The Oakland Raiders will be bringing back defensive tackle William Joseph, linebacker Ricky Brown and fullback Luke Lawton.
Joseph has appeared in 14-games in the last two seasons, mostly in a reserve role, as he has also been cut and picked up by the Silver & Black three times during that span.
Brown was a restricted free agent who was offered a second round tender. The un-drafted free agent out of Boston College challenged Kirk Morrison for most of the summer prior to the start of the 2009 season atop the depth chart and could be the leading candidate to take over at middle linebacker if Morrison is traded away before the start of the 2010 campaign. He has been a key cog on the special team coverage units and will likely continue in that capacity. Brown will reportedly earn around $1.7 million, the projected value of the one-year tender offer.
Lawton, who will be suspended for the fist two contest of next season for violating the league’s policy against performing enhancing substances, will try to compete for the vacant fullback spot.
Gary Russell got most of the reps at that spot last season as the year wound down. Lawton lost nearly $63,000 in salary after being banned.
OTHER NOTES
- Khalif Barnes is the projected starter at right tackle at this point prior to the draft. Tom Cable stated that Erik Pears could also be in the mix, but with Oakland targeting offensive line prospects, things could change depending on whom they select in April.
- Kamerion Wimbley will play linebacker. After Oakland acquired his services earlier this month, many questioned whether or not he’d be transitioned onto the defensive line. But Cable projects the talent on the strong side of the formation. And since Greg Ellis’ release, its pretty clear at this point that Oakland will like to see Matt Shaughnessy penciled in at one defensive end spot.
- The Raiders picked up a seventh round compensatory pick for the draft – 251st overall.
- Maurkice Pouncey is one name to watch in the draft. The center out of the Florida is projected as a mid 1st rounder. Oakland selects much higher, but he has caught their eye and could be a target of the Silver & Black if they decide to trade back a few spots down.
