Every year you hear it, “Al Davis has lost his marbles, he needs to go!” A contingent of Raider Nation hears about the team picking up a player they’d never heard of before that moment, and they over-react. Those same people scurry to their computers and look up the name of Davis’ latest “wasted pick.” When they are unable to find highlights or ESPN interviews, they splatter on the ceiling! “The old man is killing us again” is heard throughout the fan base.
Although it’s true that Darius Heyward-Bey hasn’t been worthy of the seventh overall pick—as yet, and JaMarcus Russell (a.k.a. “That guy”) was a colossal flop, many of Mr. Davis’ picks, especially late-rounders, have risen above the naysayers and shined bright. Running back Michael Bush and strong safety Tyvon Branch were both drafted in the fourth round and have become a integral parts of the team, as well as a fan favorites.
In 2010 the Raiders found three starters with their first three picks. Rolando McClain, Lamarr Houston and Jared Veldheer all stepped up and contributed in a big way to the Raiders’ first non-losing season in nearly a decade.
Last year’s sensation Jacoby Ford was called “a typical all speed, no talent, Al Davis pick” by many and wound up wowing fans and foes alike with his incredible play-making abilities. This story plays itself out every off-season—The Raiders take a player, the fans freak out, and those players prove themselves. Names like Trevor Scott, Louis Murphy and Brandon Myers were all taken in the fourth round or later, and all are huge parts of the Raiders’ recent turn-around. The 2011 NFL draft was no exception.
This season the name that keeps popping up in training camp is that of wide receiver Denarius Moore from Tennessee. Decent size, great speed and a strong desire to fight for the ball—and win!
A myriad of accolades from local writers and training camp attendees are flooding social media and sports publications about the kid from “Ol’ Rocky Top.”
In his first preseason action, Moore led the team with three receptions for 37 yards. It wasn’t a huge day, but his time was limited. He flashed some great hands, the ability to catch in traffic, and most importantly, the strength to break tackles and agility to make people miss.
At 6’0″-195, he isn’t huge, but his long, lanky frame allow him to play like a much bigger receiver. Most coaches would agree that he does need to bulk up a tiny bit, (about 10 to 15 pounds), but that doesn’t seem to prevent him from being a tough, physical player.
Aside from quarterback, wide receiver may be the most difficult offensive position to learn as a rookie. It takes time to understand the philosophy, reads and adjustments of an NFL offense, so don’t expect to see Moore starting or really challenging Louis Murphy, or even Heyward-Bey right away.
I expect Moore to see time as the fourth wide receiver in a spread set, as well as some time in the slot on three wide formations to give Ford a breather. Assuming the injury bug doesn’t strike, I can see Moore adding some real explosion in the Raiders offense in certain situations.
However he is used, Moore is going to get great coaching from head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Al Saunders, (former wide receiver coach of the “greatest show on turf.”).
The sky is the limit for this young man. I have a feeling Raider fans are going to remember the name Denarius Moore.
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