Pick #42: Chris Johnson?

by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 14, 2008 4:21 PM MDT in 2008 NFL Draft Comment 33 comments

I know that many Bronco fans were looking at Jonathon Stewart to be worth our #12 pick in the draft, but with our most pressing needs at WR and on the DL, you might have had a hard time convincing your peers that it was a good idea. Add in the fact that Stewart has undergone foot surgery (rumored to be related to a turf toe injury he suffered through all of last season), with a healing timetable that won't allow any further evaluation to be done before the draft, but that is not expected to keep him out of training camp, and you are really running into a hard sell.

Well, if they just won't listen to RB as a position of need in the first round of the draft, maybe you can convince them to take a look at someone in the second? And of course, I have a particular someone in mind:

Chris Johnson, RB East Carolina University
5'-11", 197lb, 4.24 40yd

Firstly, a comparison of Johnson and Bush (Stop it. Your as bad as BBS) as well as some other insight, including "He's a Dungy/Polian type of guy," can be found at Stampede Blue. And I am very sorry about the Adam Vinatieri picture. Very, very sorry.

First, the obvious: the dude is fast. You don't have to know much about who ran what to know that 4.24 is a good time in the 40, but you should also know that this number isn't going to pass by some scout's radars like it does with some fast players (i.e. Andre Hall). Johnson was the fastest player at the combine. He was, in fact the fastest player at the combine since they switched to electronic timing 9 years ago, tying WR Rondel Melendez from 1999. The good news is that this is no workout warrior time: he had no significant speed training prior to the combine. He had run a 4.29 on his first run and declined to run again, happy with that time. Until a friend from Florida started ribbing him about McFaddens time. So he ran again, this time getting the 4.24. "I knew I was fast, but I didn't realize I was that fast," he said at the time.

How about size? Well he isn't very big, but to watch him, you only see this lack of size show up in one area of his running. The leg churn you like to see out of a powerful runner isn't always present in his game. His Junior season this was VERY noticeable, and it correlated directly to his pad level and a nagging turf toe injury. Whenever his pads came up he got pounded back. But one of the major pluses with this kid is how he responds to coaching, as his Senior year saw him run consistently with a low pad level, and he appeared to have noticeably more power. The biggest highlight of this was seeing him bounce off of first tacklers, which is huge in Denver's scheme, where the RB is responsible for at least one guy. This is all just a detailed way of saying "explosive in traffic" which really doesn't mean anything to me, since that was the case with Pintos too and I don't see anyone rushing out to get their hands on those. I prefer to look at what makes him "explosive."

You like what you see when you look at him, and scouts are reporting that he could add 10 lbs easy and not see any kind of reduction in his speed. He has a thick body that tapers like a steel spike and strong drive in his legs. Again, his speed is obvious, and at ECU he showed not only the interest, but the discipline to learn several different positions, including HB, TB, flanker and WR. He is a crisp routerunner and was utilized at ECU primarily on shallow crossing routes, sideline take-offs and out routes. He would be a great gadget at WR, but he shines between the tackles, where he shows exceptional, and I mean exceptional, patience, taking full advantage of his explosiveness to hit the hole at exactly the right time. He is trained in a one cut scheme and was described by his coaches as being "the most natural decision maker" at choosing a cutback lane that he had ever seen.

His courage between the tackles is evident as well and he displays that "Bronco-lean" that most of our hand-picked running backs seem to have, where they always seem to be falling forward (another reason I never liked T.Bell. He never displayed this key characteristic). His attitude suits our o-line scheme as well, not to mention the general feel of our locker room: he is a leader by example, and a solid character. He was considered a mentor to the younger players on the team and had ideal work habits. His coaches commented after the season how much of a joy it was to coach him in practice, describing him as "all business, whether it was practice or gametime."

Another aspect that I like about his style compared to who we are fielding now is his ability to set up defenders on the second level. While he is sudden getting through the line, where he is more inclined to push through or bounce off of his tackler, IMMEDIATELY upon reaching the second level, on every highlight play I have seen of his long runs (and there are many) he is setting up the secondary. It is subtle and quick and creates angles for him that, though they will close quick in the NFL, should afford him the time he needs to switch to his next gear. Which is ANOTHER thing you have to love about Johnson: He has his running behind his blockers speed, his cutting through the hole speed, his hitting the second level speed, and above and beyond that he has yet another gear that makes that last 30 yds to the endzone seem more like 10. I'm sure the NFL level of talent will do wonders to make him seem a little less freakish in this respect, but regardless of who you are playing, 30 yds is 30 yds. When you average 10 yds a second you've got something special going on.

The last thing I want to discuss, before I leave you with a some numbers and a highlight clip to mull over, is his REAL talent, and what it all means to the Broncos and their #42 pick. Explosiveness. Incredible acceleration. Impeccable timing on cutbacks, with precise burst. Courage in traffic. Patience behind blockers. Great decision making. You can see what I am getting at, right? Let's add some history: he has been returning kicks since high school. He has produced as a KR every year, even when injured. Remember the knock against Elvis Dumervil? Too small, won't be durable in the NFL, physically won't match up against NFL level competition? Almost completely overlooked was his consistent production, gaining more sacks every year, setting records in his last year. The #1 knock against Johnson and the reason he will be picked somewhere around #44? Too small, won't be durable enough. Every year he climbed up the rankings for all-purpose yards. As a senior he set records in that category. Denver is sitting at #42 with plenty of options for upgrading that pick if they need to. They need options at WR, KR, and depth at RB. Consistent producers have been part of the hallmark of recent Denver drafts. Cutler, Marshall, DOOM. Johnson?

Courage and heart are lethal weapons.

Load up, Denver.

Stats and highlight video below the fold...

Some stats for your consideration

Highschool: 1000yd rusher, top weightlifter, top track athlete.

True Freshman: 1562 all purpose yds (142.0 avg/game) Kick Returns: 37 for 765 yds (20.7yd avg), Rushing 134 carries for 561 yds (4.2 yd avg), 5 TDs, Receiving: 32 for236 yds (7.6yd avg), 2 TDs.

Sophmore: 1586 all purpose yds (136.27 avg/game) Kick Returns: 21 for 459 yds (21.9yd avg), Rushing: 176 for 684 (3.9yd avg), 6 TDs, Receiving: 35 for 356 yds (10.2 yd avg), 2 TDs.

Junior: Injury riddled season. Played with turf toe and had neck surgery after the season. 5 starts and 7 limited action games. 972 all purpose yards (81avg/game). Kick Returns: 21 for 482 yds (22.95yd avg), 1 TD, Rushing: 78 for 314yds (4.0yd avg), 4 TDs, Receiving: 21 for 176yds (8.4 avg).

Senior: 2960 all purpose yds (227.69avg/game), Kick Returns: 36 for 1009 yds (28.0 yd avg), 1 TD, Rushing: 236 for 1423 yds (6yd avg), 17 TDs, Receiving: 37 for 528 yds (14.2yd avg), 6 TDs.

View video on Youtube here!

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Comments

It sounds attractive,

but is he worth a 2nd round pick? Neck and toe issues do throw up a red flag. Of course, I'm not an expert on draft talent.

fader nation is a conquered nation

by mdierk on Mar 14, 2008 4:38 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Attractive

is the easy part, for sure. Getting the fastest player at the combine is like getting the sweetest piece of candy from the WonkaMan. Which sounds really, really wrong, but I'm gonna roll with it.

He played all year with the turf toe and showed ZERO signs of lingering issues the next year. I wish I knew more about the injury to help set your mind at ease. the neck injury was a crack discovered in a neck vetebrae (tiny, no pain or anything) during an intense physical. They discovered it in the offseason, and in a normal person it wouldn't have been much of a concern, but given his line of prospective employment, physicians decided to put a screw in it just in case. He sat out spring drills and then had an amazing senior year without complications.

I too am curious about the long term ramifications of a turf toe injury though. I don't think it should be considered a serious issue.

I wish my sig was as cool as mdierks!

by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 14, 2008 5:25 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well a really fast RB with a good.....

first cut would be interesting for the Donkeys as it would be for any ZB team, but them I think of Tatum Bell. Maybe these two don't mix, but from an outside perspective thats what Tatum had.

OakFoSho

by OakFoSho on Mar 14, 2008 8:11 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bell

was never a decisive runner. Initially he was too fast getting to the hole, always running into the backs of his blocks. So they worked on that only to have him come back the next year and not hit the hole fast enough.

Add to that the fact that when he took a hit he was either automatically down or knocked back five yards and he was a total misfit for Denver. He just never figured out how to turn it on in a one cut scheme.

Johnson has that missing decisiveness. His ability to read and take his cuts is phenomenal for such a young player, and running in Denver would be like taking that zone read scheme and supersizing it. The coaching in Denver could create the ultimate change of pace back with Johnson.

Regardless, my take is that he has a great chance to make the roster, and playing 4 positions, Denver would be able to find a way to get their picks worth out of him, especially when you translate all his talents to KRs.

I wish my sig was as cool as mdierks!

by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 15, 2008 2:18 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I never really could figure out.....

Why bell had such a hard time figuring out how to put it together. When he was first getting attention as the 2nd RB (I don't remember who he was behind at the time) he would come in and rip it up for the few carries that he got, but then he got the load, and could never handle it.

I mean don't get me wrong, as a Raider fan he was a scary thought for a while, so I'm happy that he did not work out. A lot of us in Raider Nation were sure he was going to be a terror, maybe not the likes of TD, but damn good anyway. He still may be eventually, as it appears he has found a home in Detroit.

You just never know. He certainly has the tools to be good, he just has to put them all together and prove he can carry the load.

OakFoSho

by OakFoSho on Mar 16, 2008 12:41 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't look

for denver to RB this early in the draft for a few reasons. 1- we have 5 or 6 on the roster already and three have good game experiance. 2- we have much more pressing needs than RB and 3- with the talent in this years draft we shoudl focus on the future of every position. Defense in teh first two is almost a must, and there is some good draft prospects in the 4 5 6 and 7 rounds to keep us up and up on offense (mike hart and a few WR) I truly think if we go defense first we will have a good share of offensive talent come the later rounds.

Davis to the Hall! "A leader, once convinced that a particular course of action is the right one, must be undaunted when the going gets tough." Ronald Reagan

by Jon Tollerud on Mar 14, 2008 4:44 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

3 (or 4) for the price of 1

Denver's current RB roster:

Top: Henry, Young. These two are almost guaranteed roster spots. I like em both.

Good, but some questions: Hall, Sapp. They made the roster last year, but Shanahan openly questioned Hall's durability (after he was hurt in limited action) and Sapp was lowballed in free agency. Hall has a good chance to stick around because he is in line for kick returns, and Sapp is our "barely there" FB.

Not going anywhere, but not really depth at RB: Jackson and Paul Smith. Both are ST guys, and Jackson is a big guy at FB. I wouldn't count them to heavily against Denver's RB allotment.

In danger: Marquis Weeks, Mike Bell. Camp fodder. This is the year that Bell must make some tremendous strides or be gone. Only a lack of depth is keeping him around. Interesting fact on weeks: only a 2nd year player, but 27 years old. hrrm.

So 8 guys with two VERY questionable and two "not really there". We went into training camp last year with 10 backs, so we will probably add to the list from somewhere.

I definitely agree that we need upgrades elsewhere much worse than bolstering RB, but consider: we are a run first team, so we certainly can't neglect rb, and Johnson would upgrade several areas at once:

#1 KR= this is a HUGE area of need for the Broncos and worth a high pick.

#2 or #3 RB= Not a huge area of need but he would be an upgrade over Hall for sure, and he offers more of what Selvin Young provides, the question is can he deliver it over Young who has proven himself in our system.

#4 WR= whether out of the backfield or from the line he is a receiving threat whose real responsibility would be to pull the safeties away from Marshall.

#1 ST= along with all of his other duties at ECU he was on the ST coverage units and he logged tackles all year in that capacity.

All of this for one pick? Talk about guaranteeing your pick will make the team. Not saying there isn't value in other players but we should properly weigh Johnson's value with them.

I wish my sig was as cool as mdierks!

by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 14, 2008 5:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wouldn't Stewart's injury

likely push him to the second round?

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ Oates on Mar 14, 2008 4:52 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't think he will drop to #42

they have plenty to go on, and he didn't delay the process so he will be ready well before training camp,, so more than anything, teams that want him will be trying to get a deal on him. They will wait as long as they have to and no longer, meaning he will get a pass in the top half of the first probably everyone right up to CHI at #14. Then the next ten or so picks are teams that will have to seriously consider whether to take him or trade back and get him later. The last 8 or so teams would be in a position to get a prospective steal, so anyone who has him on their short list will nab him without thinking about it.

Basically, instead of going off the board around 10 (where Denver doesn't get ripped off for spening a #12 on him) he will be more likely to go off around #20 (where Denver would have to really reach). They've done it before of course, but he would be an awfully expensive KR, if they even took that risk with him. He doesn't have Johnson's ability in that department.

I wish my sig was as cool as mdierks!

by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 14, 2008 5:14 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Eh?

I didn't know there were that many Broncos fans interested in us picking up a RB at #12. I think RB is the least of our worries. :) I've seen more people looking at OT or DT and even a few at WR, but no RBs that I know of. We got so many RBs we could plug in one per quarter and then some. :) Heck we might have a couple to spare for the half time shows. :)

by nheimler on Mar 14, 2008 5:48 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

oh yeah

I don't know how many of the forum users browse this site, but I have seen hundreds of calls for both Mendenhall and Stewart at #12 in the forums, and a few well reasoned comments here as well. There have been MANY calls for a KR as well, though usually they are thinking WR.

I never seriously considered it, but it makes a good segue into the article, and RB is a highly critical position with the Broncos...

Zappa, I need some backup here!

I wish my sig was as cool as mdierks!

by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 14, 2008 5:52 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Heh...

Yeah I just basically scan the articles that are posted here. I don't really read too many comments unless the first few look good. I am on many Broncos email lists and other forums and I haven't seem too many discussions for RB, so I guess that might be where I don't see it too much. :)

by nheimler on Mar 14, 2008 6:10 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can Chris Johnson stop the run?

I will sound like a broken record (the round kind that used to be played to listen to music, not the kind that are broken with steroids) until the run defense gets fixed. IF two run stuffers are picked, then it will be okay to get a KR who can also play HB and flanker.

The depth at RB should be able to give Johnson time to make contributions elsewhere and allow him to take a year or two to add the muscle needed to handle getting pounded on by NFL linemen.

BTW Styg, how come professional sportswriters don't write as well as you? Why are the standards so low for professional sportswriters?

by Arctic Bronco on Mar 15, 2008 11:43 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stewart v. Johnson.

Stewart could break his leg tomorrow and still be a first round pick, a la Willis McGahee. He's the biggest RB in the draft (235 pounds) and he's still plenty fast (4.48 forty). He's a complete back that excels in EVERY facet of the game. Chris Johnson, as much as I like the kid, can't hold a candle to him.

I like the Reggie Bush comp for Johnson, who should be used much like Reggie was during his stellar rookie year. He's less a running back than he is a hybrid receiving back. By the way, the pinnacle of that type of player is Brian Westbrook. When running the football, Chris almost always looks to buounce things outside. He aso tends to comliment his speed with exception agility (i.e. some dancing), something that is no necessarily good for our system. I picked ECU over Boise State in the Hawai'i Bowl this season because of Johnson and I love to watch him play, but he's just not a great fit.

I insist tat Curtis Lofton should be our pick in the second round. Once again, I'd like to make the DeMeco Ryans comp. Let me put it this way: if the Texans had gone with Reggie Bush in that draft, wouldn't Ryans have been the better rookie and overall player to date? Pass on Lofton at your own risk.

by ejruiz on Mar 14, 2008 6:18 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

The comparison is valid

but I don't think Johnson and Bush share as much in common as it might seem at first blush. While Johnson does look to bounce it outside, in Denver, the lanes would be there for the cut. He would cut long before any outside opportunities came up. When the play was blown up by the right defensive call, we have the Marshall factor: dance, juke, lose five yards, gain it back, spin, jump whatever, but never give up. Westbrook spent his first years in the NFL contributing all over but dazzling on Kick returns. 85% of this recomendation for consideration is about KR ability. And while we have some comparisons on the table, how about dave Megget? A little old school of a reference, but we don't have to get the best ever to have a difference maker that could win us one or two games next year, and beyond. Some games come down to a little luck, and he has the skills that create luck. Meanwhile he is available to play three other positions.

I can definitely appreciate the Lofton referral. In the end it is going to come down to choosing between a lot of great options. I would only point out that most of my speculation springs from what I see Denver doing, and when I look at the draft I place a higher liklihood on them drafting players for jobs that they haven't addressed yet. MLB is definitely a tricky spot. On the one hand they signed a MLB. On the other hand, he may not have been their first choice. My guess? Somebody is going to be very happy with Lofton, but it isn't going to be us...

I wish my sig was as cool as mdierks!

by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 14, 2008 6:39 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kick Returner.

You want a game-changer in the return game that could add a different dimension to our offense and maybe develope into a decent contributer on that front? Take a look at Dexter Jackson, WR, Appalachian State. Here's a guy who should be available near the top of the 4th round that could well be the next big thing returning kicks. He was a crucial member of the back-to-back-to-back D-II champs and dhowed he could outplay the big boys in the Big House, Senior Bowl and East/West Shrine game. He would be a useful #4 WR with full-time slot potential in the future. He can stretch the field vertically or create havoc in space on screens and short passes. Same height and timed speed as DeSean Jackson, only he carries about 15 more pounds. He's just a better fit (we already have decent depth in the backfield, not so much out wide) and probably a better value. Give me Lofton in the 2nd and Jackson in the 4th. I know it may not be likely, but it's optimal to me.

by ejruiz on Mar 14, 2008 8:32 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Donkeys........Speaking of Draft Picks.....

The Raiders just signed DT William Joseph......

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=770

And because I assume you are interested in what your enemy is up too, it now seems obvious the plan of action for Al Davis and the Raiders in the first two rounds. There are only two courses of action left for the Raiders.

Option #1: Now that the DT rotation has been filled out with Kelly, Sands, Warren (Thank You Donkeys), and Joseph, the Raiders will go DE with the #4 pick, baring any more FA moves. (Hello all you Gholston lovers, I am finally on board, but only if C. Long is gone though) This was up in the air prior to this signing, but I think the Raiders can actually get a decent/good rotation out of the DTs currently on the roster, so now it's almost certain that the Raiders will take a DE over a DT.

But I said `almost certain' so the Raiders do have another option.......

Option #2: If the Raiders pick up DE Kevin Carter, with whome they have been talking, then that leaves the door TOTALLY OPEN for Al to pick McFadden.

I am also convinced that, with the way the Raiders have specifically addressed all their needs via FA, that Al has had option 2 in mind all along. And if he is able to finish the need filling with Carter, then I personally welcome the McFadden idea.

Think about it! Going into the off-season the 3 biggest Raider needs were DT, DE, and OT. Two of these needs were supposed to be found in the 1st and 2nd rounds, but Al has addressed them all via FA, thus the Raiders can take the best player available, and the next Bo Jackson, D McFadden. Sounds like an AFC West title to me.

Also, now that all the glaring needs are filled, (assuming Carter is a Raider), the Raiders can go WR in rnd 2, thus further alleviating the lack of depth at the position. (Limas Sweed Please!!) This also allows the Raiders to cut dead weight if they don't work out down the line after a season or two (Javon), cause they will have a budding star at the WR position (hopefully).

Well thats how I see it! Get ready to lose Donkeys!

OakFoSho

by OakFoSho on Mar 14, 2008 11:04 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Ignoring The Taunts.

I can see a scenario in which both Chris Long AND Vernon Gholston are gone by the time the Raiders pick (the former going to Miami at #1 and the latter to St. Louis at #2) but I think it's a reasonable bet to assume one or the other will be there for your taking. Either one would be a great pick. As for Darren McFadden, he's no Bo Jackson. He should be an excellent pro back, but more in the mold of an LDT with worse hands, off-field concerns and an upright running style that might expose him to injury in the NFL.

By the way, if you think the castoffs you've accumlated at positions of need is a good route to take, perhaps you should consider reading our own comments about the Broncos D-line these ast couple of seasons. Sorry to burst your bubble, but I doub you'll be competative in 2008.

by ejruiz on Mar 15, 2008 1:09 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

It appears that the Raiders ......

are certain to sign Carter at DE. Thus, Al believes that he has taken a stab at addressing all his major needs (DT, DE, OT, WR, SS, in that order of importance), whether that is true, only time will tell. Thus it appears Option #2 is the rout Al will take, because knowing Al Davis tendencies, here is what he is thinking.....

"SPEED!!!"

AFC WEST TITLE IN 2008!!!

OakFoSho

by OakFoSho on Mar 15, 2008 3:46 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

How much cap space can oakland tie up for RBs?

I agree that DMC has the speed and the off field character concerns that would make him a good fit for Al's team. But how feasible will it be to invest that much cap space in a position that already has three proven RBs and Michael Bell waiting to prove himself.? It would be reasonable for any or all of Fargas, Jordan, Rhodes and/or Michael Bell to get out of town, because all of them could be #1 RBs for other teams.

Sneaker, if you look back a couple of weeks you will see find a great diary on salary cap, it has been very educational to me and probably the rest of the readership. The diary really helps me understand the long range constraints that organizations are subject to and the heightened importance of drafting and long term free agent contracts. Back in the day I used to be a big proponent of taking the best player available, but as free agency and salary cap became more developed it became more obvious that teams need to draft on the first day to fill positions of need. RB is not a position of need for your team, the raiders probably need a WR who is scary and explosive (Chad Johnson-esque) much more so than a fifth RB.

by Arctic Bronco on Mar 15, 2008 11:36 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

About the logjam at RB.......

As of today, the Raiders have several RBs on the roster as you say. (Jordan, Rhodes, Fargas, Bush, Echamondu) However, Jordan, regardless of whether McFadden is picked, is certain to be traded for a second day pick, maybe a low 3rd, but doubtful. Rhodes just restructured his contract, which improves his stock, and if McFadden is Picked, he will be traded for a 3rd rounder, maybe a late 2nd, but doubtful.

That would leave Fargas, Bush, Echamondu, and Assuming he is picked, McFadden. This, even still, could be looked at as a logjam, both contractually and in #s of RBs) until you take a few more things into account.

Contractually ff all the contracts that the Raiders gave this off-season, Fargas was one of, if not the most reasonable of them all, 3 years, 12 mil, 6 guaranteed over the life of that deal. Bush is on a 3rd rnd contract, IE on the cheap for a while longer, and Echomondu (who I rave about in the ZB scheme, he has torn it up in Pre-Season when given the opportunity, and the Donkeys would be wise to give him a look if he is ever released.) making the minimum. So contractually at RB, even with McFadden, the situation is OK.

As for the #s of players, true the Raiders could have three RBs that could start elsewhere in Bush, Fargass, and McFadden, and a quality back up in Echamondu stuck in an emergency role. However, McFadden would fill many more roles than just RB.

Remember, many think, as a result of his speed, upright running style, and QB experience, that McFadden would make a great slot WR. Thus the Raiders can split McFadden out in the slot. Also, McFadden can return Punts and Kick offs, two more possitions in need of a major upgrade for the Raiders.

On top of all this McFadden can fill the role of 3rd emergency QB, and allow the Raiders to keep an extra position player as opposed another QB.

Wow, now thats a lot of needs! Its like Devin Hester, but he does even more. Sure, he might not return kicks like the Greatest returner of our lifetime, but I'm willing to bet McFadden can catch better, not to mention play RB and emergency QB.

Again, the more I think about this pick, the more it makes sense for the Raiders.

OakFoSho

by OakFoSho on Mar 16, 2008 1:07 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think oak is doing this correctly

While I think oak is heading for a salary cap nightmare that will force the team to make unpleasant cuts in about two to three years, I think the specific moves at RB make sense.

They are carrying a large contingent that can be narrowed down during competition at camp, and they are still learning the nuances of zone blocking. A good zb team relies on committee (in my opinion), and should have more RBs than is typical.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Mar 16, 2008 7:52 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sorry, but

7 O-lineman on the field. I don't know who the seventh is going to throw the bucket of chicken to. It'd be better if the Faders traded out of that spot and got more picks as they need it.

"We'll call it the *N*ot *F*avre *L*eague now! We won't have to change the name!" -Frank Caliendo portraying John Madden.

by broncodude793 on Mar 16, 2008 5:37 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think you mean DL correct?

As I did not mention OL, and 7 OL would be a small #, as you need more than just 2 subs.

On the D-Line, 7 is about right. 4 DT's and 3 DEs, that allow for substitutions and depth. The reason some teams carry less than 4 DEs, is because it is often that a rush OLB can also be used as a backup DE, or in different looks like a 3-4 look. Not that they would run it all the time, but just to shake things up to avoid becoming predictable.

OakFoSho

by OakFoSho on Mar 16, 2008 11:55 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

cj

The dude looks like Hester on kick returns. Hester was a second rounder.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhUhLtAC_Ok&feature=related

Krippler

by krippler3030 on Mar 15, 2008 12:10 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Competition.

The special teams units that Hester was facing at Miami could probably give the starting line-ups of Chris Johnson's opposition a run for their money. I insist, he's got nothing on Dexter Jackson in the return game and, when you can have him in the fourth instead of the other in the second, I think we should wait. Artic Bronco's with me because my guy can stop the run: Curtis Lofton, MLB, Oklahoma. Cheers to broken records!

by ejruiz on Mar 15, 2008 2:03 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is the last I will add to this

since I am not really interested in convincing anyone to switch to Chris Johnson. Mostly I just wanted to alert everyone to his return potential, make a case for him fitting into the teams plans, and to give you an idea of where to look for him in mock drafts and such.

I will leave you all with this thought: while his overall package puts him in the #44 range, the fact that he is a 'tweener', combined with his size should start him dropping down draft boards. You aren't seeing it just yet, but I see numerous players below him moving up. Eventually they will move past him, and even though it is only five or six guys, it will restructure the middle of the draft in many, mostly subtle, ways. I understand and agree for the most part with arguments that say "not worth a second." That was the main question I wanted to pose to the community and you guys did a great job responding.

Just keep in mind that it wouldn't be surprising at all to see him last until the fourth round, where Denver has early and middle picks. Both picks, or either pick, could be spent trying to address KR in that round: Jackson, Johnson or both.

I wish my sig was as cool as mdierks!

by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 16, 2008 8:53 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of 2nd Round Picks.

The Raiders have just used theirs to acquire CB DeAngelo Hall from the Falcons. This is a medium risk, high reward move that you can't help but like for Oakland. He'll fit right in with the Silver and Black with his personality.

by ejruiz on Mar 15, 2008 4:09 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

The Deal is not done yet.....

and it could go down one of a couple ways. Fabian Washington, has supposedly been on the trading block since he got into domestic trouble in Florida earlier this off season. I don't know why as he is developing into a great CB, but Hall is still better. Fabian would reportedly require a 2nd rnd pick, and its possible that the Raiders would just swap Fabian, and a 2nd day pick, for Hall from the Falcons.

Like you stated, its also possible that the Raiders would trade the 2nd round pick, giving the Falcons 3 in the second.

All of this reportedly hinges on the Raiders being able to sign Hall long term, and they probably will. Some believe that this hampers the Raiders efforts to get Nnamdi under contract, but signing him long term would actually reduce the cap as Nnamdi has been exclusively franchised. The Raiders could also give huge signing bonuses, that don't effect the cap, to make it happen with Hall and eventually Nnamdi.

The state of the Raider Nation is improveing on a daily basis this off season, and if I were the in the rest of the West, I'd be very concerned.

Al's Mandate is McFadden!!!

OakFoSho

by OakFoSho on Mar 16, 2008 1:23 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Aha

I think there is about 0% chance they draft a RB in the first.

by sallyyoullk230 on Mar 17, 2008 1:39 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Al Davis

Hey Sneaky275, let me tell you something about good old Al Davis.

It is a well documented fact that Al likes to personally lead a mandatory offseason calisthenics routine usually set to volume 3 of sweating to the oldies. Ever since the faded nation moved back to the bay area, clothing has been optional in these workouts.

Have a nice day.

N/a

by kwool79 on Mar 17, 2008 1:37 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Thts good for the Raider Nation.....

as Al will stay in good shape in his golden years and be around for a long time, continuing to put his mark on the game as the most influential owner in NFL and Pro Football history.

OakFoSho

by OakFoSho on Mar 18, 2008 1:13 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

and with their 2nd pick

The Denver Broncos select Trevor Laws, DT Notre Dame.

This guy has what it takes to get the job done. Extremely agile, even more intelligent and a pretty good motor. I would be very disappointed if we can't pick this guy up at #42.

N/a

by kwool79 on Mar 17, 2008 1:40 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs