1st day thoughts

[StanleySpadowski]

With what was available, I was pleasantly surprised when Dallas traded down. I would have liked to see a little more return but overall, I think Dallas' needs can be addressed better by two players than one.

How soon before the NFL steps in and takes over the Raiders? That might have been the worst first day in the draft's history. Both players might end up being great but the term "reach" should have Al Davis' picture next to it from now on. It's almost like they said "We want a WR, who ran the fastest? Now we want a safety, screw paying scouts, where's the guy with the stopwatch?"

Wanna bet LeSean McCoy doesn't make it one year without being arrested? He's a punk and Philly's too close to his hometown and bad influence friends.

It was interesting to see Mangini place quite a bit of value on Cowboys castoffs, Kenyon Coleman and Abram Elam.

What I think Dallas targets from here:

Tony Kropog at 69, if he's gone, Williams or Sidbury. Reasoning - I don't know if the Cowboys are sold on Free and he represents good value.

Derrick Williams at 75, if he's gone, Sidbury or Donald Washington. Reasoning - The most accomplished punt returner left and I think the emphasis will be on special teams this year.

Depending on what happens in the third round, I could see them going after AQ Shipley or Antoine Caldwell, the next best centers and the interest in Unger shows that the position may be a target, in the 4th. If they don't get Williams, I could see Thomas. I'd also think Ladarious Webb and Scott McKillop would be on the radar.

 

[adamknite]

I was watching the live tracker on nfl.com, and it didn't have any information about the guy the Raiders took in the second round. By "any" I mean no height, weight, or even college team. Clicking his name took you to a page that said "no overview available" and had him listed as "DB" instead of S, CB, or whatever.

I thought that was telling on how big of a reach it was for the second round. They eventually got it updated with some info.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I was watching the live tracker on nfl.com, and it didn't have any information about the guy the Raiders took in the second round. By "any" I mean no height, weight, or even college team. Clicking his name took you to a page that said "no overview available" and had him listed as "DB" instead of S, CB, or whatever.

I thought that was telling on how big of a reach it was for the second round.

Mayock said he had never heard of him until 3 weeks ago when the buzz went around about a good workout he had at his campus. That is unbelievable!

 

[RS12]

Tony Kropog at 69, if he's gone, Williams or Sidbury. Reasoning - I don't know if the Cowboys are sold on Free and he represents good value.

Kropog, guess you did not see him get rag dolled all week at the Senior Bowl

 

[adamknite]

Mayock said he had never heard of him until 3 weeks ago when the buzz went around about a good workout he had at his campus. That is unbelievable!

The updated info on nfl.com has this on him.


Overview Mitchell wasn't invited to the NFL Scouting Combine and wasn't mentioned as a player of note in the Ohio Pro Day report, though he pulled a hamstring during the event.

 

[JonJon]

I was watching the live tracker on nfl.com, and it didn't have any information about the guy the Raiders took in the second round. By "any" I mean no height, weight, or even college team. Clicking his name took you to a page that said "no overview available" and had him listed as "DB" instead of S, CB, or whatever.

I thought that was telling on how big of a reach it was for the second round. They eventually got it updated with some info.

Here is what Mitchell had to say:

"They look at my body and I'm a lean guy, I'm strong, I'm fast, I run a 4.43 40, so I've got some pretty athletic tools to go along with size. When they see my measureables and then see my highlight tape -- I think everyone's highlight tape is amazing -- they see a mixture of size and speed and hitting. I think teams say, 'This guy can play,' even though I went to a smaller school."

Sooooo, the Raiders drafted him because he ran a fast 40 and were impressed by his youtube highlight reel???

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

I was watching the live tracker on nfl.com, and it didn't have any information about the guy the Raiders took in the second round. By "any" I mean no height, weight, or even college team. Clicking his name took you to a page that said "no overview available" and had him listed as "DB" instead of S, CB, or whatever.

I thought that was telling on how big of a reach it was for the second round. They eventually got it updated with some info.

He played for the Ohio University Bobcats. I have never seen him play, the only reason I know was because that team is about an hour or so away from where I live.

Could turn out to be the best player ever at his position but to take him in the second round was pure lunacy by the raiders.

 

[JonJon]

He played for the Ohio University Bobcats. I have never seen him play, the only reason I know was because that team is about an hour or so away from where I live.

Could turn out to be the best player ever at his position but to take him in the second round was pure lunacy by the raiders.

Walterfootball had him as the 22nd rated safety and a 7th round-free agent.

Michael Mitchell, SS, Ohio
Height: 6-0. Weight: 221.
Projected 40 Time: 4.48.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.43.
Benchx225: 21. Vertical: 37.5.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.

Maybe the Raiders know something that nobody else does.

 

[adamknite]

He played for the Ohio University Bobcats. I have never seen him play, the only reason I know was because that team is about an hour or so away from where I live.

Could turn out to be the best player ever at his position but to take him in the second round was pure lunacy by the raiders.

I understand being really high on a player that other teams aren't, and I even understand possibly drafting a guy a round or so early to make sure you get him, but I'm thinking this guy could have been gotten a lot later than the mid 2nd. They don't have their 4th, 5th, or 6th (I don't know about any comp picks or trades) round picks... but still the mid 2nd round?

They are either idiots or geniuses, looking at their track record... the first choice seems the most likely.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

I understand being really high on a player that other teams aren't, and I even understand possibly drafting a guy a round or so early to make sure you get him, but I'm thinking this guy could have been gotten a lot later than the mid 2nd. They don't have their 4th, 5th, or 6th (I don't know about any comp picks or trades) round picks... but still the mid 2nd round?

Yeah I don't get it either.

Trade that pick for a few lower round picks and you can still get the guy.

I really think Al has a mental condition now and I do not say that as a joke against him or to make fun of any elderly that develop those conditions, but this is getting bad.

 

[Hostile]

Maybe the Raiders know something that nobody else does.

:laugh2:

Good one.

 

[adamknite]

Yeah I don't get it either.

Trade that pick for a few lower round picks and you can still get the guy.

I really think Al has a mental condition now and I do not say that as a joke against him or to make fun of any elderly that develop those conditions, but this is getting bad.

With all due respect to Mr. Davis, he has to be removed from a position of power in that franchise (when it comes to talent/on field kinda stuff). The situation has already gotten to a point where it's just sad to watch.

 

[CowboyWay]

Maybe he was one of the players Jerry knew would be around later, so he traded down.

 

[CowboyWay]

With all due respect to Mr. Davis, he has to be removed from a position of power in that franchise (when it comes to talent/on field kinda stuff). The situation has already gotten to a point where it's just sad to watch.

I said the same thing when this pick happened today. There is no excuse for it. This wasn't a 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th rounder we're talking about. We're talking about a 2nd round pick.

Nevermind taking Bey over Crabtree.

The man has lost his mind.

 

[Avery]

The problem is that Al is a control freak and surrounds himself with yes-men. If you have an independent thought, you will not be with the organization. Ask Lane Kiffin.

I'm sure Cable and company were considering someone like Sean Smith or William Beatty when Al pipes up and says 'Let's take that fast Ohio guy that doesn't play for that state team, Mikey Mitchell. Badapapdadadoopitydarghhhhhh.'

Cable and the scouts look at each other blankly and exclaim 'Great idea, Al!'

 

[StanleySpadowski]

Walterfootball had him as the 22nd rated safety and a 7th round-free agent.


Maybe the Raiders know something that nobody else does.

I really liked Mitchell. He played pretty well against Ohio State this year and great against Northwestern, the only two times I saw him.

The problem was I had him as one of my favorite sleepers, a Scandrick that plays safety. I doubt that anyone besides the Raiders had him rated in the first three/four rounds.

 

[MONT17]

im hoping the Cards want 5 6th round picks for Boldin or we can send 6 draft picks to B-more for some crab cakes! the real maryland crab cakes not the ones in vegas!

 

[Beast_from_East]

The Raiders are a freaking joke of a franchise now.

 

[Rudy]

What I don't get about Al Davis' theory about drafting speed is that he continues to do so without results...I could see doing it if it had some success, but I mean how many seasons do you need to do it before you realize you have a team of million dollar busts?? I truly feel for Raider nation. Their best days aren't even in the rear view anymore, and certainly aren't anywhere nearby.