"Just Coach Baby"

That's the new motto over in Oakland, as the Raiders decided to take a running back over a defensive or offensive lineman. Their biggest need going into the off-season was getting that defensive line (who ranked 31st against the run) sured up. Well, they signed New York Giant former first round pick William Joseph, who has done nothing in this league and they signed Lions castoff defensive end Kalimba Edwards.
Are those two players really supposed to get that defensive line back to respectability? Who knows. Turdell Sands signed a huge contract after his good performance in the 2006 season, then his play really declined last year. However, it was reported that his mother has passed and he was battling some injuries early on in the season. So the jury is still out on him. Tommy Kelly got paid this off-season, now being the highest paid defensive tackle in the league when he has never started a full season at the position. He showed good ability at the "3" technique (which he will play from now on) when given The chance, but that was been taken up by Warren Sapp the past few years. Sapp had only great things to say about Kelly, and expects him to really take off and show the league how good he is when Kelly starts this year.

Is that good enough reason to take a running back over arguably the best player in the whole draft in Glenn Dorsey? Head Coach Lane Kiffin's offense was most associated with the run this past year, ranking 6th amongst the rest of the league. Justin Fargas managed to run for 1,009 yards only starting six games, while LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes also had success both having a couple 100 yard rushing games. Not to mention, Raiders got a steal in the 4th round of 2007's NFL draft when they got Michael Bush who was expected to be a first rounder until his injury starting out the 06' season. With 3 capable running backs, a wild card in Michael Bush, a poor defensive line, and an offensive line in need of a premier left tackle to protect their franchise quarterback, Raiders took running back Darren Mcfadden 4th overall in this years draft.

Why? Well, he ran a 4.3 40 (which we all should gets Al Davis excited as e has great interest in fast players), was a great running back for Arkansas rushing for over 1500 yards last year, and 10+ touchdowns to go with it. He also has exceptional hands, which gives him some boost when is comes to ranking him. Does that warrant taking McFadden over Glenn Dorsey, who would have instantly been able to come in and start next to Tommy Kelly and provide a much needed spark to this below average defense. Lane Kiffin, who even said that he would like to take a defensive player with the pick or trade down, said that the Raiders don't need McFadden with it's stable of more than capable running backs. Take that however you want, whether you think it means he said that so no one would suspect the Raiders would take Mcfadden or as if it was the truth. After they drafted Mcfadden, Kiffin then said he was their guy all along.

There is something going on in Oakland, and it probably has to do with the Owner/General Manager Al Davis spending all his money and dishing out no more authority to his head coach(s). Last year, Raiders drafted smart getting a solid player in Zach Miller (starting tight end), and drafted JaMarcus Russell number one overall. Then they took into account the offensive line and defensive line needed help and used two of their three third round picks on lineman (Quinten Moses, Mario Henderson). Although Moses didn't make the team, it was a smart pick and he was believed to be a good player who unfortunately didn't work out. Henderson showed some good technique and was an above average pass blocker in college, who will be competing with Cornell Green and Paul McQuistan for right tackle going into the 2008 season.

It was obvious that Al let Kiffin have some say last year, as key areas were addressed in the draft. However, after the 2007 season ended, Al wasn't too impressed by his rookie coach who only went 4-12. Al had enough when Kiffin went ahead and told Rob Ryan he would be let go as defensive coordinator and could go speak with other teams. Ryan went to Al to thank him for the opposrtunity to be with the organization, and Al basically had it there and let Ryan know he was staying with the Raiders. Then there was a lot of reports saying Al and Kiffin were at opposite ends and Al didn't want to fire Kiffin because of his contract (which would've required Al to pay 2 million to fire him). Kiffin was then seen at the senior bowl wearing no Raiders gear whatsoever, and completely avoided the press. Kiffin addressed the media for the first time last week when he said they should go defense with the pick or trade down), who had not spoken out load since the end of the last game of the 2007 season.
It's all odd, confusing and mad, but it's the Raiders. The new report which is very interesting concerning Dominic Rhodes comments on the Al Davis/Kiffin saga can be seen here:

http://oak.scout.com/2/751868.html

Basically, it sums up my blog for today. Go ahead and fool yourself saying "He was just mad cause he got released or wasn't used a lot". Well, for a player who actually has no grudge against the Raiders, I find it hard to believe he would lie about this. Al is in full control and most likely won't let Kiffin have some if any say in adding/drafting players until Kiffin's record shows up on the positive side in the 2008 Raiders win/loss column.

Let's just hope Al's track stars and overpaid players can make this team look on the upside of respectable for the first time in a long while. GO RAIDERS