Silver and Black Report

Sean Spence could be a linebacker to look out for in the NFL draft. The Oakland Raiders spent time at the Senior Bowl talking to Drew Rosenhaus, Spence’s agent.

The product out of Miami has questionable vitals; mainly size limitations. But this is a new Raider regime, and their insistence in how they look in a uniform and specs during workouts may not be a point of emphasis.

The one thing many scouts do agree on with Spence is that he has very good football instincts. He’s a mid to late 2^nd round prospect on many boards, a 3^rd round target on others.

One thing is for sure, the Raiders will go into this draft with little ammo, but with intentions to be creative in their selections and in trying to acquire more picks or a player they can acquire if he’s within sight.

Adding to the defense will be a focal point with Dennis Allen now at the helm.

Also, strengthening by getting talent that could be versatile in varying schemes will not be something the new general manager is against.

“The league has changed,” Reggie McKenzie said during the week. “Schemes have morphed so much that there now is so much difference with what a team might be doing based on first down, second down, and third down. Few teams are strictly a four-man or three-man front anymore. Some people believe that the 3-4 defense is more versatile because it gives you more guys who can stand up and move around. That’s the thing with the NFL, it is constantly evolving. So, any time you can add a player with the versatility to do that, you can’t help but be interested.”

Bobby Wagner, a linebacker the Raiders liked, probably moved out of their range with his performance this whole week. The muscular, long wing-spanned hitter may have sneaked into the 2^nd round.

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The Oakland Raiders have begun prep for the NFL draft with their scouting at the Senior Bowl.

The practices during the week are just as important as the game on Saturday, as it gives scouts and coaches the opportunity to examine the country’s best senior collegiate talents.

One player Oakland has met with this week has been Texas A&M wide receiver Jeff Fuller. The target had a breakout junior campaign, but as a senior, he dealt with injuries that limited his production. In 2010, lined up against future NFL talent Patrick Peterson in the Cotton Bowl, Fuller compiled 82-yards on seven catches.

He looks to be a developmental player and someone who could be had in later rounds, especially if there’s no improvement from his Senior Bowl week practices during the combine.

Baylor running back Terrance Ganaway has caught the eye of the Silver & Black. The bruising ball carrier has struggled in pass protection and demonstrated poor habits, but looks every bit of a short yardage runner between the tackles.

At 5-11 and 241 pounds, Ganaway has to show more in the coming months to be a viable prospect who could make some noise in his first year.

The Raiders have had their eyes on linebackers all week and spoke to talented, yet troubled cornerback Janoris Jenkins.

He was kicked off the Florida football team for varying offenses, and those character issues will surely drop him on many draft boards. Playing for North Alabama did not provide much top level competition and his meetings throughout the week were as much to rehabilitate his image and possibly get him into the 1^st round or top half of the 2^nd round in April’s draft.

Offensive lineman Ben Jones (Georgia), who is one of the better center prospects, and is projected to go late in the 2^nd or the 3^rd round also met with the Raiders.

Joseph Barksdale (#72) first caught Oakland's eye during the Senior Bowl.

Alfred Morris, a 5-11, 220-pound running back, caught the eye of scout Zack Crockett.

“He plays physical,” said the former Raiders rusher. “For his size, he does a lot of good things. When you look at a guy who loves the game the way he does, you don’t look at the size of the guy. You just know this guy is a player.

“You look at him on special teams, and he’s willing to do that. And for his size at fullback, he’s not afraid to go in there and put a lick on somebody. He thinks he’s at a school that no one knows, but when you are a good player, they will find you anywhere.”

Jamell Flemming was a cornerback that impressed many scouts, including those that work for the Raiders. At 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, his cover skills and physical play at the line of scrimmage are some strengths.

Stay tuned to SBReport.net for more news during the off-season regarding the Raiders, as on Monday, they introduce a new coach and in the coming months, they prepare for the draft and free-agency. Click the twitter link below to follow Victor Cotto, ask questions and get up to date thoughts in the Raider Nation.

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Here’s a current look at what the Oakland Raiders will be working with in terms of selections for the 2012 NFL Draft:

• 1^st round pick – 17^th overall (belongs to the Bengals – Carson Palmer trade)
• 2^nd round picks – Traded to Patriots (for 2011 3^rd and 4^th round selections)
• 3^rd round pick – Exercised in 2011 supplemental draft for Terrelle Pryor
• 4^th round pick – Traded to Redskins (Jason Campbell)
• 5^th round pick – Belongs to Raiders
• 6^th round pick – Belongs to Raiders
• 7^th round pick – Traded to Seahawks (Aaron Curry)

Oakland will receive several compensatory selections for losing Nnamdi Asomugha, Zach Miller and Robert Gallery via free-agency prior to the season starting. The compensatory picks are assigned based on player performance and playing time.

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NEW YORK, NY – SBReport takes a look at the Oakland Raiders draft class and what impact they can have on the 2011 roster.

Round 2, Pick 16 (48^th overall) – Stefen Wisniewski, Center

This was a fan friendly pick that will conjure up a lot of nostalgia but more importantly, aide an offensive line in need of some serious talent. He may not be the mauler his uncle was, nor has shown the mean streak that the elder Wisniewski played with, but he’ll give the Raiders solid technique in the middle of the trenches and likely give them an anchor along the front-line, along with Jared Veldheer, that could be a strength of theirs in the coming years.

Verdict: Very good pick and an immediate starter. He’ll play with pride and do whatever it takes to succeed. Wisniewski has enough talent to adapt to the brute running game Hue Jackson want to deploy.

Round 3, Pick 17 (81^st overall) – Demarcus Van Dyke, Cornerback

Not the value you want out of this slot considering how much work Rod Woodson will have to put in to get this speedster to play like a professional defensive back. He was not a starter at Miami, nor did he show the capabilities to warrant a selection in the third round. The size and speed is there, but will the technique ever be?

Verdict: Woodson will be glorified if he can turn Van Dyke into a starter. This investment will not pay off immediately, and if it ever does and he becomes a starter, then Oakland can say, “I told you so.”

Round 3, Pick 28 (92^nd overall) – Joe Barksdale, Tackle

His experience is a major positive, especially since Oakland will have a completely different configuration along the trenches in 2011. He’ll have problems with the speed of the game and trying to protect the edge on passing downs, an aspect of his game that will need to sure up immediately if Oakland plans to place him at right tackle.

Verdict: How he performs in the pre-season will dictate his playing time. Going with two youthful tackles could mean a long season for Jason Campbell. Barksdale will eventually turn into a solid run blocker, but his spot along the starting front-five will depend on his pass blocking effectiveness.

Round 4, Pick 16 (113^th overall) – Chimdi Chekwa, Cornerback

Good size and speed combo and Chekwa will be solid in run support, but can he develop into a solid coverage guy? Again, this pick was not about value, but more about the Silver & Black getting their type of player and a prospect they are interested in.

Verdict: Walter McFadden and Jeremy Ware (draft picks in 2010) saw stints of action last season. If Chekwa can make the roster and get as many reps as they did, it will mean that the Raiders have sustained a lot of injuries or have given up on some of their talents on the roster.

Round 4, Pick 28 (125^th overall) – Taiwan Jones, Running Back

Jones will bring a lot to the special teams as a returner and as a cover guy. More importantly, he’ll give Jackson another weapon to utilize on 3^rd downs and on reverses and plays out of the backfield. If they can mimic the success Jacoby Ford had last year with Jones, Oakland will have one of the more dynamic attacks in the league at running back.

Verdict: The Raiders best pick based on value and what he can potentially bring to the team as a rookie.

Round 5, Pick 17 (148^th overall) – Denarius Moore, Wide Receiver

Not a clean route runner, nor a target that is NFL ready. He’s all about getting down the field and taking big chunks of yards per reception.

Verdict: Not the type of wide receiver Oakland needs. Plus, with all the youth they already have, it will be a surprise if he even makes the roster.

Round 6, Pick 16 (181^st overall) – Richard Gordon, Tight End

All the attributes to become a solid tight end are there. If he continues to show competence as a edge blocker, he can make the team as a back-up.

Verdict: Brandon Myers needs to show a lot more if he wants to keep his job. If Gordon becomes a threat in the red-zone and adds to the running game with his blocking, he’ll be the team’s back-up.

Round 7, Pick 38 (241^st overall) – David Ausberry, Wide Receiver

Big and has the frame to become a target in the red-zone. But he has a long way to go before he can play any role on any depth chart.

Verdict: Good luck making the roster.

OVERALL

Wisniewski will be cemented at center, Van Dyke will be Woodson’s personal project and Barksdale in a few years could be the team’s starting right tackle. Addressing the offensive line was imperative, and Oakland made sure they upgraded a unit that in a few years could be a young and up-and-coming. Obviously, with the pending departure of Nnamdi Asomugha, the Raiders loaded up in prospects in the defensive backfield. Jones just adds to the deep talent pool at running back and gives the special teams a boost. If Nick Miller can’t show anything as a target, he’ll be a goner with the presence of Jones. The odds are against Moore and Ausberry with Marcel Reece as the team’s H-Back/receiver/tight end. This draft class at this moment gets a ‘C’ grade from me. But if down the line Barksdale, ‘Lil Wiz,’ Veldheer and Bruce Campbell are entrenched and productive, the grade will be a lot higher.

Draft pick likely to be ridiculed a few years from now: Van Dyke

Especially if he’s a bust and never materializes his talent and Asomugha is elsewhere dominating.

Draft pick likely to succeed: Wisniewski

He won’t be Jake Grove.

Draft pick that will pay immediate dividends: Jones

I’ll guarantee, if he stays healthy, we’ll see him get in the red-zone either on special teams or on a third down play. If he learns to block in the backfield quickly, he’ll see a lot of action.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

NEW YORK, NY – The Oakland Raiders finished their draft by selecting Denarius Moore, Richard Gordon and David Ausberry.

Moore, a wide receiver who played 52-games while at Tennessee, tallied over 2,000 yards, 981 of them his senior season with nine touchdowns. He is another one in the long string of speedy selections in the 2011 draft.

Oakland may have landed a target with a nice frame, solid hands and good work ethic with the 148^th overall choice (5^th round). Moore projects as a back-up wide receiver.

Gordon is a tight end out of the University of Miami. He is the second Hurricane to join the Raiders in this class and scouts project him as a possible contributor to a pass offense at the next level. He possesses above average speed for a tight end and the ability to be a target within the red-zone.

The Raiders got good value out of the 181^st slot (6^th round) in the draft with Gordon.

Oakland tabbed another swift prospect with their final pick. Ausberry played at USC and has been described to have receiver speed in a tight end’s body. He’s very raw and a prototypical tweener/H-Back at the pro level.

Ausberry was taken 241^st overall (7^th round).

OUTLOOK

With Marcel Reece on the roster, and his contributions as a target out of the backfield and split out wide, there’s little chance Ausberry makes the squad unless an injury occurs. Gordon possesses all the attributes of a tight end who can be a project, but with Zach Miller on the roster and Brandon Myers with a few years under his belt, he will have to prove to be a solid edge blocker and threat down the field to get any shot of sniffing a final roster spot. Moore was productive as a senior, so that’s a good sign for a team in need of some more reliability at wide receiver. But with so much invested in Darrius Heyward-Bey, the team’s infatuation with the often injured Chaz Schilens, the emergence of Jacoby Ford and the presence of Louis Murphy, it’s hard to imagine that the Raiders will push any of those guys aside for a unpolished prospect like Ausberry.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

NEW YORK, NY – Eastern Washington running back Taiwan Jones tweeted: “Want to thank Al Davis, Coach Jackson & Coach Skipper for believing in me & drafting me today. I can’t wait to suit up in the Silver & Black.”

The 125^th overall selection joins a talented backfield and adds more speed to a team already rich with track stars.

It will be interesting to see how Hue Jackson incorporates Jones into the offense, maybe similar to what occurred last year with Jacoby Ford.

If Jones can play special teams, having Ford and the speedy running back could give Oakland the best tandem of return men in the NFL.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

NEW YORK, NY – The Oakland Raiders have built a track team with this year’s draft class. With the 125th overall pick, the Silver & Black went with Eastern Washington rusher Taiwan Jones.

Questions about his durability dropped Jones down many draft boards, but there is no question that he has electrifying open field playmaking abilities.

The Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year suffered a broken foot late in the 2010 season, but during his pro day, Jones clocked a blazing 4.27 forty time. “I feel like the secret is starting to get out,” Jones told the Miami Herald after visiting the Dolphins. “I’ve lived my whole career feeling like I was a big secret, so it’s good to know people are hearing about me.”

Jones impressed the 49ers during a workout as well.

TAIWAN JONES

PROS:

A legitimate playmaker. Oakland will have to find ways to incorporate him into the offense. In the open field, there isn’t many players in this draft class with more ability.

CONS: His health and ability to pick up blitzes if used as a third-down rusher will be a concern.

OUTLOOK

With Jacoby Ford already on the roster, Oakland now has another multi-purpose threat. Jones will likely contribute on special teams and on 3rd downs as a versatile threat. He will be dangerous out of the backfield; whether rushing or catching the football. On reverses – where Ford shined in 2010 – Jones could be deadly. With the draft picks this class, Darrius Heyward-Bey and the many other speedy talents on the roster, Oakland is fielding one of the fastest rosters in recent NFL history.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

NEW YORK, NY – The Oakland Raiders went with more speed in the secondary in the fourth round, selecting cornerback Chimdi Chekwa with the 113^th overall choice.

The Ohio State product ran 4.4 seconds 40-yard dash at the NFL combine.

Compiling depth at cornerback has been a theme for the Silver & Black this draft, as Chekwa joins DeMarcus Van Dyke in the secondary from this year’s class.

With Nnamdi Asomugha ready to become a free agent, Oakland is bracing themselves for his departure with picks to address what could become a pressing need. The Raiders last year also added prospects to the defensive backfield: Walter McFadden (5^th round) and Jeremy Ware (7^th round).

Chekwa is not known to have good hands, can be a spotty tackler and is branded as a track-star. He was not completely healthy at the combine due to sustaining a severely dislocated right wrist in the first quarter of the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 4^th.

“It was definitely frustrating a little bit in the beginning when I couldn’t make the trip to the Senior Bowl,” he said. “But after weeks of dealing with it, you kind of get used to it and you understand it’s a part of the game and just make the most of it.”

CHIMDI CHEKWA

PROS:

Another talent with significant speed and some nice size.

CONS:

Oakland continues to add players based on their vitals, and not on their football ability.

OUTLOOK

With all the youthful athletes on the roster, Oakland will just have to hope one of them can turn into a legitimate starting caliber at the pro level. Van Dyke and Chekwa have many flaws, will be huge assignments for Rod Woodson and may not even push veterans like Chirs Johnson or the players selected last season. If either sees major playing time, they will have to prove they can be disciplined. Then again, Oakland may just feel they can generate enough pressure in the front-seven, where these youngsters won’t be exposed.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

NEW YORK, NY – With a few breaks here and there, the 2010 Oakland Raiders could’ve been playoff participants. And since the start of the off-season, they’ve made every effort to keep the team intact and address all areas of need.

The draft so far has been a prime example of that.

Selecting Stefen Wisniewski – a center who can anchor the offensive line – was the first step. Samson Satele played admirably last year, but he was a Tom Cable guy and not the mauler that Hue Jackson wants.

Not that Wisniewski is, but his technique is looked at as being far superior and with his uncle on the staff, Oakland believes they can get him with same type of nastiness Steve did when he wore the Silver & Black.

The offensive line is a major concern, and adding legitimate talent was a prime objective.

Jared Veldheer had a respectable rookie season at left tackle. He’s likely to stay there and continue his growth.

Past that, there were very little guarantees or incumbents in the trenches.

Robert Gallery is ready to sign elsewhere once free agency begins, leaving a gaping hole at left guard. On the right side, Oakland is planning to give last year’s project Bruce Campbell every opportunity to win the job at right guard.

At right tackle, the Raiders hope third-round choice Joseph Barksdale can come in and emulate what Veldheer did in 2010.

There was no denying the need for an upgrade along the trenches, but the job may not be over. This line screams for a veteran presence. Yes, the Raiders could have a plethora of youth trying to protect Jason Campbell.

The feeble passing attack does not need any more disruptions, especially not from a leaky line, with a bunch of youths who will try to learn on the job. But you have to admire that Oakland wants to build that foundation with youth.

It may not pay dividends immediately, but the effort is there.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

NEW YORK, NY – The Oakland Raiders continued to rebuild their offensive line on Friday night with the selection of Joseph Barksdale with the 92^nd overall choice.

The left tackle started all 13-games for the LSU Tigers, earning All-SEC second team honors in 2010. Scouts see starting potential in the NFL due to his massive frame (6-foot-5, 315 pounds) and strength. He’s known as a bull rusher, which falls in line with what Hue Jackson and Bob Wylie want to install along the line in Oakland.

Barksdale has been critiqued for his lack of aggressiveness, his inability to block in space, trouble she has with speedy edge rushers and instincts during blitzes; all issues that make you wonder whether or not he’ll be ready to take on the up for grabs right tackle spot for the Raiders.

Again, Oakland went with someone with a lot of measurable and potential to be a starter. But he may not fill the immediate need they have on the edge.

JOSEPH BARKSDALE

PROS:

Was a three-year starter, and as a senior, comes into the NFL with many reps under his belt and against note-worthy competition in a tough collegiate conference. Has the tools to become a mauling run blocker.

CONS:

Will be a risky proposition as a starter due to his troubles in pass blocking.

OUTLOOK

Oakland addressed the line issues with another prospect along the trenches. Barksdale has the look of a pro tackle, but can he fulfill his potential? I would be leery of starting the LSU talent at right tackle, especially if you already plan on putting Jared Veldheer at left tackle and Stefen Wisniewski at center. That is far too much youth and instability along the line for a team who needs more out pf their passing attack and that will try to make Jason Campbell feel more comfortable in year two of Hue Jackson’s offense.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist