In this final installment of the Oakland Raiders draft outlooks, we analyze the mid-section and backfield of the Silver & Black’s defense.
LINEBACKERS
Oakland has tried to gauge the interest around the league for middle linebacker Kirk Morrison. Ultimately, no club felt that he was worth his 3rd rounder and the Raiders brought him back at a one-year deal worth nearly $2.5 million. Thomas Howard also signed his tender at $1.759 million for 2010. Neither is a lock to remain with the club, as they could be used as trade bait to bring in mid-to-late round selections and open up spots for cheaper alternatives on the roster. Ricky Brown is one of those other options, but he’ll also make $1.7 million and his inability to be durable and unproven play over a course of 16-games may leave Oakland very light in the middle of the defense with the 6’2, 235 pound talent who has mainly played on special teams. The trade for Kamerion Wimbley was an under the radar move that could pay dividends. But he’ll be on the strong side initially, and all indications are that Trevor Scott will be given every shot to continue his solid play from the end of last season along the weak-side of the formation.
The rest of the unit; Sam Williams, David Nixon, Slade Norris and Isaiah Ekejiuba will compete for depth or be pillars on special teams.
OUTLOOK:
In the last week, Oakland has shown interest in Rolando McClain (Alabama) and they’ve viewed film of the talented linebackers. Mock drafts have shifted a tad and more pundits are speculating whether or not he could be a selection. And if the Raiders pull off a trade prior to the start of the first round, and Howard or Morrison are jettisoned, then McClain could be a real possibility. Could they add McClain anyway knowing a deal could be brokered? Sure. You’ll also wonder if this team could be better of as a 3-4 unit with the talent on the roster and Richard Seymour anchoring the defensive line.
DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD
Nnamdi Asomugha, Chris Johnson, Stanford Routt, Mike Mitchell, Tyvon Branch and Michael Huff at this point are all expected to be on the roster in 2010. You can realistically look at this collection and say that there is no immediate need in the secondary. But the Raiders – Al Davis – find it irresistible adding athletic talents to this corps.
OUTLOOK:
Joe Haden (Florida) has been rumored to Oakland, as they are indications that the Silver & Black may not be too enthused with the corner play opposite Asomugha. But it is more likely that the Raiders will add a speedier or more physically gifted defensive back later in the draft that may fly under the radar or drop on draft boards. Taylor Mays can be aggressive in run support, is a physical specimen and enjoys making the big hit in the open field. Problem is, many of his vitals and attributes may not translate well on the next level and many scouts believe he won’t be versatile enough to succeed as pro. Oakland could be enamored enough to take him in the 2nd round if he is there.
