Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE

Once upon a time Vontaze Burfict and the Oakland Raiders would have been a match made in heaven. Few players in the 2012 NFL Draft create such strong opinions as that of Burfict. He’s the kind of guy Al Davis would have welcomed with open arms if it was 1974.

On the one hand Burfict has been compared to Patrick Willis. His talent as a middle linebacker is that real. On the other hand Burfict draws comparisons on Ndamukong Suh and we’re not talking about his talent in that department. Burfict has a knack for crossing the line between being aggressive and playing dirty.

As it stands the Raiders are staying the course with Rolando McClain in the middle. He hasn’t amazed anyone in his first two seasons in the NFL but there is enough to work with that Reggie McKenzie isn’t willing to pull the plug on that Al Davis project just yet.

Still it is hard to ignore just how invisible McClain can be despite his size and considerable athleticism. Burfict was a lock as a first round talent until the wheels came off during his junior season at Arizona State. Inconsistent play, attitude issues and an unimpressive collection of draft workouts have dropped Burfict’s stock down to the late 4^th or 5^th round level. He could be a bargain at that price but might not be worth the headache. Either way, he’s a prospect some team will certainly roll the dice on. Why not the Raiders?

Vontaze Burfict, MLB, Arizona State

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 248lbs

Strengths: An absolute monster in the middle of the field. He creates havoc playing sideline to sideline with a high motor and a huge chip on his shoulder. Good in all phases of the game from defending the run to pass coverage to rushing the passer. Has a knack for sniffing out plays and blowing them up before they develop. Lays the lumber whenever he hits.

Weaknesses: Defines the term wildcard. His conditioning has gotten worse from each year. Has had problems with coaches at ASU and was benched despite being the Sun Devils best player. Lets emotions get the best of him and will no doubt be all over the Roger Goodell’s radar. Combine performance underwhelmed in all areas.

Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

Reggie McKenzie has abolished the Al Davis scholarship program. That’s bad news for freakish athletes who moonlight as football players. Good news for the future of the franchise as contracts will be handed out the old fashioned way – they’ll be earned.

Of the 10 Raiders set to become unrestricted free agents in just over 24 hours only one stands out as a man that has earned the right to be rewarded with a nice raise. I’m speaking of Desmond Bryant, the former undrafted defensive tackle from that powerhouse of college football, Harvard University.

To be fair Michael Bush has also proven himself worthy of a nice new deal but there is just no chance he’ll get it from the Raiders. So for argument’s sake we’ll just factor him out of this conversation.

As for Bryant, he’s proven himself to be a valuable commodity among the many talented players that decorate Oakland’s defensive line. His versatility was vital once Matt Shaughnessy went down last season. Among Bryant’s most impressive traits is his mean streak. That might sound like a given when it comes to a D-lineman but you’ve clearly never seen Albert Haynesworth play if you think that is the norm.

Bryant has a way of walking the line that Ndamukong Suh seems incapable of constantly crossing. As a Harvard grad you know the dude has a solid head on his shoulders plus he’s worked hard for every NFL down he’s ever played.

Unfortunately for Bryant his timing is just slightly off. No doubt Al Davis would have given him a contract no other team would offer. Nothing too crazy, we’re not talking Tommy Kelly money here. But a Hiram Eugene sweetheart contract could have been in the cards. Instead he’ll have to settle for something a little more sensible should McKenzie and Dennis Allen agree with my take.

Now I’m not saying Bryant has Tommy Kelly talent. He’s a good-enough lineman that can add depth to a defense, not be the cornerstone of it. But the Dez Bryant that isn’t a knuckle head banned from Dallas shopping malls isn’t likely to slack off once he gets his pay day. A hard worker from the moment he arrived, Bryant has proven himself time and time again earning more and more snaps with each year he’s been in the league.

With other men like Samson Satele, Chaz Schilens, Jarvis Moss and Jason Campbell among Oakland’s soon-to-be free agent list it says something that Bryant stands out.

Obviously Campbell has no reason to stick around. Not when he can get starter money and a starting gig elsewhere. Schilens has long been an urban myth but his best chance to show his true potential came last season and he failed to separate himself from Oakland’s talented pack of receivers. Satele has been solid but routinely is abused by stronger and more physical nose tackles. His job should be handed over to the Pro Bowler to be in Stefen Wisniewski.

That pretty much leaves Bryant as about the only solid contributor that won’t cost much to retain yet will still be a bargain no matter what the final number is that he and the team settle on. Of course it’s not like Bryant’s talents are some hush-hush secret. He will likely have other suitors out there too. Al Davis didn’t corner the market on overspending so some other team could be willing to give Bryant an out-of-whack contract. If that’s the case I couldn’t fault the man. I didn’t go to Harvard but even I know money talks.

In essence this game is a pick em.

So…how are you betting this week, Raider Nation? With your head or your heart?

The true degenerate knows no bet is off limits…especially when you’re trying to get back to even for the week. We’ve all been there. Alone in the sportsbook, praying for the L.A. Sparks to cover just so we won’t have the power cutoff. When that bet fails you’re left with the moral dilemma of a sure bet against your team or a visit from the wife’s newly hired lawyer. Hey, it’s gambling. It happens.

The true Raider fan never bets against their team though. So this is a no brainer when the Lions are only giving a point right?

For a moment forget all the obvious factors. Ignore the return of Ndamukong Suh. Don’t consider the Denarius Moore factor. Just look at the facts.

On paper both squads are as even as Lindsay Lohan and Charlie Sheen going shot for shot. Detroit is 6-6 against the spread. Oakland is 7-5-1. Both teams are fighting for their playoff lives. Both teams are plagued by penalties like Kim Kardashian is plagued by her love of douchebags.

Ah…but there is one factor in play that the stats won’t reveal. I call it the Al Davis factor. Just ask the Houston Texans about that.
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