In part one of this Week 17 Roundtable, Full Press Raiders writers Jordan Briskey, Ray Aspuria, Anthony Zaragoza, and Chris Simmons discuss the running game, Todd Downing and Donald Penn.
With Donald Penn turning 35 before next fall, how would you address the OT situation and why?
Briskey: Donald Penn will play in the league for 1-2 more years at an average-above average level. I am confident the Raiders will have a new coordinator. In addition, the team’s offensive woes will be somewhat solved. If that all comes true, the team improves immediately. As a result, picking a left tackle high in 2018 as an apprentice would ease a transition.
Aspuria: Give Sharpe and Ware a long look in training camp. The Raiders should draft an OT prospect in the 3rd-5th rounds. The coaching staff needs to maximize the talents of draftees. Another option is to move Osemele to left tackle, Jackson back to left guard, and Feliciano play right guard. While the shuffling appears unnerving, the group of brutes can adapt under Tice’s tutelage.
Zaragoza: Give David Sharpe another year in the system. A fourth rounder last season out of Florida, Sharpe played well enough against the Eagles to earn more reps behind Penn. Reggie McKenzie could address this position early in the 2018 draft. Yet, the Raiders have more pressing issues to address with their early picks.
Simmons: I would, at least for this draft, look for a developmental prospect in the mid to late rounds. Meanwhile, give these young players ample run in the preseason. I expect Donald Penn to produce at a much higher level next season, as I believe the holdout took him out of rhythm early in the season. He should hold down the blind side at an average to above average rate for at least one more season.
How would you improve the RB position in 2018?
Simmons: The Raiders are in desperate need of a game breaking multi-use back. They survived with a power back with smaller ones to spell him. Unfortunately, the offense loses cohesion. Marshawn Lynch has been solid, but Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington offered net minus in both the return game and in spot duty. If the Raiders have an opportunity to snag a player early, they should strongly consider it to relieve some of the pressure on Derek Carr.
Zaragoza: Give Elijah Hood a chance. . After promising rookie seasons last year, both DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard struggled in 2017. Ball security doomed the backup running backs, especially Richard. Therefore, giving the bigger back Hood an opportunity to carry the ball could do wonders for this unit.
-
Ep 101: Conference Championship Sunday - Preview, Prop Bets, and Predictions
by Full Press Coverage on January 29, 2023 at 11:25 am
Aspuria: Give Hood many opportunities to supplant scatbacks DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard in camp to start. If a talented tailback is for the taking in rounds 1-3, McKenzie should consider adding some new young blood to the stable.
Briskey: Improving the running back position is one of the easier tasks to do this offseason. In that case, invest in a mid-round prospect or in free agency. Running backs are not as highly valued as they once were. There will be free agents looking for a home. As always, there are plenty of prospects in the draft to choose from.
As sound of a run stopper Bowman is, he struggles in coverage, would you re-sign him. If so, how much?
Aspuria: Teammates admit Bowman brought something different to table and for that alone, he is worth a 3-yr or even 2-yr deal. McKenzie should not be cheap again at Mike linebacker.
Briskey: Navarro Bowman was a diamond found when the Raiders needed him most. Granted, living the Bay Area made it a perfect match. Ideally, the Raiders can sign for two more years. Moreover, with an incentive laden deal and low guaranteed money. Perhaps give him a decent signing bonus to keep him from testing the market. Bowman gives the Raiders some time for a year or two to draft a replacement.
Simmons: I think Bowman re-signs as a nod to the clear impact on the younger linebackers. He clearly maintains a great rapport with Bruce Irvin. Bowman earned $3-5 Million as a holdover until they Raiders finally spend either money or a pick on the future leader in the middle. If he asks for more, McKenzie will have to let him walk, as much of their spending will be focused on the secondary.
Zaragoza: Definitely – 3 years, 12.0 million total, 7.0 million guaranteed. A liability in pass coverage, NaVorro Bowman made up those shortcomings in the box. You can see that the former All-Pro can still control the middle and pile up the tackles against the run. Due to McKenzie’s track record on not drafting MLB’s early in the draft, Bowman can do the job for a couple of seasons.
-
Ep 141: Andy Reid, Eagles, And Conference Championship Weekend w/ Joe Bannerby Full Press Coverage on January 27, 2023 at 5:36 pm
Clark and Ira are joined by former Eagles President Joe Banner to talk […]
-
Ep 140: The 49ers/Cowboys Rivalry With Former San Francisco Tight End Brent Jonesby Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2023 at 9:02 pm
Clark and Ira are joined by former 49ers tight end and three time Super […]
-
Ep 137: Hall Of Fame Discussion w/ John Turneyby Full Press Coverage on December 30, 2022 at 5:33 pm
Football historian John Turney of Pro Football Journal joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 136: Remembering The Longest Game Ever Played With Larry Littleby Full Press Coverage on December 24, 2022 at 1:09 am
On the 51-year anniversary of the longest game ever played (Chiefs vs. […]
-
Ep 135: Hall of Fame Semifinalist Jahri Evans Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on December 16, 2022 at 3:51 pm
Former Saints guard and 2023 HOF Semifinalist Jahri Evans joins Clark and […]
-
Ep 134: Remember AFL/NFL Star John Hadl with Nick Canepaby Full Press Coverage on December 8, 2022 at 2:39 pm
Former Hall of Fame voter, Nick Canepa, joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 133: Hall Of Fame Semifinalist Henry Ellard Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on November 30, 2022 at 4:28 pm
Former Rams and Redskins wide receiver, Henry Ellard, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 132: Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Semifinalists w/ Rick Gosselinby Full Press Coverage on November 22, 2022 at 6:15 pm
Clark and Ira are joined by Pro Football Hall of Fame voter Rick Gosselin […]
-
Ep 131: 'Football Heaven' With PFHOF Senior Advisor Joe Horriganby Full Press Coverage on November 17, 2022 at 5:55 pm
Pro Football Hall of Fame Senior Advisor, Joe Horrigan, joins Clark and […]
-
Ep 130: Remembering John McVay With Hall of Famer Eddie DeBartolo Jr.by Full Press Coverage on November 13, 2022 at 1:42 am
Clark and Ira are joined by Hall of Fame owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. to […]
-
Ep 271: NFL Championship Roundby Full Press Coverage on January 26, 2023 at 1:58 pm
-
Ep 270: NFL Divisional Roundby Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2023 at 1:31 am
-
Ep 269: NFL Playoff Previewby Full Press Coverage on January 12, 2023 at 4:13 am
-
Ep 268: Week 16 Fantasy Rankingsby Full Press Coverage on December 21, 2022 at 9:45 pm
-
Ep.130: Bowling For Talentby Full Press Coverage on January 28, 2023 at 6:00 am
Biggs sits down with Kenneth Berry from the Tangents And Touchdowns […]
-
(Season 3.1) Commanders Roundtable w/ Deuce, DH, and DTby Full Press Coverage on January 27, 2023 at 3:56 am
George Carmi hosts Deuce, DH, and DT as they discuss the latest topics of […]
-
1/27 - Conference Championship Preview: Who is Going To The Super Bowl?by Full Press Coverage on January 27, 2023 at 9:50 am
Ian and John preview Conference Championship Weekend and give their picks […]
-
1/23 - Divisional Round Recap; Chiefs, Bengals, Eagles, and 49ers Advanceby Full Press Coverage on January 23, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Ian and John recap Divisional Round Weekend in the NFL. Learn more about […]
-
1/20 - Buccaneers Fire Byron Leftwich, NFL Divisional Round Previewby Full Press Coverage on January 20, 2023 at 10:19 am
Ian and John discuss the firing of Byron Leftwich and whether or not it […]
-
1/19 - Brady/Gronk Reunion, Aaron Rodgers, NFL News and Notesby Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2023 at 10:14 am
Ian and John discuss the potential of Brady and Ground teaming up in 2023, […]
-
Talkamania Episode 230by Talkamania on September 6, 2022 at 11:43 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 229by Talkamania on August 5, 2022 at 3:37 am
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 211 "Steel Reserve"by Boot 2 The Face on January 28, 2023 at 6:59 pm
We preview the Royal Rumble and other things in the week of pro wreslting. […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 210 "No Monè, No Monè, No Monè"by Boot 2 The Face on January 19, 2023 at 12:55 am
Rucker and EJ are back discussing Rucker going to Impacts Hard to Kill […]
-
Ep. 85: UMass-Lowell Head Men's Basketball Coach Pat Duquette Interviewby Full Press Coverage on January 30, 2023 at 6:00 am
-
Pelicans at Bucksby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 9:00 pm
-
Clippers at Cavsby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 6:45 pm
-
Pick & Rollout: Memphis at Tulsaby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 6:00 pm
-
Pacers at Grizzliesby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 4:30 pm
-
Pick & Rollout: Drake at Belmontby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 4:00 pm
-
Heat at Hornetsby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 2:30 pm
-
Pick & Rollout: Rutgers at Iowaby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 2:00 pm
-
Pick & Rollout: Michigan State at Purdueby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 12:00 pm
-
Ep 101: Conference Championship Sunday - Preview, Prop Bets, and Predictionsby Full Press Coverage on January 29, 2023 at 11:25 am
-
1/6 - Damar Hamlin Update, Bills/Bengals, AFC Playoffs, Week 18 Picksby Full Press Coverage on January 6, 2023 at 3:11 pm
-
Winter Classic: Bruins Rally To Beat Penguins At Fenwayby Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:09 am
-
1/3 - Bills/Bengals Postponed; Bruins Topple Penguins In Winter Classicby Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:05 am
-
1/2 - Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Week 17, Bills/Bengalsby Full Press Coverage on January 3, 2023 at 3:22 am
-
12/30 - New Year's Eve, Luka Doncic, NBA Talk, Week 17 Preview and Picksby Full Press Coverage on January 1, 2023 at 2:29 am
-
Aaron Rodgers, Packers Win Third Straight; Playoffs In Sightby Full Press Coverage on December 27, 2022 at 7:36 pm