Silver and Black Report

Photo courtesy of NFL.com

The NFL combine is under way, the Oakland Raiders are scouting potential draftees and the ball will begin to roll towards free agency and altering the roster.

COMBINE

Maryland left tackle Bruce Campbell is looking like first round talent after his workouts. Oakland has a need for offensive linemen, and when you see his vitals; an unofficial 4.78 40-yard dash, prototypical size (6-6, 314 pounds) and the physical traits he possesses, you quickly get the idea that this is the type of specimen the Raiders fall in love with. He just started 17-games in college and is getting attention for his attributes. You see this unfold and start thinking whether this guy is another Mike Mamula in the making. At least he’s saying all the right things.

“I feel everyone has room for improvement,” Campbell said. “But I feel like I have a little more. My first year, I’m really going to work on it because I really want to get in and play. I’m not the type of person who comes to the N.F.L. and is satisfied with just being here. I actually want to do something in the N.F.L.”

And Oakland has already talked to the prospect.

Rolando McClain is the top linebacker in this class. And he knows it.

“I think everybody’s pretty much interested,” McClain commented to reporters Saturday in Indianapolis. “The question is if I’m going to be available.”

The 6-3, 254 pound talent looks to be a lock to transition well to the next level. Oakland has a desperate need to upgrade their linebacker unit. But its hard to see Al Davis put that much value in a position so high in the first round that he generally fills in later rounds or through free-agency.

Last year, the Silver & Black tabbed Slade Norris in the 4^th round. In 2006, they selected Thomas Howard in the 2^nd round and in 2005, Kirk Morrison was chosen in the 3^rd round. The last time Oakland selected a linebacker in the first round was Napoleon Harris in the 2002 draft, but that was 23^rd overall. Prior to that, the last player at that position to get drafted that high by Oakland was Rob Fredrickson in 1994 (22^nd overall).

Russell Okung, another prospect the Raiders have been linked to suffered a groin injury at the combine. He had a good showing with a 5.17 second 40-yard dash and bench pressing 225-pounds for 38 repetitions. The Detroit Lions took a long look at him, but they are still expected to go with a defensive tackle.

If there is a trade atop the draft, and the Lions feel that Okung is their guy, this is where it could happen with the Buccaneers or Redskins moving up to Detroit’s spot.

TRADE TALK…

“Ah, there we go. You are trying to get me,” Rex Ryan said after asked whether or not Nnamdi Asomugha could be paired up with Darrelle Revis. “I get myself in enough trouble, alright. So I really don’t need your help to get me in trouble. I think I will pass on talking about any player that is under contract.”

Don’t look for the Raiders to move up the draft, unless someone they are targeting slips past the top three spots.

Oakland’s draft board could be the hardest to figure out in all the NFL. But due to the economic times, their inability to generate revenue like other top clubs and the amount of high first rounders they currently have under contract, the Raiders will feel comfy sitting at 8 overall and letting the chips fall where they may.

SEYMOUR TAG

Richard Seymour’s ‘exclusive’ franchise tag will net him at least $12.398 million for 2010 if he signs the one-year tender. The exclusive designation excludes the former New England Patriot to negotiate with another club. Seymour can’t sign the contract until March 5, the official start of free agency. Oakland will like to get the valuable lineman inked to a long-term deal.

Oakland Raiders running back Michael Bush was able to give SBReport.net a question and answer session, where he talked about Tom Cable, his new offensive coordinator, the off-season and his daily life. In his career, Bush has rushed for 1,010 yards, with 6 touchdowns at an average of 4.6 yards per carry.

SBReport: You led the Raiders last year with 589-yards rushing, but it felt like you didn’t get enough carries at times. What’s it like not knowing how many reps your going to get and being in a three-running back system?

Michael Bush: Its tough not knowing, but that’s how the cookie crumbles when your the third back on the depth chart and but I just have to stay ready and when my number is called make the best of my opportunity. It kind of leaves me on edge, anxious and ready to play to help the team the best I can.

SBReport: Do you expect to get more carries next season and do you feel like you should be the primary ball carrier?

Michael Bush:  Well growing up I was told by my family not to expect anything from anyone because nothing in life is free so with that being said, I must work hard in off-season workouts, OTAs (Organized Team Activities), mini camps and training camp if I want to get more carries and as far as being the primary back we have other talented guys and we let the coaches have certain packages and plays that should let us all use our talents to the best of our abilities.

SBReport: How do you approach the off-season; in terms of balancing your time off and recovering from the season, and working-out and trying to get better as a player?

Michael Bush: It’s hard balancing your time because there is so much you want to do. Spend time with family travel see different place things like that. But for the most part I get bored when I’m not doing something sports related whether is playing basketball or doing cardio something active its very hard being a couch potato after about a week.

SBReport: Do you have any knowledge of Hue Jackson (new offensive coordinator) and how he will approach the handling of the offense?

Michael Bush: I know a little bit about Coach Jackson about how he has helped the [Baltimore] Ravens offense as a whole. But I will reach out to Ray Rice and ask him a couple questions when I get the chance.

SBReport: How do you feel personally about Tom Cable coming back for at least one more season as the head coach?

Michael Bush: It feels good knowing that we the players don’t have to get use to another coach, different system and another personality so bringing coach cable back is a positive for us. He’s a great motivator.

SBReport: When Michael Bush is not playing football or training, what’s his day like during the off-season?

Michael Bush:  Wake up watch some TV, browse Raiderfans.net to see what the fans are talking about. Skype and check on my lil’ brother make sure he is taking care of is schoolwork while he is in college. Play a little Xbox Live to catch up with some teammates. Call and mess with friends and family and when it starts to get dark, you can catch me in someone’s bowling alley. I love bowling. Something I want to do after football. My career high is 289 and I would say for the most part I average around the 205 area.

SBReport: What are your recollections of the 27 carry, 177-yard performance you had against Tampa Bay at the end of 2008?

Michael Bush: I think that was an awesome game as a whole team. The line did a great job of getting me some lanes to run in and JaMarcus [Russell] did great job of getting the ball to open wide receivers. The [defense] did a great job as well.

NOTES

• Bush was the only Raiders running back to top 100-yards in a game last season. He did it twice: 119-yards against Kansas City and 133-yards versus Denver in the Silver & Black’s 20-19 victory on the road.
• The former Louisville Cardinal was drafted in the 4^th round (100^th overall) of the 2007 draft.

The Randy Hanson and Tom Cable saga continues…

The former Oakland Raiders defensive assistant reportedly filed a lawsuit against Cable and the team, as it contains three causes of action – assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

In August, Hanson alleged that the head coach assaulted him which led to his fractured jaw and broken teeth.

The suit filed in Alameda County also states that Cable threatened Hanson by saying, “I’ll…kill you.”

The Raiders did not disseminate a comment in response today.

Late in 2009, Napa County district attorneys stated that they would not pursue any charges against Cable. Gary Lieberstein cleared Cable citing inconsistencies in Hanson’s story that were not substantiated by any of the witnesses in the room at the time of the alleged altercation.

Derrick Burgess, DE

The Oakland Raiders got great value out of the speedy defensive end in his first three-campaigns after signing a five-year, $18 million contract. The then 26-year old had only played in 29 regular season contests with 15-starts for the Philadelphia Eagles. “I’m ecstatic and proud to have the opportunity to wear the Silver and Black,” Burgess said. “I’m joining a quality organization in the Raiders with a great tradition and history.” Burgess started his career in Oakland as a back-up, but midway through the 2005 campaign, the sacks began to pile up and at seasons end, he had the team record for sacks (16), while leading the league in that category in landing his first Pro Bowl bid. He followed that up with 11-sacks in 2006 and another Pro Bowl selection while fighting through injuries. His numbers dipped in his last full season with the Raiders and frustration regarding the losing and the desire for a new deal eventually soured Burgess. “He’s been frustrated,’’ said then position coach Keith Millard. “We’ve had four head coaches in four years and we struggled on defense.’’

Verdict: Oakland had a very productive pass rusher for three-seasons, priced way below the going rate for players of Burgess’ caliber when he arrived. When he became disgruntled, the Raiders traded him to the Patriots and instead of bucking in to his demands, they parted ways with a player who has not been able to regain his form.

Tory James, CB

Oakland signed James away from the Denver Broncos with a 5-year, $18 million contract. In his three campaigns with the Silver & Black, the cornerback tallied 11 interceptions during the regular season. In his most memorable moment with the Raiders, James returned an interception 90-yards in Oakland’s 27-0 romp of the Miami Dolphins, propelling them into the AFC Championship game in January of 2001. “Before I go to sleep, I always visualize making plays,” James stated after the game. “It seems like today my dreams came true.”

Verdict: James was a solid member of the Raiders defensive backfield. He was released in 2003 due to a high cap number ($5.7 million), as Oakland scrambled to get under the cap after their Super Bowl appearance.

Zack Crockett. RB/FB

From 1999-to-2006, Crockett was a fiery leader for the Silver & Black. He compiled 35 touchdowns in his Raider career as a short yardage and goal line specialist. In 2003, Oakland retained his services with a seven-year, $12 million contract when he was 30-years old. Crockett bowled over Kansas City defenders in the 2002 regular season finale – in a muddy field – tallying 72-yards on 11 carries with one score. A few weeks later in the AFC Championship Game, his 7-yard scoring run was the last nail in the Titans coffin.

Verdict:  In September of 2007, Oakland released the aging leader. He was a hard runner for the Raiders, a solid blocker and a stout presence in the locker room and on the practice field.

Here are past installments of this Free-Agent series:

Part 1:

15-years of Free Agency for the Raiders – Part 1

Part 2:

15-years of Free Agency for the Raiders – Part 2

Part 3:

15-years of Free Agency for the Raiders – Part 3

Part 4:

15-years of Free Agency for the Raiders – Part 4

Part 5:

15-years of Free Agency for the Raiders – Part 5

Stay tuned for upcoming installments, looking back at the Raiders history during the free-agency period. Part-seven is coming soon…

Clancy Pendergast will not be working with Nnamdi Asomugha

Clancy Pendergast was added to the Oakland Raiders coaching staff in early February. This week, he decided to bolt the Silver & Black and become the defensive coordinator at California.

The Golden Bears had a vacancy on their staff when Bob Gregory departed to Boise State. Cal head coach Jeff Tedford filled the void with Pendergast and stated, “He has been a defensive coordinator on football’s biggest stage and will be a tremendous asset to Cal football.”

Pendergast has worked for Cleveland, Dallas and Houston before spending time in Kansas City (2009) and Arizona (2004-2008).

Although no specific role was assigned to Pendergast publicly, talked surrounded him working in the secondary with Lionel Washington.

The following Oakland Raiders will become restricted free agents. These players have four or five credited seasons and in an uncapped 2010 season, will be restricted. Info provided by NFLLabor.com.

• Kirk Morrison, LB
• Thomas Howard, LB
• Ricky Brown, LB
• Jon Alston, LB
• Charlie Frye, QB
• Khalif Barnes, OL
• Stanford Routt, CB
• JP Losman, QB

Analysis

Morrison and Howard have faults and neither is a lock to come back. Howard’s speed and play in coverage brings more to the table to the Raiders’ defense. Brown challenged Morrison early last summer for his spot, but injuries have kept him off the field far too often. Alston’s concussions this past season were far too serious to predict whether or not he’ll be able to play effectively next season. Frye is a perfect back up; works hard and is smart enough to understand his role. Barnes is not very good and Oakland needs to upgrade their offensive line, Losman came in late and won’t look to stick around and Routt has enough ability, which will keep him around as a Raider for another season.

Here is a list of Oakland Raiders that are ready to become unrestricted free agents next month. The following players are free to sign with another team in an uncapped season starting March 5. Info provided by NFLLabor.com.

• Cornell Green, RT
• William Joseph, DT
• Richard Seymour, DL
• John Wade, C
• Langston Walker, OL
• Sam Williams, OLB

Analysis

Seymour is the top priority of this bunch. If he is not signed to a long-term extension – as he would like – Oakland will tag him their franchise player. Williams is a solid special teamer, a guy who always finds a way to stick around and an all-around solid character off the field. Oakland will try to retain him at an adequate cost, which should not be that difficult since he’s not starter material anywhere else. Walker could be brought back for depth, but he’s obviously not a priority. In no way should Green be retained. Tom Cable defends him far too often and relies on the veteran unnecessarily. He’s been a faulty member of that offensive line for several seasons and inexplicably, he returns to the starting line-up every year instead of being jettisoned.

Per ESPN, the Oakland Raiders will use their franchise tag on defensive lineman Richard Seymour if both sides cannot agree on a long-term contract extension.

Oakland acquired the five-time Pro Bowler prior to the start of the 2009 campaign for a 2011 first round draft choice.

If he is tagged, Seymour could make $12.398 million – the cost of the franchise label for a defensive end this upcoming season. Oakland has until next Thursday to decide whether or not to designate him as their franchise player.

Seymour was named in January to the All-Decade team and is a three-time first team all-pro and a three-time Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) with the New England Patriots.

Back in mid-January, he stated, “I’m in a unique situation where obviously, I played out my contract, I’ve one my time there and I’ve talked to Mr. [Al] Davis before I left and he said he would be getting in contact with my agent to try to work a deal out.”

He continued: “I would like to re-sign out in Oakland, because I think its always, when you can be a foundation piece and help turn an organization around, I think that’s a challenge for me.”

In 2004, Oakland utilized their franchise tag on Charles Woodson two days prior to the deadline and after not being able to negotiate on a long-term deal, they took that tact again the following season keeping him around in 2005 with the pricey designation.

In February of 2008, Nnamdi Asomugha got tagged, as Oakland retained exclusive negotiating rights with the cornerback. A year later, he expected to be tagged again stating, “Last year, Al (Davis) called me the day before just to let me know he’s going to do it, and then they waited until the very last possible second.

“I don’t know how they’ll do it this year, but the expectation from my agent is that the tag will happen.”

Asomugha inked a three-year deal worth $45.3 million with $28.5 million in guarantees that off-season.

Seymour ended his first season in Oakland with 47-tackles, one forced fumble and 4-sacks.

He said at seasons end, “I’m willing to take on that responsibility and that challenge and help being a part of bringing in some good guys that really can make a difference. I really enjoyed putting on the Silver & Black.”

Aaron Brooks, QB

After the Oakland Raiders parted ways with Kerry Collins, they signed Brooks to a 2-year deal worth $8 million. “Aaron gives us great depth at the quarterback position and provides us with a veteran presence,” then Raiders head coach Art Shell stated. Brooks was the starter at the beginning of the 2006 campaign, as his only competition was Marques Tuiasosopo and Andrew Walter. Brooks was sacked seven times in the opener against San Diego and battered week-two versus Baltimore, fumbling two snaps from center before straining his pectoral muscle. Eventually he started eight games for the Raiders, losing all of them and was cut after his lone season in Silver & Black, as the team wanted to avoid a $5 million roster bonus he was due the next off-season.

Verdict: Brooks was a stopgap quarterback during an agonizing season for the Raiders. His final stats: a 57.3 completion percentage, eight interceptions and three touchdown passes while being sacked 26 times in eight games.

Eric Turner, S

Prior to the 1997 season, the Raiders were on a shopping spree, and one of their prized signings was the Pro Bowl safety. Turner was reeled in with a 4-year $6 million deal. ”We’re delighted that we can add another impact player to the organization,” said Joe Bugel. He played 32-contest with the Silver & Black before dying of intestinal cancer at age 31. “I realize people are concerned, but I have chosen to keep this issue within my family,” Turner said in a statement prior to his death.

Verdict: The former 2^nd overall pick of the 1991 draft arrived in Oakland after being selected to two Pro Bowls. Turner has always been remembered fondly by teammates and the organization on and off the field.

Andre Rison, WR

A week after being released by the Kansas City Chiefs in August of 2000, Oakland picked up the 33-year old target with a one-year contract worth $450,000 and a $100,000 signing bonus. “The day I was released I already knew where I was going,” Rison commented when he landed with the Chiefs rival. The mercurial wide receiver played 16-games, compiling 41-receptions for 606-yards and 6 touchdowns. The prior season, he tallied career lows in catches and yards with no scores. Rison had 3 receptions for 44-yards in the playoffs, but had a score nullified due to pass interference flag with 4-minutes remaining in the AFC Championship game loss to the Ravens.

Verdict: Rison added attitude to the offense and solid production at wide-receiver behind Tim Brown as the Raiders marched to a 12-4 finish in the regular season in Jon Gruden’s third season.

LaMont Jordan, RB

After the 2004 season, Oakland looked to boost their putrid ground game with the signing of LaMont Jordan. After the former NewYork Jet landed in the Bay Area with a five-year, $27.5 million contract, he stated, “I’ve played out here in Oakland a couple of times and it’s actually my favorite stadium to play in, so I’m really looking forward to getting this ball rolling and hopefully being a big piece to us accomplishing our goals.” Jordan led all NFL rushers with 70 catches his first season and tallied 1,588 total yards from scrimmage and 11 scores. But it went down hill from there, as he tore his MCL in November of 2006 and missed the remainder of the season. After starting the 2007 campaign with 350-yards rushing and two touchdowns in the team’s first three-games, he sustained a back injury in Miami.

Verdict: Jordan was phased out due to his ineffective running and Justin Fargas’ emergence in his last months in Oakland. He never lived up to his contract or the expectations he had to become a productive rusher in the NFL. “After three games [in 2007], LaMont Jordan led the NFL in rushing,” teammate Warren Sapp said. “But…he was out of shape and couldn’t keep it going.”

Stay tuned for upcoming installments, looking back at the Raiders history during the free-agency period. Part-six is coming soon…

The Oakland Raiders began their off-season shopping on Tuesday by retaining their place-kicker Sebastian Janikowski.

Reports indicate that the Silver & Black have inked Janikowski to the richest deal ever given to a NFL kicker. The deal is reportedly worth $16 million with $9 million in guarantees for 4-years.

Janikowski enjoyed his best season as a pro in 2009, nailing 26 field goals in 29 attempts, including a Raider record 61-yarder in Cleveland. The former 1st round pick was highly efficient missing only one kick under 49-yards while showing off his powerful left leg going 6-of-8 from 50+ yards out.

SBReport.net reported back on February 3^rd that talks had begun with Janikowski’s representatives in order to keep him from ever hitting the free-agent waters and that Oakland was willing to open up the check book to their long-time kicker.

Back in 2004, Oakland inked him to a five-year extension that paid him $10.5 million and included $2.8 million in guaranteed money. At the time, Janikowski was the highest paid kicker in league history.

The soon to be 32-year old has spent all of his 10-campaigns with the Raiders and holds the team record for most career points (1,000).