The Raiders used Darren McFadden extensively as a pass catcher during their rookie minicamp Saturday. One way or another, McFadden is going to be in the game when the Raiders are on offense this season. The RB position may be open for all contenders, but McFadden's spot is not.
The Raiders just signed the aged veteran defensive end Greg Spires, formerly of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Spires is a bit under sized at 6-1 and 265 lbs. He's started every game for the Buccaneers since 2002. In 2007 the streak was broken due to an injury. He may fit into a rotation with the glut of DE's opposite Burgess. His veteran presence on the defense will be welcome.
ESPN's John Clayton suggests that free agent Koren Robinson could land with the Raiders. Another x-Packer WR. Robinson has been a returner for the Packers and didn't get much of a chance to join the WR rotation which speaks loads about his ability since the team was desperately looking for a complement to Donald Driver.
Michael Bush reportedly "ran with smooth athleticism that belied his size" during the Raiders' rookie minicamp Friday. This is pretty much what we've been hearing from his teammates this off-season. Hopefully he has the speed and power to go with that "smooth athleticism".
The Raiders plan to franchise CB Nnamdi Asomugha again in 2009 if he remains unsigned, according to NFL Network's Adam Schefter. We'd better keep him even if it is at that crazy franchise price. He is the best CB in the league. I do feel bad for Asomugha though. Earlier in the off-season he complained that he would be unhappy if he got the franchise tag and not a long term contract. Hopefully we're able to sign him and keep the guy happy and productive. Almost $10M/yr shouldn't be scoffed at though.
Ex-Raven, Falcon and Bengal, Edgerton Hartwell, was signed by the Raiders yesterday. After looking like a complete stud in the middle alongside Ray Lewis, Hartwell blew out his knee after signing a mega-deal with the Falcons. He has not been the same since. He will be looked on as a run stuffing backup for the Raiders if he can keep the job.
Darren McFadden has been officially given jersey #20. Yippie.....
