Raiders waive 6th round 2009 pick, before signing him....

[retailguy]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/07/13/raiders-waive-sixth-round-pick/

Raiders waive sixth-round pick
Posted by Mike Florio on July 13, 2009 4:53 PM
The Oakland Raiders have found a new way to avoid holdouts by rookie draft picks.

The solution? Cut them.

A league source tells us that the Raiders have waived defensive end Stryker Sulak, a sixth-round pick in the 2009 draft.

The formal designation was "waived/unsigned."

So, basically, the Raiders have cut Sulak before his rookie training camp. Said the source, "I've never seen that happen before."

But the tactic is permitted. Teams are required only to tender one-year contracts for the rookie minimum to their draft picks. Even if the draft pick were to sign the one-year tender, the team would still have the ability to terminate the non-guaranteed deal.

Sulak was the 26th player picked in round six, and the 199th overall in the draft. The Raiders selected Sulak with a draft pick obtained from the Patriots.

The reason for the Raiders' decision to cut Sulak isn't known. Yet.

[pbmax]

PFT also has Bubba Franks being cut. His double-clutch catching abilities might be diminishing.

[pbmax]

NFL.com had Stryker Sulak projected for the strongside OLB in the Raiders 3-4.

Overview

A three-time All-Big 12 honoree, Sulak has the production and burst upfield to generate interest from every NFL team. He shared freshman of the year honors with tight end Chase Coffman of the Tigers, starting the final seven games of that season for Missouri and finishing with 38 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. Sulak's production increased as he gained experience, topping out with eye-popping numbers as a senior -- 55 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and an NCAA-leading six forced fumbles. With opposing offenses focusing much of their attention upon Missouri's other defenders, Sulak's production was inflated. Without the bulk to remain at defensive end full time in the NFL, he'll have to show he has the athleticism to make the transition to linebacker to avoid the "tweener" label.

Analysis

Positives: Good initial quickness off the snap. ... Has some flexibility to get under the tackle and around the edge to close on the passer. ... Good short-area burst to close effectively and can explode into the quarterback to create fumbles. ... Good use of hands to rip the ball away from the ballcarrier. ... At least adequate feel for the running game. ... Good lateral quickness to scrape and stretch the play wide. ... Can break down in space to make tackles in the open field.

Negatives: Classic "tweener" lacking the fluid hips to change direction and the straight-line speed for coverage. ... Lacks the bulk and strength to hold up in the running game. ... Too often loses sight of the ball by rushing vertically upfield, leaving gaping holes for the offense to exploit. ... Has a naturally lanky build and may struggle to add considerable mass.

Copyright NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange.

Combine Results:
40 Yard Dash : 4.77 seconds
Bench Press : 22.0 reps
Vertical Jump : 31.0 inches
Broad Jump : 113.0 inches
3 Cone Drill : 7.31 seconds
20 Yard Shuttle : 4.58 seconds

[hoosier]

The reason for the Raiders' decision to cut Sulak isn't known. Yet.

This sentence gives far too much credit to Al Davis.

[CaptainKickass]

Has an NFL team ever cut a rookie before they sign him? Or is this an NFL first?

[retailguy]

Has an NFL team ever cut a rookie before they sign him? Or is this an NFL first?

According to PFT, it's happened twice before, in 2002 with the Eagles, and in 1996? with the Patriots. Eagles ran out of money to pay the guy, and the Patriots hadn't properly done their due diligence.

[Fritz]

So unless the Raiders have discovered some dark secret about the guy (though when did that ever stop them before?), it would appear they just...cut the guy. Doh!

[SnakeLH2006]

So unless the Raiders have discovered some dark secret about the guy (though when did that ever stop them before?), it would appear they just...cut the guy. Doh!

Chris Berman has the insight on the Raider player:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0q4oibfs9g

[Iron Mike]

Has an NFL team ever cut a rookie before they sign him? Or is this an NFL first?

According to PFT, it's happened twice before, in 2002 with the Eagles, and in 1996? with the Patriots. Eagles ran out of money to pay the guy, and the Patriots hadn't properly done their due diligence.

Sounds familiar:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Peter

[bigcoz75]

He's now a Packer. They ned some help with all the olb injuries. So with him and Havner they have four this morning because vets are off.

[DonHutson]

Did I see Havner listed as a TE on the depth chart? Has anyone seen him play there in practice?

It would be great if he was at least a decent emergency option so they can keep just Lee and Finley and use that third TE roster spot for something else.

[Tarlam!]

Did I see Havner listed as a TE on the depth chart? Has anyone seen him play there in practice?

It would be great if he was at least a decent emergency option so they can keep just Lee and Finley and use that third TE roster spot for something else.

I saw that, too, DonHutson. They converted a LB to FB, so why not a TE?

[DonHutson]

They converted a LB to FB, so why not a TE?

I would think the transition to TE would be harder. There are more skills that need to be developed. It's a nice bonus if your FB can get open and catch the ball, but as long as he can knock someone backwards that's all that really matters. To make a meaningful contribution at TE he would need to be able to block, catch, and run decent routes.

I'm just wondering where his skill level in those areas is.

[bigcoz75]

They converted a LB to FB, so why not a TE?

I would think the transition to TE would be harder. There are more skills that need to be developed. It's a nice bonus if your FB can get open and catch the ball, but as long as he can knock someone backwards that's all that really matters. To make a meaningful contribution at TE he would need to be able to block, catch, and run decent routes.

I'm just wondering where his skill level in those areas is.

From GBPG "Former linebacker turned tight end Spencer Havner juked Bush with a sideline stutter-step move after catching a dump-off pass during the evening practice. He turned what looked like a short gain into about a 15-yard touchdown"

One instance vs. Bush but it's something.

He's also on all the first team special teams groups.

[Brohm]

So we just signed this guy :P