Draft Links

Free agency explained | Draft links
Raiders free agents | 2006 Raiders draft picks

1. History
2. Resources
3. Predicted Oakland First-round Picks
4. Current Articles

A.  History

Raiders first-round draft picks

• Since the team's inception

Past Raiders drafts (since returning to Oakland)

• 2005
• 2004
• 2003
• 2002
• 2001
• 2000
• 1999
• 1998
• 1997
• 1996

Past NFL drafts

• 1982-2005 - sorted every which way (team, year, position, college . . .), on NFL.com. Look here for Raiders drafts from 1982 through 1995.

Past Raiders drafts

• 1960-2004 - in list form, not sorted nor in a database (no internal rankings for 1960-61). On Raiders.com.

B.  Resources

Raiders.com draft coverage

• 2006 NFL Draft - appeared 4/17/06; finally, as of 4/25,06, there is some material there, including a draft tracker.

NFL Trade Value Chart

• Here's a very useful chart which helps calculate the relative trade value of different draft picks. It doesn't say when it was calculated, but it's on a subscription site, which means it ought to be relatively current.

  Note (4/4/06):  Interestingly, the above-linked chart, which has been on the Net for at least 3-4 years, finally appeared on the NFL.com web site a year ago, where draft columnist Gil Brandt identified it as "one NFL team's value chart, obtained by NFL.com." It has been re-published today by way of a link from an article on the FOXSports site.

Other Resources

• NFL Draft Tracker - authoritative; includes this year's 32 compensatory picks
  NFL.com

• NFL Draft - Yahoo Sports' tracker is also authoritative; shows trading teams in all picks acquired by trade (NFL.com doesn't do that)
  Yahoo! Sports

• NFL Draft Hub 2006 - this link, different than the URL just above, accesses not only the tracker (albeit in somewhat roundabout fashion) but also other draft-related material, including the Rivals.com profiles on what looks to be about 300 top prospects!
  Yahoo! Sports, undated (appeared 4/15/06)

• Ourlads 2006 Draft Sequence (authoritative) - as of 4/4/06; Ourlads is the heavy duty scouting service, whose publications the NFL clubs' scouts buy
  Ourlads Scouting Services

• PRELIMINARY 2006 DRAFT SELECTION ORDER - the Great Blue North Draft Report, maintained in Canada by Colin Lindsay, is the best of the amateur sites, and a first-rate site in every respect; site shows all "traded from" info
  Great Blue North Draft Report

• ESPN Draft Central - easy navigation, and, unlike 2004 and earlier years, most areas look to be free rather than subscriber-only
  ESPN.com

• 2006 NFL Draft underclassmen
  Yahoo! Sports, Apr. 4, 2006

• 2006 NFL Draft Early Entries
  USA Today, Jan. 20, 2006

• NFL Draft Tracker - and another good tracker - despite the same name, this is not the same site as NFL.com, which has its own tracker
  CBS Sportsline.com, undated

• Prospect Profiles - 200 prospects profiled
  NFL.com

• 2006 NFL Draft - USA Today has a chart listing 400 prospects, with profiles on most. Info is somewhat awkward to retrieve, however.
  USA Today, Apr. 10, 2006

• 2006 NFL Draft Prospects - the Rivals.com prospects list, with links to player profiles - the rankings come from scout Frank Coyle, who writes for Rivals.com and also has his own site (www.draftinsiders.com, infra)
  Yahoo! Sports, undated

• DraftHistory.com
  Fun reading if you like trivia; incredible array of stats and charts. You could spend hours here with no difficulty . . .  Also lots of PDF publications for past drafts available at reasonable prices.

• The Draft Exchange 2006
  Tons of info, message boards. Tiny fonts are tough on the eyes, and cluttered interface is a little bit intimidating.

• Draft Insiders
  Some free, some parts by subscription. The author, Frank Coyle, is a highly regarded scout. Sloppy (at times even hideous) formatting detracts.

• NFL Draft Blitz
  Includes message board, columnists for individual teams, top 100 and 300 prospects, mock draft, etc. Parts are free, much is subscriber-only.

• NFL Draft Countdown - once first-rate, this fan site has slipped several notches . . .  it's still entertaining, however, with numerous features and daily updates.
  

• Rob's Scouting 2006 NFL Draft
  Lots of content. Site design has some rough edges.

• DRAFT HQ - NBCSports.com's draft portal has a first-round mock on its index page

• ProFootballWeekly.com - excellent analysis, but nearly all features are subscription-only

• DraftSeason.com - well done fan site: mocks, 300 prospects graded,

C.  Predictions for Oakland's First-Round Pick
What the Mock Drafts Have to Say (in no particular order)

D.  Articles

Articles

Disclaimer:  The focus of this site is not the draft. After all the noise and hoopla, most of those picked in the draft in any given year play one or two years in the NFL (if they make it at all), then are gone. So . . .  the coverage here isn't exhaustive. That said, you will find the major developments or stories covered here.

• Raiders five
  Sacramento Bee, Apr. 29, 2006

• Running backs - defensive linemen, too
  Sacramento Bee, Apr. 29, 2006

• Zone Blocking in the NFL - I just came across this article, and it's such a good explanation—albeit (necessary) oversimplication as well—of offensive line schemes that I wanted to link it here even though it's a month old
  DraftDaddy.com, Mar. 29, 2006

• Michael Huff Audio   - Michael Huff conference call with Bay Area media  (requires the Shockwave Flash 8 plugin)
  Raiders.com, undated (appeared 4/29/06)

• Coach Shell Exclusive   - video interview following the selection of Michael Huff  (requires the Shockwave Flash 8 plugin)
  Raiders.com, undated (appeared 4/29/06)

• Caught in a numbers game / The top QBs could be gone by the time the Raiders pick Saturday.
  Sacramento Bee, Apr. 28, 2006

• On the Edge Friday    (requires the Shockwave Flash 8 plugin)
  Raiders.com, undated (appeared 4/28/06)

• On the Edge Thursday    (requires the Shockwave Flash 8 plugin)
  Raiders.com, undated (appeared 4/28/06)

• The Bush recount
  Yahoo! Sports, Apr. 28, 2006

• Raiders Draft Notes
  Raiders.com, Apr. 29, 2006

• My final mock draft - SI.com columnist Peter King has Oskland taking Young
  SI.com, Apr. 28, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• Texans sign Mario Williams with No. 1 pick in NFL draft - this article is different than the AP one linked here two items down
  Associated Press, Apr. 28, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• Change of plans
  SI.com, Apr. 28, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• Texans put end to intrigue by signing Mario Williams
  Associated Press, Apr. 28, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• Here's scenario how Raiders get QB first
  Oakland Tribune, Apr. 28, 2006 (InsideBayArea.com)

• Drive Slow: Steady Leinart could roll to Oakland - not likely
  RealFootball365.com, Apr. 28, 2006

• Texas-sized case of unfairness?
  The (Raleigh, NC) News & Observer, Apr. 28, 2006

• The Duke's destination - Vernon Davis says again he expects to be taken by the Jets at No. 4 (not likely)
  DiamondbackOnline.com (Univ. of Maryland student paper), Apr. 28, 2006

• Gordon: Draft 'unpredictable' - that's Cletis Gordon of Jackson State; T Albert Stinson (who visited Oakland) also figures in this article
  The (Jackson, MS) Clarion Ledger, Apr. 28, 2006

• Nancy Gay's mock draft - Chron's Raiders beat woman has them picking Michael Huff - Yes!!
  San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 28, 2006

• Oakland eyes QB Young, but needs defensive help in draft
  San Francisco Chronicle podcast, Apr. 28, 2006

• NFL draft hopefuls now wait for phone call
  Associated Press, Apr. 28, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• Ah, the intrigue in this year's draft - intrigue, perhaps, but action? trades? movement in the first round drafting order? virtually none, nada, zip!!
  Associated Press, Apr. 28, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• Kawakami: Raiders' recent drafts define futility - he's right
  San Jose Mercury News, Apr. 28, 2006

• ESPN draft guru Kiper a man of many words
  Philadelphia Inquirer, Apr. 27, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• NFL draft veterans offer free advice
  St. Paul Pioneer Press, Apr. 27, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• Q&A with Chris Chester - Frank Coyle (Rivals.com, draftinsiders.com) says the Raiders like Chester a lot, so when I came across this today . . .
  Pro Football Weekly, Apr. 1, 2006

• First-round update: Huff moving up - Dan Pompei mock (no change in his Raiders guess)
  The Sporting News, Apr. 27, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• The final analysis - Charles Robinson's final revision; he's now changed Oakland's pick from Hawk to Young
  Yahoo! Sports, Apr. 27, 2006

• Future QB will make or break Fisher in Tennessee - this is of interest because Tennessee is the one team drafting ahead of Oakland which seems certain to pick a quarterback
  RealFootball365.com, Apr. 27, 2006

• Feeling a Draft
  Raiders.com, Apr. 27, 2006

• On the Edge Wednesday    (requires the Shockwave Flash 8 plugin)
  Raiders.com, undated (appeared 4/27/06)

• P's, Q's on par with X's, O's
  Sacramento Bee, Apr. 27, 2006

• Raiders faceless without a QB
  Contra Costa Times, Apr. 27, 2006

• Quarterback for Raiders? Not now
  Oakland Tribune, Apr. 27, 2006 (InsideBayArea.com)

• Small College Lineman Hoping for Attention
  Associated Press, Apr. 27, 2006 (San Francisco Chronicle)

• Leinart's no loser for staying - some say Leinart is slipping in the draft hierarchy
  San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 27, 2006

• De La Salle's Drew, Williams gaining ground - Bay Area product Maurice Drew would look great in silver and black
  San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 27, 2006

• Scout's investigative work now NFL norm - AP writer Gregg Bell was until late last season the SacBee's Raiders beat reporter - fascinating content
  Associated Press, Apr. 27, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• DRAFT 2006: Saints have needs, but also many temptations at No. 2 - virtually all analysts agree that New Orleans holds the key to Round 1 with its No. 2 pick
  Associated Press, Apr. 27, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• DRAFT 2006: Small-school product goes from printing newspapers to making headlines - a feel-good story, one of those "Awww" ones
  Associated Press, Apr. 27, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• 2 days before draft, top players eager
  Associated Press, Apr. 27, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• Top DB prospects could switch positions in NFL - this applies to a number of prospects this year, including Michael Huff
  ESPN.com, Apr. 26, 2006

• Will Young Be Raiders Choice?
  KTVU.com, Apr. 26, 2006

• Young: Freak or future star?
  Oakland Tribune, Apr. 26, 2006 (InsideBayArea.com)

• Huff has the stuff of a star at cover safety
  Kansas City Star, Apr. 26, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• Raiders report: Inside slant
  The Sports Xchange, Apr. 26, 2006 (CBS Sportsline)

• Raiders report: Notes, quotes
  The Sports Xchange, Apr. 26, 2006 (CBS Sportsline)

• Raiders report: Strategy and personnel
  The Sports Xchange, Apr. 26, 2006 (CBS Sportsline)

• Pivotal picks: AFC - good article by one of my favorite writers, Don Banks - check out his characterization of the Raiders' drafts of recent years
  SI.com, Apr. 26, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• Oakland Raiders Team Needs - this first appeared on 4/20/06 (link below), but if Yahoo sees fit to re-publish, here's another link; maybe something was updated and I'm missing it
  Rivals.com, Apr. 26, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• Behind the mock draft - Dr. Z says it'll be Vince Young who's called at No. 7, but it's hard to tell if he's putting us on or not
  SI.com, Apr. 26, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• Draft-related video clips - a bunch of them, including some rating prospects by position group    (requires [I think] the Windows Media Player, the free RealPlayer, or comparable software)
  Yahoo! Sports, Apr. 26, 2006

• Follow the leader - strong argument for Vince Young's overall value
  Yahoo! Sports, Apr. 26, 2006

• Raiders shouldn't look up, but down on draft day - I disagree, not with passing on the quarterbacks (good idea), but on trading down
  RealFootball365.com, Apr. 26, 2006

• Raiders stand in Lions' way - so far as drafting Michael Huff, that is
  Macomb (County, MI) Daily News, Apr. 26, 2006

• On the Edge Tuesday    (requires the Shockwave Flash 8 plugin)
  Raiders.com, undated (appeared 4/26/06)

• USC Has Become an NFL Factory Again - historically, the Raiders used to draft many players from USC, which is indeed a big-time jock school
  Associated Press, Apr. 26, 2006 (San Francisco Examiner)

• Kiper: From nerd to expert - interesting
  Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Apr. 26, 2006

• NFL draft: The short list - profiles of DT Haloti Ngata and OLB A.J. Hawk
  Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Apr. 26, 2006

• Top defensive prospects of 2006 NFL draft
  Contra Costa Times, Apr. 26, 2006

• Raiders in 3-way deal? It's a predraft rumor fest - interesting rumor, but probably too farfetched to happen
  San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 26, 2006

• DRAFT 2006: Shell back in Oakland
  Associated Press, Apr. 26, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• This site normally limits itself to material concerning the Raiders or, occasionally, the NFL in general. But, given the draft feeding frenzy every April, and the effect good drafting can have on division matchups (e.g., Denver's long string of running backs taken in lower rounds), here are the AP's draft needs summaries for the Raiders' three AFC West rivals:
  
  

  • DRAFT 2006: Chiefs again looking at defense in draft
    Associated Press, Apr. 26, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

  • DRAFT 2006: Broncos looking to add a wide receiver
    Associated Press, Apr. 26, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

  • DRAFT 2006: Chargers needs painfully clear
    Associated Press, Apr. 26, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• On the Edge Tuesday    (requires the Shockwave Flash 8 plugin)
  Raiders.com, undated (appeared 4/26/06)

• Davis hopes Pro Bowl berth is in future - this is TE Vernon speaking, not exactly the modest sort (but neither is that other Davis <g> with whom Raiders fans are familiar)
  Associated Press, Apr. 26, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• Jets need to make a splash at No. 4 - article begins, "The New York Jets spent extensive time visiting with the 'Big Three' quarterbacks in the draft"
  Associated Press, Apr. 26, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• Luckily for Pats, a deep linebacker draft - this article's linked because LB is a major Raiders need also
  Associated Press, Apr. 26, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• Young is ultimate conundrum for scouts
  Associated Press, Apr. 26, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• Texans narrow choices to Bush or Williams - the only surprise here is that Houston even made a statement at all
  Associated Press, Apr. 26, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• NFL Draft capsules for AFC teams
  (Newport News, VA) Daily Press, Apr. 25, 2006 (CBS Sportsline)

• Michael Huff, S, 6-0, 204, Texas - brief profile
  Sports Ticker, Apr. 25, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• Combine appearance isn't as critical as it once was
  Philadelphia Inquirer, Apr. 25, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• Ohio State's Hawk tops the linebacker charge for NFL Draft
  Kansas City Star, Apr. 25, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• RAIDERS' TOP FIVE DRAFT NEEDS
  Knight Ridder, Apr. 25, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• Who should the Raiders pick? (online poll results)
  Honolulu Advertiser, undated

• NFL Draft Diaries with Darnell Bing - the USC safety visited Oakland, among other teams
  FOXSports, undated (MSN)

• All Raider signs point to Young
  Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Apr. 25, 2006

• NFL draft: The short list - profile of QB Jay Cutler
  Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Apr. 25, 2006

• 2006 NFL draft: Charting the offense
  Contra Costa Times, Apr. 25, 2006

• Niners Staying Put at No. 6 in NFL Draft
  Associated Press, Apr. 25, 2006 (San Francisco Chronicle)

• DRAFT 2006: Lutui uses family ties to overcome tragedy, emerge as a top NFL pick
  Associated Press, Apr. 25, 2006 (San Francisco Chronicle)

• Killion: Together in draft, surely in history - article relates the history between Oakland and SF
  San Jose Mercury News, Apr. 25, 2006

• Guessing game on Raiders' wish list
  Knight Ridder, Apr. 25, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• Connor Byrne's 2006 mock draft
  RealFootball365.com, Apr. 25, 2006

• First-round mock: So who's No. 2? - Dan Pompei says it's Vince Young for Oakland, or perhaps CB Jimmy Williams!?!?! (honest!)
  The Sporting News, Apr. 24, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• Correspondents' mock draft - That's TSN Correspondents, as in writers for The Sporting News - the consensus was Leinart
  The Sporting News, Apr. 24, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• Bush No. 1 no matter what 'experts' say
  Associated Press, Apr. 24, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• It's a big week for decisions - article makes an important point about the length of player contracts under the newly extended CBA
  NFL.com, Apr. 24, 2006

• I Hate Mondays: NFL Mock Draft (Pt. 2) - this writer says Huff
  SportsCentral, Apr. 24, 2006

• On the Edge Draft Preview    (requires the Shockwave Flash 8 plugin)
  Raiders.com, undated (appeared 4/24/06)

• Raiders load up on defensive backs - good analysis by crafty veteran Jim Jenkins
  Sacramento Bee, Apr. 24, 2006

• Raiders' need for impact likely to dictate draft pick
  Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Apr. 24, 2006

• Raiders breakouts
  Contra Costa Times, Apr. 24, 2006

• Scouting motto: Be prepared
  Contra Costa Times, Apr. 24, 2006

• Draft is about possibilities and dropped balls
  Oakland Tribune, Apr. 24, 2006 (InsideBayArea.com)

• Raiders have lots of holes, options
  Knight Ridder, Apr. 24, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• Undrafted players can become NFL stars
  Associated Press, Apr. 24, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• Defensive line: Mario Williams might be the best anywhere in draft
  Chicago Tribune, Apr. 23, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• Mock draft II: Upon further review - Pat Kirwan revises his mock only a few days after the first version
  NFL.com, Apr. 23, 2006

• Ohio State's Hawk ready to take flight in NFL
  Toledo (OH) Blade, Apr. 23, 2006

• Tight end has loose lips for yummy cheesecake - strange headline, but interesting article about a TE prospect from UC Davis
  Sacramento Bee, Apr. 23, 2006

• Plot to thicken when it's time to start picking
  Contra Costa Times, Apr. 23, 2006

• NFL DRAFT PREVIEW / CENTERS
  San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 23, 2006

• NFL DRAFT PREVIEW / GUARDS
  San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 23, 2006

• NFL DRAFT PREVIEW / TACKLES
  San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 23, 2006

• NFL DRAFT PREVIEW / QUARTERBACKS
  San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 23, 2006

• NFL DRAFT PREVIEW / RUNNING BACKS
  San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 23, 2006

• NFL DRAFT PREVIEW / FULLBACKS
  San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 23, 2006

• NFL DRAFT PREVIEW / TIGHT ENDS
  San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 23, 2006

• NFL DRAFT PREVIEW / WIDE RECEIVERS
  San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 23, 2006

• NFL DRAFT PREVIEW / DEFENSIVE TACKLES
  San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 23, 2006

• NFL DRAFT PREVIEW / DEFENSIVE ENDS
  San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 23, 2006

• NFL DRAFT PREVIEW / INSIDE LINEBACKERS
  San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 23, 2006

• NFL DRAFT PREVIEW / OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
  San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 23, 2006

• NFL DRAFT PREVIEW / CORNERBACKS
  San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 23, 2006

• NFL DRAFT PREVIEW / SAFETIES
  San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 23, 2006

• NFL DRAFT PREVIEW / SPECIALISTS
  San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 23, 2006

• Starting QB a job few can hold down
  San Jose Mercury News, Apr. 23, 2006

• Raiders report: Inside slant - good analysis of the Raiders' eccentric drafting
  The Sports Xchange, Apr. 22, 2006 (CBS Sportsline)

• Raiders report: Notes, quotes
  The Sports Xchange, Apr. 22, 2006 (CBS Sportsline)

• NFL draft is guessing game at best - Dave Goldberg is widely considered the AP's top NFL writer
  Associated Press, Apr. 22, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• Look at 1996 NFL Draft - that was the year the Raiders traded up to take "can't-miss," "future star" Rickey Dudley
  Associated Press, Apr. 22, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• All eyes on QBs in 2006 NFL draft
  Sacramento Bee, Apr. 21, 2006

• AFC West's comings, goings; what's in store on Draft Day
  Pro Football Weekly, Apr. 20, 2006

• Beyond size and speed: Trunk strength
  FootballOutsiders.com, Apr. 20, 2006 (FOXSports)

• Bill Williamson's NFL Draft Storylines: What will Al do?
  MSNBC.com, undated

• For weekend editions, April 22-23 - draft capsules for each team; good reading
  Associated Press, Apr. 20, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• A.J. Hawk Scouting Report - since some mocks have Oakland taking Hawk, and he's featured today on Yahoo's site, here's his profile
  Rivals.com, undated (Yahoo! Sports)

• Oakland Raiders Team Needs - at last, it's Oakland's turn - written by the ubiquitous scout Frank Coyle, whose judgments are all over the Web
  Rivals.com, Apr. 20, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• Chief Justice
  Yahoo! Sports, Apr. 20, 2006

• NFL notes: Raiders may meet Young, Leinart
  Sacramento Bee, Apr. 20, 2006

• Raiders host top prospects
  San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 20, 2006

• Not moving on up - in his 4/19 blog entry, Czarnecki says the Raiders won't trade up
  FOXSports, Apr. 19, 2006 (MSN)

• Rating quarterbacks for NFL draft
  Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Apr. 19, 2006

• Next Polamalu? Texas' Huff could be him - I just saw this so am including it with current articles - highly informative article by Phil Barber of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat
  MSNBC.com, Mar. 13, 2006

• Drafting QB in first round far from sure thing
  MSNBC.com, Apr. 19, 2006

• Vince Young: On Raiders' Radar - duh!!
  RotoWire.com, Apr. 19, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• Matt Leinart: Raiders Interested in Moving Up in Draft?
  RotoWire.com, Apr. 19, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• Sculpting the model Raiders quarterback
  RealFootball365.com, Apr. 19, 2006

• Young a sure bet or risky business?
  Chicago Sun-Times, Apr. 19, 2006

• Texas teammates Young, Huff will visit Raiders
  Associated Press, Apr. 19, 2006 (Santa Rosa Press Democrat)

• Top pair of Horns to visit Raiders - that would be Vince Young and Michael Huff
  Oakland Tribune, Apr. 19, 2006 (InsideBayArea.com)

• 49ers add another first-round pick in swap with Broncos
  Associated Press, Apr. 19, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• Raiders may be seeking higher pick
  Knight Ridder, Apr. 19, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• Beyond size and speed: Feet don't fail
  FootballOutsiders.com, Apr. 18, 2006 (FOXSports)

• Leinart, Young to meet with Raiders
  Knight Ridder, Apr. 18, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• USA TODAY's 2006 NFL mock drafts - chart shows mock picks by USA Today's six writers
  USA Today, Apr. 18, 2006

• A competitive friendship - Ohio State LBs Bobby Carpenter and A.J. Hawk
  USA Today, Apr. 18, 2006

• Croyle, Whitehurst battling for No. 4 - the "other"QBs
  ESPN.com, Apr. 18, 2006

• Will Leinart, Young have the luxury of sitting?
  ESPN.com, Apr. 18, 2006

• Eight second-day selections among active QBs - just trivia, really
  ESPN.com, Apr. 18, 2006

• Draft Day: QBs - requires Flash
  ESPN.com, Apr. 18, 2006

• 2006 NFL draft value board
  TFY Draft Preview, Apr. 18, 2006 (FOXSports)

• Top 100 risers/fallers in NFL draft
  NFLDraftScout.com, Apr. 18, 2006 (FOXSports)

• Wroten tackling character issues - that's appropriate and helpful; at least one mock (NFL.com's Pat Kirwan) has Oakland taking pass rusher Wroten in Round 2
  ESPN.com, Apr. 18, 2006

• Mock draft 8.0: No movement at the top - as with their last version, Fox sees The Silver & Black picking Huff
  FOXSports, Apr. 18, 2006 (MSN)

• Four overlooked QBs that could flourish
  The Sporting News, Apr. 18, 2006

• Oregon's Clemens heads list of draft steals
  MSNBC.com, Apr. 18, 2006

• The new glamour position - Don Banks extols the virtues of today's crop of tight ends
  SI.com, Apr. 18, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• 'Triangle' to handle draft - Tykes article mentions that Vince Young will visit Oakland Wednesday
  (St. Paul) Pioneer Press, Apr. 18, 2006 (Grand Forks [ND] Herald)

• Cowboys consider trade up for safety - article says Michael Huff is to visit Oakland on Wed. (I've also seen Tues. [today])
  Dallas-Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, Apr. 18, 2006

• Evaluating draft? Give it about five years
  MSNBC.com, Apr. 17, 2006

• Teams more diligent in assessing players' character
  ESPN.com, Apr. 17, 2006

• NFL_Czar's Blog
  FOXSports, Apr. 17, 2006 (MSN)

• Evaluating draft? Give it about five years
  MSNBC.com, Apr. 17, 2006

• Survival of the fittest - Charles Robinson ranks defensive linemen
  Yahoo! Sports, Apr. 17, 2006

• Jaworski thinks Cutler’s a cut above - Leinart's agent confirms that his client will visit Oakland
  Nashville City Paper, Apr. 17, 2006

• GRILLO: Can you feel the draft? - writer predicts Oakland takes Young
  Rocky Mount Telegram, Apr. 17, 2006

• Huff and ready: Longhorn at head of draft's DB class - this is the guy Oakland should take, in my view
  USA Today, Apr. 16, 2006

• Ten Underrated, Ten Overrated
  Rivals.com, Apr. 16, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• Oakland Raiders preview of team needs
  MSNBC.com, undated

• DRAFT HQ - MSNBC.com's first-round mock has Oakland taking Jay Cutler
  MSNBC.com, undated

• Oakland Raiders Team Needs - tired analysis, in this observer's view, by the ubiquitous Frank Coyle
  Rivals.com, Apr. 16, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• Hidden draft delight - Dr. Z touts TE Vernon Davis
  SI.com, Apr. 16, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• Draft day may favor Raiders / Bold moves are common for Davis - I knew I'd seen this article before . . .  it ran yesterday in the SacBee under the title "Raiders insider: Raiders a wild card in draft." The author was the Bee's Jim Jenkins, a grizzled veteran among sportswriters who once did his turn on the paper's Raiders beat.
  Associated Press, Apr. 16, 2006 (The [Raleigh, NC] News & Observer)

• QB looking forward to helping loved ones - Leinart knows how to talk up his asking price, which will be steep - there is a Raiders connection among the mundane rambling; search for "Raiders"
  ESPN.com, undated (appeared 4/16/06)

• Matt Leinart could step into Broadway Joe's Madison Avenue shoes
  New York Daily News, Apr. 16, 2006 (Contra Costa Times)

• What will the NFL do with Vince Young?
  Akron Beacon Journal, Apr. 16, 2006 (Contra Costa Times)

• 2006 NFL DRAFT / Character study: who's worth risk? / Teams scout personalities as well as skills in finding best fit
  San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 16, 2006

• 2006 Mock Draft - the first 10 picks of Round One without a subscription
  NFLDraftBlitz.com, undated

• Ten Rising, Ten Falling
  Rivals.com, Apr. 14, 2006 (appeared 4/15/06) (Yahoo! Sports)

• Raiders insider: Raiders a wild card in draft
  Sacramento Bee, Apr. 15, 2006

• Raiders Team Report
  The Sporting News, Apr. 14, 2006

• AFC team reports: Latest draft buzz - a bizarre rumor for Oakland
  The Sporting News, Apr. 14, 2006

• From touted to doubted - Charles Robinson looks at top linebackers
  Yahoo! Sports, Apr. 14, 2006

• Next Young gun? / Texas QB stands up to questions leading up to draft
  Rockford (IL) Register Star, Apr. 14, 2006

• Dolphins Have Eye on Vince Young - what a joke—Young available when Miami picks at No. 16?!?!?
  The Online Ledger (Lakeland, FL), Apr. 14, 2006

• Projected First Round - Mocking Allowed
  The Sports Network, undated

• Dolphins eyeing Vince Young - not at pick No. 16, never!
  Miami Herald, Apr. 13, 2006 (Contra Costa Times)

• Instant impact
  SI.com, Apr. 13, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• The lying game
  Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Apr. 13, 2006

• Is The NFL Afraid Of Vince Young?
  Black Athlete Sports Network, Apr. 14, 2006 (appeared 4/13/06)

• Uncertainty Is No. 1 as N.F.L. Draft Nears
  New York Times, Apr. 13, 2006

• Mock draft: Charean Williams predicts the first round
  Fort Worth Star Telegram, Apr. 12, 2006 (San Jose Mercury News)

• This supply can't cover the demand - Dan Pompei's talking about cornerbacks(perhaps the favorite position of Al Davis come draft time) - good article
  The Sporting News, Apr. 12, 2006

• Just like old times - Charles Robinson's 5th mock has Oakland taking A.J. Hawk after Tennessee grabs Young at No. 3
  Yahoo! Sports, Apr. 12, 2006

• Oakland Raiders 2006 Draft Preview
  Sports Network, Apr. 12, 2006

• Mel's Big Board - Kiper now sees Oakland taking TE Vernon Davis
  ESPN.com, Apr. 12, 2006

• Brandt's top prospects for the draft: Offense
  NFL.com, Apr. 11, 2006

• Young won't wind up with the Texans - self-styled pundit says Vince Young won't make it past the Oakland Raiders at seven
  The Sporting News, Apr. 11, 2006

• Mock draft 7.0: Young saga takes another turn
  FOXSports, Apr. 11, 2006 (MSN)

• 2006 DRAFT PROJECTION - brand new updated 3-round mock
  Great Blue North Draft Report, Apr. 11, 2006

• 2006 NFL Draft - USA Today has a chart listing 400 prospects, with profiles on most. Info is somewhat awkward to retrieve, however.
  USA Today, Apr. 10, 2006

• THE SCOUT'S NOTEBOOK / PRE-DRAFT POTPOURRI - column on movement within the top 10 has some Raiders content
  Great Blue North Draft Report, Apr. 10, 2006

• 2006 Scout.com NFL Draft Rankings - Scout.com's top 100 prospects, all nicely hyperlinked to position groups, team rosters, indivual stats, etc. - an excellent resource
  Scout.com, Apr. 10, 2006

• 2006 NFL Mock Draft - TFY Draft Preview - this is Scout.com's own mock draft. The four links which follow are to database reports from Scout.com analyzing what other mock drafts have predicted.
  Scout.com, Apr. 10, 2006

• The following four links (from Scout.com) "munch" (are compiled based on) 37 mock drafts:

• Scout.com Mock Draft Muncher v.2006 - rates top prospects en masse and gives each a grade - if you don't want to slog through a dozen draft sites or magazines to get a quick feel for this year's top 35 or so players, tables like this are a great aid
  Scout.com/FOXSports, Apr. 10, 2006 (MSN)

• Mock Drafts - want to do your own research, or see the raw data? Here are links to all 37 original mocks, and to revisions of them published on Scout.com. Most impressive!!
  Scout.com/FOXSports, Apr. 10, 2006 (MSN)

• Mock Draft Picks by Draft Slot
  Scout.com/FOXSports, Apr. 10, 2006 (MSN)

• Draft Simulation - essentially the mock draft compiled from the above "munching"
  Scout.com/FOXSports, Apr. 10, 2006 (MSN)

• 2006 Three-round Mock Draft - last year at least Round 1 was free, but now it's all subscription-only
  The Sporting News, undated

• Prime position - column has a brief compliment about Bobby Petrino—search for Raiders to find it
  SI.com, Apr. 10, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• In for a big surprise - a piece on CB Antonio Cromartie - never turn your back on a cornerback when Al Davis has a draft pick at hand; who'd paid any attention to Stanford Routt last year?
  Yahoo! Sports, Apr. 10, 2006

• NBCSports.com's NFL mock draft
  MSNBC.msn.com, Apr. 10, 2006

• AP takes shot at projecting NFL draft
  Associated Press, Apr. 10, 2006 (Contra Costa Times)

• Kiper's Insider Mock - some Seahags fan posted a subscription-only article to a public board
  Seahawks Huddle, Apr. 9, 2006

• Draft means filling a need - I agree with the premise but not the choice for the Raiders
  Contra Costa Times, Apr. 8, 2006

• Draft board shuffles as big weekend nears
  FOXSports, Apr. 7, 2006 (MSN)

• 2006 NFL Draft positional rankings - Pat Kirwan's rankings
  NFL.com, Apr. 7, 2006

• Mock Draft: Pete Prisco - Prisco says Oakland will go for DT Haloti Ngata
  CBS Sportsline, Apr. 7, 2006

• Vic's picks: Top 5 safeties in draft - Michael Huff is this observer's favorite pick, too! (I just saw this so am putting the link here with the current articles)
  NFL.com, Mar. 24, 2006

• Mayock's position-by-position rankings - likewise, another article I missed earlier
  NFL.com, Mar. 27, 2006

• Antonio Cromartie: Looks Good at Pro Day - the Raiders always eye cornerbacks
  RotoWire.com, Apr. 6, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• Winston Justice: Impresses at Pro Day - this 320-pounder did a vertical leap of almost 40"!!
  RotoWire.com, Apr. 6, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• Anthony Carroll's 2006 NFL Mock Draft - Carroll writes the Raiders articles for the "365" site and has Oakland taking TE Vernon Davis
  RealFootball365.com, Apr. 5, 2006

• Brandt's top prospects for the draft: Defense
  NFL.com, Apr. 5, 2006

• Line of Scrimmage: Saints hold the first-round keys - team-by-team analysis, albeit somewhat brief
  The Sports Network, Apr. 5, 2006

• Justice, pair of guards impress scouts
  ESPN.com, Apr. 5, 2006

• Ourlads' 2006 NFL Mock Draft - Ourlads' first round mock, updated 4/4/06
  Ourlads.com, Apr. 4, 2006

• Matt Leinart: Solid Pro Day
  RotoWire.com, Apr. 4, 2006 (Yahoo! Sports)

• Team Draft Needs: Oakland Raiders - a Washington fans site looks at Oakland's needs
  TheHogs.net, Apr. 4, 2006

• Mock Draft No. 4 - Don Banks prognosticates, and I like his choice for Oakland
  SI.com, Apr. 4, 2006

• USC's big winner
  Yahoo! Sports, Apr. 2, 2006

• NFL announces 32 compensatory draft picks
  NFL.com, Mar. 27, 2006

Last updated Saturday, April 29, 2006