NEW YORK, NY — Who says the Oakland Raiders are unpredictable?
The Silver & Black addressed their needs along the offensive by selecting Stefen Wisniewski with the no. 48th overall pick in the NFL Draft.
The 6-foot-3, 320 pound, is regarded as one of the best prospects at center. For months, it’s been speculated that he could land with the Raiders, especially since his uncle Steve, now employed by Oakland, played from 1989-to-2001 for Al Davis.
Back in February, the younger Wisniewski stated, “I don’t know anything at this point about where I will get drafted or who will draft me. But you never know. It would be pretty cool to play for my uncle Steve. I think it would be awesome to work with him every day.
“He was a great player for the Raiders, a great leader. I used to go watch him play some when I was a kid, and I’d hang out in the locker room afterward.”
Hue Jackson has already hinted he views the Penn State talent as a center, a position manned by Samson Satele last season, a favorite of Tom Cable and someone who was more suited for the zone-blocking scheme utilized under the former coach. Satele did play well at times in 2010, but the upgrade was needed and the story was too good to be true.
“Everyone’s thrilled. My dad, obviously, knows I’m in good hands playing for Steve. I mean, we grew up Raider fans, grew up cheering for Steve. It just feels right,” he said today in his interview with reporters.
Jared Veldheer also saw time at center last season, but now Oakland can settle in Wisniewski into a role that will be pivotal and a unit that could feature a lot of youth.
Jackson has stated all off-season that he wanted to build a powerful ground attack, saying, “The zone game will always be a part of my game, there’s no question, but I am a power running type of guy. I like to block down, kick out and lead somebody on through. That’s kind of who I am, and I like to do that.”
The young trenches will be coached by first-year Raider line coach Bob Wylie, and his assistant, Steve Wisniewski.
“He is one of the most incredible teachers I’ve ever been around. I mean, he can really teach fundamentals and technique, and obviously coach [Steve] Wisniewski, he’s one of the toughest human beings I’ve ever been around and an outstanding motivator. So I was very lucky in getting those two guys to come here and coach for me and I think we’ll do a great job with the line,” Jackson was quoted.
It remains to be seen whether Stefen can be as nasty, or as effective as his uncle.
Steven was known as an intimidator, a fiery player who many across the league labeled ‘dirty.’ He was a quiet leader and a influential locker room presence during his days in Silver & Black.
STEFEN WISNIEWSKI
PROS:
Solid pass blocker, which is imperative in developing confidence in Jason Campbell, who needs to fill at ease behind an offensive line that could feature a lot of inexperience. With his experience at right guard, it should help him with his run blocking – Oakland’s bread and butter with Darren McFadden.
CONS:
Can he be the mauler the Raiders want? Needs to add weight so that his strength can match his technique.
OUTLOOK:
I love the selection of Wisniewski. Steve is one of my three favorite all-time Raiders, so Oakland made the right decision tapping into a lineage that has been good to them in the past. The selection will make headlines and be nostalgic for many. The need was there along the line and an influx of better talent was required. This was the safe pick and the fan friendly one.
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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist
