Raiders Won't Take Long Way Home
By Rick Richardson
Does the signing of Kalimba Edwards mean that there is no need to consider Chris Long should he fall to number 4? With the addition of Kalimba Edwards, the Raiders have made a significant investment in the defensive end position, so a Long selection could be seen as money spent in an area of lesser need.
It looks more and more as if we will see Jamarcus Russell having quite a stable of horses to run the ball during his development phase. This might be just what the doctor ordered. Nothing builds a quarterbacks confidence more than knowing he doesn’t have to carry the team on his arm. This places undue pressure on his decision-making. Decision making after all is the bane of all developing quarterbacks, and forcing the ball can ruin the psyche and thus retard or even ruin careers.
Although Mcfadden will be a fun pick the Raiders would be wise to trade down with Dallas. As I mentioned in another post, the archaic draft value chart does not fit well in the present. Teams give a considerable weight to the investment needed for a top four pick, and conversely offer less than the chart would dictate, so the Raiders might not get as much as they would like.
Al loves a good deal and probably won’t get his asking price for the number four pick. He will most likely look at the value in the fourth pick, see Mcfadden as someone who could be on the field in multiple situations, and pull the trigger. There are many situations where Michael Bush could be lined up in the backfield, while Mcfadden is in the slot.
Whether you love or hate the pick, get ready to welcome Darren Mcfadden into the fold, and prepare yourself to deal with the fact that the Long family will soon have two franchises to follow on Sundays next fall.
Does the signing of Kalimba Edwards mean that there is no need to consider Chris Long should he fall to number 4? With the addition of Kalimba Edwards, the Raiders have made a significant investment in the defensive end position, so a Long selection could be seen as money spent in an area of lesser need.
It looks more and more as if we will see Jamarcus Russell having quite a stable of horses to run the ball during his development phase. This might be just what the doctor ordered. Nothing builds a quarterbacks confidence more than knowing he doesn’t have to carry the team on his arm. This places undue pressure on his decision-making. Decision making after all is the bane of all developing quarterbacks, and forcing the ball can ruin the psyche and thus retard or even ruin careers.
Although Mcfadden will be a fun pick the Raiders would be wise to trade down with Dallas. As I mentioned in another post, the archaic draft value chart does not fit well in the present. Teams give a considerable weight to the investment needed for a top four pick, and conversely offer less than the chart would dictate, so the Raiders might not get as much as they would like.
Al loves a good deal and probably won’t get his asking price for the number four pick. He will most likely look at the value in the fourth pick, see Mcfadden as someone who could be on the field in multiple situations, and pull the trigger. There are many situations where Michael Bush could be lined up in the backfield, while Mcfadden is in the slot.
Whether you love or hate the pick, get ready to welcome Darren Mcfadden into the fold, and prepare yourself to deal with the fact that the Long family will soon have two franchises to follow on Sundays next fall.
posted by Rick Richardson at
12:35 PM
3 Comments:
Hey, Mo, I like the way you write. Informed, literate and funny. Ah, memories of Tyrone...I thought there were years when he was under used and always under-appreciated. Thanks for the Bush hi lights. He looks more nimble than Wheatley but less powerful. I can't wait to see that HB pass for a TD next year in Silver n Black. And I didn't realize what a good pass receiver the guy is. We don"t need DMcF, we need D line & O line!
Thanks for the compliment! I agree there were times when Wheatley could have pounded the rock a few more times. I think your assessment is right on. Bush trades a little power (not much) for a little speed. This of course isn’t always a bad thing. I hope he regains form following the injury. I’m with you; the halfback pass could be a real nice outlet for Jamarcus next year. Bush looks like a real load coming out of the backfield while also displaying nice vision. With Fargas, Bush and Rhodes, running back isn’t the greatest need. However, if history is to be our gauge Al will take the best player available. It is very debatable whether Mcfadden is the best player available, but that is another debate altogether. If we could trade down with Dallas, we could get one of the two needs you mentioned, along with some speed at wide out. Thanks for commenting!
Mo
I will bet the farm that Al doesn't pick a running back in the first round. Just look at his history. My money is still on a DE or DT.
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