Compiled by RaiderBeat.com Staff
BARNES BREAKS THE ICE, NOT THE BANK
Raiders fans spent two weeks watching other teams throw around money as if they had just stumbled upon defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth’s loose-change purse.
Finally, the Raiders broke from their play-it-safe mode Saturday and made a move that at least signifies that they know they are allowed to sign other teams’ players.
OK, so they signed former Denver Broncos offensive lineman Erik Pears earlier in free agency. But, admit it, you didn’t know Pears from a sack of apples until he signed with the Raiders.
Barnes’ one-year deal with the Raiders makes it official: the Raiders aren’t afraid to jump back into the deep end of the free agency pool one year after whiffing on such high-priced gambles like offensive tackle Kwame Harris, wide receiver Javon Walker and safety Gibril Wilson.
Barnes is regarded as a talented tackle. Still, there’s pause for concern if a player who is 26, in his prime and doesn’t have any major injuries has difficulty finding a job.
ESPN reported that the deal is for $1.2 million. That’s one heck of a bargain for a left offensive tackle. That is, if Barnes blocks well in the running game and keeps quarterback JaMarcus Russell from getting waylaid by defensive ends and linebackers.
Harris seemed like a bargain at one time, as well. That was before the barrage of penalties, sacks allowed and missed blocks cost him his starting job and, ultimately, his $6 million roster bonus and a spot on the Raiders roster.
Wilson also paid for his inconsistent play last season — ignore the 129 tackles, folks; this man botched more assignments than Jeff Spicoli in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High — with his job. Walker kept his job but only after he agreed to a restructured contract.
WHERE’S THE PUB?
The Raiders played up Harris’ signing last year. Barnes’ signing happened without the Raiders even mentioning it in any official capacity.
Barnes confirmed his signing in an interview with ESPN. Raiders officials confirmed the move on the condition of anonymity. So, why the low profile?
The best guess is, the league office is closed until Monday, and the Raiders don’t want to comment on the situation until the contract is approved by the management council.
At that point, you can bet that Barnes will get the treatment accorded those who answer managing general partner Al Davis‘ call to arms.
SO, WHAT’S NEXT?
Adding Barnes gives the Raiders some added flexibility heading into the NFL Draft next month.
Now they don’t have to lock in on an offensive tackle and can be more open to using their first-round pick on a player at another position or even trading down.
The latter scenario is a long-shot, at best, because Davis tends to trade up, especially in the higher rounds.
So, a quick scan of the top-rated players available matched against Oakland’s biggest needs leads us to this conclusion: California center Alex Mack, Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree and Missouri receiver Jeremy Maclin, as well as any of the top-rated defensive ends and linebackers are legitimate candidates to go to the Raiders at No. 7.
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If Curry can be had Al will go get him. If he slides past the Chefs I think Al will trade up for him. He is too physically gifted for Al to not slobber all over him. Crabtree, Maclin and Raji SHOULD NOT WEAR SIVLER AND BLACK until they have proven themselves at the next level. Neither WR has proven to be elite rout runners that deserve to be taken at 7. If Curry isn’t the pick they need to get either Maualuga or Cushing to help out our Defense. You can’t win with a pathetic Offense and a garbage Defense. Come on Al, shock the world and Take Rey Rey @ 7!
Take a 2 down LB at #7. Both Cushing & Malauga don’t warrant the pick there. Trading down to select one of these guys may be an option, but IMHO out of the question where we sit now.
If its not Crabtree at 7, it can’t be Maclin. His 40 times weren’t that great. I could see Al taking a flier on a kid like DHB, but I think it would be another mistake in the mold of a guy named Troy Williamson.
If its not Crabtree, we’ve got to shore up the offensive line. Tubby Smith from Bama (assuming Smith/Monroe/Raji/Curry are already gone).
Raider Nation 951. I don’t know how many Texas Tech games you watched last year but I watched a bunch. I’m a buckeye fan but wanted to know if the Raiders could get Crabtree was he worth it. You said he isn’t an elite route runner, we’ll that is why he is so good. He runs routes like Marvin Harrison. They are perfect. That’s why he is so good. I don’t think Al will draft him though because he doesn’t have long speed, he is quick. I do think he is like Larry Fitzgerald but not from the jump and catch standpoint but from the explosion, if he gets open space he has football speed. I would rather take Robeskie in the 2nd and Raji or Curry in the 1st as you Robeskie isn’t much lower in talent than Crabtree.
the 2nd round pick is going to be mack…even if we have to move up to get him…might have to get in front of az and pit…so that means the first pick is wr, de or dt…..or lb if curry is there….but wont be….davis is going to get russel a gift so the qb doesnt have any excuses….
We need a Ferocious; Unrestrained Violence and Brutality of a LB Rey Malauga at one!!! Then WR Robiske at two,DT Evander Hood at Three, and then 6′8″ 350lbs OT Phil Loadholt at Four. Give me a little more time I will give you the rest of my picks.
RAIDERS 4 LIFE
RaiderJames that has to be the best mock draft i’ve seen anybody post I wish they would get malauga,and robiske!!!
of course that looks like a good mock draft NMF but Ziggy Hood and Phil Loadholt both won’t fall to the third or fourth respectively…they are both second round talent with Hood maybe in the late first…RUSSELL TO CRABTREE 10 TDS A SEASON
I truly believe that if the Raiders don’t trade up for Michael Crabtree, he will be gone by pick number 7. One team to look out for is Cincy, I know they just signed Coles, but Chad is still unhappy and Carson Palmer needs another weapon.
Another team no one is talking about is Kansas City. They just hired Todd Haley from the Cards and Arizona was loaded at Wr with Fitz,Bolden and Breaston. They have they’re trigger man in Cassell and now they need another Wr to complement Bowe.
If the Monroe, Jason Smith and Crabtree are gone at 7, The Raiders need to look for a trade partner looking to draft Sanchez or Adrian Smith.
If I was calling the shots, I would try to trade up to 2 and snag Monroe or 4 and snag Jason Smith. LT are hard to find and these tackles will be in the league for 10 plus years pertecting are LARGEST ASSET in Jamarcus Russell.
LOL Thanks for the pub, but I never had a job in the movie
If we were gonna trade up to get anybody, it’d be to get Curry. I really feel that LT is not nearly as big of an issue as most people make it out to be. If Monroe or Jason Smith is there at 7, Philly would be a good trade partner, as would Detroit if they go Stafford #1. TB and NYJ are possible trading partners if Sanchez is there, which he most likely will be.
Philly Scenario: TB Scenario: NYJ Scenario:
1. OLB Brian Cushing 1. C Alex Mack 1. Same as TB
1. C Alex Mack 2. DT Ziggy Hood 2. ”
2. WR Kenny Britt 2. WR Kenny Britt 2. ”
3. SS Chris Clemons 3. NT Ron Brace 3. ”
4. NT Terrance Taylor 4. MLB Jasper Brinkley 4. ”
6. TE Bear Pascoe 6. Same 6. ”
7. DE Derek Walker 7. Same 7. “
A starting LT gets a 1 year deal tells me it’s a short term fix don’t be surprised if we take a tackle assuming one is available,and also if Crabtree is there you take him whoever said he can’t run routes they clearly don’t watch college football.If Crabtree isn’t there you have to draft Raji.Macklin just doesn’t seem like a pick I would take at 7 and maybe he proves me wrong,Heyward Bey won’t be drafted until the latter part of the first round.Loadholt is so unpolished I would not touch this guy with any pick at the very best he is a guard, he is too stiff to play either tackle spot.
My Top 5 wants in the Draft.. in order.. unless the player isnt there at 7.
1. OLB -Curry
2. WR - Crabtree.
3. OT - Monroe
4. ILB - Rey M.
5. WR - Trade Down..
Our defense already got an upgrade this off-season when Ryan left. We don’t need a speedy receiver, we need a play-maker a quick hit target that could nothing into something, a red-zone threat, a hands guy. Why is this so hard? Draft Crabtree @#7!
Al should still trade out of #7. Can use the picks to get a few more decent players to compete to start or add much needed depth. Too many injuries last season.
RaiderJames- I think your right on about taking RMalauga and Robiske 2nd. Crabtree might be better heads up but if you parlay the two with RM and Robiske to Crabtree and ? then I think its a no brainer cuz we fill 2 strong needs with two good players. We need that killer instinct and attitude on defense to stop teams from running all over us. Here is what NFLFans.com had to say about RM!:
Tremendous size and strength. Can overwhelm smaller blockers with his ferocity at the point of attack. Classic inside force who can stop the run with authority. Punishes the opposing ball carriers and intimidates his opposition. Reads and reacts quickly to developing plays. Great speed for a man of his bulk. Can roam the field in coverage. A solid senior talent with plenty of experience in a top conference. Could even play LOLB in a 3-4 defense, although it would not be ideal, he does have good ability to rush the passer.
Cons: His change of direction skills and overall agility are not exceptional for a LB. He can be over-aggressive and get himself out of position. Not well suited for covering elite TE’s in man coverage. Needs to be more disciplined and stay with his assignments. Could stand to lose 5-10 lbs to get quicker and improve his change of direction.
And here is what it said about Robiske:
Extremely precise route runner doesnt round off any cuts..Above average hands quick to snag the ball and put it away..Good hieght with long arms..Very good on the deep routes..Shows good awareness on 3rd down plays..Can go up and get the ball in the red zone..Shows good want to and success in blocking..
Crabtree is a beast the guy is a stud ! Ca mon people RUsSeLL needs a threat and its going 2 be Crabtree if he’s there! ….. the guy has hands , if he’s not there ,cause Curry will be gone by then then trade out! No one else is worth the 7th pick …
BARNS WILL BE A BACKUP TO MARIO HENDERSON
HENDERSON GALLERY MACK CARLILE PEARS
ebay sniper…
Your an insightful author. Your topic helped with my research project and also opened my eyes up to another person’s perspective. I hope to read more articles from you in the near future….