Ask Raider Nation: Chris Crane
Oct 27, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Heath Miller (83) is tackled by Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Sio Moore (55) during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Every week on Wednesday, I will post this segment, “Ask Raider Nation.” It is a segment dedicated to Raiders Fan’s who want to give their opinion on what’s happening in the world of the Raiders. All interested fan’s should email me and let me know they would like to have their views heard. Just Blog Baby and Fansided have a huge fan-base, so it’s a chance to communicate to the world.
Chris Crane from Atlanta, GA, is making the next appearance. He’s been a Raiders fan ever since watching Fred Biletnikoff torch the Vikings with his MVP performance. He’s been hooked ever since. Here’s Chris’ take on the state of the Raiders:
“Honestly, I have never been more undecided heading into a draft than I am this year. Like most fans, I was disappointed that Veldheer and Houston left in FA, but I got the feeling Houston had 1 foot out the door. Veldheer was a surprise, heck, I think the Cardinals were surprised he wasn’t franchised. Well… No matter, water under the bridge.”
“My hope is Reggie (McKenzie) is getting just the right mix of veterans with a decent amount of youth, and I really hope the OL can stay healthy and gel quickly this year. That said, there are a lot players that are hoping for bounce-back years; Schaub, MJD, DMC, Woodley, Branch, or break-out years DJ, Watson, Ausberry. It makes me a little nervous.”
“So to the picks, I think if Mack and Watkins are gone when 5 is on the clock, Reggie trades back. I don’t think I agree with it totally if the top 2 tackles are still on the board, but I have a feeling Reggie will pass given the amount he has spent in FA on the OL.”
“SI.com has a new mock in which Oakland trades down to 8 with the Vikings for the 72nd and 96th pick – love that move. With the 8th overall selection the Raiders than take Mike Evans. I like that too. Or, maybe Aaron Donald, might be a tad high for Donald, but I think he will go by 15 or 16 so what is the big deal? However, the writer then has the Raiders trading back up in the 1st to pick up Derek Carr which I don’t agree with. Plus, I just don’t think Reggie will go on the O-side his first 2 picks. Maybe, if he really sticks to BPA, but I think DB and DLine are in need of help too much and that needs to be addressed.”
“Finally, one last comment/concern: Reggie seems to be missing too much at the top of the draft (Sio Moore being the one exception). He seems to be hitting with late round picks and UDFA, but these aren’t difference makers. They are solid players, but guys that might be backups on other teams. He really needs to find a special player (or two) in this draft, and I am hoping Hayden and Watson both breakthrough in a big way this year.”
I definitely like the idea of trading down in the draft to get more picks. Pretty solid assessment Chris. It is time for the players that McKenzie drafted to step-up and start playing. Sio Moore will be exciting to watch this year, and he will have a lot of help on the D-Line with the new acquisitions. D.J. Hayden also has a new cast to assist in his growth in Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers, and Raider Nation should see much improvement in him in 2014. Miles Burris and Menelik Watson will be healthy as well, and they both need to get back onto the field. A lot of upside in Oakland this year.
Again, if anybody out there in Raider Nation would like a chance to have their thoughts heard, simply email me with your request at shane030702@gmail.com, or follow me on Twitter @EC4Life1012. Thanks for all the support, and Go Raiders!
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