A Doosie Of A First Day Draft Hangover

[RaiderDee]

A Doosie Of A First Day Draft Hangover
With the 4th overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Raiders select…


Saturday April 26, 2008
DeMarcus Davis, Staff Writer Raiderfans.net


Alameda, CA - ...Darren McFadden. Sure, McFadden is an explosive runner, but because the Kansas City Chiefs traded away DE Jarred Allen, the Chiefs were given (on a silver and black platter) the luxury of selecting a true run stuffer DT Glenn Dorsey along with their other 12 picks. The spectre of having to play Dorsey and the Chiefs twice a year now has ominous connotations.

During the offseason, I was hoping the Raiders would select a defensive lineman with the 4th pick for the simple fact that the Raiders weren’t doing a very good job in stopping the run. Even the 2007 Miami Dolphins had success running against us last year. With Chris Long being selected 2nd overall by the St. Louis Rams that meant that I could get my wish granted with Dorsey because I KNEW that the Falcons were going for a QB and QB is exactly what they selected. It was just a matter of them choosing Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco.

I was certain that the Raiders would grant my wish and pick Dorsey next because I was CERTAIN that they wouldn’t pick a running back. After all, the Raiders still have LaMont Jordan, Justin Fargas, Michael Bush, Dominic Rhodes, Reshard Lee, and Adimchinobi Echemandu all on the current Roster. However, despite my wanting a DE or DT, the Raiders went for the sexy pick in McFadden thus crushing my dreams of having a dominant run defense like the Raider defense of 2000 that also got after the quarterback.


Glen Dorsey

One of the Raiders’ biggest needs was to shore up that defensive line with Warren Sapp retiring. But according Raider head coach Lane Kiffin, the Raiders knew months ago that “this (McFadden) was the guy to have.” But what is strange is that Lane also confessed that there were more teams looking to move up to get Dorsey than there were for McFadden. Having said that, conventional wisdom would have been to take Dorsey to: 1) fill a need that the Raiders desperately needed to fix 2) take Dorsey and trade him to the Jets for all likelihood McFadden or DE Vernon Gholston; thus keeping Dorsey out of the AFC West and still fulfilling the need for an edge rusher.

To be fair to McFadden, he is a legitimate offensive threat running the ball with greater speed than Justin Fargas, catching the ball out of the backfield like a LaDanian Tomlinson, and can be spread out to WR with his speed and superior catching abilities. Offensively, he will be a nightmare for defensive coordinators, but with a questionable offensive line (at this point), will getting McFadden be justified? Only time will tell of course.

So here’s to hoping that McFadden can ease my anxiety and, (don’t laugh), Dorsey becomes a dud in Kansas City.

[R41D3R5]

There are still a lot of DT available in the later rounds, maybe they might trade and get one if someone falls.

[RaiderDee]

Originally Posted by R41D3R5

There are still a lot of DT available in the later rounds, maybe they might trade and get one if someone falls.

Kiffin already stated that they weren't going to trade McFadden. KMcFadden confirmed that Kiffin spoke to him minutes before being selected that they were taking him.

[JUSTautumnWINd]

Yeah, but Kelly got resigned to a trillion dollar contract because they believe he's going to be dominant playing CONSISTENTLY as a three-technique DT. That means Dorsey would be playing out of position if we did draft him. McFadden was the right choice, and the fact that it sucks to have to face Dorsey in a Chef's costume twice a year is Atlanta's fault. so, I think we should all blame Atlanta!!!

[MT Raider]

I hear you; I was Dorsey all the way. Defense wins championships. We have a good stable of running backs and we can run the ball very well. What we can't do.......is stop the run

[Mr. Blonde]

Originally Posted by JUSTautumnWINd

Yeah, but Kelly got resigned to a trillion dollar contract because they believe he's going to be dominant playing CONSISTENTLY as a three-technique DT. That means Dorsey would be playing out of position if we did draft him. McFadden was the right choice, and the fact that it sucks to have to face Dorsey in a Chef's costume twice a year is Atlanta's fault. so, I think we should all blame Atlanta!!!

Agreed. Stupid Falcons.

[krowl]

i have afeeling dorsey will get hurt next season..... not to jinx him or any thing. i hope he, as all players, turns out great for him and hes a monster ...just not against us

[krowl]

blah sux typing on a ps3

[BC RAIDER]

What?!

Why the hate???

Dorsey won't be able to push people around like he did in college. McFadden brings so much more to this team..

[elvistcb]

Hey, we have to face Dorsey twice a season, the Chiefs have to face McFadden twice a season, I would rather go offense than defense.

Picking Dorsey would NOT help our defense, teaching our defense to TACKLE will help our defense.