Silver and Black Report

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To everyone in the Raider Nation – enjoy a safe and prosperous Holiday Season with best wishes for the New Year. Since this is the season of giving, SBReport.net will hand out presents to a few Oakland Raiders:

Kevin Boss, TE

A few more plays in the weekly game plan: After back-to-back 500 yard-plus seasons with the New York Giants, the tight end, who inked a deal with $8 million in guarantees, has had his number of targets and touches go down dramatically in this wide-receiver friendly system that also have dangerous pass catchers out of the backfield.

Tyvon Branch, SS

Strong Pro Bowl consideration: Always known to be one of the more talented young strong safeties in the conference, Branch has put it all together in 2011.

Michael Bush, RB

A strong finish to the season: Darren McFadden’s injury showcased him to the league and now, he can go into the free-agent waters if he chooses to and land a nice deal. Rushers usually don’t get loads of money thrown at them, but he’s very young, does not have a lot of wear and tear and already knows how to share a backfield with another ball carrier. If Oakland does not place a tag on him, he’ll be a sought after player.

Bruce Campbell, OL

I’m sure he’ll love if Santa found a way to get him off the inactive list.

Jason Campbell, QB

A good home in 2012: Campbell was in and out of the line-up last year when Bruce Gradkowski was around. This year, the job was his and the team was rolling before his injury. Now, with Carson Palmer around and Terrelle Pryor looming, he may have to shop himself around in the off-seaosn. Campbell is a hard worker, very classy and a pros pro.

Aaron Curry, LB

More running backs and quarterbacks to hunt down: One of the better additions to this club, who looks to have found his niche in Silver & Black.

Jacoby Ford, WR/KR

Healthy set of legs: a quad injury, hamstring issues and a foot ailment have been some of things the second year talent had dealt with in 2011.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR

A bullhorn: DHB is not a diva and has worked hard to shed the image of being a one-trick pony. He’s become a more complete wide-receiver, but you’ll never here him say, “I told you so.”

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR

Gift Cards: For him to give to Hue Jackson and Carson Palmer – as they are the main reasons he has a roster spot.

Sebastian Janikowski, PK

Another 10-more attempts from 63+ yards out: The only kicker in league history that is expected to nail those lengthy field goals. He deserves to stand alone atop the record book for longest field goal made.

Shane Lechler, P

A tire swing for his backyard: He should practice his accuracy and sell himself as a passer for his final few years. Lecler’s spiral is tight, but…

Rolando McClain, LB

A new P.R. person: I’m sure whoever had that job this season had nightmares after McClain displayed his pearly whites while being handled by officers.

Darren McFadden, RB

Healing Pills and Wolverine like armor: Oakland would surely love to have him for the final weekend and a possible playoff run. Questions about his fragility will always be asked, so some sort of mutant-like armor would be very useful for the rest of his career.

Carson Palmer, QB

An entire off-season worth of workouts with the team: He’ll get that this time around and then we’ll be able to access the trade a tad better in the coming years.

Richard Seymour, DT

Manny Pacquiao’s hand-speed: Next time he clobbers someone, maybe he’ll do it fast enough where no one will see it. Then, he can avoid being booted from a game.

Jared Veldheer, LT

Suntan lotion: He’ll be going to many Pro-Bowls in his career.

Trevor Scott, DE

A compass: So he can find his way back. Since his injury in 2010, we haven’t seen the same explosiveness or fire.

Hue Jackson, Coach

A penalty box: Maybe he can put his players in it if they keep on accumulating flag after flag like it’s going out of style.

John Fassel, Special Teams Coach

A pencil and a pad: No one draws up fakes or other plays on special teams like he has the last few years. One of the more underrated unit coaches in the league.

Sanjay Lal, Wide Receiver coach

Acknowledgment: DHB, Ford, and Moore… he’s worked with a lot of young targets and they are coming along nicely.

Tommy Kelly, DT

Podium: No other Raider provides better quotes.

The Raider Nation

A playoff berth: Boy, do you guys really deserve it.
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The NFL is going through a labor dispute, so the outlook for a typical off-season of transactions and player movement has been immobilized for the time being. But that has not stopped speculation on what players could land on new teams once the union and the league settle their differences.

For the Oakland Raiders, the rumor mill is always rampant, especially when it comes to former first round talents that have been released and are now available.

Enter Vernon Gholston. Almost immediately after the announcement of his release, some reporters cited Al Davis’ infatuation with collecting such talents – which is true.

Aundray Bruce, Russell Maryland and Desmond Howard are just some of the names in the past that Oakland has snatched up that were first round selections of other clubs.

Davis has always talked about the talent level of some of those players and how giving them another shot will make his Silver & Black the beneficiary of allowing them more time to develop.

Reclamation projects are part of Oakland lore and that will probably never change.

Which is why ESPN’s Bill Williamson stated, “If I had to guess the team most apt to pursue Gholston, I’d say Oakland. Al Davis loves former first-round picks. Any team that would take a chance on Jarvis Moss should take a chance on Gholston.”

It’s not outlandish to presume Davis will make a run at him.

Back in April of 2008, Gholston was one of the prospects linked to the Raiders when they held the fourth overall pick. Gholston had talks with the Silver & Black and their owner.

“Of course I met with Al Davis. He was a very sharp guy,” said the former Buckeye.  “We talked about the Raiders, Ohio State and he asked me if I can stop the run and I told him ‘sure’.”

The 24-year old has not recorded a sack since entering the league and barely showed signs of life under Eric Mangini and Rex Ryan. He did own up to his lack of production prior to the 2010 campaign, volunteering to take a pay cut to stick around and help the New York Jets bring in free agents.

Why didn’t the Raiders go with Gholston in 2008? Because they wanted another freakish talent – Darren McFadden – to aide a feeble offense, regardless of what appeared to be a crowded backfield.

Gholston was a workout warrior. He looks great in pads and has stellar measurables to back up the athletic ability he possesses. But will the fire be there? Is there enough pride, after making millions, to rejuvenate a fledgling career?

One thing is for sure, he’ll come cheap and at his age, someone will find his potential enticing.

HUE JACKSON ON ROOKIES & THURMAN

First years players are already facing the daunting task of learning new, more complex systems and facing seasoned veterans when they enter the league. But with the CBA up in the air, the transaction may be a tougher one in 2011.

“I think any time any player misses … it can be tough,” Hue Jackson said.

“A guy who can play can play, and our job as coaches is to put them in positions so they can play,” the Raiders’ coach continued. “Obviously, guys have to get used to certain things — the speed of the game, the environment and those things … But some guys, you’ll be surprised, they can really rise to the challenge, and when you put them in tough situations, they rise up. That’s what the real players do. So if there’s a guy that we draft, and he’s young, and we need him to play, I would think he’ll have a chance to play.”

Jackson also revealed his desire to add Dennis Thurman to his staff. “When it’s all said and done and it’s over, he’s working for a great coach in Rex Ryan,” Jackson said at the scouting combine. “I have a lot of respect for Rex Ryan. But I also think that [Thurman] wanted the opportunity to maybe to come home. But it didn’t happen this time. In the future, as we move forward, who knows. It might happen again some other time.”

The Jets secondary coach has a prior working relationship with Jackson, with USC (1997-2000) and the Baltimore Ravens (2008).

Oakland shouldn’t feel slighted, as Ryan and the Jets did not allow new Titans coach Mike Munchak the opportunity to talk to the Jets offensive line coach and ex-Raiders head coach, Bill Callahan.

“That’s the way it goes,” Munchak commented. “That’s the process. Obviously, we would have loved to talk to him, but that’s the way it goes.”

PAUL GUTIERREZ CHAT

Highlights of CSN Bay Area Insider Paul Gutirrez’s chat session.

On the defensive coordinator situation:

“I’d think it’s safe to say the gig is [Chuck] Bresnahan’s if it stays in house. I think [Mike] Waufle would have already been so named if it was him.”

About the configuration of the offensive line:

“Well, they’re definitely gonig to go to a more power-running attack, which might mean the end of zone guys like Cooper Carlisle and Samson Satele. Would not shock me at all to see [Jared] Veldheer move back to center and Mario [Henderson] to left tackle, with Bruce Campbell at RG”

On Michael Bush:

“Michael has not returned voicemails. According to Hue Jackson at the Combine, Michael is doing fine…”

On Raiders moving into the 1^st round of the draft:

“Can’t see it. Not with more than $80 million already committed to five players the past two weeks and the Raiders saying they already have a 1st-round pick…Richard Seymour.”

On Marcel Reece:

“Al Davis loves Marcel Reece. And I was the one who voted Marcel All-Pro. So, he stays ”

On Nnamdi Asomugha’s future:

“Knee-jerk reaction? Raiders, with 49ers a close second.”

AGENTS LIKE SPENDERS

“I’d like to see more teams follow the lead of the Oakland Raiders,” NFL super agent Drew Rosenhaus said at the combine in Indianapolis. “The Oakland Raiders have been aggressive in getting deals done.”

Clients of Rosenhaus that are Raiders include: Rock Cartwright & Louis Murphy.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The NFL combine is in full swing and with that, speculation on which teams are eyeing what players during the hyped evaluation period in Indianapolis.

Bill Williamson, who handles the ESPN blog for the AFC West, already focused on one player that could be the enticing for the Oakland Raiders. Ryan Bartholomew, a center from Syracuse, displayed some great vitals, which led Williamson to say that he “…is the early workout star at the NFL combine.”

Bartholomew led all talents in bench press with 34 repetitions (225-pound bench press). Williamson stated that the average over the past three years for interior offensive lineman is 26.6 reps.

The senior also posted an impressive 4.9 seconds in the 40-yard dash. At 6-foot-1 and 305 pounds, Williamson can see Bartholomew shoot into the 2^nd round. Oakland won’t get their first selection in April’s draft until the 48^th slot (2^nd round).

Much of the conjecture is based on the reputation the Silver & Black has garnered by drafting work out warriors or players that impress during their time at the combine.

Last year, Bruce Campbell was highly touted as a physical specimen with amazing size and athleticism, but that lacked football instincts. For months leading up to the draft, many pundits predicted that Oakland would reach for him and take him a lot higher than what he was projected at. Eventually, Oakland did take him, but it wasn’t until the 4^th round.

The project at guard did not see action in 2010, but is expected to compete along the trenches in a bigger role in his second season.

Jacoby Ford, one of the rookies in 2010 that had such a great impact on their football team, posted the fastest 40-yard dash time at the combine last year (4.28). Oakland snatched him up and Ford produced with 470-receiving yards, two receiving scores and three kickoff returns for touchdowns.

For the most part, the reputation Oakland has earned is well deserved. The running joke is, look at the fastest forty times and within that grouping, you’ll find your next crop of Raiders. Here’s a look back at some of the picks in recent years that reinforce that belief:

Darrius Heyward-Bey (no. 7 overall pick in 2009)

Ran a 4.3 40-time and had a vertical jump of 38 ½ inches. Clearly one of the biggest reaches in recent first round history.

Tyvon Branch (no. 100 overall in 2008)

Ran a 4.34 40-time. Has turned into one of the better young SS in the AFC.

Fabian Washington (no. 23 overall in 2005)

Ran the fastest time at the 2005 scouting combine with a 4.29. No longer on team.

Stanford Routt (no. 38 overall in 2005)

Also blazed a 4.29 40-yard time. Just re-signed a hefty new deal.

Carlos Francis (no. 99 overall in 2004)

The receiver posted a 4.33. Never materialized as a professional.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Raider head coach discusses the ever changing status of his starting quarterbacks, injuries, and where this team is attitude-wise heading into this Sunday’s game versus the San Francisco 49ers.

video management, video solution, video streaming

The Oakland Raiders signed offensive linemen Jared Veldheer and Bruce Campbell on Friday.

Veldheer, a third round choice in last April’s draft, will be given every shot to earn a starting spot along the offensive line at the tackle spot. The 2009 All-American selection and Super Three Region’s top vote getter for the Gene Upshaw Award (given to the top offensive lineman in the small college ranks) is one of the tallest to come out of the collegiate ranks in years. Veldheer has been described by scouts to have solid quickness off the snap, a long wingspan and a hard punch to neutralize edge rushers.

Only the 5^th player selected out of the small college, the 6’8, 312 pound talent from Grand Rapids Michigan started all 46-games he played in at left tackle. In his last 2-years, Veldheer produced 216 knockdowns, 30 touchdown resulting blocks and an 85.5% grade for blocking consistency.

Campbell, who has seen time at guard since joining the Silver &  Black, dropped to 106^th overall (4^th round) after speculation prior to the draft had the team selecting him in the 1^st round. . “We need to expose him a little bit,” Cable said of his physical specimen in one of the OTAs.

“This is actually my first time playing offensive guard and my first time on the right side,” Campbell stated. “Its just football. It’s still the same thing, just that I have a little more help and I’m inside. It’s not that bad at all.”

The pair is the first draft picks to ink deals for the club. Oakland opens their camp in Napa on July 28.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

BRUCE CAMPBELL

• OFFENSIVE LINE
• No: 74
• Height: 6’6”
• Weight: 315
• Birth date: 05/25/1988
• College: MARYLAND
• Acquired: Selected in the 4^TH round (106^TH overall) of the 2010 NFL Entry Draft

The Oakland Raiders got one of the most chiseled and athletically gifted linemen in the 2010 draft when they selected Bruce Campbell. Campbell started 17-of-27 games while at Maryland and in his starting assignments, the tackle recorded 116 knockdowns/key blocks with eleven touchdown resulting blocks.

Months before the draft, pundits and draft experts pegged him Oakland’s first round draft selection, instead the Silver & Black got good value on the draft’s final day by choosing a player at an area they had a need at. He stated after the draft, “I always feel like I have something to prove ever since the talk…ever since the combine where people said I was just a workout warrior. I always felt like all that stuff is good, but I am actually a good football player. So now I can prove to everybody that I am a good football player thanks to the Raiders.”

Oakland gave him time at guard in their recent minicamp in an attempt to give him more reps with the second team. “We need to expose him a little bit,” head coach Tom Cable said.

“This is actually my first time playing offensive guard and my first time on the right side,” Campbell stated. “Its just football. It’s still the same thing, just that I have a little more help and I’m inside. It’s not that bad at all.”

The Oakland Raiders just wrapped up their first full squad minicamp this past weekend. And after the three-day event, I stand by my opinion that Jason Campbell should be the starting quarterback for this club.

Bruce Gradkowski’s absence was noticeable. And his performances leading up to the season will influence what happens during the open competition. But no passer on this Raiders squad has the ability and capabilities of Campbell.

In an article published on April 25^th, I stated that Oakland should empower the former Redskin and make him feel at home, hand over the keys to the signal caller and give him something Washington was never able to do – security.

Competitions are always good for a job and no one is denying that Oakland needs to pick the best players for the job based on performances. But in this case, solidifying the quarterback position and giving Campbell a definitive nod will allow him to work at ease with Hue Jackson and bring to Oakland what they have needed since Rich Gannon retired…

A capable starting passer in the NFL.

OFFENSIVE LINE CHATTER…

Rookies Bruce Campbell and Jared Veldheer are imposing talents. And they appear to be viable candidates to either compete for starting jobs by the time the summer comes around or contribute in their first seasons. Campbell saw action at guard this weekend in trying to get him more reps with the second team and exposing the chiseled lineman to as many situations as possible. “We need to expose him a little bit,” Cable said. Samson Satele looks to have a nice gap between himself and anyone who will try to take his job atop the depth chart.

Robert Gallery is entrenched at left guard and Mario Henderson will go into 2010 looking to improve upon his first full campaign at left tackle.

D-FENCE

Jay Richardson talked about his coordinator in an exclusive chat with SBReport.net last week, stating, “It’s fun. He plays an attacking style defense. John Marshall is a fundamentally sound coordinator. He wants everything done right all the time and he has a lot of personality. He does the best he can to try to get us going throughout the week, even though it gets tough sometimes, he sticks with it and he’s just one of those guys that is relentless. He has fun with it. We have a good time with coach Marshall.”

This weekend, Marshall was seen chewing out his unit during drills along with defensive line coach Mike Waufle. Oakland expects big things out of their trenches. Lamarr Houston comes off a solid first weekend and if he is able to make an impact immediately, the Raiders could have a nice mix when Richard Seymour comes back. Houston’s development under the supervision of Waufle will be a major storyline in 2010.

DMAC AND BUSH…

“Me and Michael (Bush) learned a lot from Justin. We’re just going to take the torch from him and just try to keep it going and get better every year.” Those were the words of Darren McFadden, who now has the duties of carrying the rock with Michael Bush now that the veteran is off the roster. The duo at running back will be pushed by Hue Jackson all summer and expected to be the back-bone of the offense.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders began their three-day minicamp on Friday with two practice sessions. They will continue with two more sessions today before they wrap up with one more on Sunday. Here are highlights, news and notes from Friday:

JaMarcus Russell was sheltered by the Silver & Black, specifically Eddie Anderson, who was a mediator and ring leader in controlling what questions were asked and what direction media members wanted to take the question and answer session. The former Raiders safety cut off any questions that had to do with any of the newsworthy issues surrounding the embattled passer.

As expected, Richard Seymour was not in Alameda, as Tom Cable stated that the team is trying to hammer out a long-term deal with the defensive lineman. He has not signed his exclusive franchise tag either. “We’re trying to get it done so he’s all ours,’’ Cable stated.

Running back Michael Bennett was trying out for the club. The veteran running back has played for the Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Diego Chargers.

Tom Cable’s observations:

“We had two weeks before we did that minicamp, there was kind of a lull in there and that was a reason for doing it right after the draft,’’ Cable reflected after last year’s bad start to camp. “I think it’s reflected in that the ball’s not on the ground and we don’t look like the Keystone Cops out there.’’

Jason Campbell’s impressions:

“I’ve been through about 10 of them, so somewhere along the like I’ve run a lot of these plays, trying to find the rhythm, get used to the guys around me and get back into the groove.”

“I’m just here to work. Just here to work, get better every day,’’ Campbell said. “ I’ll let coach Cable make that decision and Mr. Al Davis. My job is to come out here every day and compete, keep working on things and try to improve the offense.’’

What did the defense look like?

To start the camp, the defensive alignment looked like this: DE Jay Richardson, DT Tommy Kelly, DT Desmond Bryant, DE Matt Shaughnessy, LB Kamerion Wimbley, LB Rolando McClain, LB Trevor Scott, CB Nnamdi Asomugha, CB Chris Johnson, SS Tyvon Branch and FS Michael Huff.

“I was looking at the playbook and there are some things that we didn’t do last year.,’’ Asomugha said. “Like always, it’s a matter of how well we do it at this time of the year and then in the summer as to whether we actually play it. So it’s going to depend on us and then how comfortable the coaches feel.’’

Hue Jackson…

One of the hardest working men on and off the field…

Bruce Campbell and Chris Cooper battle in the trenches, a little bit feisty for a minicamp…

Quarterbacks, JaMarcus Russell, Jason Campbell, Charlie Frye and Kyle Boller all got their reps in: “It means nothing. Don’t look anything into that. If you do, you’re wasting ink,” said Cable.

Oren O’Neal was waived. The fullback was slowed down significantly after his knee injury in 2008. Oakland’s fullback competition is wide open…

Ricky Brown will be limited all weekend…

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Slowly but surely, a handful of Oakland Raiders are trickling into Alameda, as the full team mini-camp is set to begin on Friday.

Sebastian Janikowski and Shane Lechler are some veterans already on the premises.

Per an interview this week with defensive end Jay Richardson, “We got mini-camp this weekend, we finally get to have the whole team together. This whole new team we have here. Have good practices: we have two on Friday, two on Saturday, one on Sunday and kind of see where we are at. Get everyone up to speed and then the next few weeks, we’ll be polishing that up, working out and building some sort of chemistry and get guys going. It should be fun.”

Here are some things to look out for as the team comes together in their first action after the draft:

Rookies, rookies and more rookies…

How will Rolando McClain, Lamarr Houston and the rest of the new grouping of Raiders react to life in the NFL? This is their first taste of lining up against professionals. More importantly, its their teammates first glance at players that are needed to make an impact immediately and help them turn around a seven year losing stretch. The defensive heavy draft features players in vital spots.

Signal caller action…

Obviously, the news will surround JaMarcus Russell and what will happen in his future. But Oakland has a crew of passers, including newly acquired Jason Campbell. Bruce Gradkowski’s injury will keep him out of action for a few more weeks, so Charlie Frye and Kyle Boller will be at the helm during certain drills.

How far along are the wide receivers…?

Louis Murphy had a respectable rookie campaign; Darrius Heyward-Bey did not. Both need to show major growth in 2010, as well as Chaz Schilens, who needs to demonstrate an ability to stay healthy and produce over the course of 16-games.

Who’s lining up where along the offensive line?

All eyes will be on Jared Veldheer and Bruce Campbell, but where will the veterans line up and who will be in the mix for what spots at the end of the weekend? Especially at right guard, center and right tackle.

Will the defensive ends please step up…

Oakland will have to start finding out what players fit best along the trenches and which ones are deserving of major reps. That won’t be decided after one weekend in May, but first impressions can go a long way.

SBREPORT.NET will be in attendance covering the three-day minicamp. Stay tuned for updates and observations from Alameda.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

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Here’s a transcript of a question and answer session with Oakland Raiders tackle Bruce Campbell. The 106^th overall selection (4^th round) was added this weekend during the NFL draft.

Q: How tough were the last couple of days waiting for that call?


A: It was pretty tough, but it kept me anxious, real anxious to see where I was going to go.

Q: Talk had you going to the Raiders in the 1st round, obviously that didn’t happen, and yet you still end up there. Was that a strange feeling for you?


A: It was strange, but at the same time I still got a chance to play football. I’m still in Oakland, so it really doesn’t even matter to me at all. I’m just happy to have the opportunity to play football.

Q: When did you know that the Raiders were interested in you? Combine? Workout? Anything like that before hand?


A: Actually, at the combine. That’s when I found out that they could have some interest in me.

Q: Do you feel that you have something to prove since you were drafted lower than what was projected?


A: I always feel like I have something to prove ever since the talk…ever since the combine where people said I was just a workout warrior. I always felt like all that stuff is good, but I am actually a good football player. So now I can prove to everybody that I am a good football player thanks to the Raiders.

Q: You played on the left side of the offensive line. Are you capable of playing the right side if you were asked to?


A: Yes I am.

Q: Have you had a chance to talk to coach Cable today? Are you excited to play for a head coach who’s got offensive line experience?


A: Yes I really am but I hadn’t got much of a chance to talk to him today. We had a quick quick interaction but there was nothing serious.

Q: Have you spoken to Darrius Heyward-Bey about coming out [Oakland]?


A: No, I haven’t talked to Darrius yet either, but I’m pretty sure that I’ll talk to him some time today.

Q: Did you keep in touch with him at all during last season about what was going on [Oakland]

?
A: Yes, I actually have.

Q: What kind of things has he told you about this place? Is that going to help you in the adjustment?


A: Really, he says it’s a good place to be. He said everything’s about football there. He says it’s the real world. He says that you get exposed to the real world and you’re going to know that you’re going to have to work and I was like…Darrius, you know I have no problem with work!

Q: Leading up to today, had any other teams contacted you or promised that they might pick you?


A: No.

Q: Regarding to pre-draft scouting reports, people loved your physical attributes, but has some questions about consistency; sometimes they would see you would knock guys off their feet, but they didn’t see it all the time. Was it learning the position or growing into it?


A: I would say that it was growing into it. I feel that I have learned a lot and that I have grown a lot since my last football game to now. So, I feel like it was more of a mental thing of knowing stuff too.

Q: What’s your workout regimen like? To have the physical gifts that you have, we have to assume that you don’t just wake up and have them; you’d have to work for them.


A: I work out, I’d say…4 times a week. Yeah, I’d say 4 times a week.

Q: Were you at all surprised that the Raiders had picked another OT ahead of you?


A: Yes, I kind of was, but in the end I was still like…hey, that’s the way the card fell. I had no choice. I know what I’m (going to) bring to the table when I get there and I know I have a chip on my shoulder. So, I’m just looking forward to being in Oakland.

Q: Did you do a lot of zone blocking at Maryland?

A: Yes, we did.

Q: Does that play to your strengths?


A: Yes it does.

Q: Did you play special teams at Maryland and would you be willing to play special teams here in Oakland as you continue to learn offensive tackle?

A: No, I didn’t play special teams at all at Maryland…and it’s something I would LOVE to do. I’d LOVE to play special teams. I don’t mind doing it.

(Photo used courtesy of NFL.com)