Teams Las Vegas Raiders - The Black Hole

[andana]

Grade: A
Oakland added former Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant via trade Thursday night, but former Oklahoma State wide WR Marcell Ateman is a red-zone and big-play threat waiting to happen at the next level with the Raiders.
At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds former Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver, Marcel Ateman would give Oakland another formidable option in the red zone in the wake of the loss of Crabtree.

Ateman was consistently productive over his four years in the Big 12. Ateman amassed 146 receptions for 2,466 receptions (16.9 yards per reception) with 13 touchdowns.
The Raiders continue to pillage the 2018 NFL draft class, landing their second decided steal of the weekend in former Oklahoma State wide receiver Marcell Ateman in the seventh round, No. 228 overall.
More than just a big-bodied possession receiver, Ateman’s big-play ability is evidenced by his 19.6 yards-per-catch average in 2017. He puts his massive frame to good use in the red zone and over the middle, and his ability to break tackles make him a threat to pick up big yards after the catch.

 

[andana]

Grade: A
As is so often the case, the steal of the 2018 NFL draft just happened on Day 3 of the festivities, as the Raiders landed a first-round talent with the No. 140 overall pick (Round 5) in former Michigan defensive tackle Maurice Hurst.

Combine Hurst’s presence with Key, outside linebacker Bruce Irvin, defensive end Khalil Mack and Hall, and the Raiders’ line is looking scarier by the minute.

The former Wolverines DT racked up 13.5 sacks, 32.0 tackles for loss, 130 tackles (67 solo), three passes defensed, one fumble recovery and three forced fumbles in his 40 games with Michigan.


Hurst is at his best when he is using his speed to fire his gap and cause disruption in the backfield. He is very fast at the point of attack with an excellent get-off that catches offensive linemen by surprise. He can fire into the backfield and has a burst to close on the quarterback. With active hands and a variety of moves, Hurst is a dangerous interior pass-rusher who can get sacks on his own and create them for his teammates. In the NFL, Hurst should be an asset as a weapon in the middle.

Oakland badly needs more interior defensive line talent. Hurst could be a fit for the Raiders to give them an inside pass rush.

 

[andana]

Grade: A-
The only reason why former Wisconsin cornerback Nick Nelson slipping to Oakland in the fourth round doesn’t get a solid grade of A is that he’s actively dealing with a recovery from a torn meniscus he suffered during a private workout with the Lions.

“It was only a six-week process. This is my second one so about four more weeks. I’ll be good to go in the summer. By fall camp, I’ll be 100 percent,” Nelson said during a media conference call Friday. “I feel like I would have been a late first, early second if not for the injuries based on my talent,” Nelson added

 

[Exe Gesis]

UDFA list

Oakland Raiders
Marcus Baugh, TE, Ohio State
Saeed Blacknall, WR, Penn State
Jason Cabinda, LB, Penn State
Brandon Hodges, OL, Pitt
Jamarcus King, CB, South Carolina
Kishawn McClain, S, North Texas
Alex Officer, G, Pitt
Eddy Piniero, K, Florida
Nick Sharga, FB, Temple
Nick Washington, DB, Florida

+

Camp invites
Dallin Leavitt, DB Utah St
Jesse Hosket, QB, SE Missouri State
Paul Butler, TE, Cal U. of Pennsylvania


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JASON CABINDA | Penn State 6010 | 239 lbs. | SR. Rochester, Ill. (Rochester) 3/17/1996 (age 22.1) #40

BACKGROUND: A three-star linebacker recruit out of high school, Jason Cabinda was born in California, but his parents and older twin sisters arrived in the U.S. in 1994 from the Republic of Cameroon (Central Africa) as refugees, petitioning for political asylum in the states. A three-year letterman in both football and basketball at Hunterdon Central, Cabinda was a starting linebacker and running back, setting the school-record with 50 career touchdowns. He posted 1,258 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in only eight games as a senior (ruptured appendix), leading the team to the Group IV state championship in 2013. Cabinda received a handful of FBS- level scholarship offers and originally committed to Syracuse (Summer 2013) before flipping to Penn State closer to signing day. He saw his playing time steadily increase as a true freshman, including his first career start, and posted 17 tackles in 2014. Cabinda became a full-time starter as a sophomore and led the team with 100 tackles, adding six passes defended and his only career interception to earn All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors. He battled injury as a junior (nine starts) and finished with 81 tackles and three passes defended in 2016. Cabinda started all 13 games as a senior and recorded 88 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and three passes defended to earn Second Team All-Big Ten honors. He accepted his invitation to the 2018 East-West Shrine Game.

STRENGTHS: Built like a NFL linebacker with adequate length...physical downhill and fills with low pads to work off contact...man-handles tight ends, leveraging outside run lanes...vicious tackler, loading up behind his pads and bringing his lower body...battering ram as a blitzer, relying on his natural momentum...highly intelligent, which is clear on and off the field...confident performer and steps up when the moment calls for it...named a senior captain and takes his leadership responsibilities seriously – first generation American with a genuine moral compass...graduated with a degree in economics (Dec. 2017)...reliable competitive nature, playing with high energy and passion whenever he is on the field...finished his career with 36 starts and 286 tackles, which ranks top-10 in Penn State history.

WEAKNESSES: Painfully stiff...lacks elite lateral range or sideline speed...inconsistent backfield vision, biting on play action and finding himself out of position...attack first, read second linebacker, leading to wrong steps...head ducker as a tackler, losing his target...finishing strength doesn’t always match his intentions, allowing the ballcarrier to escape his grasp...charges the line of scrimmage with a head-of-steam, but needs to show better hand technique to stack/shed...doesn’t have the foot speed or athleticism to hold up in man coverage vs. NFL backs or tight ends...dinged up over his career, including a left hand injury (Sept. 2016) that sidelined him for five games as a junior.

SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Penn State, Cabinda started his career at the WILL before taking over the MIKE linebacker responsibilities the last three years in the Nittany Lions 4-3 base scheme. His impact for Penn State was clear during his junior season while out with injury compared to his return, including an upset of Ohio State (13 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss) his first game back. Cabinda is a tough, high-energy attack dog – coaches just need to wind him up and let him loose vs. the run. However, his overaggressive style leads to misreads, lacking the redirection skills or speed to routinely recover after mistakes. Overall, it is easy to appreciate his competitive spirit, smarts and toughness, but Cabinda lacks the athleticism to be anything more than a back-up or special teamer in the NFL.

GRADE: 6th-7th Round


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MARCUS BAUGH | Ohio State 6034 | 247 lbs. | rSR. Riverside, Calif. (John W. North) 12/9/1994 (age 23.4) #85

BACKGROUND: A four-star tight end recruit out of high school, Marcus Baugh was a dual-sport standout in football and basketball at John W. North. He recorded a combined 68 catches for 1,138 yards and 10 touchdowns over his junior and senior seasons. He was considered a top-10 tight end recruit in the 2013 cycle, committing to Ohio State over UCLA, Arizona State and Florida. After redshirting in 2013, Baugh served as a reserve behind Jeff Heuerman and Nick Vannett in 2014, posting one touchdown as a redshirt freshman. He started four games as a sophomore (behind Vannett) and recorded two catches in 2015. Baugh became the full- time starter as a junior and accounted for 24 catches for 269 yards and two scores, earning Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors. His most productive season came as a senior with 28 receptions for 304 yards and five touchdowns, earning Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors. Baugh accepted his invitation to the 2018 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

STRENGTHS: Functional start/stop acceleration...controls his momentum at the top of routes and along the sideline...squares out patterns and works his way to open space...not a game-breaker, but has enough foot quickness to skirt defenders and add extra yards...lowers his pads to absorb contact, maintain his balance and continue forward...uses his plus length to hook and slow down linebackers in pursuit...graduated with a degree in criminology (Dec. 2017)...career-production as a senior with at least one reception in every game, including the game-winning catch vs. Penn State (Oct. 2017) and game-tying catch vs. Michigan (Nov. 2017).

WEAKNESSES: Average-at-best frame and bulk for the position...dull route speed, struggling to uncover vs. linebackers...hand strength and focus are inconsistent, leading to drops...concentration easily fazed by traffic...allows fastballs to get on top of him...will provide some pop as a blocker, but won’t sustain...needs to better use his body positioning to shield run lanes...blocking technique is lacking, ducking his head and losing sight of his target...background needs checked after immature habits earlier in his career, resulting in a two-game suspension to start 2014 – charged with underage drinking and having a false ID (July 2013); received another underage consumption charge (Jan. 2014)...history of shoulder issues, including multiple off-season surgeries...mediocre career production, averaging 1.9 catches per start at OSU.

SUMMARY: A two-year starter at Ohio State, Baugh was flexed across the formation in Urban Meyer’s offense, lining up inline, wing and in the slot. Rarely early in J.T. Barrett’s progression reads, he ran mostly outs and check-down routes and wasn’t asked to execute a diverse route tree. Baugh wasn’t a devastating blocker at the college level and needs to work on some things to better sustain, but got the job done more times than not on tape. He has the baseline athleticism to fit the mold of an H-back or “F” tight end at the next level. Overall, Baugh doesn’t have a glaring weakness to his game, but he also lacks a distinguishing strength and will need to improve his consistency in training camp to make a NFL roster.

GRADE: 6th-7th Round


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JAMARCUS KING

SUMMARY: A four-star recruit out of high school, JaMarcus King played wide receiver at Mattie T. Blount and didn’t have the grades to qualify to he enrolled at Coffeyville Community College where he moved to cornerback. He developed into one of the country’s top JUCO recruits and originally verballed to Auburn before flipping to South Carolina. He started 24 games in his two seasons for the Gamecocks, collecting 26 passes defended and five interceptions. King has a tall, wiry frame with long, skinny limbs, using his length to crowd the catch point. However, his lack of bulk and play strength is a red flag as he struggles to finish in run support and stays attached to receiver blocks. King plays the ball like a former wideout, locating the ball downfield and staying composed in coverage to make a play on the ball. Overall, King has the height, length and ball skills that will appeal to NFL teams, but his below average long speed and tackling skills might keep him off the field.

GRADE: Priority Free Agent

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[Exe Gesis]

kicker Eddy Piniero

 

[Exe Gesis]

 

[Chewy316]

I won't be surprised to see Pineiro best out Tavecchio.

With Nelson, he's very good in man coverage, both press and off man. Have only watched 3 games of him but I was impressed. He doesn't panic in press man, good at mirroring the receiver. He does however, panic at times when the receiver comes out of his break at the top of the route. Very good at breaking up passes but ironically doesn't have an interception.

Watched a few games of PJ Hall. In Guenther's scheme he could be very good attacking up field. In one game Hall was incredibly slow with his get off but another game he looked fine in this area. I don't think he will be much more than a pass rushing specialist in his rookie season but there is plenty for the staff to develop. Hall lined up a lot as a defensive end in a 4 man front and didn't do much there at all, but as a 3-tech he is the perfect size/speed combo for Guenther's scheme.

Have watched close to 10 games of Maurice Hurst today. My goodness he is a special player. He lined up primarily right over the center (as a 0-tech) but in the NFL he will be a 3-tech. His quickness off the snap along with his power is truly special. Sure, he's undersized. But they said the same thing about Aaron Donald as well. I can see Hurst cracking the starting lineup from week 1 of the season. Would have been a definite first round pick had his medical been ok. Hurst and Hall are the two guys the Raiders need to generate a push up the middle. Looking forward to seeing how they help the edge rushers.

I haven't watched any film of Arden Key, Victor or Ateman yet.

Excited to trade Jihad for Switzer. Switzer in all likelihood will be our punt returner next season, and we got him for a packet of chips given that Ward wouldn't have made the 53 man roster.

In the next week you'll see around half a dozen players cut. Expecting at least 1 receiver gone, a few offensive linemen cut and at least 1 DB cut as well. Gruden is turning over this roster completely.

 

[manureid]

I won't be surprised to see Pineiro best out Tavecchio.

With Nelson, he's very good in man coverage, both press and off man. Have only watched 3 games of him but I was impressed. He doesn't panic in press man, good at mirroring the receiver. He does however, panic at times when the receiver comes out of his break at the top of the route. Very good at breaking up passes but ironically doesn't have an interception.

Watched a few games of PJ Hall. In Guenther's scheme he could be very good attacking up field. In one game Hall was incredibly slow with his get off but another game he looked fine in this area. I don't think he will be much more than a pass rushing specialist in his rookie season but there is plenty for the staff to develop. Hall lined up a lot as a defensive end in a 4 man front and didn't do much there at all, but as a 3-tech he is the perfect size/speed combo for Guenther's scheme.

Have watched close to 10 games of Maurice Hurst today. My goodness he is a special player. He lined up primarily right over the center (as a 0-tech) but in the NFL he will be a 3-tech. His quickness off the snap along with his power is truly special. Sure, he's undersized. But they said the same thing about Aaron Donald as well. I can see Hurst cracking the starting lineup from week 1 of the season. Would have been a definite first round pick had his medical been ok. Hurst and Hall are the two guys the Raiders need to generate a push up the middle. Looking forward to seeing how they help the edge rushers.

I haven't watched any film of Arden Key, Victor or Ateman yet.

Excited to trade Jihad for Switzer. Switzer in all likelihood will be our punt returner next season, and we got him for a packet of chips given that Ward wouldn't have made the 53 man roster.

In the next week you'll see around half a dozen players cut. Expecting at least 1 receiver gone, a few offensive linemen cut and at least 1 DB cut as well. Gruden is turning over this roster completely.

How you feeling about the draft in total? Given we didnt fully address the lb position can we expect to see bowman back?

 

[Chewy316]

How you feeling about the draft in total? Given we didnt fully address the lb position can we expect to see bowman back?

I'm not expecting bowman back. The offer is still on the table but he wants more money. I'm not exactly optimistic there but who knows at this point? I think whether Bowman returns will depend on how well the linebackers go during OTAs in May.

Overall on the surface I'm happy with the makeup of the draft class. We addressed the critical need of generating an interior pass rush, whilst we acquired some players to keep Carr upright. I'm not concerned about the names of players or the schools they went to because we see players shine from obscurity every year. Take Seattle for instance. Over a few years they got Russell Wilson round 3. Bobby Wagner round 2. KJ Wright round 4. Sherman in the 5th and Chancellor in the 6th.

If you draft players to fit your scheme and you are able to coach them up, you re going to be fine. With Jack's staff I wouldn't have been confident, but Gruden actually has a competent coaching staff who know how to develop players.

Let's say half of our picks are successful. That would imply we'd get one solid offensive tackle, one solid interior pass rusher and a long term punter. If Arden Key or Nelson pan out, then you've got a long term slot receiver and an elite edge rusher.

This draft is much better than previous years imo. 2016 draft with the exception of Joseph is s**t, whilst I'm not confident in anyone other than Conley from 2017.

 

[Exe Gesis]

 

[Exe Gesis]

Azeem Victor looked magnificently back in shape and healthy during the combine drills. I love those kinds of ILBs who hunt and stream thru for big hits. He could be a day 1 green sticker.

The front seven has the potential to be deadly and long tenured.

Mack — Hurst — Hall — Key
Morrow — Victor — Irvin

 

[Exe Gesis]

It’s kind of funny/telling how Gruden gets it all right in one draft while Reggie meandered and messed up over multiple drafts. Of course, still wait and see on all this,but the prospects FEEL much better selections, a genuine chance to be starters/stars. Gruden “gets” the mystique of the Raiders too, going for talent and checkered character, hard tough even troubled people.

 

[Chewy316]

Azeem Victor looked magnificently back in shape and healthy during the combine drills. I love those kinds of ILBs who hunt and stream thru for big hits. He could be a day 1 green sticker.

The front seven has the potential to be deadly and long tenured.

Mack — Hurst — Hall — Key
Morrow — Victor — Irvin

I like your optimism there. They're not moving Irvin back to LBer though. He will be a full time DE. Key will rotate with Irvin and Mack similarly to how the Bengals rotated 4 defensive ends throughout games in 2017 to keep them fresh in the 4th quarter.

Hall won't start initially. Hurst definitely has a chance to start right away next to Ellis.

Can't see Victor getting any time on D. He will be a special teams contributor early on, that's why they drafted him (Bisaccia likes him). You have also forgotten about Tahir Whitehead who is a lock to start somewhere at the 2nd level.

Mack - Hurst - Ellis - Irvin

Morrow - Lee - Whitehead

 

[andana]

Hurst comes across as a good quality person. Possibly a bit subdued because of the medical condition and the draft slide.
Seeing he's been playing for all these years without a problem and they now know about it and can monitor him he should be ok.

 

[andana]

 

[Exe Gesis]

Respected scout Dane Brugler on Brandon Parker....

BRANDON PARKER

STRENGTHS: NFL frame with tremendous length...maintains a wide base in his kickslide...light-footed shuffle to cut off the corner and mirror in space...eager to use his length and keep rushers at bay...ties up counter measures...uses his frame to wall-off lanes...looks to drop his pads, roll his hips and arrive with pop in the run game...unloads on down blocks...humble individual and a “lead by example” type, according to his teammates – proposed to his long-time girlfriend before kickoff at his final home game (Nov. 2017)...athletic bloodlines – father (George) played left tackle at North Carolina (1989-93) before becoming a football coach; mother (Regina) played basketball at North Carolina...started every game at left tackle the last four years, earning MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year honors as a sophomore, junior and senior.

WEAKNESSES: Built very tall off the ground, making it tough for him sink and play with consistent knee-bend...gets himself in trouble when he relaxes his hips and plays with high pads, inviting bull rushers to drive him...hands are eager, but not heavy and punch timing is highly inconsistent on film...lean build and lacks ideal bulk on his frame – added 40+ pounds since high school, but still has room to get strong...not a weak player, but lacks the point of attack power to overwhelm and bury defenders...improved instincts, but his awareness and timing aren’t ready for NFL speed...faced one power-five FBS program in his career (North Carolina) and most of his experience is vs. FCS-level talent.

SUMMARY: A four-year starter at North Carolina A&T, Parker earned the starting left tackle job as a redshirt freshman and started all 48 games there the past four seasons, mostly in a two-point stance in the Aggies’ open offense. A&T led the MEAC in rushing yards each of the last three years behind a left tackle-left guard- center combination that started every game since 2015, including opening holes for Chicago Bears running back Tarik Cohen (2017 fourth round pick). Parker didn’t give up a sack in his career with the lateral movements to shield rushers from the pocket. He might have the longest legs of any player I have ever scouted, hurting his leverage and balance at the point of attack, and he needs to better utilize his length to control, not just tie up, rushers. Overall, Parker needs to continue and get stronger and improve his sustain skills, but he has the frame, athleticism and football character than makes him an ideal developmental tackle prospect.

GRADE: 5th Round

 

[Exe Gesis]

Gruden "gets it". It's ALL about the big men, the LOS battle, that determines everything else in football. I loved that he focused on two tackles, two DTs, and an edge rusher, and still had room to nab a gun punter, a gun WR, a gun MLB, and a touted CB who fell only due to recent injury. Add in the kicker we nabbed in UDFA. Switzer and Bryant too. Wow, what a bonanza of a draft.

 

[andana]

During the fall, WalterFootball.com was the first draft site to highlight Brandon Parker as having created a buzz in the scouting community. Parker has continued the positive momentum at the Senior Bowl. In speaking with a general manager, they have been impressed by Parker and have his stock rising. That team entered this week with a fourth-round grade on Parker, but they think that could rise into Day 2 of the 2018 NFL Draft. Other teams also had Parker projected to the second day of the draft with third-round potential. Given his height and the frame to add weight, teams feel that Parker could develop into being starter at right tackle.

 

[andana]

Parker went up against Davenport who went at pick 14 in the draft at the senior bowl and beat him 2 out of 3 times. He's not that nimble but should have time to develop with help from Giacomini. Some other tackles in the draft are more likely to be guards.

 

[Exe Gesis]

Our QB depth chart is a disgrace. Look at other teams, they've got very strong 1 and 2's there. We've got nothing behind Carr really. A whole bunch of meh with Manuel, Johnson and Cook. I'm actually disgusted at it. Unless Gruden (who loved Cook, called him the #1 QB in that draft class) can somehow turn him around. But really, we ought to have a solid vet behind Carr. If Carr doesn't lift, or gets injured again, we're stuffed. I really hope Gruden has an eye going around the NFL for a back-up.

I really do wonder if Gruden is eyeing someone like Kaepernick or Manziel. Manziel especially still very young and could work well in Gruden's WCO.

 

[Exe Gesis]

NFL scout calls Raiders drafting OT Kolton Miller ‘excellent selection’
Says UCLA product reminds some of Hall of Fame OT Jonathan Ogden
Steve Corkran by Steve Corkran April 29, 2018

If you’re looking for an informed, intelligent take on college prospects, it’s wise to turn to those who grade them for a living. We did just that in an attempt to get a detailed breakdown of Raiders first-round draft pick Kolton Miller, as seen through the trained eyes of a long-time NFL scout.

Former Raiders scout Bruce Kebric scouted Miller, 6-foot-8 1/2 and 309 pounds, in seven games last season and came away quite impressed.

“He rated with Quenton Nelson as the best offensive lineman I’ve seen this year,” Kebric said in an exclusive with RaidersSnakePit.com.

Kebric had Miller rated as his No. 1 offensive tackle, ahead of Notre Dame’s Mike McGlinchey, who Raiders head coach Jon Gruden coveted at No. 10. Once the 49ers had picked McGlinchey at No. 9, Gruden traded back to No. 15 and picked Miller.

Kebric, who worked for Al Davis for almost 35 years, called the trade down “a smart move.”

He said he would have considered Miller, defensive end Marcus Davenport, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and running back Sony Michel at No. 10.

As mentioned numerous times on this site, Quenton Nelson was our top-rated player. Then again, we defer to Kebric in an official capacity. As well as some college and NFL folks who, Kebric said, are reminded of Hall of Fame offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden when they watch Miller play and see his size.

The Raiders drafted Miller to take over for incumbent left tackle Donald Penn as soon as possible, perhaps even this season. Penn is 35, earns more than $8 million this season and is fresh from a season-ending foot injury that required surgery.

If Penn hangs on to his job for one more season, Miller likely would get a long look at the right tackle spot, which is unsettled on the heels of Gruden cutting Marshall Newhouse and bringing in journeyman Breno Giacomini.

Ultimately, Miller’s home is on the left side because, as Kebric said: “He is a natural left tackle.”

As for what Kebric unearthed while scouting Miller, here is some of what he detailed:

“He has good athletic ability, quickness, movement, mobility. Alert, aggressive; adequate strength, power. Good body control/balance, feet/hips, lateral movement/change direction.”

What’s more, Kebric outlined, is Miller has good “tenacity” and finishing skills on run blocking, he is “quick” to get off his initial block and take on the middle linebacker. All that is enough to make Gruden salivate as he works toward establishing a potent rushing attack.

Against the pass, Kebric had this to say about Miller:

“Excellent pass blocker vs. edge, power, inside move. Good edge set: kick step, slide, mirror, range. Good adjust, recover ability. Good react inside move along with lateral latch ability. Good arm extension/separation, knee bend/base. Adequate anchor.”

Kebric noted that Miller “struggled some early in his first game vs. Texas A&M” last season, when his man recorded one sack and two pressures. He added that Miller made nice adjustments and played well the final three quarters.

In the six other games that Kebric scouted Miller, the UCLA standout was “dominant.”

 

[Exe Gesis]

Raiders updated depth chart, from our viewpoint
Steve Corkran by Steve Corkran April 29, 2018

The Raiders added 10 players to their roster since the NFL draft kicked off Thursday, with nine players being drafted, two acquired via trade and defensive end Jihad Ward going to the Dallas Cowboys as part of one of the trades.

It will be months before the Raiders cobble together a draft chart, and when they do, it won’t necessarily be anywhere near accurate, for the intent to deceive the masses. With that in mind, we keep a depth chart updated based upon every roster transaction, and it is based upon our observations and gleanings from talking with people around the league and within the Raiders organization.

Here is the Raiders current depth chart. (Note: This is our depth chart, based upon our observations).

DEPTH CHART

QB – Derek Carr, E.J. Manuel, Connor Cook, Josh Johnson

FB – Keith Smith

RB – Marshawn Lynch, Doug Martin, Jalen Richard, DeAndre Washington, Elijah Hood

WR – Jordy Nelson, Seth Roberts, Ryan Switzer, Marcell Ateman, Griff Whalen, Isaac Whitney

WR – Amari Cooper, Martavis Bryant, Dwayne Harris, Johnny Holton, Keon Hatcher

TE – Jared Cook, Lee Smith, Derek Carrier, Pharaoh Brown

LT – Donald Penn, Kolton Miller, David Sharpe

LG – Kelechi Osemele, Ian Silberman

C – Rodney Hudson, Jon Feliciano, James Stone

RG – Gabe Jackson, Ian Silberman

RT – Breno Giacomini, Brandon Parker, Denver Kirkland, Vadal Alexander

RDE – Bruce Irvin, Mario Edwards Jr., Tank Carradine

DT – Maurice Hurst, Eddie Vanderdoes, Treyvon Hester

NT – Justin Ellis, P.J. Hall

LDE – Khalil Mack, Arden Key

SLB – Cory James, James Cowser, Shilique Calhoun

MLB – Tahir Whitehead, Marquel Lee

WLB – Nicholas Morrow, Brady Sheldon, Azeem Victor

LCB – Gareon Conley, Nick Nelson, Shareece Wright, Antonio Hamilton

SS – Karl Joseph, Obi Melifonwu, Erik Harris

FS – Marcus Gilchrist, Reggie Nelson, Shalom Luani

RCB – Rashaan Melvin, Daryl Worley, Dexter McDonald, Senquez Golson

K – Giorgio Tavecchio

P – Johnny Townsend, Colby Wadman

H – EJ Manuel

KR – Ryan Switzer, Dwayne Harris, Jalen Richard, Griff Whalen

PR – Ryan Switzer, Jalen Richard, Dwayne Harris

LS – Andrew DePaola

 

[Chewy316]

One thing on Hurst is that he needs to finish better. Was in position to make a run stop or a sack but for whatever reason he just couldn't make the tackle.

I'm in the process of watching Key. Have roughly 15 games or so that I've found on him. Have gone through 3. Reviewing his 2017 tape first because that's supposedly a lot worse than his 2016 tape. After 3 games, I've noticed that he is very hit or miss in the run game. Good motor, but at times isn't disciplined to hold his gap. When he drops in coverage he is so smooth he looks like a weak side linebacker. His pass rushing ability looks good even if this is his bad tape. Has a variety of moves. Very quick get off to the QB. Absolutely love his dip move. Has a very good bend such that he can make a bee line to the QB once he has beaten the opposing offensive tackle. He generated pressure on both sides of the line which means he can give both Khalil and Bruce a rest.

Will write up more once I review all his tape though.

GG Manuel is a solid backup. Don't know why you are so down on him. He is not a world beater but very few backup QBs in the league are. With Gruden though I'm confident this team won't pull a del Rio if Carr goes down in 2018.

 

[Exe Gesis]

Manuel is a solid backup

He's not terrible. But he's not that good either. I really believe Gruden is waiting to see how Manziel does in the Spring League, if he stays sober and improves and has a renewed vigor. Gruden always has a plan, and a long plan. He'd have to be keeping his options open at back-up QB.

 

[Chewy316]

He's not terrible. But he's not that good either. I really believe Gruden is waiting to see how Manziel does in the Spring League, if he stays sober and improves and has a renewed vigor. Gruden always has a plan, and a long plan. He'd have to be keeping his options open at back-up QB.

There isn't a single position he isn't open to upgrading. I doubt they'd bring in Manziel but who knows at this point. Still think Manuel will be the #2 in the fall, though Cook had a decent camp this past week apparently.