The Oakland Raiders released Barry Sims this morning.  The thing that bugs me the most is that Sims is scheduled to make $6.8 mill, but his release only shores up $200,000.  And it only get’s worst, because the only other news the Raiders have whirling is the scheduled visit of former San Francisco 49er, and big time 1st round bust, Kwame Harris.  It gives Harris a chance to play in a system that relies on intelligent teamwork, and if anyone needs help on every play it’s Harris.  He’s also been known for his athleticism and not his strength, so in [...]

The free-agency period in the NFL began 3 hours ago, and within moments, announcements were made.  Here are the first signings, and a couple comments: 
I commend the franchise from across the Bay for making the first splash by confirming the DeShaun Foster rumors.  I think his presence will push Frank Gore to not make so many mistakes, and be more consistent.  
The Dolphins’ signed Justin Smiley to a 5-year $25 million dollar contract, leaving the 49ers to replace both of their starters last season at guard (Larry Allen-FA).  The Niners were said to have decided around the end of last season that they would [...]

The Oakland Raiders’ needs in relation to Day 3 of the NFL Combine are as follows:
• A defensive lineman that can start Week 1.  With the signing of Tommy Kelly, I think they’ll go defensive end.
• Depending on the 1st round pick, either a 2nd or 3rd round linemen.  With poor play all over the D-line, the Raiders are in need of two D-linemen on day 1.
• Competition at strong-side linebacker.  Too many needs to fill for this to be high on their list, and with the weak linebacker crops, don’t expect them to pick a linebacker high; unless a [...]

ESPN is reporting that the Oakland Raiders have re-signed Tommy Kelly to a 7-year $50.5 million dollar contract.  John Clayton of ESPN wrote that it will make Kelly the highest paid defensive tackle in the NFL, but the thing is Kelly isn’t going to primarily play in the spot vacated by Warren Sapp.  Instead of Clayton’s comparison to the Detroit Lion’s Cory Redding, I think Kelly will eventually play a role more similar to the New York Giant’s Justin Tuck.
(Defensive tackles make on average, 2 million less than defensive ends. Signing Kelly to terms similar to the highest paid DT’s and not [...]

The Oakland Raiders’ needs in relation to Day 2 of the NFL Combine are as follows:
• Competition for the injury-prone Justin Fargas, and talented enough to start one day.
• A 2nd-3rd round pick on a future starting Wide Receiver.
• An explosive 4th-5th round Wide Receiver with no higher than 4.35 40 (AKA, Al Davis’ yearly pick).
• A late round quarterback that can be develop into JaMarcus Russell’s dependable backup.
Each player will be asked in the next few days to participate in 7 specific drills that help scouts judge a players speed, strength, quickness, and agility.  Here is a link to [...]

The Oakland Raiders’ needs in relation to Day 1 of the NFL Combine are as follows:
• Right Tackle
• Right Guard
• Competition at Center
• A raw, but talented late round offensive tackle
• A big, but late round tight end with quick feet and good size and strength.
Each player will be asked in the next few days to participate in 7 specific drills that help scouts judge a players speed, strength, quickness, and agility.  Here is a link to help explain what each test consists of and why the players are asked to run them. 
I will be throwing a lot of numbers [...]

Jerry McDonald got his hands on Rob Ryan earlier today.  Here are the answers that Ryan gave to the rumors about his departure and his relationship with Lane Kiffin:

“It was a joke to me, but I don’t care who you are, you get a little upset when you see your name flashed across the board that you’ve been fired. When it’s not true it kind of pisses you off,” Ryan said. “I mean, what you can you do? There’s a difference between fact and fiction, and the fact is I’m with the Oakland Raiders and I want to be with the Oakland Raiders.”
He [...]

The Oakland Raiders lost their battle of flips with the Atlanta Falcons.  With the Raiders losing the coin toss, the Falcons will pick at the #3 spot, and the Raiders right after.  As much as the #3 spot would guarantee either Chris Long, Glenn Dorsey, or Darren McFadden, the #4 spot saves the Raiders an estimated 5 million in guarantees, and at least a million a year in annual salary.
I’m definitely not set on these picks, but if the draft happened tonight, then this is how I see the first 5 picks going.
1. Miami – Chris Long
2. St. Louis – [...]

Coverage of the NFL Combine began today with weigh-ins and interviews of offensive linemen and tightends.  The NFL Network will air footage of the workouts beginning on Saturday.  I’ve been working on my own draft guide and should have it up by Saturday morning to prepare any of you draft crazed football fans for one of my favorite events.  The guide will have its own page that you’ll be able to find on the top menu bar this weekend, but the home page is where I’ll discussion the prospects that I believe the Raiders should be looking at.
One thing I’ve been [...]

The Oakland Raiders placed their franchise tag on 5th year cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.  The tag is one of the most expensive this free agency.  The Raiders will sign Asomugha to a one-year $9.465 million dollar contract; barring any trade (consisting of two first round picks) or contract extension.  Many NFL players have fought the franchise tag lately, causing problems within the front office, and affecting the start of some the player’s seasons
It’ll take time to know how this will pan out.  If the Raiders want to keep Asomugha in Oakland, then they must sign him to an extension this off-season.  [...]