Two NFL Draft Bets To Make Now

Q. Maybe similar to free agents, as far as running backs, there are a couple projected to go in the first round. Do you think this is a byproduct of the strength of this running back class, or the way offenses in the league are trending in general?

A. I think it is a combination bit of both. Obviously, the Boise State kid, when you have tape that is that dominant and when you have a skill set that performs at the level he did week in and week out, anytime you watch a player and the projection is easy and you feel comfortable investing in. When you put out tape at that high a level, you are always going to come into play. But I think it is a combination of both. This is a deep running back class. That is the one position on offense I think is deep…running back…in general, I think it is more of a defensive draft. The talent is on the defensive line. Corners too, a solid linebacking crew. And also it is a long season, you have to have a tandem. Look at the 49ers when they were at their peak there, they had the guys like the young undrafted free agent with McCaffrey, they had Mitchell, so I think having multiple running backs is a trend where I could see elevate where those guys go.

Q. Which position groups stand out to you the most at the combine?

A. It looks like the defense is fully loaded here. It looks like a defensive strong draft. Not that there are not going to be some good offensive players, but it really looks like it is going to be strong on the defensive side.

Q. A lot of people do not know the commitment you have to running the football. Would you talk about how important that is? For reference, look at just the Eagles. Could you talk about running the football, sir?

A. We get misled by star power in so many different ways and the flashy stuff. In reality, this game has to be played from some fundamental approaches and aspects. The quarterback position needs to be supported in every way possible so they can be as effective as they can be. And that takes a combination of elements that make up the support of the QB. The running game is a huge element of that. Not just so you can run the football for three yards and a cloud of dust. What do you need to do that for? That is not what we are talking about. You have to run the football so you can control your aspect of the game and take care of the ball. So the quarterback is not under duress, he is not behind the sticks, he is not behind the game and the score because of the way the defense and special teams play. We try to build around the quarterback because, as Coach Walsh said, it’s the hardest position in professional sports to play. We need to do everything we can to facilitate and make it as easy as possible for that guy. So that is where the running game is so fundamental to it. But if you don’t take care of the ball, none of that matters! So it is really the basics and foundation of this game that come to life. Regardless of what level you are playing at. Like I said, I watched at different levels this year, and it is so obvious how the game comes together, and hopefully, we will be able to do every part of that.

Q. What is your vision for what a Raider looks like on this team?

A. I would be remiss if I did not start with compete. That’s been his central thing. But I think we are going to have a lot of positive energy and passion. We are going to be able to compete at this place. And the guys who do not have that love of the game—there won’t be as many places or spaces for them. We want to set the tone with our film. When people watch our film a week or two out, they want to know, like, this is going to be a battle, this is going to be physical, this is going to be old-school football. Are we made for this? Am I willing to go harder, longer, against the guy lined up across from me? That’s the space I want the Raiders to be in, and it’s served me well over my career.

Q. Do you agree it is a deep running back class, and what traits do you look for as a GM that would fit the Raiders?

A. I think there are a lot of really good players at the position. I think it is a really critical position too. You saw what the Eagles did this year. I mean, Saquon is a different animal, but the emphasis on the run game and the physicality that comes with it. For running backs, I think people get really caught up with speed, which is great. If you can find Chris Johnson running 4.28 or whatever he ran, awesome, but for me, it’s about the guys with great instincts that are hard to get on the ground. If they can run 4.3, even better, but I have seen a lot of great ones that run 4.5 or 4.6 but just set the tone for the team, so I am looking for that.