This week we look at a few Raider draft gems as compared to a possible future gem. We also examine a couple of last season’s rookie gems. And since I am already tired of saying the word “gem,” we will examine the Raiders who are and aren’t part of the NFL Network top 100 with a little pit stop to talk about a rumor regarding the Raiders’ plans at offensive tackle.
1st Down – Is rookie Taiwan Jones the Raiders next fourth round gem? 2007 – Michael Bush, 2008 – Tyvon Branch, 2009 – Louis Murphy, 2010 – Jacoby Ford
Dizzle’s Take: With that track record, the outlook is a good one. The Raiders took flyers on all of these players and came up aces. Jones’ reason for being left on the board so long is he played for a FBS school (or is that LDS or HBO or… I always get confused). But he was the best running back among his peers so he may have been able to accomplish great things facing top talent. It was his learning disability not his talent that had him playing at Eastern Washington. His tape and his stats make him the ideal choice as a round four sleeper pick.
BA’s Take: He certainly has the tools to be that and the 7.9 yards per carry average in college isn’t going to hurt his chances. The Raiders have clearly been very fortunate in the fourth round of the past few drafts. Obviously Jones got selected in the right round, because if he was a first rounder, he’d be a bust! But other fourth round guys of the same drafts like Arman Shields, Slade Norris, and John Bowie leave a little bit of doubt because they didn’t work out so well. Odds are either Chimdi Chekwa or Jones (one or the other) won’t work out.
2nd Down – Raiders MLB Rolando McClain finished first among NFL linebackers in “stop rate” versus the pass, according to statistics compiled by Football Outsiders
BA’s Take: I believe they selected McClain eighth overall in that draft to help stop the run and they were still bottom of the barrel in that category. Obviously McClain helps that out, but they still need more from him against the opponent’s rushing attack. I already know the Raiders have a good pass defense, so I fail to see how this is a bonus. But I’m happy for him… I guess.
Dizzle’s Take: A lot of these stats are very subjective. But it does show that McClain is among the NFL’s best in at least one aspect of the game. This particular statistical measurement pertains to plays McClain was able to make. Keep in mind that his predecessor, Kirk Morrison, was an extremely good tackler. What this statistic doesn’t account for are the plays in which he was blocked or out of position. McClain has a lot of room to improve in the area of lane discipline and play recognition but that is expected for a rookie middle linebacker. It is good that he has the solid tackling already in his repertoire. As a side note, his teammate Lamarr Houston was ranked as the best in the NFL in run stop rate at 91%. That statistic means far more for a defensive end than a linebacker due to his more limited duties.
3rd Down – According to ProFootballWeekly.com the Raiders are expected to try to re-sign OT Khalif Barnes
Dizzle’s Take: As a bargain basement (and I do mean basement), he can be a spot filler as a backup. If the team cannot re-sign Mario Henderson or if Langston Walker retires, they don’t have any other options at tackle. I don’t mean better options, I mean ANY options. So unless the Raiders can get a good backup tackle in free agency, Barnes may be the only choice. That does not speak well for the tackle rotation.
BA’s Take: This is good in terms of depth, in terms of playoff experience, and in terms of experience in the organization and the system. The trouble is that Barnes wants to be a left tackle and the Raiders use him as a tight end. It remains to be seen if he is willing to embrace a move to the right tackle position. It is also up in the air exactly what the Raiders are going to do at that position. If Barnes comes back, he’ll have ample opportunity to start over there, competing with Joseph Barksdale, Bruce Campbell, and probably Mario Henderson – who I think they will also bring back.
4th Down – Three Raiders made the NFL Network’s Top 100 as voted on by their peers (or so they say): Darren McFadden (98), Richard Seymour (66), and Nnamdi Asomugha (18). Should these guys be ranked higher and/or should there be more Raiders on the list?
BA’s Take: I think right off the bat that Seymour should be ranked amongst the best defensive tackles in the league. This guy is a beast and 66 is far too low for him. I think he is at least top 30 material. Another thing that irks me about this list is that Darrell Revis is ten spots ahead of Nnamdi Asomugha… but why? I really don’t understand that logic, because they should be 18-19 or 17-18 – at least somewhere close to even. And the last thing on my mind is, where the hell is Zach Miller? He’s far more proven than Darren McFadden. I guess those defenders who got McRolledOver last year took that into consideration when they voted.
Dizzle’s Take: First off, there hasn’t been a single NFL player who has said that they voted for this list and none that even know a player who has voted. I think it is bogus. I am curious as to the criteria. I would have thought Nnamdi would have been higher and he was below Charles Woodson. If you are going on career, Woodson wins for sure. But if you are going on current talents, Nnamdi wins. However, if you are going on career, McFadden probably doesn’t make the list and Seymour is higher than 66. I guess there is no place for special teamers or Shane Lechler should be somewhere on the list. It is difficult to put a lot of stock into these kinds of lists. For me, it just serves to remind me of the mind numb of the lockout.
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