It is more than certain that Rolando McClain has played his last game for the Oakland Raiders. The former first-round pick has never come close to producing at a rate that you would expect from your first-round middle linebacker—top-10 middle linebacker no less.There are a few possible options for replacing McClain and one of them is already on the roster. Miles BurrisNothing is set in stone, but it is possible for the outside linebacker coming off of a strong rookie season to move over to the inside position. Burris looked like a steal considering he was taken in the fourth round and expected to back ...
Heading into the 2013 season, Brandon Moss suddenly has been thrust into a larger role with the Oakland A's. With the trade of Chris Carter to the Houston Astros for Jed Lowrie, Moss is the unquestioned starter at first base. On the surface, that would seem to be a good thing. Moss is coming off a career year in which he hit .291 with 21 home runs in just 84 games. The optimist in me says more time, more production. And considering Moss has long carried the reputation for being a plus power hitter, the logical explanation for 2012 may have ...
Heading into the 2013 season, Brandon Moss suddenly has been thrust into a larger role with the Oakland A's. With the trade of Chris Carter to the Houston Astros for Jed Lowrie, Moss is the unquestioned starter at first base. On the surface, that would seem to be a good thing. Moss is coming off a career year in which he hit .291 with 21 home runs in just 84 games. The optimist in me says more time, more production. And considering Moss has long carried the reputation for being a plus power hitter, the logical explanation for 2012 may have ...
There is an argument to be made for the Oakland Raiders to draft quarterback Geno Smith with the third-overall selection in April’s NFL draft. This idea isn’t particularly popular idea for various reasons, but it’s still an option the Raiders have to consider. One of the biggest arguments against drafting offense in the first round is the needs on defense. The big problem with that argument is that the draft is loaded with defensive linemen and cornerbacks. The Raiders might miss out on a couple defensive studs, but they have more than one draft pick to address their needs. It’s ...
Heading into the 2013 NFL offseason and its free-agency period, the Oakland Raiders will have the ability to create some salary cap space and make some important moves. According to CSN Bay Area’s Paul Gutierrez, although their cap situation is once again tough, the Raiders could clear some significant space with the release of one or more of several highly paid players. It remains to be seen whether that will actually happen, but the possibility is certainly there. Looking ahead, some of the most important things in forecasting potential free-agent fits are personnel/coaching links and scheme fits. For example, GM ...
The 2013 NFL Draft will provide the Oakland Raiders with some much-needed upgrades across the board. That is, if they can draft the right players. After finishing 4-12 in their first year under head coach Dennis Allen, Oakland is in the process of revamping its coaching staff and improving a team that struggled on both sides of the ball in 2012.Without a second-round pick, which went to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for Carson Palmer a couple of seasons ago, it is imperative that the Raiders draft wisely in the middle rounds and address their wide variety of team needs.Though it is ...
With the additions of Jed Lowrie and Chris Young and the plug-and-play system still in effect from last year, the Oakland Athletics have a myriad of options when it comes to the lineup. For the sake of ease, these four are the likeliest and the best choices. The depth of this team is incredible. Brandon Moss and Josh Donaldson are penciled in at the corner infield positions. Hiroyuki Nakajima is slated for shortstop, though Jed Lowrie provides a fantastic safety net should Nakajima's transition hit a snag. Second base can be manned by Lowrie, Scott Sizemore, Jemile Weeks or Grant ...
With the additions of Jed Lowrie and Chris Young and the plug-and-play system still in effect from last year, the Oakland Athletics have a myriad of options when it comes to the lineup. For the sake of ease, these four are the likeliest and the best choices. The depth of this team is incredible. Brandon Moss and Josh Donaldson are penciled in at the corner infield positions. Hiroyuki Nakajima is slated for shortstop, though Jed Lowrie provides a fantastic safety net should Nakajima's transition hit a snag. Second base can be manned by Lowrie, Scott Sizemore, Jemile Weeks or Grant ...
A top-five draft pick is a wake-up call to any organization, especially one that has been mired in mediocrity for the last few seasons.For the Oakland Raiders, garnering the third overall draft pick is something of a mandate for change. General manager Reggie McKenzie is in a tough situation. He can't afford to miss with the pick, but he needs to take a risk if the team is to get back on track.In terms of evaluating the Raiders' needs, it's difficult to find a starting point.Under center, Carson Palmer and Terrelle Pryor will compete for the starting job. Pryor didn't ...
As the NFL offseason gets underway, the fun part begins as teams cut and sign players with the hopes of making a postseason run the following year.Fans give a close listen to the swirling rumors about their favorite team, while general managers do their best to sign the best players while still maintaining payroll.The Oakland Raiders will have quite the busy offseason once again as general manager Reggie McKenzie will try to sign solid players at a reasonable price.Here is some of the latest free-agent speculation surrounding the silver and black.Begin Slideshow