Raider D-Line needs reinforcements
Photo by Patrick A. Patterson/TFDSsports.com
Related Articles
-
Defense next on to do list
-
Walker restructure continues smart offseason
-
Offseason progress report
-
Silver offseason continues
- Defensive line next on agenda
- Highest priorities for Raiders to address
So much of the noise coming from the Oakland Raiders would seem to indicate that they would be favoring either a wide receiver or offensive tackle with their top pick in the upcoming draft. However, the Raiders are a team that is expert at throwing up more smokescreens and misdirection than an old James Bond flick.
When all is said and done, the Raiders are most likely going to use their first pick on a defensive player on April 25th, provided one of the top defensive linemen is still on the board.
The Raiders have already made much needed improvements in their offensive tackle situation by adding Khalif Barnes and Erik Pears. They also added center Samson Satele to replace the departed Jake Grove. They have also added a veteran backup quarterback in Jeff Garcia.
Wide receiver was considered a strong need based on the unknown status and expected departure of Javon Walker. However, the Raiders reustructured Walker's contract so that both 2009 and 2010 are both guaranteed years, which means that he will be in Silver and Black until 2011. Combining the restructure of Walker and the late season emergence of Johnnie Lee Higgins and Chaz Schilens, it is unlikely that the Raiders are going to be looking to pay top money to another wide receiver. They also have last year's fourth round pick Arman Shields who spent all of 2008 on the injured reserve ready to show what he can do.
Since the main thrust of free agency has been on the offensive side of the ball, it stands to reason that the draft will center around the defensive side of the ball. The defensive line has been a problem for the Raiders for the past several years, and it is time for them to address it.
The past two drafts, the Raiders have used their top picks on the offensive side of the ball with JaMarcus Russell, and getting him a threat the following year with Darren McFadden. They haven't spent a top pick on the defensive front seven since they took Tyler Brayton with the #32 pick in 2003, and he was a defensive end. They haven't addressed the defensive tackle position on the first DAY of the draft since Leon Bender in 1998, or at all since the failed Antajj Hawthorne experiment in the sixth round in 2005.
The effect of this lack of focus on the interior of the defensive line is the continued presence of the Raiders defense at the bottom of league rankings against the run. In the interim, they have been the opposition in highlight reels from second and third string running backs. Fingers have been pointed at middle linebacker Kirk Morrison, as well as safeties Stuart Schweigert, but the key to success against the run is the interior of the defensive line not allowing running lanes, and keeping offensive linemen off the linebackers.
Essentially, if B.J. Raji from Boston College is on the board when it is time for the Raiders to make their selection, he will be the one selected. Raji would be the force in the middle of the defensive line that the Raiders urgently need. He can stand-up blockers, forcing the backs to bounce it outside where the speed of the linebackers will come into play. He can also penetrate on passing plays, giving the Raiders a pass rush up the middle that they have not seen since Rod Coleman terrorized quarterbacks during the early years of this decade.
If Raji is off the board, Brian Orapko or Everette Brown would be the pick. The Raiders do not have an every down defensive end who can get at the quarterback, as well as hold up against the run. Jay Richardson is good enough to be part of the rotation, but he should not be a starter. Derrick Burgess has been a liability against the run in his time in Oakland, and has been a shell of his former Pro Bowl self.
Having a defensive line that is a force will stop the Raiders run defense from being a drive through, as well as make the cornerback tandem of Nnamdi Asomugha and Chris Johnson even better. As it stands, the Raiders pass rush too often gives quarterbacks time to scan the entire field, and wait for one of their receivers to get free. If there is a fearsome rush, opposing quarterbacks won't have that time, and will be more prone to make mistakes that Aso and CJ can capitalize on to create turnovers. The defensive line needs to dictate the action, and that has not happened for far too long in Oakland.
Comments
If Crabtree is there though, I think there is no way Al wil pass at having the top receiver in the draft.
Or what if he lets Cable take his pick of the offensive tackles that are left? Unlikely, but its the Raiders.
When some experts are predicting them to take Heyward-Bey at 7, you know it's a toss up.
What Patrick is saying is, this is the best way for the raiders to go. I think the best OT's and Crabtree will be off the board when the raiders are on the board with the 7th pick.
With said, I think Raji is the best athlete on the board and he is just what the raiders need.
The raiders can get a good WR in the later rounds, as far back as the 3rd.
I would think, any raider fan would be tired of watching 3rd string running backs looking like Earl Campbell against the raiders run defense.
Soooooo tired of LT breaking for a big death-blow run. It must be on the D-side for the 7th pick. The '09 draft is WR strong for later rounds.
My belief is that AL could trade if the D-side player (Raji) he is looking for at 7 is gone.
That trade would be w/the Eagles...we then take a WR and a quality D player late in the 1st round.
I completely agree, take a DT with pick #1. Time to stop the run at the line, not with the safeties.
The WR problem is overrated. If Russell can both throw on target and get the ball out more quickly, our underrated receivers will be able to catch some of those potatoes. With lack of motivation, Russell is the biggest offensive problem at this point, which with Garcia around, will be fixed directly or indirectly.
I agree and hope to see them go defense early. What Idealy would happen for me is that the Raiders Trade w/ the Eagles and at 21 draft a Tyson Jackson or Robert Ayers. W/ 28 I would like to see Ziggy Hood or Peria Jerry. Their second Rounder would go to Rashad Johnson. So we would address DE,DT, and FS right there. The Raiders do need another Red Zone threat and their 3rd rounder should go to Ramses Barden (6'6" 220 something pounds and a 4.48 40 w/ great production in college). If not Ramses I would like to see OT like Beatty or Loadholt or best available OG.
Good points by you guys. I like the depth of receivers in this year's draft. We need to ask ourselves, which is the Raiders biggest need? Is it Left Tackle or Defensive Tackle? Do the get a future Pro-Bowl Left Tackle for the next 10-12years, or a rock in the middle of the defense and future leader? The Godfather will make the call! Special Note: JOHN MADDEN FROM BROADCASTING!
If this isn't the smartest, most logical explanation of our number seven overall pick, then I have no clue as to what would be! Pat yourself on the back my friend! I have been preaching and professing for a few years now how important it is for us, as an organization, to rebuild from within the trenches, on both sides of the ball!! I was pretty upset last year when we passed on Sedrick Ellis of my fav. USC and was disappointed Glen Dorsey had gone to our foe KC. This year we cannot afford to pass on a player of Raji's caliber. Just the thought of having his 320 lbs.+ frame in our interior excites me like no other. With him in our rotation, the play of Morrison and Howard can, and will, finally reach their full potential (mark my words!). The only other pick I can see us choosing over Raji is, of course, Crabtree, but because of injury and no 40 time, I feel Al is definitely going to pass. Just please, don't draft Heyward-Bey first!!!
Agreed, the Raiders definitely need to stop the run but they need a trade down to get this done. I still say that Kelly needs to be moved to DE if they draft Raji. Raji is the same position as Kelly, otherwise they will have to rotate and the Raiders need an every down player at @7. A trade down could get them one of the best OT and a DT. However, we all know this is not likely and upgrading the "O" line at #7 is still my choice if the Raiders stay put at #7. The Off season "O" line additions are rejects from other teams and will lead to the same old three and out most of the time. However, a balanced offense provided by a dominant "O" line is an immediate upgrade to the defense as the "D" will not be on the field as long as in the past seasons.
I have been made this same point several times in the last 6 yrs. It is almost unbelievable that the RAIDERs have selected only 1 DT this decade. In addition that DT was a 6th RD choice!! I do not understand HOW the RAIDERs can't see the direct corelation between RUSH defense and their record over the last 6 yrs.
That is my guess DT or DE in round one.
i still think OL in first round. Russell needs the time and slack from you guys with using the "bust" label. DT in 2nd or later rounds.
what good is it having a ferrari and not having the key for it to turn it on? OL for the offense in round one. DT in later rounds
defence defence defence! i know cable wants his cadillac o-tackle, so i say after that,d-tackle,run stopping strong safty,run stuffing l-backer,take a shot at d-tackle/end gilbert or wr ramses barton. package qb a.walters and a 2010 late pick to either move up somewhere to make sure we get someone or to simply add another pick.
In my opinion, we need help on both sides of the line...and as much as I LOVE a Great Defensive Line, I bevlieve that if our offense stopped going 3 and out....the Defense could actually rest!!!
Great Article Patrick!!! With what they have done in FA the only way to go is the Defensive side of the ball. Go DT with Raji!!! Then address OT, SS, and DE in the second thrid and fourth rounds. Maybe a trade with Walter to get a fifth and get WR Ramses Barden. The seventh round id like to see the raiders take a potential backup or starter for the SLB position which is up for graps! Just Win Baby!
The 2 elite OT, Crabs and Raji are my version of the Cable fab 4. Each fills a need, each is the best at his position. Unless Stafford drops out of the top 10, we could get a shot at Raji of Crabs. I'm happy w/either one.
Excellent.
Yes Al doesn't use first rounders on wide receivers.. with one exception.
People are all enamored with these cool wide receivers and their names.
Odds are we go D-line. I agree.
My thought exactly. Offense has been beefed up considerably, and the resigning of CJ and Aso was great. But I'll be damned if Ladanian Tomlinson is going to wander his way through the line on every play on the opening Monday Night Football like he did last year. D-line is definitely the way to go.
If Al wants a steal at WR in this draft then he should grab Ramses Barden from Cal Poly who will be probably ignored in the first round even though he is amazing. That would be a great move.
everyone says get rid of Walter, and we might be able to trade him off. But I honestly think with McFadden and Bush, we would get the best value in trading Justin Fargas for a late third round pick. That would be the best way to pick up a mid round pick, clear a little more cap room, and fill holes on the O-line or D-line.
I agree with most people that say this is the best move, which it is-but it's the Raiders. They should of taken Dorsey last year.
Al Davis is going to put his stamp on it one way or another. We'll just have to wait and see. There are reports that almost everyone in the top 10 are trying to trade down, which isn't surprising.
ok nation flip has flipped his lid,...he would rather trade pinball action farges over seldom used walter!! wt-??? flip do you realise that we must carry 3 quality backs.the way and style that we run our guys have had multiple injuries.i wont even say look at last year,look at when we had rhodes,fargas,& fat boy jordan all where injured at one point.bottom line....we need fargas....we dont need walter.
the 3 lines of run!defence is how i would draft!! run stuffing d-tackle....hole plugging line backer......crash test hitting strong safety!!!now our more athletic line backers(morrison/thomas)are free to chase tightends and pass option backs!namdi/cj/hirem or huff roaming passing lanes.our brand spanking new hard hitting saftey in run support!!!
You are spot on here Patrick. The talk of a WR or OT is a huge smokescreen this has to be a defensive draft. The 1st round Pick has to be DT B.J. Raji there is no way to roll the same DL group out there this year seeing what happened the last two years. DT, LB, DE and Safety will be the way to go.
Rey Mauguluga first pick. Move morrison to strong and we will have the best linebacker crew in the league. Then pick up some run stuffing DL. Come on people can you imagine that beast on our defense.
fine im on board with rey, just hate to pay 7th pick money for him?? but i do see where your going with this.....hard hitting rey maugaluga in the middle morrison & thomas outside for run support but mainly for pass coverage,namdi & cj in lock down mode, the free will actually be free to read/react/& gamble,we get ron brace to help fill run gaps & deepin the d-tackle rotation(fresher line).we get patrick chung strictly for run support(he is a 5'11" battering ram)see youtube.we take a chance on jarron gilbert 6'5" 290lb d-tackle who can run a 4.8 40yd & jump out of a 3ft deep pool.lol but really he flat out dominated at tackle and can convert to d-end due to his speed.wich means well have a d-end who can actually crush the run!!/rush the passer/& can line up at tackle if needed!!see youtube.we havnt had a d-end who can stop the run for many years!!(lance johnstone/pat swilling/burgess/t.brayton/)all are pass rushers only!!! jay rich comes close but he is a part time d-end,but if we bookend jay rich & j.gilbert around any combo of brace/kelly/sands/warren/backed by rey.maug/backed by p.chung NO MORE RUNS. besides the chargers are in position to pick up rey!(rey maug/merriman/philips)ouch!
REY!!REY!!REY!!he's a headbanging solid tackler and would allow howard and morrison use their speed on the outside.
I live in the Pittsburgh area and the newspaper had one of the Steeler coaches and their head scout making picks for the Raiders draft. They said with only five picks the Raiders will have to draft players higher then they are ranked just because they need a player at that position. The picks #7 B.J. Raji DT, #40 Chip Vaughn S, #71 Lawrence Sidbury DE, # 126 Jasper Brinkley LB and at #216 C.J. Davis G.
Pick # 7 is a no brainer. Go get BJ Raji!!!!!!!The guys a badass. We do not need to risk the pick or the money on a college receiver. It is high reward, but the risk is greater considering what a Crabtree will get paid. There are several marquee receivers on the trading block right now, yes they have baggage, but they are proven and probably wont make much more than a #1 receiver in the draft. So, pick #7 should be Raji, trade for a chad johnson, anquan boldin, braylon edwards, Go bleepin sign SS Roy Williams who is still a free agent somehow, see what they can do to aquire one of the stellar LB's from USC with another pick and add what you can to the O line in later rounds. We have added some help in free agency to the O line, so I think that defense should be priority #1
I love the depth we have at RB, but its where some good trade bait could be. obviously mcfadden is the future, Bush is steady and I would not want to trade him considering his minute salary, leaving, ihate to say it, but fargas.he is a good back, would probably trade well, i wish oren oneal had the trade value, but its not reality because i would like to keep fargas and mcfadden as what could potentially be the best tandem in the league, but we have lots of needs, and fargas would clear some substantial cap room. Does anyone trust Javon Walker to be the no.1? could he be supplemented with a Roscoe Parrish instead of trading a pick for a topshelf receiver? 1st 2 picks in the draft should go defense, give Kalif Barnes and Samson Satele credit, they both have pro bowl potential. Beef up the D and get a good reciever. AND STOP SLACKING, TO HELL WITH THE NAYSAYERS, GO GET SS ROY WILLIAMS!!!! HE IS GOOD< DALLAS IS STUPID, HE IS A HARD HITTER ALA ONE OF OUR FAVS, JACK TATUM THE ASSASSIN!!!!!!!!!
AND SEND ANDREW WALTER PACKING FOR ANYTHING THAT WE CAN GET FOR HIM, DONT NEED THAT MANY QUARTERBACKS, HE IS A SKID MARK ANYWAY
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!