Compiled by RaiderBeat.com Staff
LAST-MINUTE STRATEGY
The Raiders met into the night Friday in an attempt to sort out all the potential scenarios they might face Saturday during the first two rounds of the NFL Draft.
Among other things, they discussed the ramifications of teams such as the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets and Denver Broncos moving into the top 10 so that they could snare one of the top players.
If a team such as the Jets moved ahead of the Raiders and drafted USC quarterback Mark Sanchez, that would bolster the Raiders chances of getting one of the players they covet at the No. 7 spot because the Raiders aren’t in the market for a quarterback.
The Raiders still haven’t received a suitable offer from any team seeking to move into the No. 7 spot, but they are keeping open the lines of communication throughout their time on the clock, a team official said.
JUST A THOUGHT
If you’re making decisions for the Raiders, wouldn’t you be tempted to trade a second-round pick (No. 40) and other considerations to the Arizona Cardinals for established wide receiver Anquan Boldin?
Think about it. The Raiders then wouldn’t need to use their No. 7 pick on a receiver and could target an offensive tackle, defensive tackle or defensive end, or they could select either Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree or Missouri receiver Jeremy Maclin and walk away from the draft with an explosive offense.
It’s not too far-fetched to imagine. Such a bold stroke would give the Raiders a starting offense that features quarterback JaMarcus Russell, running backs Darren McFadden and Michael Bush, Boldin, Crabtree or Maclin and tight end Zach Miller.
In turn, that would make the defense better just by virtue of it not being on the field as much as it has been in recent seasons because of how potent the offense would be.
COMMISH SPEAKS AT LENGTH
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell made the rounds Friday, speaking to anyone who would listen on a wide array of topics.
The Raiders didn’t come up in any direct manner that we’re aware of, but Goodell did hit upon a slew of topics that relate to the Raiders in some fashion or other.
Here are some excerpts from his radio interview on ESPN’s Mike & Mike in the Morning show:
On a rookie wage scale — “It’s really had a dramatic impact on the way we pay our players and the way teams are built in the draft. … It’s not that I’m opposed to the rookies getting money, I think that’s great. But I think the veterans that have proven themselves on the NFL Level deserve the bulk of the compensation. When a player is drafted and doesn’t make it and he takes that money out of the system, that’s a disadvantage to the other players in the league. That’s what I keep trying to get across. We need to keep the money in the system and it needs to go to the veterans that deserve it. … It’s a relatively simple fix if we sit down and address it.”
On ticket prices around the NFL – “We’re not going to be immune from the economy. We recognize that our fans are hurting. They’ve got a lot of uncertainty and fear. Twenty-four of our 32 teams did not increase ticket prices and the other eight did so modestly and in certain categories. We’re trying to work with our fans…do things to help them through a difficult period of time.”
On imprisoned Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick – “I’ve always said I’ll look at this as soon as his legal proceedings have concluded. We may start reviewing or analyzing the circumstances as it becomes more clear. … I’m going to want to talk to a lot of people. I want to talk to professionals. I want to talk to Michael himself. I may want to talk to some of the people around him. And, I want to understand how he feels about what’s happened in his life. Does he have genuine remorse, does he have regret? Does he understand the significance of what he did, which is a horrific act? Is he going to change the way he’s going to act going forward? That’s the most important thing to me. He’s paid a heavy price. Is he going to turn around and be a positive influence on something he recognizes was a horrific act?”
On expanding the regular season from 16 to 17 or 18 games – “We still have the shortest season in professional sports by a long shot — almost two months. I think everyone recognizes the quality of our preseason is not up to standards. If we have the opportunity to find a way to change two meaningless games to two meaningful games that’s good for our fans and good for our partners and good for the game.”
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Hey everyone, new user here but been following the draft threw this site, about the “expanding the season talk” I’ve been surprised no one has brought up a possibility of adding more one or two more teams to the playoff system. Having only two preseason games, having just the #1 seed have the week off. What do you guys think?
Oh what a beautifull morning, Oh what a beautifull………………………………… MAYBE,HOPE,PRAY,WISH,PLEASE
lets hope the # 7 pick will wotk out for us, no matter who it is!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok Nation… Let’s hope the Raiders continue on a very smart, methodical offseason by making this a great draft… let’s not reach for some speed demon in rd 1 who flops… let’s consider trading down for more picks, or trading some players we don’t need for more picks… I would love to see either Monroe or a monster DE in rd 1… bigtime DT in rd 2… and … wait for it… RAMSES BARDEN RD 3!!! we need his size for our red zone O… c’mon Al… don’t reach for DHB at 7… We will make some noise as always… GO RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!
THIS WOULD BE A DREAM. Trade 2nd round pick for boldin. If Sanchez falls as far as #7 pick, grab him up quickly. Sanchez would add so much to the team. Challange russell, depth at the most important position, learn from Garcia, or trade value.
I think it is going to be Oher
#40 and fargas for boldin, fargas could help them.
crabtree and bouldin sure sounds good rollin off the tounge, one thing a guy can be sure of with boldin is that he will play hard wearever he goes
I hope these reports are not true about Bey at #7…Trade down..get more 2nd and 3rd round picks…take Bey in the 20’s if they really want him…7th overall is a insane reach for a guy who was not very consistent in college…Also, if they do trade down and get more picks, then trade a 2nd and 5th to the Browns for Braylon…but none of this will happen, I just hope come 2:30 or so it’s not Bey..the nation will be very upset…
with the #7 pick the raiders select ?????hey Al dont f….. piss me off..this year im counting on you if crabtrees their you better grab him ..
I really wanted Crabtree, but the more I hear of this guys attitude, I picture him as a T.O, ocho cinco kinda guy. He doesnt eveb want to be here. So if they draft him, after his rookie contract hes gone, I say lets go maclin, he will serve us proudly
all these prognosticators are gunna be wrong. there are gunna be so many trades….
i love the idea of bolden for the #40 pick and OT with the #7. what time does this thing get started…
Starts at 1….Not sure if Smith fits the zone blocking at number 7…if Monroe drops to 7, they better take him…I would be happy with either Boldin or Edwards…both have some concerns..Boldin injury problems, not doubt he is as tough as they come tho…and Edwards drops the ball a lot…but either is a better option than who we got now or could get in this draft…plus both Boldin and Edwards want new deals, I would rather have the Raiders pay proven guys then some rookie wr all that money…It just needs to hurry up and start…sick of all these mock drafts..Let’s hope we can trade Burgess and Huff for some extra picks…Raiders!!!
we dont need a OT at #7 we got enough in free agency..were better off with a Wr or raji …
CRABTREE AT 7 IS WHERE WE NEED TO GO ! If not trade the pick ! And go after Cushing in the mid round or Maualuaga ….then a WR in the 2nd round or Trade it for Boldin ! And lets get rid of huff for a pick….
keep burgess hes a stud when healthy……i want crabtree…boldins too expensive…pc
And then the draft happens…just like sh!t where the Raiders front office is concerned. Trade the figgin pick if you didn’t want Crabtree. Hayward-Bey at 7? Insane. Can’t run good routes and has questionable hands. Great choice. Maybe he’ll be able to run in the Olympics and win a gold for the Raiders someday.