Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

[Cre8]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Congrats man! This was hard earned!

Now the hardest part starts... defending it.

[Gronk4M13]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Great job!

[JHeyBraves]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Glad you could beat Rodgers to get that title. I guess the only place for a Super Bowl winning rookie QB to go is down, haha. Hopefully not.

These write ups are like Christmas morning for me

[GMAB8]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Congrats on the Super Bowl win!

[JaymeeAwesome]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

This offseason will be tough re-signing players. Good luck on anyone that needs a contract.

[KBLover]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Offseason Begins

The players are still gallivanting around with the Lombardi and reveling in the excitement and thrill to be the NFL champions, but the front office needs to get to work to keep things moving in the right direction. Being the champion means everyone looks up to you, and looks to knock you off the top of the hill.


Player Re-signs

The Raiders are not likely to sign any of the players up for contract, many of them brought in to address injury concerns.

Of the the players, a few contracts were offered - but it seems as though chances of acceptance will be low:

-HB Alfred Morris: 1 year, $1 M (no bonus) - mostly to bring him back to be in what looks like a fierce competition behind Caulder. Read: Leshoure, don't get too comfy. [Contract Rejected]

-WR C.J. Gortman - 1 year, $600 K (no bonus) - Had the team's lone kick return, but not much other than that. Still, he might be one to stash away and use in that role. [Contract Accepted]

-TE Dwayne Allen - 1 year, $1.1 M (no bonus) - Showed some ability at tight end late in the year, and that's pretty much why he's even getting this contract offer. [Contract Rejected]




Stage 2

Retirements:

DE Justin Smith (49ers)
SS Troy Polamalu (Steelers)
LB Takeo Spikes (Raiders)
LB James Harrison (Broncos)
WR Santana Moss

Comebacks:

QB Kurt Warner


Coaching Moves:

The Packers hired Ron Rivera as its new head coach.
The Vikings have hired Michael Miller as its new head coach.
John Harbaugh becomes the new head coach in Carolina.
Kansas City hires coach Corey Jason.
Bengals sign on Roy Kaylor to be the new head coach.


Transactions:

The dysfunctional marriage between the Jaguars and FB Greg Jones continues as the franchise has tagged the running back.

DE Ray McDonald was tagged by the 49ers this week.

Offensive lineman Branden Albert of the Chiefs was given a franchise tender.

Dolphins FS Chris Clemons was given a franchise tender.


Top Free Agents:

DE Haloti Ngata
HB Marshawn Lynch
QB Andrew Luck
QB Robert Griffin III
DT Ndamukong Suh (Raiders top target)
CB Jonathan Joseph

The arrival of RG III and Andrew Luck to the free agent pool has a LOT of media around Oakland clamouring for one of them to join the Raiders. So far, Ander Lyle has shown no interest in either of the two phenom QBs, believing in his choice of Wade Schumacher.

The Raiders are going to pursue Ndamukong Suh. Many believe that Suh would take the RE position and Keiwone Walters would come in on 4-man fronts as DT. There has been some passing talk of trying Lamarr Houston at outside linebacker. If that works (or is even true), Walters could move to the opposite end and remain a starter. Of course, what this does with Tevin Ash remains to be seen. Ash has no business in coverage of any kind, and right now has worked as the RE, shifting Walters to DT, in 4-3 base sets and in pass defense formations, allowing a better (as if there's worse) coverage linebacker to play in space.

The player with the most interests right now is MLB L Kuechly with 23 teams interested in his services. Meanwhile, the Raiders can sit back and laugh at them all.

"Unless his name starts with the initials P.W. [Patrick Willis] an MLB in free agency? Are you kidding? Draft one, "one team official spoke, "Don't know what those other teams are thinking. Of course, it makes me wonder if we shouldn't trade Jake Olsen..."

The idea of trading Olsen is not new. His coverage has been spotty despite being a coverage linebacker with developed coverage skills. Some have thought to strike while the iron is hot and he's in his prime. Lyle doesn't seem to want to hear it at this point.

The other name getting mention is Santonio Holmes. However, at least for now, the Raiders don't seem to be making any inquiries to Holmes' agent.

[Gronk4M13]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Great free agent class. Hope you get Suh. Also, hope John Harbaugh makes the Panthers good. Hey, what can I say? I like Harbaugh a lot, he's a good guy.

[KBLover]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Coach Lyle has been facing criticism ever since his stance of not going after Griffin or Luck in the free agency market.


Reporter 1: So, coach, you're telling us that you think the team won't be better off with either Luck or Griffin at the helm?

Lyle: I'm telling you that our team is just fine with Wade as our quarterback.

Reporter 2: Isn't the coach's job to try to acquire the talent his team needs over the feeling of the players?

Lyle: Of course it is. Why do you think I chose Wade? He gave us the best chance to win. You also have to consider stability. Three years and three quarterbacks is not ideal. Four years and four quarterbacks is no better.

Reporter 1: Those two are fan favorites. Wouldn't that give even more life to the franchise. You win the Super Bowl, and now you have one of the best young quarterbacks in the game?

Lyle: We already have one of the best young quarterbacks in the game. Who's better than our man that's not a veteran?

Cute Reporter: Like why is it that Wade threw so many interceptions last year? Would one of those other two guys throw that many?

Lyle: Wade is a confident and aggressive quarterback. He always thinks he'll have another play to make up for whatever he does wrong. I like that mentality, but we want to teach him how to reign it in. That's what you do with young talent. You refine it as much as you can before you decide to go in another direction. Luck and Griffin are in the same mold, so if that's why you don't Schumacher, miss, then you won't like either of those two either.

Lyle: I'll take one more question, then I have some real work to do.

Reporter 3: Is it the play calling that Schumacher can't handle? I understand he threw those two bombs in the Super Bowl, but they were to [Denarius] Moore. Is that just Moore showing his talent more than Schumacher?

Lyle: He targets Moore because the two have a comfort level with each other and Moore is, thus far, our best receiver. It makes sense to target your best weapon when you have a chance. How that's a failing of Wade's and not of the other receivers, I don't know.


And with that the press conference was over. Schumacher has to feel good that his coach has his back in public and his actions in the free agency market are backing those words up.

[KBLover]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Stage 4

Transactions:

Panthers sign LB DeMeco Ryans (Harbaugh's influence? Targeting defense right off the bat).

Raiders signings:

None.

Raiders contract offers:

DT Ndamukong Suh -> Increased offer to 7 yrs/$12.6 M per year
WR Sidney Rice -> Initiated negotiations at 4 yrs/$2.5 M per year


Scouting

HB Taukei Griggs (LA Tech) lives and dies on his explosiveness and speed. He probably is not a good fit for the Raiders, however, as he does not do anything else exceptionally well. At the least, there's no reason to consider him over Xavier Slaughter.

HB Xavier Slaughter (Culver-Stockton) is more of an elusive runner, making little moves to get around defenders and not take big hits. That's something he better hope translates to the NFL because he is not regarded as the toughest or strongest player on the field.

CB Jamal Sanks (San Jose St.) has all the signs, so far, of a pure athlete. He looks to have top-end speed, quickness, and explosiveness. That should help him in coverage...once he learns how to cover. All of those physical skills have not translated at all to excellent coverage. He seems to have weak understanding of reading the receiver or finding the football.

WR Dominque Owens (Nebraska) didn't help his draft stock any by running slow at the Combine. Scouts only graded him at an 89 after initially thinking he would be a speedy receiver.

[KBLover]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Stage 6

Notable signings:

Redskins sign QB Russell Wilson to a 4 year/$19.4 M contract.
Titans sign QB Jason Campbell to a 2 year/$6.4 M contract.
HB Michael Bush to Jets for 3 years, $7.95 M
LT Russell Okung to Vikings for 4 years, $5.96 M
SS Dawan Landry to Panthers for 3 years, $6.75 M

Raiders signings:

WR Sidney Rice to a 4 year/$10 M contract.

Raiders offers:

TE Chris Cooley -> 1 year/$1 M


Scouting

WR Wayne Bilssett (Ohio) impressed scouts with his ball skills. He's not afraid to go up for any pass and tends to come down with more than a few of them. He's great at getting off the line against press coverage on early looks, but concerns mount about his quickness in and out of cuts. He runs his routes with precision, no doubt, but can he develop them fast enough for the QB to make use of him?


Stage 7

Prospect News:

Iowa QB Jack Kane display poor throwing power in his workout, according to sources. This has some teams wondering if he could make the tougher intermediate throws.

"His balls came out like a sparrow in a hurricane..." according to LaVar Arrington on twitter.

Colorado HB Mark Wood has a growing number of skeptics and critics following him. However, he's keeping his spirits high, insisting he can be a difference maker.

Georgia HB Gary Pruitt sprained his ankle, ruining his Pro Day.

UCF MLB Dan Dugan came out with a terrible 40 time in the Combine, clocking in at just under 5 seconds.

Kentucky QB Ronald Dunson threw his teammates under the bus interviews, refusing to admit that he made any mistakes down the stretch.

Notable signings:

Darnell Dockett signs with the Saints for 4 years and $25.8 M.

The Chargers sign WR Santonio Holmes for 5 years and $46.5 M.

Titans ink QB Kyle Orton to a 3 year deal worth $13 M.

Eagles sign QB Andrew Luck for 7 years and $97.4 M.

Panthers opened the vault for QB Robert Griffin III, signing him to a 7-year, $104.44 M contract.

Chargers sign CB Jonathon Joseph for 6 years and $86.78 M.

DT Mebane signs with the Jaguars for 6 years and $54 M

LT Kalil signs with the Jaguars for 5 years and $37.1 M

HB Marshawn Lynch signs with the Redskins for 6 years, $49.44 M

Bengals sign DT Cullen Jenkins for 5 years and $37.8 M

Jaguars sign CB Leon Hall for 5 years and $52.5 M

Bucs sign FS Antrel Rolle for 2 years, $8.64 M

Evidentally, Wilfork was not pleased with Suh's arrival - he was placed on the trade block - and the team is said to be fielding offers for him.

"You get me to sign, then you bring in someone like that? Obviously, this organization doesn't have class, " Wilfork spoke out.

Raiders completed a trade for a FS prospect. The Lions put FS Steven Barker on the trade block, and the Raiders traded CB Heston Hill and their 2016 6th round pick for Barker and the Lions' 2nd round pick in 2016.


Stage 8

The NFL Draft is around the corner.

Trey Wingo seems to think the Raiders need a defensive tackle (Suh not good enough for you?)

Most mock drafts put DT Dominque Franklin as the sure 1st overall pick.

The Raiders have selections in each round except the 5th this year, more than in years past. Perhaps the Raiders will trade up, combining later picks to move a round up? Or out and 'punt' the picks until next year? There are only a few kids the Raiders really have their sights on this year, but you never know once the heat of the draft turns on and the war room starts buzzing.

[TRP2]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Wow, Luck AND RGIII out of their original teams ! Talk about management !

[preaceps]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Least the Redskins signed Wilson after letting go of RGIII. Its like a consolation prize.

[ewing6]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Congrats on the super bowl win, Panthers sign RGIII, where is Cam Newton at.

[GMAB8]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Its like mobile quarterback musical chairs.....ridiculous. Lynch and Wilson stay together though, interesting story line there. I hate seeing so much change, especially in premium QB's, what are the chances that 4 years from now, Luck, RG3 and Russell Wilson are all not with their original teams? Doubtful that even one of them moves IMO. Oh but Madden.....it is what it is.

What are your needs now? Do you need to get younger anywhere? Is this the Smoke, Maeweather draft? Or is that next year?

[KBLover]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

2015 NFL Draft

Round 1

1 - ARI - LT Riley Jones
2 - CLE - TRADED TO CAR - WR Okoye Jones
3 - CLE - TRADED TO NO - CB Shawn Campbell
4 - HOU - TE Blake Geiger
5 - HOU - DT Dominique Franklin
6 - BAL - OLB Trevor Thomas
7 - CLE - TRADED TO SEA - RT Mark Rock
8 - GB - TRADED TO HOU - LE Nathan Lee
9 - IND - MLB Antwon Russell
10 - TEN - SS Ryan Shannon
11 - SD - LE Cole Bible
12 - DET - RE Jon Williams
13 - BAL - TRADED TO OAK - DT Immanuel Dawn
14 - ATL - MLB Deterius Oliver
15 - NYJ - DT Monte Parker
16 - CHI - TRADED TO MIA - OLB Wayne Thomas
17 - CLE - TRADED TO IND - QB Cooper Ballard
18 - CLE - TRADED TO NYG - RT Brandon Stewart
19 - MIA - TRADED TO MIN - QB Jack Kane (scouts like mobility, question arm strength)
20 - WAS - C Aaron Smith
21 - DAL - WR Kalen Moss
22 - SD - WR Lekambrick Lipsey
23 - ARI - TRADED TO CHI - TE Ashton Irie
24 - TB - CB Armani Smith
25 - SF - RG Tanner Mobley
26 - JAX - CB Andrew Taumoepeau
27 - JAX - TRADED TO TEN - WR Dominique Owens
28 - ATL - HB Shaunn Drovin
29 - IND - MLB Nickell Hudson
30 - STL - QB Ron Dunson (questionable work ethic)
31 - GB - TRADED TO NO - CB Tory Wilson
32 - OAK - TE Karl Kruger (praised for his determination to break TE record after being a walk-on) (Todd McShay loved this pick)

(Raiders traded WR D'Andre Ware for BAL #1 2015)

Notes: Only 4 of the projected 1st round players are left after the first round finished. Cleveland traded a first round pick 5 times. Can't imagine what their stockpile looks like after that...

Storyline Selections

QB Jack Kane: 1.19 - Vikings
QB Ron Dunson: 1.30 - Rams
TE Karl Kruger: 1.32 - Raiders
DE Richard Wayne: 2.13 - Seahawks (considered 'too nice' to be effective in the NFL. According to scouts, he needs to be more this: )
HB Mark Wood: 2.28 - Falcons (concerns about his elusiveness, speed, and being a liability on 3rd down)
MLB Dan Dugan: 4.21 - Bills (doesn't move well, but can hold his ground - looks more like a run stopping DE than a MLB, but can be productive in the right system)


Raiders Picks

Round 2:
2.15 (Traded OAK #2 2015, OAK #3 2016 to MIN) - OLB Davarius Bullock

Round 3:
3.32 HB Takuei Griggs

Round 4:
4.32 WR Fabian Favors

Round 5:
No Selection

Round 6 (a.k.a. Grab Bag time):
6.32 (DEFINITELY grab bag time...) WR Bryan Mills (Ross Tucker said people expected Mills to go higher...don't know who those people are...the board had him at 7.2...)

Round 7:
7.32 (Mr. Irrelevant) FS Lamonte Brown


Coach's Comments:
Overall, I think we had a productive draft. We hit on many of our targets, missing out on Xaiver Slaughter most notably as we thought he would fall into the 6th round. Seems our taking Takuei Griggs sparked a wave of late-round halfback selecting and Slaughter was swept up.

Otherwise, I like the look of Griggs, we were able to trade up to add Davarius Bullock - he should replace Takeo Spikes nicely. I think Favors will ease the departure of D'Andre Ware, and who knows how our late round selections will pan out. A solid draft and we are excited to have put it together.