AFC West: Nnamdi Asomugha
The Oakland Raiders received three badly needed compensatory draft picks.
While these picks are far from ensuring the team they are going to get contributors, it does help salvage a weak class. Oakland received picks in the third, fourth and fifth rounds in next month’s draft. Oakland has the first comp pick in the third (No. 95) and fifth (No. 168) and the second comp pick of the fourth round (129). The comp picks will be added at the end of the third-through-seventh rounds. Comp picks cannot be traded.
The picks more than doubled Oakland’s draft class. Oakland has its own picks in the fifth and sixth rounds. It’s certainly not ideal that Oakland has to wait until the 95th pick to join the draft and having two picks in the first 129 picks is a tough road, but the Raiders’ draft is in better shape than it was going into Monday.
Under the rules for compensatory draft selections, a team losing more or better compensatory free agents than it acquires in the previous year are eligible to receive compensatory draft picks.
In 2011, Oakland lost free agents Nnamdi Asomugha, Robert Gallery, Bruce Gradkowski, Zach Miller and Thomas Howard and signed Kevin Boss and Stephon Heyer. Teams do not get credit for comp pick consideration for cutting players.
San Diego will receive a comp pick in the seventh round (No. 248) even though it did suffer a net loss of compensatory free agents last year. Under the league’s formula, the compensatory free agents lost by San Diego were ranked lower than the ones they signed (by a specified point differential based upon salary and performance). San Diego lost Darren Sproles and Kevin Burnett, while it signed Takeo Spikes and Travis LaBoy.
In total, 15 teams received a total of 32 picks.
While these picks are far from ensuring the team they are going to get contributors, it does help salvage a weak class. Oakland received picks in the third, fourth and fifth rounds in next month’s draft. Oakland has the first comp pick in the third (No. 95) and fifth (No. 168) and the second comp pick of the fourth round (129). The comp picks will be added at the end of the third-through-seventh rounds. Comp picks cannot be traded.
The picks more than doubled Oakland’s draft class. Oakland has its own picks in the fifth and sixth rounds. It’s certainly not ideal that Oakland has to wait until the 95th pick to join the draft and having two picks in the first 129 picks is a tough road, but the Raiders’ draft is in better shape than it was going into Monday.
Under the rules for compensatory draft selections, a team losing more or better compensatory free agents than it acquires in the previous year are eligible to receive compensatory draft picks.
In 2011, Oakland lost free agents Nnamdi Asomugha, Robert Gallery, Bruce Gradkowski, Zach Miller and Thomas Howard and signed Kevin Boss and Stephon Heyer. Teams do not get credit for comp pick consideration for cutting players.
San Diego will receive a comp pick in the seventh round (No. 248) even though it did suffer a net loss of compensatory free agents last year. Under the league’s formula, the compensatory free agents lost by San Diego were ranked lower than the ones they signed (by a specified point differential based upon salary and performance). San Diego lost Darren Sproles and Kevin Burnett, while it signed Takeo Spikes and Travis LaBoy.
In total, 15 teams received a total of 32 picks.
The Oakland Raiders have joined the free-agent pickup party.
After cutting seven players in salary-cap dumps, Oakland added former St. Louis cornerback Ronald Bartell and former Houston guard Mike Brisiel on Friday.
Let’s be frank. These signings aren’t going to cause a wave of worry in the NFL as neither is an upper-echelon player. But they fill holes in Oakland and that’s important.
Bartell missed all but one game last year with a neck injury. He has started 66 career games. He will start for Oakland, which entered the day with no experienced starters at cornerback. The Raiders have also shown interest in New Orleans cornerback Tracy Porter, who played for new Oakland coach Dennis Allen when Allen was the Saints’ secondary coach.
I could see the Raiders trying to sign Porter to pair with Bartell. The Raiders, who have lost veterans Nnamdi Asomugha, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson since last July, are rail thin at the position.
If Porter isn’t signed, Oakland could switch safety Michael Huff to cornerback, but the Raiders would have to come up with a replacement for Huff. Second-year cornerbacks DeMarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chewka will also get the chance to develop.
Brisiel will start at guard. Former Houston offensive line coach Frank Pollack was hired for the same job in Oakland this year and the Raiders are going to employ a zone-blocking scheme, which Houston ran. Brisiel is known as a tough, smart player, but he has had injury issues. Oakland could still potentially add to the offensive line at guard or center. Second-year guard Stefen Wisniewski could be moved to center.
The Raiders have several holes, because of their salary-cap moves, so expect more signings. Because the Raiders have limited cap space, expect the next moves to be of the modest variety like Friday's signings. But if the Raiders can continue to find experienced starters, they will be better off for it.
After cutting seven players in salary-cap dumps, Oakland added former St. Louis cornerback Ronald Bartell and former Houston guard Mike Brisiel on Friday.
Let’s be frank. These signings aren’t going to cause a wave of worry in the NFL as neither is an upper-echelon player. But they fill holes in Oakland and that’s important.
Bartell missed all but one game last year with a neck injury. He has started 66 career games. He will start for Oakland, which entered the day with no experienced starters at cornerback. The Raiders have also shown interest in New Orleans cornerback Tracy Porter, who played for new Oakland coach Dennis Allen when Allen was the Saints’ secondary coach.
I could see the Raiders trying to sign Porter to pair with Bartell. The Raiders, who have lost veterans Nnamdi Asomugha, Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson since last July, are rail thin at the position.
If Porter isn’t signed, Oakland could switch safety Michael Huff to cornerback, but the Raiders would have to come up with a replacement for Huff. Second-year cornerbacks DeMarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chewka will also get the chance to develop.
Brisiel will start at guard. Former Houston offensive line coach Frank Pollack was hired for the same job in Oakland this year and the Raiders are going to employ a zone-blocking scheme, which Houston ran. Brisiel is known as a tough, smart player, but he has had injury issues. Oakland could still potentially add to the offensive line at guard or center. Second-year guard Stefen Wisniewski could be moved to center.
The Raiders have several holes, because of their salary-cap moves, so expect more signings. Because the Raiders have limited cap space, expect the next moves to be of the modest variety like Friday's signings. But if the Raiders can continue to find experienced starters, they will be better off for it.
Chiefs adding Stanford Routt makes sense
February, 20, 2012
Feb 20
6:18
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Is Stanford Routt a better player than Brandon Carr?
It depends on whom you talk to and what you want from your cornerback. Routt is 28 and Carr is 25 and both are considered high-level No. 2 cornerbacks. The Carr-Routt debate really is a matter of preference, but I can see why the Chiefs chose to go with Routt as their new No. 2 cornerback to pair with No. 1 starter Brandon Flowers.
By signing Routt, who can play man-to-man defense, the Chiefs took care of one of their two biggest questions in free agency on Monday. Kansas City’s top free agents are receiver Dwayne Bowe and Carr. The Routt signing, of course, means Carr will be walking as a free agent.
Routt signed a three-year deal worth $19.6 million with Kansas City, bypassing offers from several other teams. Last year, Flowers signed a five-year, $52 million deal. Carr will likely get in the $7-9 million range in free agency. There is no way the Chiefs will pay three cornerbacks premium money.
By choosing Routt over Carr, the Chiefs also solved another problem. There was a question whether the Chiefs, who are well under the salary cap, would give the franchise tag to Bowe or Carr. Now, they can give Bowe the franchise tag to keep him off the open market with Carr no longer being a priority.
Starting free agency with a player of Routt’s caliber and securing Bowe would be a great start for the Chiefs.
I give Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli a lot of credit for making this move. Routt will fit well with Flowers, and I expect him to be closer to the player he was in Oakland in 2010 than the 2011 version. Routt was solid as the No. 2 cornerback to Nnamdi Asomugha. But after Asomugha went to Philadelphia in free agency last season, Routt struggled as the Raiders’ No. 1 cornerback. He had 17 penalties and gave up eight touchdowns, which was tied for the most in the NFL by a cornerback last season.
Routt, who signed a huge deal in Oakland last year, was cut by the Raiders earlier this month. Playing opposite Flowers should help Routt, and I think he will fit in well in Romeo Crennel’s defense.
The Chiefs have a young, exciting roster and the resources to get better this offseason. By signing Routt, they have a fine head start on becoming a better team in 2012.
It depends on whom you talk to and what you want from your cornerback. Routt is 28 and Carr is 25 and both are considered high-level No. 2 cornerbacks. The Carr-Routt debate really is a matter of preference, but I can see why the Chiefs chose to go with Routt as their new No. 2 cornerback to pair with No. 1 starter Brandon Flowers.
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Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PresswireThe Chiefs added Stanford Routt to a talented secondary that includes Brandon Flowers and Eric Berry.
Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PresswireThe Chiefs added Stanford Routt to a talented secondary that includes Brandon Flowers and Eric Berry.Routt signed a three-year deal worth $19.6 million with Kansas City, bypassing offers from several other teams. Last year, Flowers signed a five-year, $52 million deal. Carr will likely get in the $7-9 million range in free agency. There is no way the Chiefs will pay three cornerbacks premium money.
By choosing Routt over Carr, the Chiefs also solved another problem. There was a question whether the Chiefs, who are well under the salary cap, would give the franchise tag to Bowe or Carr. Now, they can give Bowe the franchise tag to keep him off the open market with Carr no longer being a priority.
Starting free agency with a player of Routt’s caliber and securing Bowe would be a great start for the Chiefs.
I give Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli a lot of credit for making this move. Routt will fit well with Flowers, and I expect him to be closer to the player he was in Oakland in 2010 than the 2011 version. Routt was solid as the No. 2 cornerback to Nnamdi Asomugha. But after Asomugha went to Philadelphia in free agency last season, Routt struggled as the Raiders’ No. 1 cornerback. He had 17 penalties and gave up eight touchdowns, which was tied for the most in the NFL by a cornerback last season.
Routt, who signed a huge deal in Oakland last year, was cut by the Raiders earlier this month. Playing opposite Flowers should help Routt, and I think he will fit in well in Romeo Crennel’s defense.
The Chiefs have a young, exciting roster and the resources to get better this offseason. By signing Routt, they have a fine head start on becoming a better team in 2012.
Chiefs jump on Stanford Routt visit
February, 13, 2012
Feb 13
7:25
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
NFL.com reports cornerback Stanford Routt will visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday. The Oakland Raiders cut Routt on Thursday. ESPNDallas first reported the Chiefs’ interest in Routt last Friday.
Routt was in Buffalo on Monday for his first visit since becoming the best available free agent on the open market. He has several other visits planned and the process could take some time to develop. If the Chiefs, who have more than $62 million in salary-cap room, sign Routt, it will be an indication they are not interested in signing Brandon Carr, who is going to be one of the better free-agent cornerbacks available on the market. The Chiefs could be looking at Routt to compare what he wants to what Carr is looking for in a deal.
Like Carr, Routt would be a good fit with Kansas City No. 1 cornerback Brandon Flowers. Routt was better as the No. 2 cornerback to Nnamdi Asomugha before he became the lead cornerback last season when the Raiders chose to give Routt a big contract instead of Asomugha. Oakland’s new leadership cut Routt last week.
Meanwhile, Oakland guard Cooper Carlisle is considered a candidate to be salary-cap causality. However, there are indications the Raiders will consider keeping him. New Oakland offensive line coach Frank Pollack tried to recruit him to Houston few years ago as a free agent and Carlisle is a natural fit for the zone-blocking scheme Pollack coaches.
Jack Bicknell Jr. will reportedly be the Chiefs’ offensive line coach. He was the Giants’ assistant offensive line coach.
Routt was in Buffalo on Monday for his first visit since becoming the best available free agent on the open market. He has several other visits planned and the process could take some time to develop. If the Chiefs, who have more than $62 million in salary-cap room, sign Routt, it will be an indication they are not interested in signing Brandon Carr, who is going to be one of the better free-agent cornerbacks available on the market. The Chiefs could be looking at Routt to compare what he wants to what Carr is looking for in a deal.
Like Carr, Routt would be a good fit with Kansas City No. 1 cornerback Brandon Flowers. Routt was better as the No. 2 cornerback to Nnamdi Asomugha before he became the lead cornerback last season when the Raiders chose to give Routt a big contract instead of Asomugha. Oakland’s new leadership cut Routt last week.
Meanwhile, Oakland guard Cooper Carlisle is considered a candidate to be salary-cap causality. However, there are indications the Raiders will consider keeping him. New Oakland offensive line coach Frank Pollack tried to recruit him to Houston few years ago as a free agent and Carlisle is a natural fit for the zone-blocking scheme Pollack coaches.
Jack Bicknell Jr. will reportedly be the Chiefs’ offensive line coach. He was the Giants’ assistant offensive line coach.
Will Stanford Routt stay in the AFC West?
February, 9, 2012
Feb 9
8:33
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
In our first post on the Raiders’ surprising decision to cut cornerback Stanford Routt, we wrote that the free agent could interest the three other teams in the AFC West.
Here's why:
Denver: I think this is the best fit in the AFC West for Routt. Denver will be looking for a cornerback either in free agency or early in the draft. Signing a player of Routt's skills now would allow the Broncos to concentrate on other areas. Routt was better as Oakland’s No. 2 cornerback playing with Nnamdi Asomugha, so he’d benefit from playing with Champ Bailey. I don’t think Denver would break the bank for Routt, but I could see interest.
Kansas City: This likely would only be a fit if the Chiefs don’t plan to re-sign cornerback Brandon Carr. It could come down to the Chiefs deciding who is better. So I’m not sure if they'll really be in the mix.
San Diego: The Chargers have to get better in a lot of areas; cornerback could be one of those. If the Chargers thought Routt is a better option than No. 2 cornerback Antoine Cason, they could pursue him. Still, with the other issues San Diego needs to address, I’m not sure it’s a major priority.
UPDATE: Routt has visits planned already with Buffalo and Tennessee.
Here's why:
Denver: I think this is the best fit in the AFC West for Routt. Denver will be looking for a cornerback either in free agency or early in the draft. Signing a player of Routt's skills now would allow the Broncos to concentrate on other areas. Routt was better as Oakland’s No. 2 cornerback playing with Nnamdi Asomugha, so he’d benefit from playing with Champ Bailey. I don’t think Denver would break the bank for Routt, but I could see interest.
Kansas City: This likely would only be a fit if the Chiefs don’t plan to re-sign cornerback Brandon Carr. It could come down to the Chiefs deciding who is better. So I’m not sure if they'll really be in the mix.
San Diego: The Chargers have to get better in a lot of areas; cornerback could be one of those. If the Chargers thought Routt is a better option than No. 2 cornerback Antoine Cason, they could pursue him. Still, with the other issues San Diego needs to address, I’m not sure it’s a major priority.
UPDATE: Routt has visits planned already with Buffalo and Tennessee.
New Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie isn’t wasting much time shaping his roster and his first move was to cut cornerback Stanford Routt, one of the team’s better defensive players. It might have been necessary as McKenzie reshapes the team’s salary cap.
The Raiders signed Routt to a three-year, $31.5 million deal, with $20 million in guaranteed money, last February, essentially choosing Routt over Nnamdi Asomugha, who is considered one of the NFL's best cornerbacks. Asomugha walked to the Eagles as a free agent.
Routt’s deal was later restructured to five years and $54.5 million, with the $20 million in guarantees — of which $10 million was reportedly to kick in this year.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that this move will cost Oakland $2.2 million in salary-cap space in 2012. The exact cap figure has yet to be figured, but the Raiders will have to make other moves.
This move might be an indication that Oakland is going to be aggressive in making cuts. It will have to go get help in several years in free agency – beginning with possibly two cornerbacks — and it has free-agent priorities in running back Michael Bush and safety Tyvon Branch. One of those two will likely be given the franchise tag.
You have to wonder what other high-dollar Raiders could be on the chopping block. Among those who have signed big recent contracts are defensive lineman Richard Seymour, linebacker Kamerion Wimbley and defensive back Michael Huff. Other players who could be candidates for restructuring or to be cut to save cap room include defensive tackle John Henderson, linebacker Aaron Curry and guard Cooper Carlisle.
Many around the NFL scoffed at Routt's big contract — and it is clear McKenzie is in that camp.
Routt is a decent player, but he is probably best suited to be a No. 2 cornerback. He was better playing alongside Asomugha than he was as the team's No. 1 corner. Routt was solid in coverage, but was penalized 17 times and gave up eight touchdowns, tied for the second-highest total in the NFL last season.
Still, the release of Routt is risky because the Raiders now don’t have any reliable cornerbacks on the roster. They hope to develop young players DeMarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa; perhaps Huff will be moved to cornerback. The Raiders have a small draft class, so most of their additions at the position will probably come through free agency.
Among the top cornerbacks available in free agency (depending on who is given the franchise tag) will be Atlanta’s Brent Grimes, Tennessee’s Cortland Finnegan and Kansas City’s Brandon Carr. A name to keep an eye on is New Orleans’ Tracy Porter, who played under new coach Dennis Allen in New Orleans.
This move doesn’t hurt Routt, 28, much. He was paid an enormous amount last season and now becomes one of the better cornerbacks available. Plus he gets jump on free agency, free to sign with a team at any time.
He could help all three of the other teams in the AFC West as a No. 2 cornerback, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Denver, Kansas City and San Diego all look at him.
The Raiders signed Routt to a three-year, $31.5 million deal, with $20 million in guaranteed money, last February, essentially choosing Routt over Nnamdi Asomugha, who is considered one of the NFL's best cornerbacks. Asomugha walked to the Eagles as a free agent.
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AP Photo/Greg TrottStanford Routt's big contract was among the first casualties under new Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie.
AP Photo/Greg TrottStanford Routt's big contract was among the first casualties under new Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie.ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that this move will cost Oakland $2.2 million in salary-cap space in 2012. The exact cap figure has yet to be figured, but the Raiders will have to make other moves.
This move might be an indication that Oakland is going to be aggressive in making cuts. It will have to go get help in several years in free agency – beginning with possibly two cornerbacks — and it has free-agent priorities in running back Michael Bush and safety Tyvon Branch. One of those two will likely be given the franchise tag.
You have to wonder what other high-dollar Raiders could be on the chopping block. Among those who have signed big recent contracts are defensive lineman Richard Seymour, linebacker Kamerion Wimbley and defensive back Michael Huff. Other players who could be candidates for restructuring or to be cut to save cap room include defensive tackle John Henderson, linebacker Aaron Curry and guard Cooper Carlisle.
Many around the NFL scoffed at Routt's big contract — and it is clear McKenzie is in that camp.
Routt is a decent player, but he is probably best suited to be a No. 2 cornerback. He was better playing alongside Asomugha than he was as the team's No. 1 corner. Routt was solid in coverage, but was penalized 17 times and gave up eight touchdowns, tied for the second-highest total in the NFL last season.
Still, the release of Routt is risky because the Raiders now don’t have any reliable cornerbacks on the roster. They hope to develop young players DeMarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa; perhaps Huff will be moved to cornerback. The Raiders have a small draft class, so most of their additions at the position will probably come through free agency.
Among the top cornerbacks available in free agency (depending on who is given the franchise tag) will be Atlanta’s Brent Grimes, Tennessee’s Cortland Finnegan and Kansas City’s Brandon Carr. A name to keep an eye on is New Orleans’ Tracy Porter, who played under new coach Dennis Allen in New Orleans.
This move doesn’t hurt Routt, 28, much. He was paid an enormous amount last season and now becomes one of the better cornerbacks available. Plus he gets jump on free agency, free to sign with a team at any time.
He could help all three of the other teams in the AFC West as a No. 2 cornerback, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Denver, Kansas City and San Diego all look at him.
Weekend mail call:
Tommy from San Diego wants to know if I think Philip Rivers will have a bounce-back year in 2012.
Bill Williamson: I would think so. Rivers just turned 30 and he is still in the prime of his career. He finished the season fairly strong. As long as the offensive line is competitive and the Chargers make some upgrades on offense, Rivers should be fine no matter whom his coach is.
Joe from St. Louis wants to know if I think the Chiefs will add a running back in the offseason.
BW: The talk is that Kansas City will add a bigger back to complement Jamaal Charles. Thomas Jones is not expected to be back. The Chiefs could add the back through free agency or in the draft. Charles is still the guy, but the Chiefs want to bring in a pounder to help.
AJ Prine from Victorville, Ca. wants to know what type of compensatory picks Oakland will get after the free-agent losses of Nnamdi Asomugha, Robert Gallery and Zack Miller.
BW: Compensatory picks are awarded on a complicated formula that puts several things into account. I think the Raiders, and this is just an educated guess, will get two third-round picks. The comp picks will be announced in March.
Tommy from San Diego wants to know if I think Philip Rivers will have a bounce-back year in 2012.
Bill Williamson: I would think so. Rivers just turned 30 and he is still in the prime of his career. He finished the season fairly strong. As long as the offensive line is competitive and the Chargers make some upgrades on offense, Rivers should be fine no matter whom his coach is.
Joe from St. Louis wants to know if I think the Chiefs will add a running back in the offseason.
BW: The talk is that Kansas City will add a bigger back to complement Jamaal Charles. Thomas Jones is not expected to be back. The Chiefs could add the back through free agency or in the draft. Charles is still the guy, but the Chiefs want to bring in a pounder to help.
AJ Prine from Victorville, Ca. wants to know what type of compensatory picks Oakland will get after the free-agent losses of Nnamdi Asomugha, Robert Gallery and Zack Miller.
BW: Compensatory picks are awarded on a complicated formula that puts several things into account. I think the Raiders, and this is just an educated guess, will get two third-round picks. The comp picks will be announced in March.
» NFC Wrap-ups: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
Arrow indicates direction team is trending.
Final Power Ranking: 17
Preseason Power Ranking: 22
Biggest surprise: The Raiders’ young receivers emerged. The group is a bright spot of the team and will be a strong building block for the future. Quarterback Carson Palmer, 32, may have his flaws, but he still has a big arm and the Raiders can make some plays in the passing game. Darrius Heyward-Bey, the No. 7 overall pick in 2009, is one of the most improved players in the NFL. He had 64 catches for 975 yards this season. He had 35 catches in his first 26 NFL games. Add fabulous rookie Denarius Moore, Jacoby Ford and Louis Murphy, and this is one of the best young receiving crews in the league.
Biggest disappointment: Poor defensive play. The Raiders have one of the more perplexing defenses in the NFL. The unit has plenty of talent, but they didn’t play well together. Oakland gave up way too many big plays on defense. It ranked near the bottom of the league in several defensive statistics and faltered down the stretch, including Sunday in a home loss to San Diego in a game in which the Raiders could have clinched the division title. It will not be a shock if defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan is sent packing. Oakland also could consider becoming a 3-4 defense.
Biggest need: There is a lot of talent on this team. There are areas where improvement is needed, including cornerback, linebacker and on the offensive line. I’d say a top cornerback would be the Raiders’ biggest need, although safety Michael Huff is reportedly moving to cornerback. They missed Nnamdi Asomugha, who signed with Philadelphia as a free agent. Stanford Routt is a nice player, but he’s not a top-flight No. 1 cornerback. If Huff does move, safety becomes a big need. The Raiders will likely have to address most of their needs through free agency, since they don’t have many draft picks.
Team MVP: Kicker Sebastian Janikowski. There were some nice performances by many Raiders this season, but Janikowski was dominant. He has the strongest leg in the league and he has become deadly accurate. He is a true weapon. Janikowski tied an NFL record with a 63-yard field goal in Week 1. He made 31 of 35 field goal attempts and made the Pro Bowl for the first time in his 12-year career.
What will the future leadership look like?: Much of the offseason will be dedicated to regrouping the front office after the death of owner Al Davis. He died at the age of 82 on Oct. 8. Now that the season is over, Oakland can move on. There have been plenty of reports linking the Raiders to general manager candidates, including Reggie McKenzie and Eliot Wolf of Green Bay. Sunday, in an angry postgame press conference, Oakland coach Hue Jackson vowed to take a bigger role in the organization. That could turn off potential general managers. Jackson is expected to have his share of power, but some of the top front-office candidates may not be interested in sharing power with a young coach.
Arrow indicates direction team is trending.
Final Power Ranking: 17
Preseason Power Ranking: 22
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Kirby Lee/US PRESSWIREThe athleticism of Denarius Moore is a big reason why hopes will be high for Oakland's offense next season.
Kirby Lee/US PRESSWIREThe athleticism of Denarius Moore is a big reason why hopes will be high for Oakland's offense next season.Biggest disappointment: Poor defensive play. The Raiders have one of the more perplexing defenses in the NFL. The unit has plenty of talent, but they didn’t play well together. Oakland gave up way too many big plays on defense. It ranked near the bottom of the league in several defensive statistics and faltered down the stretch, including Sunday in a home loss to San Diego in a game in which the Raiders could have clinched the division title. It will not be a shock if defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan is sent packing. Oakland also could consider becoming a 3-4 defense.
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Team MVP: Kicker Sebastian Janikowski. There were some nice performances by many Raiders this season, but Janikowski was dominant. He has the strongest leg in the league and he has become deadly accurate. He is a true weapon. Janikowski tied an NFL record with a 63-yard field goal in Week 1. He made 31 of 35 field goal attempts and made the Pro Bowl for the first time in his 12-year career.
What will the future leadership look like?: Much of the offseason will be dedicated to regrouping the front office after the death of owner Al Davis. He died at the age of 82 on Oct. 8. Now that the season is over, Oakland can move on. There have been plenty of reports linking the Raiders to general manager candidates, including Reggie McKenzie and Eliot Wolf of Green Bay. Sunday, in an angry postgame press conference, Oakland coach Hue Jackson vowed to take a bigger role in the organization. That could turn off potential general managers. Jackson is expected to have his share of power, but some of the top front-office candidates may not be interested in sharing power with a young coach.
The Oakland Tribune is reporting that coach Hue Jackson will move safety Michael Huff to cornerback for the 2012 season.
Huff is a versatile player who played some cornerback in college at Texas. He has occasionally played cornerback in Oakland, usually in nickel situations.
It’s an interesting decision. I think I’m most struck by the timing of it. The Raiders’ season ended two days ago.
The Raiders could fire defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan and hire a new coordinator. You would think the new coordinator would have a say in that division. Also, you would think the Raiders could go through free agency and the draft (although they don’t have many picks) before deciding exactly what the lineup is going to look like.
So, I could see the division being a tentative plan predicated on upcoming moves.
If Huff does move, then safety will be a need for the Raiders.
I have no doubt Huff can play cornerback and he will be an upgrade over several players Oakland used opposite Stanford Routt in the first year without Nnandi Asomugha, who signed with Philadelphia as a free agent. Still, I’m not sure if Huff will be a Pro Bowl-level cornerback.
Also, what does this decision mean for 2011 draft picks DeMarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa? The team has to make sure they continue to develop these players, although Chekwa could also play safety.
Again, it’s early and plenty will happen in the coming months, but this move is a sign that Jackson is willing to think about everything as he moves forward.
UPDATE: Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. gave me his thoughts on the move: "When he came into the league, many were really high on him because they thought he could do both and be a real strong hybrid type at both positions. But the Raiders play a ton of man coverage. If he were going to excel at cornerback, I would think it would be in much more of a softer zone scheme. He will be physical with his initial jam, but I worry about his turn-and-run skills for man coverage."
Huff is a versatile player who played some cornerback in college at Texas. He has occasionally played cornerback in Oakland, usually in nickel situations.
It’s an interesting decision. I think I’m most struck by the timing of it. The Raiders’ season ended two days ago.
The Raiders could fire defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan and hire a new coordinator. You would think the new coordinator would have a say in that division. Also, you would think the Raiders could go through free agency and the draft (although they don’t have many picks) before deciding exactly what the lineup is going to look like.
So, I could see the division being a tentative plan predicated on upcoming moves.
If Huff does move, then safety will be a need for the Raiders.
I have no doubt Huff can play cornerback and he will be an upgrade over several players Oakland used opposite Stanford Routt in the first year without Nnandi Asomugha, who signed with Philadelphia as a free agent. Still, I’m not sure if Huff will be a Pro Bowl-level cornerback.
Also, what does this decision mean for 2011 draft picks DeMarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa? The team has to make sure they continue to develop these players, although Chekwa could also play safety.
Again, it’s early and plenty will happen in the coming months, but this move is a sign that Jackson is willing to think about everything as he moves forward.
UPDATE: Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. gave me his thoughts on the move: "When he came into the league, many were really high on him because they thought he could do both and be a real strong hybrid type at both positions. But the Raiders play a ton of man coverage. If he were going to excel at cornerback, I would think it would be in much more of a softer zone scheme. He will be physical with his initial jam, but I worry about his turn-and-run skills for man coverage."
Here are some AFC West notes as I play catch-up upon my arrival in Kansas City:
Oakland coach Hue Jackson confirmed that the Raiders will work out former Cincinnati receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh on Tuesday. Houshmanzadeh, Carson Palmer and Hue Jackson were all in Cincinnati together. Here are my thoughts on the matter.
Oakland coach Hue Jackson confirmed that the Raiders will work out former Cincinnati receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh on Tuesday. Houshmanzadeh, Carson Palmer and Hue Jackson were all in Cincinnati together. Here are my thoughts on the matter.
- Oakland running back Darren McFadden didn’t practice Monday, the Raiders are hoping he can go Wednesday. He injured his foot in Week 7 against Kansas City.
- Cut New England cornerback Leigh Bodden went unclaimed and now he can sign anywhere. There was a report that Kansas City could claim him. I could see Oakland showing interest. They have been looking at veteran cornerbacks for months.
- Hence, the Lito Sheppard re-signing. He signed with Oakland on Monday. He spent some time with the Raiders this summer. Sheppard replaced kicker Dave Rayner. who was cut last week. Sheppard will wear No. 21 in Oakland. It was last worn by cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who departed to the Eagles as a free agent.
- Former Dallas cornerback Tashard Choice was claimed by the Redskins. That means the running backs-needy Broncos did not put in a claim on him.
Thanks to ESPN Stats & Information for putting together this nice chart on the Raiders 2012 draft picks:
Oakland Raiders 2012 draft picks:
1st round: Traded to Bengals for Carson Palmer
2nd round: Traded to Patriots for 2011 3rd- and 4th-rd picks
3rd round: Exercised in 2011 supplemental draft (Terrelle Pryor)
4th round: Traded to Redskins for Jason Campbell
5th round: Still own pick
6th round: Still own pick
7th round: Traded to Seahawks for Aaron Curry
Of course, the Raiders should get some relief. They are expected to be assigned two or three comp picks next spring. They will receive picks for the free-agent losses of players such as Nnamdi Asomugha, Zach Miller and Robert Gallery. The comp-pick process is a complicated formula based on play time and performance.
Still, it wouldn't be a shock if the Raiders get the top comp pick of the 20012 draft. That would be No. 97, at the end of the third round.
Meanwhile, Oakland coach Hue Jackson wouldn’t say Tuesday if Palmer will play Sunday against Kansas City. I’m sure it will depend on whether Palmer shows anything in practice, doesn’t have rust and if he knows the playbook enough.
Also, Jackson said he is behind Davis’ son, Mark Davis, and CEO Amy Trask the Raiders post Al Davis list of hierarchy list. Still, he appears to be the highest-ranking football man and he clearly has a lot of say in football decisions.
Meanwhile, the Raiders made another roster move besides acquiring Palmer on Tuesday.
Oakland Raiders 2012 draft picks:
1st round: Traded to Bengals for Carson Palmer
2nd round: Traded to Patriots for 2011 3rd- and 4th-rd picks
3rd round: Exercised in 2011 supplemental draft (Terrelle Pryor)
4th round: Traded to Redskins for Jason Campbell
5th round: Still own pick
6th round: Still own pick
7th round: Traded to Seahawks for Aaron Curry
Of course, the Raiders should get some relief. They are expected to be assigned two or three comp picks next spring. They will receive picks for the free-agent losses of players such as Nnamdi Asomugha, Zach Miller and Robert Gallery. The comp-pick process is a complicated formula based on play time and performance.
Still, it wouldn't be a shock if the Raiders get the top comp pick of the 20012 draft. That would be No. 97, at the end of the third round.
Meanwhile, Oakland coach Hue Jackson wouldn’t say Tuesday if Palmer will play Sunday against Kansas City. I’m sure it will depend on whether Palmer shows anything in practice, doesn’t have rust and if he knows the playbook enough.
Also, Jackson said he is behind Davis’ son, Mark Davis, and CEO Amy Trask the Raiders post Al Davis list of hierarchy list. Still, he appears to be the highest-ranking football man and he clearly has a lot of say in football decisions.
Meanwhile, the Raiders made another roster move besides acquiring Palmer on Tuesday.
Raiders make Davis-like trade for Curry
October, 12, 2011
10/12/11
4:58
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
The Oakland Raiders made their first move in the post-Al Davis universe and it was a very-Davis like move.
Oakland acquired Aaron Curry from Seattle. The linebacker was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2009 draft. He lost his starting job this season to a rookie, K.J. Wright.
Davis made a career of resurrecting the careers of former first-round picks. Curry has a chance to help Oakland at linebacker. He is known as an over-the-tight-end, strongside linebacker. He could compete with Quentin Groves at weakside linebacker.
The Raiders gave up two picks for him. Seattle will receive a seventh-round pick in 2012 and a mid-round conditional pick (fourth or fifth round) in 2013 based on Curry's playing time with Oakland, a source told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.
The Raiders don’t have second-, third-, fourth- or seventh-round picks in 2012. They should get compensatory picks for the losses of Nnamdi Asomugha, Zach Miller and Robert Gallery. The highest compensatory picks come at the end of the third round. The Raiders will be informed of what their compensatory picks are in the spring.
Oakland acquired Aaron Curry from Seattle. The linebacker was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2009 draft. He lost his starting job this season to a rookie, K.J. Wright.
Davis made a career of resurrecting the careers of former first-round picks. Curry has a chance to help Oakland at linebacker. He is known as an over-the-tight-end, strongside linebacker. He could compete with Quentin Groves at weakside linebacker.
The Raiders gave up two picks for him. Seattle will receive a seventh-round pick in 2012 and a mid-round conditional pick (fourth or fifth round) in 2013 based on Curry's playing time with Oakland, a source told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.
The Raiders don’t have second-, third-, fourth- or seventh-round picks in 2012. They should get compensatory picks for the losses of Nnamdi Asomugha, Zach Miller and Robert Gallery. The highest compensatory picks come at the end of the third round. The Raiders will be informed of what their compensatory picks are in the spring.
The Kansas City Chiefs signed receiver Jeremy Horne to the 53-man roster from the practice squad. He replaces injured running back Jamaal Charles on the roster. Offensive lineman Lucas Patterson was brought back to the practice squad to replace Horne.
New York Times author Michael Holley sheds some light on the front-office dynamic in Kansas City in this radio interview.
The Contra Costa Times has details of the alleged confrontation between Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski and a woman last year. Janikowski is facing misdemeanor charges.
The San Diego Chargers spent training camp trying to cut down on turnovers early in the season. Through two games, San Diego has committed six turnovers and have just one take-away. The Chargers had four turnovers in a loss at New England on Sunday.
The NFL has not made a decision on Oakland's appeal of rookie quarterback Terrelle Pryor's five-game suspension. This is the third week of the suspension. Pryor can’t practice or play until he returns Oct. 10 under the current guidelines of the suspension.
There is a strong AFC West presence in ESPN.com’s Rookie Watch this week. Its looks like we have a good crop this year, folks.
San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers fell in NFC West blogger Mike Sando’s MVP Watch this week, while Oakland’s Darren McFadden fell out of the top 10.
Former Charger Antonio Cromartie thinks he is a better playmaker than former Raider Nnamdi Asomugha. Thoughts?
New York Times author Michael Holley sheds some light on the front-office dynamic in Kansas City in this radio interview.
The Contra Costa Times has details of the alleged confrontation between Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski and a woman last year. Janikowski is facing misdemeanor charges.
The San Diego Chargers spent training camp trying to cut down on turnovers early in the season. Through two games, San Diego has committed six turnovers and have just one take-away. The Chargers had four turnovers in a loss at New England on Sunday.
The NFL has not made a decision on Oakland's appeal of rookie quarterback Terrelle Pryor's five-game suspension. This is the third week of the suspension. Pryor can’t practice or play until he returns Oct. 10 under the current guidelines of the suspension.
There is a strong AFC West presence in ESPN.com’s Rookie Watch this week. Its looks like we have a good crop this year, folks.
San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers fell in NFC West blogger Mike Sando’s MVP Watch this week, while Oakland’s Darren McFadden fell out of the top 10.
Former Charger Antonio Cromartie thinks he is a better playmaker than former Raider Nnamdi Asomugha. Thoughts?
» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
FALLING
1. Todd Haley, Kansas City Chiefs coach: Haley is reportedly on the hot seat after the Chiefs have looked as bad as any team in the NFL in the first two weeks. The Chiefs have been outscored 89-10. Haley was a coach of the year candidate last season when he led the Chiefs to a 10-6 record, but there has been talk he could be bounced during the season. His fall has been swift and hard.
2. The Oakland Raiders' decision not to re-sign Nnamdi Asomugha: I know the Raiders couldn’t retain all of their free agents, but they didn’t make a huge push to keep Asomugha, one of the best defensive players in the league. He is now with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Raiders’ defense betrayed them in Buffalo; the Buffalo Bills scored five touchdowns in the second half. Having Asomugha surely could have changed things.
3. The San Diego Chargers' pass defense: A week after allowing Donovan McNabb to throw for 39 yards in the air, San Diego was ravaged by New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in Foxborough. Brady threw for 423 yards and completed a team record 23 first downs by the air. The Chargers’ pass defense was no challenge for Brady.
RISING
1. The John Fox era in Denver: The Denver Broncos are now 1-1 and are tied with Oakland and San Diego for first place in the AFC West. Fox got his first win in Denver when the Broncos outlasted the Bengals, 24-22. The Broncos were out of sorts and sloppy in Week 1. Fox has to feel good to right the ship and improve in running the ball and stopping the run (his staples) against the Bengals.
2. Eric Decker, Denver receiver: The second-year receiver is a playmaker. He had five catches and two touchdowns in the Broncos’ win. He had a punt return for a score in Week 1. Decker has the look of a player who can help the Broncos for years to come.
3. Jason Campbell, Oakland quarterback: Campbell is showing improvement in Oakland. He threw for more than 320 yards at Buffalo and showed he can keep this team in games. If Campbell can continue to improve, Oakland will stick around all season.
FALLING
1. Todd Haley, Kansas City Chiefs coach: Haley is reportedly on the hot seat after the Chiefs have looked as bad as any team in the NFL in the first two weeks. The Chiefs have been outscored 89-10. Haley was a coach of the year candidate last season when he led the Chiefs to a 10-6 record, but there has been talk he could be bounced during the season. His fall has been swift and hard.
2. The Oakland Raiders' decision not to re-sign Nnamdi Asomugha: I know the Raiders couldn’t retain all of their free agents, but they didn’t make a huge push to keep Asomugha, one of the best defensive players in the league. He is now with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Raiders’ defense betrayed them in Buffalo; the Buffalo Bills scored five touchdowns in the second half. Having Asomugha surely could have changed things.
3. The San Diego Chargers' pass defense: A week after allowing Donovan McNabb to throw for 39 yards in the air, San Diego was ravaged by New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in Foxborough. Brady threw for 423 yards and completed a team record 23 first downs by the air. The Chargers’ pass defense was no challenge for Brady.
RISING
[+] Enlarge
Ron Chenoy/US PresswireEric Decker had a breakout game with five receptions, 113 yards and two touchdowns.
Ron Chenoy/US PresswireEric Decker had a breakout game with five receptions, 113 yards and two touchdowns.2. Eric Decker, Denver receiver: The second-year receiver is a playmaker. He had five catches and two touchdowns in the Broncos’ win. He had a punt return for a score in Week 1. Decker has the look of a player who can help the Broncos for years to come.
3. Jason Campbell, Oakland quarterback: Campbell is showing improvement in Oakland. He threw for more than 320 yards at Buffalo and showed he can keep this team in games. If Campbell can continue to improve, Oakland will stick around all season.
Weekend mail call:
Adam from Nashville, Tenn., wants to know if the Oakland secondary was better than I expected against Denver.
Bill Williamson: In the Oakland Raiders' first game without Nnamdi Asomugha, their secondary did pretty well. But there is room for improvement. Even though, he was never really in a zone, Kyle Orton did throw for 300-plus yards. So, the secondary does need to tighten up. But the key to Oakland’s defense is that great front four. The better the pass rush will be, the better the secondary will be. That will help Oakland’s defensive backs all season.
Mikey from Kansas City wants to know if I think the Kansas City Chiefs’ running back Jamaal Charles will be a flop this year.
BW: No way. The guy is legitimate. Yes, he only had 56 yards Sunday, but he only had 10 carries. The key for the Kansas City Chiefs is to get into a rhythm and make sure it can taken advantage of Charles. He needs more chances. The Chiefs’ offense is a work in progress because of injuries and a change of command from Charlie Weis to Bill Muir. But Charles is not the problem. Not even close.
Justin Keller from Seattle wants to know if the fact that Oakland middle linebacker Rolando McClain didn’t have a great game in Week 1 is a reason for concern.
BW: Yes, McClain was beat a few times in coverage, but this is a good player. People have to remember, though, McClain is still learning the NFL game. Just because he was a starter at a critical position from Day 1, it doesn’t mean he has it all figured out. He is still improving. He needs to be better in coverage and he needs to be consistent. But he is a smart, hard worker who should have a bright future.
Adam from Nashville, Tenn., wants to know if the Oakland secondary was better than I expected against Denver.
Bill Williamson: In the Oakland Raiders' first game without Nnamdi Asomugha, their secondary did pretty well. But there is room for improvement. Even though, he was never really in a zone, Kyle Orton did throw for 300-plus yards. So, the secondary does need to tighten up. But the key to Oakland’s defense is that great front four. The better the pass rush will be, the better the secondary will be. That will help Oakland’s defensive backs all season.
Mikey from Kansas City wants to know if I think the Kansas City Chiefs’ running back Jamaal Charles will be a flop this year.
BW: No way. The guy is legitimate. Yes, he only had 56 yards Sunday, but he only had 10 carries. The key for the Kansas City Chiefs is to get into a rhythm and make sure it can taken advantage of Charles. He needs more chances. The Chiefs’ offense is a work in progress because of injuries and a change of command from Charlie Weis to Bill Muir. But Charles is not the problem. Not even close.
Justin Keller from Seattle wants to know if the fact that Oakland middle linebacker Rolando McClain didn’t have a great game in Week 1 is a reason for concern.
BW: Yes, McClain was beat a few times in coverage, but this is a good player. People have to remember, though, McClain is still learning the NFL game. Just because he was a starter at a critical position from Day 1, it doesn’t mean he has it all figured out. He is still improving. He needs to be better in coverage and he needs to be consistent. But he is a smart, hard worker who should have a bright future.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
