Current Roster: Looking at the Raiders roster, there is a glaring weakness: defensive tackle. In a 4-3 defense, the Raiders use 2 DTs.
Right now, the Raiders have only one above-average tackle and a competition between some no-names for the other spot. The above-average tackle is Tommy Kelly and the no-names are second year Desmond Bryant, free agents William Joseph and Ryan Boschetti, and second round pick Lamar Houston.
You may not agree with me putting Houston in the no-name category, but as he is yet to play in a game, he is unproven. Also, Houston is being tried out at defensive end so he may not be in the mix for the second tackle spot.
Richard Seymour could be moved inside; the Raiders did this with Howie Long many years ago. But with Seymour absent from the OTAs, he isn’t getting a chance to try the switch and he may not get that chance until a new contract is signed, which could take a long time.
Money: Speaking of Richard Seymour, the Raiders don’t have much money. Forbes magazine has the Raiders ranked as the poorest franchise in football, at $800 million.
The Raiders saved six million this season by cutting JaMarcus Russell. The Raiders also released guys like Justin Fargas, Javon Walker, and Greg Ellis, which can save money.
But the Raiders still have to spend. Rolando McClain will likely have a high salary, especially since he is expected to start.
The Raiders are poised to give Seymour $12 million this season if a contract isn’t agreed to with the fr...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
