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State of the Oakland Raiders defense

Photo by Patrick A. Patterson/TFDSsports.com

Defensive Tackle:

The Oakland Raiders have been soft in the middle of their defensive line since Chester McGlockton and Darrell Russell were in their primes. The Raiders continued weakness against the run for the past half-decade stem directly from this soft middle. The Raiders have Tommy Kelly, Gerrard Warren and Terdell Sands currently on the roster. Kelly has not played up to the mega-contract that he signed last offseason. Gerrard Warren has shown flashes of being able to get to the quarterback, but has not been able to be consistent. Terdell Sands looks like Godzilla against Tokyo when the Raiders are playing the Chargers, but plays more like Bambi against every other team’s Godzilla. What the Raiders don’t have is a widebody nosetackle who simply absorbs blockers to free the others to do their jobs. Without that big tackle, the entire defense has suffered. Sands has the size to do that job, but gets pushed around far too easily. Kelly and Warren are best at splitting blockers to get upfield and break up a play in the backfield. They should only be lined up next to each other on definite passing downs. The Raiders need to upgrade this position, or the other teams will continue to run all over Oakland.

 

Moves: Restructured Tommy Kelly’s contract.

Needs: The Raiders need to make a concerted effort to upgrade this position. B.J. Raji or Ron Brace early in the draft and perhaps a Myron Prior type later. They should take an intent look on any free agents left on the market.

 

Defensive End:

The Raiders lack a run stuffing defensive end. Derrick Burgess made two Pro Bowl appearances as a pass rusher, but he has been injury prone since. Trevor Scott was a find in the sixth round, garnering five sacks his rookie season and showing promise as a situational pass rusher. Jay Richardson, has been distinctly average at best as the base end. He has garnered four sacks in his two years, and has been forced off the play too often in the running game. Greyson Gunheim had some nice moments in pre-season, but has yet to see significant playing time, although one of his two tackles is a sack.

 

Moves: Cut Kalimba Edwards.

Needs: The Raiders could easily go for Brian Orapko with their top pick in the draft if he is available. The Raiders should take a look at Paul Spicer who was released from the Jaguars.

 

Linebacker:

The Raiders have two young athletic ‘backers in Thomas Howard and Kirk Morrison. The Raiders brought back Ricky Brown with a $1.5 million tender, so they think highly of him. Morrison has received heat from fans, who are not happy with him at middle linebacker, but he is a virtual lock to start there again next year. Thomas Howard is one of the fastest ‘backers in the league and has been a monster in coverage. Brown has been a special teams standout, and did not seem to distinguish himself at strong side backer before going down to injury in 08. The Raiders also have special teams standouts Isaiah Ekejiuba and Jon Alston as depth. Linebacker-special teams player Marques Cooper was tragically lost at sea, and Sam Williams is an unrestricted free agent who should not be resigned.

 

Moves: Marques Cooper was lost at sea. Isaiah Ekejiuba resigned. Jon Alston received exclusive rights free agent tender. Ricky Brown received restricted free agent second round tender.

Needs: With the exception of the “Law Firm” of Morrison and Howard, the Raiders linebacking corps consists of special team standouts. The Raiders should bring in a strong side linebacker to compete with Brown, who is the expected starter.

 

Cornerback:

 

The Oakland Raiders resigned both of their starting corners in Nnamdi Asomugha and Chris Johnson. Johnson came out of nowhere to play like a madman when he took over for the departed DeAngelo Hall. Asomugha one of the elite corners in the NFL, and was paid like one. Behind those two, the Raiders have Stanford Routt who has been a distinctly average nickleback. They also have John Bowie who is best known for being the player selected with the pick acquired for Randy Moss and spending time on the injured reserve.

 

Moves: Resigned Nnamdi Asomugha and Chris Johnson.

Needs:  The Raiders need some depth and camp competition for the dimeback position.

 

Safety:

 

The current crop of safeties on the roster has more questions than answers. Michael Huff has never evolved into the player the Raiders envisioned when Al Davis Art Shell drafted him in the first round in 2006. His one strength has been shutting down tight ends. Hiram Eugene is a liability in coverage, but a solid tackler and good special teams player. Tyvon Branch was a fourth round pick who showed some flashes in coverage and as a returner before going on the injured reserve with a wrist injury.

 

Moves: Cut Gibril Wilson.

Needs: The Raiders are thought to be in the running for former Dallas Cowboys safety Roy Williams. He would provide veteran leadership for a defense that is lacking it, but would likely be good for three horsecollar penalties a season. He is a liability in coverage, but is a strong tackler and hard hitter.

 

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