Continuing silver offseason for Oakland Raiders

March 15, 12:52 AMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

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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