04/29/11 4:44 pm pac                                                         

                                                                                    G Stefen Wisniewski

AFC West rival Denver had the two picks proceeding Oakland but the Raiders were able to get the man they wanted, Penn State O lineman Stefen Wisniewski.

The 6-3, 313 lb Raider legacy will be coached in part by his Uncle Steve Wisniewski a former Penn State All American and Oakland Raider All Pro will be Coaching his nephew on the Raiders O line this year.

The Raiders desperately needed to address the O line with the departure of LG Robert Gallery imminent, RT Langston Walker talking of retirement and RG Cooper Carlisle retirement age and a ZBS blocker,( a scheme Oakland no longer runs ) the Raiders needed an infusion of youth and talent.

Wisniewski is a value pick for the Raiders because he can play Guard or Center aas needed. With last years Center Samson Satele showing improvement the Raiders have hope, but if he falters again Wizzer provides insurance so that last years rookie starter Jareed Veldheer can remain at Left Tackle if the untoward happens.

*HC Hue Jackson has just stated Wisniewski is our Center this year! Satele, depending on the CBA could be a Free Agent this year. Apparently Oakland was not as thrilled with his progress as he'd hoped.

He's a solid, agile pass protector who is smart and mean. A good combination but he lacks "sand" and could use some more muscle and brute power.

He's got good technique and looks like a starter day one.

With rumors Oakland has been desperately trying to trade up yesterday and today, they stayed pat and picked up a solid piece to their O line question.

Mr. Wisniewski, welcome to the Dark Side....

"With the season and the possibilty of Free Agency back on the table many in Raider land have speculated a Jackson - Johnson reunion but that would likely mean cuts elsewhere, so how realistic is the notion of..."

          Aso for Ocho?

04-26-11-12:57 am pac

                                
                                            
                                                                                                       WR Chad Johnson

Most teams seem to be waiting to do anything at this early stage in the decision to end the lock out instead waiting for the 8th courts descision on the Owners appeal, in part because even if a team were to sign a free agent, what if a new CBA isn't met and players revert to the 2010 agreement where they'll end up staying with their prospective teams one more year?

Still, anything could happen and trades for players and or picks could become reality.

Clearly the hottest commodity this year is Raider Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and alot of veteran writers and those in the know consider him good as gone.

He is not under contract to Oakland thanks to an amazing non performance clause in his contract. Nnamdi failed to meet certain minimums, like at least one interception, but that failure is clearly not because he can't perform, its because he's so good teams rarely throw to his side of the field.

So when Nnamdi goes, Oakland is unlikey to get much if anything in return for Aso signing a monster contract elesewhere other than a 3rd round compensatory pick in 2012.

In theory though Oakland will save the money it would've likely needed to pay Asomugha in order to keep him long term. Mr. Davis has already spent money pre lockout to secure players like Stanford Routt and Hiram Eugene but again, in theory there could be money to add a player of their own in Free Agency.

Some have speculated a reunion between new Raider HC Hue Jackson and his "son" Chad Ocho Cinco Johnson.

Johnson and the Bengals may have run their course if the rumor mills are true (they are) and Johnson, on his Twitter account has made no bones about his feelings for Hue or playing for him again.

“I would not care where Hue Jackson got a job. I would go play for him, run through a wall, jump in front of a bus, etc. u get the point.”

“Man that was the greatest coach I ever had. Hue Jackson would choke me out, cuss me out, just to make sure I was precise on everything."

 “It would be refreshing to be with Hue Jackson again. I know I wouldn’t have to worry about being thrown under a bus again.”

Its no secret Oakland has struggled to find solid receiver play for years now and the 1st round project pick of Darrius Heyward Bey is nowhere near showing signs of blosomming anytime soon, if ever, so the addition of a veteran Wide out would seem to make sense but whether Johnson is still the receiver he was when he and Jackson worked together back i nthe day has to be a consideration.

One also has to consider if a possession type receiver really fits with Oaklands philosophy but frankly, that philosophy of speed and more speed hasn't born fruit in recent seasons.

If the Raiders do take a chance on Johnson its a much safer bet than their past high profile veteran WR signing.

Management has to still be smarting over the $55 million dollar contract given Javon Walker that panned out to less than zero return.

So in conclusion, yes, essentially if Oakland parts ways with Nnamdi that could open the door for a splashy Free Agent signing like Chad Johnson.

Ocho is no Javon that much is established but while the Raiders could likely benefit from a positive, productive veteran at WR there seem to be other areas of need that are more pressing right now.

      The Raiders 2011
            NFL Draft:
         DB or not DB?

04/25/11 11:37 am pac                       

Photo Jeff Gross / Getty Images                                                                                          CB Stanford Routt

 Its an Al Davis / Raider trademark.

Oakland collects DBs.

They need to because unlike other teams that build from the interior out (DTs, DEs, LBs ect.) the Raiders build backwards, building their D secondary first.

The Raiders, like no other covet the ultra rare shut down corner, or at least a guy with serious speed to run down those that get past him.

Built this way, its no wonder Mr. Davis drafts alot of defensive backs, partly because they need the depth and partly because it often years to train them how to play the Raider, predominantly man cover way.

Another reason is, like we said, ultra rare shut down corners are, well, ultra rare.

There have been many misfires and before the last couple of seasons the Raiders simply could not draft, train, trade for or buy a decent player at Safety.

They struggled to find good CBs too.

Phillip Buchanon, Derrick Gibson, Anthony Dorsett, Fabian Washington, and lets all try to forget DeAngelo "$8 million for 8 games" Hall.

Thats why it shouldn't come as a shock to anyone in Silver and Black if the Raiders select a CB or Safety with their current 2nd round, 48th overall pick or even trade up for one.

Why?

They may need him.

Despite what stats and his pay check says, Stanford Routt is no Nnamdi Asomugha.

If Aso goes, their is very little reason to believe the Raiders will be just as good without him.

Aside from Routt at Cornerback is Chris Johnson whose only really good season was a contract year that earned him a sizeable payday but the former 2003, 7th round draft pick (245th overall) has suffered 2 major knee surgeries and enough nicks and dings to make his presence on the field questionable. Last year he was sidelined with a hammy from pre season that carried through most of the year.

When he is healthy though, he is very, very good.

Behind Johnson in the rotation is 2nd yr man Walter "Wheezy" McFadden who's really more of a rookie, having missed much of camp and the 2010 season with his own dicey hamstring.

His one real regular season performance was a beyond embarrassing drubbing at the hands of Miami's 2nd and 3rd string QBs and WRs.

McFadden's forte' is covering the pass and he's good at it but there was certainly nothing from last season to suggest he can start at Nickle or fill  on the edges.

Oaklands only other option on the roster is last years rookie 7th rounder (215th overall) Jeremy Ware.

Ware started seeing time early in the season and he was burned a few times but actually started making a few plays before apparently angering someone with the power to keep him off the field.

Even with injuries to McFadden, Johnson and later even Nnamdi, Ware languished on the sideline.

Last years Def Coord John Marshall is gone as is former Head Coach Tom Cable so we'll see if Ware is out of the dog house and back in the rotation if theres a 2011.

Even if Oakland doesn't draft a DB in rounds 2 or 3, they almost certainly will draft some because they usually do and  this year, thats what they really need to.

If the Raiders do indeed draft a Cornerback day one who might it be?

The two top rated CB prospects, Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamura, will be long gone by the 48th pick so that leaves a few choice Corners who may be there for Oakland to realistically move up for or take with their current 48th overall pick. 

Jimmy Smith

Smith is clearly  Raider material. He's a self proclaimed shut down corner who thrives on man coverage.

At 6-2, 211 lbs his prototypical size and speed (He ran a 4.37 40) will meet with Mr. Davis' approval, as will his self confident ego.

Smith says he's a shut down corner and  he likes comparisons to Oaklands Nnamdi Asomugha but says "I think i have better balls skills than he does."

So why would the 3rd rated CB in the nation be within Raider striking distance on late on draft day?

It could be his minor brushes with Johnny Law and 4 failed drug tests during his college career but as Smith's new agent (he fired his old one just before the combine) is sure to quickly point out, all of those infractions were in Smith's first 2 years at Colorado. He's been clean ever since and become a leader on his team.

Even though Smith ditched the Senior bowl and switched azgents from Peter Schaefer to Drew Rosenhaus Smith still seems like he's on the right path.

Rosenhaus has a reputation but has also worked flawlessly with Oakland in the past.

His client is agressive, he's brash, he's a leader who talks the talk, walks the walk and is everything Oakland could ask for in a CB.

We're thinking the Raiders will need to move up to get him. If they're going DB day one, they absolutely should.

"Some fans see him as a troubled but gifted physical athlete, others see him as a potential franchise QB but does the Nation and Al Davis see..."
       Vince Young as a
                Raider?
 

04/24/11 1:21 pm pac 

              
                                                                                      Former Titans QB Vince Young

Most who watched all of their games last year agree their is still a question at Quaterback for the Oakland Raiders.

Aside from the embarrassing back and forth with Bruce Gradkowski and Campbell being yanked from games the Raiders seemed to finally settle on Campbell who managed well but usually when Bush or McFadden were helping him by tearing up defenses with the ground game.

Whether the former Redskin QB can carry a game on his shoulders when the Raider ground game stalls is another matter.

 With Gradkowski gone and a mass of unprovens at back up behind Campbell, there is still a question at Raider Quarterback especially considering Oaklands unstable O line and its inability to protect Campbell last year.

This speculation has led many a fan to speculate that the Raiders may be (and probably should be) in the market for a QB. Alot of people think that Quarterback should be former Tennessee signal caller Vince Young.

He fits alot of Al Davis' criteria for a QB lately.
He was a first round pick. (3rd overall in 2006) He's African American. He's physically gifted with a rocket arm and he failed to thrive with his original team.

Granted, Young was not a complete bust in Tennessee, especially when you consider the career of Young's draft nemesis, former USC QB Matt Leinart.

His rookie season Young was voted AP offensive player of the year and went to the Pro bowl after Phillip Rivers bowed out due to injury.

The main crux of Young's problems on field are his turn overs. He's got as many picks as he does TDs (forty two each) and has fumbled the ball thirty eight times.

Off the field there have been several ugly and public incidents, many involving Vince's former Coach Jeff Fisher but one of the more recent altercations occured at a strip club with Jeff Fisher no where to be seen on any of the security cam footage.

Aside from the Fisher benchings and a bizarre "suicide" debacle involving the two, they both soldiered on until Young suffered a torn flexor muscle in his right thumb in a week 11 loss to Washington that set off a chain of events that likely was the capper on Young's career in Tennessee.

VY was injured but eager and ready to return to the game but Fisher decided to keep Young on the bench. Apparently frustrated or fed up, Young later threw his shoulder pads into the crowd and had an altercation with Fisher in the Titans locker room.

On Jan. 5th 2011 Titans owner Bud Adams issued a press release stating that Young would not return to the Titans for the 2011-12 season.

The current strike means no one can deal for him yet and it remains to be seen if the Titans will trade or simply release Young.

Whether Young would be re born in Oakland or help sink the franchise back into an abyss partly created by another troubled QB is anyones guess at this point, as is whether they are even interested in him at all but Oakland has a reputation for taking other teams cast offs and creating silver linings to dormant careers.

Will Vince Young be one of them?

Stranger things have happened.

 "Fans and prospective suitors want to know..."
    Will Aso Stay or Aso 

                 Go?

04/23/11 8:57 pm pac                   


Photo Ezra Shaw / Getty Images                                                                           CB Nnamdi Asomugha


There are those who don't watch Oakland games or are Darelle Revis fans that question who the best CB in the League is.

Raider fans know without a doubt.

The big question is "Will he stay a Raider?"

Unfortunately several knowledgable insiders say "No."

We on the other hand tend to be more optimistic when it comes to the Nnamdi conundrum.

There are many reasons the casual Raider fan or those on the outside of Raider Nation may not be aware of. Reasons why Nnamdi has a better chance of staying rather than going.
 

1. The Money.

Everyone knows, especially rival NFL owners, that Al Davis pays his players.

He's the last of the mavericks and he's the last of the "players owners".

If its a matter of money and Davis wants him, as he's done time and time again, he'll write the check and keep adding zeros.

Many, many times Mr. Davis has  made members of his team the highest paid player at his position in history.

Why not for one of the best Corner backs in the game and one of the best players on and off the field?


2. The Prestige.

Lets face it. The Raiders haven't been the world beaters they once were but excelling in Oaklands man heavy cover scheme is still an achievement in and of itself and carries a special respect even if grudgingly in some cases...

Add this to the fact Nnamdi's conversion from Safety to CB was an Al Davis special and frankly it seems like their are more misses than hits in recent 1st round memory.

After falling asleep at the wheel and letting the Raider Cadillac drive into a ditch for the better part of the last decade Mr. Davis might like to keep a little of that rare success around.

Like he's done in the past.

When Oakland selects 48th overall at this weeks draft, Legendary Raider CB Willie Brown will be naming the pick.

Former Raider DB and Hall of Famer Rod Woodsen will coach Oaklands secondary this season and former Raider MLB Greg Biekert has been hired to school our Linebackers.

Jim Otto still roams the halls as do many former Raider greats.


The point being, if you play your cards right in silver and black, you'll have a job and a family for life.

Once a Raider, always a Raider.

Unless your name is Marcus.

Or Jamarcus.

Or Gannon.

Lets move on shall we?


3. The Scheme.

Aside from the prestige of knowing you're the baddest cat in coverage and mastering a scheme many never could, playing Al Davis' defense is not without its draw backs.

Many lament the fact Nnamdi stays on one side of the field instead of roaming and shadowing the oppositions X receiver like most teams do.

This means teams simply avoid throwing to that side of the field.

Makes sense but definitely detracts from a players stats as witnessed by the voiding of Nnamdi's contract because "failed" to reach certain minimums, like making at least one interception. 

Oaklands built backwards, secondary first defense is a wonder to behold...when its manned by those who can run it to perfection.

But, at its core it relies on the rarest of the rare, shut down Corner backs. Height, weight, speed specimens who are around 6-0, 6-2, 200 lbs +, freakish agility and have blazing speed.

Players like that are hard to find.

They come along once, maybe twice a generation and like it or not, this years CB phenom, Patrick Peterson, will be drafted in the top 10 come April 28th.

Oakland doesn't even have a first round pick let alone a top 10 pick to snag him so drafting a replacement seems like the longest of shots.

Replacing a Pro bowl, shut down Corner back like Nnamdi wouldn't be difficult, it would be impossible.


Davis may let Nnamdi walk, but can he and the Raider D afford to let him go?


4. The Game

Its been said, "Madness is what genius looks like to tiny minds."

The word genius is not wasted on Al Davis.

He's been at this game, hell in a lot of repects, he helped CREATE this game, on the field and in the front office.

It is not beyond the realm of possibility that maybe, just maybe, Mr. Davis has correctly read the dire and contentious collapse of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and perhaps predicting the lack of resolution by owners and players.

It is also not beyond the realm of reality to think the lock out could extend into  September in which case an agreement could allow free agents to return to their old teams for the year and then enter free agency in 2012.

If that happens Davis gets Nnamdi for another year without signing him to a capital eating long term contract and was able to use the franchise tag on someone other than his best player.

The ramifications would be Davis could (and has) used money earmarked for Nnamdi to sign multiple players while still keeping the best Corner in the League.


So, what does all of this mean? 

Really not alot.

As it ever was, Mr. Davis will do what Mr. Davis will do.

Its his team. Its his money, its his game.

Ultimately, if Mr. Davis wants Nnamdi to be a Raider, he'll be one for life. 

If Nnamdi wants to walk, odds are Davis lets him.

Not really much of an answer I know but when you follow the Oakland Raiders, its hard to tell the real from the subterfuge and its even harder to predict exactly what Al Davis will do.

The only real guarantee is that some people will love it and some people will hate it.

         Mana the Hour

Las Cruces Sun-News, Robin Zielinski / AP                                                                         SS Mana Silva

He's not from from Heaven he's actually from Hilo Hawaii but Keanemana Silva's numbers at this years Pro day had many singing his praises.

The 6-1, 206 lb Strong Safety posted 23 reps on the bench, a 40 inch vertical and an average 40 time of 4.4. 
                                   
He's a physical specimen with speed so Oakland is naturally taking a look at him with a visit scheduled sometime soon.

Silva has a knack for the ball turning in 14 interceptions in the last two seasons and hanging out near the top of WAC stat sheets.

Even with Hawaii's uncanny ability to snag interceptions their defense was sometimes scorched by opposing passing games. Boise State put up 507 yds against them.

Mana's stats had him elected to the 2010 ALL-WAC first football team as he racked up 76 tackles and an amazing 14 passes defensed.

He is listed as a Strong Safety but played Free Safety in at least 10 out of 13 starts in 2009 where he again posted 74 tackles. He also added 4 passes defensed and led the team with 6 interceptions.

Mana's experience at FS and SS makes him valuable to other teams and interesting to Oakland who looks like they may not re-sign 6 yr veteran Michael Huff.

Thats important because the Raiders seem to have two rising stars at the Strong Safety position in Tyvon Branch and Mike Mitchell but Branch has struggled big against the pass and Mitchell was rumored to be cut last pre season until Big Al stepped in for him.

Last years Coaches, HC  Tom Cable and D Coord John Marshall are gone but if Mitchell, nick named "The angriest man in the world" by team mates, has still soured his welcome Mana could add depth to existing Safeties Hiram Eugene and Stevie Brown  while serving as a developmental plan B.

Even if Huff and or Mitchell goes or stays Mana could serve as insurance for the future and as a special teams contributor if he's there for the Raiders day two or later in the upcoming draft.

             Is Kaepernick a
       Consideration?

4/21/11 10:10 pm pac         

     
Photo Ethan Miller / Getty Images                                                                  QB Colin Kaepernick
                                          
                         
QB Colin Kaepernick is a physical freak. The almost endless list of records held in the WAC atests to this, including being the only NCAA player to throw for over 9,000 yds and rush for another 4,000 in his college career.

The 6-5, 233 lb marvel has a 79 inch wing span, a long stride and speed to burn.

The ultra moblie QB posted a 4.53 40 at this years combine.

A two sport star, Kaepernick has a strong arm for the deep pass and a 94 mph fastball across the strike zone.

Accuracy though is an issue with Kaepernick and as the QB of a spread offense at Nevada, many still question his NFL readiness despite a 37 on his combine Wonderlic test.

In alot of ways Kapernick should hope Oakland doesn't take him.

He's clearly a project and Oakland has a horrible record in its attempts to groom Quarterbacks. In fact, they haven't successfully groomed a winner since Ken Stabler's second round selection in 1968(!!!).

Many feel Kaepernick is a good 2-3 yrs from a starting job in the NFL but if a team were to take him and tailor some packages toward his unique skill sets he could contribute earlier, at least in theory.

Kapernick thrived in Nevada's Pistol offense and though many claim it "gimmicky" the big armed QB swears it has many elements that should translate directly to the pro game.

Even though he spent little time under center Kaepernick seems to be pretty darn good at reading defenses and may actually be a little closer to seeing field time faster than his athletic college predecesor, turned Denver Broncos QB Tim Tebow.

One of the major reasons Hue Jackson's offense took off last year was the blatantly obvious decision to cater his play calling to the strength of the talent he'd fielded.

How was this achieved?

He simply asked his players what plays they liked in college...like we suggested on these pages two weeks before it happend. 

Genius. 

If only we'd mentioned checking their key offensive players college tapes it sooner...

Anyway, the Raiders may have Campbell, Boller, J.T. O'Sullivan and Charlie Frye to evaluate if OTA's ever happen this year, but have no illusions, despite a plethora of passers, Oaklands QB situation may still be tenuous.

Despite several surprising wins back up QB Bruce Gradkowski couldn't consistently read defenses or stay healthy enough to capitalize on starting opportunities.

A well known favorite of former HC Tom Cable, Gradkowski was released shortly after his former boss meaning there will be legitimate competion for the 2nd slot.

With Boller a turn over king, O'Sullivan a camp arm 3rd stringer and Frye recovering from surprise wrist surgery that may or may not be career threatening.

Perhaps taking a project QB like Colin Kaepernick wouldn't be a total leap in the 2nd round but...the Nevada gun slinger is not with out his foibles.

He's hell on wheels when on the run, rolling, creating and throwing but his accuracy suffers.Also he's likey to find out early the price NFL level talent will extract on a tall, thin running QB who doesn't secure the ball well.

He can be erratic and inconsistent with his passes and has a wind up and full on hitch in his throwing motion. The way it stands his 79 3/8th inch wing span and wind up would be a liabilty that must be addressed no matter who drafts him and even if Oaklands O line some how did a better job of protecting the potential pick.     

A Quarterback with their first pick at 48th overall in the 2nd round may not be a bad idea for Oakland, considering no one on the roster has cemented the job but adding a project like Kaepernick doesn't seem like a quick fix in  case Campbell goes down or stalls out.

Another thing to consider about a silver and black Kaepernick is how Oakland loves to shift players around to create mismatches (like Nnamdi and last years surprise FB / WR Marcel Reece) so taking Kaepernick wouldn't neccessarily mean the physical phenom would even play QB.

Our opinion?

There are several other prospects we think would fill more pressing needs more readily.

We'll take a look at a few of them next time...

            Is Taiwan the One at 
              Two?
 

The Defensive Tackles

DT Richard Seymour 6-6, 310 lbs

Yes, we had Seymour down as a DE but his primary with Oakland has been inside at DT.

He's capable of and did bounce all up and down the line with New England but has pretty much stayed put on the Raider right side.

Maybe new / old D coordinator Chuck Bresnahan will better utilize one of Seymour'[s greatest strengths.

His versatility.

DT Tommy Kelly 6-6 ,300

Kelly's 60 tackles and 7 sacks were all career highs as he was named a Pro Bowl alternate.

Kelly made a big deal out of his lack of production the year before and clearly looked in better shape at last years camp.

There are questions about Kelly's motor but not his durability. Other than blowing out his knee in 2007, he's started all 16 games 3 yrs in  a row.

If he has another productive year fans may fianlly leave him alone for getting such a big contract after his knee injury.

DT John Henderson 6-7, 335 lbs

The 9 yr vet laughed at suggestions he was through after he was dumped by Jacksonville after an 8 yr run. The former 1st round pick was replaced by 2010 NFL D line draft picks Tyson Alualu and D'Anthony Smith.

Henderson took slights like coach Jack Del Rio questioning the severity of a shoulder injury and with the way the Jags uncerimoniously ditched their former 9th overall draft pick to heart and showed he had a bone to pick.

Henderson looked like he was making a difference against the run until a minor foot injury turned out to be a broken metatarsal that cost him 7 games.

The big man did put in enough time to show he's not a has been and after putting personal problems earlier in his career behind him looks like he's ready to help Oaklands D line rotation if this season comes to pass. 

We're breaking down the Raiders one position, one player at time."
         End of the Line

03-16-11 11:12 am pac                                                              

The Defensive Ends  

DE/DT Richard Seymour 6-6, 310

Seymour of course resigned and thats good news for Oakland.

His presence on the field and in the locker room has been a catalyst for the change in attitude so desperately needed during their length losing streak.

That alone would be worth the contracts.

10 years in Seymour has some questions about his durability but sitting out practices every other week last season is part common sense (he knows by this point how to do his job) and part necessity.

The human body has only so many football snaps in it which is why a 3 yr contract was in Oaklands best interests.

DE Matt Shaughnessy 6-5, 270 lbs

His toughness was never in question but leg injuries in high school and college helped the 2nd yr man slide on draft day.

Oakland took a flyer and now they have an emerging force against the run and the pass.

Shaughnessy has no doubt benefitted from having Seymour by his side but he has also shown growth in technique and strength and should only get better.

DE Lamarr Houston 6-3, 305 lbs

Houston's rookie season proved he can be a dominant force at Defensive End, setting the edge against the run and applying pressure on the QB.

Houston has one of the best bursts to the QB we've seen since Warren Sapp's heyday.

Houston should only get better and one can hope new / old Raider Defensive Coordinator Chuck Bresnahan does his home work (or reads RNS) and watches film of Houston's production when he slides inside to Defensive Tackle.

Houston was thought to be too small to hold up inside but his amazing quickness and brute power tend to destroy all but the very best interior linemen.

And thats during his rookie season.

DE Jarvis Moss 6-7, 260 lbs

Moss was a dud 1st round draft pick the Broncos took a flyer on. His failure to thrive in Orange and blue, among many other things, contributed to the departure of long time Coach and Raider nemesis Mike Shannahan.

Thank you Jarvis.

Moss looked like he was the same old under achiever failing to make tackles in pursuit but he was playing with a broken hand he'd suffered soon after his arrival on 11/24/10.

Its too early to count Moss out just yet though.

He started making plays in the final few games and showed glimpses of the pass rusher people thought he could become when he first came out of Florida as the 25th overall best college football player and #1 defensive prospect of the 2007 draft.

All this despite missing seven games with what turned out to be a severe pelvic infection.

Moss has the hallmarks of a classic Raider reclamation project and if not, it won't cost them much.

The Raiders use Groves, Wimbley and Scott before he got injured as Defensive Ends but don't be surprised if Oakland takes a look at some DE depth in this years draft.

"We're breaking down the Raiders one position, one player at time."
         Laying it on the
            Linebackers

03-07-11 8:28 pm pac

The Linebackers

MLB Rolando McClain 6-3, 255 lbs

His rookie year wasn't a Pro Bowl caliber world beater but it was good enough to improve Oaklands offense and prove its more Davis' scheme than the players playing it. Still, McClain posted 85 tackles, half a sack an interception and more than several highlight reel beat downs the likes of which haven;t been seen in Oakland since...good gawd we can't remember when. In fact, we're of a mind  if McClain had played against Jacksonville (the one game he missed out right last year) Oakland might've been 9-7 and gone to the play offs.

He didn't completely solve the long runs Oaklands traditionally gouged for (again, thats likely Davis' fault) but Jason Campbell and the offense showed that THEY are the Oakland defenses best weapon.

If they can keep McClain and co, fresh in the 4th and give them a lead to protect you will see Oakland in the play offs in the very near future.

SLB Kamerion Wimbley

Wimbley recently became a double digit millionaire thanks to Al Davis and a 58 tackle 9 sack season.

In all honesty Wimbley tends to disappear off the radar too often but he was slowed with a few dings at times.

This rep in Cleveland who selected him 13th overall back in 2006.

Despite worries he may struggle to cover more agile backs and tight ends out in pattern, Wimbley silenced critics in 2010 by showing good speed and coverage skills .

Alot of his sacks came in garbage time or agaisnt teams that were already blown out so it will be interesting to see if Wimbely regresses in 2011 or if he has found a home in Silver and Black and can finally start living up to that lofty draft status and huge pay check.

WLB Quentin Groves 6-3 265 lbs

With Wimbley at Strong Side Linebacker Oakland wanted a replacement for freshly demoted LB Thomas Howard on the Weak Side. They chose yet another stalled out high draft pick in Quentin Groves.

Taken 52nd overall in the 2nd round of the 2008 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars the former Auburn pass rush specialist languished in Jacksonville and was traded to the Raiders for a 5th round pick i nthe 2010 draft.

Groves struggled early on and also had a nagging injury that slowed him but he looked a step behind and out of sorts too often early on then around the mid way point Groves suddenly seemed to start getting it, shooting gaps in the run game, disrupting plays, making tackles and even posting an impressive safety.

If Groves and Wimbley can pick up where they left off last season and continue to grow Oakland may have one of the most impressive starting Linebacking corps in the League.

MLB Ricky Brown 6-2, 235 lbs

Brown's one start last season was against Jacksonville, the Leagues leading rushing team.

Rookie Rolando McClain was out with a foot injury and it cost the Raiders not only the game but possibly a Wild Card berth.

Brown's got tenure and understands the game but he's a throw back to when footballs finest TEs ruled the AFC West.

So is our next subject.

WLB Thomas Howard 6-3, 240 lbs

Howard and former D Captain Kirk Morrison were Oaklands answer to a Division stocked with Pro Bowl caliber tight ends.

Sort of.

After years of poor run defense, blown assignments and horrible audibles Oakland ditched Morrison who now plays for Jacksonville. Howard took a step backward and was demoted to back up and Special Teams play but never faltered.

He may or may not be back for the 2011 season.

LB Sam Williams 6-5, 260 lbs

Many feel Williams is a Davis favorite which would explain how a guy can play in the League 8 seasons and never be good or healthy enough to vie for a starting slot.

Williams contributes occasionally on Special Teams but is costly when he sees field time.

If Al Davis is still alive when they select Oaklands 53 for 2011, Williams will probably be on the squad.

LB Travis Goethel 6-2, 240 lbs

Again, not exactly the H/W/S at the Linebacking postion Oakland seems to be reaching for right now but Goethel impressed Raider coaches enough in Oaklands OTAs and camp in 2010 to keep him on the roster despite back surgery that cost him most of the season.

At the college level Goethel made up for a lack of size and speed with great reads and better coverage.

During his limited game action in the back half of 2010 he looked out of place and step behind in coverage which is kind of to be expected with the injury rehab and first exposure to NFL speed but he started making plays against he run that show his potential.

LB Bruce Davis II 6-3, 250 lbs

Is a legacy who's father played for Oakland. Brought on as depth part way through last season to contribute on Special Teams mostly.

Drew a few flags and not much else. May be one of those guys Oakland dumps and resigns back and forth for the practice squad.

LB? Quentin Scott 6-3, 220 lbs

Was signed by the Bears as a rookie UDFA. Signed on to Oaklands practice squad on September 23rd.

He's listed as a Linebacker but was a Safety at Northern Iowa, a Safety with ball hawking skills and great instincts.

So as the Raiders name former Cincy, former Raider D coordinator Chuck Bresnahan new Raider D coordinator again, he'll restart his tenure with some pretty good peices in place as far as the Linebacking corps goes but after the starting 3 there are definitely questions about depth.

Wouldn't be surprised to see Oakland add a LB prospect in the draft.