Silver and Black Report

This is the first installment of SBReport’s unit analysis. As we quickly approach training camp and bring you live coverage from the Oakland Raiders Alameda training facility, SBReport will break down every component of the Silver & Black’s squad. Today, we focus on Tom Cable’s offensive line, their ability to sustain their success paving lanes for a group of talented ball carriers and hopefully keeping JaMarcus Russell upright in his first season as the Oakland Raiders starting quarterback.

 CENTER

Who’s in the mix?

Jesse Boone #70; Jake Grove #64; Chris Morris #51; John Wade #71

 Neither one of these guys will conjure up images of Jim Otto or Dave Dalby. But with the zone blocking system that Cable utilizes, Wade should be the most consistent player in camp due to his adaptability and experience.  He spearheaded the offensive line at Tampa Bay for five seasons, and after a year with Jeremy Newberry; Wade’s presence should solidify the center spot.

 Who could surprise?

 Morris has split time in OTA’s with Wade, and Lane Kiffin has talked about the third year pros ability to grasp Cable’s scheme. He may not be physically imposing or have a lot of the attributes of a Jake Grove, but he catches on to the concepts of the zone blocking scheme and doesn’t botch many assignments.

 “If he makes this team, its going to be a lot because of the system”, commented Kiffin in June.

 TACKLE

Who’s in the mix?

Cornell Green #74; Jonathan Palmer #78; Kwame Harris #77; Mario Henderson #75; Mark Wilson #63; Seth Wand #72

 The prevailing thought since his arrival is that Harris will be at left tackle. Much maligned while in San Francisco, Harris now must convince coaches that he can be steady enough to block Russell’s blindside. If he is not the answer, Mario Henderson and Jonathan Palmer will be candidates to occupy a vital position that will surely need a major upgrade in 2009 if the Raiders ultimately fail to turnaround Harris’ career. His three-year contract is friendly for Oakland in the first year, and if he doesn’t pan out, the Raiders can cut ties with the former first rounder without many repercussions.

 At right tackle, if Henderson stakes his claim to that spot with a very good pre-season, the job will be his. Paul McQuistan played admirably when Cornell Green was lost for the season in 2007, but he may be better off at guard and as a back up due to his versatility.

 Who could surprise?

 The Raiders expect good things from Henderson, who is entering his second season as a pro. He has the frame needed to handle playing tackle, and if Harris is situated on the left side, Henderson could be the other bookend. Obviously, two young and raw tackles blocking for Russell is a scary proposition. But what other alternatives are out there? Green was the starter last season on the right side prior to his injury, but he was flagged to often and didn’t provide the stability needed to earn the job again.

GUARD

Who’s in the mix?

Brandon Rodd #60; Cooper Carlisle #66; Paul McQuistan #79; Robert Gallery #76

Carlisle and Gallery are entrenched at both guard spots and will be looked at as one of the strengths of this line. Carlisle was the team’s best lineman last season and now, with Wade next to him, the Raiders feel that the consistency along the interior could trickle out to both ends of the line of scrimmage. Both are solid at run blocking and now, with the presence of Wade, the Raiders could be more potent running the ball between the tackles. Especially with the slew of rushers they have that hit the line of scrimmage quickly and can burt through openings when given daylight. 

 Who could surprise?

 Gallery will be at left tackle for the second straight season, coached by Cable now over two campaigns; a key since he has seen his fair share of coaches come and go and has been moved around the line since he was drafted in 2004. He should feel more comfortable at guard and will only get better knowing he has found a home and a scheme he can be functional in.

 SBReport will bring you live coverage of Raiders training camp when it opens on July 23^rd, throughout the entirety of camp and into the pre-season. Stay logged on for unit analysis, exclusive audio commentary and press conferences from players and coaches, captured by our on the site reporters,  daily images from the team’s practices and content found no where else.

 Also, issue #2 of Silver & Black Report the Magazine is almost here; with a look into the life’s of Thomas Howard and Kirk Morrison, featuring exclusive audio from both as they talked to us about their life at the pro level and plans for 2008.