One of the areas of need for the Oakland Raiders is defensive tackle. For years, they have struggled to stop the run and during that span, they’ve thrown money at the likes of Dana Stubblefield, Warren Sapp and Ted Washington to plug the trenches. But it has not worked, and even when trying to develop their own talent – Tommy Kelly and Terdell Sands – Oakland has not been able to find a way to stop teams from controlling games on the ground.
Inexplicably, Sands and Kelly in back-to-back off-seasons received substantial raises, and they’ve been part of some of the bad units once coached by Rob Ryan.
In 2003, Oakland was worst in the league allowing 156.9 yards per game. Then in 2004, they allowed 124.8 yards per contest. The Silver & Black followed that up with a 128.1 per game average allowed in 2005. In 2006, 134 yards per game, in 2007 145.9 per contest and finally last season, 159.7 rushing yards allowed per contest, the highest average during a span in which they posted a 24-72 record.
Now they go into 2009 staring at a similar rotation along the front. Can they hang their hat on their new coordinator (John Marshall) in hopes that all will be well? Can Kelly live up to his mega-deal? Can Sands fulfill the potential he has as a run stuffer or just be another mammoth frame?
Gerard Warren has been a contributor in spurts, but he has been a bust since being drafted by Cleveland with the 3rd pick in the 2001 draft. Warren is better off the bench as part of a rotation when he is not expected to play a lot of reps. Beyond that, there is nothing else and the same personnel remains that allowed a copious amount of yardage in 2008.
Because of the struggles along the defensive front, the linebackers have suffered. Kirk Morrison getting bowled over and not being able to shed linemen or fullback blocks on his way to ball carriers has been a common site. His move back to the outside of the formation would be ideal if the Raiders could find a suitable middle linebacker. But that is not likely and Morrison will have to work on improving his footwork, use of hands and pursuit.
Thomas Howard is a speedy linebacker that excels in coverage.
Adding starter to the bunch would be nice, but not as much of a priority as other spots on this club. Oakland has struggled to find a complimentary outside linebacker, as Ricky Brown, Sam Williams, and Isaiah Ekejiuba are better suited as special team contributors.
PROSPECTS TO WATCH
B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
One of the more ideal selections in the first round for the Raiders. Raji has the mass and bulk needed to alleviate the pressure on the linebackers and add toughness to a weak run stuffing group. He also can bring pressure from the interior, something that could make Derrick Burgess more of a threat on the edge,
Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
After Burgess, the Raiders have a weak rotation at end. Trevor Scott was a pleasant surprise last season, but there are question whether or not he can handle the rigors of being an every down defender. He looks to be more of a 3rd down rusher, and like Jay Richardson, he may not bring enough of a presence to help fix a weak run defending front seven. Johnson is an athlete who can become a solid edge rusher. And with Burgess’ pending free-agency, they may have to prepare for the future by taking a end in this draft that could be a solid 2nd round selection.
Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
One of the sleepers in this draft that could be a starter in this league with his size and athleticism at end.
Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist
