Potential is a wonderful word for an athlete to have attached to his name. That is, until general managers and coaches are out of patience, no longer willing to wait for that potential to manifest itself in production in games. For the Raiders, there are several players on their roster who have been labeled as
Walford, Calhoun, Ward among those out of time if they don’t produce this season
Great Article! Couldn’t agree more. I think Walford has the best chance to impress. Calhoun and Ward…… waste of draft picks. So sad.
Thank you, Tim. It’s also worthwhile to point out that, sometimes players who are slow to realize their potential need a coach like Gruden that can push them and help them tap that potential. So, Gruden might be just what Walford, Ward and Calhoun need to get them untracked in terms of their NFL careers.
Just like in college, you gotta be able to coach em up. Not so sure the previous regime had that ability. This will be the one audition for those 3
Another on target column. Keep up the great work Cork.
I liked Calhoun. Thought he had a very good chance to work his way into a starting LB as well as getting some work at DE in the nickel and dime. He got injured and has been unproductive at best. As stated the lack of depth at LB should have been good for him, he is not without talent, but after being cut last season I doubt he makes the team, unless he has a great camp.
Walford I have never been high on. Same goes for Ward. These two have also been given the opportunity to make themselves into starters. Both failed.
Quality depth can be the lifeblood of a team, see the eagles this year, and RM has made one bad decision after another on many of his draft picks.
I am glad to know Gruden will be in the room when drafting players now. He will get some picks wrong too, everyone does, but RM will not be the final word now and that is a good thing considering his track record.
Thank you, Philip. Great point about tying in the Eagles depth. How crucial was that this season, when they relied upon their backup quarterback, their backup left offensive tackle, young running backs, etc.? Keep it coming.
Cork
I’m not sure that you can point to any player on the roster and say that the previous staff “developed” the player. They failed to make an impact on any of these guys. Hopefully Gruden gets something out of them.
Out of these 3 guys I can see ward to be the guy that turns it on this season I don’t think our last staff knew what they were doing correctly with our guys which I sad I seen ward being played as a tackle against the eagles although he got a sack I would like to see what he can do coming off the edge even if it’s rotational I believe he is better suited for DE than DT
Ward and Calhoun have to show improvement in training camp; I doubt gruden keeps them on the roster if they don’t show up motivated to show they belong. They can be replaced.