Raiders get more versatility in Kamerion Wimbley

There is but one mission for John Marshall and the unit he coordinates in 2010: Stop the run!

So, where do you go when you’re in search of personnel to improve a near decade of run defense deficiency?

The fire sale in Cleveland, that’s where.

On Sunday the Oakland Raiders exchanged a third round pick in the 2010 draft with the Cleveland Browns for the services of Kamerion Wimbley. The same Wimbley who started 15 games for a team that ranked just above the Raiders in run defense. Not exactly an upgrade as much as it is yet another lateral move by a franchise still relying on an outdated defensive scheme.

While the former first round pick hasn’t ever lived up to the potential displayed in his 11-sack rookie season, he does bring an added dimension to the Oakland defense. Wimbley spent his college years playing defensive end at Florida State and figures to see time both standing up as a strong side linebacker and getting down into a three point stance as an end. Not unlike the manner in which Marshall utilized Trevor Scott near the end of last season.

Wimbley’s arrival means little as far as the futures of Thomas Howard and Kirk Morrison are concerned. More so to the point, the Wichita native will be expected to replace the team leading 7 sacks lost in the release of Greg Ellis.

How does this move help to improve the run defense? Well, it doesn’t.

Until Al Davis grafts a few modern principles onto his throwback defense, the continued woes will persist regardless of the personnel. Wimbley is a good addition and his talents should blend well with the gameplan. However, this defense is still a Commodore 64 in an Xbox 360 era.

John Marshall has been dealt a strong hand. Too bad he’s being told how to play his cards.

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cipherex says:

March 18, 2010 at 3:13 pm

Great comments before!
To obtain a date just like that…..

K-RAD says:

March 28, 2010 at 12:41 am

HOW IS THIS GUY GOING TO HELP US?? WHAT IF HE TO SLOW!! OR JUST SUCKS!! WE NEED TO KEEP T.HOWARD & KIRK MORRISON

Kevin says:

March 29, 2010 at 10:20 pm

McNabb BABY!!!

March 30, 2010 at 12:28 am

MCNABB ?? I DON’T NO HE IS GETING UP THER IN AGE (33) HE COST 12, MILLIN FOR JUT ONE YR !!! IN THAN 20 MILLIN NEXT YR!! NO WAY!! HE COST TO MUCH!!!

Kate says:

March 30, 2010 at 3:32 pm

You know every time I check in on this hapless franchise I realize that stupid fans deserve a remarkably stupid team. McNabb? At his age? Really? What, you looking to make that “one last run at the Superbowl?” You know, since the last one in 2000? Dumber than dumb!!! Can’t wait until the draft when they select that OT in rd 1 with the great 40 time who can’t, you know, block anybody. Add McNabb to that wonderful nucleus of Heyward-Bey, Woodson and your new super fast OT and you go from putrocity to craptastic.