Hey EZ...I have been a loyal member of Raider Nation for my entire life. Recently, we have struggled and you have been quite critical of many of our moves. Do you see any hope for a turn around anytime soon?
Don C
Las Vegas, NV
Hey Don...
You are not going to like my answer, but unfortunately, I do not see things turning around for your Raiders any time soon.
If you were to compile a list of companies that each year swapped out it's management team, hiring whomever will take the job, rather than guys who can execute the desired executive strategy, you would have a list of highly volatile, high risk companies, not worthy of your investment. Unfortunately, that is the situation the Raiders are in. Seemingly every year, Al Davis hires a new head coach and asks him to do the impossible. When they cannot generate results in 12 months on the job (with their hands tied on personnel decisions), he fires them and starts again. This is an awful situation, that continues to leave the team in a bad position.
Compounding the issue is that the NFL today is a different league from the 70's. Today, it takes more than big, strong, fast athletes to win games. No longer is it sufficient to field a team of big fast nasties and think they will be able to bully their way into victories. It seems to me that the game may have past the great Al Davis by, and his draft selections and free agent signings over the last few season are all the evidence I need.
Unfortunately for you and the rest of Raider Nation, this may be the new status quo until Al Davis retires, sells the team, or dies. Sorry Don.
EZ...Which players that are currently flying under the radar do you see as potential steals in the upcoming draft?
Joe H
Atlanta, GA
Joe...
As usual there are a few guys who are not getting a lot of pub right now that I think teams will regret passing on in a few years.
The first two that come to mind are a linebacking pair from TCU. Jerry Hughes has started making some noise recently, and has moved up to round 1 in my most recent mock, but his teammate Darryl Washington is just as talented, and like Jerry, has some big upside potential. Both backers have the make-up of successful pros, and I think there will be some teams unhappy about missing the boat on them.
Another guy I like is South Florida's, George Selvie. This guy was a standout for his first two seasons in Tampa, but fell off some during his junior and senior campaigns. The primary reason for this is the focus other teams began to put on him. In fact his presence is what I think allowed for fellow linemen Jason Pierre Paul to emerge as a first round candidate. Selvie may have to move to an OLB in a 3-4 scheme in the pros, but is is physically gifted, and really knows how to get after opposing QBs. Someone will get a find in the 3rd or 4th round.
Finally, someone else that I really like is Texas wideout, Jordan Shipley. Watching this kid play makes me think a lot of Patriot wide receiver Wes Welker. He has good hands, quick moves, and seems fearless. I can see some team learning to use him in a multitude of ways because of his versatility, and this can pay dividends over time.
Hey there EZ...Assuming your most recent mock draft comes true, which team will most regret its selection in 5 years from now.
Jeff D
Houston, TX
Jeff...
Great question man. There are a few that could be in the mix for most sorry team. The obvious choice would be the Raiders, as I have them making a huge reach for the physically talented but unproven Bruce Campbell from Maryland. This is a huge risk, but Al Davis has shown no fear when it comes to selecting flyers.
Another possibility could be the Buffalo Bills with Jimmy Clausen. I know Charlie Weis was in love with this guy, and he has been a hype machine since heading to South Bend, but something sits uneasy with me about him. Maybe it is the fact that he couldn't consistently win at Notre Dame. I really can't put my finger on it, but I think he could be a highly chosen miss in round 1.
Some other guys who could be a round 1 miss include Sergio Kindle, Dez Bryant, Earl Thomas, Jason Pierre Paul, CJ Spiller, and Jahvid Best.
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