The Oakland Raiders continued making the right moves by signing offensive tackle Khalif Barnes. This move addressed one of the most glaring needs on the team in a common sense way. This is a refreshing change from past offseasons where the Raiders have made colossal mistakes.
The primary strength of the Raiders offseason thus far has been their ability to retain their own core of players, whilst creating space under the 2009 salary cap to make moves. Now that they have added Barnes and Erik Pears to their offensive tackle stable, the Raiders should be primarily focused on the coming draft, and after the draft bringing in more of the value players to fill the remaining holes.
The Raiders should take a look at Dallas Cowboys free agent defensive tackle Tank Johnson. Johnson has stayed out of trouble, and managed to be one of the few players on the Cowboys who didn't cause problems. He didn't work out too well in Dallas as a tackle in the 3-4 scheme, but he has a history of being a factor in a 4-3 scheme, which is what the Raiders run. They could also take a look at Shaun Cody recently of the Detroit Lions. Even if they draft a tackle in one of the first two rounds, this position needs more than one fresh body. Gerrard Warren and Tommy Kelly could rotate as three technique tackles, which is what they are both better suited for, whilst Johnson (or Cody) and the draft choice (B.J. Raji or Ron Brace) could rotate at nose tackle. This would have the defensive tackles playing to their strong suits, rather than putting a square peg in a round hole.
The Raiders will take a serious look at a center with their second round pick. If Alex Mack from Cal falls that far, there is no way they can pass him up. If the Raiders miss out on Mack and Unger, there should be solid veterans remaining on the waiver wire. However, they should wait until after the draft to make a free agent move, as John Wade would be a solid back up and insurance policy for the young guys, but should not be counted on to start the season.
Wide receiver is a position that has garnered a lot of attention due to the poor showing of the entire position in the 2008 campaign. However, this is a position where the Raiders should wait until after the draft to make a move in free agency. There are receivers to be had in the later rounds, not to mention the showing that Johnnie Lee Higgins and Chaz Schelins had late in the season changing the outlook from early in the season when it was Javon Walker, Ronald Curry, and/or Ashley Lelie in the starting lineup.
Safety is another position where the Raiders may make a move. They can bring in a guy like Will Demps from the Texans for depth and competiton. He is a former Pro Bowler, who has not quite found that stride again. Michael Huff is going to be around through 2008 becuase of his cap numbers, and will likely get another shot to win atarting job. Hiram Eugene and Tyvon Branch are also in the mix. Huff seemed to be at his best when covering tight ends, but is not a good open field tackler.
SEE ALSO:
- Raiders finally ink Barnes
- Making all the right moves
- Highest priorities remaining
- Winning trench warfare
- Walker restructure contiunes Raiders smart moves
- Internal free agents the Raiders must retain
- Oakland Raiders next moves
- Opening statement on the draft
Comments
Disagree with you on Khalif Barnes as he is not an elite LT but is another Khawmee "Turnstile" Harris type player. Barnes allowed 7 1/2 sacks last year and committed 9 penalties not to mention he brings a ton of baggage with him. Plus the Raiders agreed not to draft a tackle. How dumb is that? What the Raiders needed is a LT the calibre of Andre Smith and a center in the 2nd round. Max and Unger will most likely be gone but Antoine Caldwell would do nicely.
The Raiders have so many holes that they are not going to the playoffs this next year so build the "O" line this year and be done with it. Then focus on the defense next year.
Howie,
You also fail to mention that Barnes was an integral part of an O-line that gave the Jags an elite rushing attack (07, 08) and a great passing game from Garrard in 08 during which he held & STARTED in debatably the toughest position on the O-line at LT.
He is FAR, FAR from Kwame Harris for when all the stats are said and is younger as well.
Also, most mock drafts have Alex Mack going in the high second round.
Howie has it..The Raiders should take a tackle if one of the three or four best are still on the board. We have not fixed the o/line and all of us should know that by now. Barnes 26 years old starting left tackle, something is wrong with the picture. A. Smith would be a good addition and do not take a w/r or linebacker. We still need lineman and many lineman both offensive and defensive. We are far behind on drafting quality lineman and we have a chance this year to improve the position if we have the will. Forget Crabtree or anyone except lineman with the first two/three picks. I think Tank Johnson would be helpful if we can get him at a decent price but I like the idea of not paying a load of money for free agents. Our future is with the draft. Releasing Porter, Wilson, Carr, Harris, Grove, Curry was a start. The Raiders have chosen a better direction for their future. The whinning players have to go and Cable appears not to be afraid to move on without them and Al has finally signed on to it, or it would of never happened. The next project to watch is will Al leave the 4.3 guys on the board and select football players. Only the draft can tell us that answer.
Wow. If we could get Crabtree or Raji in the first and then Mack in the second, that would be outstanding!
I say sign a safety through free agency. We've had no luck drafting them
Good points Pat. The Raiders are working the ship in a stealth manner this offseason. I agree both sides of the line scimmage needs to be address. We now see this great organization has awaken, and now making moves we can be proud of.
im pretty sure they agreed not to pick a LT in the first round...
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