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Raiders live chat at 11:30 a.m. PDT

Submit your questions here

Steve Corkran by Steve Corkran
March 23, 2018
in Raiders
45
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It’s time for another live chat, so we can catch up on whatever is on your mind pertaining to the Raiders: You name it, we’ll tackle the subject. These live chats will be conducted on a regular basis. Questions can be submitted in the comments section of this post. So, just click on the link to
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Steve Corkran

Steve Corkran

Steve has covered the Raiders in some capacity since their return to Oakland in 1995. He was the full-time beat writer from 1997-2010. for the Contra Costa Times, Oakland Tribune and San Jose Mercury News and covered more than 400 NFL games, including four Super Bowls. He also is the co-author of a recently released book titled "Al Davis: Behind the Raiders Shield."

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Comments 45

  1. Bryan Derbigny says:
    3 years ago

    How aggresive do you see the Raiders being in this draft? Is it worth moving up in the back end of the first to get a LB or DT whichever one we dont get at 10? If the Bills don’t move up that 22nd pick looks good.

    Reply
    • Steve Corkran says:
      3 years ago

      Well, history shows that Reggie McKenzie prefers to trade back and not up, though he did last year to get Connor Cook. If he gets an offer from, say the Bills for two first-rounders, he should jump at that. If not, he needs to take the best player available.

      Reply
  2. A.J. says:
    3 years ago

    I feel like the two positions he Raiders will draft that could take us by surprise is OT and WR. They got ammo with a 4th, two 5ths & four 6ths they could use to get another 3rd I’m sure. But they gotta get a WR with potential to start (not sure I’m a fan of a 1st or 2nd round pick being used on a WR). If Nelson or Cooper gets hurt tho, things are not gonna go well in the passing game. Especially if the starting RT is someone on roster right now.

    Reply
    • Steve Corkran says:
      3 years ago

      That’s one of the benefits of having 11 picks, you can address a lot of needs, though it’s tough to find quality starters in the fifth, sixth and seventh rounds. But, it’s not too difficult to find productive players. And, in terms of wide receiver, the Raiders just need reliable players and depth. Offensive tackle is the spot where they need an upgrade over Newhouse and Giacomini, even Donald Penn before long.

      Reply
  3. A.J. says:
    3 years ago

    If Minkah is there at 10, Raiders gotta take him. But I feel the same about Derwin James lol. And the raiders kind of need a CB more than a safety. Personally, I think a trade down and then a CB or pass rusher would be dope in 1st. Davenport is too risky at 10 with the Raiders recent failure of drafting project players. Unless the coaching staff feels different..

    Reply
    • Steve Corkran says:
      3 years ago

      That would be a very solid selection. However, for my money, I would jump all over Quenton Nelson at No. 10, if he’s still available. It’s looking less likely that he’s going to fall that far, but he’s a game-changer.

      Reply
      • Craig Bridges says:
        3 years ago

        But our guards are solid?

        Reply
        • Steve Corkran says:
          3 years ago

          Gabe Jackson and Kelechi Osemele are phenomenal guards. However, Osemele has played tackle in the NFL before, and he could make room for Quenton Nelson, which would take care of the left or right tackle issue, as well.

          Reply
          • Craig Bridges says:
            3 years ago

            That is true

  4. David Rockwood says:
    3 years ago

    Will we get Bowman???

    Reply
    • Steve Corkran says:
      3 years ago

      Yes, I expect him to re-sign with the Raiders before long.

      Reply
  5. Craig Bridges says:
    3 years ago

    What’s the odds of Bowman getting signed & is it really even a priority?

    Reply
    • Steve Corkran says:
      3 years ago

      The odds are increasing daily, as Bowman finds that no other team is throwing wads of cash his way. The Raiders have a number in mind, and Bowman knows what that is. My best guess is, Bowman returns to the Raiders before long.

      Reply
  6. Steve Corkran says:
    3 years ago

    Whoever the Raiders select in the first round, they have to be darn sure that they are drafting a player that has a great chance of being an impact player, preferably right away. They can’t take fliers like DJ Hayden anymore.

    Reply
  7. Michelle M. says:
    3 years ago

    Thanks for doing this chat, Cork! I am reading your book now and it is pretty awesome!! Great work!! Do you think that Reggie will really draft a LB at 10? He seems to shy away from drafting them high up. If so, do think it is R. Smith (who everyone seems to be linking to the Raiders) or Edwards?

    Reply
    • Steve Corkran says:
      3 years ago

      Thank you, Michelle. That’s nice of you to pass along. I do not expect Reggie to take a linebacker at No. 10, especially when he is going to have a shot at so many other potential impact players. For him to take a linebacker, he would have to think that Roquan Smith or Tremaine Edmunds is very special.

      Reply
  8. Steve Corkran says:
    3 years ago

    Interesting comments from Rod Woodson and responses by Bruce Irvin. Both are out of line, and there are no winners. In Irvin’s case, he needs to be careful when going after a Hall of Famer and playing for a team that welcomes back its former players, many of whom played with Woodson. Again, touchy subject, sad all the way around.

    Reply
    • Craig Bridges says:
      3 years ago

      Normally I would agree but I love what Irvin said. Leadership and I bet basically spoke for most of not all the locker room. Woodson was/is a terrible coach and should evaluate that.

      Reply
      • Steve Corkran says:
        3 years ago

        Someone needs to provide solid evidence that Woodson was a “terrible” coach. After all, would you want to be evaluated based off the talent he was working with? And, he didn’t get a chance to have Conley on the field much, either.

        Reply
        • Craig Bridges says:
          3 years ago

          Sean Smith tanked, Amerson.? I agree scheme had a lot to do with it. But what DB did he develop? Who did he improve? His statements yesterday didn’t even makes sense.

          Reply
          • Steve Corkran says:
            3 years ago

            He was given credit for Sean Smith’s improved play once Ken Norton Jr. was fired. Smith played much better, everyone agrees. Beyond that, how well can you expect Dexter McDonald and Antonio Hamilton to play? Would you want to be judged based upon your work with inferior talent?

  9. Steve Corkran says:
    3 years ago

    Ndamukong Suh just told his mouthpiece that the Jets have emerged as a candidate for his services, along with the Rams, Saints and Texans. The Raiders were not mentioned. It says here, good for the Raiders. Suh is about Suh.

    Reply
  10. Steve Corkran says:
    3 years ago

    I recommend Quenton Nelson or one of the defensive tackles, and Bradley Chubb, of course, if he were to fall that far, which I don’t expect.

    Reply
    • A.J. says:
      3 years ago

      I’m all for the Raiders moving up to get Chubb but I know it won’t happen. Even tho it’d be a better pick in round one than anyone else available IMO.

      Reply
  11. Bryan Derbigny says:
    3 years ago

    Are there anymore defenders the Raiders should be looking to sign before the draft?

    Reply
    • Steve Corkran says:
      3 years ago

      Well, I was high on E.J. Gaines, but he just signed with the Browns. So, re-signing NaVorro Bowman and maybe one other cornerback would be a nice wrap up. Not thrilled about Shareece Wright at all. Rashaan Melvin is an impressive player, however.

      Reply
  12. Steve Corkran says:
    3 years ago

    I would target cornerback Bashaud Breeland and hope his foot heals in time for the season. I also would go after DT Nick Fairley on the cheap and see if I could get him in shape and motivated to make an impact.

    Reply
    • Craig Bridges says:
      3 years ago

      Fairly is interesting to me

      Reply
      • Steve Corkran says:
        3 years ago

        He ought to be. He has the ability to change the complexion of a game when he is at his best. The issue is, getting him at his best.

        Reply
    • Bryan Derbigny says:
      3 years ago

      I like Melvin a lot. I don’t know much about Wright. But I would love for them to go after Fairley, I just think we need to figure out the middle of that D line. It looks like we’ll address that in the first round of next years draft haha. I think we’re taking Roquan Smith but not sleeping on Derwin James.

      Reply
      • Steve Corkran says:
        3 years ago

        Nick Fairley was dominant at Auburn. Flat-out nasty and dominant. He got paid when he was drafted by the Rams, made some noise, then got lazy. If he senses that the ride might be about over, he might become properly motivated again and turn into a steal. Gruden is the kind of coach that could light a fire under Fairley.

        Reply
      • Steve Corkran says:
        3 years ago

        Rashaan Melvin has a lot of skills that are worth liking, Bryan. Best of all, for the Raiders, he is a huge upgrade over David Amerson and Sean Smith, as well as Dexter McDonald and Antonio Hamilton. If he plays as well as he did last season, then that would take pressure off second-year Gareon Conley, who would be freed up to cover the No. 2 receiver for opposing teams as he learns the nuances of the NFL.

        Reply
  13. Ryan Benson says:
    3 years ago

    This week the Raiders gained a bit of cap space with even beast mode helping out. Decker left the building, Suh cancelled the visit and Hurns going to Dallas…what do you think they are going to do with the remaining money now? Also, would you agree the receiver the Raiders have said they have interest in, but will not name, is Jordan Matthews?

    Reply
    • Steve Corkran says:
      3 years ago

      Well, I am crunching the numbers today. The Raiders actually don’t have much money left once you account for all the signings, including Tahir Whitehead, Doug Martin, Keith Smith, etc. However, they can free up money with ease by restructuring Derek Carr’s contract, signing Khalil Mack to a long-term deal that reduced his current $13.85 million cap figure. It’s not difficult.

      Reply
  14. Steve Corkran says:
    3 years ago

    That is correct, the Raiders are interested in receiver Jordan Matthews, though they are hopeful the market cools off and they can get him at a cheaper price. They certainly need more help at receiver.

    Reply
    • Ryan Benson says:
      3 years ago

      Yeah and he’s still not fully healed from his surgery so there’s a good chance they could get him at a good price if they end up going that way. Would still really like to see the Raiders add 1 more play maker in free agency, like Hankins if his market is less than his previous $10 million deal.

      Reply
      • Steve Corkran says:
        3 years ago

        Correct, Ryan. That is where Reggie McKenzie and Jon Gruden are at in terms of free agency right now, searching for bargains like that with Breeland, Fairley, Bowman and others. As for Hankins, his number would have to come way down.

        Reply
  15. Michelle M. says:
    3 years ago

    When do expect Mack’s deal to get done? I think Carr’s took until June or July, if I am not mistaken. If Mack’s takes that long, then it seems to me that the Raiders are pretty much done with the free agent market and will have to wait until there are camp cuts. Correct?

    Reply
    • Steve Corkran says:
      3 years ago

      Mack’s deal will get done before training camp, according to everything I have heard. Stay tuned on this one. It’s being worked on right now. As for being done with free agency, not necessarily. As I wrote earlier, the Raiders can free up as much room as they need to sign one, two or three more name players simply by restructuring Derek Carr’s massive contract, and/or other high-salaried deals. It’s not difficult at all.

      Reply
  16. Steve Corkran says:
    3 years ago

    Khalil Mack wants to remain with the Raiders, and the Raiders want Mack to be a Raider for as long as possible. They are on the same page. Both sides know that a deal will get done and that there’s no pressure to get it done sooner rather than later. There are more pressing needs right now in terms of free agency and draft preparation. It isn’t being overlooked, just the same. Mack will get a deal that sets him up for life.

    Reply
  17. Bryan Derbigny says:
    3 years ago

    Why does Cook’s name keep coming up? Is he really that bad? I feel like he played well for us last year and I wanted to get him the ball more.

    Reply
    • Steve Corkran says:
      3 years ago

      No, he isn’t bad at all. It’s just that he is slated to earn $5 million or whatever and that’s a lot for a tight end that isn’t dominant. He was pretty solid last year but overall he isn’t a great blocker, doesn’t have great hands and his route-running is questionable at times. From here, it says that Cook is worth what he’s slated to earn and the Raiders need to look elsewhere for cap savings.

      Reply
  18. Matt Johnson says:
    3 years ago

    Steve, how do you feel about the Raiders roster as it stands today? And then how do you feel about about where the roster can be heading into training camp after free agency, 11 picks in the draft, etc have wrapped up?

    Reply
  19. TJ Thomson says:
    3 years ago

    If we pick a WR in, let’s say, rounds 5-6, who would you recommend we take?

    Reply
    • Steve Corkran says:
      3 years ago

      Dante Pettis or Marcel Ateman. I particularly like Pettis because of his punt-return skills. Anyway, just a couple of guys that have caught my eye and might be worth a mid- to late-round flier. Do you have any thoughts?

      Reply

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