If only Raiders had drafted Cutler ... - The Orange Mane

dragondawg · 09-14-2007, 10:55 PM

Broncos QB and Lions rookie WR both farther along than Huff, JaMarcus
By Steve Corkran, STAFF WRITER

ALAMEDA — Patience is not one of Oakland managing general partner Al Davis' virtues. He has said time and again that the Raiders don't rebuild, they reload.

Part of their reloading the past two years involved selecting strong safety Michael Huff and quarterback JaMarcus Russell with Oakland's top picks in the 2006 and'07 NFL drafts, respectively.

Huff has yet to make much of an impact, and Russell didn't start practicing with his new team until Wednesday. So, it's way too early to pass judgment on two of Davis' most important decisions the past 18 months.

One thing is certain. Davis'reloading process would have been much farther along had he selected quarterback Jay Cutler instead of Huff last year and, in turn, wide receiver Calvin Johnson instead of Russell this past April.

Cutler assumed the starting job for the Denver Broncos last season at a time when the Raiders were alternating between Aaron Brooks and Andrew Walter. Brooks is gone, Walter is buried on the depth chart. The Raiders also traded for quarterback Josh McCown and signed free agent Daunte Culpepper.

Cutler, meanwhile, is expected to make his seventh NFL start Sunday against the Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High.

About the same time, Johnson will be lining up for his second NFL game with the Detroit Lions and trying to build upon the four-catch, 70-yard, one-touchdown debut he had against the Raiders last Sunday.

Huff will make his 18th start Sunday. Russell likely won't even be a part of Oakland's 53-man roster until Sept. 24. He likely is much further away from seeing his first NFL action.

It all makes for a giant game of "What If?"

The Lions and Broncos are past the point of wondering what they got with Johnson and Cutler, respectively. Both are known commodities, with the potential for even more impressive production as they gain experience at this level.

"He's making strides very fast," Lions coach Rod Marinelli said of Johnson last week. "He's a heck of an athlete. And the thing about it is, he comes out there and works as hard as you can possibly work every day, and he's in tremendous shape. We're going to really like this guy over a period of time."

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said he knew long before Sunday's 15-14 come-from-behind victory against the Buffalo Bills that Cutler is going to be a top-flight NFL quarterback. Hence the reason the Broncos traded up to select Cutler at No.11, whereas the Raiders bypassed Cutler — and quarterback Matt Leinart — at No.7.

Cutler passed for 304 yards against the Bills and directed a fourth-quarter drive that enabled the Broncos to kick a game-winning field goal as time expired. His play has longtime Broncos fans comparing him to Pro Football Hall of Famer John Elway.

"I don't know if I learned anything," Shanahan said. "I've been watching Jay since he's been here. Most people see what we've been seeing, which is a guy who handles himself with a lot of poise, a guy who stays very calm and made some big plays on the road."

Cutler became the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to throw two touchdown passes in each of his first four games. Also, the Broncos averaged seven points more in Cutler's five starts than they did in their previous 11 games.

"They have a lot of confidence in me — the receivers and the (offensive) line," Cutler said. "I'm getting there with their trust and respect. It takes time. Those things you have got to mesh and jell together to see how everyone reacts in those high-pressure situations."

Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said during training camp that Huff has a ways to go before he develops into the consistent playmaker the Raiders envisioned when they selected him in the first round.

It might take until 2008 before the Raiders get a read on how well Russell is going to fare in the NFL. By that time, Cutler and Johnson figure to be leaders on their respective teams and perhaps Pro Bowl-bound.

What if? Indeed.

http://www.insidebayarea.com/raiders/ci_6891739

Dukes · 09-14-2007, 11:03 PM

Thank goodness the Crypt Keeper is still in charge!

theAPAOps5 · 09-14-2007, 11:10 PM

Thank you jesus that Al Davis is a walking vegetable. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Orange_Beard · 09-14-2007, 11:57 PM

Cutler would have been killed behind that oline

Bob's your Information Minister · 09-15-2007, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragondawg

ALAMEDA — Patience is not one of Oakland managing general partner Al Davis' virtues. He has said time and again that the Raiders don't rebuild, they reload.

bap454 · 09-15-2007, 12:34 AM

Cutler/ Calvin Johnson > Huff / Russel . Wow that could have been bad for us for many years.. Thanks again Morons

Bronco Yoda · 09-15-2007, 01:45 AM

I had already had it in my mind they were going to pick him. Just knew it. Why wouldn't they. I was shocked when they didn't.

BroncoBuff · 09-15-2007, 01:59 AM

I have often opined about what Al Davis could've done with personnel had he eschewed Michael Huff in favor of Jay Cutler.

BUT STILL!

.... even AFTER he drafted Huff it was not too late. A mere six months ago, and the world was Al's oyster, had he just put on his thinking cap. My three-point plan would've put the Raiders in the thick of the AFC Title race THIS SEASON. Posted again - for the umpteenth time:

AS OF MARCH 2007, BroncoBuff's 3-POINT PLAN FOR RAIDER CONTENTION:
Match the Texan's offer to the Falcons of two 2nd rounders for Matt Schaub. The Fade's picks were 9 spots higher, so you wouldda had him.

Placate Randy Moss. Get on your knees, kiss his butt, whatever.

Draft Calvin Johnson at #1.

They would have THE EXACT SAME 3rd in the LEAGUE DEFENSE now, and would line up Moss and Johnson wide, with Matt Schaub calling signals. They wouldn't have JaMarcus Russell, nor would they have whgoever they took in the second round this year. But they would have a defense and a passing attack. The O-Line is a different problem ... and LaMont Warren is not my idea of a #1 back, but those WRs would be a historic pairing in terms of pure talent.

Bronco Yoda · 09-15-2007, 02:11 AM

but alas...this is why they are the raiders...

24champ · 09-15-2007, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

I have often opined about what Al Davis could've done with personnel had he eschewed Michael Huff in favor of Jay Cutler.

BUT STILL!

.... even AFTER he drafted Huff it was not too late. A mere six months ago, and the world was Al's oyster, had he just put on his thinking cap. My three-point plan would've put the Raiders in the thick of the AFC Title race THIS SEASON. Posted again - for the umpteenth time:

AS OF MARCH 2007, BroncoBuff's 3-POINT PLAN FOR RAIDER CONTENTION:
Match the Texan's offer to the Falcons of two 2nd rounders for Matt Schaub. The Fade's picks were 9 spots higher, so you wouldda had him.

Placate Randy Moss. Get on your knees, kiss his butt, whatever.

Draft Calvin Johnson at #1.

They would have THE EXACT SAME 3rd in the LEAGUE DEFENSE now, and would line up Moss and Johnson wide, with Matt Schaub calling signals. They wouldn't have JaMarcus Russell, nor would they have whgoever they took in the second round this year. But they would have a defense and a passing attack. The O-Line is a different problem ... and LaMont Warren is not my idea of a #1 back, but those WRs would be a historic pairing in terms of pure talent.

Hey amigo, how can you trade a #1 for Schaub and get Calvin Johnson at the same time?

I am glad the Raiders didn't select Cutler otherwise we would have likely traded up even higher for Leinart (like some on here wanted to) who is grossly overrated and selfish player. Not to mention completely wrong for our system as immobile as he is.

footstepsfrom#27 · 09-15-2007, 02:57 AM

Al(zheimers) is bound to have the best doctors money can buy. They're screwed for years and years.

dragondawg · 09-15-2007, 04:23 AM

if they drafted cutler and he played well maybe they wouldn't have been able to draft johnson, but behind that line maybe not

Pat Bowlen · 09-15-2007, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

My three-point plan would've put the Raiders in the thick of the AFC Title race THIS SEASON.

You fail.

Pat Bowlen · 09-15-2007, 04:45 AM

Also, does LaMont Warren play for Oakland?

Kaylore · 09-15-2007, 04:53 AM

Cutler would have been perfect for them. He already played behind a crappy line so he'd be the most used to playing that way. He also has the arm to stretch the field like Al Davis prefers. You suck, Al Davis and I thank you for it!

Beantown Bronco · 09-15-2007, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 24champbailey

Hey amigo, how can you trade a #1 for Schaub and get Calvin Johnson at the same time?

He said two no. 2s....not a no. 1.

WoodMan · 09-15-2007, 08:36 AM

Fade didn't draft Cutler because they had Walther "waiting in the wings". When he failed his indoctrination by fire behind that offensive line, Al kicked him to the curb and drafted Russel. Stupid drafting going back to Gallery, but who thought he would not live up to his #1. He may turn into a guard, but didn't develope into the tackle that they chose him to be.

MechanicalBull · 09-15-2007, 09:02 AM

Huff has been good for them and you can't say that if they drafted Cutler last year that they would still have gotten the #1 pick this year and gotten Johnson. I'm not saying the Raiders would've been great but I think Cutler would've been better than Aaron Brooks and Andrew Walter.

I hate it when writers or anyone says something after the fact Why not write about if some team took Montana, Brady, or TD instead of passing on them round after round and what could've been?

orange 4 life · 09-15-2007, 01:24 PM

interesting read, and some good points.

that said, if the raiders HAD drafted cutler, make no mistake about it, the kid wouldnt be playing like he is here in denver.
with that coaching staff and supporting cast, he might just look like andrew walter.....but better

Odysseus · 09-15-2007, 02:11 PM

Time out! This is a huge red flag.

If the Raiders suck because of Al Davis. The Chiefs suck because of Hot Carl. The Chargers suck because of Norv what are we going to do if we don't dominate this suck division?

This team HAS TO get into the playoffs this year because when are we going to get a better opportunity than right now? I don't think the Chargers are going to just quit because it's "our year" but if everybody sucks but the Broncos what the heck is our excuse THIS year?

Turf Shaman · 09-15-2007, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiettiger

Time out! This is a huge red flag.

If the Raiders suck because of Al Davis. The Chiefs suck because of Hot Carl. The Chargers suck because of Norv what are we going to do if we don't dominate this suck division?

This team HAS TO get into the playoffs this year because when are we going to get a better opportunity than right now? I don't think the Chargers are going to just quit because it's "our year" but if everybody sucks but the Broncos what the heck is our excuse THIS year?

Anyone saying the Chargers suck because of Norv has had a few too many shots of the homer kool-aid. That's absolutely idiotic. They may not reach their lofty goals because of Norv but a mediocre coach can't make a team with that much talent suck.

And with that obvious point out of the way, the only reason the Broncos won't get to the playoffs is if they don't play well enough. Does that answer your question?

theAPAOps5 · 09-15-2007, 02:31 PM

The Chargers have a harder schedule which we need to take advantage of. They don't suck because of Norv, we just say that in smack talk. You attack where the enemy feels the most vulnerable. On the chat boards you attack the Chargers fans by way of the coach. Thats their only insecurity so you exploit the hell out of that.

Wes Mantooth · 09-15-2007, 02:43 PM

Even if they drafted Cutler, they would have found a way to misuse him or bench him (Marcus Allen / Jerry Porter).

Hercules Rockefeller · 09-15-2007, 03:17 PM

Is it a guarantee they would have drafted #1 overall in '07 if they had taken Cutler at #7 in '06?

BroncoBuff · 09-15-2007, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pat Bowlen

Also, does LaMont Warren play for Oakland?

Warren, Jordan, any LaMont that should'nt be a #1 back ...

The point is, Al is asleep at the switch. He proved it when he apparently berated Art Shell while firing him, accusing Art of "setting the franchise back a decade" by drafting Huff over Leinart or Cutler. Davis shouldda been paying attention to that pick beforehand ... where was Al on draft day? A Top Ten pick like that should be the crown jewel of a franchise.

My "3-point plan" was a formula to prove that even AFTER they chose Huff, there couldda been light at the end of the tunnel - had they been aggressive in roster management like Shanahan is.

09-15-2007, 01:59 AM	#8
BroncoBuff *************** Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 25,433 Adopt-a-Bronco: QUANTERUS SMITH	I have often opined about what Al Davis could've done with personnel had he eschewed Michael Huff in favor of Jay Cutler. BUT STILL! .... even AFTER he drafted Huff it was not too late. A mere six months ago, and the world was Al's oyster, had he just put on his thinking cap. My three-point plan would've put the Raiders in the thick of the AFC Title race THIS SEASON. Posted again - for the umpteenth time: AS OF MARCH 2007, BroncoBuff's 3-POINT PLAN FOR RAIDER CONTENTION: Match the Texan's offer to the Falcons of two 2nd rounders for Matt Schaub. The Fade's picks were 9 spots higher, so you wouldda had him. Placate Randy Moss. Get on your knees, kiss his butt, whatever. Draft Calvin Johnson at #1. They would have THE EXACT SAME 3rd in the LEAGUE DEFENSE now, and would line up Moss and Johnson wide, with Matt Schaub calling signals. They wouldn't have JaMarcus Russell, nor would they have whgoever they took in the second round this year. But they would have a defense and a passing attack. The O-Line is a different problem ... and LaMont Warren is not my idea of a #1 back, but those WRs would be a historic pairing in terms of pure talent.

09-15-2007, 04:53 AM	#15
Kaylore 6-37, Raider fans. Yummy birds and snow! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ceti Alpha V Posts: 41,037 Adopt-a-Bronco: Wesley Duke	Cutler would have been perfect for them. He already played behind a crappy line so he'd be the most used to playing that way. He also has the arm to stretch the field like Al Davis prefers. You suck, Al Davis and I thank you for it! Last edited by Kaylore; 09-15-2007 at 04:06 PM..

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09-14-2007, 10:55 PM	#1
dragondawg All Pro Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,009	If only Raiders had drafted Cutler ... Broncos QB and Lions rookie WR both farther along than Huff, JaMarcus By Steve Corkran, STAFF WRITER ALAMEDA — Patience is not one of Oakland managing general partner Al Davis' virtues. He has said time and again that the Raiders don't rebuild, they reload. Part of their reloading the past two years involved selecting strong safety Michael Huff and quarterback JaMarcus Russell with Oakland's top picks in the 2006 and'07 NFL drafts, respectively. Huff has yet to make much of an impact, and Russell didn't start practicing with his new team until Wednesday. So, it's way too early to pass judgment on two of Davis' most important decisions the past 18 months. One thing is certain. Davis'reloading process would have been much farther along had he selected quarterback Jay Cutler instead of Huff last year and, in turn, wide receiver Calvin Johnson instead of Russell this past April. Cutler assumed the starting job for the Denver Broncos last season at a time when the Raiders were alternating between Aaron Brooks and Andrew Walter. Brooks is gone, Walter is buried on the depth chart. The Raiders also traded for quarterback Josh McCown and signed free agent Daunte Culpepper. Cutler, meanwhile, is expected to make his seventh NFL start Sunday against the Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High. About the same time, Johnson will be lining up for his second NFL game with the Detroit Lions and trying to build upon the four-catch, 70-yard, one-touchdown debut he had against the Raiders last Sunday. Huff will make his 18th start Sunday. Russell likely won't even be a part of Oakland's 53-man roster until Sept. 24. He likely is much further away from seeing his first NFL action. It all makes for a giant game of "What If?" The Lions and Broncos are past the point of wondering what they got with Johnson and Cutler, respectively. Both are known commodities, with the potential for even more impressive production as they gain experience at this level. "He's making strides very fast," Lions coach Rod Marinelli said of Johnson last week. "He's a heck of an athlete. And the thing about it is, he comes out there and works as hard as you can possibly work every day, and he's in tremendous shape. We're going to really like this guy over a period of time." Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said he knew long before Sunday's 15-14 come-from-behind victory against the Buffalo Bills that Cutler is going to be a top-flight NFL quarterback. Hence the reason the Broncos traded up to select Cutler at No.11, whereas the Raiders bypassed Cutler — and quarterback Matt Leinart — at No.7. Cutler passed for 304 yards against the Bills and directed a fourth-quarter drive that enabled the Broncos to kick a game-winning field goal as time expired. His play has longtime Broncos fans comparing him to Pro Football Hall of Famer John Elway. "I don't know if I learned anything," Shanahan said. "I've been watching Jay since he's been here. Most people see what we've been seeing, which is a guy who handles himself with a lot of poise, a guy who stays very calm and made some big plays on the road." Cutler became the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to throw two touchdown passes in each of his first four games. Also, the Broncos averaged seven points more in Cutler's five starts than they did in their previous 11 games. "They have a lot of confidence in me — the receivers and the (offensive) line," Cutler said. "I'm getting there with their trust and respect. It takes time. Those things you have got to mesh and jell together to see how everyone reacts in those high-pressure situations." Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said during training camp that Huff has a ways to go before he develops into the consistent playmaker the Raiders envisioned when they selected him in the first round. It might take until 2008 before the Raiders get a read on how well Russell is going to fare in the NFL. By that time, Cutler and Johnson figure to be leaders on their respective teams and perhaps Pro Bowl-bound. What if? Indeed. http://www.insidebayarea.com/raiders/ci_6891739

09-14-2007, 11:03 PM	#2
Dukes Ring of Famer Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 6,317	Thank goodness the Crypt Keeper is still in charge!

09-14-2007, 11:10 PM	#3
theAPAOps5 A new beginning! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 26,058 Adopt-a-Bronco: Watermock - RIP	Thank you jesus that Al Davis is a walking vegetable. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

09-14-2007, 11:57 PM	#4
Orange_Beard Over Jay Cutler Todd Snider Rules! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Leucadia, CA Posts: 7,836 Adopt-a-Bronco: Tony Scheffler	Cutler would have been killed behind that oline

09-15-2007, 12:34 AM	#6
bap454 Perennial Pro-bowler Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 984 Adopt-a-Bronco: Wesley Woodyard	Cutler/ Calvin Johnson > Huff / Russel . Wow that could have been bad for us for many years.. Thanks again Morons

09-15-2007, 01:45 AM	#7
Bronco Yoda Stokley once... ...saved me from a beating Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 7,244	I had already had it in my mind they were going to pick him. Just knew it. Why wouldn't they. I was shocked when they didn't.

09-15-2007, 02:11 AM	#9
Bronco Yoda Stokley once... ...saved me from a beating Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 7,244	but alas...this is why they are the raiders...

09-15-2007, 02:57 AM	#11
footstepsfrom#27 helmet to helmet hitter Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 16,117 Adopt-a-Bronco: Joe Mays	Al(zheimers) is bound to have the best doctors money can buy. They're screwed for years and years.

09-15-2007, 04:23 AM	#12
dragondawg All Pro Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,009	if they drafted cutler and he played well maybe they wouldn't have been able to draft johnson, but behind that line maybe not

09-15-2007, 04:45 AM	#14
Pat Bowlen President/Chief Executive Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 2,691	Also, does LaMont Warren play for Oakland?

09-15-2007, 08:36 AM	#17
WoodMan Ring of Famer Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Gulf Coast of Mississippi Posts: 1,327	Fade didn't draft Cutler because they had Walther "waiting in the wings". When he failed his indoctrination by fire behind that offensive line, Al kicked him to the curb and drafted Russel. Stupid drafting going back to Gallery, but who thought he would not live up to his #1. He may turn into a guard, but didn't develope into the tackle that they chose him to be.

09-15-2007, 09:02 AM	#18
MechanicalBull Interesting Times Ahead Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,825	Huff has been good for them and you can't say that if they drafted Cutler last year that they would still have gotten the #1 pick this year and gotten Johnson. I'm not saying the Raiders would've been great but I think Cutler would've been better than Aaron Brooks and Andrew Walter. I hate it when writers or anyone says something after the fact Why not write about if some team took Montana, Brady, or TD instead of passing on them round after round and what could've been?

09-15-2007, 01:24 PM	#19
orange 4 life Old School Orange Home team qb homer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Anywhere, CO. Posts: 8,642	interesting read, and some good points. that said, if the raiders HAD drafted cutler, make no mistake about it, the kid wouldnt be playing like he is here in denver. with that coaching staff and supporting cast, he might just look like andrew walter.....but better

09-15-2007, 02:11 PM	#20
Odysseus Fan of the home team Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Durango, Colorado Posts: 12,107 Adopt-a-Bronco: Mark Schlereth	Time out! This is a huge red flag. If the Raiders suck because of Al Davis. The Chiefs suck because of Hot Carl. The Chargers suck because of Norv what are we going to do if we don't dominate this suck division? This team HAS TO get into the playoffs this year because when are we going to get a better opportunity than right now? I don't think the Chargers are going to just quit because it's "our year" but if everybody sucks but the Broncos what the heck is our excuse THIS year?

09-15-2007, 02:31 PM	#22
theAPAOps5 A new beginning! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 26,058 Adopt-a-Bronco: Watermock - RIP	The Chargers have a harder schedule which we need to take advantage of. They don't suck because of Norv, we just say that in smack talk. You attack where the enemy feels the most vulnerable. On the chat boards you attack the Chargers fans by way of the coach. Thats their only insecurity so you exploit the hell out of that.

09-15-2007, 02:43 PM	#23
Wes Mantooth Ring of Famer Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 2,450	Even if they drafted Cutler, they would have found a way to misuse him or bench him (Marcus Allen / Jerry Porter).

09-15-2007, 03:17 PM	#24
Hercules Rockefeller Ring of Famer Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 16,005 Adopt-a-Bronco: DJ Williams	Is it a guarantee they would have drafted #1 overall in '07 if they had taken Cutler at #7 in '06?