Return of the Raiders: Madden 25 Dynasty

[Noestar]

Return of the Raiders



"Just win, baby" has quietly turned into "Hey, maybe we can win a few" in Oakland.

Gone is the swagger which once defined the Al Davis era, replaced by an organization trying to find its way. Since general manager Reggie McKenzie took over the job as Raiders' personnel chief back in January of 2012, Oakland's roster has undergone a major makeover.

Of the 90 players assembled for training camp, only 15 were on the Raiders roster dating back to the 2011 season. Additionally, only star kicker Sebastian Janikowski, the longest tenured Raider, has been with the Silver and Black for more than six seasons.

It almost seems like the Raiders have started a "new era" every year or two since their last playoff appearance, the 2002 Super Bowl XXXVII loss to Tampa Bay.

The '13 season figures to be no exception as former Green Bay and Seattle backup quarterback Matt Flynn figures to finally get his chance as a starting signal-caller, although even that gets murkier by the day.
A year after losing the presumed starting job in Seattle to third-round rookie Russell Wilson, Flynn could be on the losing end of the Raiders' gig to another third-round pick, the athletic Terrelle Pryor.

"I'll make (the decision) some time before the first game," head coach Dennis Allen said. "I think the competition has been good. I think both at times have looked good. I think Terrelle has an extra element with his athletic skills that lends to some playmaking ability and we want to put him in a position to continue to do that."

Oakland also really needed major help on the defensive line after the departures of tackles Richard Seymour, Desmond Bryant and Tommy Kelly, as well as end Matt Shaughnessy. Underwhelming types like nose tackle Pat Sims and under tackle Vance Walker were the only answers, however, as McKenzie focused on reaching for Houston corner D.J. Hayden in the draft.
The Raiders loved Hayden so much that they almost wasted the No. 3 overall pick to get him before wisely trading down and snaring him at 12. The stark reality is they could have dropped another 10 spots at least.

Hayden was nearly killed during a practice while with the Cougars back in November and required emergency surgery to save his life. He tore the inferior vena cava, the large vein that carries blood from the lower half of the body to the heart, an injury which has a 95 percent fatality rate in the field, according to doctors, and is most commonly associated with high-speed car accidents
Hayden also had an additional surgery in May to clear scar tissue from the initial procedure and was finally cleared for contact in late August, playing in his first game during Week 4 of the preseason.

"I just want to see him play football," Allen said. "It's been a while since he's really had an opportunity to go out and play real football. I'm looking forward to watching him. He's got exceptional coverage skills."

Few are rooting against Hayden but even fewer think he's going to be the next Lester Hayes or Mike Haynes.

2012 RECORD: (4-12, 3rd AFC West)

LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2002, lost to Tampa Bay in Super Bowl XXXVII

HEAD COACH (RECORD): Dennis Allen (4-12 in one season)

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Greg Olson (first season with Raiders)

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Jason Tarver (second season with Raiders)

KEY ADDITIONS: OT Alex Barron, LB Kevin Burnett (from Dolphins), DE Andre Carter, QB Matt Flynn (from Seahawks), DE Jason Hunter (from Broncos), CB Mike Jenkins (from Cowboys), RB Rashad Jennings (from Jaguars), P Chris Kluwe (from Vikings), CB Tracy Porter (from Broncos), LB Nick Roach (from Bears), DT Pat Sims (from Bengals), DT Vance Walker (from Falcons), DB Charles Woodson (from Packers), S Usama Young (from Browns), CB D.J. Hayden (first round, Houston), OT Menelik Watson (second round, Florida State), LB Sio Moore (third round, UConn)

Source: The Courant

After Al Davis passed away he left his franchise and his legacy to his son Mark Davis. But after a year of a struggling franchise, Mark Davis decided that the job was too stressful. He put his franchise on the market, and he wasn't looking for the highest bidder, but the most dedicated. He stumbled upon NE, an entrepreneur and an investor from Sacramento, California. He made most of his money investing in products no one thought had a chance. He pleaded for Mark Davis to consider him, as his father had been a lifelong Raider fan and he was tired of him having to watch his team fail time and time again. That's when Mark Davis knew he had found the guy, as he had nothing but good intentions for the team. Not long after the Raiders were sold, but only after Davis made Estrella promise to keep him involved with the team. This is the legacy of Raiders and their new owner NE.

Difficulty: All-Madden

Jarrods Sliders

[Noestar]

I'm going to sim threw the 2013 season to get to the draft. This is how the 2013 season turned out for college football.

Florida State wins BCS Championship 34-31 over Auburn, Heisman Winner Jameis Winston first freshman quarterback to win Heisman and National Championship.

Virginia safety Anthony Harris: 80 tackles, 8 interceptions, 5 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked kick

Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack: 94 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 2 TD, 5 forced fumbles

Stanford linebacker Trent Murphy: 58 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, 1 interception, 1 TD, 2 forced fumbles, 1 blocked kick

Boston College running back Andre Williams: 2,102 rushing yards, 6.4 yards per carry, 17 TD

Washington running back Bishop Sankey: 1,775 rushing yards, 18 TD, 298 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD

Western Kentucky running back Antonio Andrews: 1,730 rushing yards, 16 TD, 41 catches, 478 yards

Arizona running back Ka’Deem Carey: 1,716 rushing yards, 17 TD, 173 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD

Auburn running back Tre Mason: 1,621 rushing yards, 22 TD, 121 receiving yards

Colorado State running back Kapri Bibbs: 1,572 rushing yards, 28 TD

Ohio State running back Carlos Hyde: 1,408 rushing yards, 7.7 yards per carry, 16 total TD (in 10 games)

Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds: 1,038 passing yards, 8 TD, 1,260 rushing yards, 29 TD

Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch: 2,676 passing yards, 23 TD, 1,881 rushing yards, 22 TD

Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr: 4,866 passing yards, 50 total TD

Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty: 3,844 passing yards, 41 total TD, 2 INT

Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston: 3,820 passing yards, 42 total TD

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel: 3,732 passing yards, 33 TD, 686 rush yards, 8 rush TD

Marshall quarterback Rakeem Cato: 3,579 passing yards, 42 total TD

Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota: 3,412 passing yards, 30 TD, 4 INT, 582 rush yards, 9 rush TD

Oregon State wide receiver Brandin Cooks: 120 catches, 1,670 yards, 15 TD

Fresno State wide receiver Davante Adams: 122 catches, 1,645 yards, 23 TD

Stanford wide receiver Ty Montgomery: 58 catches, 937 yards, 10 TD, 159 rush yards, 2 TD, 997 kick return yards, 2 return TD

Ball State wide receiver Willie Snead: 97 catches, 1,429 yards, 14 TD

Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Evans: 65 catches, 1,322 yards, 12 TD

Florida State wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin: 50 catches, 957 yards, 14 TD

Baylor wide receiver Antwan Goodley: 67 catches, 1,319 yards, 13 TD

Duke wide receiver Jamison Crowder: 96 catches, 1,197 yards, 7 TD, 401 punt return yards, 2 return TD

LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.: 57 catches, 1,117 yards, 8 TD, 141 punt return yards, 806 kickoff return yards

Texas Tech tight end Jace Amaro: 98 catches, 1,240 yards, 7 TD

North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron: 55 catches, 895 yards, 3 TD

Marshall tight end Gator Hoskins: 44 catches, 717 yards, 13 TD

[Noestar]

2014 Raiders Offseason

Players let walk:

Jacoby Ford WR: Nothing more than a role player. Was given the chance to play the slot but ruined it by having drops and running bad routes. He can return kicks though.

Darren McFadden: Bust. Cannot stay healthy. Failed to reach 1000 yards this season and isn't welcome in Oakland anymore.

Lamaar Houston: Bright spot on Oakland's defense, unfortunately wants to test his market value but open to a return.

Mike Jenkins: Had to choose between him and Tracy Porter. DJ Hayden is next in the fold.

Khaliff Barnes: Wouldn't play on a back up quality contract.

Free Agent Re-Signings:

Jared Veldheer LT: 5 years, 40 million, includes 16 Million signing bonus

Franchise left tackle, coming off an injury Raiders were able to get him on the cheap, has pro bowl potential at age 26.

Marcel Reece FB: 4 year, 16.8 Million, includes 6 Million signing bonus

2nd team All-Pro fullback, one of the leaders of the team, able to play runningback and fill in as a reciever. Versatile.

Marquette King P: 4 year, 5.8 million, includes 560 K signing bonus

One of the best young punters in the league right now. Lechler who? Just kidding.

Sam Montgomery DE/DT: 2 years, 2.4 million, includes 260 K signing bonus

Prospect with a lot of talent, has discipline problems though after being kicked off the Texans. Can play end and tackle.

Phil Sims DT: 1 year, 1.15 million

Had a decent season, signed to a non-guaranteed contract in order to provide depth.

Tracy Porter CB: 2 years, 3.1 million, includes 200 K signing bonus

Had to choose between him and Mike Jenkins to re-sign with the team. Tracy is better in man coverage, which better suits Estrella's scheme. Hopefully DJ Hayden can step up and play to his draft position.

Rashad Jennings HB: 2 year, 2.8 million, 400 K signing

Was great for the Raiders this year. Might look to the draft to get a true back though, Jennings provides steady yards and is a great goal line back.

[Noestar]

Raiders 2014 Free Agent Signings:



High Level:

Alterraun Verner CB: 4 years, 20.4 million

The Raiders got this stud corner on the market for cheap, seeing as they were some other quality corners on the market. Verner can start at the number one corner spot right away, and the loser between the Tracy Porter and DJ Hayden competition will play slot.

Mid Level:

Christian Ballard DT: 2 years. 1.42 million

Yound DT with some upside, may have to start if the Raiders fail to draft a good prospect at DT.

Fernando Valesco C: 3 years, 2.85 million

Solid back up, to low level starter, insurance if Wisnieski goes down or decides to leave in free agency

Winston Justice RT: 2 years, 1.76 million

Back up to Menelik Watson. Here's to hoping that Watson is ready to start this year for the first time.

Low Level:

LaRoy Reynolds LOLB: 2 year, 1.5 million

Scouted him while I was looking at the Jaguars, has a lot of potential, but looks like a late bloomer, we'll let him sit for a bit.

Jeremy Mincey LE: 2 years, 1.7 million

Not very good, but might get the starting job based on lack of competition.

MD Jennings FS: 2 years, 1.72 million

Had a horrible year with the Packers and will now be backing up Tyvon Branch, will get the chance to battle for a starting FS spot.

Demarcus Love LT: 2 year, 1.44 million

[Noestar]

2014 NFL Draft:



1. Jacksonville Jaguars(From Raiders): Teddy Bridgewater QB, Louisville

2. New York Jets: Lache Seastrunk HB, Baylor

3. Oakland Raiders: Sammy Watkins WR, Clemson

4. Miami Dolphins: Jake Mathews LT, Texas A&M

5. New England Patriots: Louis Nix III DT, Notre Dame

6. Atlanta Falcons: Stephon Tuitt DT, Notre Dame

7. Kansas City Chiefs: Jace Amaro TE, Texas Tech

8. Chicago Bears: Jadeveon Clowney RE, South Carolina

9. Indianapolis Colts: DaQuan Jones DT Penn State

10. St. Louis Rams: Logan Thomas QB Virginia Tech

11. Detroit Lions: Marqise Lee WR, USC

12. Houston Texans: Johnny Manziel QB, Texas A&M

13. Minnesota Vikings: Tajh Boyd QB, Clemson

14. Pittsburgh Steelers: Taylor Hart RE, Oregon

15. Miami Dolphins: Anthony Johnson DT, LSU

16. Arizona Cardinals: Blake Bortles QB, Central Florida

17. New Orleans Saints: Lamarcus Joyner FS, Florida State

18. St. Louis Rams: Bryan Jones DT, N/A

19. Cleveland Browns: CJ Fiedorowicz TE, Iowa

20. New York Giants: Ka'Deem Carey HB, Arizona

21. Philadelphia Eagles: Antone Exum CB, Virginia Tech

22. Cincinnati Bengals: Karlos Williams SS, Florida State

23. Buffalo Bills: Austin Seferian-Jenkins TE, Washington

24. Carolina Panthers: De'Anthony Thomas HB, Oregon

25. New York Giants(From SD): Dri Archer WR/HB, Kent State

26. San Francisco 49ers: Mike Evans WR, Texas A&M

27. Baltimore Ravens: Taylor Lewan LT, Michigan

28. Dallas Cowboys: CJ Barnett FS, Ohio State

29. Tennessee Titans: Ben Gardner RE, Stanford

30. Green Bay Packers: Johnnie Farms DT, Memphis

31. Seattle Seahawks: James Gayle LE, Virginia Tech

32. Denver Broncos: Zach Mettenberger, LSU

Draft Surprises: The Oakland Raiders trading out of the first pick, skipping on Teddy Bridgewater and instead drafting Sammy Watkins. They passed on a franchise QB for one of the most explosive receivers in the draft. Al Davis strikes again?

Jadeveon Clowney slipping all the way to eight to be picked up by the Chicago Bears, looks like they'll have an awesome defense this year again.

The Detroit Lions finally got a decent receiver to play along Calvin Johnson in Marqise Lee, the smooth route runner from USC.

The Rams drafted Logan Thomas out of Virginia Tech, Thomas has all the physical talent in the world, it's the technique and mental aspects he needs to get down.

Both the Texans and the Vikings got their Quarterbacks of the future in Johnny Maziel and Tajh Boyd.

The Giants have lost faith in David Wilson and used their first round pick on Ka'Deem Carey the workhorse out of Arizona.

The Cardinals future is looking bright with Blake Bortles sitting in the wing, He'll be able to learn from Palmer and keep the Cardinals in contention next year.

With Peyton Manning retiring after winning the Super Bowl the Broncos feel like they have the luxury of picking Zach Mettenberger who is coming off a torn ACL in the late first round.

[Jumpman14]

Following.

[Noestar]

Raiders 2014 Draft:

Round 1: Sammy Watkins | 6'1, 205 pounds | Wide receiver | Clemson

There are no mysteries when it comes to Watkins game. He is a pure speed receiver who can score any time he touches the football. Watkins has rare explosion with first-step quickness that looks a lot like Percy Harvin's.

As a wide receiver, Watkins looks like an ideal fit as an X (split end) receiver who challenges teams vertically. He can stretch the defense and command double-teams over the top to prevent him from burning cornerbacks. Teams seem afraid to play bump-and-run with Watkins because of his quickness to separate.

While Watkins is a burner receiver, he isn't undersized. Standing over six feet and weighing 200 pounds, he has good size for the type of receiver that he is.

Watkins has the potential for the NFL to be a game-breaking receiver and the No. 1 target in a downfield passing attack. There is no doubt that Watkins has the speed and athletic ability to be a play-maker in the league.

Watkins makes perfect sense for the Raiders even if they passed on some more attractive offers. Paired with Rod Streater and Denarius Moore the Raiders have one of the better young receiving crops in the league, look for Watkins to be moved all over the place to best use his explosiveness.

Round 2: Kony Ealy | 6'5", 275 pounds | Defensive End | Missouri

Ealy, at times, presents as a player that will challenge and win on the edge vs. the OT. In addition, he has a solid understanding of pass rush moves, as a swim, club and rip were all noted during his film study. If he can become more consistent with his get off, he has a chance to emerge as one of the more intriguing speed / pass rushers.

Ealy has a nice, long stride and above average athletic ability. As a result, he presents as a player that can close the gap between him and the ball carrier/QB. His closing burst is on display on several backside plays that he makes on film.

Kony Ealy is a player loaded with the scary "P" word: Potential. He has the physical makeup that you look for in a DE prospect. He has above average athletic ability and flashes some "wow" moments at times. Unfortunately, he is still a very raw player that needs to refine his game in order to be considered a first or second day prospect. Ealy is his own worst enemy at this point. His lack of down-to-down consistency causes his film to have a lot of warts. But there's no denying his "potential" and upside.

The Raiders took Ealy for two reasons. He has one of the highest upsides for a pass rusher in this draft, and the Raiders have no quality defensive ends. They're hoping that Sam Montgomery comes along, but if not Ealy will be forced to start, he's hoping that he realizes his potential...



Round 2: Bishop Sankey | 5’10″, 203 pounds | Halfback | Washington

Bishop Sankey possesses average overall size for the running back position. Despite unremarkable measureables, Sankey is an effective inside runner who displays good power, leg drive and the ability to break arm tackles and gain yards after contact.

Equally productive on outside running plays, displaying the burst needed to get to the corner and turn upfield. Very coordinated and light on his feet, displaying top-tier foot quickness. Able to change directions fluidly and without gearing down; loose in his hips both in tight quarters and in the open field. Possesses very good vision; is able to diagnose and hit running lanes both at the plays aiming point and away from it when the play breaks down.

Has enough wiggle to make a man miss while also possessing a toughness about his game that doesn't shy away from contact. Fast enough to pop a 30-40 yard run. Good in pass protection; quickly diagnoses assignment and is effective at point of impact. Displays soft, reliable hands in the passing game with the ability to secure the football and make a play after the catch.

The Raiders received this pick after trading down to the third spot from the Jacksonville Jaguars, they also acquired a 7th round pick in the deal. Bishop is the kind of back the Raiders need, a reliable injury free starter who is smart enough and durable enough to start from day 1, while he's not particularly explosive the Raiders can count on him to gain the yards they need. It also gives them a dual Husky backfield.



Round 3: Will Sutton | 6'0", 305 pounds | Defensive Tackle | Arizona State

Over the offseason, Sutton got all the way up to 305 pounds, which many scouts ended up criticizing him for.
During the 2013 season, Sutton’s style of play has changed significantly. On the positive side, he is now a much more disciplined player. He does a very good job of positioning himself, and he gets in on a lot of run plays. He’s a high-motor guy, and he’ll run towards the action and try to make a play no matter what.

Conversely, though, Sutton has regressed as a pass rusher. He no longer moves as quickly in getting to the quarterback, and actually seems to sit back more and play a traditional defensive tackle role. If he’s going to get in the backfield, it is now much more likely to be because of his outstanding bull rush and swim moves rather than his speed.

These are the top three rounds of picks, I'll be doing another post on the last four rounds. These are not all my scouting reports, props to SBnation, Rantsports, Walterfootball and Profootball scout.

[Noestar]

Raiders 2014 Draft Continued



Round 4: Eric Ebron | 6' 4", 245 pounds| Tight End | North Carolina

There is no denying that Ebron is an exceptional athlete with a special combination of size and strength. He flashes the ability to be a dangerous receiver and impact blocker.

Ebron is very fast running through the secondary and is excellent attacking the middle of the field on slants and seam routes. For a West Coast offense, Ebron would be a nice weapon as a receiver. He also operates well as a slot receiver. Ebron's agility and fluid athleticism means can execute a variety of roles, and could even play some h-back.

Ebron has three-down starting potential for the NFL. In the passing-driven league, he will interest a lot of teams as a weapon for the air attack. Ebron could be a good player in double-tight end sets in tandem with a heavier, blocking-type tight end. He could be the move tight end who stretches the middle seam and creates mismatches with his ability to line up in a variety of places.

The Raiders ran to the podium when they saw that Ebron on the board. Ebron is the type of prospect that gives defensive coordinator nightmares. Ebron has the potential to be the next thing at tight end seeing as his speed is unreal, too fast for linebackers and too big for corners. Look for Ebron to see a lot of time in two tight end sets.



Round 6: Deon Bucannon | 6' 1", 215 pounds| Free Safety | Washington State

Going to the NFL, Bucannon immediately offers a benefit in coverage. He has shown not only that he has range but can make plays on the football and cause turnovers. His ability in run support is largely a work in progress as his attitude is right in attacking the run, but his tackling technique needs to be torn down and rebuilt.

Bucannon is a terrible tackler in terms of form and technique. He is almost always lunging or diving at the opponent. Bucannon throws shoulder bombs and does not consistent wrap up, which is a shame because he is physically capable. He just has a ton of bad habits that lead to inconsistent results.

Deone has all the tools to be a good safety, but has a long way to go technique wise. Good thing Charles Woodson has decided to stay on with the Raiders after he's retired to help with the secondary, you can't ask for much else.



Round 7: Andrew Jackson | 6'1", 265 pounds | Middle Linebacker | Western Kentucky

Jackson is best as downhill, attacking linebacker. He accelerates quickly into the hole and meets running backs before they can get to the second level. When he sees an open gap he fills it quickly and closes running lanes. When Jackson is consistent with his low pad level and leverage, he is hard to move and strong at the point of attack.

In junk, Jackson uses his hands nicely and bounces around blockers quickly to find the ball. He uses his quickness to fight through blocks at the second level and can beat blockers to their spots. In zone coverage, Jackson flips his hips and gets into his spot drops quickly. Jackson is a physical tackler with good form. He does a good job of fighting his head across the ball carrier, running his hips and feet, delivering a physical pop.

Jackson struggles from side to side rather than downhill. He often gets sealed off at the second level and can get washed out of the play. He can improve his consistency with his footwork, as his feet often are caught out of his frame, getting knocked over easily. At this point, Jackson is a liability in coverage. He struggles in change of direction with quicker running backs and receivers. Jackson really hasn't shown much in the pass rush and would like to see more in that category before he could become a true three down linebacker in the NFL.

Jackson is one of those prospects that if he fell that you had to take a shot at him. He's from a small school, so most of his games that he performed well against didn't give him an edge over the others. He'll learn that if he wants to stay on the field for the Raiders he'll need to learn how to cover.




Round 7: Antonio Andrews | 6'0" 209 pounds | Halfback | Western Kentucky |

Another small school guy? From the same school? Andrews has been called the most underrated runningback in college football. The knock on him is that he fumbles, a lot. A lot of the time if a runningback fumbles once he'll be taken out of the game, his stock dropped a lot with his fumble in a crucial part of a bowl game. He's a not a physical specimen but he knows how to gain yards, and that's always welcome around here.