D. Hall watch is over.
I was supposed to attend Stanford’s pro day, but that was scrapped once it became apparent the trade for the newest Raider would go down.
DeAngelo Hall has signed his new contract and will head back to Atlanta much richer than when he arrived in Oakland on Wednesday.
Seven years, $70 million, $24.5 million guaranteed are the confirmed numbers for the deal.
I like the addition, even if it cost a lot to make it happen. Hall is a better tackler than Fabian Washington or Stanford Routt, has punt return ability, and will bring a swagger the defense lost with Warren Sapp’s retirement.
I also like the Raiders held on to their sixth-round pick this year and sent next year’s fifth-rounder to Atlanta along with this year’s second-round pick.
If you’ve read me more than once, you know I’m a big fan of having multiple draft picks.
I never reported any rumors I heard about negotiations not working out because of one person: Al Davis.
Davis doesn’t get involved in contract talks to waste his time. If he’s involved, it’s going to get done.
That’s why I’m not surprised it did.
The Raiders still need to upgrade their pass rush to maximize the new addition. That’s why Chris Long and Vernon Gholston remain realistic possibilities in next month’s NFL Draft.
There’s also a certain running back from Arkansas that might be available, too.
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I missed out on watching the Stanford players workout, but did hear some reports on how some of the Cardinal prospects performed.
WR Mark Bradford ran the 40-yard dash in under 4.5 seconds. That should help his stock a lot. He’s already a gifted athlete that showed off a 41-inch vertical leap.
LB Landon Johnson (6-0, 223) ran a 4.62 40, had a 36 1/2–inch vertical leap and a 10-foot broad jump.
DE Emmanuel Awofadeju (6-4, 250) posted a 4.73 40, a 38 ½ vertical and 10-2 broad jump.
CB Tim Sims (5-11, 191) was also timed in the 4.4 range in the 40 to go with a vertical leap of 38 ½ inches.
Bradford’s strong hands wouldn’t be a bad option with the Raiders’ fourth-round pick, if he lasts that long.
--Jason Jones
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