2019 Oakland Raiders Discussion

^As KS said, it is a low risk high reward gamble IF it pans out...and as it is it looks like a big IF. Maybe Richardson can regain a semblance of his rookie season in Cleveland. So far he is saying the right things and wants the starting gig at RB.

 

Raiders decided against signing TE Gresham... Reported to have a herniated disc surgery. Out indefinitely...no timetable for return. Good call.

 

I hear they're still monitoring the situation. They might end up revisiting that situation.

 

Former Raider DL Antonio Smith signs with Denver...did not really want to lose him especially going there now with Branch as well. Raiders talking with WR Crabtree.

 

WR Holmes inks deal... Moore goes to Cincy.

 

Raiders re-signed:
Rod Streater WR
Andre Holmes WR
Brandian Ross S
Larry Asante S
Marquette King P
Denico Autry DE
Brian Leonhardt TE
Matt McCants OT
Jamize Olawale FB
Neiko Thorpe CB

They signed Shaun Richardson (DB) to an offer sheet.

 

Raiders are expected to sign Crabtree. I'm not a fan of the dude, but he will give them a lift.

Howard/Barnes/Hudson/Jackson/Penn
Carr/Murray/Reece
Crabtree/Streater/Jones/Butler/Holmes
Rivera/Smith

I wouldn't be surprised if this means the Raiders are going to pick best available with the #4 - and take defense.

 

Talk of SoCal DL Leonard Williams falling to 4. I'd jump all over that if it were to happen. Not holding my breath though. Crabtree - odd signing but it is a "prove it" contract. If not Cooper, there are other very good choices in what many are saying as a deep wide-out class.

Williams would really boost that defense. Cat's a freak. With the current additions, it looks stout against the run but could use some against the pass.

 

My Mock Draft
Ratings from NFL Net and CBS

1st Round
xDE Leonard Williams 7.53
.Comparison: Kevin Williams
..Projects as Future All-Pro
...Ideal replacement for aging Tuck or immediate upgrade over Wilson.

2nd Round
xLB Benardrick McKinney 5.83
.Comparison: Brian Cushing
..Projects as possible NFL Starter
...Raiders have some stopgaps at LB (Lofton); McKinney could push.

3rd Round
xOL Tre Jackson 5.7
.Comparison: Justin Blalock
..Projects as possible NLF Starter
...Barnes is as weakness on the line; Jackson could push.

4th Round
xWR Ty Montgomery 5.42
.Comparison: Cordarrelle Patterson
..Projects as Backup/Special Teamer
...Oakland needs dynamic players: 2013 season he had 2200 All-Purpose Yards and 14 TDs

5th Round
xTE Nick O'Leary 5.3
.Comparison: James Casey
..Projects as Backup/Special Teamer
...O'Leary's hands are ridiculous; Oakland may use more 2 TE sets

6th Round
xOL Jeremiah Poutasi 5.3
.Comparison: Mike McGlynn
..Projects as Backup/Speical Teamer
...Quick OGs needed for Up Tempo offense

7th Round
xCB Garry Peters 5.2
.Comparison: Terrance Mitchell
..Projects as Backup/Special Teamer
...Oakland needs a S, but Peters is intriguing enough to warrant a draft pick

Raiders do not add a top flight WR/TE, but they add two who can work into the rotation. They bolster the offensive line depth, they insert defensive starters/rotation players up front. They add a potential CB rotation player. They bolster special teams. They still have some $ to add a DB via FA.

 

^Me likey #1 and #4. All the others are to solidify the foundation especially the lines and the D.

 

I'm least sure of...#1 pick, whether we draft a DB early, and whether we add a RB
I'm most sure: we'll add a WR somewhere, we'll add a front 7 defensive player in our first two picks

OL: Hudson/Jackson/Penn/Barnes/Howard
Backups: Boothe and Watson are intriguing backups. McCants, Bergstrom, and Mady are all in the mix.
Draft: Add in Tre Jackson and Jeremiah Poutasi and the OL could be a strong point in a year or two.

WR: Jones/Crabtree/Streater/Rivera/Holmes
Backups: Butler, Thompkins, and Holmes are quality backups; Smith at TE could push Rivera.
Draft: Nick O'Leary could start at TE, and Ty Montgomery could push for PT as a rookie. I know there's not a top flight WR here, but I think it's not in the cards this season.

Backs: Carr/LTM/Reece
Backups: Helu and Richardson
Draft: We're not getting any help here, but I don't think we need it.

D-Line: Tuck, Ellis, Williams, and Wilson
Backups: Mayowa, McGee, Lumpkin.
Draft: We add a disruptive force in Leonard Williams, who would start by season's end and be eyeing a Pro-Bowl in the near future.

LB: Mack, Lofton, and Moore
Backups: Smith, Burris, and Armstrong
Draft: McKinney could push for PT week 1, and he could develop into a promising starter.

DB: Hayden, McGill, Carrie, Allen, and Woodson
Backups: Checkwa, Ross, Dowling, and Asante
Draft: Garry Peters might not give the team uch of a lift no D, but like McGill and Carrie, he'd be an interesting addition.

 

I will be