THE OFFICIAL OAKLAND RAIDERS 2009 OFFSEASON THREAD
- Thread starter Meta4iCAL
- Start date
Tyler Thigpen put up pretty damn good numbers the 2nd half of the season and that was with Herm "dont know shit about offense" Edwards running the show. Cassel is better then Thigpen and Haley is a better offensive mind then Edwards. I think its safe to say Cassel will put up better numbers then Thigpen under the new regime.
Bowe>better then any WR ya'll got
TG>better then any WR/TE ya'll got
Engram>better then any WR ya'll got
Cassel will have plenty of weapons on offense, so putting up numbers wont be an issue, the only issue will be getting the running game going.
Bowe>better then any WR ya'll got
TG>better then any WR/TE ya'll got
Engram>better then any WR ya'll got
Cassel will have plenty of weapons on offense, so putting up numbers wont be an issue, the only issue will be getting the running game going.
THE WAY YOUR SIZING UP YOUR SEASON AND TEAM HAS IGNORANCE WRITTEN ALL OVER IT. DO YOU REALLY THINK THAT YOU GUYS WILL PLUG CASSEL IN AND HE WILL IMMEDIATELY FLOURISH IN HALEY'S OFFENSE? SO YOU HAVE A COUPLE PLAYERS AT A COUPLE POSITIONS THAT ARE BETTER THAN OURS. YOU REALLY THINK THAT GIVES YOU AN EDGE ON US?
GET REAL HOMIE. IT'LL TAKE YOUR TEAM AT LEAST 1 YEAR TO GEL. THERE'S TOO MANY COACHES WHO NEED TO IMPLEMENT THEIR OWN SYSTEMS AND TOP THAT OFF WITH A NEW QB WHO HAS TO LEARN AND ADJUST.
THE QUEEFS WILL SPEND ANOTHER SEASON IN THE CELLAR OF THE DIVISION.
PERIOD.
TUESDAY'S CHAT WITH JERRY MAC OF THE OAKLAND TRIBUNE. LOTS OF GOOD SHIT HERE:
12:55 jerrymac: Better to start early than late . . .
12:55 [Comment From JUGULATOR]
Any chance you think they try for Tank Williams ?
12:55 jerrymac: It's not the way they've operated so far. The Raiders have been looking for young players and not those with checkered pasts. A nice change, too.
12:56 [Comment From DB]
Should we sign SS Roy Williams, DT Tank Johnson, and WR Matt Jones?
12:57 jerrymac: All three into the above category. Williams would be the most intriguing, but not if he's going to command huge money. It should be the sort of deal they made with Donovin Darius a few years back _ if he doesn't have it during camp, they can cut him.
12:57 [Comment From Guest]
with the Raiders signing Barnes..I know now they will go power running. Will Bush be more incorporated into the running game? I hope more than Fargas? and I hope they drop down in the draft and go for maclin and harvin for cheap..instead of big money on crabtree.
12:59 jerrymac: Barnes is not purely a power player. He can move. It was one of the things that attracted Cable to him. Exactly how they mesh the power running game with the ZBS will be one of the more interesting aspects of minicamps and training camp.
12:59 [Comment From wildabeast]
have we shown any interest in veteran QB's Jeff Garcia or Trent Green?
1:00 jerrymac: I don't think so, and I'm not sure how interested they'd be in joining the Raiders _ particularly in the case of Garcia, who never wanted to come to Oakland in the first place because of Russell. Green's concussion issues are a concern.
1:00 [Comment From raider33]
With the additon of khalif barnes and mario hendersons play at left tackle last year, who do u see winning left tackle spot assuming we dont draft a left tackle or tackle in the draft also has khalif barnes been a left tackle his whole career at jacksonville
1:01 jerrymac: I'm sure they're hoping Barnes seizes the moment and claims the job. The good thing from the Raiders vantage point is he's not being paid so much that he HAS to win the job.
1:01 [Comment From JIMBO]
any chacnce of the Raiders drafting Malcolm Jenkins at #7 and making him their safety?
1:02 jerrymac: Not sure they'd go safety at No. 7 again after trying it with Huff.
1:02 [Comment From Guest]
Jerry could you explain to me what a trick offense is and why does everyone keep saying Crabtree comes from a trick offense? There are plenty of teams that open up their offense and spread the ball around.
1:03 jerrymac: An offense that relies almost exclusively on myriad shallow pass routes with the occasional medium and deep strike, and puts up numbers against poor defenses that is better than the sum of its parts in terms of talent. Think Andre Ware/David Klingler and Houston. Do you remember any of those receivers? I know I don't.
1:03 [Comment From Tenacious D]
Any chance of Louis Rankin getting off the practice squad this year? he looked good in pre season last year.
1:04 jerrymac: A chance, but the Raiders have three running backs and may not need a fourth on the 53-man. His best bet is being a core special teams player.
1:04 [Comment From Mike]
should we draft Raji or WR with the 7th pick now that we have Barnes at left tackle?
1:06 jerrymac: Depends on how the first six picks play out and which player they think can be a major contributor - and fast. Even with Barnes, I'd have a hard time passing on Smith and Monroe as tackles. Don't think they'll be around so it won't be a problem. Took Crabtree in a mock draft today largely because of Maclin's similarity with Higgins in terms of style. But the Raiders will have far more insight as to Crabtree's true play-making ability, speed and the condition of his foot than I'll have sitting at a computer.
1:06 [Comment From JIMBO]
Dont you think Henderson will make a better LT then RT? Given who he shut down towards the end of the year, shouldnt he be given the benefit of the doubt and put BArnes on the Right side?
1:07 jerrymac: For whatever reason, Henderson has never won over the coaching staff _ first Kiffin, and then Cable. Even when Mario was playing well, Cable sounded as if he had to stay all over him to prevent a slide. Never sounds as if he's got complete faith in him. Sure it has to do with practice habits and aggressiveness.
1:07 [Comment From mark]
franchise tackles do not along too often,we missed out on jake long and we took russell instead of joe thomas not that i disagree but do you think we should take andre smith if he falls.
1:08 jerrymac: Not sure everyone thinks Andre Smith is of that mold. I think there's at least room for concern that his conditioning has been suspect and his judgement hasn't been good in terms of being prepared for the whole draft process. I mean, this is the most important time of his life.
1:08 [Comment From Kyle]
Are the offseason workouts a closed event, or open to the media?
1:08 jerrymac: Closed. They have an occasional day with some access, or at least they did last year. Not sure about this year.
1:08 [Comment From RaiderRockstar]
Jerry, nice job in picking Crabtree & Mack as two guys who would benefit the Raiders greatly. Who would be your 3rd option if we get a center in free agency and Crabs is gone by #7 ?
1:09 jerrymac: I'm not sure if signing Duke Preston would preclude the Raiders wanting someone like Mack or Unger. It would be a stopgap move. Preston wasn't that impressive in Buffalo.
1:09 [Comment From Kyle]
Not many teams are showing much interest for Orlando Pace. Rumors before he was released were that the Raiders were looking to acquire him. Any word on this?
1:10 jerrymac: I would think the Barnes signing rules that out. And for far less money than Pace wanted, I'm guessing. Pace's ability to stay healthy and practice consistently are legitimate concerns, and that is a big deal to Cable and the Raiders.
1:10 [Comment From Trenton]
Any chance Tim Brown will make it into the HOF in his first year of eligibility? If not, when do you see it happening?
1:11 jerrymac: The fact that Cris Carter wasn't a first-ballot player doesn't bode well for Brown. I know there are voters who believe Brown is like a 25-ppg scorer on a bad basketball team. He gets stats because someone has to get stats, an they're not contributing to a greater good. Not saying it' right, but the feeling is there.
1:11 [Comment From Chrisram73]
Jerry, are reporters allowed into Voluntary practice sessions? If so, what are you seeing from the players? Why is J. Russell not in? He should be doing laps around the facility, no?
1:13 jerrymac: No access to voluntary practice sessions as of yet, and no guarantee there will be. Russell will be there plenty, I believe. They're fairly casual. Each player is supposed to make a specific percentage of the workouts if possible. Not going to start worrying about Russell's commitment level until there is evidence its an issue. I liked the way he finished the year, his demeanor, etc.
1:13 [Comment From Taurus]
Do you think the Raiders will pick up any veteran recievers?
1:14 jerrymac: Probably, but bringing back Walker means it would probably be a player just hoping to latch on to a fourth or fifth spot. And the Raiders I'm sure are hoping that Arman Shields grabs a spot. That would mean Higgins, Schilens, Shields and Walker (since he's being paid for two years). Plus one more.
1:14 [Comment From Moose]
Jerry...a question related to your earlier blog,about the shyness of the Raiders......do you think the team loses its competitive edge,by not allowing fans to attend training camp? and do you think the Raiders will ever change this policy??
1:16 jerrymac: Raiders camp in Napa is not set up for a huge crowd. It's simply not big enough. And no, not sure it's a big deal in terms of getting them ready. It might break up the monotony a little to have fans there, but mostly it's drudgery for the players. Think it's unfortunate the Raiders can't find a way to the practice at a local high school as they once did. The Coliseum Raiders day isn't intimate enough of a setting.
1:16 [Comment From Rob from LA]
Who in our division would you say looks like the favorite so far ?
1:17 jerrymac: Probably San Diego based on their division title from last year, and I think teaming Tomlinson and Sproles will give them a good 1-2 punch and lengthen Tomlinson's career. The big thing is getting Merriman back. If he's anything close to what he was, they're the favorite.
1:18 [Comment From Ray Guy]
What's the word on draft position for Alex Mack? I hear he will be gone by our second pick. He seems like a very good choice to me and IMO we should do whatever we have to to get him.
1:19 jerrymac: Seems unlikely he would fall into the second round. He could be a guy you put at center and forget about the position for seven to 10 years. But I just don't see it happening at No. 7.
1:19 [Comment From Rick (SpringTown)]
Maclin? Harvin?? Why? That doesnt make any sense. Give Russell a great target with hands.
1:20 jerrymac: Can't say I disagree. Seems like no one looks for the guys with really great hands anymore, it's all about the speed, etc. That's why Fitzgerald is so good. He catches everything.
1:20 [Comment From Raiderdave]
I like the one-year deal for Barnes as Henderson needs camp competition for LT. Instead, why do I continue to read that Barnes seems like a lock at LT. Are the Raiders headed down the same road again (the K. Harris vs Mario Henderson deal). Mario DESERVES a shot!
1:20 jerrymac: I think he'll get a shot and that's the whole point. Pushing him. Cable and co. are convinced he needs to be pushed. Barnes is only on a one-year deal and getting money which would justify being a backup if that were to occur.
1:21 [Comment From Jason]
If both Monroe and Smith are gone, wouldn't the smart pick be Raji? I mean, for the last 4 or 5 years we have been among the worst vs the run. Need to address it at some point. Plus, Crabtree and Maclin have a lot of questions
1:22 jerrymac: Have to admit I haven't seen enough on Raji, although I've read up on him. The first thing that jumps out at me is he plays alongside another huge DT who is draftable and the trick is determing how much the other player made Raji better by his presence.
1:22 [Comment From Kyle]
Julian Peterson, LeRoy Hill and Lofa Tatupu all had years where they had quite a few sacks under Marshall, but not over the past couple years. Did Marshall start dropping them back in zone like Al loves?
1:23 jerrymac: Marshall will run his defenses with full knowledge that there is a certain way the Raiders are expected to play. If he strays from that and the defense plays well, he's OK. If he strays and the defense plays poorly, he'll hear about it.
1:23 [Comment From Dave from N.J.]
What is the story on CB John Bowie ? If he makes the team and stays healthy. Is he a special team player or can he help out in the secondary ?
1:24 jerrymac: No way of knowing because he was on IR all of last year. I suspect he was kept around simply because he was the guy that got for Moss. Perhaps he'll prove me wrong.
1:24 [Comment From willy in reno]
have the raiders made any attempts to bring a veteran wideout like harrison or holt to develop these young guys we have what about matt jones at a cheap price
1:26 jerrymac: First thing that has to happen is that the veteran has to WANT to develop young players. Don't kid yourself _ many of them don't. They want to play themselves. As much as I like Holt, not sure I'd want to sign him given nine games on grass at minimum (coliseum plus AFC West road games). Jones' decision-making has been awful off the field.
1:26 [Comment From gr8 1]
Do you think Michael Huff and Tyvon Branch would be a good safety combo? I think they have good man coverage skills to cover tight ends but can they tackle?
1:27 jerrymac: Always liked the way Huff conducted himself since he arrived. Seemed like a veteran when he was a rookie. But he simply hasn't made plays on the field. I'd have to see it to believe it. As for Branch, he didn't play enough last year to make a judgement.
1:27 [Comment From RaiderRockstar]
would you rather have Boller, Frye or a disgruntled Walter to back up Russell and compete with Gradkowski?
1:28 jerrymac: I prefer to have a QB who is a change-of-pace from the starter, rather than a guy who does the same things. Gives the offensive a different look _ rather than a guy who does the same things, only not as well. So within that context, I'd prefer Frye because he's not strictly a dropback passer.
1:28 [Comment From Kev]
Should the Raiders consider Cutler? I mean, we all want Russell to succeed, but this kid Cutler is there now.
1:29 jerrymac: I think Raider fans ought to really hope Cutler remains in Denver. He's got the arm and the stats, but he's only good when he's flying high and he pouts and blames others when things go poorly. Not a good leader at all, it appears.
1:30 [Comment From 16 to 88]
Do you know if they kept some of the Kiffin playbook and incorporated it with Tollners or is JaMarcus learning a completely new offense?
1:30 jerrymac: Kiffin's play book essentially morphed into Cable's offense last year, and Tollner is building off that in temrs of the passing game.
1:30 [Comment From M.Valentino]
Hey Jerry, any other possible FA that are in the Mix that you can let us know of?, other than Barnes its been kinda quiet in The Nation and Im gettin worried
1:32 jerrymac: Think they're merely waiting to see prices come down on guys they like (hell, they may have secret agreements with some) . . . but I wouldn't be worried. In fact, I'd be worried if they were signing a bunch of free agents. They're out there for a reason. They found that out last year the hard way.
1:32 [Comment From MikeNJ]
Just how many years do you think Jamarcus gets to not be considered a bust? if he struggles this year, how much longer do the Raiders have to stick with him since he was a top pick?
1:32 jerrymac: He gets three full years, minimum. Or at least he should. I would consider 2009 Year No. 2.
1:32 [Comment From bill]
Contrary to your own article yesterday, I am intrigued by the absolute lack of leaks on anything raider this offseason. Last one every other reporter *eg. Mortensen knew everything inside. Isnt it a good sign?
1:34 jerrymac: There is no problem with keeping your intensions to yourself. That's something a good organization should do. What doesn't make any sense is having transactions completed and then deciding you don't want to tell your own fans. It's not going to hurt them on the field. It's just plain dumb.
1:34 [Comment From James]
We re-signed Ricky Brown. Do you think the Raiders are comfortable with their starting Linebackers?
1:34 jerrymac: I think they're pretty comfortable, and I'm not sure that's a good thing. LBs are at least part of the problem vs. the run.
1:34 [Comment From MikeNJ]
Sure would love to get Amani Toomer in the Silver and Black for a little leadership and concistency.
1:35 jerrymac: Agree he would be a good choice and probably would want to mentor young WRs.
1:35 [Comment From Manuel]
Some draft "experts" think Maclin's the pick (over Crabtree) because of his speed, but was Tim Brown that fast?
1:35 jerrymac: Very fast when he was drafted. Severe knee injury slowed him down early on. Was quick more than fast after that, relied on know-how in later years.
1:36 [Comment From Rick (SpringTown)]
Can the Raiders win the AFC West? Most of the division is in shambles. We made strides last year and with a good draft and some breaks
1:37 jerrymac: I've said before I like this offseason a lot in contrast to last year.
Two biggest issues 1) How good will Russell be?; 2) Can they stop (or at least slow) the running game? Keep giving up 20-plus rushing touchdowns per year and playoffs won't happen.
1:37 [Comment From Greg S.]
Have the Raiders expressed any interest in Michael Crabtree or is it all a secret as usual?
1:38 jerrymac: Crabtree is a Top 10 talent. So sure, they're interested. But there is a lot to determin in terms of his health, etc.
1:38 [Comment From James]
Any luck getting the blog users registered?
1:39 jerrymac: It's been discussed. Have been told it should happen in some way, shape or form. But I'll believe it when I see it because I've heard this before.
1:40 [Comment From rayguy4hof]
With Gibril Wilson and Rashad Baker gone, we have no depth at S, why haven't we tried Jon Alston at SS?
1:40 jerrymac: Don't think he's been a safety since Stanford. A tough time in his career to make a full-fledged change to safety.
1:40 [Comment From James]
Do you think the "Special Position" Al Davis spoke of is already in place, our offseason is making too much sense...
1:41 jerrymac: I would instead give Davis credit for realizing last year was a disaster and acting in that regard.
1:41 [Comment From dannyo]
what happened to ashley lelie
1:42 jerrymac: Still an unrestricted FA. Heard there was still some level of interest in him but frankly I don't know why.
1:42 [Comment From bill]
We need to stop the run, and the national leader in TFL played for San jose State. A great athlete. Any rumors regarding Jarron Gilbert?
1:42 jerrymac: No, but I'll always pull for a fellow Spartan.
1:42 [Comment From Foust]
Any news on the Davis/Kiffin depositions?
1:43 jerrymac: Nothing other than they occured. Sure they're blaming each other for something they both had a hand in.
1:44 [Comment From Cris]
how high are the raiders on morrison? it seems like he's always getting trucked whenever it'sa running play. do they think it's more an issue with substandard d-tackles or is that just morrison?
1:45 jerrymac: Ryan talked up Morrison a lot. I would like to see the MLB be a bigger guy, more stout, seal off the run better. He is entering the final year of his contract, so this is a big year for him.
1:45 [Comment From RAIDER619]
what do you think about darrick brown? he is a huge safety
1:46 jerrymac: He played both safety and corner last year, as a practice squad guy. Your classic Raider. No one looks better coming off the bus as a DB _ in the entire league. No evidence he can play as yet.
1:46 [Comment From Colorado]
Hi Jerry, if the Raiders were going through this Cutler-McDaniels fiasco, they would be lambasted in the media as "dysfunctional". How come the Broncos aren't being labeled as "dysfunctional"?
1:47 jerrymac: If it happens for a few years running, then they probably will be.
1:47 [Comment From R8drfan-n-SD]
What rookie wr is gonna force Javon to step his game up this season, if none, why aren't we sparking competition at the wr spot by picking one of 2 quality wr in fa? Seems like as long is Javon is the Vet, he's comfortable.
1:48 jerrymac: Walker resides on his own planet, in his own solar system. It will be entirely up to him.
1:48 [Comment From Cris]
are 7 wins next year realistic or can 6 be considered solid considering the schedule?
1:48 jerrymac: Going from five to six wins isn't enough. Certainly not enough for the owner.
1:48 [Comment From stags]
Due to the economy do you think the raiders will have a tough time selling out games? Any word on season ticket sales?
1:49 jerrymac: They kept prices the same, a wise move. They don't release any ticket info at this time of year. It's going to depend on how good the product is. If they start anything lik they finished a year ago, there will be butts in the seats. Interesting to see the order of the games when it comes out next month.
1:50 [Comment From oakland raid]
do you see the raiders picking up samari rolle or do you think he is past his prime
1:50 jerrymac: If he came cheap, it would beat taking another run at Duane Starks.
1:50 [Comment From Samhain]
Hi Jerry, if Crabtree is gone, do we take Maclin at #7?
1:51 jerrymac: That's what most mocks seem to think (many have them taking Maclin over Crabtree). I would renew my issue with him being too similar to Higgins and instead look at a pass rusher (Everette Brown, perhaps).
1:51 [Comment From Raider Nation 951]
Can you see Marshall making enough of a difference as a DC to improve the Run Defense since the Raiders haven't improved the talent on their defense?
1:53 jerrymac: It's not impossible. The worst defense the Raider ever had (1997) was last against the run, last against the pass. Pretty unbelievable when you think about it since teams that run well usually continue to run. Willie Shaw came in and they turned it around in one year _ and the main upgrades were outside at CB with Woodson and Eric Allen. You get a team to play together and feed off each other and a lot of things can happen.
1:53 [Comment From tonyt]
Hi Jerry, any chance of trading one of the 3 top running backs to detroit for one of their #1 pick or top 2 pick?
1:53 jerrymac: Don't see any of the RBS going anywhere, Bush trade rumors to the contrary.
1:54 [Comment From rayguy4hof]
Is Michael Huff a bust? The guy can't tackle.
1:54 jerrymac: Looks like a bust to me, although I'd love to be wrong.
1:55 [Comment From FIREKIFFIN]
What are the chances of the Raiders trading the 7th pick for multiple picks?
1:55 jerrymac: Based on past history, not much of a chance. Raiders don't trade down, although Al says ``it's better to be right than consistent.''
1:55 [Comment From The Big Ugly]
Will Gallery ever become a Pro Bowl guard, or will he always be an average lineman with "above average" being his ceiling?
1:56 jerrymac: Offensive linemen's reputations rise and fall with wins and losses. I think you'll find that if the Raiders won 10 games, Gallery playing at roughly the same level as he did last year would be a Pro Bowl guard.
1:56 [Comment From Vilapiano41]
Jerry - Crabtree at #7 is an outrage. If Raji is still there we have to take him and try to shore up the run defense once and for all. There's a big correlation between our record over the last 7 years and the poor run D. Your thoughts please.
1:57 jerrymac: Raji hasn't graded out as high as Dorsey did last year. Dorsey (I admit, a smaller player) didn't do much in KC. Nothing is automatic.
1:57 [Comment From Lee]
Jerry, it looks like the Niners don't want Issac Bruce do you think he would be a good mentor for the young guys.
1:58 jerrymac: Same issue as Holt. Too many games on grass. Realize niners have grass at home, but usually have more road games on turf.
1:58 [Comment From rikiramone]
I came in late sorry,,any chance the Raiders will use the 1st or 2nd round of the draft to shore up the O line?
1:59 jerrymac: Wouldn't be surprised if they wound up with a center.
1:59 [Comment From mike 323]
Do you think Al Davis will let Tom Cable coach??? He said he made mistakes in the past?? Has he really evaluated himself
2:00 jerrymac: In his first year as a coach, Cable is in what Lane Kiffin called ``the honeymoon'' period. Meaning he'll get his way, have a lot of latitude with the offense in particular and in terms of personnel, and see how it goes. If things go poorly, things tighten up considerably. Should be better for Cable, however, because he actually attempts to work with Davis and isn't looking for his next job.
2:00 [Comment From Raider Central]
On a scale of 1-10 how would you grade the Raider Coaching staff? I know what matters is what they do on the field, but just from your observation.
2:01 jerrymac: Will have a better idea when I watch training camp. We've learned a lot about the Raiders at each of the last few training camps, strengths and weaknesses that have panned out during the course of the season.
2:01 [Comment From Al LoCasale]
Jerry Im hearing the Raiders might quietly shop Russell around draft day and draft Sanchez,..what do you think about that?
2:01 jerrymac: Real quietly.
2:02 [Comment From thetruth]
Give a break, this whole team is a bust so far..
2:02 jerrymac: That's the spirit.
2:02 [Comment From raiderace]
Can JaMarcus ever fix his accuracy problem - or is that something that can't be fixed?
2:02 jerrymac: He was over 60 percent in the last several games. He got much better, albeit his best games came with heavy run emphasis.
2:03 [Comment From RaiderRockstar]
Should Raider fans be concerned if we go with just Wade & Morris at center?
2:03 jerrymac: Yes, they should. But I don't think that will happen.
2:03 [Comment From RaiderJack]
How'd baseball go this weekend? Any success as coach?
2:04 jerrymac: We're 1-0. Going for 2-0 tonight. One of the assistant coaches for the opponent tonight is former Raiders tight end Jeremy Brigham.
2:04 [Comment From NoMoreFargas]
Jerry how many games does cable have if we start this season like the last 6?
2:05 jerrymac: Cable is not in Kiffin's situation because he is trying to work with Davis and seems to like working for him. He's not trying to get fired. As long as they don't duplicate the Atlanta game a few times, he'll be OK for the year.
2:05 [Comment From SCRaider]
The Raiders MVP for next year will be......
2:06 jerrymac: They're MVP is JaMarcus Russell. If he is instead their most disappointing player, it's probably another 10-loss year.
Talk to you next week.
12:55 jerrymac: Better to start early than late . . .
12:55 [Comment From JUGULATOR]
Any chance you think they try for Tank Williams ?
12:55 jerrymac: It's not the way they've operated so far. The Raiders have been looking for young players and not those with checkered pasts. A nice change, too.
12:56 [Comment From DB]
Should we sign SS Roy Williams, DT Tank Johnson, and WR Matt Jones?
12:57 jerrymac: All three into the above category. Williams would be the most intriguing, but not if he's going to command huge money. It should be the sort of deal they made with Donovin Darius a few years back _ if he doesn't have it during camp, they can cut him.
12:57 [Comment From Guest]
with the Raiders signing Barnes..I know now they will go power running. Will Bush be more incorporated into the running game? I hope more than Fargas? and I hope they drop down in the draft and go for maclin and harvin for cheap..instead of big money on crabtree.
12:59 jerrymac: Barnes is not purely a power player. He can move. It was one of the things that attracted Cable to him. Exactly how they mesh the power running game with the ZBS will be one of the more interesting aspects of minicamps and training camp.
12:59 [Comment From wildabeast]
have we shown any interest in veteran QB's Jeff Garcia or Trent Green?
1:00 jerrymac: I don't think so, and I'm not sure how interested they'd be in joining the Raiders _ particularly in the case of Garcia, who never wanted to come to Oakland in the first place because of Russell. Green's concussion issues are a concern.
1:00 [Comment From raider33]
With the additon of khalif barnes and mario hendersons play at left tackle last year, who do u see winning left tackle spot assuming we dont draft a left tackle or tackle in the draft also has khalif barnes been a left tackle his whole career at jacksonville
1:01 jerrymac: I'm sure they're hoping Barnes seizes the moment and claims the job. The good thing from the Raiders vantage point is he's not being paid so much that he HAS to win the job.
1:01 [Comment From JIMBO]
any chacnce of the Raiders drafting Malcolm Jenkins at #7 and making him their safety?
1:02 jerrymac: Not sure they'd go safety at No. 7 again after trying it with Huff.
1:02 [Comment From Guest]
Jerry could you explain to me what a trick offense is and why does everyone keep saying Crabtree comes from a trick offense? There are plenty of teams that open up their offense and spread the ball around.
1:03 jerrymac: An offense that relies almost exclusively on myriad shallow pass routes with the occasional medium and deep strike, and puts up numbers against poor defenses that is better than the sum of its parts in terms of talent. Think Andre Ware/David Klingler and Houston. Do you remember any of those receivers? I know I don't.
1:03 [Comment From Tenacious D]
Any chance of Louis Rankin getting off the practice squad this year? he looked good in pre season last year.
1:04 jerrymac: A chance, but the Raiders have three running backs and may not need a fourth on the 53-man. His best bet is being a core special teams player.
1:04 [Comment From Mike]
should we draft Raji or WR with the 7th pick now that we have Barnes at left tackle?
1:06 jerrymac: Depends on how the first six picks play out and which player they think can be a major contributor - and fast. Even with Barnes, I'd have a hard time passing on Smith and Monroe as tackles. Don't think they'll be around so it won't be a problem. Took Crabtree in a mock draft today largely because of Maclin's similarity with Higgins in terms of style. But the Raiders will have far more insight as to Crabtree's true play-making ability, speed and the condition of his foot than I'll have sitting at a computer.
1:06 [Comment From JIMBO]
Dont you think Henderson will make a better LT then RT? Given who he shut down towards the end of the year, shouldnt he be given the benefit of the doubt and put BArnes on the Right side?
1:07 jerrymac: For whatever reason, Henderson has never won over the coaching staff _ first Kiffin, and then Cable. Even when Mario was playing well, Cable sounded as if he had to stay all over him to prevent a slide. Never sounds as if he's got complete faith in him. Sure it has to do with practice habits and aggressiveness.
1:07 [Comment From mark]
franchise tackles do not along too often,we missed out on jake long and we took russell instead of joe thomas not that i disagree but do you think we should take andre smith if he falls.
1:08 jerrymac: Not sure everyone thinks Andre Smith is of that mold. I think there's at least room for concern that his conditioning has been suspect and his judgement hasn't been good in terms of being prepared for the whole draft process. I mean, this is the most important time of his life.
1:08 [Comment From Kyle]
Are the offseason workouts a closed event, or open to the media?
1:08 jerrymac: Closed. They have an occasional day with some access, or at least they did last year. Not sure about this year.
1:08 [Comment From RaiderRockstar]
Jerry, nice job in picking Crabtree & Mack as two guys who would benefit the Raiders greatly. Who would be your 3rd option if we get a center in free agency and Crabs is gone by #7 ?
1:09 jerrymac: I'm not sure if signing Duke Preston would preclude the Raiders wanting someone like Mack or Unger. It would be a stopgap move. Preston wasn't that impressive in Buffalo.
1:09 [Comment From Kyle]
Not many teams are showing much interest for Orlando Pace. Rumors before he was released were that the Raiders were looking to acquire him. Any word on this?
1:10 jerrymac: I would think the Barnes signing rules that out. And for far less money than Pace wanted, I'm guessing. Pace's ability to stay healthy and practice consistently are legitimate concerns, and that is a big deal to Cable and the Raiders.
1:10 [Comment From Trenton]
Any chance Tim Brown will make it into the HOF in his first year of eligibility? If not, when do you see it happening?
1:11 jerrymac: The fact that Cris Carter wasn't a first-ballot player doesn't bode well for Brown. I know there are voters who believe Brown is like a 25-ppg scorer on a bad basketball team. He gets stats because someone has to get stats, an they're not contributing to a greater good. Not saying it' right, but the feeling is there.
1:11 [Comment From Chrisram73]
Jerry, are reporters allowed into Voluntary practice sessions? If so, what are you seeing from the players? Why is J. Russell not in? He should be doing laps around the facility, no?
1:13 jerrymac: No access to voluntary practice sessions as of yet, and no guarantee there will be. Russell will be there plenty, I believe. They're fairly casual. Each player is supposed to make a specific percentage of the workouts if possible. Not going to start worrying about Russell's commitment level until there is evidence its an issue. I liked the way he finished the year, his demeanor, etc.
1:13 [Comment From Taurus]
Do you think the Raiders will pick up any veteran recievers?
1:14 jerrymac: Probably, but bringing back Walker means it would probably be a player just hoping to latch on to a fourth or fifth spot. And the Raiders I'm sure are hoping that Arman Shields grabs a spot. That would mean Higgins, Schilens, Shields and Walker (since he's being paid for two years). Plus one more.
1:14 [Comment From Moose]
Jerry...a question related to your earlier blog,about the shyness of the Raiders......do you think the team loses its competitive edge,by not allowing fans to attend training camp? and do you think the Raiders will ever change this policy??
1:16 jerrymac: Raiders camp in Napa is not set up for a huge crowd. It's simply not big enough. And no, not sure it's a big deal in terms of getting them ready. It might break up the monotony a little to have fans there, but mostly it's drudgery for the players. Think it's unfortunate the Raiders can't find a way to the practice at a local high school as they once did. The Coliseum Raiders day isn't intimate enough of a setting.
1:16 [Comment From Rob from LA]
Who in our division would you say looks like the favorite so far ?
1:17 jerrymac: Probably San Diego based on their division title from last year, and I think teaming Tomlinson and Sproles will give them a good 1-2 punch and lengthen Tomlinson's career. The big thing is getting Merriman back. If he's anything close to what he was, they're the favorite.
1:18 [Comment From Ray Guy]
What's the word on draft position for Alex Mack? I hear he will be gone by our second pick. He seems like a very good choice to me and IMO we should do whatever we have to to get him.
1:19 jerrymac: Seems unlikely he would fall into the second round. He could be a guy you put at center and forget about the position for seven to 10 years. But I just don't see it happening at No. 7.
1:19 [Comment From Rick (SpringTown)]
Maclin? Harvin?? Why? That doesnt make any sense. Give Russell a great target with hands.
1:20 jerrymac: Can't say I disagree. Seems like no one looks for the guys with really great hands anymore, it's all about the speed, etc. That's why Fitzgerald is so good. He catches everything.
1:20 [Comment From Raiderdave]
I like the one-year deal for Barnes as Henderson needs camp competition for LT. Instead, why do I continue to read that Barnes seems like a lock at LT. Are the Raiders headed down the same road again (the K. Harris vs Mario Henderson deal). Mario DESERVES a shot!
1:20 jerrymac: I think he'll get a shot and that's the whole point. Pushing him. Cable and co. are convinced he needs to be pushed. Barnes is only on a one-year deal and getting money which would justify being a backup if that were to occur.
1:21 [Comment From Jason]
If both Monroe and Smith are gone, wouldn't the smart pick be Raji? I mean, for the last 4 or 5 years we have been among the worst vs the run. Need to address it at some point. Plus, Crabtree and Maclin have a lot of questions
1:22 jerrymac: Have to admit I haven't seen enough on Raji, although I've read up on him. The first thing that jumps out at me is he plays alongside another huge DT who is draftable and the trick is determing how much the other player made Raji better by his presence.
1:22 [Comment From Kyle]
Julian Peterson, LeRoy Hill and Lofa Tatupu all had years where they had quite a few sacks under Marshall, but not over the past couple years. Did Marshall start dropping them back in zone like Al loves?
1:23 jerrymac: Marshall will run his defenses with full knowledge that there is a certain way the Raiders are expected to play. If he strays from that and the defense plays well, he's OK. If he strays and the defense plays poorly, he'll hear about it.
1:23 [Comment From Dave from N.J.]
What is the story on CB John Bowie ? If he makes the team and stays healthy. Is he a special team player or can he help out in the secondary ?
1:24 jerrymac: No way of knowing because he was on IR all of last year. I suspect he was kept around simply because he was the guy that got for Moss. Perhaps he'll prove me wrong.
1:24 [Comment From willy in reno]
have the raiders made any attempts to bring a veteran wideout like harrison or holt to develop these young guys we have what about matt jones at a cheap price
1:26 jerrymac: First thing that has to happen is that the veteran has to WANT to develop young players. Don't kid yourself _ many of them don't. They want to play themselves. As much as I like Holt, not sure I'd want to sign him given nine games on grass at minimum (coliseum plus AFC West road games). Jones' decision-making has been awful off the field.
1:26 [Comment From gr8 1]
Do you think Michael Huff and Tyvon Branch would be a good safety combo? I think they have good man coverage skills to cover tight ends but can they tackle?
1:27 jerrymac: Always liked the way Huff conducted himself since he arrived. Seemed like a veteran when he was a rookie. But he simply hasn't made plays on the field. I'd have to see it to believe it. As for Branch, he didn't play enough last year to make a judgement.
1:27 [Comment From RaiderRockstar]
would you rather have Boller, Frye or a disgruntled Walter to back up Russell and compete with Gradkowski?
1:28 jerrymac: I prefer to have a QB who is a change-of-pace from the starter, rather than a guy who does the same things. Gives the offensive a different look _ rather than a guy who does the same things, only not as well. So within that context, I'd prefer Frye because he's not strictly a dropback passer.
1:28 [Comment From Kev]
Should the Raiders consider Cutler? I mean, we all want Russell to succeed, but this kid Cutler is there now.
1:29 jerrymac: I think Raider fans ought to really hope Cutler remains in Denver. He's got the arm and the stats, but he's only good when he's flying high and he pouts and blames others when things go poorly. Not a good leader at all, it appears.
1:30 [Comment From 16 to 88]
Do you know if they kept some of the Kiffin playbook and incorporated it with Tollners or is JaMarcus learning a completely new offense?
1:30 jerrymac: Kiffin's play book essentially morphed into Cable's offense last year, and Tollner is building off that in temrs of the passing game.
1:30 [Comment From M.Valentino]
Hey Jerry, any other possible FA that are in the Mix that you can let us know of?, other than Barnes its been kinda quiet in The Nation and Im gettin worried
1:32 jerrymac: Think they're merely waiting to see prices come down on guys they like (hell, they may have secret agreements with some) . . . but I wouldn't be worried. In fact, I'd be worried if they were signing a bunch of free agents. They're out there for a reason. They found that out last year the hard way.
1:32 [Comment From MikeNJ]
Just how many years do you think Jamarcus gets to not be considered a bust? if he struggles this year, how much longer do the Raiders have to stick with him since he was a top pick?
1:32 jerrymac: He gets three full years, minimum. Or at least he should. I would consider 2009 Year No. 2.
1:32 [Comment From bill]
Contrary to your own article yesterday, I am intrigued by the absolute lack of leaks on anything raider this offseason. Last one every other reporter *eg. Mortensen knew everything inside. Isnt it a good sign?
1:34 jerrymac: There is no problem with keeping your intensions to yourself. That's something a good organization should do. What doesn't make any sense is having transactions completed and then deciding you don't want to tell your own fans. It's not going to hurt them on the field. It's just plain dumb.
1:34 [Comment From James]
We re-signed Ricky Brown. Do you think the Raiders are comfortable with their starting Linebackers?
1:34 jerrymac: I think they're pretty comfortable, and I'm not sure that's a good thing. LBs are at least part of the problem vs. the run.
1:34 [Comment From MikeNJ]
Sure would love to get Amani Toomer in the Silver and Black for a little leadership and concistency.
1:35 jerrymac: Agree he would be a good choice and probably would want to mentor young WRs.
1:35 [Comment From Manuel]
Some draft "experts" think Maclin's the pick (over Crabtree) because of his speed, but was Tim Brown that fast?
1:35 jerrymac: Very fast when he was drafted. Severe knee injury slowed him down early on. Was quick more than fast after that, relied on know-how in later years.
1:36 [Comment From Rick (SpringTown)]
Can the Raiders win the AFC West? Most of the division is in shambles. We made strides last year and with a good draft and some breaks
1:37 jerrymac: I've said before I like this offseason a lot in contrast to last year.
Two biggest issues 1) How good will Russell be?; 2) Can they stop (or at least slow) the running game? Keep giving up 20-plus rushing touchdowns per year and playoffs won't happen.
1:37 [Comment From Greg S.]
Have the Raiders expressed any interest in Michael Crabtree or is it all a secret as usual?
1:38 jerrymac: Crabtree is a Top 10 talent. So sure, they're interested. But there is a lot to determin in terms of his health, etc.
1:38 [Comment From James]
Any luck getting the blog users registered?
1:39 jerrymac: It's been discussed. Have been told it should happen in some way, shape or form. But I'll believe it when I see it because I've heard this before.
1:40 [Comment From rayguy4hof]
With Gibril Wilson and Rashad Baker gone, we have no depth at S, why haven't we tried Jon Alston at SS?
1:40 jerrymac: Don't think he's been a safety since Stanford. A tough time in his career to make a full-fledged change to safety.
1:40 [Comment From James]
Do you think the "Special Position" Al Davis spoke of is already in place, our offseason is making too much sense...
1:41 jerrymac: I would instead give Davis credit for realizing last year was a disaster and acting in that regard.
1:41 [Comment From dannyo]
what happened to ashley lelie
1:42 jerrymac: Still an unrestricted FA. Heard there was still some level of interest in him but frankly I don't know why.
1:42 [Comment From bill]
We need to stop the run, and the national leader in TFL played for San jose State. A great athlete. Any rumors regarding Jarron Gilbert?
1:42 jerrymac: No, but I'll always pull for a fellow Spartan.
1:42 [Comment From Foust]
Any news on the Davis/Kiffin depositions?
1:43 jerrymac: Nothing other than they occured. Sure they're blaming each other for something they both had a hand in.
1:44 [Comment From Cris]
how high are the raiders on morrison? it seems like he's always getting trucked whenever it'sa running play. do they think it's more an issue with substandard d-tackles or is that just morrison?
1:45 jerrymac: Ryan talked up Morrison a lot. I would like to see the MLB be a bigger guy, more stout, seal off the run better. He is entering the final year of his contract, so this is a big year for him.
1:45 [Comment From RAIDER619]
what do you think about darrick brown? he is a huge safety
1:46 jerrymac: He played both safety and corner last year, as a practice squad guy. Your classic Raider. No one looks better coming off the bus as a DB _ in the entire league. No evidence he can play as yet.
1:46 [Comment From Colorado]
Hi Jerry, if the Raiders were going through this Cutler-McDaniels fiasco, they would be lambasted in the media as "dysfunctional". How come the Broncos aren't being labeled as "dysfunctional"?
1:47 jerrymac: If it happens for a few years running, then they probably will be.
1:47 [Comment From R8drfan-n-SD]
What rookie wr is gonna force Javon to step his game up this season, if none, why aren't we sparking competition at the wr spot by picking one of 2 quality wr in fa? Seems like as long is Javon is the Vet, he's comfortable.
1:48 jerrymac: Walker resides on his own planet, in his own solar system. It will be entirely up to him.
1:48 [Comment From Cris]
are 7 wins next year realistic or can 6 be considered solid considering the schedule?
1:48 jerrymac: Going from five to six wins isn't enough. Certainly not enough for the owner.
1:48 [Comment From stags]
Due to the economy do you think the raiders will have a tough time selling out games? Any word on season ticket sales?
1:49 jerrymac: They kept prices the same, a wise move. They don't release any ticket info at this time of year. It's going to depend on how good the product is. If they start anything lik they finished a year ago, there will be butts in the seats. Interesting to see the order of the games when it comes out next month.
1:50 [Comment From oakland raid]
do you see the raiders picking up samari rolle or do you think he is past his prime
1:50 jerrymac: If he came cheap, it would beat taking another run at Duane Starks.
1:50 [Comment From Samhain]
Hi Jerry, if Crabtree is gone, do we take Maclin at #7?
1:51 jerrymac: That's what most mocks seem to think (many have them taking Maclin over Crabtree). I would renew my issue with him being too similar to Higgins and instead look at a pass rusher (Everette Brown, perhaps).
1:51 [Comment From Raider Nation 951]
Can you see Marshall making enough of a difference as a DC to improve the Run Defense since the Raiders haven't improved the talent on their defense?
1:53 jerrymac: It's not impossible. The worst defense the Raider ever had (1997) was last against the run, last against the pass. Pretty unbelievable when you think about it since teams that run well usually continue to run. Willie Shaw came in and they turned it around in one year _ and the main upgrades were outside at CB with Woodson and Eric Allen. You get a team to play together and feed off each other and a lot of things can happen.
1:53 [Comment From tonyt]
Hi Jerry, any chance of trading one of the 3 top running backs to detroit for one of their #1 pick or top 2 pick?
1:53 jerrymac: Don't see any of the RBS going anywhere, Bush trade rumors to the contrary.
1:54 [Comment From rayguy4hof]
Is Michael Huff a bust? The guy can't tackle.
1:54 jerrymac: Looks like a bust to me, although I'd love to be wrong.
1:55 [Comment From FIREKIFFIN]
What are the chances of the Raiders trading the 7th pick for multiple picks?
1:55 jerrymac: Based on past history, not much of a chance. Raiders don't trade down, although Al says ``it's better to be right than consistent.''
1:55 [Comment From The Big Ugly]
Will Gallery ever become a Pro Bowl guard, or will he always be an average lineman with "above average" being his ceiling?
1:56 jerrymac: Offensive linemen's reputations rise and fall with wins and losses. I think you'll find that if the Raiders won 10 games, Gallery playing at roughly the same level as he did last year would be a Pro Bowl guard.
1:56 [Comment From Vilapiano41]
Jerry - Crabtree at #7 is an outrage. If Raji is still there we have to take him and try to shore up the run defense once and for all. There's a big correlation between our record over the last 7 years and the poor run D. Your thoughts please.
1:57 jerrymac: Raji hasn't graded out as high as Dorsey did last year. Dorsey (I admit, a smaller player) didn't do much in KC. Nothing is automatic.
1:57 [Comment From Lee]
Jerry, it looks like the Niners don't want Issac Bruce do you think he would be a good mentor for the young guys.
1:58 jerrymac: Same issue as Holt. Too many games on grass. Realize niners have grass at home, but usually have more road games on turf.
1:58 [Comment From rikiramone]
I came in late sorry,,any chance the Raiders will use the 1st or 2nd round of the draft to shore up the O line?
1:59 jerrymac: Wouldn't be surprised if they wound up with a center.
1:59 [Comment From mike 323]
Do you think Al Davis will let Tom Cable coach??? He said he made mistakes in the past?? Has he really evaluated himself
2:00 jerrymac: In his first year as a coach, Cable is in what Lane Kiffin called ``the honeymoon'' period. Meaning he'll get his way, have a lot of latitude with the offense in particular and in terms of personnel, and see how it goes. If things go poorly, things tighten up considerably. Should be better for Cable, however, because he actually attempts to work with Davis and isn't looking for his next job.
2:00 [Comment From Raider Central]
On a scale of 1-10 how would you grade the Raider Coaching staff? I know what matters is what they do on the field, but just from your observation.
2:01 jerrymac: Will have a better idea when I watch training camp. We've learned a lot about the Raiders at each of the last few training camps, strengths and weaknesses that have panned out during the course of the season.
2:01 [Comment From Al LoCasale]
Jerry Im hearing the Raiders might quietly shop Russell around draft day and draft Sanchez,..what do you think about that?
2:01 jerrymac: Real quietly.
2:02 [Comment From thetruth]
Give a break, this whole team is a bust so far..
2:02 jerrymac: That's the spirit.
2:02 [Comment From raiderace]
Can JaMarcus ever fix his accuracy problem - or is that something that can't be fixed?
2:02 jerrymac: He was over 60 percent in the last several games. He got much better, albeit his best games came with heavy run emphasis.
2:03 [Comment From RaiderRockstar]
Should Raider fans be concerned if we go with just Wade & Morris at center?
2:03 jerrymac: Yes, they should. But I don't think that will happen.
2:03 [Comment From RaiderJack]
How'd baseball go this weekend? Any success as coach?
2:04 jerrymac: We're 1-0. Going for 2-0 tonight. One of the assistant coaches for the opponent tonight is former Raiders tight end Jeremy Brigham.
2:04 [Comment From NoMoreFargas]
Jerry how many games does cable have if we start this season like the last 6?
2:05 jerrymac: Cable is not in Kiffin's situation because he is trying to work with Davis and seems to like working for him. He's not trying to get fired. As long as they don't duplicate the Atlanta game a few times, he'll be OK for the year.
2:05 [Comment From SCRaider]
The Raiders MVP for next year will be......
2:06 jerrymac: They're MVP is JaMarcus Russell. If he is instead their most disappointing player, it's probably another 10-loss year.
Talk to you next week.
Cable watches Mack closely
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009 at 5:14 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Cal alumni like to think of Memorial Stadium as the center of the universe.
For at least one center, it was all that and more Wednesday with Alex Mack being the prize attraction for some 30 or more NFL scouts, coaches and personnel men at Cal’s Pro Day. More than 20 teams were represented.
Arriving after the morning weight work and not long after the 40-yard dash was complete were Raiders coach Tom Cable, line coach Jim Michalczik and line assistant Chris Morgan. At one point, the trio moved into the stands in an area near Mack’s drill work, with Cable at times standing or changing his position to make sure he got a better look.
“I just want to see athletically how he is, how he runs around, those things,” Cable said. “Mostly to get feel for him. You see him on tape, you kind of know what he is as a player. Here you get a chance to see him in person, see his body.”
It so happens that the Raiders lost center Jake Grove in free agency and that Michalczik was Mack’s line coach at Cal. Michalczik was keeping a low profile Wednesday, avoiding situations which would find teams trying to get information on his former pupil.
Cable, who stopped to chat with local reporters before leaving Memorial Stadium, said he has has yet to delve into Mack with Michalczik as yet.
“Sometimes it can give you an advantage, sometimes it can maybe cloud you too, so I’ve basically tried to keep that separate and told Jimmy, `Hey, we’ll make an opinion with the guy and then we’ll match him later,’ ” Cable said. “Let’s not hear a lot about it now and from and all those types of things because you really don’t want to cloud it.”
There is virtually no chance Mack would be taken with the No. 7 overall pick, and it is also highly unlikely he would be available when the Raiders pick in the second round at No. 40.
Cable deflected the issue of No. 7 being too high for a center saying, “Not if you need one. That’s the bottom line. A team’s got to do what they need to do so there’s some good at that position in the draft. H think he’s just one of the good players.’
That leaves the Raiders two options _ trade down, or package their second pick and a player and/or additional picks to move up into an additional first-round position.
Mack said he enjoyed seeing Michalczik, who left Cal following the season to become offensive coordinator at Washington under Steve Sarkisian only to make a U-turn to Oakland when the opportunity became available and he hadn’t yet signed his contract.
“I said hi to him,” Mack said. “He came down late, I asked how he was doing. He jeered me a little bit. It was fun. It was good to see him. He was wearing some Raider gear. It was good to see him back at Cal.”
The Pro Day for Mack was of huge importance. He missed all the running and drills at the scouting combine because of a minor ankle sprain.
Mack measured in at a shade over 6-foot-4, weighed 307 pounds and ran a 5.17 40-yard dash. He looked quick and during agility and three-cone drills, bench pressed 225 pounds 20 times, and had a 33 1/3 inch reach _ as long as some tackles. His 8-foot-10 inch broad jump outdistanced some combine marks at his position by more than a foot.
Correction: Earlier had bench press reps at 40 _ the correct number is 20.
“I did all right,” Mack said. “Nobody said, `Oh, my God! Why is he so slow?’ I’m going to be who I am. I’m not going to win track meets. I’m going to be the best player I can. I’m going to show I’m prepared.”
All of which Mack viewed as a necessary evil to help position him better for his true passion.
“I’m not too thrilled about doing 40s and doing `L’ runs and things like that, but it’s one of the things I have to do,” Mack said. “Now we’re switching to football and I’m getting ready for minicamp.”
Mack ended the day with assistant coaches from Baltimore, Seattle and Detroit, who peppered him with questions during a chalk talk and then adjourned to a film room for more probing of his football aptitude.
The Raiders, having access to that information with Michalczik whenever they choose to use it, did not attend.
Colleague Steve Corkran noted a resemblence between Mack and former Raider Steve Wisniewski in the way he moved through drills. There was more than a little Wiz in Mack’s philosophy about how to play the offensive line.
“I think one of the things I’m well known for is my finish, and my striving to finish plays,” Mack said. “I think that’s something that’s contagious. I think you see one guy busting his ass out there, running down the field blocking people late, finishing to the whistle, and the other four guys on the O-line are watching him do that, and they’re going to join in. I think that’s something I could definitely contribute to any team I play for.”
Mack’s agent, Tim Younger, said his client has tentative visits scheduled with Baltimore, Atlanta, Denver, Seattle and Detroit.
I’ll have some additional thoughts from Cable and other notes later this evening . .
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009 at 5:14 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Cal alumni like to think of Memorial Stadium as the center of the universe.
For at least one center, it was all that and more Wednesday with Alex Mack being the prize attraction for some 30 or more NFL scouts, coaches and personnel men at Cal’s Pro Day. More than 20 teams were represented.
Arriving after the morning weight work and not long after the 40-yard dash was complete were Raiders coach Tom Cable, line coach Jim Michalczik and line assistant Chris Morgan. At one point, the trio moved into the stands in an area near Mack’s drill work, with Cable at times standing or changing his position to make sure he got a better look.
“I just want to see athletically how he is, how he runs around, those things,” Cable said. “Mostly to get feel for him. You see him on tape, you kind of know what he is as a player. Here you get a chance to see him in person, see his body.”
It so happens that the Raiders lost center Jake Grove in free agency and that Michalczik was Mack’s line coach at Cal. Michalczik was keeping a low profile Wednesday, avoiding situations which would find teams trying to get information on his former pupil.
Cable, who stopped to chat with local reporters before leaving Memorial Stadium, said he has has yet to delve into Mack with Michalczik as yet.
“Sometimes it can give you an advantage, sometimes it can maybe cloud you too, so I’ve basically tried to keep that separate and told Jimmy, `Hey, we’ll make an opinion with the guy and then we’ll match him later,’ ” Cable said. “Let’s not hear a lot about it now and from and all those types of things because you really don’t want to cloud it.”
There is virtually no chance Mack would be taken with the No. 7 overall pick, and it is also highly unlikely he would be available when the Raiders pick in the second round at No. 40.
Cable deflected the issue of No. 7 being too high for a center saying, “Not if you need one. That’s the bottom line. A team’s got to do what they need to do so there’s some good at that position in the draft. H think he’s just one of the good players.’
That leaves the Raiders two options _ trade down, or package their second pick and a player and/or additional picks to move up into an additional first-round position.
Mack said he enjoyed seeing Michalczik, who left Cal following the season to become offensive coordinator at Washington under Steve Sarkisian only to make a U-turn to Oakland when the opportunity became available and he hadn’t yet signed his contract.
“I said hi to him,” Mack said. “He came down late, I asked how he was doing. He jeered me a little bit. It was fun. It was good to see him. He was wearing some Raider gear. It was good to see him back at Cal.”
The Pro Day for Mack was of huge importance. He missed all the running and drills at the scouting combine because of a minor ankle sprain.
Mack measured in at a shade over 6-foot-4, weighed 307 pounds and ran a 5.17 40-yard dash. He looked quick and during agility and three-cone drills, bench pressed 225 pounds 20 times, and had a 33 1/3 inch reach _ as long as some tackles. His 8-foot-10 inch broad jump outdistanced some combine marks at his position by more than a foot.
Correction: Earlier had bench press reps at 40 _ the correct number is 20.
“I did all right,” Mack said. “Nobody said, `Oh, my God! Why is he so slow?’ I’m going to be who I am. I’m not going to win track meets. I’m going to be the best player I can. I’m going to show I’m prepared.”
All of which Mack viewed as a necessary evil to help position him better for his true passion.
“I’m not too thrilled about doing 40s and doing `L’ runs and things like that, but it’s one of the things I have to do,” Mack said. “Now we’re switching to football and I’m getting ready for minicamp.”
Mack ended the day with assistant coaches from Baltimore, Seattle and Detroit, who peppered him with questions during a chalk talk and then adjourned to a film room for more probing of his football aptitude.
The Raiders, having access to that information with Michalczik whenever they choose to use it, did not attend.
Colleague Steve Corkran noted a resemblence between Mack and former Raider Steve Wisniewski in the way he moved through drills. There was more than a little Wiz in Mack’s philosophy about how to play the offensive line.
“I think one of the things I’m well known for is my finish, and my striving to finish plays,” Mack said. “I think that’s something that’s contagious. I think you see one guy busting his ass out there, running down the field blocking people late, finishing to the whistle, and the other four guys on the O-line are watching him do that, and they’re going to join in. I think that’s something I could definitely contribute to any team I play for.”
Mack’s agent, Tim Younger, said his client has tentative visits scheduled with Baltimore, Atlanta, Denver, Seattle and Detroit.
I’ll have some additional thoughts from Cable and other notes later this evening . .
ignorance???
like i said....if tyler thigpen can come in a do what he did under Herm Edwards gameplan, what makes you think cassel (who is the better passer out of the two) won't atleast do better with an offensive minded head coach like haley?
im pretty sure Gailey's offense last year with Thigpen is basically the same kind of offense they ran in Arizona under Haley and in NE under McDaniels. Last I checked Gailey is still our OC, Haley is our new HC and Cassel is our new QB. if you believe Cassel is going to have a severe learning curve you are the one that is indeed ignorant.
im also glad that you love that fact that your beloved raiders finally don't have a top 5 pick (#7 is still pretty shitty) this season aswell. this is the 1st year in how long that ya'll don't pick in front of us again? must make you proud huh?
Oakland Raiders + 6 straight 10+ loss seasons = NFL ALL-TIME RECORD! the 7th is right around the corner pal.
you Raider fans aint got any fuckin' room to talk now do ya???
like i said....if tyler thigpen can come in a do what he did under Herm Edwards gameplan, what makes you think cassel (who is the better passer out of the two) won't atleast do better with an offensive minded head coach like haley?
im pretty sure Gailey's offense last year with Thigpen is basically the same kind of offense they ran in Arizona under Haley and in NE under McDaniels. Last I checked Gailey is still our OC, Haley is our new HC and Cassel is our new QB. if you believe Cassel is going to have a severe learning curve you are the one that is indeed ignorant.
im also glad that you love that fact that your beloved raiders finally don't have a top 5 pick (#7 is still pretty shitty) this season aswell. this is the 1st year in how long that ya'll don't pick in front of us again? must make you proud huh?
Oakland Raiders + 6 straight 10+ loss seasons = NFL ALL-TIME RECORD! the 7th is right around the corner pal.
you Raider fans aint got any fuckin' room to talk now do ya???
Some other topics broached by Tom Cable during Wednesday’s Pro Day:
– When Al Davis said the Raiders would introduce more power into their running scheme, Cable said he wasn’t talking about a change in technique.
“We’ll be the same, and what he means by that is what you saw in Tampa Bay,” Cable said. “There was more two-tight end (sets), those types of things, more power in the system and formations.”
– In terms of philosophy, Cable is of the belief that regardless of the system, you work from the outside in with regard to the line.
“I think everybody has tried to be sure you’re good enough at tackle so I think you still address that need,” Cable said.
– The ultra-huge players sound as if they need not apply in Oakland.
“Is he 350 or 320, that’s really what you’re talking about here,” Cable said. “I’d probably rather have a little more athletic guys that maybe lend itslef to 310, 320, 315ish type of guy.”
– It’s possible Cable could make his ways to Pro Days at Stanford (Thursday), San Jose State (Friday) and USC (April 1).
“I’m trying to see as much as I can because it’s so important to me, particularly this first draft, for us to know as much as we can and obviously my deal is the offensive line so I want to keep a hand in that and stay focused with that,” Cable said.
With that in mind, Cable is looking to keep JaMarcus Russell upright. When asked about the vacancy at strong safety, he immediately steered the topic back to the line.
“Remember, Tyvon Branch, who we drafted last year, is a very good player for us,” Cable said. “We’ve got to get some places better . . . for us, it means protecting JaMarcus Russell. That’s where we have to start.”
– Branch showed promise as a gunner last year, but had his rookie season derailed by thumb and shoulder injuries. Both needed surgery. It’s safe to say durability remains an unknown.
– Russell, by the way, was not at the offseason program this week, but Cable said he expects him next week.
– No plans to move Mario Henderson to right tackle with the acquisition of free agent Khalif Barnes _ for now.
“Mario did a fine job in those last three games. You can’t argue with it and I think for us to get better in the offensive line it’s important to get competition in there,” Cable said. “That may mean in the draft, that may mean in free agency, as we’ve done alittle bit. But the biggest key right now is he’s proved himself and he’s gone out and done some good things.”
When pressed on a possible move, Cable said, “`Right now, he’s the left tackle for sure.”
– With Lane Kiffin long gone and Rob Ryan having followed him out the door, you’ve got to believe the Raiders coaching staff may be getting more done collectively after previously acting independent of each other.
“I like the way they work and plan,” Cable said. “They’re good teachers.”
– Asked an NFL personnel exec _ one who has a great deal of respect for Davis _ to assess whether the owner would be partial to Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree or Missouri’s Jeremy Maclin.
“You know he likes Maclin because of the 40 time,” he said. “You also know who the best player is, don’t you?”
I admitted that there were probably some 40-plus salaried personnel men in the building who were better qualified to judge.
“It’s Crabtree.”
I asked whether it was difficult to judge Crabtree because done so much damage against Big 12 defenses in a pass-happy offense.
“Not really. It’s tougher to judge quarterbacks,” he said. “You can see them catch the ball in traffic, break on the ball, jump and make plays. And you get to see it more than you do with receivers in other offenses. They only run about four different routes, so that’s not a big thing. You can teach the routes.”
– Not long after typing that the Raiders had the No. 40 pick in the draft, and with 40-yard dash times stuck in my head, I also typed that Mack had 40 bench press reps at 225 pounds. His actual number was 20.
Seemed like a very average total, although I was told that with Mack’s above-average wingspan, it was more than adequate.
– There was talk that the Seattle Seahawks are interested in Duke Preston, the free agent center from Buffalo who has been trading contract numbers with the Raiders.
– When Al Davis said the Raiders would introduce more power into their running scheme, Cable said he wasn’t talking about a change in technique.
“We’ll be the same, and what he means by that is what you saw in Tampa Bay,” Cable said. “There was more two-tight end (sets), those types of things, more power in the system and formations.”
– In terms of philosophy, Cable is of the belief that regardless of the system, you work from the outside in with regard to the line.
“I think everybody has tried to be sure you’re good enough at tackle so I think you still address that need,” Cable said.
– The ultra-huge players sound as if they need not apply in Oakland.
“Is he 350 or 320, that’s really what you’re talking about here,” Cable said. “I’d probably rather have a little more athletic guys that maybe lend itslef to 310, 320, 315ish type of guy.”
– It’s possible Cable could make his ways to Pro Days at Stanford (Thursday), San Jose State (Friday) and USC (April 1).
“I’m trying to see as much as I can because it’s so important to me, particularly this first draft, for us to know as much as we can and obviously my deal is the offensive line so I want to keep a hand in that and stay focused with that,” Cable said.
With that in mind, Cable is looking to keep JaMarcus Russell upright. When asked about the vacancy at strong safety, he immediately steered the topic back to the line.
“Remember, Tyvon Branch, who we drafted last year, is a very good player for us,” Cable said. “We’ve got to get some places better . . . for us, it means protecting JaMarcus Russell. That’s where we have to start.”
– Branch showed promise as a gunner last year, but had his rookie season derailed by thumb and shoulder injuries. Both needed surgery. It’s safe to say durability remains an unknown.
– Russell, by the way, was not at the offseason program this week, but Cable said he expects him next week.
– No plans to move Mario Henderson to right tackle with the acquisition of free agent Khalif Barnes _ for now.
“Mario did a fine job in those last three games. You can’t argue with it and I think for us to get better in the offensive line it’s important to get competition in there,” Cable said. “That may mean in the draft, that may mean in free agency, as we’ve done alittle bit. But the biggest key right now is he’s proved himself and he’s gone out and done some good things.”
When pressed on a possible move, Cable said, “`Right now, he’s the left tackle for sure.”
– With Lane Kiffin long gone and Rob Ryan having followed him out the door, you’ve got to believe the Raiders coaching staff may be getting more done collectively after previously acting independent of each other.
“I like the way they work and plan,” Cable said. “They’re good teachers.”
– Asked an NFL personnel exec _ one who has a great deal of respect for Davis _ to assess whether the owner would be partial to Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree or Missouri’s Jeremy Maclin.
“You know he likes Maclin because of the 40 time,” he said. “You also know who the best player is, don’t you?”
I admitted that there were probably some 40-plus salaried personnel men in the building who were better qualified to judge.
“It’s Crabtree.”
I asked whether it was difficult to judge Crabtree because done so much damage against Big 12 defenses in a pass-happy offense.
“Not really. It’s tougher to judge quarterbacks,” he said. “You can see them catch the ball in traffic, break on the ball, jump and make plays. And you get to see it more than you do with receivers in other offenses. They only run about four different routes, so that’s not a big thing. You can teach the routes.”
– Not long after typing that the Raiders had the No. 40 pick in the draft, and with 40-yard dash times stuck in my head, I also typed that Mack had 40 bench press reps at 225 pounds. His actual number was 20.
Seemed like a very average total, although I was told that with Mack’s above-average wingspan, it was more than adequate.
– There was talk that the Seattle Seahawks are interested in Duke Preston, the free agent center from Buffalo who has been trading contract numbers with the Raiders.
Raiders’ T Cornell Green arrested in Florida
TAMPA, Fla. (AP)—Oakland Raiders tackle Cornell Green has been arrested on a domestic violence charge in Florida.
Tampa police say Green became violent Saturday during an argument at his home there with the mother of his two children. Police say Green slammed 30-year-old Teriyonal Ebony Flowers into a wall, then struck her right arm with an aluminum mop handle.
The former player at Central Florida then fled the house. He was arrested at Tampa International Airport before a flight he had planned to take to Oakland, Calif.
The 32-year-old tackle was being held Sunday at the Hillsborough County jail on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Jail records did not show an attorney for Green. Message left at his agent’s office and cell phone were not immediately returned.........
Why this scrub didnt get cut after playing like shit all last year is beyond me but this should do the trick thank you Cornell for being a dumb fuck.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP)—Oakland Raiders tackle Cornell Green has been arrested on a domestic violence charge in Florida.
Tampa police say Green became violent Saturday during an argument at his home there with the mother of his two children. Police say Green slammed 30-year-old Teriyonal Ebony Flowers into a wall, then struck her right arm with an aluminum mop handle.
The former player at Central Florida then fled the house. He was arrested at Tampa International Airport before a flight he had planned to take to Oakland, Calif.
The 32-year-old tackle was being held Sunday at the Hillsborough County jail on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Jail records did not show an attorney for Green. Message left at his agent’s office and cell phone were not immediately returned.........
Why this scrub didnt get cut after playing like shit all last year is beyond me but this should do the trick thank you Cornell for being a dumb fuck.
ARTICLE ABOUT NNAMDI FROM USA TODAY. THE BOY IS OFFICIAL.
The face of the Oakland Raiders is not third-year quarterback JaMarcus Russell's. It actually is Nnamdi Asomugha, the 27-year-old Pro Bowl cornerback with shutdown cover skills and an older soul's community conscience.
Asomugha is as comfortable locking down elite receivers as he will be looking up Bill Clinton at the former president's Harlem, N.Y., office next month as he leads a recruiting trip of 10 disadvantaged East Oakland high school students seeking college scholarships they might otherwise never receive.
How good is Asomugha (pronounced awe-some-WAH) on the field?
Consider how three-time league MVP and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning introduced the Raider to his father, Archie, at the Pro Bowl.
"Peyton said to his dad, 'I want you to meet Nnamdi, the absolute best shutdown corner in the league. If you don't believe me, go watch our 2007 game against him,' " Asomugha recalls. "Peyton threw at me twice. And Reggie Wayne made his catch against me with one hand.
"People were telling me at the Pro Bowl, 'You had (Wayne) blanketed, and the only way he could make that catch was with one hand.' "
Asomugha stands 6-2 and, at 210 pounds, has safety size. He has 4.38-second speed for 40 yards and a passion for education and activism worthy of a United Nation's representative.
He raised his profile Feb. 14-15 when he was the lone professional athlete invited to the second annual Clinton Global Initiative at the University of Texas in Austin. Asomugha spoke on a panel with Clinton, actor Matthew McConaughey and Marie Tillman, widow of late Army Ranger and former Arizona Cardinals safety Pat Tillman, that addressed 1,200 international students and university presidents.
"I am delighted that Nnamdi participated in our Clinton Global Initiative University Meeting in Austin, where he joined more than 1,000 students and nearly 70 university presidents to take action on the pressing issues facing our local and global communities," Clinton said in an e-mail. "Nnamdi is an outstanding young man whose exceptional talents on the football field are outshone only by his efforts to make a difference in the lives of others."
Such praise is no surprise to newly elected Hall of Famer and former Raiders secondary mate Rod Woodson, who says, "Nnamdi is a special guy, the best in the business."
Introspective Asomugha is arguably the Deion Sanders of his day, minus Sanders' "Prime Time" moniker, 53 career interceptions (Asomugha has 10) and drum-major struts. But Asomugha wears his boyhood idol's No. 21 and can take away half of the field a la Sanders. But he prefers to let his play do his talking.
"Every corner has that inner Deion inside of them," he says. "It may surprise you, but I have some Deion in me. Some corners are so outward with it, and some are inward.
"When I say I have that Deion in me, I mean that same confidence. It's borderline arrogance. You're telling that receiver, 'There's nothing you can do against me.' And I have that same arrogance.
"I don't speak it, and I don't show it. But it's definitely inside me."
Asomugha set the gold standard for his position when he received a three-year, $45.3 million contact last month. His average annual salary of more than $15 million surpasses Manning's previous league-high best of $14 million a year.
That's good news for Asomugha's peers and newcomers, such as Ohio State's Malcolm Jenkins, who will be drafted into the league next month.
MONEY AT CORNER: Jenkins doesn't want to be labeled a safety
"You look at this guy — the way he's played the last two years and with Champ Bailey being hurt last year in Denver — (and) Nnamdi is the class of the cornerback position, and he got a contract that was deservingly so," CBS analyst Shannon Sharpe says. "You love to see a guy who works his tail off, keeps his mouth shut and is as good off the field get rewarded."
While some general managers are upset that a cornerback makes quarterback money, Asomugha's younger contemporaries are thrilled.
"Nnamdi's contract is good for us cornerbacks," says New York Jets Pro Bowl corner Darrelle Revis. "The bar can only keep going higher and higher. I thank Nnamdi for that."
At the Pro Bowl, where relaxed rules prevent cornerbacks from jamming wideouts within the permissible 5 yards of the line of scrimmage, Manning and Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler tested Asomugha during the week of practice.
Want to guess what happened? They learned why so many QBs have avoided his side of the field.
Asomugha effortlessly jumped Manning's deep post-pattern pass intended for Broncos wideout Brandon Marshall. Asomugha also picked off Cutler on a throw intended for Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson.
"It's the most work I've gotten in the last three years," Asomugha laughs. "With the rules relaxed, Peyton and Jay were like, 'Let's see if we can get him in off coverage.' I've been able to hold up pretty well."
Small wonder why Asomugha earned his landmark pact. Slated for free agency heading into this offseason, his deal was hammered out to lock up the shutdown corner prized by Raiders owner Al Davis, who used the franchise tag on Asomugha in 2008 and covets his stifling pass-defense skills.
"Man-to-man coverage is somewhat of a lost art," Asomugha says. "When you look at Green Bay and Oakland, you know man coverage is what we're playing.
"Myself and (current Packers and former Raiders corner) Charles Woodson talk all the time about it. I know how much Mr. Davis values the ability to play man-to-man."
And Asomugha was aggressive in honing his craft early in his career.
Rod Woodson was with Asomugha during his rookie season in Oakland and says the 2003 first-round draft pick from the University of California was the lone rookie to seek him out. "In my 17 years in the league, he was the one kid who asked, 'What do you have for me?' " Woodson says.
"He's the only guy who ever asked to come over to my house, put a DVD on and study technique."
A big reason Asomugha hasn't gotten more attention — "You don't get noticed playing in Oakland sometimes," Rod Woodson says — is Oakland's 24-72 record during his six-year career.
Says Marshall, "I can't say Nnamdi's the best in the game because I'm on the same team with Champ Bailey. But Nnamdi is a shutdown corner. Quarterbacks and coaches are scared of him."
Roots in Nigeria, education
Asomugha is first-generation Nigerian-American. His family hails from eastern Nigeria, and higher education is the family vocation. His late father, Godfrey, a petroleum engineer, immigrated in 1972 before his wife, Lilian, arrived in 1974.
Asomugha's parents earned doctoral degrees, a family tradition.
His older sister, Chisara, is at Yale finishing her doctorate on a pediatric-medicine fellowship. Older brother Chijioke, a Stanford grad, is working on a master's in business administration at Columbia.
Asomugha is chairman of his family foundation, OWIN (Orphans and Widows in Need), which donates medicine and food while providing life skills to children and widows from Nigerian villages in dire need.
Asomugha's first name means "My Father Lives" in his native tongue. That's fitting considering how Asomugha served as a father figure to younger corners Revis and Cortland Finnegan of the Tennessee Titans at the Pro Bowl.
"I go to the Pro Bowl at 27, and what do Darrelle and Cortland call me but 'old head,' " Asomugha laughs. "They kidded me, saying, 'Look at what you're wearing.' I'm wearing sweats. They told me I looked like an old man.
"They remind me of how I was coming into the league. They just want to learn as much as they can."
Asomugha says former New England Patriots Pro Bowler Ty Law told him last offseason about a young, up-and-coming talent from his hometown of Aliquippa, Pa. — Revis, who reached the Pro Bowl in his second NFL season.
"Ty kept talking last offseason about 'my boy,' who went to his high school," Asomugha says. "Darrelle has a chance to be a shutdown corner. He's very smooth in his backpedals, very confident. He's starting to get the same treatment I do."
Finnegan gushed about Asomugha, saying, "Nnamdi was wonderful, taking me under his wing."
The lure of the corner
Martin Bayless was a safety with five teams from 1984 to 1996 before he became the Raiders' secondary coach from 2004-2005. The Raiders starting corners at the time? Asomugha and Charles Woodson.
Bayless helped convince Asomugha of the value of converting from the safety position he played at California and much of his first two NFL seasons. Bayless told Asomugha that in five years, he might command "5 million a year as a safety. But you could get $10 million a year as a cornerback."
That estimate was short by more than $5 million a year. Asomugha reaped the rewards Bayless envisioned by studying film of Sanders, two legendary lockdown Raiders corners in Mike Haynes and Lester Hayes, along with a former Bayless Kansas City Chiefs teammate, cornerback Albert Lewis, whose 6-3 frame is reminiscent of Asomugha's.
"Being tall, it's much more difficult for me to get down low and make the moves and turn and run like the other cornerbacks," Asomugha says.
"What I've had to do is make my strides mentally. Mentally, I can figure things out quickly."
Focus is his edge.
"It takes me one play to figure out receivers from film study," he says. "You have to understand quarterbacks, offenses and what a coach is trying to do."
The detailed notebook he keeps is an homage to Rod Woodson.
"I'm always taking notes on receivers, quarterbacks and the opposing coach," Asomugha says. "I got that from Rod, who was great about inviting me to his house to watch game film. He's like another coach — a tough-love coach.
"I know when I get the call from Rod after a couple of games each season, it's not going to be a great call. When you tell me Rod says, 'I'm the best in the business,' it's hard to believe he said that because he's so hard on me."
Bayless notes another asset Asomugha maximized. "This kid practiced every day against three future Hall of Fame receivers," Bayless says. "He went against Jerry Rice (2003-04). Even though Jerry was at the tail end of his career, Jerry Rice is still Jerry Rice. Nnamdi also practiced against Tim Brown (2003) every day, and then he practiced against Randy Moss (2005-06).
"He practiced against guys who — with what they brought — he arguably didn't come close to facing that in a game.
"He has an opportunity to be a Hall of Famer some day.
"He's special in a lot of ways."
Creating his legacy now
What also separates Asomugha is the offseason entourage he has kept the last three years.
He is a constant presence at the East Oakland Youth Development Center, located in what is notoriously called "The Killer Corridor." Asomugha will pay an estimated $15,000, with some assistance from sponsors, for 10 EOYD high schoolers to visit New York City institutions The Juilliard School, Columbia, New York University and Fordham.
Asomugha has driven the van and played cards and sometimes piano in bonding with the kids on similar placement tours the last two years to Atlanta- and Boston-area colleges.
"Nnamdi is magic walking," EOYD executive director Regina Jackson says. "He's not waiting 20 years to figure out what he'll be known for. He's creating his legacy right now.
"He's gotten 25 of our kids placed in college, kids who wouldn't otherwise have a chance to go to college."
Asomugha got to know the 42nd president during three days spent talking with Clinton at his summit on education.
"I believe I could call him if I needed something," Asomugha says of Clinton. "I felt like I grew on him.
"We talked the whole weekend — football, politics, just random things. He turned out to be an avid NFL fan. He was telling me how I helped him in playing fantasy football."
This offseason has been no fantasy for the Raiders.
The presumed death of Oakland linebacker Marquis Cooper, one of three men lost when Cooper's 21-foot fishing boat capsized in rough Gulf of Mexico waters during a Feb. 28 fishing trip, reaffirmed the frailty of life — and Asomugha's commitment to his off-field passion.
Cooper joined the Raiders in November and made an indelible impression, earning two game balls from coach Tom Cable as a special-teams standout. "It's so hard to speak of it, that we lost Marquis," Asomugha says. "There's no closure there yet for me."
Cooper's boat also carried former Detroit Lions defensive lineman Corey Smith and two former University of South Florida players.
Nick Schuyler was the lone survivor, found two days later clinging to the overturned boat during the three-day search conducted by the Coast Guard.
"In that short period of time Marquis was with us, there's nothing else you can say about him other than how nice a guy he was (and) the work he was doing in the community, and he just got here," Asomugha says. "That's why it was so difficult to hear the news about such a good-hearted person.
"I hope for his family and friends and the team we can get some sort of closure, that we find him."
Asomugha paused, then added, "What happened with Marquis reminds you that nothing is promised and let's take advantage of what we can do while we can."
A philosophy Asomugha consistently practices on and off the football field.
The face of the Oakland Raiders is not third-year quarterback JaMarcus Russell's. It actually is Nnamdi Asomugha, the 27-year-old Pro Bowl cornerback with shutdown cover skills and an older soul's community conscience.
Asomugha is as comfortable locking down elite receivers as he will be looking up Bill Clinton at the former president's Harlem, N.Y., office next month as he leads a recruiting trip of 10 disadvantaged East Oakland high school students seeking college scholarships they might otherwise never receive.
How good is Asomugha (pronounced awe-some-WAH) on the field?
Consider how three-time league MVP and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning introduced the Raider to his father, Archie, at the Pro Bowl.
"Peyton said to his dad, 'I want you to meet Nnamdi, the absolute best shutdown corner in the league. If you don't believe me, go watch our 2007 game against him,' " Asomugha recalls. "Peyton threw at me twice. And Reggie Wayne made his catch against me with one hand.
"People were telling me at the Pro Bowl, 'You had (Wayne) blanketed, and the only way he could make that catch was with one hand.' "
Asomugha stands 6-2 and, at 210 pounds, has safety size. He has 4.38-second speed for 40 yards and a passion for education and activism worthy of a United Nation's representative.
He raised his profile Feb. 14-15 when he was the lone professional athlete invited to the second annual Clinton Global Initiative at the University of Texas in Austin. Asomugha spoke on a panel with Clinton, actor Matthew McConaughey and Marie Tillman, widow of late Army Ranger and former Arizona Cardinals safety Pat Tillman, that addressed 1,200 international students and university presidents.
"I am delighted that Nnamdi participated in our Clinton Global Initiative University Meeting in Austin, where he joined more than 1,000 students and nearly 70 university presidents to take action on the pressing issues facing our local and global communities," Clinton said in an e-mail. "Nnamdi is an outstanding young man whose exceptional talents on the football field are outshone only by his efforts to make a difference in the lives of others."
Such praise is no surprise to newly elected Hall of Famer and former Raiders secondary mate Rod Woodson, who says, "Nnamdi is a special guy, the best in the business."
Introspective Asomugha is arguably the Deion Sanders of his day, minus Sanders' "Prime Time" moniker, 53 career interceptions (Asomugha has 10) and drum-major struts. But Asomugha wears his boyhood idol's No. 21 and can take away half of the field a la Sanders. But he prefers to let his play do his talking.
"Every corner has that inner Deion inside of them," he says. "It may surprise you, but I have some Deion in me. Some corners are so outward with it, and some are inward.
"When I say I have that Deion in me, I mean that same confidence. It's borderline arrogance. You're telling that receiver, 'There's nothing you can do against me.' And I have that same arrogance.
"I don't speak it, and I don't show it. But it's definitely inside me."
Asomugha set the gold standard for his position when he received a three-year, $45.3 million contact last month. His average annual salary of more than $15 million surpasses Manning's previous league-high best of $14 million a year.
That's good news for Asomugha's peers and newcomers, such as Ohio State's Malcolm Jenkins, who will be drafted into the league next month.
MONEY AT CORNER: Jenkins doesn't want to be labeled a safety
"You look at this guy — the way he's played the last two years and with Champ Bailey being hurt last year in Denver — (and) Nnamdi is the class of the cornerback position, and he got a contract that was deservingly so," CBS analyst Shannon Sharpe says. "You love to see a guy who works his tail off, keeps his mouth shut and is as good off the field get rewarded."
While some general managers are upset that a cornerback makes quarterback money, Asomugha's younger contemporaries are thrilled.
"Nnamdi's contract is good for us cornerbacks," says New York Jets Pro Bowl corner Darrelle Revis. "The bar can only keep going higher and higher. I thank Nnamdi for that."
At the Pro Bowl, where relaxed rules prevent cornerbacks from jamming wideouts within the permissible 5 yards of the line of scrimmage, Manning and Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler tested Asomugha during the week of practice.
Want to guess what happened? They learned why so many QBs have avoided his side of the field.
Asomugha effortlessly jumped Manning's deep post-pattern pass intended for Broncos wideout Brandon Marshall. Asomugha also picked off Cutler on a throw intended for Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson.
"It's the most work I've gotten in the last three years," Asomugha laughs. "With the rules relaxed, Peyton and Jay were like, 'Let's see if we can get him in off coverage.' I've been able to hold up pretty well."
Small wonder why Asomugha earned his landmark pact. Slated for free agency heading into this offseason, his deal was hammered out to lock up the shutdown corner prized by Raiders owner Al Davis, who used the franchise tag on Asomugha in 2008 and covets his stifling pass-defense skills.
"Man-to-man coverage is somewhat of a lost art," Asomugha says. "When you look at Green Bay and Oakland, you know man coverage is what we're playing.
"Myself and (current Packers and former Raiders corner) Charles Woodson talk all the time about it. I know how much Mr. Davis values the ability to play man-to-man."
And Asomugha was aggressive in honing his craft early in his career.
Rod Woodson was with Asomugha during his rookie season in Oakland and says the 2003 first-round draft pick from the University of California was the lone rookie to seek him out. "In my 17 years in the league, he was the one kid who asked, 'What do you have for me?' " Woodson says.
"He's the only guy who ever asked to come over to my house, put a DVD on and study technique."
A big reason Asomugha hasn't gotten more attention — "You don't get noticed playing in Oakland sometimes," Rod Woodson says — is Oakland's 24-72 record during his six-year career.
Says Marshall, "I can't say Nnamdi's the best in the game because I'm on the same team with Champ Bailey. But Nnamdi is a shutdown corner. Quarterbacks and coaches are scared of him."
Roots in Nigeria, education
Asomugha is first-generation Nigerian-American. His family hails from eastern Nigeria, and higher education is the family vocation. His late father, Godfrey, a petroleum engineer, immigrated in 1972 before his wife, Lilian, arrived in 1974.
Asomugha's parents earned doctoral degrees, a family tradition.
His older sister, Chisara, is at Yale finishing her doctorate on a pediatric-medicine fellowship. Older brother Chijioke, a Stanford grad, is working on a master's in business administration at Columbia.
Asomugha is chairman of his family foundation, OWIN (Orphans and Widows in Need), which donates medicine and food while providing life skills to children and widows from Nigerian villages in dire need.
Asomugha's first name means "My Father Lives" in his native tongue. That's fitting considering how Asomugha served as a father figure to younger corners Revis and Cortland Finnegan of the Tennessee Titans at the Pro Bowl.
"I go to the Pro Bowl at 27, and what do Darrelle and Cortland call me but 'old head,' " Asomugha laughs. "They kidded me, saying, 'Look at what you're wearing.' I'm wearing sweats. They told me I looked like an old man.
"They remind me of how I was coming into the league. They just want to learn as much as they can."
Asomugha says former New England Patriots Pro Bowler Ty Law told him last offseason about a young, up-and-coming talent from his hometown of Aliquippa, Pa. — Revis, who reached the Pro Bowl in his second NFL season.
"Ty kept talking last offseason about 'my boy,' who went to his high school," Asomugha says. "Darrelle has a chance to be a shutdown corner. He's very smooth in his backpedals, very confident. He's starting to get the same treatment I do."
Finnegan gushed about Asomugha, saying, "Nnamdi was wonderful, taking me under his wing."
The lure of the corner
Martin Bayless was a safety with five teams from 1984 to 1996 before he became the Raiders' secondary coach from 2004-2005. The Raiders starting corners at the time? Asomugha and Charles Woodson.
Bayless helped convince Asomugha of the value of converting from the safety position he played at California and much of his first two NFL seasons. Bayless told Asomugha that in five years, he might command "5 million a year as a safety. But you could get $10 million a year as a cornerback."
That estimate was short by more than $5 million a year. Asomugha reaped the rewards Bayless envisioned by studying film of Sanders, two legendary lockdown Raiders corners in Mike Haynes and Lester Hayes, along with a former Bayless Kansas City Chiefs teammate, cornerback Albert Lewis, whose 6-3 frame is reminiscent of Asomugha's.
"Being tall, it's much more difficult for me to get down low and make the moves and turn and run like the other cornerbacks," Asomugha says.
"What I've had to do is make my strides mentally. Mentally, I can figure things out quickly."
Focus is his edge.
"It takes me one play to figure out receivers from film study," he says. "You have to understand quarterbacks, offenses and what a coach is trying to do."
The detailed notebook he keeps is an homage to Rod Woodson.
"I'm always taking notes on receivers, quarterbacks and the opposing coach," Asomugha says. "I got that from Rod, who was great about inviting me to his house to watch game film. He's like another coach — a tough-love coach.
"I know when I get the call from Rod after a couple of games each season, it's not going to be a great call. When you tell me Rod says, 'I'm the best in the business,' it's hard to believe he said that because he's so hard on me."
Bayless notes another asset Asomugha maximized. "This kid practiced every day against three future Hall of Fame receivers," Bayless says. "He went against Jerry Rice (2003-04). Even though Jerry was at the tail end of his career, Jerry Rice is still Jerry Rice. Nnamdi also practiced against Tim Brown (2003) every day, and then he practiced against Randy Moss (2005-06).
"He practiced against guys who — with what they brought — he arguably didn't come close to facing that in a game.
"He has an opportunity to be a Hall of Famer some day.
"He's special in a lot of ways."
Creating his legacy now
What also separates Asomugha is the offseason entourage he has kept the last three years.
He is a constant presence at the East Oakland Youth Development Center, located in what is notoriously called "The Killer Corridor." Asomugha will pay an estimated $15,000, with some assistance from sponsors, for 10 EOYD high schoolers to visit New York City institutions The Juilliard School, Columbia, New York University and Fordham.
Asomugha has driven the van and played cards and sometimes piano in bonding with the kids on similar placement tours the last two years to Atlanta- and Boston-area colleges.
"Nnamdi is magic walking," EOYD executive director Regina Jackson says. "He's not waiting 20 years to figure out what he'll be known for. He's creating his legacy right now.
"He's gotten 25 of our kids placed in college, kids who wouldn't otherwise have a chance to go to college."
Asomugha got to know the 42nd president during three days spent talking with Clinton at his summit on education.
"I believe I could call him if I needed something," Asomugha says of Clinton. "I felt like I grew on him.
"We talked the whole weekend — football, politics, just random things. He turned out to be an avid NFL fan. He was telling me how I helped him in playing fantasy football."
This offseason has been no fantasy for the Raiders.
The presumed death of Oakland linebacker Marquis Cooper, one of three men lost when Cooper's 21-foot fishing boat capsized in rough Gulf of Mexico waters during a Feb. 28 fishing trip, reaffirmed the frailty of life — and Asomugha's commitment to his off-field passion.
Cooper joined the Raiders in November and made an indelible impression, earning two game balls from coach Tom Cable as a special-teams standout. "It's so hard to speak of it, that we lost Marquis," Asomugha says. "There's no closure there yet for me."
Cooper's boat also carried former Detroit Lions defensive lineman Corey Smith and two former University of South Florida players.
Nick Schuyler was the lone survivor, found two days later clinging to the overturned boat during the three-day search conducted by the Coast Guard.
"In that short period of time Marquis was with us, there's nothing else you can say about him other than how nice a guy he was (and) the work he was doing in the community, and he just got here," Asomugha says. "That's why it was so difficult to hear the news about such a good-hearted person.
"I hope for his family and friends and the team we can get some sort of closure, that we find him."
Asomugha paused, then added, "What happened with Marquis reminds you that nothing is promised and let's take advantage of what we can do while we can."
A philosophy Asomugha consistently practices on and off the football field.
I see we're still upgrading our offensive line...
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4008096
The Miami Dolphins have traded one-time starting center Samson Satele to the Oakland Raiders for a draft choice.
Satele became available this spring when the Dolphins signed former Raiders starting center Jake Grove as an unrestricted free agent three weeks ago.
The trade was first reported by the Miami Herald and confirmed Monday morning by representatives for both players. Miami will receive a sixth-round pick from Oakland and the two sides will swap selections in an undisclosed round, a source close to the situation told ESPN.com's Bill Williamson.
The 24-year-old Satele started all 32 games for Miami the past two seasons. A former University of Hawaii star who was named to several all-rookie teams in 2007, Satele was the Dolphins' second-round pick in that year's draft.
His durability aside, Satele was believed by Miami coaches to be not strong enough to regularly handle the mammoth nose tackles in the AFC East. An offseason goal of the Dolphins was to upgrade at center, if possible.
The Dolphins achieved that goal, they think, on March 3 when they signed Grove to a five-year, $29 million contract, with $14.5 million of it guaranteed money. Speculation began immediately that Satele would either be traded or switched to guard to accommodate the addition of Grove.
A five-year veteran, Grove was a second-round choice of the Raiders in 2004. The former Virginia Tech star played in 54 games with 46 starts for the Raiders. However, he started all 16 games just once, in 2006.
Several injuries, including a calf injury in 2008, forced Grove to miss playing time. He played in only 12 games in 2008, all as a starter. In addition to his time at center, Grove also has started at left guard and right guard.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4008096
The Miami Dolphins have traded one-time starting center Samson Satele to the Oakland Raiders for a draft choice.
Satele became available this spring when the Dolphins signed former Raiders starting center Jake Grove as an unrestricted free agent three weeks ago.
The trade was first reported by the Miami Herald and confirmed Monday morning by representatives for both players. Miami will receive a sixth-round pick from Oakland and the two sides will swap selections in an undisclosed round, a source close to the situation told ESPN.com's Bill Williamson.
The 24-year-old Satele started all 32 games for Miami the past two seasons. A former University of Hawaii star who was named to several all-rookie teams in 2007, Satele was the Dolphins' second-round pick in that year's draft.
His durability aside, Satele was believed by Miami coaches to be not strong enough to regularly handle the mammoth nose tackles in the AFC East. An offseason goal of the Dolphins was to upgrade at center, if possible.
The Dolphins achieved that goal, they think, on March 3 when they signed Grove to a five-year, $29 million contract, with $14.5 million of it guaranteed money. Speculation began immediately that Satele would either be traded or switched to guard to accommodate the addition of Grove.
A five-year veteran, Grove was a second-round choice of the Raiders in 2004. The former Virginia Tech star played in 54 games with 46 starts for the Raiders. However, he started all 16 games just once, in 2006.
Several injuries, including a calf injury in 2008, forced Grove to miss playing time. He played in only 12 games in 2008, all as a starter. In addition to his time at center, Grove also has started at left guard and right guard.
