Ask Raider Nation: Dan “D-Rock” Racadio
Nov 17, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Rod Streater (80) celebrates with teammates Mike risiel (65), Lucas Nix (76) and Stefen Wisniewski (61) after catching a 16-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“Let’s take a look at what we have on both sides of the ball (projected starters and 2nd stringers that can battle for that position) as the upcoming draft is taking ever-so-long to get here.”
-OFFENSE-
OL
“Reggie’s biggest priority this offseason was to give our OL a much-needed makeover. Even Tom Brady would have had his worst season ever behind the line we fielded last season.”
LT- Donald Penn – veteran, 2yr deal
LG- Kevin Boothe – veteran, 2yr deal
C – Stefan Wisniewski – veteran, contract yr
RG- Austin Howard – (5th season) thru ’18
RT- Menelik Watson – (’13 2nd rd/can play T) thru ’16
*T Matt McCants / T Jack Cornell / G Khalif Barnes / G Lucas Nix / G Lamar Mady / G Jarrod Shaw
QUARTERBACK
Matt Schaub – veteran, 1yr deal
Matthew McGloin – UFA ’13
RUNNING BACK
Darren McFadden – veteran, 1yr deal
Maurice Jones-Drew – veteran, 3yr deal
Marcel Reece – veteran, ’14 Pro Bowl
*Latavius Murray/ Kory Sheets / Jeremy Stewart / Jamize Olawale
TIGHT END
Davis Ausberry – Contract yr
Mychal Rivera – ’13 6th rd
*Nick Kasa
WIDE RECEIVER
James Jones – veteran, 3yr deal
Andre Holmes – Stellar 2nd half of season ’13
*Streater/Moore/Butler/Criner
-DEFENSE-
“Reggie’s 2nd task this offseason was to bolster up a defense that showed some promise at times especially against the run. With major free agency moves already made, key contracts extended, and the upcoming draft around the corner this is where the current defense stands:”
DEFENSIVE ENDS
Lamar Woodley – veteran, 2yr deal
Justin Tuck – veteran, 2yr deal
*Jack Crawford / CJ Wilson / Eric Harper / Ryan Robinson
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
DT Antonio Smith – veteran, 2yr deal
NT Pat Sims – veteran, 1yr deal
*Stacy McGee / Ricky Lupkin / Torrelle Troup
LINEBACKER
SLB Sio Moore – thru ’16
MLB Kaluka Maiava – thru ’15
WLB Kevin Burnett – thru ’14
*Nick Roach / Miles Burris / Kaelin Burnett / Frank Belltree / Chris McCoy / Marshall McFadden / Justin Cole
CORNERBACK
DJ Hayden – thru ’17
Carlos Rogers – veteran, 1yr deal
*Tarell Brown / Taiwan Jones / Chimdi Chekwa / Johnny Adams / Neiko Thorpe / Chance Casey
SAFETY
SS Tyvon Branch – veteran, thru ’17
FS Charles Woodson – veteran, 1yr deal
*Brandian Ross / Usama Young / Tony Dye / Shelton Johnson
“Ok, with all that out on the table with most of the legit depth listed let’s take a look at DEPTH NEEDS:”
OL: Have depth and veteran presence.
QB: Is our franchise QB in this draft class?
RB: Have talented depth and veteran presence.
WR: Plenty of young and talented depth, need a big playmaker.
TE: 2 solid players. Not much depth.
DE: 2 solid veteran starters. Have depth but not proven depth talent.
DT: 2 solid veteran starters. Not much depth.
LB: Solid starters. Lots of depth. Could use a young playmaker for depth.
CB: Stacked with veteran and young talent. Lots of depth.
S: Solid starters. Minimal depth. Need a C-Wood replacement soon.