Now that the Oakland Raiders have made moves towards upgrading their offensive line, they need to turn their focus towards the defensive line. The only significant move the Raiders have made along that line was to cut defensive end Kalimba Edwards. The Raiders need to upgrade this position to improve their defense overall.
Beyond former Pro Bowler Derrick Burgess, the Raiders defensive ends are a rather motley crew. Trevor Scott emerged as a promising pass rush specialist. Jay Richardson is a rotational base end, but does not get consistent enough push to be a starter. Both Derrick Grey and Greyson Gunheim are fringe players, who may not make the team out of training camp.
It has long been one of Al Davis's mottoes that "The quarterback must go down, and the quarterback must go down hard." This defensive end situation does not strike fear into the hearts of quarterbacks. Derrick Burgess has been struggling with injuries for the past two seasons, and is a shell of his former self. Scott tied for the team lead with five sacks as a rookie last season, but is a pass rush type end, and is not an every down end who can play the run well.
Richardson has played well enough to earn his fifth round status, as he has been one of the better all around linemen on the Raiders defense, but that is not saying much. The Raiders need more consistent play from the end position for their defense to improve.
As mediocre as the end play has been, the tackles have been worse. Tommly Kelly made headlines during the 2008 season by signing a deal that was the highest for a defensive tackle at the time. Kelly has not been able to play up to that status, as he has not consistently been the penetrator the Raiders need him to be along the inside of the defensive line. Terdell Sands is at best a rotational tackle, but should be on the unemployment line. He has occasional flashes, but gets pushed off of the line way too easily. Gerrard Warren is best suited for being the penetrator that Tommy Kelly is supposed to be, but far too often is lined up next to Kelly which leaves the middle of the Raiders line soft against the run. William Joseph should take Sands's spot in the defensive line rotation when Sands is sent packing.
The Raiders need to be strong in the middle, or they are going to continue to be among the worst run defenses in the league. There is optimism that Kelly may find his stride now that he is a year and a half removed from ACL surgery that ended his 07 season prematurely. However, the Raiders should look to bring in at least one solid free agent tackle, such as Tank Johnson of the Cowboys who is still on the market. Johnson didn't work out well as a nose tackle in the 3-4 scheme in Dallas, but thrived in a 4-3 scheme in Chicago. The Raiders also are considering BJ Raji if he falls to them in the first or Ron Brace in the second. They may look for a later round pick such as University of Kentucky's Myron Pryor later in the draft as well.
If the Raiders continue to ignore their problems along the defensive line, they are going to continue to be the Washington Generals of opposing running back highlight reels.
SEE ALSO:
- Tackling the offensive line problem
- Continuing silver offseason
- Highest remaining priorities
- Winning trench warfare
- Will Marshall be able to tackle defense's problems?
- Defensive building blocks
- Raiders need to build defense
- Defensive line a liability
- Defensive woes fundamental
- Early Scouting: Myron Pryor
RECENT HEADLINES:
- Greatness at center a Raider tradition
- Raiders drafting success beyond first round
- Continuing silver offseason
- Raiders finally ink Barnes
- Davis-Kiffin battle could reveal secrets
- Raiders next moves?
- Highest priorities remaining
- State of the Raiders defense
- Where the Raiders offense stands
- Avoiding the quick fix
- Making all the right moves
Comments
If we can't trade down to get two first rounders, then we have to consider our lines as priorities. Our D-Line needs some work, but Richardson and Kelly are stout against the run and Burgess provides a good rush. We need a partner to compliment Kelly, and I dont think Joseph is the answer (sorry Patterson). I'd prefer we look at Dewayne Robertson or Tank Johnson.
Much of what we do in the draft
depends on who will be available, and past years have shown that people who you wouldnt have thought would be there are there, and vice versa.
DTs like Moala, Jerry, and Marks could be there last 1st, early second. Personally I'd like to see Oakland use their first two picks on O-Linemen this year, such as the best LT available, Mack at C, or Robinson at OG.
Ok Patrick,
first of all, Tommy Kelly had 56 tackles, and 4.5 sacks coming off of a knee he injured against the titans in 2007, i figure Tommy Kelly is just fine, its not like he was paid 100 million then indicted on charges haha. Tommy kellys numbers are going to get better, and think of how effective he would be if our offense scored more points forcing the team losing to throw the ball, which in turn puts tommy kelly in pass rushing situations, where he is more effective. Greyson gunheim ended the season with a sack to seal a victory over the bucs, im sure al is gonna give this kid along look, cause on that play gunheim didnt quit playing football. he sacked the qb. something that we never expected. now when our offense scores points like they did against the texans and bucs, our defense doesnt play bad football, just like anyone elses defense. from looking at the draft, what if the raiders at #7 draft crabtree
then at # 40 what if micheal johnson is available. the raiders need help on defense, but they also need to let these young guys find there roles, and develop, Gunheim, scott,Jay Richardson. the raiders will be back to winning by scoring points consistantly, instead of having a pro bowl punter, we could have a pro bowl RB in mcfadden, or Qb in russell.
Patrick, why does Ziggy Hood get no love in your article. He's the best tackle in the draft and is exactly what the defense needs in terms of a never-quit attitude. The problem last year was that Tommy Kelly was taking on multiple blockers because Warren and Sands could be blocked by an opposing lineman's shoe. With a hard working tackle like Hood, offenses would have to try to figure out which guy to block and both he and Kelly would be much, much better. Some say Hood would be a big reach at #7 but there is no correct draft position for a superstar. Remember when the Raiders needed a running back but Adrian Peterson was a "reach" at the #1 overall spot?
You're right about the D-Line, Patrick!! Al Davis does need to wake up and bring in some help for Tommy Kelly. Tank Johnson, BJ Raji, Ron Brace, amongst others would be viable solutions. In the AFC West, how could stopping the run not be a priority??? Tommy Kelly is one good player, but must I remind you....ONE good player is not enough.
Hope we acquire some Defensive Line help, or else John Marshall will fail miserably and we will be on everyone's highlight reels again!!!
Cheers!!!
I agree totally Pat. The Raiders need to acquire DT's Tank Johnson, Ron Brace, B.J.Raji and possibly the 6'7 255lbs prospect out of Georgia Tech. His last name is Johnson and he is very athletic. He looks like he can gain 15 -20lbs of muscle. Two of the players mentioned above would give us a fighting chance against the Chargers.
I think there are three players that would make instant contributions without costing alot.My three are Wr Reggie Williams I know he hasn't done much since he came into the league but i think he would be a good possesion receiver in our system,second bring back Napoleon Harris and slide Morrison outside,and third Tank Johnson.Just an idea but what do I know
Opinion of One........ Here goes:
1. O-Line through free agency and minimize the risk.
2. D-Line througn the Draft using the 1st pick.
3. Middle LB through the draft using the 2nd pick and move Morrison to the outside with Howard.
4. 3rd pick.... another D-lineman.
5. Use the rest of the picks on the best available O-lineman and fastest reciever.
The result... .500 + season.
Win, Lose or Tie..... Raider till I Die.
why not try to go after shawn rogers from cleveland? word is he's unhappy .
lets get a wr to strike fear into opposing defenses that would open up running lanes and then we could utilize d mcfadden properly
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