The common perception is Oakland should shy away from drafting QB JaMarcus Russell because Russell is an immobile quarterback, and the Raiders line will not be able to protect the developing quarterback. There are rumors that Oakland is interested in trading for Detroit Lions back-up Josh McCown; and then drafting WR Calvin Johnson. This trade may have merit, but even if they do pull it off the Raiders may still be interested in the strong armed Russell.
This is because the Oakland offensive line could be much improved this year. Consider that last season Oakland was very late hiring a head coach, and subsequently getting their assistants in place; they essentially had to settle for what was left at the bottom of the barrell. This year Oakland hired the leagues youngest head coach in Lane Kiffin, but he comes with an excellent pedigree and outstanding credentials (the son of Tampa Bay DC Monte Kiffin - who was one of the original architects of the Tampa cover-two defense). The Raiders look like they've hired an all-star staff of coaching assistants: Offensive Coordinator Greg Knapp comes from Atlanta, where he coached the leagues top rated rushing offense the past two seasons. Perhaps more notable is the hiring of former Atlanta offensive line coach Tom Cable. This combo led the Falcons to the top rated rushing offense in 06.
The duo of Knapp and Cable bodes well for improved line play for the Raiders. You can bet the emphasis on offense will be on running the ball, sprinkled in with timely pass plays. Oakland does have some talented linemen; the trick will be how soon the unit can cohesively implement the new blocking schemes. The talent has always been there, and now a quality coaching staff is in place that could make this offensive line unit one of the leagues big surprises in 2007.
True, a mobile QB such as Josh McCown helps any offensive line; and his acquisition looks to have merit. But don't rule out the Raiders still taking JaMarcus Russell with the first overall pick, letting him sit and learn for a year, and eventually Russell flourishing behind a newly revamped, and studly offensive line.
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Oakland Raiders
Tags: draft, oakland, raiders
Comments (1)
Arctic:I like the ... (Below threshold)1. Posted by Peter F. | April 16, 2007 3:23 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Arctic:
I like the analysis, it's well thought out. As a diehard Raiders' fan (I grew up in Oakland), I have to say that if Al Davis doesn't draft Russell—let's not kid ourselves here, he still runs the team—I wouldn't be at all surpirsed. I would, however, be as pissed as a pit bill if he doesn't draft Russell. I know Johnson is the best athlete in the draft, but McCown (or even Jake Plummer) doesn't exactly thrill me.
Nope, from a purely emotional standpoint, I want the guy with the cannon arm to go #1.
My only point of possible disagreement might be that I would bet the Raiders would start Walter and then do what the Titans did with Vince Young last year, start him when Walter shows how ineffective he is.
Nice job on the analysis!
1. Posted by Peter F. | April 16, 2007 3:23 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on April 16, 2007 15:23