Tag: trades

2019 Raiders Draft Notes from Petty Pete

All bets are off this year for the Raiders draft. No one can really accurately predict what will happen since this is Mike Mayock’s first draft with skin in the game. Not to mention, the Silver and Black and Jon Gruden are always a wildcard.

Here’s what I’m expecting from the Raiders draft.

A trade

Everyone is talking about Oakland’s four picks in the top-35. That’s fine but the team doesn’t have a third or sixth round pick thanks to the Antonio Brown trade. I don’t expect Gruden or Mayock to stay pat with idle thumbs.

That means a player like Justin Ellis, Eddie Vanderdoes, Karl Joseph or another holdover might here their name called in a trade for some mid-round draft compensation. This team is fully in on out with the old and in with the new so I don’t expect the draft to be any different.

Moreover, they could also trade up or trade back. Either of those scenarios are realistic because the Raiders have so much capital and so many needs. Still, I’d side on adding more picks since this team is desperate for help at the starting and depth positions.

An elite defensive player

I don’t care if it is fourth or twenty-four, the Raiders got to get them a player to build their defense around. Devin White, Quinnen Williams, Nick Bosa or Josh Allen would all be vast upgrades early. However, a top-end talent like Montez Sweat, Rashan Gary, Devin Bush, Clelin Ferrell, Ed Oliver or Christian Wilkins all could be top-10 talents too. They have more questions than the first group but they would definitely be steals if the Raiders wait to select one in the twenties or trade into the teens. Even at the top of the second, they might find an impact player like Nasir Adderly, Rock Ya-Sin or any number of DBs who can make an instant impact.

Playmakers across the board

Speaking of playmakers, I said this last year and we walked away with a bunch of hoggies. That’s cool and all but this year the Raiders need playmakers on every level of their defense. They could also afford to add some explosive help around Derek Carr. Regardless of position, the Raiders need to take some productive players with high-upside who can develop into big-time playmakers. It really doesn’t matter the position.

Still, I like Noah Fant or any of the tight ends early. I wouldn’t rule out a RB like Josh Jacobs or Miles Sanders. X-Factors like A.J. Brown, D.K. Metcalf, Hollywood Brown and others might be too good to pass up.

A QB

No, I don’t expect Haskins or Murray to the Raiders. I know that hype continues building but please don’t put ass through another young-QB development phase. Still, I think the Raiders take a QB. Their backups don’t exactly jump out of any page except draft busts. I could easily see the old-school Mayock and Gruden taking some sort of QB in the draft. Tyree Jackson could be a steal late or how about Will Grier in the middle rounds? Their nowhere polished but they could develop into something if you believe in Gruden’s genius.

We will find out what a Raider is…

Above all else, I believe we’ll find out what Raider in 2019 looks like. Mayock had that quote early in the offseason talking about how he and Gruden were working together to see what culture they want to build and what players fit that.

After tonight, we’ll have a much better idea what that means in for the Silver and Black. So far, we’ve seen them sign overrated Trent Brown, wild-ass A.B., Vontaze Burfict and a bunch of other experienced veterans like Crowell. There really isn’t a lower common denominator in that equation. However, we’ll have a better idea what that looks like after tonight.

More Questions

Overall, it will be interesting to see how the Raiders attack the defensive line, offensive line and secondary in this draft. Is the team still high on Gareon Conley and Joseph or is it time to ship them out and/or find their replacement?

Oakland addressed the offensive line in free agency but they still need depth and maybe a guard… Oh yea, don’t forget all that draft capital they put into the offensive and defensive line the past few seasons. Does Mayock and Gruden still value those guys like Arden Key, PJ Hall or Kolton Miller? I expect one if not all may compete for playing time (not just starting time) this year.

Moreover, how do politics factor into this draft? Will Oakland accept Nick Bosa if that’s the pick?

Tune in to the Draft all this weekend. It should be a hell of a ride. Hopefully the Raiders don’t burn a third round pick for a receiver with question marks or give anyone a franchise QB for basically nothing, cough 2018 draft.

Check out my full seven-round Mock Draft too.

Are the Raiders the Worst in the NFL? Battle of the Bay, no trades before Halloween and more

I can’t believe I’m happy to say that we competed versus the Indianapolis Colts last week. It’s truth though. Last Sunday was the first week I enjoyed watching the 2018 Raiders.

Their adjustments and talent weren’t great, sure, but I finally saw young players like Gareon Conley and Karl Joseph playing. Were they great? No, but you want to see young talent playing from a rebuilding team.

More importantly, Derek Carr played hard. He didn’t let all the distractions effect him. He looked like he was finally having fun again. That’s a long way from the dude who was ‘crying’ only a few weeks ago.

It was honestly the first time I felt like Gruden’s plan was in the process. I felt the buy-in from the squad even if it didn’t result in a win.

Are the Raiders the worst team in the NFL?

Only two seasons ago we were talking about them being the best and now we’re talking about them being the worst. SMFH.

Either way, the Raiders are among the worst teams in the standings. They look like by-far the worst team in the AFC West. Moreover, they aren’t really set at any position. They’re filled with wholes at the key positions including RB, QB, OL, DL, CB, LB and damn near every position. QB is the only position you could say the Raiders have set but even that depends on how he plays and meshes with his coach moving forward this season. Oh yeah, there is LT too with Kolton Miller and some of the OL depending what happens after this year.

Outside of that, they barely beat the Browns who fired the coach this week. Cleveland has 1.5 wins more than Oakland. They also have already found key players on the d-line, in the backfield, at receiver and in the secondary.

Further, comparisons to sorry teams don’t fall in the Raiders favor either. Buffalo has one more win for Pete’s sake. The Colts also beat us even if they looked like trash in the process.

In the NFC, there’s the Cardinals. Sure, they only have one more win but they have a QB, RB and possibly a WR to build around. There defense was also great not too long ago and still has a lot of players with name recognition.

Even the Giants, who have the same record as the Raiders, appear better. New York at least has a franchise savior at RB and WR. Their defense is grossly overpaid and overhyped but still has more talent than Oakland.

Then you have the 49ers…. Even they have a QB sort of. Jimmy G has a limited sample size of success but don’t tell that to 9ers Stans. They also have key young players throughout the defense that give them a nice nucleus for the future. They’ve also been in the lottery a lot more than some of the other sorry teams this season mentioned earlier.

Battle of the Bay

Well, we will certainly find out this week, tonight, versus the 49ers. Oakland has another toilet bowl on their schedule as both teams enter the game with only one win.

Sure, it’s the battle of the bay and supposed to be a rivalry game but does anyone actually care outside of the bay? Again, who knows.

I’d expect a physical game even if it isn’t a good game. The Raiders should win consider the 49ers are depleted by injury and starting a third string QB whose name I can’t even recall.

On the other hand, a loss here would be horrible for the Raiders. If you win one game this season it better be versus the 49ers. Moreover, we all know who wins the fight after and the drinking battle before, #RaiderNation.

No trades at the deadline

Apparently, the Raiders biggest trades already happened. We all know the squad already moved franchise cornerstones Amari Cooper and Khalil Mack but they were expected to keep making trades anyways. Derek Carr, Karl Joseph, Gareon Conley and others were rumored to get moved. It made sense if the Raiders were going all-in for tanking. Besides, one team’s trash is another persons treasure.

However, nothing happened and it is okay. I don’t know if I could have stomached another trade. It is a little disappointing that guys like Rodney Hudson, Bruce Irvin and Kelechi Osemele are stuck playing for a sorry team this late into their career. However, they’re all compensated well and professionals. It will be interesting to see how they and other veterans factor into the Raiders plans after this season.

Nonetheless, I’m sure Oakland tried to move those players. They just couldn’t find good value and figured they’d be better off saving those chips and letting them play out. Who knows, maybe young guys Karl Joseph and Gareon Conley can turn their careers around and get Gruden to believe in them.

Ultimately, a team can only take so much change. The Raiders couldn’t afford to make another deal just for the sake of it. Their team is another roster move away from being the laughing stock of the league so keeping their talent should’ve always been a priority.

Full Mock Draft

Everyone is coming out with a Mock Draft, as the Draft is tomorrow. However, I have worked on this mock for a while. Unlike most people I let a lot of the talk finish, let free agency happen, and let pro-days happen. Might get some flack for this, but let me know what you think.

 

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1    1    1    Houston    Jadaveon Clowney, Defensive End, South Carolina

Clowney is combination of speed and explosiveness which only comes around once a decade.. Pairing him with J.J. Watt gives Houston a juggernaut pass rush.

1    2    2    St. Louis    Greg Robinson, Tackle, Auburn

Jake Long is coming off of an injury, and protecting Sam Bradford is a priority. The last time they selected a Tackle, No. 2 it turned out horrible, but Robinson is one the best players in the entire draft.

1    3    3    Jacksonville    Khalil Mack, Linebacker, Buffalo

Gus Bradley has won his players and many people in the media. Bradley is building something in Jacksonville, so there is no need to reach for a quarterback here. Mack is a dominant pass rusher to utilize against the division rival Colts who have Andrew Luck.

1    4    4    Cleveland    Teddy Bridgewater, Quarterback, Louisville

Bridgewater has taken a lot of heat in this pre-draft process. However, his game tape shows him as the best quarterback available. The Browns need a quarterback and should grab the best one rather then wait for the end of the first like they did when they selected Brandan Weeden and Brady Quinn.

1    5    5    Oakland    Sammy Watkins, Receiver, Clemson

Watkins is the most pro-ready receiver in a deep class. The Raiders desperately need playmakers, so why not get the best? He complements the rest of the receiving corps and gives Schaub plenty of throwing options

1    6    6    Atlanta                Jake Matthews, Tackle, Texas A&M

No pass rushers fall to Atlanta, so they grab the best player available. Protecting Matt Ryan is critical, and Matthews has  a lot of potential.

1    7    7    Tampa Bay    Mike Evans, Receiver, Texas A&M

Why not pair two large and dominate recievers, with Vincent Jackson and Evans. Evans can do everything with his size and speed, so he is the best player available.

1    8    8    Minnesota    Derek Carr, Quarterback, Fresno St.

This might be high for Carr, but he has one of the biggest arms out of all the quarterbacks. The Vikings need a quarterback, and Carr will benefit from a season learning with Matt Cassell.

1    9    9    Buffalo                Eric Ebron, Tight End, North Carolina

Ebron is freak at tight end. E.J Manuel needs as many weapons as possible. May be too high for Ebron, but the best receivers are already taken

1    10    10    Detroit                Taylor Lewan,  Tackle, Michigan

The local kid, and best player available. Lewan is nasty and should fit nicely for the lions.

1    11    11    Tennessee    Justin Gilbert, Corner, Oklahoma St.

They lost Alterraun Verner who was their pro-bowl cornerback. Gilbert is the consensus top corner and if he is available the Titans should not think twice.

1    12    12    New York Giants Aaron Donald, Defensive Tackle, Pittsburg   

Giants get an achor for their defensive line after losing Justin Tuck and Linvai Joseph to free agency. This makes sense for the Giants and for Donald

1    13    13    St. Louis     Calvin Pryor, Safety, Louisville

The Rams need help in the secondary, and Pryor has the highest ceiling of the top Safeties. HaHa Clinton may be the most pro-ready safety, but Pryor could wind up with the better career.

1    14    14    Chicago     C.J. Mosley, Linebacker, Alabama

The Bears’ defense is transitioning into a new era, so Mosley can be the face for years to come.He is a smart and physical linebacker, which is something the Bears have always coveted.

1    15    15    Pittsburgh     Anthony Barr, Linebacker, UC Los Angeles

Pittsburgh loves pass rushers, and landing one with as much upside as Barr is too much to pass up. He would be a nice scheme fit, and an immediate pass rushing threat.

1    16    16    Dallas                 HaHa Clinton, Safety, Alabama

The Cowboys have needed a safety the past few season. Clinton in the mid round is solid value, and he has enough experience to contribute from day one.

1    17    17    Baltimore     Zach Martin, Tackle, Notre Dame

Baltimore is a tough selection. Having lost Michael Ohr in free agency, Martin is a pro ready right tackle or guard for a team that needs help opening lanes in the running game.

1    18    18    New York Jets     Odell Beckham Jr. Receiver, Louisiana State

Beckham does a lot on the field for an offense and special teams. Whoever is quarterback needs more weapons. Beckham adds some much needed explosion to the Jets offense.

1    19    19    Miami                 Timmy Jernigan, Defensive Tackle Florida State

From their own backyard, they snag a big and athletic nose tackle. This may be high for the Jernigan, but he is coming off a dominate year and national championship.

1    20    20    Arizona    Blake Bortes, QB, Arizona

Great news for Arizona. A big body and big arm quarterback falls into their lap. Bortes is a raw prospect, but the Cardinals can give him a year or two to learn the ropes of the NFL.

1    21    21    Green Bay     Ra’ Shede Hageamon, Defensive Tackle, Minnesota

Green Bay desperately needs athletes on defense, and he is a monster. Hagemon’s value falls all over the place, but his potential is too much for Green Bay to pass up, here.

1    22    22    Philadelphia     Brandin Cooks, Receiver, Oklahoma State

The Eagles need a receiver, since they let go of Desean Jackson, Chip Kelly loves speed and Cooks is a speedster who can plays anywhere on the field. Eagles go out and get a guy who can make an immediate impact, despite the depth at receiver in the class.

1    23    23    Kansas City     Marqis Lee, Receiver, Southern California

The Knock on Marqis Lee is he does not dominate any one aspect of the game. His hands may be shakey at times, but he can make plays on special teams and on offense. Lee will thrive in the number two role across from Dwayne Bowe.

1    24    24    Cincinnati     Kyle Fuller, Corner Back, Virginia Tech,

Fuller has the most potential of the corners remaining. The Bengals need some youth in their secondary, and Fuller should have time to learn.

1    25    25    San Diego     Brandon Roby, Corner Back, Ohio State

Roby comes with some off-field issues, but has flashed dominance at times. San Diego desperately needs a corner and Robys potential is too much to pass.

1    26    26    Cleveland     Darqueze Dennard, Corner Back, Michigan State

Dennard is knocked for not having a high ceiling at the next level. Combined with limited athletic abilities, there are questions about him relying too much on physical play. In this spot though he can be Joe Hayden’s counterpart.

1    27    27    New Orleans     Dee Ford, Defensive End, Auburn

If Dee Ford can do any one thing it is rush the quarterback. New Orleans needs a pass rusher, even if there are questions about Ford’s size.

1    28    28    Carolina     Morgan Moses, Offensive Tackle, Virginia Tech

Carolina’s most noted subtraction is Steve Smith, but they also lost their pro bowl left tackle. Moses has the skills to be a dominant offensive linemen, and Cam Newton could use the help.

1    29    29    New England     Louis Nixx III

30    San Francisco     Jason Verrett, Cornerback, Texas Christian

Verrett may be undersized but his game tape doesn’t tell that. He is a value for the nickel corner, and the niners needed a corner after Carlos Rodgers left. Despite his under six foot frame, Verrett competes and the niners will like that.

1    31    31    Denver                 Ryan Shazier, Linebacker, Ohio State

Shakier had a highly decorated career in college. His run instincts would be a great addition to defense poised for a playoff run.

1    32    32    Seattle                 Kony Ealy, Defensive End, Missouri

Seattle lost many components of their pass-rush to free agency. It should be their top priority, and they should be happy to grab Ealy who is a well-rounded football player.

2    1    33    Houston    Johnny Manziel, Quarterback, Texas A&M

Everyone talks about Manziel being the next Drew Brees or Russell Wilson. Yet, those guys were not drafted in the top of the draft. Manziel shouldn’t be either, so the top of the second round is great value.

2    2    34    Washington    Jimmy Ward Safety, Northern Illinois

2    3    35    Cleveland    Davonte Adams, Reciever, Fresno State

2    4    36    Oakland    Kyle Van Noy, linebacker, BIrmingham Young

2    5    37    Atlanta                Demarcus Lawrence, Linebacker, Boise State

2    6    38    Tampa Bay    Jawuan James, Tackle, Tennessee

2    7    39    Jacksonville    Zach Metternberger, Quarterback, Louisiana State

2    8    40    Minnesota    Xavier Su’a Fila, Offensive Guard, UC Los Angeles

2    9    41    Buffalo                Cyrus Kouandijio, Tackle, Alabama

2    10    42    Tennessee    Jeremy Hill, Running Back, Louisiana State

2    11    43    N.Y. Giants    Allen Robinson, Reciever, Penn State

2    12    44    St. Louis    Kelvin Benjamin, Wide Reciever, Florida State

2    13    45    Detroit                Jace Amaro, Tight End, Texas A&M

2    14    46    Pittsburgh    Donte Moncrief, Reciever, Ole Miss

2    15    47    Dallas                Scott Chrinton, Defensive End, Oregen State

2    16    48    Baltimore    Cody Latimor, Reciever, Indiana

2    17    49    N.Y. Jets    Joel Bitinio, Guard, Nevada

2    18    50    Miami                Jack Mewhort, Tackle, Ohio State

2    19    51    Chicago    Phillip Gaines, Cornerback, Rice

2    20    52    Arizona    Deone Buchanon, Safety, Washington State

2    21    53    Green Bay     Austin Sefred Jenkins,Tight end, Washington

2    22    54    Philadelphia    Stephon Tuitt, Defensive Tackle, Notre Dame

2    23    55    Cincinnati    Cameron Flemming, Offensive Tackle, Stanford

2    24    56    San Francisco    from K.c. Dominique Easley, Defensive Tackle, Flordida

2    25    57    San Diego    Jeremiah Attaochu, Linebacker, Georgia Tech

2    26    58    New Orleans    Weston Richburg, Center, Colorado State

2    27    59    Indianapolis    Carl Bradford, Linebacker, Arizona State

2    28    60    Carolina    Martavis Murphy, Reciever, Clemson

2    29    61    San Francisco    Marcus Martin, Center, USC

2    30    62    New England    Jordan Matthews, Wide Reciever, Vanderbilt

    31    63    Denver                Charles Simms, Running Back, West Virginia

2    32    64    Seattle                Marcus Smith, Defensive End, Louisville

3    1    65    Houston    Tre Mason, Running Back, Auburn

3    2    66    Washington    Chris Smith, Defensive End, Arkansas

3    3    67    Oakland    Will Sutton, Defensive Tackle, Arizona State

3    4    68    Atlanta                Troy Niklas, tight end, Notre Dame

3    5    69    Tampa Bay    Gabe Jackson, Guard, Mississippi State

3    6    70    Jacksonville    Bishop Sankey, Running Back, Washington

3    7    71    Cleveland    Kareem Martin, Defensive End, North Carolina

3    8    72    Minnesota    Vereen Brock, Safety, Minnesota

3    9    73    Buffalo                Jarvis Landry, Reciever, Louisiana State

3    10    74    N.Y. Giants    Carlos Hyde, Running. Back, Ohio State

3    11    75    St. Louis    A.J Mccarron, Quarterback, Alabama

3    12    76    Detroit                Keith McGill, Cornerback, Utah

3    13    77    San Francisco    from Tennessee Stanley-Jean Baptiste, Corner, Nebraska

3    14    78    Dallas               Paul Richardson,Reciever, Colorado

3    15    79    Baltimore    Terrence Brooks, Safety, Florida State

3    16    80    N.Y. Jets    Dion Bailey, Safety, Southern California

3    17    81    Miami               Ego Ferguson, Defensive Tackle, Louisiana State

3    18    82    Chicago    George Uko, Defensive Tackle, Southern California

3    19    83    Cleveland    from Pittsburgh Chris Boreland, linebacker, Wisconsin

3    20    84    Arizona    Bruce Ellington, Receiver, South Carolina

3    21    85    Green Bay    Jared Abbredis, Receiver, Wisconsin

3    22    86    Philadelphia    Christian Kirskey,  Linebacker, Missouri

3    23    87    Kansas City    Dakota Dozier, Guard, Furman

3    24    88    Cincinnati    Trent Murphy, Defensive End, Stanford

3    25    89    San Diego    DaQuan Jones, Defensive Tackle, Penn State

3    26    90    Indianapolis    Brandon Coleman, Receiver, Louisville

3    27    91    New Orleans    Marcus Roberson, CornerBack, Florida

3    28    92    Carolina    Jaylen Watkins, Cornerback, Florida

3    29    93    New England    Travis Swanson, center, Arkansas

3    30    94    San Francisco    Telvin Smith,  Linebacker, Safety, Southern California

3    31    95    Denver               David Yankey, Guard Stanford

3    32    96    Minnesota    from Seattle Bashaud Breeland, cornerback, Clemson

3    33    97    Pittsburgh    compensatory pick Pierre Desir, cornerback, Lidenwood

3    34    98    Green Bay    compensatory pick Craig. Loston Safety, Louisiana

3    35    99    Baltimore    compensatory pick Lashead Seastrunk, running back, Baylor

3    36    100    San Francisco    compensatory pick Jimmy Garoppolo,