The Terrible Franchise that is the Oakland Raiders

By Dan Rodgers

You might wonder why I would dedicate an entire post to the Oakland Raiders. Well, I'm not too sure ... maybe Al Davis makes everyone that listens stupider.

The NFL held their annual supplemental draft on Monday. The only player that was selected was former Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor. Considering this post is about the Raiders, you can assume that Pryor was drafted in the third round by Oakland.

In case you're not familiar with the supplemental draft, this will help you out:
Players that didn't file for the NFL draft or were for some reason ineligible are allowed to enter the supplemental draft. Teams must submit a "bid" for a player when the round arrives that they want to select them. However, they must forfeit their pick in that round in the following year's draft. For example, the Raiders selected Terrelle Pryor in the third round. Now they have to forfeit their third-round pick in the 2012 draft. The Raiders don't have a second- or fourth-round pick in next year's draft, so they selected Pryor in the third round and didn't risk another team selecting him in the fourth.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Fun fact: Oakland has drafted the player with the fastest 40-yard dash time at the combine in Indianapolis the past three years.

I understand Al Davis has a history with the NFL, dating as far back as the AFL, but he is over 80 years old and has not successfully run the franchise for a few years. It seems like all he is interested in is the most athletically-gifted players. He over-drafted Darrius Heyward-Bey a few years ago, took Terrelle Pryor as I mentioned above, drafted Jacoby Ford (incredible speed), Darren McFadden and the list goes on...

The NFL needs to step in and do something about this problem if the franchise doesn't turn around soon. The QBs on the roster are Jason Campbell, Kyle Boller, Trent Edwards and Pryor when the sign him. That is utterly pathetic. Campbell could have been a quality starter but got stuck in a terrible situation in Washington before going to Oakland.

Basically, I would give the Raiders a few "probationary" years to get the franchise in better shape. Then, I would require minority owners in the team to devise a plan for ownership and decision-making within the franchise. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy laughing at them, but the Raiders struggles are not good for the game.

They differ from the Bills, Lions, Rams and other teams that might be struggling. Clearly the Lions and Rams are on the up-tick. The Bills are terrible but make decent personnel moves and attempt to bring in proven talented players to help the team.

However, while the Raiders want to suck, I'll gladly take one more game against a lesser opponent on the Jets schedule.

Rodgers That

NFL Draft

By Dan Rodgers

This will be a quickie considering there is less than ten minutes until the Panthers should be on the clock (8 p.m. on ESPN).

I have been hearing time after time that this draft class is overrated at the quarterback position, and I couldn't agree more with that statement. First of all, there is no consensus No. 1 overall pick, not to mention a lack of elite talent.

According to Mel Kiper, Patrick Peterson, LSU CB, is the best player in the draft. However, that doesn't necessarily mean he will be the No. 1 overall pick (no CB has ever gone No. 1). I expect, because NFL franchises are often stupid, the No. 1 pick to be Cam Newton.

If I'm running the Panthers I easily look for the player I think is the most talented and draft BPA (Best Player Available, which is everyone). Carolina will most likely be the worst team in the league next year and will have the No. 1 pick again. Andrew Luck will be coming out of Stanford and be available to draft. This way, Carolina can get their franchise QB next year, and a highly talented player at a position of need this year.

Cam Newton is a high-risk high-reward player. He is obviously talented, but will those talents transfer to the NFL level? I won't be the guy that says no and have Newton become the next Donovan McNabb, or say yes and have him become the next Akili Smith.

As far as everyone else...I'm not as well versed this year compared to last year. I don't know why, maybe it's the lack of talent this year. Expect a lack of excitement as well because players cannot be traded, only picks for picks.

However, I do expect a lot of moving around, particularly because there are teams that will look to move up from early second round to late first round.

I'll come back after the draft and talk about any surprises. Enjoy!

Rodgers That

Carolina not so LUCKy

By Dan Rodgers

Stanford QB Andrew Luck has declared that he will be returning to school for his senior season. This decision is said not to change after Luck learned that his coach, Jim Harbaugh, signed a contract to be the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

Harbaugh signed a five year deal on Friday, worth approximately $25 million. It was speculated, especially by me, that he would choose San Fran because of the proximity to Stanford.

Back to Luck, who was said by many to be the consensus No. 1 overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft. The Carolina Panthers have that pick and it was widely speculated that they wanted to take Luck even though they drafted Jimmy Clawful in the second round of last year's draft.

Carolina will now have to completely rethink their draft strategy because the other QBs available (Mallet, Newton, Locker, etc) aren't considered to be No. 1 status.

I respect Luck for his decision while other people have been ripping him a new one for it. One guy called in on 105.7 The Fan and said he would tell his son to go pro and get the money while he could.

I guess I understand why it would make sense to go pro. If Luck tears his ACL his draft stock will plummet. However, even a bad season could hurt him since he is already the consensus No. 1 pick there is nowhere to go but down. However, you have to respect a kid who knows he will probably be the first overall pick and is staying in school even though his coach has already left as well.

Good luck Luck...

Rodgers That

Little Leon

By Dan Rodgers

Dear Little Leon Washington,

You were my favorite Jet. I want to apologize to you that you were traded away, for an insultingly low draft pick nonetheless. That pick is now USC RB Joe McKnight, the one pick who everyone complains about being out of shape and being awful in mini camps.

Leon, you never got the respect you deserved, and just as you were beginning to earn it: broken leg, arguably the worst injury a running back can experience. You were elected to a pro-bowl as a kick returner, one of the most feared returners in the game. You are fast, elusive, agile, have a ton of heart, and I will miss you dearly.

You never really got a fair opportunity to run the ball in the NFL. Just as the Jets were beginning to utilize you to your full ability, you were injured in the middle of a blowout against the Raiders.

I recently learned that you will be given the chance to compete for the starting running back position in Seattle. I hope you win bud, I have your jersey and your autographed rookie card. I hope you tear up the NFC. Make the Jets wish they hadn't pretty much given you away.

Most of this post probably doesn't make sense, but I had to get it out. I am still, and will continue to be upset about this.

I love you "Little Leon"... keep running...



Rodgers That

Round One Review

By Dan Rodgers

This is just a short review of the first 32 picks:

1. Rams - QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma: I do not like this pick at all. The Rams could have gotten a proven QB if they traded for Big Ben...but they decided to spend the first pick on an unproven injury prone QB, enough said. This pick is weak sauce.
   
2. Lions - DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska: I love this pick. The Lions stole Suh considering he should have gone first overall. I think he is the best player in the draft.
3. Bucs - DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma: This seems like an obvious pick. The Bucs needed to beef up their defense, and it was either between McCoy or Eric Berry. McCoy is a great athlete for his size, good pick.
4. Redskins - OT Trent Williams, Oklahoma: A bit surprising here. Many people had Russell Okung as the best tackle. Whatever, at least they made the right decision and took an offensive lineman and not a QB.
5. Chiefs - SS Eric Berry, Tennessee: Another obvious pick. I think Berry is the second most talented player behind Suh. Berry should be a playmaker for years to come.
6. Seahawks - OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State: I think he is the best tackle in the draft and the Hawks tackle for the next 10 years. Solid pick.
7. Browns - CB Joe Haden, Florida: Eh, I think Haden is overrated. His 40-time at the combine was part of that. However, that is why they are the Browns, we'll see...
8. Raiders - LB Rolando McClain, Alabama: Many experts said the Raiders finally made a good pick, I thought whoever went there just happened to suck...whatever I don't even care.
9. Bills - RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson: Ugh, the Bills are awful and I feel terrible for Spiller because he is a monster. I certainly don't want the Jets to face him because he is so ridiculously talented, but now the Bills have three backs?
10. Jaguars - DE Tyson Alualu, California: Many thought he was taken early considering he was projected second round, but this guy is definitely talented. The Jags saw something in him and needed defense badly since they play offenses like Houston and Indy.
    
11. 49ers (from Bears, through Broncos) - OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers: The 49ers definitely need to start protecting whatever QB they start because they are developing a talented offense. Good for them.
12. Chargers (from Dolphins) - RB Ryan Matthews, Fresno State: A very intriguing pick. Many people thought the Bolts would take a running back, but many didn't expect them to trade up. For Matthews nonetheless. Especially considering Jahvid Best was taken after San Diego's original pick.
13. Eagles (from 49ers, through Broncos) - DE Brandon Graham, Michigan: I love this pick by Philly. Soon after trading for Ernie Sims the Eagles continue to focus on defense. Graham is being compared to Dwight Freeney, enough said.
14. Seahawks (from Broncos) - SS Earl Thomas, Texas: I thought this might have been a bit of a stretch because Thomas was projected closer to 20, but I love this guy. He looks extremely talented, and the Hawks definitely made two good picks in the first round.
15. Giants - DE Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida: I think this pick means that the G-Men will look to shop Osi. Hmm, would be an interesting twist. I like this guy; he can do a lot of back flips...that's awesome.
    
16. Titans - DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech: I think the Titans simply felt that this guy shouldn't be available and he is the best available, so they took him. Fine with me.
    
17. 49ers (from Panthers) - OG Mike Iupati, Idaho: I like this pick. The 49ers took two offensive lineman and continue to show their willingness to beef up the offense. Good stuff Coach Singletary.
    
18. Steelers - C Maurkice Pouncey, Florida: This is the only center I've heard of in the draft. I don't even remember who the Steelers center is, so they clearly need one.
19. Falcons - LB Sean Witherspoon, Missouri: Witherspoon is a solid backer who can help an up and coming ATL defense.
20. Texans - CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama: Taken ahead of some other d-backs who I felt were better. I guess that's why I'm not getting paid to make these decisions...
    
21. Bengals - TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma: Not too much to say besides I'm glad that they took him so the Pats couldn't. Good enough for me.
    
22. Broncos (from Patriots) - WR Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech: This guy was taken above Dez Bryant, I guess that means that Dez has enough off the field issues it is not worth the hassle...sucks for him.
23. Packers - OT Bryan Bulaga, Iowa: Protecting their new hotshot QB sounds like a good idea to me. A-Rod is a stud for years to come, and they need to protect their biggest asset and this guy will do it for the next 10 years.
24. Cowboys (from Eagles, through Broncos and Patriots) - WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State: The best receiver in the draft slipped pretty fair. Fair enough for Jerry Jones to jump in and snag him before the Ravens could.
    
25. Broncos (from Ravens) - QB Tim Tebow, Florida: This was kind of a surprise. Tebow should have gone in the third round, but for some reason his stock kept rising higher and higher. And now we know the Broncos were dumb enough to trade up for him, before even Colt McCoy and Jimmy Clausen. This pick is weak sauce.
    
26. Cardinals - DT Dan Williams, Tennessee: Um, they still have Darnell Dockett so I don't understand this. I was thinking defensive back...but what do I know.
27. Patriots (from Cowboys) - CB Devin McCourty, Rutgers: This is a very interesting pick. I thought Kyle Wilson was the best corner, but everyone else seems to disagree beccause he still hasn't been taken. Pats need to get younger in the secondary, and that's what they're doing.
28. Dolphins (from Chargers) - DT Jared Odrick, Penn State: I love this guy, which is why I'm not happy the Fins got him. I would have loved for him to be a Jet. He is a versatile player and is built like a truck.
29. Jets - CB Kyle Wilson, Boise State: I think this guy is the best corner in the draft, but he is the fourth taken. Lucky for the Jets or other people know something we don't? And why didn't they take Taylor Mays? I thought Safety was a more pressing need? Well, at least we have very solid corners!
30. Lions (from Vikings) - RB Jahvid Best, California: Interesting move for Detroit considering Best had that horrific concussion and missed the end of the season. I thought Detroit had decent running backs and should have gone defense here.
    
31. Colts - OLB Jerry Hughes, TCU: This is another guy I like who the Jets could have taken. He will bring some youth to the Colts d-line and learn from some of the best.
    
32. Saints - CB Patrick Robinson, Florida State: Another awkward pick. I thought they would go safety and not worry about Sharper or QB to learn from the 30+ year-old Brees. Once again, clearly I know nothing.
    

Well, that sums up round one. Look for two and three on Saturday. Gotta love the start to the 2010 NFL season.

Rodgers That

Mini NFL Draft Preview

By Dan Rodgers

This is a very interesting draft. There are numerous players on the trading block that could drastically change the outcome of each pick.

Players possibly on the move:

• DT Albert Haynesworth - WAS
  
• QB Ben Roethlisberger - PIT
  
• OL Alan Faneca - NYJ
  
• RB Marion Barber - DAL
  
• OL Jared Gaither - BAL
  
• RB Marshawn Lynch - BUF

I would do a mock draft, but it is nearly impossible to predict when there are so many unexpected trades.

Some rumors:

• The Jets and Ravens, depending on the players available may trade up or down from their pick.
• The Redskins and Browns have contacted the Rams about trading up.
• The Steelers have contacted the Rams about trading Ben Roethlisberger.
• The Redskins are considering Eric Berry instead of a QB or OL.
• The Cowboys are also looking to trade up.
  

It should be an awesome draft. I'll be at Buffalo Wild Wings...enjoy

Look for a post-draft analysis later.

Rodgers That

Holmes to the Jets?

By Dan Rodgers

Okay, now this is definitely a confusing one on me. It has been reported that the Jets have traded a fifth round pick in this year's NFL Draft to the Pittsburgh Steelers in return for troubled receiver Santonio Holmes. Holmes, a former Super Bowl MVP, has great talent but has had some run-ins with the law. He has tested positive for marijuana, and was also accused for throwing a glass at a woman's head at a night club.

Personally, a former Super Bowl MVP for a fifth round pick is an absolute steal. Holmes, I believe, is already suspended for the first four games of the season due to violating the susbstance abuse policy. If Holmes doesn't go to prison for whatever reason and puts up good numbers this is a phenomenal trade for New York. On the other hand, Pittsburgh is just cutting their losses and getting whatever they can? I don't know. What I do know, is that this is a chance I would be willing to take.

The Jets now have a ridiculously talented receiving corps in Jerricho Cotchery, Braylon Edwards, and Holmes. Cotchery is the only one without off-the-field issues and he is now probably going to be put in the slot. Mark Sanchez now has plenty of targets to throw to including Dustin Keller. Don't expect outrageous numbers though because Sanchez is still only a second year player with a second year head coach. I would definitely expect some sort of improvement though. Gotta love Gang Green.

Rodgers That

This Week's Down and Dirty

By Dan Rodgers

Week 2:

The Down

Tim Tebow - QB NFL Draft Prospect

There was a report earlier this week that Tim Tebow was at Palm Beach Autographs in Florida to sign autographs. They were priced at $160 per autograph and an additional $75 if you wanted a picture with the University of Florida legend. If you do the math, with the approximate 1,500 people that showed up, over $240,000 was raised. It is said that a portion of this will go to Tebow's foundation, but I personally think it's ridiculous to charge anything but especially that much. Unless all the money goes to charity of course. Tebow is a national icon and is about to get drafted in this year's NFL Draft. This is ridiculous.

The Dirty

Dallas Mavericks - 11 game win streak

I don't see how Dallas can't be mentioned. I understand it's only for this week, but the Mavs are clearly the hottest team in the NBA. They have stampeded all the way back to second place in the Western Conference, only three games behind the L.A. Lakers. Look out for the Mavs to challenge the Lakers for the one seed if L.A. can't get their act together (three game losing streak).

Rodgers That