Oakland Raiders 2004 outlook
( Recap l Players l Stats l Schedule l Depth Chart l Outlook )
From gangbusters to bust, the Raiders fall from glory came as quick as any team in history, the hangover from their 48-21 loss in Super Bowl XXXVII lingering all of last season. Oakland's first move this offseason was to axe Gruden disciple Bill Callahan, handing the reigns to offensive guru Norv Turner. The defensive woes from '03 will be partly remedied by the return of injured corner Phillip Buchanon while the signing of boisterous tackle Warren Sapp along Ted Washington give the Raiders a couple formidable bodies on the line. The offense, which slumped from first to nearly last, will again feature the aging vets although youth is creeping up behind. Rich Gannon will get pressure from New York refugee Kerry Collins while Jerry Rice will likely give way to Jerry Porter as a prime target. Charlie Garner signed with the Bucs leaving the running duties to Tyrone Wheatley and speedster Justin Fargas. Coupled with the addition of shutdown left tackle Robert Gallery, the Raiders should once again find themselves in the divisional hunt.
Off-Season Movement
Out with the old: LB Bill Romanowski (Ret), RB Charlie Garner (TB), QB Rick Mirer (Det), TE OJ Santiago (Den), LB Eric Barton (NyJ), OL Matt Stinchcomb (TB), DE Trace Armstrong, DT Rod Coleman (Atl)
In with the new: QB Kerry Collins (NyG), DT Warren Sapp (TB), DT Ted Washington (NE), RB Troy Hambrick (Dal), LB Dwayne Rudd (TB), OG Ron Stone (SF), CB Ike Charlton (NyG), CB Ray Buchanon (Atl), WR Chris Cole (Den)
2004 Raiders Draft Selections
Rd Pick Name Pos Col
1 2 Robert Gallery OT Iowa
2 45 Jake Grove C Virginia Tech
3 67 Stuart Schweigert S Purdue
4 99 Carlos Francis WR Texas Tech
5 134 Johnnie Morant WR Syracuse
6 166 Shawn Johnson DE Delaware
6 182 Cody Spencer ILB North Texas
7 245 Courtnery Anderson TE San Jose St
7 255 Andre Sommersell OLB Colorado St
Quarterback:
Rich Gannon (Age 38, FFR Rank: 151)
Much like the rest of his Raider teammates, Gannon's miracle '02 was quickly forgotten as he struggled through a horrific, injury-filled campaign. Getting little help from a porous line and slow-footed receivers, Gannon fell to just a 55.6 completion % and just 6 touchdowns before a muscle tear in his shoulder knocked him out the last 10 weeks. Named the starter for the coming season, Collins' presence is reason to worry as a full season of stats is highly unlikely from the old slinger.
Kerry Collins (Age , FFR Rank: 241)
Like Gannon, Collins enjoyed a 4,000 yard season in '02 only to struggle through inconsistency and injury last year. Saddled with a dismal line, the former first round pick barely topped 3,000 yards while tossing more interceptions than touchdowns. One thing is certain- given the right offense and time to pass Collins can get the job done. Though he opens as the backup, Collins will likely take over at some point and could be a top passer once again.
Running Back:
Tyrone Wheatley (Age 32, FFR Rank: 93)
A 1000-yard rusher in '00, Garner's departure opens the door for Wheatley to start again. Unlike his predecessor, Wheatley's style caters to the middle of the line, which will keep his YPC on the low end. Though apt as a receiver, Wheatley will likely give way to Fargas on most third downs and is unlikely to outscore goal-line favorite Zack Crockett. Nonetheless he should be a capable runner in deep leagues with an eye on a 700-yard season.
Justin Fargas (Age 24, FFR Rank: 195)
A third round pick out of USC in '03, Fargas showed flashes of his explosiveness his rookie year. Overall, the slasher broke off 3 rushes of 10+ yards among his 40 carries including a 53 yarder in Week 2 on his way to a 5.1 YPC. Not used much as a receiver, Garner's loss should give him more opportunities on third down while his role as primary backup ball carrier could lead to bigger things should Wheatley go down or struggle. Fargas is a prime sleeper pick.
Zack Crockett (Age 31, FFR Rank: 251)
Another of the thirtysomethings littering the Raiders' roster, Crockett continues to get little attention outside the five yard line. Despite rushing for just 538 yards the last four seasons the burly back has reached the endzone 28 times, or once every 6.7 times he touches the ball. Not much of a option in standard points or rotisserie leagues, his value should be high in touchdown only leagues again.
Wide Receiver:
Jerry Rice (Age 41, FFR Rank: 103)
By Jerry Rice's standards, his '03 season was a disappointment- just 869 yards and 2 touchdowns- but considering he is on the wrong side of forty it is amazing he still reaches those levels. Entering '04 he has 1,519 catches and a whopping 22,466 yards with 194 touchdowns. Unfortunately, time is running out and although he is likely going to start again Porter will likely get more of the action downfield.
Tim Brown (Age 38, FFR Rank: 174)
While Rice is on the verge of losing his 20-year grip on a No 1 spot, Brown's downfall started a couple years ago. No longer a downfield threat, Brown is relegated to possession duties as his game gets closer and closer to the line of scrimmage. With Porter ready to emerge as the No. 1 and Gabriel catching the eye of the new coaches, Brown should see a drastically dimished role this year as his Hall of Fame career winds down.
Jerry Porter (Age 26, FFR Rank: 47)
Following a taunting 9-touchdown campaign in '02, Porter was supposed to bustout in '03 but instead was hindered by abdomen problems and caught just 28 catches with 1 touchdown. Healthy and playing under a new regime, Porter should get back to the business of busting out. Rice and Brown have seen their best days and the future will step in this year. Though he may still play in the slot, Porter looks like a lock for a 1,000 yard season.
Doug Gabriel (Age 23, FFR Rank: 219)
Drafted in the 3rd round last year, Gabriel found little time under Callahan's guidance as he caught just one pass. That catch, however, was for 17 yards and Turner was quick to point out he was overly pleased with Gabriel's size, speed and hands. Given the advancing age of the presumed starters, the fourth receiver spot could turn into a much bigger role for Gabriel if any of the front three get hurt. Keep an eye on him.
Tight End:
Doug Jolley (Age 25, FFR Rank: 268)
Jolley was a favorite target during the early going last year with 26 catches the first 6 weeks before disappearing the rest of the way. Catching just 5 more passes the rest of the way, his production was hindered by Rick Mirer's inability to find him downfield as well as bouts of inconsistency. With Turner's devotion to making the tight end a part of his offense, Jolley stands to gain although competition from Roland Williams and Teyo Johnson will muffle his numbers.
Special Teams:
Sebastian Janikowski (Age 26, FFR Rank: 111)
Between the struggles of Oakland's offense, the Raiders' badboy pieced together what may have been his finest year. Though the slumping offense limited his opportunities, Janikowski connected on a career-best 88% of his kicks including 21 of 22 inside 50 yards. Legal woes hopefully behind him, the rotund Pole should see a bundle of opportunities in Turner's offense while crawling back among the league leaders in points.
Defense:
Riddled by injuries and a lack of speed, the Raiders' defensive unit stands to show tremendous improvements given the offseason movements. Sapp steps into an end spot while the hulking big boy, Washington, gives the Black and Silver a much needed run stuffer. Phillip Buchanon, one of the league's top playmaking corners, returns from injury to team up with Charles Woodson to give the Raiders one of the NFL's top corner tandems. The defense should provide plenty of sparks and fantasy points.
( Recap l Players l Stats l Schedule l Depth Chart l Outlook )
From gangbusters to bust, the Raiders fall from glory came as quick as any team in history, the hangover from their 48-21 loss in Super Bowl XXXVII lingering all of last season. Oakland's first move this offseason was to axe Gruden disciple Bill Callahan, handing the reigns to offensive guru Norv Turner. The defensive woes from '03 will be partly remedied by the return of injured corner Phillip Buchanon while the signing of boisterous tackle Warren Sapp along Ted Washington give the Raiders a couple formidable bodies on the line. The offense, which slumped from first to nearly last, will again feature the aging vets although youth is creeping up behind. Rich Gannon will get pressure from New York refugee Kerry Collins while Jerry Rice will likely give way to Jerry Porter as a prime target. Charlie Garner signed with the Bucs leaving the running duties to Tyrone Wheatley and speedster Justin Fargas. Coupled with the addition of shutdown left tackle Robert Gallery, the Raiders should once again find themselves in the divisional hunt.
Off-Season Movement
Out with the old: LB Bill Romanowski (Ret), RB Charlie Garner (TB), QB Rick Mirer (Det), TE OJ Santiago (Den), LB Eric Barton (NyJ), OL Matt Stinchcomb (TB), DE Trace Armstrong, DT Rod Coleman (Atl)
In with the new: QB Kerry Collins (NyG), DT Warren Sapp (TB), DT Ted Washington (NE), RB Troy Hambrick (Dal), LB Dwayne Rudd (TB), OG Ron Stone (SF), CB Ike Charlton (NyG), CB Ray Buchanon (Atl), WR Chris Cole (Den)
2004 Raiders Draft Selections
Rd Pick Name Pos Col
1 2 Robert Gallery OT Iowa
2 45 Jake Grove C Virginia Tech
3 67 Stuart Schweigert S Purdue
4 99 Carlos Francis WR Texas Tech
5 134 Johnnie Morant WR Syracuse
6 166 Shawn Johnson DE Delaware
6 182 Cody Spencer ILB North Texas
7 245 Courtnery Anderson TE San Jose St
7 255 Andre Sommersell OLB Colorado St
Quarterback:
Rich Gannon (Age 38, FFR Rank: 151)
Much like the rest of his Raider teammates, Gannon's miracle '02 was quickly forgotten as he struggled through a horrific, injury-filled campaign. Getting little help from a porous line and slow-footed receivers, Gannon fell to just a 55.6 completion % and just 6 touchdowns before a muscle tear in his shoulder knocked him out the last 10 weeks. Named the starter for the coming season, Collins' presence is reason to worry as a full season of stats is highly unlikely from the old slinger.
Kerry Collins (Age , FFR Rank: 241)
Like Gannon, Collins enjoyed a 4,000 yard season in '02 only to struggle through inconsistency and injury last year. Saddled with a dismal line, the former first round pick barely topped 3,000 yards while tossing more interceptions than touchdowns. One thing is certain- given the right offense and time to pass Collins can get the job done. Though he opens as the backup, Collins will likely take over at some point and could be a top passer once again.
Running Back:
Tyrone Wheatley (Age 32, FFR Rank: 93)
A 1000-yard rusher in '00, Garner's departure opens the door for Wheatley to start again. Unlike his predecessor, Wheatley's style caters to the middle of the line, which will keep his YPC on the low end. Though apt as a receiver, Wheatley will likely give way to Fargas on most third downs and is unlikely to outscore goal-line favorite Zack Crockett. Nonetheless he should be a capable runner in deep leagues with an eye on a 700-yard season.
Justin Fargas (Age 24, FFR Rank: 195)
A third round pick out of USC in '03, Fargas showed flashes of his explosiveness his rookie year. Overall, the slasher broke off 3 rushes of 10+ yards among his 40 carries including a 53 yarder in Week 2 on his way to a 5.1 YPC. Not used much as a receiver, Garner's loss should give him more opportunities on third down while his role as primary backup ball carrier could lead to bigger things should Wheatley go down or struggle. Fargas is a prime sleeper pick.
Zack Crockett (Age 31, FFR Rank: 251)
Another of the thirtysomethings littering the Raiders' roster, Crockett continues to get little attention outside the five yard line. Despite rushing for just 538 yards the last four seasons the burly back has reached the endzone 28 times, or once every 6.7 times he touches the ball. Not much of a option in standard points or rotisserie leagues, his value should be high in touchdown only leagues again.
Wide Receiver:
Jerry Rice (Age 41, FFR Rank: 103)
By Jerry Rice's standards, his '03 season was a disappointment- just 869 yards and 2 touchdowns- but considering he is on the wrong side of forty it is amazing he still reaches those levels. Entering '04 he has 1,519 catches and a whopping 22,466 yards with 194 touchdowns. Unfortunately, time is running out and although he is likely going to start again Porter will likely get more of the action downfield.
Tim Brown (Age 38, FFR Rank: 174)
While Rice is on the verge of losing his 20-year grip on a No 1 spot, Brown's downfall started a couple years ago. No longer a downfield threat, Brown is relegated to possession duties as his game gets closer and closer to the line of scrimmage. With Porter ready to emerge as the No. 1 and Gabriel catching the eye of the new coaches, Brown should see a drastically dimished role this year as his Hall of Fame career winds down.
Jerry Porter (Age 26, FFR Rank: 47)
Following a taunting 9-touchdown campaign in '02, Porter was supposed to bustout in '03 but instead was hindered by abdomen problems and caught just 28 catches with 1 touchdown. Healthy and playing under a new regime, Porter should get back to the business of busting out. Rice and Brown have seen their best days and the future will step in this year. Though he may still play in the slot, Porter looks like a lock for a 1,000 yard season.
Doug Gabriel (Age 23, FFR Rank: 219)
Drafted in the 3rd round last year, Gabriel found little time under Callahan's guidance as he caught just one pass. That catch, however, was for 17 yards and Turner was quick to point out he was overly pleased with Gabriel's size, speed and hands. Given the advancing age of the presumed starters, the fourth receiver spot could turn into a much bigger role for Gabriel if any of the front three get hurt. Keep an eye on him.
Tight End:
Doug Jolley (Age 25, FFR Rank: 268)
Jolley was a favorite target during the early going last year with 26 catches the first 6 weeks before disappearing the rest of the way. Catching just 5 more passes the rest of the way, his production was hindered by Rick Mirer's inability to find him downfield as well as bouts of inconsistency. With Turner's devotion to making the tight end a part of his offense, Jolley stands to gain although competition from Roland Williams and Teyo Johnson will muffle his numbers.
Special Teams:
Sebastian Janikowski (Age 26, FFR Rank: 111)
Between the struggles of Oakland's offense, the Raiders' badboy pieced together what may have been his finest year. Though the slumping offense limited his opportunities, Janikowski connected on a career-best 88% of his kicks including 21 of 22 inside 50 yards. Legal woes hopefully behind him, the rotund Pole should see a bundle of opportunities in Turner's offense while crawling back among the league leaders in points.
Defense:
Riddled by injuries and a lack of speed, the Raiders' defensive unit stands to show tremendous improvements given the offseason movements. Sapp steps into an end spot while the hulking big boy, Washington, gives the Black and Silver a much needed run stuffer. Phillip Buchanon, one of the league's top playmaking corners, returns from injury to team up with Charles Woodson to give the Raiders one of the NFL's top corner tandems. The defense should provide plenty of sparks and fantasy points.
