Silver and Black Report

DeAngelo Hall getting his hands on the football during drills

By Victor Cotto, S&B Report Staff Columnist

Does Edgerton Hartwell have a shot at making the final roster?

Nothing is guaranteed for Hartwell, and according to DeMarcus Davis, who attended recent mini-camps; the former Raven looked apprehensive during drills and has a lot of work to do to earn a roster spot.

Robert Thomas and Sam Williams look to be the favorites for the strong side linebacker position if Oakland decides to keep Kirk Morrison at middle linebacker and Thomas Howard on the weak side. Hartwell was once a good run stuffing linebacker, but that was during his days in Baltimore and after the Falcons lured him with six-year contract totaling $26.25 million, which included an $8 million signing bonus, his career has taken a dive due to injuries.

Who will be the starting center for the Oakland Raiders?

At this point, John Wade looks like the perfect fit at center for the Raiders after years of experimenting with Jake Grove and Jeremy Newberry’s one-year stint. He understands the concepts of Tom Cable’s blocking schemes and with 11-years of experience, his stability will only help JaMarcus Russell ease in to the starting role.

Oakland’s strength in 2008 will be the interior of their offensive line. Robert Gallery will look to settle in at left guard in his second year at that position, while Wade and Cooper Carlisle present a steadiness in the trenches.

Which tight ends have the best chance of getting the most playing time?

Zach Miller is the starter and already looks to be one of Russell’s favorite targets. But finding an edge blocker that can help in pass protection and run support is a goal for Lane Kiffin.

John Madsen, Chris Wagner and Darrel Strong have similar skill sets and are more adept as pass catchers than blockers. Madsen has reportedly worked on his blocking abilities all off-season and has looked better at that facet of the game in drills this spring.

Are there any weaknesses in the Silver & Black’s secondary?

Both starting cornerbacks can stay on an island and blanket-opposing receivers; so that will be fun to watch. But if there is a concern, it will have to be DeAngelo Hall’s eagerness to jump routes, pump fakes and be susceptible to the double move.

As for the back-end, Michael Huff has no excuses. He is back at his natural free-safety position where can roam freely, use his athleticism to attack the line of scrimmage or dissect passing situations. He also has the perfect complement at strong safety in Gibril Wilson. So his days of playing in the box and getting mauled by linemen and fullbacks are over.

Is Grant Irons going to be a contributor in 2008?

You can’t expect much of Irons after sitting out a full season. He is a strong football player, but not fluid enough to start at the pro level. Can he possible make the roster as a special team contributor and a reserve linebacker? Maybe. But he will have to beat out the likes of Ricky Brown, Isaiah Ekejiuba and Robert Thomas, all who played well in spurts on special teams and are more versatile than the lumbering Irons.