Raiders looking to add Pro-Bowl CB?

[RaiderInNY]

Hall the Haul
Raiders looking to add Pro-Bowl CB?
Saturday, March 15, 2008
By Victor Cotto Raiderfans.net Staff Columnist


DeAngelo Hall - CB - Atlanta Falcons, Photo by Getty Images

According to ESPN and the NFL Network, the Raiders and Falcons could have a deal in place to send two-time pro bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall to Oakland for their second round selection (34th overall) in April’s draft.

As first reported in the PREMIUM section here at Raiderfans.net, Hall, 24, who has been unhappy in Atlanta and stated in February that his chances of being a member of the Falcons next season were ‘slim to none’, could tandem with Nnamdi Asomugha and make the Raiders’ secondary the most talented in the league.

At the NFL combine, Hall stated, "I don't want to stay there. I would go anywhere who wants me. That's the thing. It's hard to play for or be part of an organization that doesn't want you. I just want to go somewhere where I'm wanted."

Earlier in the off-season, the New York Giants and Washington Redskins showed interest in the former 8th overall selection in the 2004 draft. But reports have surfaced that Hall visited Oakland – with permission from the Falcons – took part in a physical and meet with Al Davis, head coach Lane Kiffin and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan on Friday.

The Falcons suffered through one of the team’s worst campaigns ever in 2007, and as the season wound down, Hall felt “betrayed" and that "these guys kind of stabbed me in the back," as Atlanta engaged in possible trade talks with other clubs for the talented cornerback who is entering the final year of his deal.

His outbursts have been a deterrent and a major reason why Atlanta is reluctant to extend the speedy defensive back. "I don't think I'm any more outspoken than hundreds of other guys in the NFL," Hall commented. "I think I'm put under a magnifying glass because I'm in a situation that involves me right now. Everything I've ever done and I'm doing or have done in the past is put on a pedestal and looked with under a magnifying glass.

"I don't think anybody can say that I'm a bad guy. For some reason those questions have been brought up. I'm out here to kind of defend myself."

He is slated to make $4.2 million in 2008. But a possible deal for Hall could facilitate contract negotiations with the Raiders in an effort to keep him long-term.

Oakland franchised Asomugha this off-season and now may have two of the priciest defensive backs in the NFL.

Since the start of free agency, the Raiders have been very active re-signing many of their key players, bolstering their offense with the signings of Javon Walker and Drew Carter, while upgrading their defense with the additions of Gibril Wilson and William Joseph.

Joseph was on injured reserved all of 2007 for the Giants but has played in 56 games, including 17 starts. Since being drafted in the first round of the 2003 draft, Joseph has compiled 74 tackles, seven sacks, two forced fumbles and six passes defended. Defensive tackle was a key position Oakland needed to upgrade and find depth at this off-season. So they hope that a change in scenery, a healthy return and motivational camp battles with the likes of Tommy Kelly, Gerard Warren, Terdell Sands and others will bring the best out of the former University of Miami product.


OUTLOOK:

You can’t blame the Raiders for trying!

Oakland has been wheeling and dealing this off-season, seeking to add as much talent as possible to a team that has posted a 19-61 record the last 5-seasons.

Hall’s addition will elevate a unit that is very formidable already and full of young talent. His presence along with Asomugha’s growing potential will undoubtedly make them the best cornerback tandem in the NFL. And with Wilson now in the mix and Michael Huff’s possible move to free-safety, the Raiders appear to have one of the most talented secondaries in recent league history.

Of concern is whether or not Hall will grow to be disenchanted in Oakland? And could this move cause friction in trying to come to a long-term agreement with Asomugha?

If Oakland brings in Hall and quickly hands over a lucrative deal to him, Asomugha may feel slighted after committing himself to the organization during his years of development. Asomugha has been a model citizen, is one of the few Raiders that have been silver linings in recent memory and is deserving of his raise.

Plus, if both are locked up, what cap ramifications will Oakland have to deal with when they have two high priced talents at cornerback? Asomugha's exclusive franchise tag guarantees him at least $9.465 million in 2008, and Oakland has shown great interest in trying to keep him for the long run.

On the field, the impact is immense, as the Raiders will play man-to-man, leave both defenders out on a island and hopefully to the delight of fans, scheme creatively with the rest of the group to generate a pass rush or commit to stopping a long time problem – stuffing the run.

As for Joseph, the move was low risk and high reward if they can get the best out of him. Depth is always needed along the defensive line. And if he can bring productivity and be a part of a solid rotation in the trenches, Oakland could be on their way in building a well-rounded defense. His addition will not shy Oakland away from adding talent to the defensive line in April’s draft.

Oakland will also field offers for their 4th overall pick. A team like the Cowboys, who could be locked in on a player such as Darren McFadden could be a perfect trade partner for the Silver & Black. After trading away their 3rd round draft selection in 2008 last year, if this Hall trade comes to fruition, the Raiders may be in a position where moving down to attain more selections will be in their best interest.

STAY INFORMED IN THE PREMIUM SECTION OF RAIDERFANS.NET FOR MORE INFO, AS WE HEAR IT...


(Works Cited: NFL.com, ESPN.com ajc.com)

[FLORIDARAYDAH]

gREAT VALUE IMO.I hope we lock up aso but if he isnt willing to sign we have an alternative.If he does we have a great tandem

[Raidersabc123]

We will have the best CBs in the NFL

[MANDINGO]

things are looking up for the nation.

[R8rNation]

If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

Thanks for the writeup Vic

[Johnymyke]

Even more reason for other teams to run the ball down our "throut" <-----------LMAO Im going to leave it

[the_new_Jerry]

reports have surfaced that Hall visited Oakland – with permission from the Falcons – took part in a physical and meet with Al Davis, head coach Lane Kiffin and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan on Friday.

Thanks...

good read, brah!

[the_new_Jerry]

Originally Posted by Johnymyke

Even more reason for other teams to run the ball down our throut

whats a "throut"?

[JFF]

Originally Posted by the_new_Jerry

whats a "throut"?

I did an internet search, but all I could find was "throat" misspelled a bunch of times.

Sorry I couldn't help.

[R8RFOX]

This is an awesome move IMHO. We will need to promise Aso that we will lock him up with a nice long fat deal next season. Now we need to try and trade down with Dallas for extra picks. This offseason is really exciting. The fact that Hall met with Kiffin, to me says that whatever feud that was between Al and Kiff is over. Here's to hoping...

[MT Raider]

Wow, you are right RINY, you cannot blame the Raiders for trying. I for one think they are doing a pretty good job this offseason. And, I think D Hall is worth a second round pick. This does put allot of pressure on us to pick wisely in the first round

[the_new_Jerry]

Originally Posted by JFF

I did an internet search, but all I could find was "throat" misspelled a bunch of times.

Sorry I couldn't help.

Thanks, bro!