I know the team has struggled over the past few years, but every team will have its lows. It looks like the Raiders are going to end up with a top 3 pick this year. Personally I hope they get Peterson. Peterson is a beast.

I'll be rooting for Oakland to win this week against St. Louis as I'm a Packer fan and want them to beat Detroit because I don't want any reason to believe that Oakland will draft Calvin Johnson. Calvin is too good to get stuck in Oakland for his career on an offense as horrific as that, which I don't see geting fixed for a couple of years to be honest. It's been this way for around 3 years where you thought Oakland would be good but they just aren't.

I'm loving the Oakland defense though. I've enjoyed them since the opening day against San Diego where I thought they looked better than the score showed. That secondary is amazing and I'm still loving the Huff "reach" pick. Some more defensive help and they could have a top defense I feel. But that offense doesn't help them out in anyways, it's pathetic.

I do think Brady Quinn can come in though as a rookie and provide a swag that the Raiders desperately need and are seeking. Randy Moss didn't provide it and God knows Kerry Collins didn't when they thought he'd be a great gunslinger for them with their speed at wide receiver. While Moss and Calvin Johnson look great as a duo, I don't see how you don't move both Moss and Porter this off season because Oakland clearly won't win with them as unhappy as they are.

I think the raiders go clavin johnson or adrian peterson in the first and TE or SS in the second. DT in the 3rd.

Im a packer fan but if the raiders are smart they should go Calvin Johnson

They can't until 2008.

well its a good chance theyll have a top pick then also

LOL...exactly what I was thinking....

not exactly, if they draft right,get good players in FA and good coahing staff on offense they'll be good jam russ will be our guy.

jam russ or quinn

I agree they will go QB, it all depends on what they want. more potential (Russel) or more NFL ready (Quinn). they can't go wrong either way

I agree but quinn fits kiffins offense better.

They should have gone Leinart last year and there wouldnt be a problem would there. And they could have gotten a safety this year. And Gotten Calvin number 1.

naww huff was a great choice

I hope we get Calvin at one

2 late JR

I was happy with the draft the Raiders had..I thought they reached on a couple of guys but otherwise getting JR..Miller, Moses with your first 3 picks isnt too bad at all

No, I really think the Raiders helped themselves. Even if I do believe JaMarcus is a bust, he does still have a lot of upside and I really do think that Lane Kiffin is the guy to teach him.

Can't forget, they got a solid backup and a starting WR for a 4th round pick. Watch out for Mike Williams this year, I bet he has 55 catches.

I was disappointed that we didn't get more OL help, especially passing on Free with our 2nd 4th and Studdard with our 6th, but i still consider this an A draft, not A+ because of the bowie and O'neal picks which were easily the two worst picks for us (although i would love for either of them to prove me wrong), i consider 4 of these players to be future pro bowlers, Russell, Miller(who has a shot at the PB once gonzales retires so he can share the spotlight w/gates), Moses(who will make atleast one PB in his career), and Bush who is easily the steal of the draft(to get a top 15 talent w/pick #100 is unheard of), this was a great draft and more proof that Davis either isn't running the show or isn't as inept as most believe, this draft, along with the solid crop of FAs and a REAL coaching staff and offensive system should at the very least ascend the offense to the ranks of average, so the defense can carry the team to .500

I was disappointed that we didn't get more OL help, especially passing on Free with our 2nd 4th and Studdard with our 6th, but i still consider this an A draft, not A+ because of the bowie and O'neal picks which were easily the two worst picks for us (although i would love for either of them to prove me wrong), i consider 4 of these players to be future pro bowlers, Russell, Miller(who has a shot at the PB once gonzales retires so he can share the spotlight w/gates), Moses(who will make atleast one PB in his career), and Bush who is easily the steal of the draft(to get a top 15 talent w/pick #100 is unheard of), this was a great draft and more proof that Davis either isn't running the show or isn't as inept as most believe, this draft, along with the solid crop of FAs and a REAL coaching staff and offensive system should at the very least ascend the offense to the ranks of average, so the defense can carry the team to .500

I believe the real answer is a little of both and I predict a break out year for the underutilized Justin Fargas.

Oren O'Neal is a pure fullback. He had an injury his senior year and I for one did not think he would be drafted. If healthy he's probably the best pure blocking fullback in the draft.
BC, I don't think Justin Fargas will ever stay healthy enough to have a breakout year. Seems he's always nicked up and has problems with knees, groins, hamstrings and ankles. I'd like to see him do it though!

The breakout is contingent upon him being used a little like Reggie Bush, flexed out, pitched out wide, lots of circle routes and getting him isolated on safeties in the open field.

Yes, that would definitely help keep him out of traffic and in theory healthier. When Fargas was in high school he ran a 10.3 100 meters to win the state championship. Granted, he's had that nasty injury in college at Michigan. Seems as if some track/speed guys always have leg problems and some don't.

I'm really not a believer in Justin Fargas. I don't think he has the hands to be a Tiki Barber or Reggie Bush type (in the essence of a receiving back) and his running style is too wreckless to remain healthy. He's one of those guys who, if he happens to hit the hole, he's gone. But that speed isn't everything, and the biggest knock on him has been his absolute lack of field vision since he was a rookie.

As a staunch Raider Hater (Go Bolts!!!), I don't mind seeing the disorganization that's afflicted them the last 8-10 years at all. However, as a football fan, I see some promise. Barring injury, they have the makings of a shut down defense. Offense is by far their biggest problem, but there is hope there too, I honestly believe.

First off, if I ran that team, Gallery would either be moved to RT, or G. He will never be an above average NFL LT, much less an elite one. He could be elite at one of the other positions, perhaps G. However, they need to make that move ASAP, and stick with it. The 2008 draft is full of OLTs with talent, and they should be able to fill that hole permanently next year.

Secondly, they really have two big "IFs." If, Bush can come back from his injury, and I think he will be the biggest "if," then their RB problem will be solved. However, I personally would be very surprised to see him become an upper echelon RB, just because of the rod they put in his leg...so I believe a RB who is at least dependable will be needed at some point. there will be camp cuts at the end of training camp, and probably some veteran able to adequately hold down, or supplement what they have will be available. It would also behoove them to keep an eye on young RBs cut by NFL teams already strong, and mostly set at that position too for an upgrade. Again, I think they can find a promising RB on the first day in the next draft, if they are still needful then.

Third, they have to stick with McCown or Walters, whoever wins the job for as long as possible, the whole year in a perfect world. This will give them time to bring Russell along slowly, to take over next year with a OLT who should have more natural talent and upside at that position than what they can put up right now.

Fourth, they need to commit to the coaching staff for the long haul. Continuity, and consistency breed winning teams, for the most part. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt any coach to listen to Al Davis. I am highly doubtful there isn't anyone involved, or interested in the game of football that couldn't gain a vast plethora of information about the game they've never, ever even thought of. He is a walking history book on the NFL, and a walking piece of NFL history. However, Al needs to give his advice, let his coaches determine what advice best fits his team and personnel, and how to incorporate what he believes will work in a more up-to-date fashion. What worked 20 years ago in the NFL, might not even work in High School now, because the Xs and Os are in numerous books, and used throughout the land. However, the basic premise of the play might be viable today, if it were tweaked a bit here and there. At any point, Davis has to learn how to sit back and smell the roses, while giving some young blood a chance to turn his franchise around. He's done enough for the game already, so he might as well start drifting into the background, and have a few more glasses of champagne in the owner's box.

On that third point, you might as well rule that one out right away. Russell will likely be the starter by the end of the preseason.

And...drum roll please...the winner of the Daunte Culpepper sweepstakes is....

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20045279/

They should have just got Culpepper in the first place, then they could have taken Johnson in the draft.

Good move by them, now they have the 2 livest arms in the NFL at their disposal.

The only problem is, I have heard he might not even play this year, that his injury could prevent him from playing until 2008...if that is accurate, I don't see this as a good move at all.

1st place !! w00t w00t !! raiders look pretty good with daunte in the lineup. that defense sick! offense is a lilttle eratic but if the raiders beat the chargers this upcoming week they will show the world they are for real

Love this team Jerry. Hope Jerry Porter can score a few against a bad chargers secondary. He's on my fantasy team, lol...

It's nice to see Daunte resurrecting his career. He's always been a passionate player who wants to win, and I admire that about him.

Tough Game today it really came down to the wire somebody just needs to get mike Williams some stick um. Unless Williams becomes a red zone threat i can't see him sticking around until next year. I figure the only reason Kiffin traded for him was because he saw potential from his SC days but in the NFL potential only keeps you on a roster for so long.

I think if we end up 5-11 that would b e encouraging for next year. I think the piece the Raiders need is at running back. Lamont Jordan and Justin Fargas are not the answer we need in the backfield. Jordan gives me a Ron Dayne vibe, scatback in a big-back body. While Justin Fargas simply is not an every down back. The verdict is still out on Michael Bush, but i have never been a fan of drafting injured players. I think a James Stewart or Steve Slaton would be welcomed addition, but the word i am getting is that Kiffin is leaning more towards his old college player in Sam Baker. If the Raiders due take Baker in round one nice value picks at RB could be found in the later rounds like Mike Hart out of UM or Justin Forsett from Cal. Good WRs will also be available in Harry Douglas or Lavelle Hawkins.

I would also like to point out that it is not Lane kiffins fault things did not work out with Randy Moss. This goes on the shoulders of Al Davis and Art Shell who i would like to see get fired again for ceremonial purposes lol. Anyway stay strong Raider Nation we have seen worse before.

Allright I told you about it a few days ago today its official Mike Williams no longer on the roster. Today he was cut by the Raiders. I was told by my source a few days ago that his days were numbered. His performance coupled with a few no football issues had to do with his departure. As an
USC fan i wish him good luck as a Raider fan don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya. This guy was a waste of a trade and i knew it would come back to bit us in the keister. Lane kiffin got it.in his head that they were getting a steal and that Williams would eventually mature into a number one WR making up for not drafting CJohnson. They were actually planning on devoting a good part of the offense around Williams and the red zone was supposed to be his money maker. I'll let you know if i hear anything else.

I really think that Oakland will rue the day they passed on Calvin Johnson. Will help if Russell plays well but I see BIG thangs in CJ's future.

Oh yeah CJ has star written all over him. if you think about it the raiders could have drafted him and possibly got BQuinn in round 2, but you never know n the draft you gotta take what you need. BTW i hear Mr.Russell was slow in the beginning learning the offense, but has picked things up and we should start seeing more of him around week 9 or 10. Hopefully t pans out. The Raiders are beginning to reach the point of no return season wise i just hope the don't do what they always do and win just enough games not to make the playoffs and get stuck with the dreaded midround pick that we just love to throw away.

Ughhhhhh what is going on Daunte is back starting this week which i think is the right move, but i hate a QB carousell its never good. I actually think Mckown is a good QB but i just don't want him to put up bad numbers because it will diminish his trade value. I was told Russell would be seeing PT soon but the managment is kinda in a flux a source says Kiffin is sending mixed signals to the players and staff about where he wants this team to go. IMO i wouldn't be mad if we lost with a solid gameplan because at least the blame could go on talent but all this random stuff happening is beginning to look like Art Shell 2.0. Linebacker corp is having a good season so i don't see us drafting and lbs in the first couple of rounds

Kiffin might be on his way out. ill update if i hear more

Tyler Brayton voided the final year of his contract last week, making him an unrestricted free agent. The former No1 pick of the Raiders (2003) is a hybrid-type defender who Oakland failed to find a spot for...look for a 3-4 team to pick him up. Teams that could be interested are division rivals the Chargers, NE, Miami, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland, New York Jets, Dallas, and cross-town rival, the SF 49ers. Imagine, a No1 going across the bay and becoming a star...eat your heart out Al Baby!

He sucked soo.... good riddance!

Brayton might be able to find a home but it has not been in oakland for the last two years. don't let the door hit you in the a$$ on the way outta town. i hope we continue cleaning house

Raiders have expressed that they are not going to resign Fargas with a big money contract

I think he could be reborn, jerry14, on a 3-4 team. He is not a 4-3 DE, LB, or as the brilliant Raiders had him, a 4-3 DT. In a 4-3, he either should have been a pure DE, or a MLB, ala Matt Millen, a former college DT who had a stellar Raider career when moved to MLB. They drafted him with a No1, and then didn't know what to do with him, and never figured it out. I'm not saying he'll be great elsewhere, but the potential is there, if he goes to a team that can utilize his skills in a system that is more conducive to those skills, and that is definitely a 3-4 D. I remember when he was drafted that I thought they made a mistake, considering the defensive scheme they used.

In either case, because he hasn't had great success in Oakland, I don't think he'll command big dollars on the open market unless he blows some people away in workouts. However, he is still young and will enter the prime of his career in another 2 years. I believe he realizes this and he voided his contract because he believes in himself, and realizes he will never be able to realize his potential in Oakland in their 4-3 D. I think he made a good gamble at the best time for him. If I were him I'd pick my team wisely, perhaps not the one offering the highest salary, but the best opportunity for him. Then, I wouldn't sign anything more than a 3 year deal. If he does live up to his potential, he'll still get another big payday. If not, nobody will lose much either way.

yeah i heard that too only thing i can think of jerry is that they are really going to try and make a move for DMC. plus with rhodes playing good and jordan healthy maybe they think fargas is expendable. plus remember mike bush is going to be on the field next year as well. i just hope we don't blow it in this draft there is alot of talent to get in the latter rounds if missing that 3rd is going to hurt us though.

Yea, but he sucked for the Raiders and they get some much needd cap space.

But why, they had a great rushing attack. Like the old saying goes If it aint brke dont fix it. Why not focus on the weak points, and resign playerswho actually made a difference and helped the team. I would be really pissed if they let Fargas g, especially since he went to USC.

Well with fargas resigned and Nnamdi franchised i think we are finally starting to go in the right direction. i hope we make a play at law or briggs too. then if we get dorsey in the first and maybe calais cambell ,antoine cason or james hardy in the second we should be cool. does anyone think trading down is a possibility maybe after the combine results wouldn't be mad with dallas two firsts and a late rounder.

I would love to make a move to Dallas's 2 1st. We could make a play at Balmer/Sims and Baker with the 1st two picks. Then adress WR or DE in the 2nd. We probably dont have the cap to make a move on Briggs, and we dont need CB since we have a pretty good rotation in Washington-Routt-Aso not amazing but better then most teams. I dont like Campbell for the Raiders, i think given the current Raiders situation he wont be motivated, which is a big problem for him. I say if we trade here is my mock

#22-Sam Baker
#28-Pat Sims (Balmer if there)
#35-Devin Thomas

BREAKING NEWS:

The Falcons have this morning won the coin toss against the Raiders, meaning that the Falcons will pick at 3, the Raiders at 4 and the Chiefs at 5. Falcons GM Thomas Dmitroff correctly called tails at the toss to secure the highest possible pick for his franchise.

personally i would rather have Manningham or Doucet over Thomas in round 2 as our wide reciever. but if we could make a trade down with dallas i would love it. also im really hoping dorsey falls to us at 4

At least we get 1st dibs on the 2nd round talent