates him even higher in the eyes of some scouts.
At a shade over 6-foot, and in the 300-pound range, Ellis is an inch shorter and about 15 pounds lighter than Dorsey, but plays with a similar motor and explosion. He had 8.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for losses at USC and shrugs off concerns about his height, believing it to be a weapon rather than a problem.
“A lot of people like taller tackles, but I think my height is just great,’’ Ellis said. “You can get these 6-5 linemen and I can get underneath them and uproot them out of what they’re trying to do. Great footwork, great hands and the leverage I think works to my advantage.’’
Although Ellis believes he can play on the nose, his strength is probably more suited to being a Sapp-style three-technique.
Defensive tackles on roster: Tommy Kelly, Gerard Warren, Terdell Sands, William Joseph, Josh Shaw.
Kelly is being paid as one of the best at his position and now must play like it. Warren did what he has always done _ looked terrific one game and was invisible the next. Sands was a huge disappointment (both figuratively and literally) after signing before the free agent deadline for big money last year. Joseph is a former first-round draft pick signed for the veteran minimum who is worth a look. Shaw is a fringe player.
The bottom line: The Raiders will need to determine if Ellis is worth the No. 4 overall pick because Dorsey won’t make it that far.
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Sunday, March 30th, 2008 at 2:05 pm in Oakland Raiders.
First in a series of players the Raiders are evaluating as the NFL draft approaches April 26-27. The Raiders currently hold the No. 4 pick in the first round.
Even if Tommy Kelly becomes all the Raiders hope he will become moving inside to defensive tackle, there is a need for a young, energizing presence in the middle of the defensive line _ one they hope will be more of a two-way threat than the departed Warren Sapp, whose job description had little to do with stopping the run.
Barring a trade down, there are only two of those Oakland will be looking at with No. 4 _ LSU’s Glenn Dorsey and USC’s Sedrick Ellis.
Dorsey is considered the top prospect almost by acclamation.
“I have Dorsey ranked higher (than Sedrick Ellis), but with the caveat of his injury concerns,” NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said. “I put the national championship tape on and it was the best defensive tackle tape I’ve seen in a couple of years and that was the first time he’d been healthy all year long. It was a dominating performance. So he’s difficult. You want to love the kid because he’s a warrior and played hurt. But you better make sure you’re not buying damaged goods, and I’m not saying they are. I’m just saying you better be sure.”
Of course, Al Davis has his own ideas which are seldom revealed until the day the Raiders draft. The Raiders coaching staff had Ellis in the Senior Bowl, with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan noting, “We liked him a lot. He made a lot of plays for us.”
Ellis was also recruited under Lane Kiffin’s watch as recruiting coordinator at USC, for what that’s worth.
Talent evaluators who favor Dorsey believe his standard of play can lift an entire defense. Mel Kiper Jr. likens him to Ray Lewis in that regard.
“I think he’s an impact guy, an every down guy, first second and third. He elevates people around them, makes them better,” said Rams exec Billy Devaney, whose team owns the No. 2 overall selection.
Said one NFC general manager: “I think Dorsey is the better player, but if the Raiders get either one, they’re coming away with an instant starter and a very good player.”
Dorsey had what he called a hairline fracture of his right tibia as a junior, and there were rumors he his foundation could be an issue for the longterm.
He insists he is not concerned.
“I always try to set myself up to hear wild things. Some stuff I just wonder where people get it from. Even the reports saying I was not coming (to the combine). I don’t know where know where that came from,” Dorsey said. “It is what it is. I’m just trying to enjoy myself and make sure I’m taking care of my responsibility. Everybody is going to have their opinion on what they think about me and my game, but as long as I’m taking care of my business, that is all that matters to me.”
He received advice from college teammate JaMarcus Russell.
“He told me to stay within myself and don’t listen to all the hoopla,” Dorsey said. “People always have opinions. Some like you, others don’t. He just told me at the end of the day I’m taking care of my responsibilities and working hard.”
That Dorsey played through his injuries at LSU and was productive rates him even higher in the eyes of some scouts.
At a shade over 6-foot, and in the 300-pound range, Ellis is an inch shorter and about 15 pounds lighter than Dorsey, but plays with a similar motor and explosion. He had 8.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for losses at USC and shrugs off concerns about his height, believing it to be a weapon rather than a problem.
“A lot of people like taller tackles, but I think my height is just great,’’ Ellis said. “You can get these 6-5 linemen and I can get underneath them and uproot them out of what they’re trying to do. Great footwork, great hands and the leverage I think works to my advantage.’’
Although Ellis believes he can play on the nose, his strength is probably more suited to being a Sapp-style three-technique.
Defensive tackles on roster: Tommy Kelly, Gerard Warren, Terdell Sands, William Joseph, Josh Shaw.
Kelly is being paid as one of the best at his position and now must play like it. Warren did what he has always done _ looked terrific one game and was invisible the next. Sands was a huge disappointment (both figuratively and literally) after signing before the free agent deadline for big money last year. Joseph is a former first-round draft pick signed for the veteran minimum who is worth a look. Shaw is a fringe player.
The bottom line: The Raiders will need to determine if Ellis is worth the No. 4 overall pick because Dorsey won’t make it that far.
^^^ For Some reason I see the Raiders trading with the Bengals. They swap first rounders (Raiders 4th and Bengals 9th) and the Raider get their third or second rounder. I see the Bengals using that pick on either Sedrick or Dorsey which ever is still on the board maybe both. Then I see the Raiders Getting that boy from OHIO Gholston.
Yeah I hear you... that's why you said trade down a little bit and get an extra pick. That would probably work best.... not too sure if Ellis will work anyway because he's a bit small for a defensive tackle in the NFL. But he played good in the senior bowl and his motor is always running... maybe he could bulk up a bit....
Kiffin talks about his relationship with owner Davis
Associated Press
PALM BEACH, Fla. -- After a few warmup questions, Lane Kiffin was asked to describe working for Al Davis. The Oakland Raiders coach paused.
"I need a sip of water," he said, chuckling.
Kiffin has widely been reported as being on the outs with the Raiders' longtime owner and uninvolved in the many personnel decisions the team made this offseason. But the way Kiffin explained those moves Tuesday, from the re-signing of running back Justin Fargas to the additions of free agents Javon Walker, John Wade and Gibril Wilson and the trade for cornerback DeAngelo Hall, it seemed clear the coach was a major part of the transactions.
"It's very unique," Kiffin said of coaching for Davis. "He's an owner who is very hands-on, prides himself on his knowledge of football.
"It's not the easiest job. I know people have left because of that. Al is very demanding. At the same time, he is someone who has done a lot of things in this league -- coach, (AFL) commissioner, owner - and has a lot of knowledge."
Only when discussing the retention of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan did Kiffin emphasize Davis' decision-making role.
"At the end of the season, Rob and I had a meeting and Rob felt it was in his best interest to go somewhere else," Kiffin said. "I met with the owner and expressed that with Al, we talked about a lot of things and a lot of different scenarios that could come up, and Al decided to stay with Rob. Rob has one year left on his contract.
"I've always had a strong and very good relationship with Rob."
And his relationship with the only person who really counts on the Raiders? That can only improve if Oakland's record gets better.
"Nobody was happy with 4-12, but it was a very valuable year for me and our staff to learn more about the team and see what we had," Kiffin said. "All that information helps for the future."
Kiffin has widely been reported as being on the outs with the Raiders' longtime owner and uninvolved in the many personnel decisions the team made this offseason. But the way Kiffin explained those moves Tuesday, from the re-signing of running back Justin Fargas to the additions of free agents Javon Walker, John Wade and Gibril Wilson and the trade for cornerback DeAngelo Hall, it seemed clear the coach was a major part of the transactions.
"It's very unique," Kiffin said of coaching for Davis. "He's an owner who is very hands-on, prides himself on his knowledge of football.
"It's not the easiest job. I know people have left because of that. Al is very demanding. At the same time, he is someone who has done a lot of things in this league -- coach, (AFL) commissioner, owner - and has a lot of knowledge."
Only when discussing the retention of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan did Kiffin emphasize Davis' decision-making role.
"At the end of the season, Rob and I had a meeting and Rob felt it was in his best interest to go somewhere else," Kiffin said. "I met with the owner and expressed that with Al, we talked about a lot of things and a lot of different scenarios that could come up, and Al decided to stay with Rob. Rob has one year left on his contract.
"I've always had a strong and very good relationship with Rob."
Associated Press
PALM BEACH, Fla. -- After a few warmup questions, Lane Kiffin was asked to describe working for Al Davis. The Oakland Raiders coach paused.
"I need a sip of water," he said, chuckling.
Kiffin has widely been reported as being on the outs with the Raiders' longtime owner and uninvolved in the many personnel decisions the team made this offseason. But the way Kiffin explained those moves Tuesday, from the re-signing of running back Justin Fargas to the additions of free agents Javon Walker, John Wade and Gibril Wilson and the trade for cornerback DeAngelo Hall, it seemed clear the coach was a major part of the transactions.
"It's very unique," Kiffin said of coaching for Davis. "He's an owner who is very hands-on, prides himself on his knowledge of football.
"It's not the easiest job. I know people have left because of that. Al is very demanding. At the same time, he is someone who has done a lot of things in this league -- coach, (AFL) commissioner, owner - and has a lot of knowledge."
Only when discussing the retention of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan did Kiffin emphasize Davis' decision-making role.
"At the end of the season, Rob and I had a meeting and Rob felt it was in his best interest to go somewhere else," Kiffin said. "I met with the owner and expressed that with Al, we talked about a lot of things and a lot of different scenarios that could come up, and Al decided to stay with Rob. Rob has one year left on his contract.
"I've always had a strong and very good relationship with Rob."
And his relationship with the only person who really counts on the Raiders? That can only improve if Oakland's record gets better.
"Nobody was happy with 4-12, but it was a very valuable year for me and our staff to learn more about the team and see what we had," Kiffin said. "All that information helps for the future."
Kiffin has widely been reported as being on the outs with the Raiders' longtime owner and uninvolved in the many personnel decisions the team made this offseason. But the way Kiffin explained those moves Tuesday, from the re-signing of running back Justin Fargas to the additions of free agents Javon Walker, John Wade and Gibril Wilson and the trade for cornerback DeAngelo Hall, it seemed clear the coach was a major part of the transactions.
"It's very unique," Kiffin said of coaching for Davis. "He's an owner who is very hands-on, prides himself on his knowledge of football.
"It's not the easiest job. I know people have left because of that. Al is very demanding. At the same time, he is someone who has done a lot of things in this league -- coach, (AFL) commissioner, owner - and has a lot of knowledge."
Only when discussing the retention of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan did Kiffin emphasize Davis' decision-making role.
"At the end of the season, Rob and I had a meeting and Rob felt it was in his best interest to go somewhere else," Kiffin said. "I met with the owner and expressed that with Al, we talked about a lot of things and a lot of different scenarios that could come up, and Al decided to stay with Rob. Rob has one year left on his contract.
"I've always had a strong and very good relationship with Rob."
Back in prime time
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Monday, March 31st, 2008 at 11:23 am in Oakland Raiders.
Somebody thinks the Raiders are on the verge of being relevant.
The Raiders were not only chosen to play in one of the two Monday night prime time games to open the regular season on Sept. 8, but will do so at home against the Denver Broncos at 7:15 p.m. The first Monday night game that evening will feature Minnesota at Green Bay.
Oakland, coming off a 2-14 season in 2006, did not play a single regular season game which started after 1:15 p.m. (West Coast time). Their last two prime time games came in 2006, a 27-0 thrashing against the San Diego Chargers to open the season which ranks as one of the most dreadful performances in franchise history, and a 16-0 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night, Nov. 6.
The last time the Raiders actually scored points under the lights in the regular season was on Dec. 31, 2005, in a 30-21 loss to the New York Giants, the last game of Norv Turner’s two-year run.
Oakland’s last prime time win came on Nov. 28, 2005 against Denver, a 25-24 win on a snowy Sunday night.
While the Raiders have had their share of gripes with how the schedule has been set up by the NFL over the years, it’s hard to see a downside in this.
They get to open at home, against a division rival they beat last year. They are being recognized as a team worth watching because of the interest surrounding quarterback JaMarcus Russell, as well as Al Davis’ spending spree which has resulted in the re-signings of end Tommy Kelly and Justin Fargas as well as a trade for cornerback DeAngelo Hall and free-agent acquisitions of wide receivers Javon Walker and Drew Carter, safety Gibril Wilson, defensive end Kalimba Edwards and tackle Kwame Harris.
The Raiders have not opened the season against Denver since losing 17-13 as the Los Angeles Raiders in 1992. They haven’t hosted the Broncos in Week 1 since a 14-9 win over Denver in Los Angeles in 1990.
Denver has not opened a season in Oakland since 1967, with the Raiders winning 51-0 en route to a 13-1 season.
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Monday, March 31st, 2008 at 11:23 am in Oakland Raiders.
Somebody thinks the Raiders are on the verge of being relevant.
The Raiders were not only chosen to play in one of the two Monday night prime time games to open the regular season on Sept. 8, but will do so at home against the Denver Broncos at 7:15 p.m. The first Monday night game that evening will feature Minnesota at Green Bay.
Oakland, coming off a 2-14 season in 2006, did not play a single regular season game which started after 1:15 p.m. (West Coast time). Their last two prime time games came in 2006, a 27-0 thrashing against the San Diego Chargers to open the season which ranks as one of the most dreadful performances in franchise history, and a 16-0 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night, Nov. 6.
The last time the Raiders actually scored points under the lights in the regular season was on Dec. 31, 2005, in a 30-21 loss to the New York Giants, the last game of Norv Turner’s two-year run.
Oakland’s last prime time win came on Nov. 28, 2005 against Denver, a 25-24 win on a snowy Sunday night.
While the Raiders have had their share of gripes with how the schedule has been set up by the NFL over the years, it’s hard to see a downside in this.
They get to open at home, against a division rival they beat last year. They are being recognized as a team worth watching because of the interest surrounding quarterback JaMarcus Russell, as well as Al Davis’ spending spree which has resulted in the re-signings of end Tommy Kelly and Justin Fargas as well as a trade for cornerback DeAngelo Hall and free-agent acquisitions of wide receivers Javon Walker and Drew Carter, safety Gibril Wilson, defensive end Kalimba Edwards and tackle Kwame Harris.
The Raiders have not opened the season against Denver since losing 17-13 as the Los Angeles Raiders in 1992. They haven’t hosted the Broncos in Week 1 since a 14-9 win over Denver in Los Angeles in 1990.
Denver has not opened a season in Oakland since 1967, with the Raiders winning 51-0 en route to a 13-1 season.
More Kiffin
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Tuesday, April 1st, 2008 at 6:19 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Additional comments from Lane Kiffin at the NFL owner’s meetings at West Palm Beach, Fla., courtesy of contracted employee (or stringer, as we say in the business) Walter Villa:
On trading for CB DeAngelo Hall: “Was cornerback our No. 1 need? No. But DeAngelo became available, and he is a player with great potential. . . . We couldn’t pass him up.”
On replacing retired DT Warren Sapp with DE Tommy Kelly “Tommy has played three different positions for us. With Warren being a 3-technique, Tommy really hasn’t been able to flourish at what we feel is his best position. But Rob (Ryan) feels Tommy is the best 3-technique in the league.”
On Kelly coming off an ACL injury: “It’s a major concern. But with Tommy being here, we have a lot of information on him. And we didn’t want to let Tommy leave. Sometimes that can overprice you. But Al (Davis) decided to pay him that, and we’re happy he accepted.”
On QB JaMarcus Russell’s holdout last season: “It’s like we had him (in minicamp), and then they took him away from us. But he has been great this offseason. He is in by far the best shape since we’ve had him.”
On Russell playing QB at 270-plus pounds: “He has a big-time arm and phenomenal feet for his size. He is never going to play at 260, 255 pounds. That’s not his body, that’s not who he is. As long he is 270, he is doing well. And what is the weight? Is it good weight or bad weight? Is it muscle or fat? We are more concerned with his body composition so he can give us some scrambling ability as well.”
On WRs Javon Walker and Drew Carter: “We added some down-the-field threats. Carter made a lot of big plays at Carolina. With Walker, we just want to make sure he is healthy so he can have a big year like he had in Green Bay. With Jamarcus at quarterback, we felt it was important to add long-ball threats instead of possession guys.”
On RB Michael Bush, who missed last season due to injury: “We look at it as if he took a redshirt year (in college). We have three guys who have played (Justin Fargas, Lamont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes), and then we have Michael, who is kind of like a bonus.”
On his first year as a head coach: “Win-losses, it was definitely lower than my expectations . . . We did do some good things, played well in some spurts. But I was disappointed in the consistency, to have two blowout (losses) at the end of the year. It kind of reminds you how far away you are.”
On how his players handled the losing: “We were very fortunate. We didn’t really have any issues of players lashing out at the media. For the most part, they handled themselves well.”
On feeling pressure: “If you are going to worry about being fired, I think you start worrying about that the day you get hired by the Raiders. I don’t feel any added pressure. If I worried about getting fired, I would have started worrying about that from Day 1.”
On the draft: “We don’t have a lot of picks. We have the No. 4 choice overall, which is significant. We could trade down, obviously. We’d love to continue to work on our defensive line. There are a couple of really good defensive lineman that may be available at 4.”
On mock drafts that have the Raiders picking Arkansas running back Darren McFadden at No. 4: “He is a phenomenal player, but I don’t really think running back is a need for us.”
On whether Kiffin will have an impact on who the Raiders draft: “I hope so. I wouldn’t expect it to be any different than last year.”
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Tuesday, April 1st, 2008 at 6:19 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Additional comments from Lane Kiffin at the NFL owner’s meetings at West Palm Beach, Fla., courtesy of contracted employee (or stringer, as we say in the business) Walter Villa:
On trading for CB DeAngelo Hall: “Was cornerback our No. 1 need? No. But DeAngelo became available, and he is a player with great potential. . . . We couldn’t pass him up.”
On replacing retired DT Warren Sapp with DE Tommy Kelly “Tommy has played three different positions for us. With Warren being a 3-technique, Tommy really hasn’t been able to flourish at what we feel is his best position. But Rob (Ryan) feels Tommy is the best 3-technique in the league.”
On Kelly coming off an ACL injury: “It’s a major concern. But with Tommy being here, we have a lot of information on him. And we didn’t want to let Tommy leave. Sometimes that can overprice you. But Al (Davis) decided to pay him that, and we’re happy he accepted.”
On QB JaMarcus Russell’s holdout last season: “It’s like we had him (in minicamp), and then they took him away from us. But he has been great this offseason. He is in by far the best shape since we’ve had him.”
On Russell playing QB at 270-plus pounds: “He has a big-time arm and phenomenal feet for his size. He is never going to play at 260, 255 pounds. That’s not his body, that’s not who he is. As long he is 270, he is doing well. And what is the weight? Is it good weight or bad weight? Is it muscle or fat? We are more concerned with his body composition so he can give us some scrambling ability as well.”
On WRs Javon Walker and Drew Carter: “We added some down-the-field threats. Carter made a lot of big plays at Carolina. With Walker, we just want to make sure he is healthy so he can have a big year like he had in Green Bay. With Jamarcus at quarterback, we felt it was important to add long-ball threats instead of possession guys.”
On RB Michael Bush, who missed last season due to injury: “We look at it as if he took a redshirt year (in college). We have three guys who have played (Justin Fargas, Lamont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes), and then we have Michael, who is kind of like a bonus.”
On his first year as a head coach: “Win-losses, it was definitely lower than my expectations . . . We did do some good things, played well in some spurts. But I was disappointed in the consistency, to have two blowout (losses) at the end of the year. It kind of reminds you how far away you are.”
On how his players handled the losing: “We were very fortunate. We didn’t really have any issues of players lashing out at the media. For the most part, they handled themselves well.”
On feeling pressure: “If you are going to worry about being fired, I think you start worrying about that the day you get hired by the Raiders. I don’t feel any added pressure. If I worried about getting fired, I would have started worrying about that from Day 1.”
On the draft: “We don’t have a lot of picks. We have the No. 4 choice overall, which is significant. We could trade down, obviously. We’d love to continue to work on our defensive line. There are a couple of really good defensive lineman that may be available at 4.”
On mock drafts that have the Raiders picking Arkansas running back Darren McFadden at No. 4: “He is a phenomenal player, but I don’t really think running back is a need for us.”
On whether Kiffin will have an impact on who the Raiders draft: “I hope so. I wouldn’t expect it to be any different than last year.”