Silver and Black Report

Best Defensive Player:

Nnamdi Asomugha, DB

Oakland made him the highest paid defensive back in the history of the NFL this past off-season. And he is worth every penny. Not only a stellar performer on the field, he is class personified off it with his charitable work and community service. On the field, he has the perfect blend of size and speed, equally adept at covering any receiver or supporting around the line of scrimmage versus the run. He made his first all-pro team in 2008, and more will likely follow with continued health.

Mr. Reliable; Flying under the radar is…

Thomas Howard, LB

The speedy linebacker is only 26-years old, but he is one of the lone fiery, vocal on the field leaders in Silver & Black. Early in his career, Howard was at his best dropping back into coverage and having the knack of getting his hands on errant passes. He is now evolving as a better pursuer of the football with his closing speed and improved instincts. On another team, Howard would have more notoriety. And if he were on team with a stouter front-four, the former second rounder could be one of the premier weak side linebackers in the AFC.

Player ready to breakout is…

Trevor Scott, DE

If used correctly on long yardage 3^rd down situations and in rotation at either defensive end spot, Scott could become a solid pass rushing threat. If he starts and is in there for too many snaps, teams will expose his weakness defending the run on the edges, and he’ll get plowed and neutralized with rushes right at him. Scott has the potential to become what Trace Armstrong was to the Miami Dolphins late in his career. With his good motor and relentlessness, Scott could be a 8-10 sack performer.

Player that must take it to the next level…

Tommy Kelly, DT

He got paid like an all-pro, but has not shown he can play like one. If Richard Seymour ever decides to report to Oakland, Kelly’s presence along the defensive line could be magnified. Kelly is an enigma, looking like a force on certain Sundays, or looking like a mediocre lineman on others.

Don’t bet on…

Michael Huff, S

When will he ever show the instincts, play making ability or steady play that many thought he could demonstrate when coming out of Texas in the 2006 draft? He was benched in favor of Hiram Eugene last season; reaching a whole new low in his career in the midst of a 6-year deal worth $43 million and $16 in guarantees. He’s on 26, so if your Oakland, you may still have hopes that he can finally stabilize his career and become a reliable starter. But how long do you wait on potential?

Player that must continue to perform at an exciting level is…

Johnnie Lee Higgins, PR

He is fun to watch when returning punts, and afterwards, he may give you a light moment with his end zone celebrations. Higgins was one of the better return men in the league in 2008, tallying 3 scores on punts and averaging 23.4 yards per return on kickoffs.

The silent standout on Special Teams is…

Isaiah Ekejiuba, LB

Ekejiuba may be able to push for a pro-bowl roster spot this season as a special teams performer. The Raiders acknowledge his importance to the squad by signing him to a three year contract for $5.4 million with a $1.25 million signing bonus this off-season.

Look out for:

Desmond Bryant, DT

The undrafted free-agent worked hard this summer and landed a roster spot. The long-shot beat out the lackadaisical Terdell Sands with his smarts in the trenches and hard work.

Mike Mitchell, S

Actually, anyone carrying the football when Mitchell is on the field better watch out, because he brings a load when tackling. His coverage skills are suspect, but Oakland will try to bring him along slowly after missing the summer with an injury.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist