Silver and Black Report

SBReport.net again takes a look at the Oakland Raiders training camp through the lenses of our photographers.

Quarterback Jason Campbell (#8) working with fullback Alex Daniels (now listed as #39)

Michael Bush appears to be headed to a starting role with the Silver & Black.  Hue Jackson will be primed to use his bulky, yet versatile rusher to get the majority of the carries in 2010.

Matt Shaughnessy’s (#77) – working here versus Erik Pears (#72) – role as a third down and long down and distance pass rusher will be a key aspect to the Raiders defense. Oakland is extremely hopeful that the 2nd year pro will have a larger impact this season after showing glimpses in his rookie season.

Rookie linebacker Travis Goethel (#48) got the leverage advantage against veteran running back Rock Cartwright (#25)

With Campbell at quarterback, Zach Miller is aiming at another season of improved numbers. Since being drafted by Oakland, Miller has put up back-to-back-to-back career highs in reeptions and yards; with offenses that were pitiful, instability at quarterback and a lack of creativity in the play calling, with little to no support around him. In Washington, Campbell worked well with Chris Cooley and Fred Davis. Could this be the year Miller becomes a legitimate pro-bowl candidate?

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

As the Oakland Raiders prep today for their pre-season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, SBReport.net will give you a glimpse into some of the images we’ve captured during the summer.

Running back Michael Bush (#29)

Quarterback Colt Brennan (#4)

Defensive end Matt Shaughnessy (#77) vs. offensive lineman Erik Pears (#72)

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders are just days away from starting their 2010 training camp in Napa, California. SBReport.net will be there to cover all the action: with images, audio and video from the Raiders training facility. Here are glimpses of the Silver & Black’s OTAs and a sneak peak of what we will see more of in the summer:

Wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal challenging Johnnie Lee Higgins (#15) at the line of scrimmage

Linebacker David Nixon (#56) striking a pose…

Darrius Heyward-Bey (#85) snatching a pass.

Erik Pears (#72) will attempt to grab a starting spot along the offensive line.

Robert Gallery (#76) has become an anchor along the trenches.

Follow me on Twitter — click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders will have two of their Organized Team Activity sessions cancelled by the NFL after violation rules about the team’s off-season program. The team will not be in action on June 16 and 17 because the league ruled they violated the tempo and time limit for the workouts.

These sessions cannot be rescheduled and players are not allowed at the facility in those days revoked.

This is the second time since 2007 that Oakland has been flagged during these workouts.

As for Langston Walker, head coach Tom Cable stated that the tackle, “had some elbow clean-up surgery, taking out some loose bodies, some things like that,” and will be out till training camp. Erik Pears in the meantime took snaps with the first team at right tackle.

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

JaMarcus Russell came on in relief yesterday, and instead of dragging the team down with his uninspired play like he did versus the Redskins, he led a late charge for an Oakland 20-19 victory at Denver.

We all know what has been Russell’s demise so far in his career. But after being bypassed for Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye, the young passer made the best of the opportunity presented to him on Sunday. And teammates were enthused to see a positive outcome for the besieged number one overall pick.

“I don’t think words can explain,” starting LT Mario Henderson stated. “He’s the No. 1 overall draft pick. He’s been hearing it from Day 1. For him to come in and do what he did today was amazing. One thing we did was step up behind him. We didn’t abandon him . . . the thing he showed us today is he was ready for the chance, he came back out strong and helped us when we needed it.”

Russell has been booed at home and the performance Gradkowski put forth in his stint had some wondering whether or not the former LSU star had any future in Oakland.

“I always say everybody is going to have their opinion. As long as my teammates have faith, and I have faith in those guys,” Russell said. `There’s always going to be tough times. It’s how you come up from behind and fight those tough times off.”

His 4^th down completion to Tony Stewart does not wash away a resume full of missed opportunities. The game winning score to Chaz Schilens does not change the consensus thought that he is still way too immature to lead this organization. And unless he changes his work habits and strives to make himself a better passer and director, we’ll continue seeing the same poor play that made all his fans turn on him.

Russell is not out of the woods yet, and Raider Nation needs to see more out of him before they can depend on him – and rightly so. “The man has been freaking dragged through the mud and people have been taking shots at him and the man has just been standing tall. He has a lot of growing up to do but when it came time he stepped up and did the job,” Stewart said.

That performance may have done one thing for Russell; it probably extended the leash Al Davis may have been tightening on him and gave the owner a sense of belief that his selection was the right one. Even though it was only a short appearance in a game in which Oakland was lights out on the ground and stout defensively, but Russell was at quarterback and made the throw to win the game.

And that may be enough to give Davis more ammo if he wants to keep this passer around or in the starting line-up in the foreseeable future.

BUSH-WHACKING – RUN DMC

“A game like this reminds me of last year,” Michael Bush commented last night. “In Tampa, the guys went down last year and I stepped in, same thing as today. Fargas went down a little bit and we needed someone else to pick up the slack. that is why you need a stable of backs like we have.”

Bush reminiscent of his 177 yard outing versus the Buccaneers almost a year ago, torched the Broncos for 133 yards, tallying his second 100 + yard performance of the season – the only two the Raiders have had in 2009.

Darren McFadden had a key fumble that led to the Denver go ahead score and Bush dropped a make able 3^rd down reception, but the duo really spearheaded an offense that was in need of a breakout rushing performance.

Justin Fargas was unable to play due to a knee ‘tweak’, but Oakland’s depth at running back finally paid off with their young ball carriers performing as many expected when they were first acquired.

BACK-TO-BACK…

The Raiders have been notoriously bad after wins since Cable took over. This season, they have stumbled versus the Broncos, Jets, Cowboys and Redskins after victories – and all of those losses had their lackluster and embarrassing moments. Next up is Cleveland, who are on a two game winning streak  and are coming off a 41-point effort against the Chiefs and a Jerome Harrison record breaking 286-yard outing, shattering Jim Brown’s single game club record.

OTHER NOTES

Erik Pears was stellar yesterday when Oakland used him as added bulk to their offensive line. Langston Walker also manhandled Denver linemen.

Cable stated after the game: “We’ll have to sort through the bodies on the way home and decide. Charlie was playing really well before he got knocked out. If he’s ready to go he’ll play. If not, we’ll go with JaMarcus but it’s too early to tell.” If Frye has any signs of concussions symptoms this week, Oakland cannot allow him on the field. The NFL will re-evaluate how teams handle concussions this off-season and it is of utmost importance that Frye’s health is the priority. That means JaMarcus Russell could see action against the Browns, as J.P Losman may not be ready enough due to his unfamiliarity with the playbook. And if Losman were to be pegged over Russell after this week, it would speak volumes on how the coaching staff feels about their pricey quarterback.

QUARTERBACK: D

The final stats were not horrific, but they still remain putrid. JaMarcus Russell again led a feeble pass attack that averaged 3.9 per completion, and he only converted on 12 of his 33 pass attempts. The first play of the game was a receiver screen to Louis Murphy, as Oakland attempted to get him in sync early. A few plays later, on a 3rd and 11, he scrambled and completed an 8-yard toss to Todd Watkins. That was a sign of things to come, as Russell had to face many 3rd and long situation due to an ineffective run game and poor play calling by Tom Cable. That does not excuse Russell’s poor performance nor does it make him exempt from critique. He had to make quick decisions this afternoon as evidenced on Oakland’s second possession when Amobi Okoye tallied a sack on a 2nd and 8 – again setting up an unworkable 3rd and long. It wasn’t until their third possession that Russell looked more at ease. He opened the drive with a 12-yard toss to Zach Miller, but his teammates killed the drive with a false start and his 1st round receiver dropped a make able reception. Russell’s cannon arm was on display on a 3rd and 13 completion for 16-yards that was negated by the officials and a 4th and 9 he hit Murphy for 19-yards. Yes his accuracy was off again, his leadership and fire was lacking and ultimately, the offense did nothing. But he tried to manage the game a lot better and with a defense primed to stop the run, he needed the accessories around him to play a lot better as well.

RUNNING BACKS: F

This unit was soft and lackluster all afternoon. Darren McFadden ended with 6 carries for -3 yards. He went down easily on sweeps, showed no fight on any of his runs and appeared like a deer caught in front of headlights against a struggling defense. Granted the offensive line did not get any push, but none of the Raiders young rushers came to play. Michael Bush had 3 carries for 10-yards andt fumbled after a screenplay that gave the Texans the ball at the Oakland 41-yard line in the 3rd quarter. Justin Fargas got the bulk of the carries as the half wound down and the second half began. The other two ball carriers may have more talent than Fargas, and he doesn’t have game-breaking ability, but the veteran runs with more ferociousness and has the type of attitude to get some life into this lifeless offense. Oren O’Neal looks slow, is not playing powerful football, and at this point, Luke Lawton looks to be the better option at fullback due to his versatility.

WIDE RECEIVERS & TIGHT ENDS: F

Russell kept the receivers busy, but they did not adjust on their routes and were lacking concentration with their continuous drops and drive killing attempts. Louis Murphy had the case of the dropsies and was robbed of a 16-yard reception in which it appeared that he dragged his second foot on a 3rd and 13, but the challenge was not in favor of Oakland. Darrius Heyward-Bey had his most active game as a Raider. He had one catch for 18-yards, and had a few others his way that he should’ve had, and others that were errant and could not be hauled in. His best play was an end-around in which he gained 20-yards. He touched the ball twice on that drive and Oakland capped that 13-play possession with a field goal. Todd Watkins an uneventful 2 receptions for 20 yards to the group. Zach Miller had a tough time getting open against a very good linebacker group and finished with 3 catches for 33 yards.

OFFENSE LINE: F

For a third straight game, this unit has not been able to win the battle of the trenches. They look slow at the point of attack, are playing soft and are hindering the only asset Oakland has in staying in games – the ground attack. Erik Pears struggled in his second start; getting flagged for a false start, infracted for a hold that was declined because Oakland did not convert on that 3rd down, getting manhandled when run blocking and allowing a sack in the second half. Chris Morris also had a false start; one of the back-to-back flags against a member of the line in the 1st quarter and Cornell Green had his weekly blunder, a false start on a 3rd and 7. At the start o the second half, they came out flat, as McFadden loss 3-yards on a sweep and on the next play, the Texans shot through the line to tackle Murphy on a reverse for a loss of 7. When the Raiders needed this line to assert themselves the most, the let the Texans plow across the line of scrimmage to tackle Fargas in the end zone for a safety that extended the deficit to 22-6. Oakland ran for only 45 yards against a team that came into the game the worst in the NFL against the run.

DEFENSE LINE: C-

They had their moments and fought to keep the Texans grounded. But an offense that can’t stay on the field and very good blocking and schemes by Houston were too much for the Raider front-four. Greg Ellis had a sack and provided pressure in spurts, Jay Richardson came on in the second half for a few reps and tallied his first sack of the season and Gerard Warren had a disruptive game in the interior versus the run and also pulling down Matt Schaub for a sack. But when Houston imposed their will, got on their assignments and put blockers on the defensive line, they moved the ball easily. Houston ran for 120-yards and at times gave a clinic on blocking. Tommy Kelly had his most active game of the season. Matt Shaughnessy recovered Steve Slaton’s 1st quarter fumble after Kelly got the push in the interior to force the miscue.

LINEBACKERS: C-

These groups got caught in traps, were blocked very well by the Texans on their big plays and were neutralized by Schaub’s play-action fakes on various occasions. On 3rd and goal in the 1st quarter, Ricky Brown broke on Schaub’s pass after reading his eyes and almost came up with an interception in the end zone. He cut underneath his assignment on another passing play forcing an incompletion in the 2nd half. On Slaton’s 32-yard score, Thomas Howard was blocked and Kirk Morrison was out of position. When Schaub hit his tight end for 44-yards, Morrison bit on the play action, and was not able to get enough depth in his zone after the cornerback released Owen Daniels into his zone. Brown had a dumb penalty at the end of a play, spearing a receiver when he was down, setting up the Texans at the Oakland 25 yard line after the 15-yard infraction.

SECONDARY: D

Chris Johnson had an up-and-down game. He was matched-up against Andre Johnson a lot of the day and he had his shinning moments, batting away a deep ball on the opening drive, jumping routes to prevent the completion and tackling well around the line of scrimmage. But there were breakdowns too as Kevin Walter beat him at the line of scrimmage after missing the jam and could not recover for a 41-yard gain, and Johnson beat him on a 62-yard toss. Michael Huff struggled versus screens and runs getting off blocks or getting good angles on the play, but almost came up with another pick. Johnson had an interception as time expired at the end of the first half, but he was flagged for excessive celebration, with the Raiders down 20-6.

SPECIAL TEAMS: F

Even the return of Justin Miller could not jolt the return teams. He had 6 returns for 106 yards, but none really scared the Texans. On the other hand, Jacoby Jones broke the game open with his 95-yard return for a score. That play gave the Texans a 29-6 lead; a play after the Houston defense recorded their safety.  Johnnie Lee Higgins booted a punt late that was recovered by Houston.

COACHING: F

Tom Cable’s play calling is hindered by Russell’s issues and the young wide-outs inexperience. But there isn’t enough in the playbook that will scare any opponent, and with the offensive line sleepwalking through games, it looks like this offense will struggle once again this season. This team has no come back ability due to their lack of pop. And if they can’t run, they won’t win any games. Cable has to find a way to get the trenches fixed on both sides of the ball if they want to avoid another double-digit loss season. When the Texans had their offense rolling, they got to all of their assignments and executed efficiently. The run defense was better this week, but not good enough to compete at a high level. Oakland can pressure with four down linemen; a key aspect to laying defense. And they got to Schaub today after only being sacked 2-times prior to this game. But they could not force him into enough mistakes to make this game interesting. Oakland had 8 penalties at the half. The schedule gets tough now for the Raiders, so it will be interesting to see if Cable can get them to play respectable football against quality opponents.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

On Sunday, the Oakland Raiders (1-1) will try to take a step towards the top of the AFC West when they face the rival Denver Broncos (2-0). Denver has won six of their last eight meetings, but Oakland leads the regular season series 55-40-2.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

It’s time for the Raiders to re-establish their run game and support JaMarcus Russell with a steady dosage of Darren McFadden and Michael Bush. Oakland’s passing game is erratic, mainly because of the inability of their young passer to accurately hit his targets consistently. Oh, and those targets themselves are not dependable considering their youth.

But the Silver & Black will have to get their offense in rhythm with a new left guard – Erik Pears. The former Bronco has a huge frame – 6-8 308 pounds – and how he will play in replacing the Raiders steadiest lineman could dictate how this offense performs. Cable talked about the similarities Pears has with Robert Gallery, who was a tackle in college and shares the same traits.

“We went through that same thing with Robert,” Cable said. “But I think having those same kind of talks with Erik, he’s a very bright guy and he’s figured it out pretty quick.”

Pears will have to be ready to slug it out and mimic what Gallery did in week-one against the Chargers. “Things are quicker in there. Outside it takes a little more patience,” Cable said. “Inside it just happens right now. It’s like a street fight. You start throwing and you start fighting. Outside you kind of… you’re like in the ring. You move around, you got more room.”

What to Expect:

Oakland will run…a lot. They can’t survive every week with Russell’s maddening stretches. They can’t expect to stay close every week and hope that he can put together one-drive, or make one-play that can alter a game. They’ll eventually be put in holes because of it. So trying to get the ground game going is imperative. Problem is, they showed a lack of muscle against the Chiefs and they are facing a tougher defense this week. Plus, they are missing their best lineman. Justin Fargas will be active; a positive as Cable described, “He runs so violently, he changes tempo. He as a starter kind of sets tempo for you. My opinion is, you need his energy and you need his intensity that he brings to the game.” Oakland will need that. And if they can’t run the ball, Cable better hope his defense can keep it close enough for another frantic finish.

On Defense:

Hiram Eugene did not practice late in the week and most likely won’t play. And after Michael Huff’s start to the season, the former first rounder deserves to be in the starting line-up. His interceptions have been game changing. And with young players expected to be in the back-end of the secondary, his experience should be a plus for John Marshall’s unit.

“He’ll just play more. But we’ll have a plan in terms of backing it up in with Tyvon (Branch) and Mike Mitchell, perhaps John Bowie,” Cable said.

Huff is steady, knows not to get over enthused about his start and is focused to continue his play.

“I try not to get too riled up about the first two games,” Huff stated this week. “I want to go out there and be consistent and prove it week in and week out.”

What to Expect:

Kyle Orton is steady. And the Broncos will not expose him, nor will they ask him to pull any rabbits out of a hat. So Oakland will have to pressure the first-year Bronco into mistakes. Richard Seymour, Trevor Scott, Greg Ellis and the rest of the front-four must get into the backfield and disrupt any timing Denver will try to develop in their passing game. The Broncos are averaging 130.5 rushing yards a game so far. And after giving up 173 yards on the ground to he Chiefs, will the real Raider rush defense please stand-up!

On Special Teams:

Johnnie Lee Higgins looks to be ready to take over the punt return duties after a week off.

“I’m not a person who likes to sit on the sidelines and watch,” Higgins stated. “ In Kansas City, when we came out of the locker room I still had the shakes and everything and was ready to go and I looked down and was like, ‘I ain’t even suited up.’ Just sitting on the sidelines, that’s really not me.”

Cable even stated that Fargas my see some action on special teams, on coverage units throughout the game.

DENVER BRONCOS

On Offense:

All is well so far for Josh McDaniels who had a tough start to his career in Denver with the Jay Cutler trade and the Brandon Marshall drama. “We can only be 2-0 at this point and we’re certainly not pleased with everything that we’ve done on the field, but we’ve played well enough to beat two teams.  In this league, every win is critical so we’re happy where we’re at and we’re getting ready for Oakland right now,” said the first year head-coach.”

Kyle Orton is directing his offense, tallying a steady 506 yards, 2 touchdown passes and no interceptions, completing 36-of-65 passes.

Orton has a nice complement of receivers, especially when Marshall is healthy and primed to play. This week, Marshall may see more action, and after missing last year’s contest in Oakland, the fiery receiver is anticipating his match-up with Nnamdi Asomugha.

“He’s a very smart player, athletically gifted,” Marshall said. “He just fights every play.”

Brandon Stokley leads the team in receiving, but with Marshall primed, Eddie Royal having a brief but successful history against the Raiders and Jabar Gaffney in the mix, Denver will look to spread out the Silver & Black and keep them un-balance on Sunday.

What to Expect:

Correll Buckhalter and Knowshon Moreno have combined for 216 rushing yards this season. There is no doubt that McDaniels will like to test the Raiders’ rush defense and see if they are the stout club that faced the Chargers, or the team that allowed Kansas City to rack up yards. Denver will spread out the Raiders, run the ball from many sets and then try to play action and get the ball to their many targets. They won’t try anything eventful down the field; but moving the Orton out of the pocket, short quick tosses and possession football will be the game plan, as they try to confuse the Raiders with their varying attack.

On Defense:

Elvis Dumervil leads the Broncos with 4-sacks. Oakland will have to contain the defensive end if they want their dormant passing attack to awaken on Sunday.

“I’ve always had tremendous respect for him,” Cable said. “He’s always a handful. He’s a competitor and he brings it every snap … To me, this was not really a breakout game. I think this guy has been a good player for a while.”

After two games, Denver has allowed only one touchdown and 13 points. Opponents are averaging 70 yards a game on the ground (10^th in the NFL) and 204 via the pass (11^th in the NFL).

Add to that, their playmaking so far; as they have recorded three interceptions, tallied seven sacks, forced three fumbles while recovering two.

What to Expect:

Denver wants to clog up the trenches and put the game in the hands of Russell. If they can build an early lead and play from in front, force the Raiders to pass more than they would like, it could lead to the turnovers and big plays the defense has been accustomed to early in this season.

GAME NOTES:

• Orton ranks first in the NFL with a 4^th quarter passer rating of 152.1.
• The Raiders have not won back-to-back games versus Denver since 2002.
• Out for the Raiders due to injury: Gallery (broken fibula), Chaz Schilens (foot), and Nick Miller (shin).

KEY MATCH-UPS

Mario Henderson vs. Elvis Dumervil

The Bronco DE had a career day last week versus Pro-bowl LT Joe Thomas (Browns). This time, he goes against a first-year starter protecting Russell’s back side.

Raiders’ rush defense vs. Broncos’ ground attack

If Oakland cannot stop the run, this game won’t be close. They currently rank 20^th in the NFL after one good showing, and bad outing.

Orton vs. Russell

Both passers have had their moments in the 4^th quarter this season. Orton is the steadier of the two throughout the game and in the final quarter. Russell has made plays when the game is on the line. Will Russell dig the Raiders in a deep hole? Or can he play steady enough to keep them close and make plays at the end again?

PREDICTION

Broncos 26 – Raiders 24

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS. If sold out per NFL blackout rules, the game will air in the Bay Area on KPIX CBS 5. The game will also air in Sacramento on KOVR Channel 13 as well as on KHSL in Chico, KION in Monterey and KJEO in Fresno. The game will air on Raiders Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the Silver and Black’s Flagship for the multi-state Radio Network. Greg Papa and former Raiders player, assistant and head coach Tom Flores will man the booth for the 12th straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm along with KSFO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information cited from the official Raiders web site)

GAME INFO

Sunday, September 27, 2009, 4:15 p.m. ET  |  Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA

Home Team: Oakland Raiders (1-1) Home: 0-1 Road: 1-0

Road Team: Denver Broncos (2-0) Home: 1-0 Road: 1-0

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Robert Gallery underwent surgery to repair a broken left fibula that could keep him out as much as six weeks.

“It’s not as easy as just plugging in a new left guard or a new center,” head coach Tom Cable said Monday. “You want to make sure it all gels together. If this was a week issue or something like that, maybe it’s pretty easy, but it’s not. I think you have to look at it as a month issue.”

Preliminary reports stated that Cable could opt to play either Khalif Barnes or Erik Pears at left guard; two players that are more adept at tackle spots. A long shot for the nod is Paul McQuistan, a career back-up who has stepped in due to injuries in the past for short spurts.

Gallery had started 34-straight games at left guard and was the best lineman on the Silver & Black.

Oakland must get back to running the football the way they did versus the Chargers in order to help out an anemic offense that has been hindered by the inconsistencies of JaMarcus Russell.

Losing Gallery won’t help. And re-shuffling the line won’t either.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll see how Cable will cope and adjust to finding new chemistry in the trenches and how he will direct this offense.

Chaz Schilens is on his way back. Cutting down the load on Darrius Heyward-Bey and making him a third option could help the aerial attack. And finding creative ways to get Darren McFadden the ball while using Michael Bush and Justin Fargas to move the chains on the ground will be imperative.

One thing will be a constant; Chris Morris at center.

Cable likes the way he handles the middle and the technique he brings to the trenches.

BRONCOS DEFENSE STOUT EARLY

After two games, the Denver Broncos have allowed only one touchdown and 13 points. Opponents are averaging 70 yards a game on the ground (10^th in the NFL) and 204 via the pass (11^th in the NFL).

Add to that, their playmaking so far; as they have recorded three interceptions, tallied seven sacks, forced three fumbles while recovering two.

The Broncos are 2-0 on the strength of their newly revamped 3-4 defense. So if Oakland expects to threaten the upper half of the AFC West, they must play mistake free football on offense, establish the run and keep Russell upright on Sunday.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders needed a complete makeover along the offensive line this off-season. So far, they’ve upgraded both tackle spots and added a new Center to the mix. But will that be enough to provide a solid foundation for JaMarcus Russell’s development and to open up holes for their talented crop of rushers?

Kwame Harris is gone, and someone else will likely occupy Cornell Green’s right tackle spot. That alone will improve the play of the line, especially at both tackle positions, which were a reason why Oakland’s offense sputtered and could not provide a solid wall for Russell.

Chris Morris, John Wade and Samson Satele are the contenders at center. Jake Grove signed a huge deal in Miami, so the Raiders picked up the Dolphins center the last few seasons – Satele – in hopes that his style will fit the zone-blocking scheme that Tom Cable utilizes. Oakland won’t add a center in the draft, as it appears that they have enough there already to go into camp with.

Along the interior, barring any injuries, Robert Gallery and Cooper Carlisle will be firmly entrenched at left guard and right guard. Veteran Paul McQuistan is a back up for either starter, but there is nothing much after that. Marcus Johnson has seen time at tackle and guard while in the league, but its unknown whether or not he can provide enough stability at guard to warrant a spot as a back up there.

Most of the movement this off-season has been at tackle, and this is where Oakland will have to show the most improvement with all the talent brought in this off-season. Khalif Barnes is the front-runner for the left tackle spot and Erik Pears and Mario Henderson could have a nice battle in camp along the right side.

Oakland looks to have more reliable players along the trenches, but will that shy them away from spending their 7^th overall selection on one of the many solid linemen available this draft?

The Raiders have done enough along the offensive line and can afford to go in another direction with that top pick. But if they feel like they need more talent there, which it appears like they do, targeting interior linemen or young tackles to develop should be a focus when they go through the selection process during the draft.

PROSPECTS TO WATCH

Sebastian Vollmer, T, Houston

An all-conference left tackle, Vollmer allowed only one sack in 610 pass attempts last season in Houston. Born and raised in Germany, and still learning the nuisances of the game, this is the type of project that can entice the Raiders. They will be able to start the veterans acquired this off-season and hope that Vollmer learns under the close tutelage of Cable. His size and attributes will be hard to pass up in the middle rounds.

Xavier Fulton, T, Illinois

Anthony Parker, G, Tennessee

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist