Raiders determined not to let McFadden interfere with 2009 draft plans

OAKLAND, CA — Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin told reporters today that first-round draft choice Darren McFadden will not be allowed to ruin the team’s future plans by having a breakout rookie season, quieting concerns from many in Raider Nation.

McFadden, the fourth overall pick in last week’s draft, had been expected by many experts to have an immediate impact on the team’s fortunes, perhaps even helping the team to a playoff berth. But Kiffin said the team has big plans in the 2009 draft, and the front office has vowed not to let McFadden interfere.

In order to ensure that McFadden will have minimal impact in the upcoming season, the Raiders plan to deploy him in much the same way the New Orleans Saints have employed running back Reggie Bush, as opposed to the way the Minnesota Vikings used rookie running back Adrian Peterson last season. Peterson had over 1,300 yards and scored thirteen touchdowns as a rookie, racking up 296 yards against the San Diego Chargers, an NFL single-game record. In two seasons, Bush has just over 1,100 yards rushing and only 11 career touchdowns.

“We definitely want Darren to be more like Bush than Peterson,” said Kiffin. “About 500 yards rushing, catch a few passes, score a few touchdowns. We definitely don’t want him making us any better. We want him to have a minimal impact on our season.”

McFadden said he was frustrated by the team’s plans, but that he understands and is resigned to his role.

“The only way to stop me is to take me out of the game plans,” he said. “Better to keep me on the sidelines and we go 3-13 than have me run for a whole bunch of yards and just miss the playoffs. Look what happened to the Vikings last season. Peterson set them back years. I don’t know, maybe I’ll hold out for a while, just to make sure I don’t mess things up.”

Kiffin said he expects next season’s crop of NFL prospects to be “pretty freakin’ sweet”. He especially has his eye on Florida’s Tim Tebow.

“Have you seen that guy?” Kiffin asked. “He’s going to be a lot better than JaMarcus Russell, who’s turned into a total fat ass. By 2010 or so, the Raiders are going to be a great team. Al Davis said he wouldn’t fire me before then, and I totally believe him.”

It’s going to be tough for this sport to sweep any nations, but it’s still pretty frickin’ cool!