Raiders Notes: NFL Combine, trade talk and more
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 4th round. In 2006, they selected Thomas Howard in the 2nd round and in 2005, Kirk Morrison was chosen in the 3rd round. The last time Oakland selected a linebacker in the first round was Napoleon Harris in the 2002 draft, but that was 23rd overall. Prior to that, the last player at that position to get drafted that high by Oakland was Rob Fredrickson in 1994 (22nd 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.
