Raiders Need a Quarterback

 Posted by at 8:00 AM  9 Responses »
Jun 242011
 

Jason Campbell will be the starter going into the 2011 season. Given his inconsistency in 2010, the Raiders must hedge its bet and bring in a quarterback of the future.

The backup quarterback is Kyle Boller and is no threat to be anything more than a backup.

What available players might fit what the Raiders need?

 

Terrelle Pryor

The Ohio State product will enter the supplemental draft. He’d be an interesting project quarterback for Hue Jackson to mold. The Raiders are a favorite to land Pryor and they are, like many teams, exploring Pryor’s on and off-the-field resume. He’d slide in as the third quarterback and would be groomed to take over at a future date two or three years down the line.

Given the Raiders track record of developing quarterbacks and Pryor’s lack of NFL caliber traits as a quarterback, it’s probably best to stay away from Pryor despite his size.

 

Vince Young

It wasn’t long ago the Raiders scouts were drooling all over Vince Young during the pre-draft process. It isn’t likely the Raiders opinion has shifted drastically since, but what Hue Jackson and Al Saunders believe could very well determine if Young could wear the black jersey in 2011 and be groomed to take over in 2012.

He’s old to be a developmental QB and signing him would put pressure on Jason Campbell to perform. He probably wants more money than the Raiders can offer and shot at starting, but you never know what Al Davis will do to bring in a player he likes.

Tennessee should release Young once the new league year begins, making him one of several free agents quarterbacks.

 

Adam Froman

He is an undrafted player out of Louisville who is athletic for a quarterback, but struggled with injuries during his college career. He’s got some unique tools that need much refinement, but would be a good third quarterback that can also mimic athletic quarterbacks for the scout team.

He’s got potential as a player to develop and is the type of player the Raiders should be looking for to be the third quarterback.

 

There are not many quarterbacks available that fit what the Raiders are looking for when it comes to age and scheme.

The Raiders will probably do the inevitable and make Charlie Frye the third quarterback and put off the search for a developmental quarterback that can eventually take over as the face of the franchise.

2011 First Round: Situation Unchanged

 Posted by at 5:23 AM  No Responses »
Apr 292011
 

The Raiders came into the day without a first-round draft pick and finished the day without acquiring one.

Not much has changed. The Raiders still have needs and the same number of picks to work with. The only thing that happened today, 32 players were skimmed off the player pool.

Colin Kaepernick is still available and so are Da’Quan Bowers and Stefen Wisniewski.

Five of the top offensive tackles were taken in round one and the talent really thins out now. Raiders would be wise to look to the surplus of guards still available.

Brandon Harris and Aaron Williams are two highly-rated cornerbacks that were not taken in the first round.

It turns out a trade into the first round was not in the best interest of the Raiders. However, there are just a handful of top-tier players remaining that fit the Raiders most pressing needs. Don’t rule out the Raiders jumping into the early second round. Continue reading »

Interview with Draft Prospect Colin Kaepernick (Audio)

 Posted by at 3:00 PM  No Responses »
Apr 202011
 

Fast rising prospect Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick10) talks about his visit with the Raiders, his decision to stay home for the draft, the pistol offense and more.

Podcast: Embed

Thanks to Shawn Smith (@1stladyXAMSport) and Scott Smith (@XAMSports) for making the interview happen.

Special thanks to Kyle Kaepernick (@DarthKaepernick) and Rick Kaepernick (@QBDAD10) for sharing some secrets about Colin’s past.

Jackson Brings in Saunders, Pagano

 Posted by at 8:03 AM  1 Response »
Jan 182011
 

The Oakland Raiders have found their next head coach. Hue Jackson will lead the Raiders into the 2011 season, if there is one.

The move was expected for the better part of two weeks. The San Francisco Chronicle felt confident enough to report that Jackson had the job 13 days ago.

It wasn’t really the hire of Hue Jackson that the fans have been waiting to hear. Nnamdi Asomugha commented that the only way letting Tom Cable go made sense was to elevate Jackson. It was apparent to just about everyone.

Who are the coaches who will coach under Jackson? That’s what everyone really wants to know. Who will be the offensive and defensive coordinators?

The new offensive coordinator will be Al Saunders, who has interviewed many times with Al Davis to be head coach.

Saunders worked closely with Cam Cameron in Baltimore to develop offensive game plans in 2009 and 2010. Philosophically Saunders is a passing coordinator who is a member of the Don Coryell coaching tree.

He worked under Marty Schottenheimer, who was famous for his hatred of the Raiders, from 1989 to 1998. During this time the Chiefs went to the playoffs seven times.  He worked in St. Louis for two years and guided receivers Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce to a Super Bowl victory. From 2002 to 2005, Saunders guided the Kansas City Chiefs offense which was ranked in the top five in yardage and scoring in each of his five seasons as offensive coordinator.

The only struggle for Saunders came from 2006 to 2008. Saunders struggled in Washington, although the Redskins did go to the playoffs in his second year despite an average defense and Jason Campbell getting hurt. He also struggled in 2008 in St. Louis under then coach Scott Linehan, due in large part to a talent depleted roster and an ownership and front office change. Saunders served as an offensive consultant for the Ravens in 2009.

Offensive Yardage Rankings Under Al Saunders
2010 Offensive Consultant Ravens: 322.9 ypg (22)
2009 Offensive Consultant Ravens: 351.2 (12)
2008 OC Rams: 287.2 (27)
2007 OC Redskins: 333.4 (15) playoffs
2006 OC Redskins: 327.7 (13)
2005 OC Chiefs: 387.0 (1)
2004 OC Chiefs: 418.4 (1)
2003 OC Chiefs: 369.4 (2)
2002 OC Cheifs: 375.0 (4)
2001 OC Chiefs: 354.6 (5)

If Saunders has a specialty, it is receivers. He now has a young group in Oakland to mold. Saunders will take over a Raiders offense that ranked 10th in yardage and sixth in points scored.

On defense, the coordinator will likely be Chuck Pagano. Based on one source, Pagano is Jackson’s top choice. Davis typically gives new head coaches the ability to sell him on coaches and Davis is already familiar with Pagano, who served under Norv Turner in 2005 and Art Shell in 2006 as defensive backs coach.

Pagano has been credited with helping Nnamdi Asomugha emerge as one of the top corners in the NFL. It shouldn’t be hard for Pagano to interview with Davis, he already has the script written for him.

…there are two big things that matter to me. No. 1 is winning, obviously. Everything that I ask them to do, if it doesn’t have anything to do with winning, then I’m not going to ask them to do it.

 Pagano is also good freinds with Rob Ryan, the former long-time defensive coordinator of the Raiders.

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