Oakland Raiders

TNF Preview – Raiders, 49ers Right in Thick of Race for Top Pick

Usually at this time of the week, I preview the Thursday Night Game. However, that is getting skipped this week because the participants in that contest, Oakland at San Francisco, really just doesn’t move the needle. However, this battle of one-win teams does spark a conversation concerning the very top of the 2019 NFL Draft and this Thursday Nighter could go a long way to figuring out the early draft order.

Let’s look at the contenders for the No. 1 overall pick:

New York Giants

Current Record: 1-7

Where They Would Draft Today: 1^st

Remaining Schedule: Bye, at San Francisco, Tampa Bay, at Philadelphia, Chicago, at Washington, Tennessee, at Indianapolis, Dallas

Plan of Attack: Maybe the Giants can address their quarterback situation by trading for someone like Derek Carr or adding another veteran, but most likely, New York has to go quarterback at the top of the draft. Shockingly, the other teams on this list (with the possible exception of Oakland) will not be in the quarterback market. Unlike recent years, this doesn’t project to be a real top-heavy quarterback draft, but even if the Giants fall out of the first overall pick, they might still be in position to draft the top quarterback on the board. Quarterback has to be the top priority, but New York also needs help all over the defense and their offensive line is still a disaster.

San Francisco

Subscriber-Only Content

We’re sorry, but you must be a subscriber to view this content. No worries– we got you covered!

Sign up for a FREE 7-day trial to see why Clayton Football is a must-have for diehard fans, fantasy players and gamblers.

If you already have a subscription please log in to view this content.

Already a subscriber? Log In

Dallas Cowboys Will Give Amari Cooper a Chance to be Star

As I mentioned in a recent article, the Cowboys were a logical team to pursue Amari Cooper. Now it is has become reality, as Dallas sent a first round pick to the Raiders to add young receiver.

For Oakland, it is pretty clear. Jon Gruden has the ultimate job security and has all the power in the organization. He will rebuild the Raiders in his image. By moving Cooper, Gruden now has three first-round picks next year and five over the next two drafts as well as additional salary cap room to do exactly that.

Subscriber-Only Content

We’re sorry, but you must be a subscriber to view this content. No worries– we got you covered!

Sign up for a FREE 7-day trial to see why Clayton Football is a must-have for diehard fans, fantasy players and gamblers.

If you already have a subscription please log in to view this content.

Already a subscriber? Log In

NFL Monday – Amari Cooper trade makes sense for Raiders

The Oakland Raiders’ trade of Amari Cooper was no surprise.

While the Khalil Mack trade caught the NFL world off guard, all the Oakland Raiders wanted to hear is from a team willing to give up a No. 1 pick. The Dallas Cowboys complied, topping a reported offer of a No. 2 pick by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Subscriber-Only Content

We’re sorry, but you must be a subscriber to view this content. No worries– we got you covered!

Sign up for a FREE 7-day trial to see why Clayton Football is a must-have for diehard fans, fantasy players and gamblers.

If you already have a subscription please log in to view this content.

Already a subscriber? Log In

What Teams are Favorites to Land Oregon QB Justin Herbert

OK, it’s just the middle of October and there is plenty of NFL to be played this season.

Yet, because this is an ever-trending forward league, it’s always relevant to look toward the future and it appears were will have another intriguing offseason.

The 2019 draft appears to be loaded. There are several unit-changing defensive players available. However, this has always and will always be a quarterback-driven league. Quarterbacks especially rule in the draft.

While defenders like Nick Bosa and Ed Oliver will have plenty of draft house, there appears to be one name to keep the closest eye on – Justin Hebert of Oregon. Yes, the quarterback.

Scouts are talking Herbert up as a special talent and better than all of the high picked quarterbacks of recent years. If that’s the case, there will be plenty of teams jockeying to get him beginning prior to the February combine, which is not too far away.

So, let’s look at some of the early contenders for Herbert, presented in alphabetical order:

Denver: This may be one of the favorites. The Broncos are 2-4 and probably headed for another top-five pick. Herbert has been compared to John Elway. I’m sure Elway would like to get someone like him on his team. Case Keenum isn’t working out and he has a short contract. I can see Elway trying everything he can do to get a new quarterback.

Jacksonville: A longshot because the Jaguars would have to trade a lot to get this done. But the Jaguars are pretty set other than at quarterback. It would be worth it.

L.A. Chargers: Another longshot. Philip Rivers will turn 37 in December. But he is still playing at a high level. But Chargers could try to spend big and get some excitement going for the future in the new stadium. They are going to be roommate, the Rams’ caddie. They need to build some excitement in L.A.

Miami: Another longshot. But if the Dolphins decide Ryan Tannehill isn‘t the guy, they could make a bold move.

New England: Tom Brady isn’t going to be there forever, right? At some point, Bill Belichick is going to make a big move.

New York Giants: Another favorite. The Giants could get the No. 1 pick. They would have to take Herbert, right? Eli Manning is done. The Giants could be in good shape for the future with Herbert, Saquon Barkley and OBJ.

Oakland: They have Derek Carr, right? Well, with Jon Gruden running the show that might not matter. If the Raiders get the No. 1 pick and Chucky, a sucker for quarterbacks, falls for Herbert, Gruden will trade Carr and take Herbert.

San Francisco: The 49ers love Jimmy Garoppolo. But his injury could cause the 49ers to get the No.1 pick. If Kyle Shanahan decides he loves Herbert more than Jimmy G., he could get a huge return for the veteran. Just something to think about.