Defensive checkup for Oakland Raiders

March 26, 3:11 AMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

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The defense still has holes to fill.
Photo by Patrick A. Patterson/TFDSsports.com

 

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Beyond retaining their own players, the Oakland Raiders have not yet made any significant moves on the defensive side of the ball. This is an area that still needs to be addressed. The Raiders were ranked next to last against the run, and were middling against the pass. The Raider Nation's favorite scapegoat Rob Ryan is now going to be stalking the sidelines elsewhere, and has been replaced. The fresh blood at defensive coordinator should help, but they also need to address slots across the roster.

Defensive tackle:

The middle of the Oakland Raiders defensive line has been wavering between horrid and putrid for the past several years, and the results have been a place at or near the bottom of the league in rushing. The current Raiders tackle rotation of Tommy Kelly, Gerrard Warren, Terdell Sands, and William Joseph are not going to get it done. The only time that Kelly and Warren should be lined up next to each other is when there is no doubt that the opposition is going to pass the ball. Sands has one game a year where he looks good, but then the rest of the season cannot get it done, and he should be on the unemployment line. Joseph can be a rotational player, but he should not be counted on for any more than that. The Raiders need to bring in another front line tackle who will take on double teams to free up the rotation of Kelly and Warren. Frankly, the Raiders could surround Kelly with three more tackles and it would not be a huge loss.

Potential targets: The Raiders could easily grab BJ Raji if he falls to them at number seven. If they go elsewhere with their first pick, either Ron Brace or Ziggy Hood wold be very good picks for them in the second. In addition to picking one of the top tackles in the draft they would be wise to make a move for Tank Johnson from the Dallas Cowboys.

Defensive Ends:

Former Pro Bowler Derrick Burgess seems to be a shell of his former self, but could have a big season as it is his contract year. The Raiders have emerging pass rush specialist in Trevor Scott. They also have Jay Richardson who has been a solid but not spectacular base end. Beyond those three, they have Greyson Gunheim and Derrick Gray who will be in camp. Gunheim had his first sack in the closing game against the Buccaneers. Gray has no significant playing time at the NFL level. the Raiders would do well to upgrade this position, as it would go a long way to solving their problems against the run, and make their already very good corners, much better as they would be forcing quarterbacks to make mistakes.

Potential targets: Josh Thomas, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts is known for being solid against the run, which is something the Raiders are not. The Raiders had a meeting with Ebeneezer Ekuban, but no deal has been announced. The Raiders could easily pick up Brian Orapko, Aaron Maybin or Everette Brown with their opening pick in the draft.

Linebackers:

The Raiders have two young athletic linebackers in Thomas Howard and Kirk Morrison. Ricky Brown, who is a top flight special teams player emerged as the starting strong side linebacker before he went down to injury and was replaced by fellow special teams standout Jon Alston. The problem with the Raiders linebacking corps is that beyond "The Firm" the position is populated with special teams players. Isaiah Ekejiuba is another special teams standout who is better not playing linebacker. Having strong special teams players are an important key to success, but there needs to be a starting quality strong side linebacker to help shut down the run. Marquis Cooper was tragically lost at sea, and Sam Williams is a free agent.

Potential targets: The Raiders could bring in Marcus Washington formerly of the Washington Redskins. They could also take a flier on a a player with their fourth round pick. It is unlikely the Raiders use a high pick on this position, as the Raiders have traditionally shied away from wanting to pay starter money to a linebacker who is not a three down linebacker.

Cornerbacks:

 The Raiders are not hurting at that postion, except possibly for some depth. The Raiders scored a coup by resigning Nnamdi Asomugha and Chris Johnson. The Raiders have Stanford Routt who is a solid player in the nickle. The Raiders also have John Bowie on the roster, who has yet to be healthy since he made infamy by being "The guy drafted with the pick acquired for Randy Moss." They added John Horton who has not played inthe NFL in a couple of years for camp competition.

Potential targets: Not really any needs here. Possibly an under the radar guy to compete with Routt for the nickleback position.

Safeties:

 This position group was dealt a serious blow when Gibril Wilson was released. Michael Huff has yet to play up to his abilities, and Hiram Eugene is better as a special teams player and spot starter than a guy that a team would want to pin their season on. Tyvon Branch showed flashed before being injured in 2008, but he has appeared injury prone suffering two injuries in his rookie season.

Potential targets: Roy Williams is still on the market, and miraculously the Raiders have not made a move for him as of yet. The Raiders could find a quality safety with their third round pick. There is a possibility that Patrick Chung or Rashad Johnson could fall there and either would be a good fit in Silver and Black.