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JBB Staff Roundtable: Oakland Raiders at the Halfway Point

By Nick Hjeltness

Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a catch for a two-point conversion while defended by New Orleans Saints cornerback Ken Crawley (46) late in the fourth quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Raiders won 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a catch for a two-point conversion while defended by New Orleans Saints cornerback Ken Crawley (46) late in the fourth quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Raiders won 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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September 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) runs with the football past Atlanta Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (56) during the third quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Falcons defeated the Raiders 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
September 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) runs with the football past Atlanta Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (56) during the third quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Falcons defeated the Raiders 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Who is your current favorite Raider not named Carr, Mack or Cooper? Why?

Austin Gayle: Newly acquired offensive guard Kelechi Osemele has quickly earned my respect, for his ability to physically dominate opposing defenders each and every play has left me no choice. Before Osemele, I never truly understood the benefits of a dominant, physical interior offensive lineman. Now, I never want to see him go.

Blackhanside: This is a tough one for me. Donald Penn is a raider to his core so I appreciate that. Gabe Jackson was my favorite last year. But number 70, Jesus Christ number 70 will f*** you up.

Brazy: I think Latavius is the obvious answer. I still can’t let go of how Crabtree acted when he was drafted. I keep waiting for the diva in him to come out. But, I’m going to say this rookie safety is growing on me. The way Karl Joseph is flying around in the secondary is getting my attention. He had a couple of ball separating hits against Tampa Bay that had me jumping off my couch, hoot’n and hollar’n. He’s also been sticking his nose in there good in the run game. I’m looking forward to watching this kid the rest of the season.

Evan Ball: Marquette King. The punting meme himself.

Justin Smith: It would be too easy to say Crabtree, so I’m going Osemele. Watching him maul people and just work guys until the whistle blows is awesome. His nasty attitude is I think a big reason the team has been as so successful thus far, and he’s brought a real toughness every team needs.

Maliik Obee: Favorite guy would have to be Marquette King. He is defying so many odds as a black Punter. He is Reggie Roby with swag and confidence, and he is having fun. His body type and athleticism show that he can play a different position if he so pleased.

Nick Hjeltness: Like the “favorite play” question, there are so many choices here. Michael Crabtree stands out, especially because I never expected to be as much of fan of his as I am. Kelechi Osemele and really the entire offensive line, sans the right tackle, would all be good choices. And so would Marquette King — the best and most entertaining punter in the NFL.

With that being said, I’m going with Donald Penn. He’s been phenomenal since joining the team, and he’s really embraced being a Raider. He’s been a leader in the locker room, and as someone who has badly wanted a dominant offensive line for a long time now, I’m thrilled to finally have one to cheer for. And Penn was the first building block of making that happen.

Robert Pfeifer: Michael Crabtree, easily. I’ve enjoyed watching him ever since seeing him haul in that game-winning score from Graham Harrell live on TV against Texas. Those fade routes he snags in the end zone from Carr are a thing of beauty and he has a knack for the big play.

Ryan Prime: Jalen Richard runs like a man possessed, as though his entire life he’s been told “no”, “you can’t”, “you won’t”. The thing is, that may not make him unique or different from any other guy in the league — what does separate him is that you can see emanating from his very being every single time he touches the ball. He came into the season very good and is continually improving. He’s easily been my favorite guy to watch this season.

Seth Murphy: This is tough, a lot of names come to mind and I can’t pick one. First I’ll say Bruce Irvin, he’s an incredibly vocal leader that can back up his talk. He plays like he’s 30 pounds bigger and is a huge influence in the locker room, very well respected by his teammates. He’s outspoken at times but he just wants to win. That’s a Raider.

My bonus is Jalen Richard, and he’ll always have a place for my especially after the preseason game. So humble and a hard worker that wants to help the team win. He’s very grounded and he understands his routes. It also helps that he plays like a seasoned vet, he can squeeze the most out any play.

Segun Giwa: Marquette King! Easily. No debate. Good to see that he is finally getting national media attention.

Tyler Dickson: Karl Joseph, the little pitbull. All over the field and he’s just so physical for someone his size.

Tyler Randolph: Crabtree. Dude has completely remade his status in the NFL. Him and Cooper are the most potent duo in the league, and the Raiders have him on a bargain discount. His toughness and leadership are too important for the Raiders not to have.

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