Going off the midyear stats I like it-- seems like him and the Brandon Marshall clone are getting along!
The new contract seems to be really motivating him. He and Brandon Marshall 2.0 are ripping up the latest sims. Good call.
Season 5 Third Quarter Review Playoff Push Results: Week 10: Raiders 47 Chargers 6 An absolutely dominant performance across the board, and hopefully a game we can use as a springboard for our playoff push. The defense held the Chargers to just 82 yards of total offense, while sacking QB Tony Romo 5 times and picking him off once. Davion Smith and DeAndre Crawford had 2 sacks a piece, while Marquise Duncan had the 5th. FS Glover Quinn had the lone interception. Meanwhile, Rockford Odom had a great day (377 yards 5 TDs) despite two interceptions. Marcus Royal (7 catches 104 yards) had two TD receptions, while Denarius Moore, Mick Baca, and Eric Legaux had the remaining ones. Meanwhile, rookie HB Kian Minor had a sensation day on the ground (177 yards, 2 TDs). Week 11: Raiders 31 Cardinals 0 Back to back impressive wins for the Raiders, who take a game from the Cardinals – a franchise whose first round pick they own (double win). The defense was once again dominant, holding Arizona to just 198 total yards (5 sacks 1 INT). Miles Burris had 3 of the sacks, while Davion Smith and Jason Worilds added the other two. FS Glover Quinn Jr had another interception for Oakland. Offensively, Rockford Odom strung another impressive game together (287-2-0), as Marcus Royal caught 9 balls for 97 yards and Jermichael Colvin and David Ausberry had the TDs. Kian Minor and Emmanuel Humprey combined for 59 yards each (Humphrey 1 TD). Week 12: Jets 48 Raiders 28 The New York offense had their way with a previoiusly red hot Raiders defense Sunday night, putting up 511 yards of total offense (362 pass/149 rush). Jets QB Matt Williams was perfect (362-3-0), while Rockford Odom had a mediocre day (160-1-1). Humphrey (91-2) and Minor (87-1) had impressive days, and Marquise Duncan and Jason Worilds added two sacks. Week 13: Raiders 24 49ers 24 A tie? Ugh. Odom throws for 308 yards 2 TDs and 1 INT, while 49ers QB Marvin Stephens has his way with the Oakland defense (282-2-0). Keenan Shelton had 2 sacks for Oakland, while Lamarr Houston had one. DT DeAndre Crawford was carted off with a pulled groin, he should be back in action soon. Injuries DT DeAndre Crawford – Pulled groin Resignings MLB Omar Gaither: Contract accepted, 2/$2.6 million OLB Jason Worilds: Contract accepted, 4/$5.40 million QB Rockford Odom: Contract accepted, 5/$47 million Draft Stories -Florida State QB Carl Elliot refused to be sacked this week, and because of that he ended up throwing the game-winning touchdown in overtime -After a 415-yard, three touchdown performance against USC, scouts are starting to compare Washington State QB Donald Breer to top QB Carl Elliot. -Memphis WR Dexter Tarvin showed outstanding feel and hands this season, culminating in 12 catch game in the Big East championship -Notre Dame’s defense has looked human with CB Michael Jones slowed by a bad ankle. Scouts are unsure if he’ll ever be the same player he once was.
Good move locking him up, with a Super Bowl already won it's a great idea to take the focus off the QB position and key in on the other spots that need improvement in order get the team back to the championship. FS, Interior O-line???
FS for sure, Glover Quinn has some pretty shitty coverage skills. They are tough to find in the drafts, though.
Season 5 Fourth Quarter Review Home-Stretch Week 14: Chiefs 14 Raiders 6 A miserable offensive performance on both ends, Jamaal Charles had two TDs and 140 yards for the Chiefs. Odom (220-0-1) didn’t have his best day, but the Raider defense completely shut down Jason Campbell (92-0-0). Davion Smith had two more sacks, while Miles Burris added one. The Raiders will likely have to win out in hopes for a playoff birth. Week 15: Raiders 48 Patriots 3 Rockford Odom looked like a man vying for a new contract Sunday, exploding for 511 yards and 5 TDs, while not turning the ball over once. Rookie WR Marcus Royal was the main recipient of his passes, catching 12 balls for an incredible 253 yards and 2 scores. Defensively, Rashawn Norwood and Marquise Duncan added interceptions, while Davion Smith (2 sacks) and Lamarr Houston (1 sack) were all over Patriot QB Kyle Orton. A slim playoff hope is still alive following this impressive performance. Week 16: Raiders 38 Rams 6 Amazing! This team is finally starting to do what I built it to do – get sacks and interceptions! The defense held the Rams to just 150 yards of total offense, sacked Tannehill 5 times, and picked him off 4 more times. Rookie sensation Davion Smith had 3 of the sacks, while Jason Worilds had the other two. Rashaun Norwood (2), Chance Green (1), and Marquis Duncan (1) had the interceptions, while Rockford Odom had a sensational day himself (310-3-1). Marcus Royal had 10 receptions for 156 yards and a score, while Eric Legaux had 7 receptions for 102 yards and 2 scores. Kian Minor added 73 yards on 11 carries. ***** The Raiders head into week 17 tied with the Chiefs for the wildcard spot. The Chiefs had to SF, while I take on Denver. With a win, I *should* own the tie-break, but who knows. Week 17: Raiders 30 Broncos 17 A great performance by the defense should propel the Raiders to the playoffs for just the second time in five years (never know with screwy Madden logic). The D sacked Broncos QB Sam Bradford 5 times and intercepted him twice, all while Rockford Odom was steady as can be (263-2-0). Collecting the sacks for the silver and black were Lamarr Houston (2), Davion Smith (1), Marquise Duncan (1), and Jason Worilds (1). Interesting to note that rookie DE Davion Smith leads the team with 15 sacks; as a 34 DE, that’s a hell of a season. Deshaun Norwood and Chance Green had the interceptions. Injuries None Resignings CB Jose Bautista: Contract accepted, 2/$1.6 million Draft Stories -Center Paul Marquez was part of a surprise Michigan State team that only allowed 11 sacks all season. -Oklahoma State QB Matthew Osborn led his Cowboys to a surprise Orange Bowl appearance, and his impressive come-from-behind win there turned a lot of heads. - Athletic Syracuse center Harvey Crooker promised Nebraska they wouldn’t touch his QB, and he was spot on. -It was a Rose Bowl success for Michigan HB LaRoy Kim, who gained 178 yards and two touchdowns in the win -Outstanding leadership and improved accuracy has many scouts impressed by Oklahoma State QB Matthew Osborn, but many wonder if he can make all the NFL throws. -It’s a bowl game win for Michigan State and center Paul Marquez. To top it off, the offensive lineman was given team MVP honors.
Season 5 Raiders lose tie-break to the Chiefs, ending their season. Despite the gut-wrenching ending to this season, my team really caught fire at the end. Some of my rookies had monstrous years, and I think I'm poised for success down the road.
Season 5 Playoffs Wildcard Texans 45 Steelers 35 49ers 38 Saints 7 Jets 30 Chiefs 27 Lions 34 Falcons 20 Divisional Jets 22 Chargers 13 Bucs 38 Lions 26 Bengals 40 Texans 6 Giants 28 49ers 6 Conference Bengals 39 Jets 15 Bucs 26 Giants 19 Super Bowl Bengals 20 Bucs 16
Yes I know .... I myself am too used Huff being able to cover like a corner, he enables lots of aggressive defensive play calls. In a sim I'd imagine the CPU is join topside on ya most pass plays.
Season 5 Odom Named NFL MVP After a few very rocky seasons, Coach Peench has groomed Rockford Odom into the franchise player he was thought to become. On Saturday, Odom collected NFL MVP honors after a sensational season. Despite a disappointing end to the season for the Raiders, this franchise has a lot to look forward to, particularly after they locked Odom up for the next 5 years.
Season 5 Year In Review Final Record: 9-6-1, No playoffs Pro Bowlers: QB Rockford Odom, WR Marcus Royal, TE Eric Legaux, Awards: QB Rockford Odom – NFL MVP, AFC OPOTY, Best QB HB Kian Mino – AFC OROTY DE Davion Smith – AFC DROTY Team Goals: 1. Clinch a playoff birth - Failed 2. Have 4 Pro Bowl players - Accomplished 3. Have a player with double-digit sacks - Accomplished Team Statistics: PPG: 20th Total Offense: 8th Total Defense: 2 Pass: 6th Rush: 12t Def Pass: 3rd Def Rush: 5th Total Sacks: 5th Defensive Interceptions: 19th Turnover Rank: 26th Passing Rockford Odom: 101.2 QBR, 65% completion, 4021 yards, 32 TDs, 12 INTs Rushing Kian Minor: 261 carries, 1209 yards, 4.6 avg, 10 TDs, 2 fumbles Emmanuel Humphrey: 154 carries, 490 yards, 3.2 avg, 5 TDs, 1 fumbles Rockford Odom: 51 carries, 113 yards, 1 TD Receiving Marcus Royal: 100 receptions, 1374 yards, 10 TDs Eric Legaux: 60 receptions, 666 yards, 7 TDs Denarius Moore: 64 receptions, 863 yards, 7 TDs Mick Baca: 46 receptions, 600 yards, 3 TDs Blocking Jared Veldheer: 7 pcakes, 3 sacks Stefan Wisniewski: 11 pcakes, 4 sacks Michael Addison: 5 pcakes, 4 sacks Brandon Hill: 13 pcakes, 2 sacks Na’Quan Tartabull: 4 pcakes, 7 sacks Defense Marquise Duncan: 90 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 INTs, 3 FF Rolando McClain: 67 tackles, 2 FF Jason Worilds: 92 tackles, 11 sacks, 4 FF Miles Burris: 54 tackles, 7 sacks, 2 FF, 1 FR, 1 Block Tyvon Branch: 67 tackles Darelle Revis: 51 tackles, 1 INT Reshaun Norwood: 42 tackles, 5 INTs, 2 TDs Lamarr Houston: 67 tackles, 7 sacks, 2 FF, 1 FR Davion Smith: 54 tackles, 15 sacks, Kicking Sebastian Janikowski: 29-25, 54 long, 96% PAT Punting Zachary Thornhill: 49.8 avg, 26 inside 20 Kick Return Demetre Woods: 24 KR, 626 yards, 26.1 avg Chance Green: 15 KR, 484 yards, 32.3 avg, 1 TD Punt Return Demetre Woods: 56 PR, 431 yards, 7.7 avg Around the League: NFL MVP: Rockford Odom, QB, Raiders Coach of the Year: Russel Brunner, Giants AFC OPOTY: Rockford Odom, QB, Raiders AFC DPOTY: LaMarr Woodley, OLB, Steelers AFC OROTY: Kian Minor, HB, Raiders AFC DROTY: Davion Smith, DE, Raiders NFC OPOTY: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers NFC DPOTY: DeMarcus Ware, OLB, Cowboys NFC OROTY: Aaron Lewis, HB, Cowboys NFC DROTY: Juliaus Ward, CB, Packers Key Retirees: Andre Johnson Dwight Freeney Larry Fitzgerald Julius Peppers DeMarcus Ware Analysis: Man, what a year by my rookies. It’ll be interesting to see if they can keep it up, especially Royal – who had hands down the best season of any WR I’ve had so far. Very frustrating not to make it into the playoffs, but I’ve got a great young corps of players that should have me in the race every year.
Season 5 Resignings Resigned FB Marcel Reece: Contract accepted, 5/$21.5 million TE Jonathon Basil: Contract accepted, 3/$5.4 million MLB Marquise Duncan: Contract accepted, 4/$14.8 million RT Na’Quan Tartabull: Contract accepted, 5/$5.5 million LG Brandon Hill: Contract accepted, 4/$9.2 million QB Rockford Odom: Contract accepted, 5/$47 million CB Jose Bautista: Contract accepted, 2/$1.6 million Not resigned/Rejected SS Mike Mitchell: Contract rejected HB Mike Goodson: Contract rejected LG Kyle DeVan: Not resigned CB Ayron Cole: Not resigned Analysis: It would’ve been nice to get Mitchell back, as he’s a great back-up safety (84). He’s 31, though, and deserves his chance to play elsewhere. Everyone else I locked up with reasonable deals, it was crucial to bring back all this young talent, and I’ve done that.
Season 5 Post-Season Positional Analysis Post-Season Positional Analysis QB: Odom is the NFL MVP. Also I’m set here with Flynn (77) as the back up. Scouting priority: 0 FA priority: 0 HB: Rookie Kian Minor (83) was everything I hoped he’d be, and Humphrey gives me a good #2 option. Scouting priority: 0 FA priority: 0 WR: Marcus Royal (82), Denarius Moore (85), Mick Baca (79), and Demetre Woods (71) are a fine group. If there’s another stud, I’ll take him. Otherwise, I’m good. Scouting priority: 2 FA priority: 0 FB: Marcel Reece (96) is the best in the biz, and just signed a 2 year deal. Set here. Scouting priority: 0 FA priority: 0 TE: Eric Legaux (81) is a stud. Add to him Jonathon Basil (68) and David Ausberry (65, and I’m all but set here. Scouting priority: 0 FA priority: 0 OL: Totally set here with Veldheer (93), Hill (81), Wisniewski (86), Addison (77), and Tartabull (81). This is great group of young players. I could potentially use some depth here, however. Scouting priority: 4 FA priority: 6 DL: NT DeAndre Crawford (87) has developed into a beast, and Lamarr Houston (87) is a phenomenal LE. Davion Smith (80) had an amazing rookie season, and I have good depth, including Darnell Dockett (85) Scouting priority: 7 FA priority: 9 OLB: Miles Burris (83) is sensational in his first year, but I need a better rush OLB opposite him. Jason Worilds is ok, but I’d like an upgrade. Scouting priority: 9 FA priority: 7 MLB: Rolando McClain (84) and Marquis Duncan (85) are young studs. Omar Gaither (77) gives me depth. I’m set at this position. Scouting priority: 0 FA priority: 0 CB: Revis (95), Norwood (86) and Green (77) are all perfect for my scheme. Nothing to see here. Scouting priority: 0 FA Priority: 0 FS: Glover Quinn Jr (80) is solid, but I will look for some depth and perhaps an upgrade in both the draft and FA. Scouting priority: 6 FA priority: 8 SS: Tyvon Branch (88) is great, but I lost Mike Mitchell. Will need some depth here. Scouting priority: 6 FA Priority: 7 K: Sebastian Janikowski (96). He’s the man, but he’s old. I will scout this position, only because it’s cheap to do so. Scouting priority: 6 FA priority: 0 P: Zachary Thornhill (81) is a solid young punter fresh off a great season. Scouting priority: 0 FA priority: 0
Season 5 Free Agency Free Agency Cap room: $32.14 million ($11.74 rookie reserve) Big Named Free Agents OLB Clay Matthews (97): Signed – Chargers RG Marshall Yanda (97): Signed – Browns RG Josh Sitton (95): Signed – Seahawks LT Jason Peters (92): Signed – Seahawks CB Cortland Finnegan (91): Signed – Cowboys SS Kenny Phillips (89): Signed – Redskins FS Thomas DeCoud (89): Signed – Colts OLB Paul Kruger (87): Signed – Raiders CB Iran Lee (87): Unsigned QB Tony Romo (85): Signed – Eagles QB Jeremiah Saunders (79): Signed – Falcons QB Stevie Lyela (78): Signed – Chiefs My Targets OLB Clay Matthews (97) OLB Paul Kruger (87) LG Amini Silatolu (74) LT Nate Gemette (75) NT Antonio McGee (74) SS Quinton Carter (73) Signed SS Quinton Carter: 2/$1.6 million LG Amini Silatolu: 2/$1.6 million OLB Paul Kruger: 3/$9.6 million Analysis: I got some depth at safety and on the offensive line, and instantly add my best pass rushing threat I’ve had since taking over this team. This leaves me with very few holes heading into draft weekend, meaning I can go straight BPA.
Love the Kruger get I Peench - FINALLY a pass rusher which, like you said, you have lacked since this thing started! Think he will make the difference you are hoping for?
Yeah, I definitely think so. It seems whoever I line up at LOLB is productive, probably because they benefit from having Lamarr Houston in front of them. I really love my front three, so getting the pieces together on the next level is exciting. Speaking of which, word on the street is Rolando McClain has gotten himself into some trouble. Stay tuned...
***Breaking News*** Oakland, CA.-Oakland MLB Rolando McClain has been arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. This marks the last of many off field incidents involving McClain, as his baggage is well documented. *Update: The Raiders have announced they have released the oft-troubled McClain. "We will not tolerate this type of behavior," Coach Peench explained. "We demand more from our players, and intend on running this organization a certain way. We wish Rolando the best in his future endeavors." Analysis: Kasper Bucs Raidernation Danthraxxx MartyWebb this is a way of handicapping myself and injected a bit of realism into this. Hopefully I can find a replacement in the draft.
Season 5 NFL Draft Preview: I have the #3 overall, and the #19 overall picks in the first. I also have two 3rd round picks. I should be able to get my hands on a number of intriguing prospects, as I look to fill voids at FS and MLB, while getting depth elsewhere. -At pick #3, I have a few options I’m looking at here. I could go with the Randy Moss clone, Benjamin Sims (proj 1-3). Yes, I am set at WR, but he may just have a skillset too unique to pass up. I could also take MLB Jarell Mack, a plug and play guy for the departed Rolando McClain (proj 1-11). I’m also interested in FS Roshawn Donald (1-19), who has good athletic ability but weak man coverage skills. I do need a FS, as Glover Quinn is the only one on my roster. I could also look at RG Miles Rotherman (2-15). An injury slowed the development of Michael Addison, and Rothman looks like a monster. He is Jamel Battles, a beastly RT from Alabama, in the mold of a DJ FLuker. I’ve put a lot into developing Tartabul, but Battles would definitely be an upgrade. -I will also entertain a trade down, if a good offer exists. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1(1): Carolina Panthers – HB Kamani Webster 1(2): Jacksonville Jaguars – DE Terrance Easton ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -With no offers to trade down, I find myself in a tough spot. I’ve narrowed it down to a few guys: Pick 1(3) The candidates: MLB Jarell Mack (proj 1-11), Miss St. An athletic, well-rounded MLB who could likely start day 1. Fills a need. WR Benjamin Mims (proj 1-3), Georgia Tech. 6’5 with excellent speed and leaping ability, compared to Randy moss. RT Jamel Battles (proj 1-15), Alabama. A huge mauler at RT, reminds me of DJ Fluker. The pick: WR Benjamin Mims, Georgia Tech. 6’5/234 I know, I know, I didn’t want to make this pick, either. I feel he’s truly the BPA out of those I’ve scouted, and stories on him were pretty positive. With him and Royal on the outside, and Baca in the slot, there will be no stopping this passing attack (well, that’s the hope). Moore is almost 29 and doesn’t have much left on his contract. 4.25 40 and 46 inch vertical? Sold. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1(4): Minnesota Vikings – LT Tevin Dobbs 1(5): Green Bay Packers – MLB Jerell Mack -Will be interesting to see what I missed out on here, I was very tempted to take him. 2nd year in a row GB goes MLB with a top 10 pick. 1(6): Philadelphia Eagles – QB Carl Elliot -Can’t wait to see Elliot. If Odom hadn’t responded with a big year, I’d have been very tempted to take him with the 3rd pick. 1(7): Miami Dolphins – QB David Wolfe 1(8): Denver Broncos – LE Brett Chynoweth 1(9): San Diego Chargers – QB Donald Breer -They have Jason Merian. Perhaps they’ve given up on him? 1(10): Cincinnati Bengals – DT Norldy Peterson -I am now looking at the G Rotherman, FS Roshawn Donald, and RT Jamel Battles. -Donald goes to Jacksonville with the 13th pick -Battles goes a pick before me to Buffalo, making my selection an easy one. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1(19) The pick: RG Miles Rotherman, Fresno State A manchild, Rotherman should be a day 1 starter for an injury prone Michael Addison. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -Some targets for my next pick include: FS Aerion Hill, ROLB Devon Allen, and OLB Keelan Reid -Reid goes to the Colts with the 28th pick in the 1st round -The Bills take another targert, OLB Devon Allen -I’m up, making this another easy pick ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2(19) The pick: FS Aerion Hill, Texas State. Looks like a good athlete with good physical tools, but needs to improve in coverage. Could compete with Glover Quinn with time if he pans out. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -A few guys I’m interested in now, namely OLB Deonte Burns and MLB Kenneth Crenshaw. -Both fall to me in the third, will be a tough decision. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3(19) The candidates: OLB Deontae Burns, FIU: Physical edge rusher who lacks top end athleticism, but is a polished pass rusher. MLB Kenneth Crenshaw, Fresno State: Isn’t the most polished player technically, but exceptionally athletic and a scheme fit for the attacking 34. The pick: MLB Kenneth Crenshaw, Fresno State At the end of the day, MLB is simply a bigger need. I am also intrigued with his athleticism (A speed), so let’s hope I made the right call. Perhaps Burns falls to me in the 4th? Best case scenario. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -Burns falls! Fantastic news. 3(32) The pick: OLB Deontae Burns, FIU Big physical presence that should develop under Paul Krugman. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -There isn’t a whole lot left on my board, but some interesting guys are DT Pierre Scott, RT Antwan Stroud, FB Randall Ramsey and K Kain Matthews. -All still available at my pick in the 4th ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4(19): Pick traded to Carolina for a 3rd round pick next season Just nobody I like enough at this point ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -Ramsey goes to the Cowboys with the 12th pick in the 5th round. -Pierre Scott goes to the Colts with the 15th pick in the 5th. Ugh. Definitely was my target here. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5(19) The candidates: RT Antwan Stroud, Valpo: Big mauler who could push a struggling Tartabull for playing time. K Kain Matthews, Jackson St: Huge leg who could replace Janikowski when he retires, which has to be soon. The pick: RT Antwan Stroud, Valpo Simply valuing OT over K here, and thinking Matthews might fall to me in the 6th. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -Kain does indeed fall. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6(19) The pick: K Kain Matthews, Jackson St. Huge leg who should be good to go once Janikowski (37 years old) retires. DD -Nobody left on my board I like, so it’ll be another shot in the dark most likely. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7(19) The pick: HB Raheem James, Ohio Northern Could use another viable option at RB, so I took one randomly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Overall Initial Impression: I don’t really like going WR here at 3, but I took BPA. If Moore has to go, he has to go. He is getting old anyways. Other than that, I feel really good about this draft. Crenshaw looks like he (may) be a stud, filling the McClain void, while I get a big boost on my offensive line. FS Aerion Hill may be the most intriguing prospect out of all, as I’m unhappy with Glover Quinn Jr thus far. Initial Draft Grade (Not Knowing Overalls): A- Riskiest Move: MLB Clayton Krenshaw. Will his crazy measurable translate? Who knows, but it was a risk. Sure Bet Pick: RG Miles Rotherman. Looks like a 10 year starter at RG. Guys to Keep an Eye On: MLB Jerell Mack. I passed up on him in favor of Benjamin Sims. How does he compare to Sims? To Crenshaw? Unfulfilled Needs: None
Just spent the last hour catching up. Fantastic dynasty so far. Glad you locked up Odom, at least you won't have to worry about him for a while. I love how your 3-4 is coming together as well.
Definitely one of the better ones I have read so far Peench, I like the thought process in the draft especially, gives us the inside perspective.
Season 5 Draft Review Round 1 (3): Benjamin Sims, WR, Georgia Tech. 6’5/234. Rating: 82 overall Evaluation: One of the more interesting picks of the draft, I’ve now taken WRs in back to back years in the 1st round. Who am I, the Lioins? Bottom line was this guy looked to be the most talented player on my board, and pairing him with Royal seemed all too tempting. While his overall is stellar, he unfortunately has slow development. Still, he has some ridiculous ratings (97 speed, 98 acc, 99 jump) and incredible elusiveness. Round 1 (19): RG Miles Rotheram, Fresno State, 6’3/314 Rating: 83 overall Evaluation: A plug and play guard that instantly upgrades the right side of my line. I had a lot of hope for RG Michael Addison, but he’s been slowed by injuries and hasn’t developed as I’d hoped. Round 2 (19): FS Aerion Hill, Texas State, 6’0/198 Rating: 76 overall Evaluation: Fluid athlete with good zone coverage and ball skills. Will need to work on his man coverage skills, as well as his play recognition skills. Could be an early impact player, as I’ve been unhappy with Glover Quinn Jr. at FS Round 3 (19): MLB Kenneth Crenshaw, Fresno State, 6’3/240 Rating: 75 overall Evaluation: Joins former teammate Miles Rotherman from Fresno State as an explosive athlete (95 speed) and consistent tackler. He will need to improve on his strength and ability to get off blocks, but he has a very unique skillset and could blossom into a heckuva player. Round 3 (32): OLB Deonte Burns, FIU, 6’4/245 Rating: 75 overall Evaluation: While not the elite talent I wanted, I do finally get my edge rusher. Burns lacks elite explosiveness, but he’s can get to the quarterback. He also possesses a very high football IQ, and looks to compete with Jason Worilds for some snaps. Round 5 (19): RT Antwan Shroud, Valparaiso, 6’8/312 Rating: 71 overall Evaluation: Strong, big bodied kid who is equally efficient at run blocking and pass blocking. Likely a career back up, he may struggle to pick up advanced zone blocking techniques. Round 6 (19): K Kain Matthews, Jackson St., 6’0/181 Rating: 85 overall Evaluation: Janikowski is 39 years old, hard to imagine he’ll last much longer. Matthews has a big leg, and has some real upside. Great pick here, as he should be good to go the minute Janikowski hangs ‘em up. Round 7 (19): HB Raheem James, Ohio Northern, 5’10/187 Rating: 68 overall Evaluation: A total shot in the dark pick, James has a few interesting abilities: he is excellent at catching the ball out of the backfield, and has excellent speed an elusiveness. Upon further review: MLB Jerell Mack (Packers) was a guy I passed on in favor of Sim (and, ultimately, Crenshaw). He’s a very solid 82, but I do prefer being able to get Sims and Crenshaw out of this deal, and think I made the right move. Draft Grade: A - Analysis: Oakland is now stringing a number of impressive drafts together, getting depth in all need areas, while improving the roster in others. I can’t say any of these were home run picks, but all were really solid given where I was situated.
Season 6 5 Burning Questions Heading Into Preseason 1. Will FA signing Paul Kruger be the impact player Coach Peench hopes? Oakland has lacked an elite edge rusher since Peench took over the organization. Having one might make all the difference this year. 2. How will the WR situation work itself out? Marcus Royal is a legit #1 receiver. After that, there is Denarius Moore (85), rookie Benjamin Sims (82), and Mick Backa (79). Will there be enough catches out there for all of these guys? 3. Is Crenshaw ready to fill McClain’s spot? Rolando McClain’s sudden departure for off the field issues came as a shock to most Oakland fans. Coach Peench drafted an athletic MLB to replace McClain, but it remains to be seen whether or not he is up for the challenge. 4. Who will be the starting FS? Glover Quinn has struggled as the Raiders starter, and they drafted Aerion Hill, an interesting rookie. This position is very much up for graps. 5. Does Reshawn Norwood take a step back at corner after an epic first year? The highly touted rookie will be counted on to make plays in the secondary. Will he continue to ascend? Or fall into the proverbial sophomore slump?
