Raiders do a million things
Check it.
Just when you thought they weren't doing enough. They were already quieting restructing deals, signing current players, and making position changes. But today they made their national splash, signing Dominic Rhodes in the biggest deal for the Raiders in quite a while. They didn't stop there, however.
They resigned Alvis Whitted (no word on the Chipmunks) today, not sure how you feel about that. I don't really care.
They also picked up two tight ends - Fred Wakefield formerly of the Arizona Cardinals and Tony Stewar formerly of NASCAR.
Just kidding, Tony Stewart formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals.
I don't know much about Wakefield or Stewart, but you could tell that the Raiders were not pleased with their tight end production. I still like Courtney Anderson and I don't know why. I think he can be good. I think John Madsen could be really good as well, but is more of a receiver. But anyway, we got two tight ends, not sure if we are going to keep either of them, but it's worth looking at.
In bigger news, the Raiders picked up Justin Griffith on free agency. The deal is 3 years, $3.8 million. Another million-a-year deal that the Raiders are playing safe. I like this move as well. We are definitely attempting to upgrade our offense, I just hope we don't consistently overlook defense and assume everything will be as good as it was last year. But that's a topic for another day. Griffith was with the Falcons last year, meaning he knows Greg Knapp well. Hopefully that works in everyone's favor. I think it well. We need a true fullback and we have one. Not one of the top fullbacks in the league, but a serviceable player. Griffith leading for Rhodes.........that's better than anything you've heard around Oakland in a while. Except maybe Crockett leading for Wheatley.
I like these moves. Smart moves. GO RAIDERS.
5 comments:
Griffin ex-falcon is a huge upgrade and younger than Crockett at FB AND knows the new system. I disagree that he is just serviceable. Remember he has cleared the way for 1000 yard backs and a team that has led the NFL in rushing the last 2 or 3 years. Also, love Newbwerry. I doubt he will be around opening day but will mentor the young guys untill then. I agree that we cannot totally ignore the D, but remeber we have Bing & Irons coming off IR, Williams and Thomas getting better same with Huntley and Hawthorne. No doubt we will add another DL and safety in the draft. That's my two cents worth.
We did not tender Antaaj Hawthorne. He is now a free agent.
godfather---
As far as I know right now, he is serviceable from the fact that he is going from the Falcons to the Raiders and you can't expect his production to stay the same. I hope it does, I hope he is a huge upgrade, as you say.
There seems to be a good plan in place to sensibly rebuild our offensive unit. The recent FA signing should improve our pass protection and rushing attack. The TE & FB are vital on both counts.
Stewart rates as one of the better blocking TEs in the league.
Griffith is a versatile FB who is a major upgrade over Crockett.
Wakefield would seem to be a project, practice squad player, or camp fodder.
Rhodes will be a good complimentary back to be rotated with Jordan.
Newberry was a low risk, low cost 1 year investment. If healthy, Newberry will provide depth, leadership, and toughness.
I would expect our draft day needs to be QB, OL, DT, DE.
The last major thing on our "to do list" should be unloading Moss to free up additional cap space.
Rising Soul, we did tender Hawthorne. Look it up.
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